Author: Rhys Gregory

An award-winning collection of wedding venues is opening its third venue in Wales thanks to a joint seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK and the Development Bank of Wales. The Oldwalls Collection, which opened 14 years ago, has used the funding to add Sant Ffraed House in Abergavenny to its existing award winning portfolio which comprises of wedding venues, Fairyhill and Oldwalls Gower and several luxury holiday cottages. Set in 16 acres of picturesque Abergavenny countryside, Sant Ffraed House boasts a 150-person ceremony and reception room, substantial on-site accommodation, two bars, and an evening entertainment space. The opening will create…

A new hospitality award has been launched by the National Hospitality Academy. The Professional Hospitality Award is an accredited award issued by Laser Learning Awards, an awarding organisation approved by Ofqual, QAA and SIA. The award has been created to recognise competence in the hospitality sector for people in or planning to enter the industry, and  those looking to enter or move up into management. The award is given on completion of a number of course units provided by the National Hospitality Academy, and the entire programme, including exams, can be completed online. The 13 course units are: Ofqual regulated Level 2…

A college learner from Aberdare is one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a professional rugby player, thanks to the specialist support he has received at Coleg y Cymoedd. With the help of The WRU National Rugby Union Academy, which is based at the college’s Nantgarw Campus, Kian Evans (18) has learnt to dream big and has set his sights on representing Wales internationally. Having completed his Level 3 BTEC qualification in Sport and playing rugby for 12 years, Kian is now set to study a degree in Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage at Cardiff Metropolitan University in…

Identical twins Amelia and Macey Morris, 18, from Pontypridd, are looking forward to kickstarting their careers in sociology after both confirming their places to study the subject at university following their fantastic results this morning. The Coleg y Cymoedd learners are hoping that the degrees will enable them to make a positive social difference and tackle poverty and income inequality, motivated by their own experiences growing up in a lower income area. Amelia will be studying sociology at Bristol University after receiving ABB grades in law, government and politics, and English, while Macey is set to head to Cardiff University…

An academic at the University of South Wales (USW) has published a children’s book to help young readers understand how plastic in the ocean affects sea creatures. Dr Wendy Booth, Lecturer in Public Service Management, and Katie Derradji-Brown, an MA Education student, created Rambo and the Perils of Plastic, which tells the story of Rambo the octopus and the dangers his sea creature friends face due to plastic in the ocean. Wendy and Katie are co-CEOs of Sustainability Sphere, which provides teaching resources for schools and home educators on sustainable development and global citizenship. The resources encourage ethical, informed citizens –…

An aspiring cardiac physiologist from Tylorstown is a step closer to her dream career after securing the grades to begin a degree in cardiac physiology at Leeds University. Abigail Stinton, aged 18, achieved A levels in biology (A), chemistry (B) and maths (C) as well an A in the Welsh Baccalaureate and will now enrol on a three-year Bachelor of Science degree. Someone who always loved biology and anatomy, the Coleg y Cymoedd learner thought her only option would be to pursue a lengthy medical degree and potentially become a surgeon. However she credits her detour into the field of…

Llanishen High School is celebrating a triumphant 2022 A Level Results Day.  As a community-led high school based in the heart of Cardiff, Llanishen High School saw 100 students receive their A Level results on Thursday.  Within these results: 30% of all grades were achieved at A* to A 64% of all grades were achieved at A* – B 87% of all grades were achieved at A* – C Of the 16 students who achieved at least 3 A* and A’s, three are statemented students who are members of Llanishen’s Autistic Spectrum base.  Along with those in the school’s Hearing-Impaired…

A Napoleonic extravaganza planned at Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan this weekend has been cancelled due to worries that firing cannon and musket blanks in the current drought could be a fire risk. But all is not lost: the castle is hosting a pirate weekend instead. Activities running from August 20-21, will challenge children to see if they are brave enough to become pirates. The challenges include beating the Walk the Plank maze; navigating an obstacle course, competing in a tug of war contest, and much more. People who complete the challenges will be given a secret password…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Group, including Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion has launched Wales’s first Legal Apprenticeship framework to deliver innovative and sustainable education and training for the Legal Sector. The aim is to develop excellence in legal training, with experienced professional staff working closely with the sector to develop a comprehensive range of courses to meet its rapidly changing needs. The framework, which is being supported by The Law Society Wales Office, will help employers attract new staff as well as upskilling existing staff keen to progress their professional learning. The programmes will closely…

A temporary use ban – more commonly known as a hosepipe ban – will come into effect today for over 60,000 households served by Llys y Fran reservoir in Pembrokeshire. Following the driest year since 1976, record temperatures and record levels of demand for water, water resources for the Pembrokeshire have now hit drought levels. While this does not pose an immediate risk to water supplies for the area, Welsh Water is taking this necessary step to ensure enough water remains to continue supplying customers and  over the coming months. From 08.00am today (August 19th) the Temporary Use Ban will…