Author: Rhys Gregory

Growing Mid Wales, Ambition North Wales, M-SParc and AberInnovation are pleased to announce the official launch of the Cluster Management Organisation (CMO) to drive agri-tech and food technology innovation across Mid and North Wales. Nurturing Innovation in the Agri-tech and Food Technology Cluster for Mid and North Wales, the CMO will coordinate activities and promote funding opportunities available in the local cluster through a project that will run initially for two years using funding from Innovate UK. The CMO aims to strengthen collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and regional partners to boost innovation and competitiveness in the agri-food and agri-tech…

An Aberystwyth University academic is part of an international team that has made an exciting discovery linking an 800-year-old silk bag at Westminster Abbey with Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. The project team, which includes Dr Elizabeth New, a Reader in medieval history at Aberystwyth, has carried out an in-depth study of a medieval silk bag covering the great seal of King Henry III on a document preserved at Westminster Abbey. Dr New is an expert in wax seals which were a familiar part of everyday life in medieval times, much like signatures and logos are today. Few of…

HOMEBUILDER Anwyl has appointed its first head of human resources. Former HR and culture manager Lauren Humphreys has been promoted to the position, having been with the Ewloe-based company for almost three years. Lauren, from Ruthin, brings a decade of experience to her new job. She previously worked in specialist and advisory human resources roles for a range of banking and manufacturing firms including MBNA, Jaguar Land Rover and Morrisons. She said: “I’m focussed on delivering our people strategy, which has been designed to support the company’s planned growth, while maintaining a proactive approach to legislative changes being driven by…

Local housebuilder Bellway Wales has proved itself to be a committed supporter of Llanrumney United FC. The developer, which is building new homes at its Longwood Grange development in Lisvane, on the edge of Cardiff, has donated £500 to the club, based just three miles away at University Fields in Llanrumney. The money is to be used to buy 20 Bellway-branded match day warm-up shirts for the club’s first team, which plays in the South Wales Premier League Championship Division. The club has 42 teams ranging from under-5s to senior teams, including a girls division and newly-introduced women’s squad. It…

Nine chefs from the Celtic Collection have been selected to cook off in the finals of three prestigious competitions at the Welsh International Culinary Championships 2025 in January. The Celtic Collection contingent represents more than half of the total of 17 finalists drawn from all over Wales to contest the National, Junior and Vegan Chef of Wales 2025 titles at ICC Wales from January 20-22. The National Chef of Wales final will feature head chef Matthew Owen and junior sous chef Ionut Rosca from Celtic Manor’s Steak on Six restaurant, The Grill sous chef Patrick Millard and commis chef Pratik…

A SUCCESSFUL year ended with a place among the top 10 independent schools in Wales for a Bangor institution. St Gerard’s School was listed eighth in the country in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. The news comes after headteacher Campbell Harrison, teachers and staff celebrated a 16% rise in pupils having secured some of the best A Level and GCSE results in Wales over the summer. Despite the challenges facing the private education sector he revealed the “unity and dedication” of everyone at the school – including parents, carers and the community – gives them confidence heading into…

Cardiff and Vale College has celebrated the hard work, success and progression of its learners and apprentices at the College’s Annual awards 2024. Hundreds of attendees from across the spectrum of local business, education partners and the community joined learners, their friends and families for the Awards. The glittering Winter Wonderland event was held in the College’s City Centre Campus and was hosted by broadcaster, journalist and CAVC alumni Jason Mohammad and featured performances by Performing Arts learners. Showcasing highlights of the 2023-24 academic year (see full list of winners below), the awards also illustrate the unique experiences and progression…

St David’s Cardiff is dedicating its largest shopping arcade to Gavin & Stacey fans as the cult show gets set to air its final ever episode. In honour of the show’s legendary character Nessa – Vanessa Shanessa Jenkins – the shopping centre is renaming its iconic Grand Arcade mall, and opening its own version of her Barry Island amusement arcade ‘Nessa’s Slots’. ‘Nessa’s Grand Arcade’ will be officially unveiled with a commemorative plaque on Saturday 21st December, just days before the screening of Gavin & Stacey’s last-ever episode on Christmas Day. For one day only, St David’s will welcome Nessa’s famous…

Christmas is in full swing across Cwmdare, and this weekend saw Santa pay a special visit to children and their families as he made his way through the village on his sleigh. Santa and his elves meandered through the village streets, spreading festive cheer as they delivered gifts to youngsters. This weekend’s activities followed those of last weekend which saw Cwmdare4Cwmdare (C4C) host a party and carols around the Christmas tree. The events in Cwmdare had the support of local energy company, Pennant Walters, which provided funding. They will continue next week when Cwmdare Miners Welfare Club will host Breakfast…

A lost in time substantial stone and brick built semi-detached west Wales property with awesome mountain top views went for double guide price at auction. The three bed house in the village of Godrergraig, not far from Swansea listed with a guide price of £54,000 sold for exactly twice at £108,000. The time warp home, which attracted 44 bids from three bidders, could now prove to be an ideal project for the new year. Sean Roper, of South Wales-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The house, at 44, Gnoll Road, has had some recent works including the installation of a multi…