Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

BCRS Business Loans has passed a milestone in providing over £1 million of finance to help small businesses across Wales. As the fund manager for the smaller loans fund (£25,000 to £100,000) for the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, BCRS is celebrating the milestone having supported the growth of 19 SME’s from across the country in just under a year. The Investment Fund for Wales, which was launched by the British Business Bank in late 2023, operates across the whole of Wales and includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and…

A Bridgend man has been disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years after he caused unnecessary suffering to a female bull breed dog. Roxy was handed into Hope Rescue in Llanharan as a stray. She was emaciated and had pressure sores. The charity contacted the RSPCA after information had come to them following an appeal which identified a possible owner. Following veterinary care and rehabilitation at Hope Rescue, Roxy – now named Mia – has recovered fully and has been happily rehomed. Jordan John Davies of Shwt, Nr Bettws, Bridgend, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare…

A former police officer who was sacked before being sentenced to life in prison for online child sex offences has appeared in court charged with further offences. Lewis Edwards, 24, from Bridgend, was jailed in October 2023 for 161 offences which included inciting children to make indecent images online and to engage in sexual activity. He was charged with perverting the course of justice by concealing mobile phones and three further charges of possession of indecent images. The images were discovered after a mobile phone belonging to Edwards was found concealed in the garden of his home address. Edwards pleaded…

North Wales Police are warning against buying stolen or fake good being offered for sale in the lead up to Christmas. Officers are urging people to purchase with caution and if the price that is offered is too good to be true then it probably is. It is a criminal offence for anyone to sell or offer to buy goods they know which have been stolen. Before purchasing something online, we are asking you to stop and think before making a purchase. The most common types of online shopping fraud include: Purchase on social media marketplaces where criminals will ask…