All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Students join waste company in collecting college litter on World Clean-Up Day

DEDICATED learners brightened the day of students and staff at Coleg Cambria.

The four-strong group – Zoe Boothman, Sarah Astbury, Gracie Gee, and Andrei-Alexandru Bordea – joined the college’s Estates team in litter picking across Deeside and Deeside Sixth Form sites to mark World Clean-Up Day.

Together they collected more than 12kg of non-recyclable and recyclable materials, having been supported by waste management company Veolia, which has sites across the UK including Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

Cambria’s Sustainability and Environmental Specialist Sophie Hughes-Saunier thanked them for supplying the group with litter pickers, refuse sacks and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), and for joining them on the day.

“In just 30 minutes the team collected 9kg of non-recyclable waste and 3kg of recyclable materials,” she added.

“Thanks to everyone who got involved, and to Veolia for their kind donation and helping us with the clean-up.”

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

Visit World Cleanup Day 2024 and Home – Keep Wales Tidy.

News

Businesses break new ground and help boost Mid Wales economy with enterprise backing

BUSINESSES are breaking new ground and blooming nicely with the support of Antur Cymru.

Start-ups and entrepreneurs in Mid Wales have benefited from the organisation’s guidance and advice, with several accessing transformative funding via the Powys Growth Grant.

Among them were Beyond Breakout escape rooms, Seren Handmade, and Keridwen Garden Design.

All three companies are owned by inspirational women working to support the regional economy, following their dreams and creating long-term employment opportunities.

Beyond Breakout, based near Llanidloes, was launched by friends Lorna Morris and Jo Woodall just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK in 2020.

The last five years have been “a rollercoaster ride” but their mobile escape rooms business is now doing a roaring trade, working closely with schools and welcoming a wide range of customers for team building, stag and hen parties and more.

“Antur Cymru has been a huge support, the grant we received enabled us to put together a new plan focused on growth, and we have received brilliant advice whenever we needed it on a range of issues, notably SEO,” said Lorna.

“We decided to change direction and take the product out into the community – largely due to the pandemic – to make the business more sustainable for the future.

“The outdoor escape rooms and offer we have for schools have been well received, notably for Year 6 children transitioning to high school, and we are constantly developing ideas.”

Jo added: “We built escape rooms for a previous employer and loved doing it, so to now have our own company and for it to be doing so well is fantastic.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but we have a clear vision for the future, especially in the projects we have with education, feeding into the Welsh curriculum and adding a lot of value – it’s an exciting time.”

The same can be said for Crickhowell-based Keridwen Garden Design, whose founder Kathleen Robinson capitalised on more than two decades working in sustainable horticulture.

Having left the office for the outdoors, she called on the support of Antur Cymru to write a business plan and received a grant which helped her to buy equipment including a polytunnel, laptop and design software.

“I had spent so long telling people about the benefits of being outside in the garden and nature and the positive impact on health and wellbeing that I took the leap and decided to do it myself!” said Kathleen.

“With my knowledge of plants and wildlife I offer a unique service and despite only opening earlier this year I already have a waiting list, it’s been amazing.”

She added: “What I do is very much a partnership with the client, we are on a journey together, whether it’s general advice or maintenance and design.

“Helping to build their confidence is another aspect to this, and my confidence as I had no prior experience of running a business. The support of Antur Cymru was invaluable, they were helpful in guiding me to write a business plan and look at financial forecasts, which was all new to me.

“That really restructured my thinking and helped me take this from a hobby to a livelihood.”

Meanwhile, Lauren Garbutt, owner of Seren Handmade bespoke personalised clothing and embroidery in Newtown, has experience significant growth in 2024 which led to the mum-of-three purchasing new equipment, being nominated for the Sole Trader title at the Powys Business Awards and moving to the Antur Cymru Trading Space at Bear Lanes Shopping Centre.

“I was contacted by business advisor Emma Jehu to discuss my venture and have received so much support ever since, from information regarding grants and advice to marketing techniques,” said Lauren.

“I was already very much present on social media and attending shows and events, but they have helped with networking and meeting new contacts, advice on SEO and which ecommerce platforms to use.

“I would love for the business to keep growing, eventually allowing me to expand my workspace and also employ a member of staff while I am on the road, so I can visit events and shows even further afield and spread the word about Seren Handmade.”

Emma congratulated all the companies for their dedication and commitment and urged other small business owners and start-ups to contact the organisation.

“We are so happy to hear these stories, this is why we do what we do,” she said.

“Helping people take an idea or concept to reality and help them achieve their dreams is so heartening and has a knock-on effect for the economy in Mid Wales.

“Antur Cymru is here for anyone in the region who wants advice and guidance on how to take their business to the next level, so get in touch to see how we can help.”

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales.

Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

College nursery has ‘Excellent’ start to academic year following revamp and award nomination

A COLLEGE nursery had an ‘Excellent’ start to the academic year with an outstanding inspection result.

The report by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Estyn deemed Toybox Children’s Nursery, based at Coleg Cambria Deeside, to be Excellent in three categories – Wellbeing, Care and Development, and Leadership and Management.

The news comes after the much-loved facility was a finalist in the Setting of the Year category at last year’s Early Years Wales Awards, and having revamped its outdoor play area, which features safety surfaces, fencing, wooden furniture and equipment.

With more than 90 children and 35 staff on-site, Toybox is one of the most popular nurseries in north east Wales.

Manager Ann Johnson said: “We are obviously delighted with the outcome and as always will strive to raise the bar even higher in the years ahead.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our amazing team, and to all the parents and carers who support us, none of this would have been possible without you.”

She added: “The challenge now is to maintain and build on the positive feedback, and recommendations, which will ensure an even happier, safer and inspirational environment for the children.”

Inspectors also found Toybox to be ‘Good’ in three categories – Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Environment – and the nursery has been invited by CIW and Estyn to prepare a case study on its work and commitment in forging close links and working in collaboration with parents and carers.

The report added: “Children of all ages communicate successfully in their own way and practitioners respond to them expertly. They have warm, close relationships with practitioners and receive a high level of support and comfort if needed, which helps them to feel safe and valued.

“Practitioners are kind, caring and supportive, and interact with children in a calm and gentle manner. They use positive behaviour management strategies, which are highly effective. This creates a positive, happy, calm and engaging atmosphere.

“Practitioners have a strong sense of purpose and understand their roles and responsibilities well. Leaders are extremely effective in their roles and have created an inclusive and welcoming environment, which ensures that children are nurtured and cared for well.

“The setting’s engagement with parents is outstanding. They hold regular play and stay sessions and parents are fully included in the organisation of the setting. Communication is excellent and, as a result, parents are well informed and feel included.”

For more information, visit Toybox Children’s Nursery website Toybox Nursery | Your Local Nursery (cambria.ac.uk) or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ToyboxNurseryDeeside.

Alternatively, call 01978 267159 or email toybox@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more from Coleg Cambria.

News

Game of Thrones director turns spotlight on media industry for students

A RENOWNED movie director was put under the spotlight by Coleg Cambria students.

Neil Marshall, whose credits include Hellboy, Game of Thrones, Westworld, and Dog Soldiers, paid a visit to the college’s Creative Media department for a Q&A with learners in Deeside.

A Best Director winner at the Saturn Awards and British Independent Awards for The Descent, he spoke about his career in the industry and provided the cohort with advice and guidance on how to pursue their dreams.

Cambria Lecturer Edward Evers-Swindell wrote and directed the movie Dark Signal, which Neil supported as Executive Producer.

He said it was an “inspirational and informative” session for the students and staff.

“Neil discussed his route into film and his personal journey as well as answering questions on a range of topics,” said Edward.

“What made this even more valuable for the students is that he is self-made, rather than knowing anyone in the industry he started from scratch with no more than a passion for films to sustain him.”

He added: “Neil’s journey has been long and hard, but hopefully gives inspiration to learners who didn’t know how to get started in the movie business.

“His talk was fascinating and went into detail about each of his projects and how they came about, while being incredibly honest about projects that were, in his own words, successes and failures, as well as the differences in working in film vs television.

“The students asked some brilliant questions that demonstrated a real interest in what they had listened to, and their feedback was really positive, so it was a fantastic event for all of us.”

Neil also recorded a podcast with Edward and the team, where he discussed the importance of engaging with academia and the next generation of talent, on and off camera.

“I think it’s vital, we never had anything like this when I studied film,” he said.

“Nobody came from the business to talk to us; it would have been an eye opener and refreshing and bolstered our enthusiasm.

“I like coming to these things and talking to students because I want to inspire people. That’s what we aim to do as filmmakers, inspire people.”

News

Solar pioneers glued to groundbreaking innovation that will revolutionise marine sector

SOLAR pioneers are glued to a cutting-edge innovation that will revolutionise renewable energy capture in the marine sector.

Anglesey and Manchester-based Grafmarine is working in partnership with Henkel, the German multinational consumer and industrial goods manufacturer.

With international sites including the UK and Ireland, Henkel’s technologies are used in many different applications and industries, and they are the name behind many well-known brands such as Loctite, Sellotape and Unibond.

The two businesses are collaborating on a hard-wearing, anti-corrosive adhesive that will bond Grafmarine’s state-of-the-art NanoDeck tiles to any flat surface, namely ships and vessels.

Grafmarine’s AI solar management system can capture, store, and remotely manage clean energy while at sea, and demand is accelerating quickly as leaders in global shipping markets are working towards net zero, driven by customer need and legislative changes.

Commercial Director Nigel Marc Roberts said: “To be working alongside Henkel and developing different ideas is a privilege, as they are a world leader in bonding technology.

“For us the focus is on ease of application, an adhesive that can effectively ‘glue’ the tile to the vessel, and that’s something they are trialling.

“The process is incredible and a game-changer for us, as it makes the whole system less labour intensive, reduces thermal stress, and the tile can be attached to any type of material or surface.”

Engineering Director Chris Russell added: “Henkel have been an amazing collaborative supply partner and together we have been working tirelessly on this new, sustainable and safe solution for our NanoDeck tiles.

“The Henkel product will enable us to mass install them onto any vessel quickly, seamlessly and with little cost – we are delighted to have them as our key long-term strategic partner.”

Grafmarine has designed rugged square panels to be produced alongside its more aesthetic hexagonal model, with a focus on different sectors.

“The square is ideal for the hard-wearing, extreme conditions of the shipping industry while the hexagonal alternative is more aesthetically pleasing and attracting a lot of interest in the luxury super-yacht market,” said founder Martin Leigh.

“Both are game changers and will have a major impact on how clean energy is stored and managed at sea.”

A spokesperson for Henkel added: “We have a high focus on identifying and collaborating with sustainable opportunities, so being able to work with Grafmarine on this innovative solution for greener energy production in the shipping industry aligns perfectly with our core values.”

Visit www.grafmarine.com and follow Grafmarine on social media @grafmarineltd for the latest on Grafmarine.

For more news and information from Henkel Ltd, visit the website: www.henkel.co.uk.

News

Independent school trebles national average with stellar GCSE results

ONE of the leading independent schools in Wales is celebrating outstanding GCSE results.

Pupils at St Gerard’s School in Bangor achieved a 97% pass rate for grades A*-C, compared to the national average of 62.2%.

The figure for A*/A was 58%, more than treble the 19.2% national average.

The news comes a week after the institution’s learners secured a staggering 60% for A*/A at A Level, more than double the national average of 29.9%.

This followed a hugely positive 12 months which included a 10% rise in pupils, and there are plans for new sports facilities and further redevelopment of the Ffriddoedd Road site.

Headteacher Campbell Harrison praised learners for their dedication and resilience following a challenging time for the education sector during and post-pandemic.

He said: “We are so proud of all the pupils and staff, they have worked hard over the last few years to secure these results, which are fully deserved.

“We look forward to the next chapter in their academic careers and are sure they will all go on to achieve great things.”

Among those celebrating were: Maya Segun (eight A*s, two As), Lily Braden (three A*s, seven As), Charlotte Riches (five A*s, five As), and Deacon Fisher (four A*s, three As and two Bs).

Others to receive their grades included Jack Lowry (three A*s, six As and a 6), Elissa Gibson (three A*s, seven As and a B), Alice Roberts (two A*s, seven As and two Bs), Megan Rae Jones (two A*s, four As and four Bs), and Lola Ashwell with one A*, five As and five Bs.

Mr Harrison added: “Across the board they have done their very best, put in huge effort and are a credit to all of us at St Gerard’s.

“I would like to thank the staff and pupils, their families and everyone who has shown the school so much support, we are proud of our place at the heart of the community here in Bangor, and these results reflect that.”

News

North Wales college on hand to support pupils receiving GCSE results today

COLEG CAMBRIA is on hand to support school pupils receiving their GCSE results today (Thursday).

Lecturers and staff are available with guidance and advice for anyone concerned about their grades and to discuss options and opportunities going forward.

The college is also holding an open day tomorrow (Friday) from 9am-3pm across its sites in Deeside, Wrexham, Northop and Llysfasi for those looking to start a new course this September.

Principal Sue Price said Cambria will do all it can to give pupils peace of mind and help them take the next steps on their academic journey.

“We are here for anyone who needs advice on our courses and other opportunities at Coleg Cambria,” she said.

“Our dedicated staff are processing applications and speaking to learners and their families ahead of September, they are here to give tips and information on A Levels, apprenticeships, work-based programmes and more.”

Mrs Price added: “Please get in touch if you have any concerns, we have a brilliant, caring team who are here and ready to offer support on next steps and the best way forward following your GCSE results.”

There will also be a live chat facility, and learners and their families can keep up to date with the latest news and information via the Cambria website and social media channels.

For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 007.

News

‘Busiest summer yet’ for leading Welsh pet company

THE leading independent pet retailer in North Wales is preparing for its busiest summer yet.

PetPlace has organised a series of events, open days, demonstrations and workshops over the coming weeks for animals and their owners.

The news comes after the company – which has sites in Llangefni, Ruthin, Mold and Gledrid, Oswestry, and a HQ in Kinmel Bay – welcomed more than 650 people to Pride in the Park at its Abergele store, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community while raising awareness and promoting diversity and inclusion.

PetPlace will be holding another Pride event, this time at Llangefni on August 18, with activities for dogs, their owners, and revellers to enjoy, including charity raffles, face painting, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, entertainment, and refreshments.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard said: “PetPlace celebrates Pride every day, but this is another opportunity for us to bring people together and promote and showcase our services and offering as a diverse and inclusive business at the heart of the community.

“There will be lots of other events at our North Wales stores for pets and their owners to enjoy, as well as sessions on animal behaviour, health and wellbeing and attractions that will hopefully be educational, informative, and fun!”

August 17-18 – Gledrid Dog Weekend with dog behaviourist, demonstrations, dog photography, a sales showcase and more.

August 24 – Mold Open Day to celebrate store rebrand, featuring a bouncy castle, refreshments and family-friendly entertainment and live animals.

August 25 – PetPlace joins forces with Kinmel Bay FC – as its main sponsor – for a fun day.

There will also be an Equine Day this autumn at Gledrid store, to be held on October 26 (more details to follow on social media) and the retailer will be forging new links in the region, including a partnership with award-winning SF Parks holiday group, which has sites in Towyn, Rhuddlan, and Abergele.

Sion added: “While we are primarily a retailer and here to provide products and services for our loyal customers, we also value our responsibility as one of the sector’s main employers in North Wales.

“We want to keep giving back, through education, entertainment and for charities and important causes and campaigns that our important to us, and the community.

“This latest line-up is testament to that and contributes to what is shaping up to be the busiest summer we’ve ever had – we hope to see you all soon!”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram, visit Farm & Pet Place | Pet Food, Supplies & Accessories (farmandpetplace.co.uk) or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk.

The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

News

Former Manchester United starlet heading to Oxford University

NOTHING could stop Daniel Mayers-Jones achieving his dream to study at Oxford University.

The former Manchester United Youth Academy Goalkeeper – who played in the same side as England star Kobbie Mainoo – will study Chemistry at the prestigious University’s Lincoln College from September.

Daniel, from Buckley, secured A Levels in Maths, Business, Chemistry and the Welsh Baccalaureate and is looking forward to the next chapter in his education.

Thanking mum Cathy, dad Kenny and sister Charlotte for their support, the 18 year-old also praised staff at Coleg Cambria Deeside’s Sixth Form Centre – where he was recently named Student of the Year – for their part in his academic success.

A former pupil at Elfed High School, Daniel said: “I am thrilled to be attending Oxford University, it was a rigorous process, but I have the grades I need and can’t wait to get started.

“I had three interviews online, so I didn’t get a chance to experience the city and the university in person, but from a computer screen here in North Wales! I have been down since and it’s amazing, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Having spent a week on work placement with biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, Daniel is even more determined to pursue a career in the sector.

He is targeting a role in in process or chemical engineering but admits his journey to the industry was not straightforward.

“I’m not sure how I went from football to chemistry, I think it was the love of experiments and science,” he said.

“I started to really enjoy the subject after the pandemic towards the end of high school, as I had struggled with it a little beforehand. I worked even harder to get myself up to speed and got better and better until I realised it was interesting and an area I could succeed in long-term.”

Daniel added: “My family have always been a great support to me, since childhood when they would drive me over to Manchester for training and matches, they’ve sacrificed a lot.

“They are of course proud that I’ve made it into Oxford, and they have played a big part in it. I’m quite low key and just want to get there and get my head down, but I’m going to enjoy it too!

“I’ve had so much help from Coleg Cambria every step of the way, the lecturers, the progress coaches and all the staff are brilliant. They’ve all had a positive impact on my time there and I can’t thank them enough.”

Head of Deeside Sixth Miriam Riddell congratulated Daniel on not only his exam results but on being one of the “kindest and most helpful” students they’ve ever had.

“Daniel embodies everything that is good about young people, he was popular with staff and students and has a work ethic like no other learner I have ever come across,” she added.

“He deserves his place at Oxford University as he is so motivated and works so hard, always going the extra mile.

“Daniel was always seen around college helping his peers and is just the nicest person, he never missed a lesson and is so polite and courteous – we will miss him and wish him every success for the future.”

News

Independent school smashes national average with outstanding A Level results

A YEAR of redevelopment, rebranding and significant investment culminated in stellar A Level results for St Gerard’s School.

The Bangor institution – whose learners are continually among the best performing in Wales – achieved a staggering 96% at grades A*-C, compared to the national average of 76.5%.

For A*/A the figure was 60%, more than double the national average of 29.9%.

Regularly placed in the top 10 independent schools in the country for A Level and GCSE exam figures, the future looks bright for St Gerard’s following a hugely positive 12 months that included a 10% rise in pupils.

And there is more to come; revamped sports facilities including tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) are proposed for this autumn and follow the construction of a wildlife ‘wellness walk’ and an upgrade to the gardens, access, and external and internal redecoration.

Reflecting on today’s (Thursday) results, headteacher Campbell Harrison thanked learners, their families and staff for their “unwavering support and hard work” post-pandemic.

“It’s been pleasure to watch these fantastic young people grow throughout their time at St Gerard’s, culminating in these outstanding A Level results,” he said.

“Together we have overcome the challenges of recent years, I could not be prouder of them all.”

Among those celebrating were Evelyn Fisher, who achieved grades AAC and will go on to study Filmmaking at Nottingham Trent University; Anwen Hockley (AAA*B) who plans to pursue a degree in Medicine at the University of Dundee; Hannah Howick, who received two As and a B to study Philosophy, Politics and Economic (PPE) at the University of Exeter, and Jonatan D’Avossa (ABB) who will take a GAP year.

Mr Harrison said: “They’ve all done so brilliantly, as has Adam Wymer – the last of the Wymer family to study at St Gerard’s having been with us since 2019.

“He scored AA*B and will study PPE at the University of Warwick.

“There are so many pupils to mention, they are all a credit to the school, but I must give a special mention to Nanda, who has been with us for 14 years, having joined our Reception class. Nanda scored AAA and will take up a place to study medicine at Cardiff.”

He added: “We wish them the very best of luck, they have worked so hard and can now move on to the next stage of their lives with excellent results behind them.

“They are all well-grounded, humble and talented individuals. A huge well done from all of us at St Gerard’s, we will follow your journey with interest and thank you for your contribution to school life over so many years.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.