Latest news with #ColegCambria
Leader Live
21 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Ella is a student at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery Wrexham
Presented by the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees (ABST), Ella Muddiman received the Hugh Weeks Award, which honours the memory of Hugh Weeks, a former ABST President and influential figure in the bakery and confectionery industry. It is given to a student who not only excels in their craft but also shows outstanding commitment to the industry and their peers. The ceremony took place at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, where Sara Autton, Executive Committee Member and past ABST President, presented the prize on behalf of the organisation. Read more: "Ella has a mentoring approach for others that guides and leads rather than dictates and demands," said Sara. "She is an advocate not only for the Tasty Careers Campaign (which seeks to promote food industry education and careers) but also The Burnt Chef Project as it provides support for, and awareness of mental health issues in the high-pressure environment of the hospitality and catering industries. "In all that she has achieved so far, Ella has embodied the true spirit of the Hugh Weeks Award. She is proactive in her pursuit of learning, and not afraid of taking a leap of faith into diverse opportunities that may have been daunting for her only a few years ago." Sara Autton, Executive Committee Member, presented the Hugh Weeks Award to baker Ella Muddiman. She added: "Her charitable activities and advocacy for mental health awareness; along with her encouragement of less experienced students are attributes that were deeply valued by Hugh, and I am sure he would heartily endorse the ABST Council's decision to present his special award to such an exceptional person." Ella was presented with the Hugh Weeks Cup, a £250 cash prize and a set of expert baking textbooks from the Richemont Centre of Excellence. Read more: Tributes paid to landlord of Wrexham pub after tragic sudden death Reacting to the prize, she said: "I'm incredibly proud and honoured to receive such a prestigious award. I'd particularly like to thank Sara for all her continued support and the ABST Council for awarding me. I'm absolutely thrilled!" Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria, praised Ella's rise over past years and said: "We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ella's exceptional achievement in winning the prestigious Hugh Weeks Award. This honour is a testament to her continued commitment to the baking industry and her unwavering dedication to charity work within the baking community. Read more: Faith digs deep for new career after national media award win "Having Ella as part of our Iâl Bakery team is a true privilege, and her ongoing success, including previous accolades, inspires us all. She is a shining example of the talent and dedication we champion here at the College, and we couldn't be more thrilled for her." • Visit for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria. For more on Iâl Bakery, visit: or follow them on social media.
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
BBC award win for Wrexham student's brave OCD story
Faith Dodd, from Wrexham, was named BBC Wales Young Reporter of the Year while studying A Levels at Coleg Cambria. Faith received national recognition for bravely sharing her personal experiences of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), using journalism to raise awareness and help others. Now 22, Faith has gone on to study Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation at University College London (UCL), where she recently completed her undergraduate degree and is preparing to begin a Master's in Archaeology this autumn. Faith Dodd (right) during an archaeology dog. "I can't imagine my life anywhere else," said Faith. "The course, location, and people made UCL the perfect fit for me, and I've loved my time here so much that I'm staying to continue my studies." Faith secured A levels in Classical Civilisation, drama, and biology, with AS levels in media and art while at Cambria. Read more: Wrexham headteacher to retire after almost two decades at local school She credits the college - and particularly teachers Tom Brooks and Jayme Edwards - with inspiring her love for the ancient world and the arts. "I loved my time at Cambria, and while my subjects may have seemed disjointed at the time, they all fed into my current passions - ancient theatre, archaeological human remains, Greek art, and the public outreach of archaeology in media." Faith Dodd, from Wrexham. Her university experience has included starring in sold-out productions of The Bacchae and Aristophanes' Frogs at the Bloomsbury Theatre, participating in archaeological digs across the UK and Europe, and a unique study tour visiting historic sites in Rome, Athens, and Crete. Read more: Colourful display across Wrexham and Flintshire for prom 2025 Faith has excavated Second World War air raid shelters, Roman villas, and even unearthed quirky finds like an early 1900s Heinz pickle jar and a Blitz-damaged park bench. She now hopes to work in public archaeology, engaging people through museums, media, and journalism. Former BBC Wales Young Reporter of the Year winner Faith Dodd in London. Before returning to London in September, Faith is taking a short break back home in North Wales following the completion of her dissertation on the depiction of women on Ancient Greek vases. She thanked her family, friends in Wrexham, and her university peers "from around the world" for their support and offered this advice to students unsure about their next steps: "Choose what you enjoy and what you're good at - your passion will carry you through the hard times," said Faith. • Visit for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Talented Rhyl student captains Princeton cheerleading squad
Tom Billington is in his fourth year at Princeton University in New Jersey, where he is excelling in both his studies and with extra-curricular commitments. As well as being captain of the cheerleading team, he is a member of groups including the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders and Princeton's Architecture and Beekeeping clubs. Tom, who secured A*s in maths, further maths, physics, product design, and the Skills Challenge Certificate, looks forward to completing a BSc in engineering, and a civil and environmental engineering degree with minors in urban studies and architecture. Tom Billington (Image: Submitted) He then hopes to go on and study for a Master's in architecture, or begin a career in urban planning and design. Describing his experience as 'transformative', Tom said: 'Studying in the US – and at Princeton in particular – has offered unparalleled opportunities. 'While the academics are incredibly rigorous, the support, passion, and curiosity of the people around me has inspired me to push further than I thought possible.' He also thanked lecturers and the pastoral and coaching teams at Coleg Cambria, where he previously studied. 'Achieving five A*s and gaining a place at Princeton wouldn't have been possible without them,' said Tom. 'For anyone doing exams or awaiting results, don't worry, you don't need everything figured out. 'Be open to new possibilities – even if they seem out of reach. Cambria helped me realise that no dream is too ambitious.' Tom Billington (Image: Submitted) Founded in 1746, Princeton University is one of the oldest institutions in the United States. Congratulating Tom, Coleg Cambria's Deeside Sixth Form Centre head, Mim Riddell, said: 'We're incredibly proud of him and all he's achieving at Princeton University. 'Tom was always a fantastic learner—curious, dedicated, and kind—and it's no surprise to see him thriving both in and out of the classroom. He truly deserves every bit of his success.'
Business News Wales
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Sustainable Vision Secures Hospitality Student Inaugural 'Green Spatula' Award
Coleg Cambria learner Victoria Royer has won the Green Spatula Award. The special accolade was introduced at this year's Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or competition and presented in partnership with The World Association of Chefs' Societies. Originally from Belgium and now living in Hope, Flintshire, Victoria wowed judges with her knowledge and ability both front-of-house (FOH) and in creating ideas which were technically sound and environmentally friendly, 'showcasing an exceptional understanding of sustainability's role within the hospitality industry'. Balancing her studies with work at a local hotel and 'student takeover days' at the college's popular Iâl Restaurant at Yale Wrexham, she took part in numerous challenges and activities. These included a trip to Nestlé's partner farm in Suffolk to explore regenerative agriculture, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, and Wyken Vineyards to hear all about the wine making process. 'Sustainability is important to me and was at the heart of this competition, so I was thrilled and shocked to receive this prize, and to be the first to do so,' said Victoria, currently studying a Level 3 Diploma in Food and Beverage Supervision. 'It was a real learning curve, especially the wine and water pairing, and the heats were over several days, so it was a lot of work, but an amazing experience and I look forward to putting the trophy on top of my mantelpiece.' Cambria Assessor and Instructor/Demonstrator Judith Hudson added: 'It was a rigorous and immersive process but highly enjoyable and Victoria did incredibly well. 'We had four front-of-house and three back-of-house learners through to the heats stage of the competition, held in York – well done to you all.' Mentored and guided by a distinguished panel of judges, including Michelin-star chef Adam Handling MBE and his FOH director George Hersey, the final contestants displayed skills, creativity and passion covering topics such as food provenance and how hospitality plays an important role in supporting communities. Among Victoria's ideas were a 'living wall' of herbs and edible plants and flowers, to promote and host a coffee morning for a local charity, and collaboration with organisations such as Incredible Edible. Adam Handling congratulated the contestants and said it was 'such a privilege' to be part of Toque d'Or, adding: 'The energy, the drive, and the commitment these young people showed was seriously impressive. 'Competitions like this are where careers are made and I have no doubt we'll be seeing many of them doing amazing things in the years to come.' Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK and Ireland, said: 'We're immensely proud to support the next generation of hospitality professionals, working hand-in-hand with industry partners to give students meaningful, real-life experience.'
Rhyl Journal
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl: Leading light in tennis & politics earns alumni award
Jonathon Dawes was recognised by King's College London (KCL) – and the wider British sporting community – for his pioneering contribution to tennis development and grassroots inclusion. The 22-year-old, already the youngest member of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Council, received a Distinguished Alumni Award from KCL, following in the footsteps of names such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Olympian Dina Asher-Smith. Having completed his A -Levels at Coleg Cambria's Deeside Sixth Form Centre in 2021 – where he achieved A*s in government and politics, economics, PE and the Welsh Baccalaureate – Jonathon moved to London to read philosophy, politics and economics. Jonathon Dawes (Image: Submitted) He has since returned to the college on several occasions to share his journey and inspire learners. 'It was Coleg Cambria that encouraged me to apply to university when I was considering other options, and I'm so glad they did,' he said. 'They nurtured my passion for tennis and gave me the confidence to think big.' While at KCL, Jonathon spent two years on its tennis committee and served as president in his final year, setting out an 'inclusive-by-design' vision to ensure every student could enjoy university life through tennis, increasing membership by 65 per cent and securing a partnership with global brand, Wilson. After graduating first-class with honours, he continued to volunteer with KCL Tennis, spearheading a programme which included its first LGBTQ+ tennis festival. In total, his post-graduation efforts have engaged 350+ students and unlocked more than £2,500 in new funding, while charity events have raised almost £1,000 for good causes. Jonathon is currently completing an MA in research methods for political science at Durham University. He will begin a PhD in September within the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, investigating politics and under-served communities in tennis. 'King's College London is a world-leading university, so to be recognised at such a young age is a huge honour,' he said. 'But this is only the beginning – I'm committed to making tennis more accessible for everyone, in Wales, the UK and beyond.'
