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Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards
Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards

Business News Wales

time13-06-2025

  • Business
  • Business News Wales

Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards

Nicola with presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Arwyn Watkins OBE (Cambrian Training). Credit: Wales Food and Drink Awards. Coleg Cambria rose to the occasion at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Learners from the college – which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi – excelled in reaching the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards. Nicola Culkin, a Quality Manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, won the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven – lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham – was highly commended for Rising Star. Also representing Cambria were Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, a baker and pastry chef, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery and Maelor Foods' Belinda Rossouw, all nominated in the Rising Star category. Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman congratulated the quintet for the hard work and dedication they have shown in being included among the sector's best. 'They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them,' she added. 'It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour.' The ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the industry in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. Chair of Judges Rhys Iley said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Meanwhile, Kate was recently a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were challenged to design food products and dishes that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins, impressing the judges with concept, taste and sustainability. 'It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year,' said Kate. 'The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. 'The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career.'

Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism
Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism

Wales Online

time11-06-2025

  • Business
  • Wales Online

Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Updated plans have been revealed for a £640,000 museum and visitor centre at an old copper mine. Parys Mountain has long been one of Anglesey's biggest attractions, luring thousands of visitors each year to marvel at its multi-coloured Martian landscape. The site, near Amlwch, has been mined since the Bronze Age but it has been inactive for the last century. Its history was told by the Copper Kingdom museum, which is currently looking for a new home after it failed to reach a new lease agreement for its former base in nearby Amwlch Port. Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust (AIHT) is currently seeking funds to relocate the museum to Parys Mountain. Backers include the likes of The Marquess of Anglesey and TV presenter Sian Lloyd, whose great-great grandfather worked at the mine. AIHT has now released the initial artist impressions of how the venture might look. The visitor centre will contain an exhibition space, a study area, a gift shop and café. There will also be toilets, storage facilities and an external viewing platform. Developed in consultation with heritage body Cadw, the designs show a single-story structure made from inter-connected shipping containers. AIHT said the proposed use of shipping containers was a 'nod to the site's industrial past'. It will also enable greater flexibility, said the Trust. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (Image: Gordon Hatton/Wiki) AIHT chair Mike Williams said the planned centre will support the region's economic development while promoting a location that has 'remarkable importance to Welsh culture'. The new centre will pair copper mining objects with the landscape of Parys Mountain 'where they belong', he added. 'We've long-believed that a purpose-built home for Copper Kingdom set against the backdrop of Parys Mountain would be game-changing for the museum,' said Mr Williams. These visuals really bring that ambition to life. 'Whilst we're still at a very early stage in the process, we are excited about what the future holds and hope these images will show people the scale of our ambition for the collection.' It is hoped the visitor centre, and an upgraded programme of activities, will be in place by June 2026. However, concerns have been expressed about the implications for the site's car park and its heritage trail. (Image: Redman Partnership/AIHT) Both are currently free. Online, one local said: 'I like the idea of some development but I worry that one of the last free places to visit here on Ynys Môn will start charging for parking.' If this happens, she claims the site will be 'spoilt for locals who enjoy daily walks'. AIHT said it is planning to update the local heritage trail and this will remain free for visitors. The Trust added online: 'The existing car park has no need to be expanded in the vision so not an issue here.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday (Image: Redman Partnership/AIHT) Some locals would actually support charging if it enables improved facilities on the mountain. One idea put forward is a short, guided underground tour. 'Nothing dangerous,' said one man on social media. 'Just enough for people to understand the working conditions of the miners and create ambience. It would also create a unique selling point additional to the open cast and surrounding landscape.' Parys Mountain is already a popular destination for heritage, geology and biodiversity tourists. Its surreal landscapes also attract filmmakers - it recently featured as an 'alien planet' on Netflix's Black Mirror series. Others backing the new visitor centre are Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and a host of academics. Anglesey MP Llinos Medi is another supporter. She said: 'This initiative has the potential to significantly improve the understanding, appreciation and engagement with the rich heritage of north Anglesey. 'Given this site's international heritage status and potential for this development to act as a flagship cultural and environmental flagship, I strongly encourage all relevant authorities and stakeholders to back this initiative.' Find family activities near you

Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism
Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism

North Wales Live

time11-06-2025

  • Business
  • North Wales Live

Visitor attraction bid for 'alien planet' site to boost Anglesey tourism

Updated plans have been revealed for a £640,000 museum and visitor centre at an old copper mine. Parys Mountain has long been one of Anglesey's biggest attractions, luring thousands of visitors each year to marvel at its multi-coloured Martian landscape. The site, near Amlwch, has been mined since the Bronze Age but it has been inactive for the last century. Its history was told by the Copper Kingdom museum, which is currently looking for a new home after it failed to reach a new lease agreement for its former base in nearby Amwlch Port. Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust (AIHT) is currently seeking funds to relocate the museum to Parys Mountain. Backers include the likes of The Marquess of Anglesey and TV presenter Sian Lloyd, whose great-great grandfather worked at the mine. AIHT has now released the initial artist impressions of how the venture might look. The visitor centre will contain an exhibition space, a study area, a gift shop and café. There will also be toilets, storage facilities and an external viewing platform. Developed in consultation with heritage body Cadw, the designs show a single-story structure made from inter-connected shipping containers. AIHT said the proposed use of shipping containers was a 'nod to the site's industrial past'. It will also enable greater flexibility, said the Trust. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone AIHT chair Mike Williams said the planned centre will support the region's economic development while promoting a location that has 'remarkable importance to Welsh culture'. The new centre will pair copper mining objects with the landscape of Parys Mountain 'where they belong', he added. 'We've long-believed that a purpose-built home for Copper Kingdom set against the backdrop of Parys Mountain would be game-changing for the museum,' said Mr Williams. These visuals really bring that ambition to life. 'Whilst we're still at a very early stage in the process, we are excited about what the future holds and hope these images will show people the scale of our ambition for the collection.' It is hoped the visitor centre, and an upgraded programme of activities, will be in place by June 2026. However, concerns have been expressed about the implications for the site's car park and its heritage trail. Both are currently free. Online, one local said: 'I like the idea of some development but I worry that one of the last free places to visit here on Ynys Môn will start charging for parking.' If this happens, she claims the site will be 'spoilt for locals who enjoy daily walks'. AIHT said it is planning to update the local heritage trail and this will remain free for visitors. The Trust added online: 'The existing car park has no need to be expanded in the vision so not an issue here.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Some locals would actually support charging if it enables improved facilities on the mountain. One idea put forward is a short, guided underground tour. 'Nothing dangerous,' said one man on social media. 'Just enough for people to understand the working conditions of the miners and create ambience. It would also create a unique selling point additional to the open cast and surrounding landscape.' Parys Mountain is already a popular destination for heritage, geology and biodiversity tourists. Its surreal landscapes also attract filmmakers - it recently featured as an 'alien planet' on Netflix's Black Mirror series. Others backing the new visitor centre are Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and a host of academics. Anglesey MP Llinos Medi is another supporter. She said: 'This initiative has the potential to significantly improve the understanding, appreciation and engagement with the rich heritage of north Anglesey. 'Given this site's international heritage status and potential for this development to act as a flagship cultural and environmental flagship, I strongly encourage all relevant authorities and stakeholders to back this initiative.'

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