Five Years in the Making: Knife Dragon Becomes a Striking National Icon
AFTER nearly five years of dedicated craftsmanship, an incredible Knife Dragon sculpture has been fully completed and now stands proudly outside Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham. The hand-crafted dragon, shown protecting a small child, represents both the creativity and compassion of the community, and serves as a striking symbol against weapons crime. The…
Read More
West End Health: Bringing Back the Family GP to North Wales
WITH growing pressure on GPs and rising demand for preventative personal healthcare, a new service is bringing back the family doctor for families across North Wales. Launching this month ahead of its full opening in January, West End Health is set to redefine local private healthcare. Founded by lifelong friends Aaron Ferguson and Andy Boyd,…
Read More
Youth employment scheme in north east wales expands to 100+ learners
A MAJOR training and employment initiative supporting young people across north east Wales has seen rapid growth – and now more employers are being encouraged to get involved. The Jobs Growth Wales+ programme at Coleg Cambria has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months. Led by Curriculum Directors David Garratt and Claire…
Read More
Clogau Aberfan Tribute Pin Launched — Every Penny Helps School Pupils
CLOGAU has announced the launch of a special Aberfan pin badge – available exclusively at its Merthyr store for a full year – to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. The initiative has been created to mark the tragedy of 21 October 1966 and to raise funds for a local community cause in the lead up to the anniversary. Priced at £10, all proceeds from sales of the Aberfan pin badge will be donated to the village’s Ynysowen Community Primary School. The design of the pin is inspired by one of the most significant artefacts associated with the disaster: the clock that stopped at 9:13am – the exact moment coal spoil engulfed Pantglas Junior School and surrounding houses. The still hands of that clock have come to symbolise the moment time stood still for the people of Aberfan. The pin reflects this powerful image, honouring both remembrance and the enduring strength of the community. The project has been developed in consultation with Ynysowen’s Headmistress Simone Roden and aims both to honour the memory of those who lost their lives and to support educational and community initiatives in the Aberfan area. Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau, said: “I’m immensely proud of the idea here and the implementation of the project, not to mention the detail of the pin badge itself. “I can’t take all the credit for this initiative, though; it was suggested by staff local to the area after they saw the success we enjoyed raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund through sales of the Poppy pin badge, where we raised over £50,000. “We’re selling these badges to raise money for the school and are delighted to be selling this through the Clogau store on the Cyfarthfa Shopping Park for a year in the run up to the 60th Anniversary.” Simone Roden MBE, Headmistress of Ynysowen Community Primary School said: “As Headteacher, I feel deeply honoured that our school has been chosen by Clogau as their charity partner in marking the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. “Aberfan holds a place of profound significance in our hearts. Sixty years on, we continue to remember the children, the teachers, and the families whose lives were lost and forever changed. “Their memory is woven into the fabric of Welsh communities, and as educators, we carry a quiet responsibility to ensure their story is never forgotten. “This commemoration is not only about looking back — it’s about guiding our children to understand the importance of compassion, resilience, and remembrance. I will be purchasing a badge and wearing it with pride, as a symbol of respect and a personal promise to honour the past while nurturing the future. “Thank you, Clogau, for choosing to walk alongside us in this meaningful act of remembrance.” The Aberfan pin badge will be promoted through in-store displays and local advertising in the Merthyr area.
Read More
Eyes on gold: Coleg Cambria learners ready for WorldSkills UK
COLEG Cambria learners are preparing to face the nation’s best at the WorldSkills UK National Finals. This year’s line-up includes rising stars in Aircraft Maintenance, Beauty Therapy, CNC Milling, and Metal Fabrication, each determined to bring home medals for Team Wales. Among them are Robert Jones and Hannah Back, from Airbus UK, who return to…
Read More
Drift at Five: North Wales Dance Station Hits the DAB+ Airwaves
DRIFT Radio is marking its fifth anniversary with a major milestone as the community dance and electronic music station launches on DAB+ digital radio along the North Wales coast. The move signals an exciting new chapter for the unique Rhyl-based station and means even more people can tune in and enjoy its eclectic mix of…
Read More
‘Brain breaks’ and bite-sized tasks – College study transforms ADHD support
INSIGHTFUL research is helping transform how students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are supported in higher education. Rebecca Mountfield-Pawlett, PGCE programme lead at Coleg Cambria, has published findings that highlight both the challenges and the strengths of students with ADHD, and how practical teaching strategies can make academia more inclusive. Rebecca, who also teaches…
Read More
Smart Towns Cymru digital toolkit aims to future-proof the high street
A NEW online guide will help small businesses and independent retailers harness the power of digital technology and data to strengthen their operations, attract more customers, and future-proof their place on the high street. Menter Môn, which delivers the Welsh Government-funded Smart Towns Cymru programme as part of the Transforming Towns package of support, has…
Read More
Leading Welsh consultancy adds talent as planning demand accelerates
AN acclaimed planning consultancy continues to grow, creating exciting career and development opportunities – from graduates to experienced professionals seeking a new challenge. Based in Conwy and Pulford, near Chester, Cadnant Planning is recognised as one of the most respected chartered town planning consultancies in Wales and the North West. The company, led by Managing…
Read More
New facility enhances student life at North Wales college
A LEADING college unveiled a new facility designed to give learners a welcoming and supportive space to meet, relax, and access key services during their studies. The dedicated Student Union hub at Coleg Cambria’s Yale site in Wrexham aims to enrich and promote wellbeing, inclusion, and personal development alongside academia. Supported by Medr, the development…
Read More