Latest news with #CelticManor
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
The Bush Inn, Upper Cwmbran: a pub review
Landlord Rhys Bailey, a trained chef who honed his skills at the Celtic Manor, runs the pub with a clear sense of pride and purpose. 'It's a proper pub, not many left these days. We offer a warm welcome, especially in winter when the fire is burning.' Inside, the pub is split across two levels, with a cosy parlour and a larger lounge area. The log fire glows in the colder months, casting a comforting light over the old photographs and quirky antiques. It's the kind of place where locals gather not just for a pint, but for conversation, music, and community. Regulars often jam around the big table in the bar, strumming ukuleles and singing together in impromptu sessions that feel more like family gatherings than performances. However, when the Argus visited, the 'usual suspects' were allegedly on tour. Customers enjoyed a relaxed night out at the Bush Inn (Image: NQ) The Bush Inn's weekly rhythm is built around themed food nights and live entertainment. Mondays are for folk night, where acoustic jam sessions bring together musicians of all ages and abilities. Tuesdays and Fridays are pizza nights, with handmade dough and fresh toppings prepared by Rhys himself. Wednesdays are curry night, a popular midweek treat that often requires booking ahead. Thursdays are steak night, with cuts cooked to perfection. On the second Saturday of each month, the pub hosts an open mic night, giving local talent a chance to shine. Sundays wrap up the week with a lively pub quiz that draws teams from across the area. Food at The Bush Inn is simple, hearty, and made with care. One of the standout offerings is Rhys's homemade Scotch eggs, which come in four flavours: bacon, black pudding, pork sausagemeat, and chilli. 'They're a favourite among regulars and newcomers alike,' Rhys explains. The pub also features a rotating selection of ales and ciders, often sourced from small breweries in South Wales and the West Country, earning it a spot in the Good Beer Guide. Regulars, Bob Lewis and Martin Williams (L to R). Bob used to be landlord at The Bush. (Image: NQ) Dogs are welcome, and it's not uncommon to see a pooch curled up under a table while its owner enjoys a pint. The outdoor seating area is a popular spot in warmer months, offering a peaceful place to relax and take in the view. Parking is limited, so arriving early is advised, especially on busy nights. The Bush Inn (Image: NQ) The Bush Inn isn't just a place to eat and drink; it's a cornerstone of Upper Cwmbran's social life - as Upper Cwmbran as Siloam Chapel or The Square. With Rhys at the helm, it continues to thrive as a proper pub, where good food, good music, and good company are always on tap.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Builder in £2m fraud trial 'spent £28,000 on Rolex'
A builder accused of fraud amounting to more than £2m spent £28,650 on a Rolex watch while being chased for payment by suppliers, a court has heard. Mark Killick, 56, is charged with 46 counts of fraud across the West country between December 2019 and November 2021 – all of which he denies – relating to unfinished renovations. Mr Killick – who is also known as Marc Cole – bought several luxury watches and stayed multiple times at the luxury Celtic Manor resort in Newport, Wales, jurors at Bristol Crown Court were told. The builder, of Paulton in Somerset, had told police he had always intended to complete the work, and that he had bought the watches so they could be pawned to help cashflow. A number of different luxury watches were repeatedly pawned and redeemed over the course of 2020 and 2021 by Mr Killick, the court heard. He told police that some of his trips to the Celtic Manor with his wife were personal but that others were business trips, paid for by his company. The jury was also told about his previous record in court – namely, a bankruptcy order made against him in 2006, and three instances in which he had pleaded guilty to fraud offences. Jurors were also told he had been in prison before. Over Monday afternoon, the court heard from a number of trade suppliers who said Mr Killick owed them money. One timber merchant said he was owed £11,000 by the time Mr Killick's account was closed in 2021, while a kitchen supplier said the builder owed them £2,000. A worktop supplier said he was owed in excess of another £2,000. The trial continues. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Builder turned home into 'junkyard', jury told Builder stole 'equivalent of lottery win', jury told Related internet links HM Courts and Tribunals Service
BBC News
28-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
West country builder accused of fraud spent £28,000 on Rolex
A builder accused of fraud amounting to more than £2m spent £28,650 on a Rolex watch while being chased for payment by suppliers, a court has Killick, 56, is charged with 46 counts of fraud across the West country between December 2019 and November 2021 – all of which he denies – relating to unfinished renovations. Mr Killick – who is also known as Marc Cole – bought several luxury watches and stayed multiple times at the luxury Celtic Manor resort in Newport, Wales, jurors at Bristol Crown Court were told. The builder, of Paulton in Somerset, had told police he had always intended to complete the work, and that he had bought the watches so they could be pawned to help cashflow. A number of different luxury watches were repeatedly pawned and redeemed over the course of 2020 and 2021 by Mr Killick, the court heard. He told police that some of his trips to the Celtic Manor with his wife were personal but that others were business trips, paid for by his jury was also told about his previous record in court – namely, a bankruptcy order made against him in 2006, and three instances in which he had pleaded guilty to fraud were also told he had been in prison before. Over Monday afternoon, the court heard from a number of trade suppliers who said Mr Killick owed them money. One timber merchant said he was owed £11,000 by the time Mr Killick's account was closed in 2021, while a kitchen supplier said the builder owed them £2,000.A worktop supplier said he was owed in excess of another £2,000. The trial continues.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Builder in £2m fraud trial 'spent £28,000 on Rolex'
A builder accused of fraud amounting to more than £2m spent £28,650 on a Rolex watch while being chased for payment by suppliers, a court has heard. Mark Killick, 56, is charged with 46 counts of fraud across the West country between December 2019 and November 2021 – all of which he denies – relating to unfinished renovations. Mr Killick – who is also known as Marc Cole – bought several luxury watches and stayed multiple times at the luxury Celtic Manor resort in Newport, Wales, jurors at Bristol Crown Court were told. The builder, of Paulton in Somerset, had told police he had always intended to complete the work, and that he had bought the watches so they could be pawned to help cashflow. A number of different luxury watches were repeatedly pawned and redeemed over the course of 2020 and 2021 by Mr Killick, the court heard. He told police that some of his trips to the Celtic Manor with his wife were personal but that others were business trips, paid for by his company. The jury was also told about his previous record in court – namely, a bankruptcy order made against him in 2006, and three instances in which he had pleaded guilty to fraud offences. Jurors were also told he had been in prison before. Over Monday afternoon, the court heard from a number of trade suppliers who said Mr Killick owed them money. One timber merchant said he was owed £11,000 by the time Mr Killick's account was closed in 2021, while a kitchen supplier said the builder owed them £2,000. A worktop supplier said he was owed in excess of another £2,000. The trial continues. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Builder turned home into 'junkyard', jury told Builder stole 'equivalent of lottery win', jury told Related internet links HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Niece swindled aunt and uncle out of £150k life savings to splash out on 5* hotel stays and swish designer clothes
The couple insist they still love their niece despite her shocking betrayal SICK SCHEME Niece swindled aunt and uncle out of £150k life savings to splash out on 5* hotel stays and swish designer clothes A NIECE swindled her elderly aunt and uncle out of their £150,000 life savings to fund her lavish lifestyle. Lucy Paginton funded luxury holidays and trips to five star hotels using money she had pilfered from relatives Frank Hillier, 88, and Mary, 90. 4 Lucy Paginton, 28, targeted her uncle Jack Hillier, 88, and aunt Mary, 90 Credit: WNS 4 The mum-of-one spent time at the five-star Celtic Manor resort in Newport Credit: Getty The 28-year-old, of Newport, South Wales, was raised by the couple "like a daughter" since the age of two. Cardiff Crown Court heard they spoiled her throughout her life, forking out on holidays, buying her gifts and leasing cars on her behalf. Pensioner Mrs Hillier told how both her and her husband had become "unwell" dealing with the stress and upset after the shocking betrayal. The mum-of-one spent time at the five-star Celtic Manor resort in Newport and funded trips to high-end designer store Flannels. Read more News LOVE OR MONEY Secret lovechild WINS bid to keep half of millionaire toymaker dad's fortune In 2017, Paginton asked her aunt and uncle for their help to buy a house. But rather than using the money to put down a deposit, she kept the money they had given her. To continue her deception, Paginton then forged several documents including correspondence from Halifax bank and Redrow house builders. Prosecutor Thomas Stanway told the court: "A plan was agreed that they would pay the deposits for two properties. "Paginton would live in one house and her aunt and uncle in the other. "The property the Hilliers lived in would then pass over to her after they had died. "When one considers Miss Paginton's bank statements one can see that in effect the payments were simply made to fund her lifestyle. "There were visits to the Celtic Manor Resort, payments to Flannels, a high-end designer clothing shop. My disabled mum said she was in love with US soldier but she'd actually given conman £169k - she's one of 1,000s of Brits being targeted "There were also payments to various travel companies noted within her bank statements." In a victim impact statement, Mrs Hillier told how the betrayal had hurt more because the couple had showed Paginton "so much love". She said: "It hurts because she lied to us and we showed her so much love, gave her holidays, money and she never went without. "We were willing to buy her a house but she decided to steal from us instead. "It's affected my mental health and my husband's physical and mental health. "Every night going to bed I find it difficult to sleep and we're constantly worried about the case. "The stress of it all has made us unwell." The court heard she had gained £150,555 from her fraud. 4 Following a ruling at Cardiff Crown Court, Paginton was ordered to pay just £1 because she had no available assets Credit: Getty But at a Proceeds of Crime hearing, Paginton was ordered to pay just £1 because she had no available assets. Mrs Hillier explained that the couple made sure their niece didn't get away with her crimes, but insisted they still loved her. She added: "We have lost everything we have worked hard for and family have distanced themselves from us. "We couldn't let her get away with this and can't believe she did this. "We still love the defendant but she hurt us and broke our trust. "We hope to get justice from this case and make Lucy realise the consequences of her actions. She was jailed for four years and eight months in January after pleading guilty to seven counts of fraud at Newport Crown Court. During her sentencing, Judge Carl Harrison said: "Your victims thought highly of you, they trusted you and they loved you. "It was that love and trust that led them to falling victim to your repeated dishonest behaviour. "For four years you cynically and repeatedly abused the trust that Frank and Mary Hillier placed in you to enrich yourself and defraud them. "They described it as being a living hell. They are an elderly couple who should be looking forward to their future. "Their lives have been ruined by your selfish actions."
