Latest news with #Ffion
South Wales Argus
30-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Family to run Cwmbran's Kolor Dash for St David's Hospice
The Curran family is supported by St David's Hospice, where dad Tom Curran receives palliative care for stage 4 cancer, diagnosed in April 2024. His daughter Ffion, 12, expressed gratitude for the care provided by the hospice, particularly by nurse Jayne, who ensures her father's comfort. Ffion has taken up running and plans to participate in Cwmbran's Kolor Dash on August 27 to raise money for the hospice. She has also encouraged some of her father's friends to join her in the run. The hospice provides care for those with life-limiting illnesses, addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. During a recent visit to the hospice, Ffion was inspired to participate in the Kolor Dash after seeing a poster for the event. The family has since raised more than £3,300 for the hospice. Those wishing to support Ffion and her siblings in their fundraising efforts can do so via their Just Giving page. St David's Hospice provides round-the-clock expert care in a friendly environment, supporting people to live their lives to the fullest, even with life-limiting illnesses.
North Wales Live
27-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
This giant seawall will be transformed at North Wales seaside resort
A seawall built as part of new flood defences will be transformed at a seaside town. Working on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, Balfour Beatty's redevelopment of the East Parade in Rhyl included removing the old promenade and sea walls. The new prom was widened and raised to provide protection and for improved pedestrian and cyclist access, with a concrete-stepped revetment constructed to reduce flooding risk — protecting over 600 properties in Central Rhyl. Now a mural will be be created to span up to 60 pre-cast units - printed on durable materials such as aluminium to bring a lasting tribute to the town. Alongside the main installation, workshops with local schools, youth groups and families have helped shape a vibrant mural trail reflecting Rhyl's past, present and future. Artists are now putting the final touches to the striking new mural. Led by artist and facilitator Ffion Pritchard, the project invited creatives from across Denbighshire to contribute to the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign. Supported by Rhyl Neighbourhood Board – an independent collective made up of residents, business owners, politicians, council officers and grassroots organisations - and Balfour Beatty, the mural aims to showcase the heart and heritage of the beloved seaside resort, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. 'The response has been incredible,' said Ffion, from Bangor. 'We've worked with a wide range of amazing community groups and seen just how much creativity and pride exists here. From young people to older residents, everyone has had something valuable to share. This project has brought people together in a powerful way, allowing them to express their vision of Rhyl - what it means to them, where it's been, and where it's going. It's been a joy to help guide that process.' Craig Sparrow, Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, added: 'We're incredibly grateful for the dedication and creativity that's gone into this project. It's been fantastic to see the community come together, from third sector groups to individual artists, everyone has played a part. 'Projects like this show just how much talent there is in Rhyl, and how art can help tell our story in such a meaningful and lasting way. I'm really looking forward to seeing the completed mural. 'It's going to be something we can all be proud of and will showcase the very best of Rhyl, both for residents and visitors.' Participants have included Ysgol Tir Morfa, West Rhyl Young People's Project, Viva LGBT Youth Cymru, Brighter Futures, Willow Collective, Ysgol Bryn Hedydd, and families through workshops at the town library. The project is on course to be completed in August. Denbighshire County Council will be receiving £20million for Rhyl from the UK Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board will develop a 10-year vison for the town and an initial investment plan to determine what priorities should be.
North Wales Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Anglesey man wanted ultimate room with a view and now he's got it
A nondescript gable wall on an Anglesey building has been turned into a work of art – to improve the views for its owner. Fed up of staring at a blank wall while having his morning coffee, undertaker Arwel Hughes wanted to look out over Amlwch Port's old harbour instead. Over three weeks, a giant, life-like painting has taken shape, populated with some of his favourite vessels moored at the harbour. They include a newly built Viking boat that will be torched in a burning ceremony at Amlwch's popular Viking Festival later this month. The mural, completed on Monday afternoon (July 7), has left people astonished. When the artist shared photos online, it was hailed 'beautiful', 'amazing' and an 'instant treasure'. It was also labelled a 'wonderful attraction for locals and visitors'. Which could be tricky, as it's on private property and can only be seen up close from Arwel's driveway in Amlwch Port. People who have vowed to visit are being asked to knock first and ask permission – the funeral parlour is directly across the road. Arwel himself has said he is 'beyond happy with it'. To create the mural, he commissioned local artist Ffion Roberts-Drakley – she's already painted several eye-catching murals on buildings across Anglesey. 'Between the weather and picking up the girls from school, I managed three to five hours a day,' she said. 'Some days it was too windy to go up the scaffolding, on others it was just too wet. 'Arwel said he wanted a better view when looking out from his dining room while having his morning coffee. I'm very pleased with it - I think it's the best one I've done so far. To complete it, I'll be using a forklift in a few weeks time to spray a weather seal on the painting.' The mural was created on the wall of a neighbouring florist shop – Arwel owns the building. Ffion's main challenge was incorporating a window into the design: after overlaying harbour and wall photos on her iPad, she opted for a Dali-esque flourish, perching the window up in the clouds. 'Arwel wanted boats to be included in the mural that held a special meaning for him, 'said Ffion. 'So his own boat is is depicted, as well an old boat he used to fish on as a child.' Another request was for HMS Pickle – a recreation of the famous Royal Navy schooner that brought back news of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar and his demise. She was berthed at Amlwch Port for several years before moving to Conwy, and is now moored in Hull. The Viking boat depicted in the mural is shown as the finished article, with a red dragon on its bow: in reality, the carved figurehead on the newly built vessel has yet to be painted – which Ffion has volunteered to undertake. No sooner than the boat is finished, it will be burnt on the weekend of July 26-27 following a torch-lit procession through the town by Viking reenactors. However the boat will live on in a mural just up the road that gives one resident the ultimate room with a view. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wales forced to stop team meeting as epic moment unfolds outside hotel
Wales forced to stop team meeting as epic moment unfolds outside hotel Players were blown away by a special moment that took place in the midst of the match day chaos and left them with tears in their eyes The Red Wall sing outside team hotel Welsh supporters sang so loud outside the team hotel at Euro 2025 that Rhian Wilkinson was forced to stop a team meeting. The moment occurred ahead of Wales v Netherlands in Lucerne, Switzerland, last weekend. Around 4,000 of The Red Wall descended upon the streets of the Swiss city, walking in unison with Dutch fans from the fan zone to Allmend Stadion, which is a 2.5km stretch. In what was a superb display of passion and pride to kick off the footballing action, there was one moment that slipped under the radar. As some Welsh fans marched through the streets, they noticed the Cymru team coach parked down a side street, discovering where the team were based for the game. Spotting an opportunity to give their players one final boost ahead of the game, the fans started singing. In an interview with WalesOnline out in Switzerland, Wales star Ffion Morgan's parents spoke about experiencing this surreal moment. "We were walking up the street and everybody was singing," began mother Ruth Morgan. Article continues below "And obviously we passed the end of the road where they (Wales) were staying in their hotel. The bus was constantly parked outside. So of course the fans saw it, started gathering around the bus and started singing the Welsh national anthem. "So I was videoing it, not thinking anything of it - I'll just send this to Ffion later on. Then I got a text from Ffion saying: 'Oh my gosh, we are in a team meeting and all we can hear is the national anthem outside the window. Rhian has stopped the meeting and we are all looking out the window and there are fans everywhere!' "I texted her back saying: 'Yeah, it's us, we're there! We're standing behind the bus.' "She sent me the video of the fans on the bus from the team room and I sent a video from outside the team room, so it was quite a surreal moment really - we were sharing exactly the same experience but from two different angles. The Red Wall sing outside hotel (second angle) "Rhian was speaking and she had to stop because the noise of the anthem from outside was just incredible, they all got up off their seats looking out the window and they were all comparing goosebumps. She said everybody had tears in their eyes, it was such a special moment. "She was saying, to have that just before the game was such a boost for all of them. They had such a backing from the fans, it was great." Speaking about the march itself, mum Ruth said it was "incredible". "We were in the fan zone first, which was equally as incredible," she continued. "Because when you looked around the fan zone it was just all red, all bucket hats, there was hardly any orange there at all, fabulous. "They had the music on, everyone was singing and dancing in the fan zone. Then the announcement came: 'We're leaving!' - Yma O Hyd, Oggy, Oggy, Oggy, everything was going off. It was quite emotional really, because people recognised us so they were coming out to us and wishing us luck. We're definitely going to be there on Wednesday and Sunday." Dad Phylip added: "One of the moments for me, was one of the dads that was out, he said: 'It feels as if I'm in heaven'. I said: 'Why is that?' He says: 'I'm mad about sport' "He was there in 2016 and now he's able to be there with three of his young kids, because it's a really safe environment. They were making a family holiday of this, all of them are out able to enjoy football, which he loves. Article continues below "It is without all of the edge that comes with men's football. Even in the fan zone we felt really safe. Controlled alcohol and everything, that was a big thing for me, when we were walking with the fans, that it was just a really nice, joyous place to be with everyone."
Wales Online
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Touching moment Welsh bride left in tears by surprise at her wedding
Touching moment Welsh bride left in tears by surprise at her wedding Elanwy Evans-Carpenter was left shocked when the surprise unfolded as the curtains opened during the wedding speeches, saying: 'I had no idea about it' A Welsh bride was left in years after being surprised with a touching tribute at her wedding. Elanwy Evans-Carpenter, from Glanaman, sadly lost her father Linden Evans suddenly in 2021 and her mother Yolanda Evans suddenly in 2023. While getting married to her partner, Matthew Edwards-Carpenter, at Oldwalls in Gower, Elanwy's maid of honour Ffion Thomas pulled out all the stops for an incredibly touching surprise. Linden was the co-founder of the Cor Meibion Dyffryn Aman Choir in Ammanford, which he began 35 years ago and which Elanwy describes as a big part of his life. As a touching surprise, Ffion organised for the Cor Meibion Dyffryn Aman Choir to attend and perform at Elanwy's wedding so that her father's voice could still be heard at her wedding. Speaking about the emotional moment, Elanwy said: "I had no idea about it... it was a complete surprise! At the end of her speech she mentioned having my dad's voice around the place and having him here with us. "Then all of the sudden the curtains opened during the speeches and just as she finished hers and the choir was revealed and they just started singing. "It was amazing. It is an emotional day anyway and I managed to, throughout most of the day I kept my tears in, but when that happened I just burst out into tears then. It was really nice, I loved it." Article continues below Elanwy with the choir (Image: Tayla and Co ) Talking about how Ffion, who also enlisted the other bridesmaids and Matthew in on the secret, managed to organise such a moving moment, Elanwy said: "Really lovely of her, she went above and beyond." The choir actually sneaked in through the supplier entrance to be able to pull off the full surprise, without Elanwy suspecting a thing. Having lost both her mother and father Elanwy said: "It's been a really tough few years, it has just been so lovely to have a friend dear to me, do something like that for me, I couldn't have asked for anyone better." Elanwy and Ffion have been friends since school, becoming close friends in 2010. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . Music has always been an important part of Elanwy's life, having grown up in a musical family and she joined her local women's choir, Cor Lleisiau'r Llan, after her mother passed away to help with her grief. Article continues below They also performed at the wedding and Ffion knows that music is important to Elanwy, making her father's choir performing at the wedding a fitting tribute to him. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
