Latest news with #LlandrindodWells
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Gold star Tom Cullen recalls 'magical' Llandrindod Wells childhood
One of the stars of drama The Gold has said growing up around theatre in mid Wales was a "magical" experience. Tom Cullen, features alongside Hugh Bonneville in the returning BBC One show, said "drama is very much in the blood". He grew up in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, where his parents worked at a local theatre company."If you'd told that kid that I'd be doing what I'm doing, I wouldn't have believed you," he added. Cullen's earliest memories are of being in and around the theatre, saying he "grew up in a rehearsal room". "My primary school was next to the theatre so I'd finished school, walk down and just sit there and watch that these adults mess around and play."Acting has been a source of joy for the whole family since, he told Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales. His parents used to act and his brother and sister have both gone into the profession."It hooked its claws into all of us," Cullen is preparing for the release of the second series of the drama based on the Brinks-Mat heist in said he still had to "pinch myself every day" adding he was "incredibly grateful" to be doing something he plays John Palmer, who he called a "fascinating character" with the second series exploring how his "whopping ego" leads to his downfall. The actor has also starred in Ar Y Ffin - a Welsh language programme aired on S4C, despite the fact he does not speak said he is looking to change that as he gears up to move to Cardiff this summer."I'm not a Welsh speaker although I'm learning at the moment," he said."My daughter will be going to a Welsh school in Cardiff so I'm going to have to understand what the homework is."He said it was "fantastic" to work on the show, which was filmed in Wales."I got to work with loads of old friends that I've known since I was a teenager. It was just absolutely joyous," he added. Looking to the future, he said it was "fantastically fun" to join the House of the Dragon, which has been filmed in north Wales, for the next season, currently has no release Cullen "can't talk much about it" at this stage, he said the set design was something that impressed him in particular."They just build a castle with multiple levels and huge banquet. It is just absolutely extraordinary." The Gold returns to BBC One and iPlayer at 21:00 BST on Sunday.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Powys council gets £500,000 for public toilet refurbishments
Toilets across one Welsh county will be refurbished after almost £500,000 was given to the local authority. The money has gone to Powys council as part of a budget deal between the Welsh government and Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd. It will see public toilets spruced up in the towns of Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanwrtyd Wells and Welsh government said decent, accessible toilets were essential in helping to attract more visitors. "We love to welcome visitors to Wales, with our promise of amazing scenery and experiences," said Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans. "But we also know that getting the basics right is essential, which is why these improvements are so important." It is the year of croeso [welcome] for tourism body Visit Wales and the funding will feed into this. Six public toilets in total on key travel routes will be refurbished, including improving disabled facilities. Llandrindod Wells is also expected to become the first town in mid Wales to offer changing places toilet alongside individual should be completed by the end of March 2026.
Powys County Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Powys goalkeeper earns call up to represent England
Llandrindod Wells is celebrating another remarkable sporting achievement after Katie Christopher was selected to represent the England Women's Blind Football team at the prestigious 2025 IBSA Women's Blind Football World Grand Prix in Japan. This talented goalkeeper's journey began playing for Llandrindod Junior Girls football team where her exceptional ability was quickly recognized. Her sharp reflexes, spatial awareness, and leadership on the field set her apart, earning her a reputation as a formidable presence in goal. It was not long before she was identified as a top player, paving the way for her rise to international competition. Blind football requires an extraordinary level of skill, with players relying entirely on auditory cues from guides and positional awareness. As a goalkeeper, she has trained rigorously to hone her fitness, the ability to guide players on the pitch, anticipate movement, and make crucial saves under intense pressure. Her dedication to perfecting these skills has played a key role in securing her place on the England squad. The upcoming tournament in Japan promises to be a thrilling showcase of global talent. England's Women's Blind Football team is determined to make an impact on the world stage, and Llandrindod Wells' very own Para Lioness will be a key player in their campaign. The 2025 IBSA Women's Blind Football World Grand Prix will be another defining moment for this exceptional athlete, as she steps onto the field, ready to defend her team with skill and determination.
