Latest news with #MandyJones
Rhyl Journal
09-08-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Harlech Foodservice continues sponsorship of tourism awards
Harlech Foodservice, headquartered in Criccieth, has pledged a new three-year sponsorship deal for the Go North Wales Tourism Awards, extending its support until 2027. The wholesaler said the partnership is a way of "showing solidarity" with the tourism and hospitality sector, which has faced significant challenges during and since the pandemic. David Cattrall, managing director of Harlech Foodservice, said: "We are delighted to announce our continued support for the North Wales Tourism Awards. "It has become such an important event in the calendar for a sector that is vital to the North Wales economy and which attracts so many people to this beautiful area of the UK. "North Wales is a world-class tourism destination which is innovative and varied and we're proud to support those businesses by committing ourselves to backing these awards for the next three years. "The tourism and hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic and this is our opportunity to give something back and celebrate the achievements of our core customers." The awards will be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on November 20. (Image: Mandy Jones) Harlech Foodservice has served as the headline sponsor since 2021. This year, the company was named UK Food Wholesaler of the Year by The Caterer magazine and was also listed among the UK's best places to work by The Sunday Times. Founded more than 50 years ago, Harlech Foodservice initially focused on supplying hotels, pubs, holiday parks, and campsites across North West Wales. The company has since expanded to serve local authorities, schools, and hospitals, but hospitality remains a core customer base. Mr Cattrall emphasised the importance of supporting the industry through consistent, transparent pricing and digital upgrades. He said: "For the same reason we have implemented fixed, transparent pricing, and upgraded our website and app to enable customers to compare range, price and product information and make instant decisions." The company's "Trust Our Prices" campaign targets smaller, independent customers with weekly price reviews against major UK wholesalers. Harlech Foodservice claims that customers can save up to 14 per cent through its Harlech 50 price comparison scheme, which benchmarks top-selling products against industry competitor Booker. Customers can also earn up to 10 per cent back annually through its My Harlech loyalty app. Jim Jones, director of Go North Wales, welcomed the renewed partnership. Mr Jones said: "We're delighted that Harlech are committing to continue to support the tourism awards for the next three years. "We have had a long and fruitful partnership with them and they have played such a key part in the region's tourism for so many years."
North Wales Chronicle
07-08-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Harlech Foodservice continues sponsorship of tourism awards
Harlech Foodservice, headquartered in Criccieth, has pledged a new three-year sponsorship deal for the Go North Wales Tourism Awards, extending its support until 2027. The wholesaler said the partnership is a way of "showing solidarity" with the tourism and hospitality sector, which has faced significant challenges during and since the pandemic. David Cattrall, managing director of Harlech Foodservice, said: "We are delighted to announce our continued support for the North Wales Tourism Awards. "It has become such an important event in the calendar for a sector that is vital to the North Wales economy and which attracts so many people to this beautiful area of the UK. "North Wales is a world-class tourism destination which is innovative and varied and we're proud to support those businesses by committing ourselves to backing these awards for the next three years. "The tourism and hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic and this is our opportunity to give something back and celebrate the achievements of our core customers." The awards will be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on November 20. (Image: Mandy Jones) Harlech Foodservice has served as the headline sponsor since 2021. This year, the company was named UK Food Wholesaler of the Year by The Caterer magazine and was also listed among the UK's best places to work by The Sunday Times. Founded more than 50 years ago, Harlech Foodservice initially focused on supplying hotels, pubs, holiday parks, and campsites across North West Wales. The company has since expanded to serve local authorities, schools, and hospitals, but hospitality remains a core customer base. Mr Cattrall emphasised the importance of supporting the industry through consistent, transparent pricing and digital upgrades. He said: "For the same reason we have implemented fixed, transparent pricing, and upgraded our website and app to enable customers to compare range, price and product information and make instant decisions." The company's "Trust Our Prices" campaign targets smaller, independent customers with weekly price reviews against major UK wholesalers. Harlech Foodservice claims that customers can save up to 14 per cent through its Harlech 50 price comparison scheme, which benchmarks top-selling products against industry competitor Booker. Customers can also earn up to 10 per cent back annually through its My Harlech loyalty app. Jim Jones, director of Go North Wales, welcomed the renewed partnership. Mr Jones said: "We're delighted that Harlech are committing to continue to support the tourism awards for the next three years. "We have had a long and fruitful partnership with them and they have played such a key part in the region's tourism for so many years."
Leader Live
21-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Flintshire tourism sector to benefit from new funding scheme
Known as the Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund, the scheme is now in its second phase and offers financial support to businesses that contribute to the visitor economy. The scheme is delivered by Cadwyn Clwyd and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Donna Hughes, business partnerships officer at Cadwyn Clwyd, said: "The Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund is aimed at businesses that contribute to the visitor economy in Flintshire as a whole. "We have had successful applications from cafes, the retail sector, farm shops and delis – anything which is contributing to the visitor economy in Flintshire." Cariad Gins (Image: Mandy Jones) In the first phase of the programme, 36 grants totalling £462,000 were awarded. This led to the creation of 15.5 full-time equivalent jobs and the safeguarding of 117 jobs. Ms Hughes recently visited Clwydian Range Distillery to see how owners Fiona Lewis and Simon Ollman used their grant to expand the business. The distillery, based in Lixwm near Holywell, produces the award-winning Cariad Gin. The couple received more than £7,700 to purchase distilling equipment, a storage container, an ice machine and a gazebo for events. Ms Lewis said: "We couldn't have grown the business without the grant. "For so many small businesses, these grant schemes are a crucial part of their growth and development. "One of the best things about the programme is being able to contact the team so easily. "If you're stuck you can just give them a call, the support we have received was fantastic. "The grant really has made a big difference." The couple launched the distillery in 2018 after Mr Ollman suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2013 that ended his career in civil engineering. Ms Lewis said the business not only supported his recovery but also gave the family a new shared purpose. The distillery was launched in 2018 (Image: Mandy Jones) Their blackcurrant gin won gold at the Wales Distilled Awards, where Mr Ollman was also named Distiller of the Year. They have since expanded production into a dedicated distilling room and tasting space at their home. The Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund supports existing micro, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as start-ups in the tourism and visitor economy sectors. The first phase supported a wide range of projects, including EV charging points, glamping pods, kitchen upgrades, and training. The deadline for applications to the second phase is July 31. Ms Hughes encouraged businesses to apply soon. She said: "The message to businesses is you need to be quick because the deadline is at the end of July."
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Man makes unearthly music from household objects with hilarious results
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A wacky musician who wowed Britain's Got Talent (BGT) judges had pensioners in stitches. Dennis Frere-Smith moved from the sublime to the ridiculous when performing in Caernarfon, Gwynedd. After a rousing rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In, the veteran entertainer put aside his trumpet to produce some unearthly but hilarious tunes on a teapot, a garden hose and even a shower head. The routine, which also included a sink plunger and watering can, was similar to the one that won him acclaim on BGT last year. After initially rolling his eyes, judge Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation. At the time, Amanda noted: 'It just reminded me of good old fashioned entertainment. There is no other show on earth where you'd be able to play a hosepipe – perfect for Britain's Got Talent.' There was also a thumbs-up from fellow judge Alesha Dixon but Bruno Tonioli described Dennis's performance as a 'waste of wind'. Dennis advanced onto the following round and performed his routine on the famous London Palladium stage - but he failed to reach the show's semi-finals. Despite this, his crowd-pleasing performance at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon was definitely a Golden Buzzer moment. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Among those to get out of her seat was Betty Driver, 87, a former professional dancer who often performed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 'That was a great show, I really enjoyed it,' she enthused. 'I couldn't help but get up and dance to some of the songs.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis sang and played a selection of hits ranging from Frank Sinatra to Bobby Darin and Cliff Richard. He also performed a medley of wartime songs in preparation for VE Day in May. 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' had a special meaning for Ethna Williams, originally from County Dublin, Ireland, who latterly lived near Holyhead. She said: 'It was lovely to hear him sing and especially when he came up to me (during the song) and held my hand.' Former police officer David Edwards, from Dolwyddelan, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, correctly identified the opening bars of 'Bring Me Sunshine', a song regularly sung by comic duo Morecambe and Wise on their TV shows. He then joined Dennis to recreate the dance Eric and Ernie did as they left the stage. 'I enjoyed Dennis' singing very much,' he said. 'He's got a very fine voice and he's a very talented musician.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis, from Norfolk, rounded off his hour-long session with a stirring version of You'll Never Walk Alone. Now in his late-60s, Dennis joined the Scots Guards as a musician on leaving school and later became a teacher before becoming a full-time musician and entertainer. He said: 'I was teaching music at a school in Buckinghamshire and was asked to take a group to entertain at a care home. There was no one available so I went along and did it myself – and I've been visiting care homes ever since. 'My mother is now in her 90s and I know how much pleasure elderly people get from music. I enjoyed performing for the residents here in Caernarfon very much, they were a great audience.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis said his BGT appearance last year had since given him new ideas for his act. 'Amanda Holden challenged me to play When the Saints Go Marching In and go faster and faster – and with other instruments,' he said. 'So I've prepared a backing track with the help of my son and added a watering can and a funnel to the others that I play. I'm hoping to develop a new show for the theatre and cruise ships market.' Nia Davies Williams is Bryn Seiont Newydd's musician in residence. She was blown away by the performance, saying it evoked happy musical memories for the residents. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The effect of music is well known,' she said. 'It seems to linger longer even among those for whom a simple conversation seems to be very difficult. Having Dennis her to sing those old familiar songs from their earlier years does the residents the power of good.' Look for places near you
North Wales Chronicle
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales care home enjoys visit from former BGT contestant
Dennis Frere-Smith, who impressed judges on the ITV talent show, visited Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon to entertain residents. He started his performance with a rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In on the trumpet, before dancing with some of the residents. Residents Barbara Kealy, Hefina Williams, Kathleen Taylor, and Sylvia Webb all enjoying the performance (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis then swapped his trumpet for a teapot, a garden hose, and a shower head, to play music for the residents. The performance was the same one that wowed the judges on Britain's Got Talent last year. Amanda Holden said at the time: "It just reminded me of good old-fashioned entertainment. "There is no other show on earth where you'd be able to play a hosepipe – perfect for Britain's Got Talent. "I'm going to kick this off with a yes." Dennis Frere-Smith playing a tune with the shower hose (Image: Mandy Jones) Simon Cowell added: "I'm definitely saying yes." There was also a thumbs up from fellow judge Alesha Dixon but Bruno Tonioli described Dennis's performance as a "waste of wind". He advanced onto the following round and performed his routine on the famous London Palladium stage but failed to reach the semi-finals of the show. But it was definitely a Golden Buzzer moment for the residents and staff of Bryn Seiont Newydd who hailed Dennis as a "musical maestro". Resident Betty Driver gets out of her chair to dance and sing, watched by Audrey Phillips (Image: Mandy Jones) Betty Driver, 87, said: "That was a great show, I really enjoyed it. "I couldn't help but get up and dance to some of the songs." Dennis also sang a medley of wartime songs in preparation for VE Day in May. Ethna Williams, who is originally from County Dublin, Ireland, said: "It was lovely to hear him sing and especially when he came up to me (during the song) and held my hand." Dennis Frere-Smith plays a tune with the tea pot (Image: Mandy Jones) Former police officer David Edwards, from Dolwyddelan near Blaenau Ffestiniog, said: "I enjoyed Dennis' singing very much, he's got a very fine voice and a very talented musician." Dennis, who hails from Norfolk, was visiting North Wales when he called into Bryn Seiont Newydd. Read more: Couple one step away from winning 'dream' Eryri farm! He said: "I love performing as a solo musician and an entertainer in many different settings and enjoy giving happiness to other people in the process. "My mother is now in her 90s and I know how much pleasure elderly people get from music. "I enjoyed performing for the residents here in Caernarfon very much, they were a great audience."
