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South Wales Argus
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly's nominees at the Welsh Hospitality Awards
These awards aim to highlight excellence in Wales' vibrant hospitality industry, recognising outstanding businesses and individuals to showcase the very best in hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, and other sectors within the industry. Mountain View Ranch has lots of hidden surprises (Image: Web) First up in Caerphilly's list of nominees is Mountain View Ranch, nominated for Caerphilly. This destination for family adventure covers over 100 acres of woodland and trails in Caerphilly, giving youngsters and adults alike an opportunity to get out into nature and get some fresh air. Their map-guided trails ensure discovery at every turn, packing the forest full of surprises. Visitors have been known to stumble upon secret tree houses, tree swings, soft archery experiences, and enchanting fairy forests that you could get lost in. The Ranch is home to Wales' first official Gruffalo Trail. Based on the hugely popular storybook, this trail allows visitors to take a stroll through the Deep, Dark Wood and encounter some of their favourite characters from the story. Those who prefer to relax can kick back at the Ranch Coffee Shop and chose to indulge in a range of coffees, snacks, ice creams, and even 'artisan' pizza during school holidays. Maxime gives customers a cost effective trip to the cinema (Image: Facebook) Blackwood high street institution Maxime Cinema has been nominated for Best Cinema Experience. Originally opened in 1938, this cinema operated until 1976 for public use before it was turned into a bingo hall. After re-opening as a five-screen cinema in 2014, the cinema has become a wallet-friendly favourite for locals to visit, playing on the art deco aesthetics of its predecessor. The five seats can collectively seat at least 500 people at once and the licenced bar in the foyer draws in those who wish to put their feet up and enjoy the latest releases on the big screen. They even offer ALN sensory screenings for customers who may need them. Their 'affordable' refreshments and 'incredibly cheap' ticket prices mean that the cinema experience is kept affordable for everyone at Maxime. Bryn Meadows offers up a golf course and spa for hotel guests (Image: Web) Not too far away is nominee for Hotel of the Year, Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa. This family-owned four-star resort is set in over 100 acres of land, hidden in the heart of the valleys. Their luxurious hotel features 42 bedrooms, most with balconies or patios to overlook the picturesque countryside. The resort houses a spa, allowing guests to rediscover their wellbeing through a range of traditional spa treatments that have been designed by Bryn Meadows' team of therapists, or through use of the indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Their 18-hole championship course offers something to the sport lovers who visit, along with use of their state-of-the-art golf simulator. This 'fantastic' course paired with the staff's 'attention to customer satisfaction' makes it a must-visit resort for golfers. Visitors to Volare can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine (Image: Facebook) Caerphilly Italian restaurant Volare Italian Restaurant has been nominated in the Best Family Dining category. The restaurant was 'born from the passion of food by two Calabresians'; Ernesto Rappoccio and Fortunato Favasuli. The pair arrived in Wales in early 2008 and, after beginning to learn English, immediately fell in love with the country. The restaurant brings a slice of their hometown, Reggio Calabria, to the historic Welsh town with a series of varied menus. No guest is left behind with a range of traditional authetntic Italian dishes, along with vegan and gluten-free menus so those with dietary requirements don't have to miss out. Volare even offers a takeaway menu for those who would prefer to enjoy their 'fabulous' dishes in the comfort of their own home. Customers always leave happy, thanks to 'incredible' food and 'excellent' service. Those who prefer dining at home in the area are likely familiar with Quick Service Restaurant of the Year nominee Chicken & Pizza Land. This takeaway in Ystad Mynach offers a 'delicious' menu for those who don't have the time to cook. It's a go-to spot for quick, fresh and flavour packed meals that customers are able to pick up on their way home. Alternatively, they offer the convenience of delivery to ensure that every single bite is as satisfying as dining in. With a variety of dishes on the menu that are 'crispier' and 'nicer' than big name competitors, customers can't help but keep returning. This institution is 'older than Coronation Street' (Image: Web) Also nominated for Quick Service Restaurant of the Year is Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar. This institution is 'older than Motown and Coronation Street', having been established in 1957. The landmark building sits on top of Caerphilly Mountain, surrounded by unbelievable walks and views of South Wales. Tourists and locals see this 'shack' as a huge part of Welsh countryside heritage and, for many, it's become a home away from home. A dedicated team of 'welcoming and friendly' staff keeps the Snack Bar running smoothly, putting customers at ease before the embark on a lengthy walk. It's a unique take on quick service dining, allowing customers to enjoy fresh air with their meals made from locally sourced ingredients, all with a picturesque view of the Caerphilly mountains. The winners for the Welsh Hospitality Awards will be announced at an elegant ceremony set to take place on the 10th of September.
Metro
10-07-2025
- Metro
Lawyer ‘killed himself' after defending ‘worst paedophile who ever lived'
The lawyer who defended 'the worst mass paedophile who has ever lived' has died in an apparent suicide, a prosecutor has said. Maxime Tessier, 34, defended Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, dubbed 'the devil in a white coat' who raped hundreds of patients under the age of 15 between 1989 and 2014. They are made up of 158 men and 141 women who had an average age of 11 when they were allegedly attacked in hospitals across the country. Lawyer Maxime has since been found dead, with chief prosecutor Frederic Teillet, from the western French city of Rennes, saying: 'Everything points to suicide.' Maxime was one of two lawyers who defended the rapist, who is considered one of the most notorious in criminal history. His associate Catherine Glon said he 'had a very high regard for justice and was therefore very demanding towards himself'. Le Scouarnec usually attacked his victims, with the youngest being just four, while they were under the effects of anaesthesia. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but many of his victims said he should be jailed for longer. Thomas Delaby, a barrister representing one of his victims, described Le Scouarnec as an 'atomic bomb of paedophilia'. He added: 'Your victims will never forgive you.' He was put on trial this year after police found evidence, including child sized sex dolls chained up in his home and thousands of child abuse images. Back in 2005, he was handed a suspended four-month prison sentence for possessing child pornography, but managed to secure a job as a surgeon at a public hospital in Quimperle, western France, the following year. He continued to work in public hospitals until his re-arrest 12 years later on suspicion of raping his six-year-old neighbour. He abused young patients across 10 hospitals and clinics over the span of 25 years. More Trending She told her parents that 'the man with a crown of white hair' had exposed himself and sexually touched her through a broken garden fence. Police searched his home, uncovering a cache of dolls, wigs and 300,000 pictures and 650 paedophilic, zoophilic and scatological videos. Notebooks where Le Scouarnec detailed his sexual assaults on scores of patients were also found. In one handwritten note hidden under a mattress, the doctor is alleged to have written: 'I am a paedophile and I always will be.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man, 24, drowns after falling into paddling pool with just nine inches of water MORE: Mystery after missing paddleboarder's body found in 'unusual' position on secluded lake MORE: 17-year-old 'white' boy arrested in counter terror operation in Wales
LeMonde
07-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
Russia steps up use of new military technologies against Ukraine, including AI
Bursts of automatic gunfire rang out some hundred meters away. The soldiers chatting on the side of the road connecting Sloviansk and Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine at first paid no attention. But, when a buzzing sound filled the air, someone shouted: "Drone!" A confused voice asked, "Ours or the enemy's?" Soldiers at the nearby Ukrainian military checkpoint had already answered the question with their weapons. The troops ran to take cover under the trees and bushes below. The loitering munition continued its course in the sky, then vanished from sight. No one was sure what exactly had just flown over them. The nearest Russian positions were 20 kilometers away, a distance considered relatively safe and out of reach for most enemy attack drones. "The situation is deteriorating rapidly," said Maxime, an officer with the 14 th assault brigade, Tchervona Kalyna ("Red Viburnum"), who was not authorized to give his last name. "That drone had wings. It was either a Molniya or a Matka." The officer explained that the latter is a "mother drone," which carries four small loitering munitions, or kamikaze drones. This mother drone doubles the range of Russian attack drones. It is also used for aerial reconnaissance and for guiding its "children" to their targets. "We saw the first Matka 10 months ago. Since then, it's been improved and has spread everywhere. The road to Dobropillia is heavily targeted now. There are destroyed vehicles everywhere, including civilian ones. If the 'children' don't find a high-value target [armored vehicles or artillery], they start to strike anything that's alive."
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sharjah crowned champions of AFC Champions League 2
Sharjah Football Club clinched the AFC Champions League 2 title on Sunday after defeating Singapore's Lion City Sailors 2–1 in a thrilling match held at Bishan Stadium in Singapore. Sharjah's Firas Belarbi opened the scoring in the 74th minute. Lion City equalised in the 91st minute through Maxime, before Marcus Meloni sealed the win for Sharjah with a decisive goal in the 97th minute. This marks the first time in the club's history that Sharjah has won a continental title. It is also the inaugural edition of the newly formatted AFC Champions League 2 tournament. WAM
Dubai Eye
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Sharjah crowned champions of AFC Champions League 2
Sharjah Football Club clinched the AFC Champions League 2 title on Sunday after defeating Singapore's Lion City Sailors 2–1 in a thrilling match held at Bishan stadium. Sharjah's Firas Belarbi opened the scoring in the 74th minute. Lion City equalised in the 91st minute through Maxime, before Marcus Meloni sealed the win for Sharjah with a decisive goal in the 97th minute. This marks the first time in the club's history that Sharjah has won a continental title. It is also the inaugural edition of the newly formatted AFC Champions League 2 tournament. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, congratulated the team with a special post. "Congratulations Sharjah... Congratulations UAE. Sharjah Football Club, champion of AFC Champions League 2," he wrote. "Thank you for this outstanding performance, and heartfelt congratulations to our wise leadership for this title. We congratulate the Sharjah Club family, its fans, and all the youth of the nation for this honourable achievement." مبروك الشارقة ... مبروك الإمارات نادي الشارقة لكرة القدم بطلاً لدوري أبطال آسيا 2 ... شكراً لكم على هذا الأداء المتميز، وخالص التهاني والتبريكات لقيادتنا الرشيدة بهذا اللقب، ونبارك لأسرة نادي الشارقة ولجماهيره ولكل شباب الوطن هذا الإنجاز المشرف. — Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) May 18, 2025
