Latest news with #NicolaDavies
Powys County Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Thousands of visitors flock to this year's Royal Welsh Show
This year's Royal Welsh Show welcomed thousands of visitors as the most popular agricultural show in the UK kicked off. The show was officially opened with a ceremony that celebrated the richness of Welsh culture, the strength of rural communities, and the enduring importance of the agricultural industry in Wales. Chair of Council, Mrs Nicola Davies FRAgS, welcomed members and dignitaries to the event, reflecting on the pivotal role of the Society in championing Welsh agriculture and rural life. 'The Show is a very important platform to promote the very best of the agricultural industry that we all hold so very dear,' she said. 'It underlines its importance, not only economically, but socially and culturally too.' Mrs Davies paid warm tribute to the 2025 Feature County, Caernarfonshire, and thanked its fundraising committees for their outstanding work in raising awareness and vital funds to support capital developments at the showground. Mr John R Owen, the Society's President for 2025, then addressed the audience, expressing his pride and honour in representing Caernarfonshire as Feature County. 'I have no doubt that the founders of the Society are looking down in much admiration of today's standards and achievements,' he said. A special highlight of the day was the visit of HRH The Princess Royal, who was attending in her capacity as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RACS). Her Royal Highness attended the AGM of the RASC and then toured the showground, engaging with exhibitors and visitors, and seeing the many new additions to the show since her last visit in 2022. During the afternoon's Awards Ceremony, Dylan Jones, Castellior, Menai Bridge, Anglesey was announced as the winner of the prestigious Sir Bryner Jones Memorial Award, which featured the beef industry for the first time in 30 years. The were changes to this year's show with the introduction of a new Heavy Horse Village — a dedicated area celebrating the legacy and ongoing role of working horses in Welsh agriculture. The village featured interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and opportunities for visitors to meet these gentle giants and their handlers, along with new turn-out competition classes. The opening day's main ring programme was headlined by the Ukrainian Cossacks, whose dazzling displays of traditional horsemanship and acrobatics captivated showgoers. Other main ring attractions included the Bolddog FMX display team, the Tristar Carriage and the RAF Falcons Parachute display team.
Leader Live
25-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Blades Gents named Leader finalist in 'Best Barbers'
Established in 1992, Blades on Ruabon Road in Wrexham, is delighted to have made it to the top ten in the competition. L-R: Nicola Davies, Andrea Kirkham and James Price (Image: Blades Gents Barbers) Andrea Kirkham became the owner 11-years-ago after being promoted from the role of manager. Together with her team, Nicola Davies and James Price, they strive to provide the best customer service within a modern interior. And this isn't their first time the success of the business has been recognised. The barbers was shortlisted as a finalist for the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards in 2023 before claiming the crown in 2024. The team was also awarded Best Barber Shop in Wrexham at the Quality Business Awards 2024. READ MORE: Wrexham and Flintshire barber shops aiming for the title Andrea said: "We at blades barbers are proud to be a finalist. "It makes all the hard work we do worthwhile. The three of us have worked together for up to 23-years and are good friends not just work mates." Do you think Blades Gents should be crowned the best across Wrexham and Flintshire? Voting opens on June 23 until July 4 with voting slips available in our newspaper.
Powys County Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Countdown to Royal Welsh Show begins after launch in Bangor
The countdown to this year's Royal Welsh Show has begun after its launch at Bangor University. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, in partnership with this year's Feature County, Caernarfon, officially launched the 2025 Royal Welsh Show at Bangor University. The event on Wednesday (June 4) was held in the historic Pritchard-Jones Hall and marked the formal countdown to the Show on Monday July 21 which will last the entire week. Approximately 200 invited guests—including board members, key sponsors, industry representatives, and supporters from across Wales—attended the launch. Nicola Davies, Chair of Council of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, opened proceedings by thanking guests, sponsors, and Bangor University for their warm hospitality. She highlighted the 'longstanding connections between the University and the agricultural community', noting its proud tradition of supporting rural education since 1884. Show Director Richard Price took to the stage to highlight this year's attractions, including the much-anticipated Heavy Horse Village, new competitive classes for heavy horses in the main ring, and the Supreme Horse Championship to be judged by Martin Clunes. The Ukrainian Cossacks will return with their thrilling trick-riding display, while celebrity judges such as Nigel Owens and Meinir Howells will feature in the sheep section. Mr Price also noted the extensive preparations underway at Llanelwedd to ensure the 2025 Show is 'an outstanding success'. In the University Quad, visitors were greeted by one of Ambassador Rhys Eifion Griffith's impressive shire horses, Trem Yr Wyddfa Aurora—a nod to the Heavy Horse Village set to debut at this year's Show. Vice-Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke extended a warm welcome on behalf of Bangor University, paying tribute to the farmers of Caernarfon who, 140 years ago, helped found the University. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app He spoke of the continued contribution made by students and graduates to the agricultural and agroforestry sectors in Wales. Society President John R Owen reflected on the year so far, thanking everyone who had contributed to and attended the county's many fundraising events. He also previewed the upcoming Hill Farming Event at Hafod y Llan Farm, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in its organisation. The evening featured the premiere of Y Gerdd Groeso, a commissioned poem celebrating Caernarfon's pride as Feature County, written and performed on video by renowned Welsh poet Myrddin ap Dafydd.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fishguard school launches new initiative for pupils
A Fishguard school has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing the educational journey of its pupils. Holy Name School in Fishguard unveiled its new Milestones initiative, with the launch event attracting numerous parents and families. Children from Class 5 introduced the evening, showcasing the diverse learning experiences that have enriched their education. The pupils highlighted their creation of the Welsh Llais a Lle podcast, promoting the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick, now available on Spotify. They also mentioned their collaboration with author Nicola Davies and workshops with internationally renowned author Steve Skidmore. Families were invited to participate in pupil-led Prayer and Liturgies, fostering community and shared faith within the school. Students also partnered with the Darwin Centre, participating in a beach clean and analysing sand samples for microplastics. The Milestones initiative ensures every child at Holy Name School engages in essential life experiences before transitioning to secondary education. These milestones, blending activities to be completed in school and at home with parents, aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges. The school is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond academic achievement, encompassing personal growth and community involvement. Holy Name School looks forward to the positive impact of the Milestones initiative on its students and the broader community.
