Community
West Wales’ Willy Wonka’s wonderful win
YOUNG entrepreneur Liam Burgess from Llanboidy chocolate company nomnom is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award.
The 20-year-old set up his chocolate factory in an old caravan in Llansteffan a year ago and has since gone from strength to strength. His chocolate has been mentioned at Prime Minister’s Questions and at the recent Hay-on-Wye Festival it won fans in Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hollander and Cerys Matthews. Now the inventor of such creations as marmalade and peanut butter chocolate bars, Liam has won second prize in the Countryside Alliance Awards – the “Rural Oscars” – in the start-up category. Simon Hart MP who has been supporting Liam in his first year of business said: “Liam may only have been a teenager when he started out with the help of a Prince’s Trust grant but he has built up a very successful business thanks to his ingenuity, great product and marketing.” Liam added: “This is our first award and a great way to mark our first anniversary. The past year has been fantastic and couldn’t have gone any better. “I have just had the most amazing week at Hay-on-Wye and we are just moving into our new factory in Llanboidy. At the moment there are six of us but I have plans to eventually employ 12.” Liam has secured a £50,000 loan to fit out his new factory but is now trying to access a further £30,000 in funding to enable his expansion plans to go ahead. “I am looking into setting up chocolate bonds, so that customers who invest £200 will get chocolate in the post for a year – a kind of chocstarter rather than kickstarter you could say!” he added. The Countryside Alliance prizes were awarded by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament. He said: “These awards celebrate rural businesses across the UK, they are the backbone of rural life and it is vital that we do all we can help create the right conditions to allow these businesses to compete and thrive.”
Charity
Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign
THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.
Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.
The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:
- Privates are private.
- Always remember your body belongs to you.
- No means no.
- Talk about secrets that upset you.
- Speak up; someone can help.
After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign
He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.
“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”
Community
Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.
Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.
The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.
Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.
Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.
For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.
Community
Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards
CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”
The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.
Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.
For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.
Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.
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