Entertainment

Gogglebocs Cymru star Molara is local celebrity in home village of Crymych

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HIT reality TV programme has turned a Pembrokeshire mum-of-two into a local celebrity

Molara Awen, 58, from Crymych, is one of the stars of the Welsh language version of Gogglebocs.

She appears on Gogglebocs Cymru with her daughter, Maisie, 21, and son Finn, 23.

The series – where ordinary people voice their opinions about a range of television programmes – is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm.

When she goes to her local shop or the garage for fuel near her home friends and neighbours often want to chat with her about the show

“They’ll say things like ‘Oh we saw you on the television last night’ or ‘I didn’t know you were on it’ and then they will ask me what programmes we’ve been watching and what I think about the programmes and what will be featured in the next show.

“Most of them are really interested in Gogglebocs Cymru and are fascinated about how the programme is made. They seem to think we film it ourselves and don’t realise there’s a film crew in the room as well,” she laughed.

“Because the children live outside Wales they don’t get the same attention as I do at home in Pembrokeshire but their friends have commented about it to them on social media or when they’ve met.

“It never occurred to me that we would attract any attention but it has been is pretty manageable,” she said.

A noted singer, choirmaster and diversity activist, Molara found a new love of Welsh culture through taking part in the popular programme.

Now some of the people she meets ask her for suggestions of what programmes to watch on S4C and other channels.

“I’m quite specific about what I watch and always record programmes to watch when I want and not when they’re on. I don’t enjoy quiz programmes at all and I’m certainly not a Pobol y Cwm type person but I enjoy quality drama series like Y Gwyll.

“I enjoyed Pren ar y Bryn, that was really good, a quirky, off the wall series and Gwesty Aduniad was good too,” she said.

Originally from Glossop in Derbyshire, Molara started learning the Welsh language after moving to Pembrokeshire more than 25 years ago.

“I’m a Welsh learner and am quite fluent although I still go to classes so it’s good for me to be watching TV in Welsh.

“It was quite funny when the tutor asked what we were going to be doing before the next class and I said I’d be going on national television to speak about what I’ve been watching on S4C.

Molara takes part in Gogglebocs Cymru in Bristol where her children now live and work. Maisie is studying to become a mechanical engineer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Finn works in a bar.

Gogglebocs Cymru is made by two Gwynedd-based television production companies, Cwmni Da, in Caernarfon, and Chwarel, from Cricieth.

It’s the first time Studio Lambert and Channel 4 have licensed the Gogglebox franchise to another UK-based broadcaster.

The programme is filmed in the homes of the as the cast as they view the week’s chosen programmes.

They cover a broad spectrum of programmes from S4C, other channels and streaming services ranging from gripping drama to popular quiz shows.

The footage is then edited ready for broadcast on the Wednesday evening and narrated by comedian and broadcaster Tudur Owen.

Series Producer Huw Maredudd, of Cwmni Da, said: “This is a continuation of the series which started before Christmas with the same group of people as before taking part.

“There were some wonderful moments during those programmes and some great comments were made about the various television programmes and there was a warm response to them on social media.

“The viewing figures were also excellent and the programmes we feature enjoy a boost to their viewing figures as well..

“Of course, we don’t expect all the featured programmes to be enjoyed by everyone but we hope that the fact they are all having fun watching the programmes gathered around the TV set together comes through.”

Huw added because the series is continuing there will be no new elements to the programmes but he expects to provide the cast and viewers with a few surprises.

“Something we’re doing for the first time is watching a live programme. The annual Can i Gymru programme is broadcast live on S4C on St David’s Day, March 1 and we’ll be watching along with the regulars and we’ll have their reactions to that on the following Wednesday,” he said.

Gogglebocs Cymru is broadcast on S4C on Wednesdays at 9pm. English subtitles will be available and the programme can also be viewed on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms.

Pictured: Molara Awen with her daughter, Maisie, 21, and son Finn, 23 (Image: S4C)

Entertainment

Why checking an online casino’s licensing should be your top priority

Published

11 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Staff Writer

STAYING safe when gambling online is critical. With so many scams and fraudulent behaviour out there, you need to be doing everything you can to protect yourself when using a new online casino.

One of the best ways to reduce your chances of having a negative experience is by using a licensed and regulated casino. But why does this make such a difference and how do regulators keep players safe? Let’s explore.

Why Use Licensed Casinos

Licensed operators are much more likely to offer fair games, secure payments, and responsible gambling tools as they’re under strict regulation from the government.

Unlicensed casinos often seem more appealing, as they typically offer more incentives and look like the best payout online slots, but the lack of protection and security can leave you vulnerable to hackers. It may also be more difficult to make a complaint, dispute unfair gameplay, or receive your money if the site refuses to pay out.

How Regulators Protect Players

GDPR and Data Protection

Using operators that adhere to strict security measures to protect sensitive data and knowing how your data is being online, especially when giving up your financial and personal information, is crucial.

Licensed operators must follow GDPR and data protection laws, and are required to report any data breaches or account compromises, making them much safer to use.

Responsible Gambling Tools

It’s just about protecting yourself financially, but also about safeguarding your mental wellbeing.

Gambling is notoriously addictive, so it’s important to use online casinos that provide responsible gambling tools to ensure your habit remains under control. Time outs, deposit and spending limits, and self-exclusion options are all necessary to help you maintain your wellbeing.

How to Check for Licenses

To see if a site has a license, you can:

Check for a licence number – most legitimate sites display their licensing information clearly in the footer or a page that is easily accessible for visitors
Verify the license – you can confirm a site’s legitimacy by looking them up on the UKGC’s public register

Both are these are quick and easy to do, so it’s always worth checking just to be on the safe side.

Stay Safe Online: Stick to Licensed Casinos

Regulated casinos offer greater security and prioritise your wellbeing to ensure gambling remains fun and safe. By sticking to licensed online casinos and verifying their legitimacy, you can improve your chances of staying safe when gambling online.

Entertainment

Crymych Arms to host weekend of local music, food and drink

Published

23 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A COMMUNITY-owned pub in north Pembrokeshire is set to welcome visitors for a weekend celebrating local music, food and drink, with all proceeds from voluntary donations supporting charity.

The Crymych Arms will stage its annual free-entry festival on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, transforming the pub’s car park into an outdoor entertainment space complete with performance areas, seating, outside bars and food stalls.

Organised by the pub’s volunteers and committee, the event will showcase a line-up of local musicians alongside Pembrokeshire and Welsh beers, craft gins and street food. While admission is free, organisers will be collecting donations throughout the weekend in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities.

Music gets underway at 5.30pm on Friday with Chris Kelly, followed by the Tom Collins Band Duo at 7.30pm and Rosanna at 9.00pm.

Saturday’s programme begins at 2.00pm with Alex English before performances from Hari Harmonies, Gwen Fel ‘Na Mai, Garfield, The Collective, and Tin Man Revolution, who take to the stage at 9.00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, although seating will also be available on site.

A selection of street food will be served from outdoor counters throughout the event, while outside bars and gin trailers will offer a range of locally produced drinks.

The Crymych Arms reopened in 2023 after being purchased by the local community through a share offer that attracted investment from 285 people. The former village pub underwent a major refurbishment before reopening as a community-owned social enterprise and now also serves as the clubhouse for Crymych Football Club.

The venue has since become a focal point for community events, with the annual music weekend highlighting local performers and producers while raising money for good causes.

Entertainment

Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment returns to Fishguard this month

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

HUNDREDS of visitors are expected to descend on Fishguard later this month as the town marks the anniversary of the Last Invasion of Britain with a spectacular free historical re-enactment.

The two-day event, taking place on July 18 and 19, recreates the dramatic events of 1797, when French troops landed near Fishguard in what remains the last invasion of mainland Britain.

Running from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both days, the event will feature living history camps, military displays, horse demonstrations, battle re-enactments and the recreation of the historic French surrender outside the Royal Oak Pub.

Visitors will be able to meet costumed re-enactors portraying British and French soldiers, explore authentic military encampments and discover what life was like for troops more than 225 years ago through interactive displays.

The day’s programme begins at 10:00am with the living history camps opening to the public. Horse displays will take place on Goodwick Beach Foreshore from 1:00pm, before the main beach battle gets underway at 2:45pm.

The event concludes with a parade of the surrendered French forces through Fishguard before the symbolic signing of the surrender treaty outside the Royal Oak Pub, where the original surrender negotiations took place following the failed invasion.

The Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment has become one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved heritage events, attracting history enthusiasts and families from across Wales and beyond.

Visitors making a weekend of it can also explore the new Fishguard and Goodwick Heritage Trail, launched this summer. The free self-guided trail links 46 sites across the twin towns and tells the story of more than 2,000 years of local history, from Iron Age settlements and the Women’s Suffrage movement to the filming of Moby Dick.

The Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment is free to attend.

For the full programme of events, visit visitfishguard.co.uk.

More information about the Fishguard and Goodwick Heritage Trail is available at northpembrokeshiretours.co.uk/fishguard-heritage-trail.