EDUCATION NEWS

Urdd Plate Win For St David’s College Netball Team

The talented Year 7 and Year 8 netball teams from St David’s College have won the prestigious Urdd Eryri Plate at the Urdd Under 13 Netball Tournament, beating a raft of North Wales schools for the accolade. Urdd Gobaith Cymru is a National Voluntary Youth Organisation with over 55,000 members between the ages of eight to 25. The tournament that took place in Bangor didn’t start so well as the team lost against Ysgol Friars, but then were victorious in all of their other games against Ysgol Ogwen, Ysgol Nantlle, Ysgol David Hughes and they won by one goal against Ysgol Y Creuddyn. “It was neck and neck against Ysgol Y Creuddyn, they took the lead at one stage but then our team managed to claw it back,” said a delighted Elle Jones, Head of Year 8 and Year 9 and PE teacher. “I’m very proud of them as a team they work so well together, and also recently won the Urdd Basketball plate, and are about to take part in a Rugby 7’s tournament in Rosslyn Park, London.”

Coleg Cambria to host open days

A range of open events – including accessible sessions for people wanting to learn in a sensory-supportive environment – will be held throughout March at Coleg Cambria. These open events will give people the opportunity to explore the wide range of programmes on offer across the college’s five sites in north east Wales. Courses cover a selection of areas from Business, Hair and Beauty, Marketing, and Construction, to Agriculture, Engineering, Sports and more. Leading employers from across the region will also be in attendance to discuss apprenticeship opportunities. “We are delighted to again be holding open events – including activities in a sensory-supportive session at our sites in Wrexham, Northop and Deeside – and look forward to welcoming prospective students and their families,” said Cambria’s Principal Sue Price. “They are the perfect way to find out what it’s like to study with us, but also to explore our partnerships in the private sector and the selection of courses and qualifications we have on offer for learners of all ages. We look forward to seeing you all and showcasing the very best of Coleg Cambria.” Head of Inclusion Lizzie Stevens added that accessible sessions for people with additional requirements will enable them to enjoy Cambria’s cuttingedge facilities in a warm, welcoming environment without large crowds. “We will also be on hand to give you more information about our courses, facilities and inclusion and learning support services, so it will be of value to those who attend,” said Lizzie.

Coleg Cambria’s open events will take place in person at the following sites:

J Deeside and Deeside Sixth – Wednesday March 8th from 5.30pm-7.30pm

J Llysfasi – Saturday March 11th from 10am-12pm

J Yale and Yale Sixth Wrexham – Wednesday March 15th from 5.30pm-7.30pm

J Bersham Road Wrexham – Wednesday March 15th from 5.30pm-7.30pm

J Northop – Saturday March 18th from 10am12pm

Accessible sessions will be held on the following dates:

J Deeside and Deeside Sixth – Thursday March 16th from 5.30pm-6.30pm

J Llysfasi – Wednesday March 29th from 5.30pm-6.30pm

J Yale and Yale Sixth Wrexham – Thursday March 23rd from 5.30pm-6.30pm

J Bersham Road – Wednesday March 22nd from 5.30pm-6.30pm

J Northop – Thursday March 30th from 5.30pm6.30pm

Global Game Jam returns to Wrexham Glyndwr University

Gamers from around the world will have the chance to create new computer games at the world’s largest game creation event, which is taking place at Wrexham Glyndwr University this month. The university is taking part in the Global Game Jam (GGJ) for the tenth year when it gets underway Friday 3rd February. The goal is to encourage innovation, and connect people from across the world as they aim to develop video games from start to finish within 48 hours. No experience is necessary and the event is open to anyone with an interest in games, design and technology. Richard Hebblewhite, Programme Leader for Game Development, Game Design & Enterprise and Game Art at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “This year we are also launching the UK’s first Global Game Jam Next (GGJN) site alongside the traditional jam event. GGJN is aimed at children aged between five and16, and will provide training and team building as part of the GGJ experience.”

New Principal for Rydal Penrhos

Rydal Penrhos School has announced the appointment of Tom Hutchinson to the position of Principal from September 2023. Mr Hutchinson, currently Principal at St Edwards Church of England Academy in Leek, brings a wealth of relevant and impressive experience teaching and inspiring children, and managing schools with similar values to those of Rydal Penrhos. Following an education at St Joseph’s College, Stoke on Trent, Mr Hutchinson was awarded a Geography degree from the University of Lancaster and a Post Graduate Education Certificate from the University of Keele. He has taught in a variety of other schools including St Ambrose College, Altrincham where he was Deputy Headmaster and as Principal of the University Church of England Academy. Beyond the education impact in his own schools, he is an Inspector of Anglican and Methodist Schools and serves as Bishop’s Advisor on the Discernment Panels for Vicar and Deacon selection. He is also Vice Chair of Governors at the Co-op Academy in Stoke on Trent. Mr Hutchinson is a keen supporter of sport; having played himself he is a Coach at Anselmians Rugby Football Club and also the Safeguarding Lead and Rugby Safe Lead for the club. “The Governing Body is delighted to have appointed Mr Hutchinson from the large and strong field of candidates,” commented Ms Deborah McKinnel, Chair of Governors at Rydal Penrhos. “Tom Hutchinson has a deep awareness of what constitutes outstanding education and the value of instilling high standards throughout a school. We look forward to welcoming Mr and Mrs Hutchinson and their three children to the Rydal Penrhos School community.”

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai announces March open events

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s colleges have announced their latest suite of on-site open events across their campuses for March 2023. Open Events are the perfect opportunity to explore their campuses, discover our outstanding facilities, meet the tutors and find out about their wide range of courses. Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor have 1000s of options to suit your needs and to help you fulfil your potential, including the widest choice of Full-Time, Part-Time, Apprenticeships & Degree courses in North Wales. They offer over 30 AS/A Level courses, delivered by highlyqualified and experienced tutors, and a wide range of vocational and subjects in more than 35 subject areas, making it easy for you to find your match. So, whether you’ve made the wrong choice after your GCSEs, lack the qualifications needed to get a better job or to go to university, are unemployed, or just looking for a new start, college staff will be on-hand to answer all your questions at the following open events:

Coleg Llandrillo:

J Rhos-on-Sea Campus: Wednesday 1 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm & Monday 27 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

J Rhyl Campus: Thursday 2 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm & Tuesday 28 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

J Abergele: Monday 27 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

J Rhyl Campus: Tuesday 28 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Coleg Menai:

J Llangefni Campus: Wednesday 22 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

J Parc Menai Campus: Thursday 23 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

J Bangor: Tuesday 28 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor:

J Dolgellau Campus: Tuesday 21 March, 5.30pm – 7pm

J Pwllheli Campus: Wednesday 29 March, 5.30pm – 7pm

Spring is too short for painting fences – and so is summer!

With warmer weather arriving there is always plenty to do in the garden to get it looking summer-ready. With ColourFence, one of the most tedious, timeconsuming jobs disappears overnight. And not just for Spring 2023 – but for the next 25 years! That is because there is no need to paint or repair ColourFence. It is guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel for the next 25 years, making it one of the world’s best maintenance-free fences. Plus, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand wind speeds of up to 130mph. But it’s not just practical – it’s gorgeous, too. With a choice of different styles, decorative touches and colours the options are endless. ColourFence has been designed to remove the element of chore about getting your garden summer ready. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy – whether that’s the view from indoors or, fingers crossed – glass in hand, sat in a sunny garden this spring and summer!

www.colourfencewirral.co.uk

Early Scientific Experiments in Eryri

Eryri is famous for its spectacular scenery and wonderful walks, but it has also played an important role in scientific developments. Colonel William Roy (1726-1790) was a surveyor and the founder of the Ordnance Survey. In 1777 he presented to the Royal Society his Experiments and observations made in Britain, in order to obtain a rule for measuring heights with the barometer. These experiments were carried out over five years, from 1771 to 1776, and took Colonel Roy to Schiehallion in his native Scotland but also to Eryri. The barometer had been invented by Evangelista Torricelli in Italy over a century earlier, but its use in surveying was still something of a novelty. In his account, Roy describes the surprising results he obtained when using it to measure height: “The only result which I consider as very irregular, and do not pretend to account for, is that for the height of Moel Eilio, a hill situated between Carnarvon and Snowdon: the real altitude 2371 feet, is exceeded by the barometrical result 21 feet, though the circumstances were such as, in other cases, generally make it fall short.” The National Library of Wales has recently purchased a copy of Colonel Roy’s account, published in 1778. As well as descriptions of the experiments, the book includes tables of the results and a detailed fold-out map of Yr Wyddfa and Moel Eilio, showing where they took place, and it provides important evidence of the contribution of North Wales to scientific developments in the 18th Century.

www.library.wales

Abbeyfield looks forward to the summer months

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Society is looking forward to the spring after what is turning out to be a very cold winter. Luckily for the residents all food and heating bills are included in their rent, leaving the residents both toasty and well fed. Barbara, Abbeyfields’ oldest resident at 98 years is doing really well, and the Society is hoping that Barbara will be getting her birthday card from King Charles when she turns 100 in 2024. Proper nutritional meals eaten at regular intervals, together with no worries about maintaining a home or garden, most definitely keep the residents healthy and living longer. All three houses have fabulous conservatories which overlook the gardens. The gardeners will soon be looking at getting the gardens ready for the forthcoming spring and summer months as the residents really enjoy the weather warming up so they can enjoy the gardens. The Society is also going to have another party after the success of the Christmas party which gives them something to look forward to. colwyn.abbeyfield.com

Low cost divorces offered by North Wales law firm

With the New Year being a traditionally busy time for divorces, a North Wales law firm is offering clients legal support at its lowestever cost. Specialists at Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in Conwy and works with people across North Wales, say the firm is passing on the benefit of the new accessible and simplified divorce process to its clients. Since the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation

Bill last April, the legal process of applying for a divorce has been streamlined, and straightforward cases can be dealt with faster than ever before. “The introduction of no-fault divorce has been widely welcomed, and means that an applicant can now simply file a document saying the marriage has broken down irretrievably, rather than having to make allegations of unreasonable behaviour or adultery,” explained Sue Hodgson (pictured), head of family law at Lanyon Bowdler. “Couples can even file a joint application for divorce, which has never been permitted before. It’s a really positive development in moving away from the blame culture. This new process essentially means that getting a divorce approved is reasonably simple for straightforward cases, so we are making a conscious effort to pass that onto our clients. We are determined to make legal support affordable for people, especially in these difficult times, so I would urge anyone looking for a divorce to get in touch for a friendly chat.” www.lblaw.co.uk

Learn more about whisky

Penderyn Llandudno Distillery opened in May 2021, and tens of thousands of visitors have enjoyed the shop, tours and masterclasses. On Trip Advisor they have a 5-star rating, and a prestigious Visit Wales Gold Award. You can also bottle your own whiskies. Choose from two cask strength single cask whiskies, which are only available at their Llandudno Distillery Shop. Tours are available seven days a week, and the shop is also open to the public. Whilst on the tour you’ll be taken through the exhibition area, the distilling hall, and you’ll finish in their beautiful tasting bar, where you’ll have the chance to experience a sample drink or two. Want to know more about Penderyn Whisky and whiskies in general?! Then take the two-and-a-half-hour Masterclass, which runs on Friday and Saturday in the Penderyn Llandudno Distillery. You’ll tour the distillery, and then go to the wonderful masterclass room for an interactive experience.

www.penderyn.wales/visit