GOWER: Penclawdd gelato brand GG’s takes over iconic Caswell Bay kiosk in first step of expansion

A popular Gower gelato brand is expanding beyond its Penclawdd home – taking over an iconic beachside kiosk at Caswell Bay as the first step in a wider growth strategy.

GG’s Gelato, which has operated its ice cream parlour in Penclawdd since 2019 and supplies multiple trade customers across the region, has acquired the food and beverage kiosk at Caswell Bay through chartered surveyors RJ.

The kiosk – known as The Beach Shack – was run for 54 years by Robert, who retired earlier this year having served generations of beachgoers at Caswell Bay. Robert said at the time that he had already offered to help the new owner settle in.

Toby Link-Jones, Operations Manager at GG’s, said Caswell had been on their radar for some time. “When this Caswell property became available it was a no brainer,” he said. “It’s such an iconic spot, and for what we’re building with GG’s, it just felt like the right fit.”

As well as its full gelato range, the kiosk will offer grab-and-go coffee, cold drinks, and a selection of hot food and snacks – including pizza served from a bespoke pizza oven.

Link-Jones said the location held a special significance. He described Caswell as a place with a real sense of nostalgia for many people – somewhere they had grown up visiting. Taking over from another family-owned business that had operated there for many years made it feel, he said, like “a genuine full-circle moment.”

The goal, he added, was to become part of the same memories for the next generation.

The Caswell acquisition marks the first step in what GG’s describes as a planned portfolio of owned sites across South Wales. The brand said it would continue looking at opportunities – but only where the location felt right and could be operated to the standard they want.

Link-Jones was clear that growth would be managed carefully. He said the focus over the next few months was getting Caswell operating to the standard the brand wanted, before looking at further sites.

RJ Chartered Surveyors has been working closely with GG’s to identify suitable premises across South Wales.

James Smale-Davies, Associate Director at RJ Chartered Surveyors, added: “It has been a pleasure working alongside GG’s as they take this exciting first step into expanding their physical presence. Caswell is a prime coastal location, and the kiosk presented a unique opportunity for a high-quality, locally rooted brand to establish itself in a setting that aligns perfectly with its offering.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with GG’s as they explore further opportunities across South Wales and build on what is already a strong and much-loved brand.”

GG’s was founded in Penclawdd and has built a reputation for high-quality artisan gelato, supplying a growing number of trade customers alongside its original parlour. The Caswell kiosk represents its first permanent second site.

Caswell Bay is one of Gower’s most visited beaches, sitting within the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and drawing visitors from across south Wales and beyond throughout the summer season.

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PENCLAWDD: Swansea-born Sir Karl Jenkins makes history as The Armed Man tops world’s biggest classical music chart

A composer born and raised in Penclawdd has made history by topping the world’s largest annual classical music survey — becoming the first living composer ever to reach number one in the Classic FM Hall of Fame.

Sir Karl Jenkins’ choral work The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted Britain’s favourite piece of classical music in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026, displacing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, which had held the top spot in 2025. Nearly 90,000 public votes were cast in this year’s chart, with the result revealed live by presenter Dan Walker on Monday evening.

Sir Karl, who is 82 and grew up in Penclawdd on the Gower Peninsula, said the news had left him “gone all goose-pimply.” Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, he reflected on what the achievement meant to him. “It feels good to be alive and get the prize, rather than to be dead and pick it up,” he said. “It is strange that that is the case.”

In a statement, Sir Karl said he was “deeply honoured” by the result. “To become the first living composer to reach the number one position is profoundly humbling and gratifying, and to some degree, I am taken aback, when I reflect on the great masters, past and present, that sit below me on this list. As the cliché says, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before.”

The Armed Man was originally commissioned in 1998 and premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2000, performed by the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. It is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo War and has since been performed more than 4,000 times globally. Sir Karl reflected on the enduring relevance of the work’s message.

Sir Karl Jenkins with his award
(Image: Classic FM)

“While it is with regret that I acknowledge that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal,” he said.

The Armed Man is also the first choral work to claim the top spot in the chart’s 31-year history. For most of those years, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 have dominated the top position, sharing the number one spot across 23 years between them.

Sir Karl said he was mindful of the company he was in. “The poll is a popularity poll and I’m not even contemplating the fact that there are all these geniuses behind me in the list, from Mozart to Beethoven and John Williams even. In that sense, it is gratifying.”

Over the years the composer has been told by many people how The Armed Man has carried them through difficult times. “I get a lot of messages from people who are ill and who are dying, people with some trauma in their life, who have told me about the support the music has given them,” he said. “It’s still as relevant today, the message, as it was 25 years ago.”

Sir Karl had four other pieces in this year’s Top 300, with Adiemus at 66, Palladio at 82, Gloria at 191 and Requiem at 300. This year’s Hall of Fame also featured a record 40 film scores, with Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings soundtrack reaching number eight — the highest-ranked film score in the chart’s history. John Williams retained his title as the most popular living composer with seven pieces in the Top 300.

Dan Walker, who presented the result live on Classic FM, paid tribute to Sir Karl and reflected on the wider trends in this year’s chart. He described The Armed Man as “one of those pieces which grabs your soul and won’t let go,” and said this year’s results showed “just how much that world continues to grow and change.” He added that the record number of film scores in the chart was helping “open the door for new audiences and helping even more people fall in love with classical music.”

The Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026 full chart is available online.

The Top 10 in full:

  • The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace — Sir Karl Jenkins
  • Piano Concerto No.2 — Rachmaninov
  • The Lark Ascending — Vaughan Williams
  • Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis — Vaughan Williams
  • Enigma Variations — Elgar
  • Miserere — Allegri
  • Piano Concerto No.5 ‘Emperor’ — Beethoven
  • The Lord of the Rings — Howard Shore
  • Piano Concerto No.2 — Shostakovich
  • Symphony No.9 ‘Choral’ — Beethoven
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    The Swansea photographer chasing the last VW Beetles across Mexico

    Paul O’Connor has spent years photographing protests, human‑rights abuses and environmental scandals. But it’s the humble Beetle — or Vocho, as it’s known in Mexico — that has pulled him into his first ever photography exhibition.

    And now, the Gower‑based filmmaker is touring that exhibition across Mexico, documenting what may be the final chapter of one of the world’s most iconic cars.

    A silver VW Beetle parked in a Mexican town square — one of the surviving Vochos documented by Swansea photographer Paul O’Connor.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    ‘I grabbed my camera — they were everywhere’

    Paul first noticed the Vochos during his annual visits to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a highland city where the Beetle never really went out of fashion.

    “It’s nearly 60 years since the first VW Beetle rolled off the production line in Mexico,” he said. “The vintage car has been an integral part of Mexican life for generations. But on the streets of Wales the classic car is now a rarity.”

    What struck him wasn’t nostalgia — it was survival.

    Classic VW Beetles on a steep, colourful street in San Cristóbal de las Casas — scenes that inspired Paul O’Connor’s exhibition.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    “The streamlined, symmetrical look of the car has made it timeless and instantly recognisable, even in silhouette,” he said. “I was intrigued that so many versions are still on the roads of San Cristóbal, so I grabbed my camera.”

    Some are family cars held together with love and luck. Others are customised, lowered, painted, stickered and worshipped by younger drivers. All of them are at least 20 years old. The last Mexican‑built Beetle rolled off the line in 2003.

    “How long before we see the vehicle completely disappear from the roads?” Paul asks. His exhibition is, in part, an attempt to answer that question before the answer arrives on its own.

    A red VW Beetle parked behind a political mural in Mexico — part of Paul O’Connor’s series capturing the Vocho in everyday life.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    A Welsh photographer in the middle of a Mexican car cult

    The exhibition — EL ÚLTIMO DE LOS VOCHOS (Last of the Beetles) — has already shown at the Nauyaca Gallery, complete with live piano, snacks and a packed opening night. It now moves to El Paliacate Espacio Cultura, with a launch event on 14 February, followed by a Vocho club gathering at Las Grutas de Rancho Nuevo on 21 February.

    Paul will be exhibiting his work at both events, surrounded by the very cars he’s been chasing with his camera.

    One shoot even went wrong enough to earn its own write‑up — a reminder that photographing moving Beetles on busy Mexican streets is not without its hazards.

    Visitors at a gallery event viewing Paul O’Connor’s Last of the Vochos photographs, celebrating Mexico’s enduring love for the VW Beetle.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    From Dublin to Penclawdd to the mountains of Chiapas

    Paul was born in Dublin and began his career as a sports photographer before moving into documentary filmmaking in London, producing award‑winning investigations into environmental and human‑rights abuses.

    But it’s the Vochos that have given him his first standalone photography exhibition — a project that blends nostalgia, social history and the quiet dignity of everyday objects that outlive the world that built them.

    His images show a city where the Beetle is still king: bright colours, rounded silhouettes, and a sense that time moves differently when you’re behind the wheel of a car that refuses to die.

    A customised yellow VW Beetle outside Cinema Kinoki during a cultural event in San Cristóbal — one of the standout images from Paul O’Connor’s project.
    Photo: Paul O’ConnorA row of classic VW Beetles photographed in black and white — part of Paul O’Connor’s effort to document the Vocho before it disappears from Mexican roads.
    Photo: Paul O’ConnorCrowds gather around Paul O’Connor’s Vocho photographs at a gallery event in Mexico, celebrating the country’s last surviving Beetles.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    ‘A place with only one type of vehicle’

    “My exhibition shows the city as a place with only one type of vehicle — the colourful curves of the Vocho,” Paul said. “It’s adored by all generations.”

    And while the Beetle has all but vanished from Welsh roads, Paul’s work captures a world where it remains part of the landscape — a rolling piece of history still doing the school run, still carrying groceries, still rattling through the mountains.

    A convoy of VW Beetles driving through a decorated street in Mexico — one of the vibrant scenes featured in Paul O’Connor’s exhibition.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    A Welsh eye on a Mexican icon

    For Paul, the project is part love letter, part time capsule.

    “The last Vocho was produced in Mexico more than 20 years ago,” he said. “So just how long before we see the vehicle disappear from the roads?”

    His exhibition doesn’t answer the question. It simply records what’s left — before what’s left is gone.

    A white VW Beetle with a ‘Spirit Adventure’ banner parked outside a colourful building — one of the everyday Vocho scenes captured by Paul O’Connor.
    Photo: Paul O’Connor

    Full details of the exhibition are available at: https://www.undercurrents.org/vocho.html

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    Swansea gelato maker ramps up growth after landing key food safety certification

    GG’s Gelato, founded in Penclawdd in 2019, has gone from a single Gower parlour to supplying cafés, restaurants, theatres and convenience stores across south Wales — and now says it is ready to scale even further after achieving SALSA accreditation.

    The family‑run business, launched by local entrepreneur Keith Jones, has expanded rapidly in recent years. After outgrowing its original parlour kitchen, the company moved into a dedicated manufacturing site in 2024 and invested in specialist production equipment to boost capacity.

    Certification opens the door to bigger retailers

    To grow its wholesale arm, GG’s Gelato set its sights on securing SALSA — one of the UK’s most trusted food safety standards for small producers. The accreditation is often essential for supplying national and regional retailers, wholesalers and foodservice chains.

    The company turned to ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University for technical support through the Welsh Government’s HELIX Programme.

    ZERO2FIVE helped redesign the factory layout to ensure hygienic production and mentored the team through the detailed requirements of the SALSA standard, covering HACCP, allergen controls, supplier risk assessments and food safety documentation.

    Alongside this, the Welsh Government’s Cywain programme supported the business with profile‑raising, trade development and one‑to‑one mentoring, helping GG’s Gelato build relationships with new wholesale customers.

    The company passed its SALSA audit in September 2025 and has since been able to access new distribution channels and attend Taste Wales / Blas Cymru, the Welsh Government’s flagship food and drink trade event.

    ‘Vital to the next stage of growth’

    Toby Link‑Jones, Operations Manager for GG’s Gelato, said:

    “The support from ZERO2FIVE and Cywain will be vital to the next stage of growth for our company.”

    He said the accreditation would give larger wholesale buyers confidence in the brand’s standards.

    He added:

    “Securing SALSA certification will give bigger wholesale customers the confidence to stock our products, whilst the support from Cywain has helped us to open the doors to these distribution channels.”

    Welsh Government support ‘crucial’ for food and drink SMEs

    Professor Peter Sykes, Head of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, said:

    “Certification schemes such as SALSA play a crucial role for Welsh food and drink SMEs aiming to grow their wholesale distribution.”

    He encouraged other producers to explore the support available through the HELIX Programme.

    Alex James, Cywain Project Manager, said:

    “We take great delight in helping producers to grow in experience and confidence, bringing new products to the marketplace and adding their talents to the Welsh food and drink industry as a whole.”

    GG’s Gelato says it now plans to continue expanding its wholesale footprint across Wales as demand for its small‑batch gelato grows.

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    New health monitors installed in local GP surgeries

    Patients across parts of Swansea can now monitor their blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI) in their GP practice waiting rooms, thanks to new health pod machines designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.

    Available in local surgeries

    The monitors have been installed at Gowerton Medical Centre, Penclawdd Health Centre, Penybryn Surgery, Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, Talybont Surgery and Ty’r Felin Surgery in Loughor. Patients can use them without booking an appointment, simply by dropping in during practice opening hours.

    How the machines work

    The pods guide patients through a short process: entering their date of birth and gender, answering lifestyle questions, and then measuring height, weight and blood pressure. Results are stored directly on the patient’s clinical record, and a printout can also be taken home.

    ‘Convenient and accessible’

    Dr Sowndarya Shivaraj, who leads the project locally, said:

    “The introduction of the health pod monitors in our GP surgeries offers patients a convenient and accessible way to check their blood pressure and BMI without needing to wait for a nurse appointment. By flagging risks early, we are better able to offer timely health advice and support.”

    Supporting healthier lifestyles

    Lorraine Thomas, practice manager at Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, said the machines were already proving popular.

    “Everything appears on a screen and there’s a questionnaire where patients are asked if they smoke and want help to quit, and it will ask about alcohol intake too. The information then gets stored on their clinical records so GP practices can monitor them.”

    She added:

    “Most people aren’t aware of their blood pressure and other readings, such as their BMI, so it is helpful for them to be able to come in and check and then they can monitor it.”

    Early detection of health risks

    Staff will review the results and contact patients if readings are higher than recommended.

    Dr Shivaraj said:

    “High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, so regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management. If the health pod detects high blood pressure, our teams will be alerted and the patient will be offered a follow‑up appointment for further assessment.”

    The initiative is part of wider work to encourage people to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining their health, with additional support available for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol use.

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    Rugby pays tribute to Roy ‘Shunto’ Thomas, Llanelli and Swansea stalwart, who has died aged 82

    Scarlets confirm passing

    In a statement, the Scarlets said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Thomas’ passing. Between 1970 and 1977 he played 184 games for Llanelli, including that unforgettable 9–3 victory over New Zealand at Stradey Park.

    “The thoughts of us all at the Scarlets are with Roy’s family and friends at this time,” the club said.

    Swansea RFC: “A great club man”

    Swansea RFC paid tribute to Thomas’ toughness on the field and humour off it. He made 169 appearances for the All Whites between 1966 and 1970, featuring in the 1966 win over Australia at St Helen’s and the 1969 clash with the touring Springboks.

    The club noted his unenviable record of being named as Wales’ reserve hooker 25 times without winning a full cap, sitting behind internationals Jeff Young and Bobby Windsor.

    “He will be remembered in Swansea not for that unwanted statistic, but for his tough uncompromising play and his great sense of humour off the field,” the club said.

    Loughor RFC: “A true legend of the game”

    Thomas’ home club, Loughor RFC, described him as a “true legend” and highlighted his family ties, with his daughter Karen now coaching at the club.

    “Our minis paid their respects to not only a great figure in Welsh rugby, but also to a much‑loved father of their coach, Karen,” the club said.

    The ‘nearly man’ of Wales

    Despite never winning a full cap, Thomas was a near‑permanent fixture in the Wales squad throughout the 1970s. In an era when substitutions were only permitted for injuries, he was repeatedly named on the bench but never took the field.

    He was later awarded a Welsh Rugby Union President’s cap for appearing in an uncapped match against Tonga in 1974 — a prized possession he kept on display at his Loughor home.

    Memories of 1972

    Thomas’ career highlight came on 31 October 1972, when Llanelli stunned the All Blacks 9–3 at Stradey Park. He recalled the pitch invasion and wild celebrations that followed:

    “The All Blacks players couldn’t believe it. After the game, when we were sitting together and drinking, they were telling us you were much better than us on the day.”

    It was, famously, the day the pubs ran dry in Llanelli.

    “I had a load. I had a lift home to Penclawdd. They took me back to the club at about 8pm. I was well‑oiled!” he laughed in a later interview.

    Life beyond rugby

    After finishing with Llanelli in the late 1970s, Thomas returned to Penclawdd RFC for a spell as coach and remained a regular supporter of “The Donkeys”. Away from rugby, he worked delivering coal around Gower, transporting cockles across the UK, and later for British Steel.

    Reflecting on his career, Thomas once said he would never have swapped the All Blacks victory for a full Welsh cap:

    “No, I wouldn’t give that up. No‑one can ever take that day away from me.”

    Legacy

    Known for his fierce scrummaging, quick left foot, and lineout accuracy, Thomas was admired by teammates and opponents alike. He will be remembered as a determined player, a loyal club man, and a gentleman of the game.

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    Penclawdd restaurant set to be transformed into three new eateries

    A popular bar and restaurant in Swansea which closured its doors with immediate effect in January is set to re-open under new ownership advertising ‘three concepts under one roof’

    The Rake and Riddle, a popular destination for local’s and holiday makers alike had won legions of loyal customers through the years at its base in Penclawdd, showcasing two different dining experiences – a sports bar area and beer garden which served up foods like pizza and burgers and a restaurant downstairs which included a grill menu.

    On it’s closure in January owners Chris and Emily put out a statement:

    “It is with our deepest regret that we inform you that The Rake and Riddle will be closing with immediate effect. We are hoping to restructure the business and be back with you very soon.”

    It has now been announced that Redefining Dining Co, which runs several other restaurants in Swansea, have taken over the restaurant, with transformation plans in place.

    It has said that three brands will operate under one roof, and that the children’s play park will be “elevated”.

    A statement posted on social media read:

    “Redefining Dining Co. is excited to announce the upcoming acquisition and transformation of the beloved Rake and Riddle.

    “Reopening this summer as a vibrant, multi-brand destination, the new venue will bring together three standout concepts under one roof.

    “The Welsh House – classic Welsh dishes with a modern twist, Cattle & Co Smokehouse – bold smokehouse flavours and southern hospitality, and Salvatore’s Pizzeria – authentic Italian vibes, Welsh ingredients.

    “From date nights to family get-togethers, expect unrivalled choice, big flavours, and good times — indoors and out.

    “The huge alfresco space and children’s play park remains and will be elevated.

    “There will be a brand-new Smoke & Shake Shack serving up smoked street eats and indulgent milkshakes.

    [Lead image: Rake & Riddle]

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    Thieves steal vehicle from award winning Swansea cinema

    An award winning mobile cinema has had its van stolen which included important equipment necessary to carry out their show.

    The bright yellow Ford Transit Custom was stolen from Penclawdd on North Gower on Thursday 16th April by a gang of thieves who arrived in a black hatchback car at 1am. A neighbours CCTV footage show the gang drive off
    in the car, followed by the stolen Sol Cinema’s yellow van.

    The theft was a spate of other similar vans being stolen but the same gang on that same night. Police have stated that “there have been a number of thefts of vehicles overnight”.



    Another Ford Transit was stolen in Dunvant within minutes of the Sol Cinema van being stolen.

    Co-founder of the Sol Cinema, Paul O’Connor said; “The theft of our van is a devastating blow to our show. We choose a bright yellow van as our cinema is completely powered by the Sun. Our solar panels generate the renewable energy to power our projector, lights, sound and computer.

    Sol Cinema has toured all over the UK, Ireland and the EU entertaining tens of thousands of people with short films, usherettes and popcorn. The van was a recent purchase and was was just finished being kitted out for this Summers festival tour, which includes Glastonbury and Camp Bestival in Dorset.

    Our vital tools and equipment were in the stolen van which we can not afford to replace now. We don’t know what we will do now”

    The Sol Cinema has won a Digital Hero award for best digital communication project for its use of 100% solar power. Sol Cinema are appealing to anyone who may have had their vehicle stolen that same night to get in touch. Perhaps someone has CCTV footage of the thieves faces.

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    Emma Thomas is at the helm at Orbis Education and Care’s Dan-y-Coed in Swansea, which caters for youngsters with autism and learning disabilities.

    The 41-year-old runs a team of creative education, care and therapeutic professionals who help children feel safe and respected, whilst providing bright and colourful child-friendly environments in which to learn, live and make friends.

    It is her dedication over the last seven years that earned her a place in the final of the major national competition – the 2024 Wales Care Awards, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare.

    The glitzy presentation ceremony was held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

    The mum-of-two from Penclawdd was shortlisted for the Peter Clarke Award for Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche Solicitors and was delighted to scoop Silver.

    The awards are held in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.

    Emma was hailed for helping children simply be themselves, creating lasting memories of childhood as they develop into independent young people and adults.

    It was Director of Education, Lucy Pottinger who nominated Emma for the accolade said:

    “Emma has been working at Dan-y-Coed since it opened in 2017 and this year she has experienced the joy of seeing her very first pupil transition to a mainstream school full-time, which is an incredible achievement and demonstrates her strength and determination to help her pupils.

    “Emma and her team devised a support plan to help him pursue his wish to go to mainstream school. Emma developed a strong team of learning support staff, teachers and clinical therapists, including a behaviour specialist, to help him gradually break down behavioural barriers and build trust with staff.

    “She helped him understand that they would stick by him through tough times. Small classes with a bespoke curriculum unique to him proved invaluable and were the key to his success.”

    “It is very rare for pupils to go from an independent specialist school to a mainstream placement and Emma should be proud of the progress her very first pupil has made.

    “The fact she oversaw a team that has helped the young man fulfil his dream of going to a mainstream school deserves recognition.”

    Ahead of the ceremony, Emma said:

    “Being shortlisted for this award is a privilege. There are so many people across Wales who do outstanding work in our field, and I hope that I can represent them proudly.

    “Knowing that I have helped others in a way that has positively influenced their lives, and the lives of those close to them, is a feeling that you can never forget.”

    Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high and added:

    “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

    “I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.

    “This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales. We take our hats off to them.”

    https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/11/02/dedicated-swansea-school-head-honoured-with-silver-award-at-social-care-oscars/

    #childrenAndYoungPeopleAward #DanYCoed #learningDisabilities #Penclawdd

    Dedicated Swansea school head honoured with silver award at social care Oscars

    The admirable efforts of an executive head of education at a state-of-the-art specialist school have been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony.

    Swansea Bay News

    Emma is at the helm at Orbis Education and Care’s Dan-y-Coed in Swansea, which caters for youngsters with autism and learning disabilities.

    The 41-year-old runs a team of creative education, care, and therapeutic professionals who help children feel safe and respected. The aim being to provide a bright and colourful child-friendly environment to learn, live, and make friends.

    It is her dedication over the last seven years that has earned her a place in the final of the major national competition – the 2024 Wales Care Awards, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare.

    Emma’s aim is to help children simply be themselves, creating lasting memories of childhood as they develop into independent young people and adults.

    The mum-of-two from Penclawdd is shortlisted for the Peter Clarke Award for Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche Solicitors.

    The glittering presentation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 18 at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

    The awards are in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.

    Care Awards 2024; Emma Thomas ; Swansea. Picture Mandy Jones

    Director of Education, Lucy Pottinger nominated Emma for the accolade, she said:

    “Emma has been working at Dan-y-Coed since it opened in 2017 and this year she has experienced the joy of seeing her very first pupil transition to a mainstream school full-time, which is an incredible achievement and demonstrates her strength and determination to help her pupils.

    “Emma and her team devised a support plan to help him pursue his wish to go to mainstream school.

    “They have developed a strong team of learning support staff, teachers, and clinical therapists, including a behaviour specialist, to help him gradually break down behavioural barriers and build trust with staff.

    “She helped him understand that they would stick by him through tough times. Small classes with a bespoke curriculum unique to him proved invaluable and were the key to his success.

    “It is very rare for pupils to go from an independent specialist school to a mainstream placement and Emma should be proud of the progress her very first pupil has made.

    “The fact she oversaw a team that has helped the young man fulfil his dream of going to a mainstream school deserves recognition.”

    Speaking about being shortlisted Emma said:

    “Being shortlisted for this award is a privilege. There are so many people across Wales that do outstanding work in our field. I hope that I can represent them proudly. 

    “We all have our own ‘why’ as to reasons we undertake the work that we do, and to be nominated, let alone be a finalist is extremely rewarding. Knowing that I have helped others in a way that has positively influenced their lives, and the lives of others close to them, is a feeling that you can never forget.”

    Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said:

    “The aim of the Wales Care Awards is to recognise the unstinting and remarkable dedication of unsung heroes and heroines across Wales like Emma.

    “The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

    “If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

    “We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

    “It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”

    [Lead image: Mandy Jones]

    https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/24/top-swansea-teacher-hailed-for-helping-children-be-themselves-and-create-memories/

    #childrenAndYoungPeopleAward #DanYCoed #featured #learningDisabilities #Penclawdd

    Top Swansea teacher hailed for helping children ‘be themselves and create memories’

    Emma Thomas, the executive head of education at a state-of-the-art specialist school has been recognised for helping children be themselves while creating lasting memories.

    Swansea Bay News