NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around South Wales NEW AND IMPROVED Bryngarw House is located in the heart of more than 100 acres of award-winning country parkland. The wedding venue has recently transformed some of its overnight guest accommodation, including a new bridal suite overlooking the lawn and a self-contained Coach House. Bryngarw House is one of the hospitality social enterprises operated by Awen Trading Limited, the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of registered charity Awen Cultural Trust. Its chief executive, Richard Hughes, tells us: “Our vision was to develop Bryngarw House, a venue with an impressive history, as a luxury Welsh brand and high-end destination for the wedding market, whilst diversifying the business for conferences, weekend retreats, and special occasions. This, in turn, will boost the venue’s impact within the local community and create new and sustainable employment opportunities within hospitality and tourism industries which have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Through our refurbishment plans, we will celebrate the beautiful Welsh valley surroundings, promote the language, cultural and environmental heritage, and offer the very best from local producers and suppliers.” For more information, visit www.bryngarwhouse.com PETS AT WEDDINGS The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and borders one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the UK, Bute Park. The property has announced it will now allow dogs in all external areas of the venue. The new wedding officer, Aimee Daniel, tells us more: “We know how important it is to have your four-legged bestie at your side on your big day! We are fortunate enough to be nestled amongst Bute Park so couples and their photographers can get some stunning images of themselves with their canine companion in the relaxed park setting before joining the wedding party at the drinks reception in the Anthony Hopkins Centre Courtyard (which used to be the stables for Cardiff Castle) for some champagne and paw-secco. “I am new to the role and am fortunate to be able to take it on while also still working as a freelance professional opera singer (having studied here at the college), and I’m loving every minute of meeting new couples and joining them on their wedding journey.” To find out more, visit www.rwcmd.ac.uk or www.instagram.com/rwcmdweddings HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Made in Cymru is celebrating one year since its launch. In that time, the site has grown to include a vast array of jewellery, home décor, clothing, art and beauty products all made by local Welsh artisans. To celebrate its first anniversary, the site has partnered with local charity, St David’s Hospice to raise funds to support local people living with lifelimiting illnesses. Made in Cymru are part of a new breed of online shopping platforms that champion and promote locally made products. The founders of Made in Cymru have carefully curated a selection of diverse makers catering to most shopping whims, including more than 2200 items by 500 different Walesbased makers. Head over to www.madeincymru.com for more information. www.kirstenmcternan.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
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