Latest news with #Bridgend
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Garnet Edwards obituary
My father, Garnet Edwards, who has died aged 79, was a gifted advertising creative and a dedicated rugby man. Known for his quiet leadership, sharp eye for design and sense of loyalty, he left a mark on both the creative industry and the communities that he helped to build. Born in Bridgend, south Wales, Garnet was the son of Violet (nee Walters) and Douglas Edwards, a quarryman. He was educated at Oldcastle primary and Bridgend grammar school (later Brynteg school). He thrived academically but was most at home on the rugby pitch or fishing with his brother, Les, on the Ogmore river. He studied graphic design at Manchester School of Art (now part of Manchester Metropolitan University), graduating with first-class honours, and went on to a successful career in advertising, working at several leading agencies in London, most notably Grey. He also helped to set up Wright & Partners in the 1980s with his close friend Johnny Wright. Throughout his career he mentored a generation of creatives, including Trevor Beattie, who would go on to lead major campaigns for Virgin, FCUK and Wonderbra. Garnet is remembered as an exacting leader who believed 'creative is king' and he approached his work with equal parts craftsmanship and humour. He led national and global campaigns for Nissan, Crown Paints, Vodafone, the Labour party, Thistle Hotels and Alfa Romeo, among others. He won many prizes for his work, including Clio and Design & Art Direction awards. Outside the design studio, Garnet's other great passion was rugby. He played for Bridgend Sports RFC, Finchley RFC and Middlesex, and later served as coach and president at Finchley, where he helped transform the club's fortunes and launched its now thriving youth section. A return to Bridgend in the 90s led him to do the same there. An annual youth award at Bridgend Sports now bears his name. Garnet was devoted to his wife, Jennifer (nee Grinnell), whom he met as a teenager and married in 1968. After her death in 2014, he found companionship with Kathryn Lewis, a family friend. He was a hands-on grandfather, a lover of French cheeses and port, and a great storyteller. Former colleagues fondly recall his notorious '9x9 Club' – nine pints by 9am – and his love of mischief, typified by pranks such as luring pigs into his local pub in Ogmore, south Wales. Garnet is survived by his children, Megan, Rhys and me, and seven grandchildren.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Bridgend: Fire crews battle large blaze at recycling centre
Residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed after a fire broke out at a recycling centre in south Wales. More than 40 firefighters are tackling the large blaze at Nolan Recycling in Stormy Down, near Pyle, Bridgend, and it is expected to continue for several Wales Fire and Rescue service said the fire broke out about 18:19 BST, and it sent six fire engines to the waste transfer site. It added that the blaze had been contained but the incident was still ongoing.
Sky News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Former Tory MP admits harassing ex-wife
A former Conservative MP has admitted harassing their ex-wife. Katie Wallis, who was previously known as Jamie, was the MP for Bridgend from 2019 until last year's election. On Tuesday, the 41-year-old admitted the "harassment without violence" of Rebecca Wallis between February and March of this year. At Cardiff Magistrates' Court, Wallis pleaded guilty to leaving her a number of messages. Defending, Narita Bahra KC, said her client did not wish to put their former partner, or their families, through anything more. "He has, on balance, taken the pragmatic view, and recognises that he has previously had a public profile and taken the view that he can be rearraigned," she said. A psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report will be sought ahead of the sentencing hearing. Ms Bahra said it would examine what impact Wallis's gender transition had on their mental health during the offending period. The former MP came out as transgender in 2022, the first UK MP to do so, telling Sky News at the time that they hoped to start the gender transition process "as quickly as possible". Later that year, they received a driving ban and fine for fleeing the scene after a car crash. Wallis, who wore a black cardigan over a white shirt, spoke only to confirm their details and enter their plea. "My preferred name is Katie, but my legal name is still Jamie," Wallis said. They arrived late to court, having waited for members of the press and media to enter the courtroom before they did. Wallis was released on bail and will be sentenced on 14 July.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife
A former Conservative MP has pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife. Katie Wallis, 41, of Butetown, Cardiff, admitted the 'harassment without violence' of Rebecca Wallis between February and March this year, having left her a number of messages and a voice note. Wallisbu was the MP for Bridgend in South Wales from 2019 to 2024. At Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, District Judge Rhys Williams accepted a basis of plea. Wallis pleaded guilty to leaving the messages, but allegations of having driven by their ex-wife's home were removed from the charge. Wallis will next appear before the court on July 14 for sentencing. Narita Bahra KC, appearing for the defence, said her client did not wish to put their former partner, or their children, through anything further. Ms Bahra said a psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report would be needed ahead of sentencing. She said this would examine what impact Wallis's gender transition had had on their mental health during the period the offences occurred. Wallis, who was wearing a black cardigan over a white shirt, arrived late to court, having waited for the press to enter the courtroom before they did. The defendant spoke only to confirm their details and enter their plea. Wallis said: 'My preferred name is Katie, but my legal name is still Jamie.' Wallis was released on bail.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Britain's first transgender MP pleads GUILTY to harassing ex-wife after bombarding her with texts
BRITAIN'S first transgender MP has pleaded guilty to harassing their ex-wife after bombarding her with text messages. Katie Wallis, who was previously known as Jamie, also left Rebecca Wallis a string of unwanted voice notes. 4 4 The 41-year-old was the MP for Bridgend in South Wales from 2019 to 2024. Wallis appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court today where they pleaded guilty to harassment. Wearing a black skirt and white shirt, they told the court: "My preferred name is Katie, but my legal name is still Jamie." Wallis admitted sending the messages but allegations of driving to Rebecca's home were removed from the charge. The voice notes and messages were sent between February and March this year while Wallis was going through the 'emotional, physical and medical' effects of changing gender, it was said. Narita Bahra KC, appearing for the defence, said her client did not wish to put their former partner, or their families, through anything further. The lawyer added: "He has, on balance, taken the pragmatic view, and recognises that he has previously had a public profile and taken the view that he can be rearraigned." Ms Bahra said a psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report would be needed ahead of sentencing. She said this would examine what impact Wallis's gender transition had had on their mental health during the period the offences occurred. The court was previously told Wallis and Rebecca were together for more than 15 years and share two children. The prosecution previously said: 'Following the victim informing Dr Wallis of a new relationship, the defendant's behaviour became harassing in nature. 'The frequency, nature and contents of the messages and voicemail amounted to harassment of the victim. 'Despite being arrested on February 28 and released on bail, the defendant has continued to send messages to his victim.' The case was adjourned to July 14 for sentencing. 4
