New president in membership drive

THE Culinary Association of Wales has a new president and is offering free membership to anyone employed in the catering industry.
Colin Gray, 54, from Bedwas, is keen to make the association an inclusive organisation that works in partnership with the catering and hospitality sector.
“I want to get everyone in the sector involved to make the association stronger and to speak with one voice,” said Mr Gray, owner of Capital Cuisine and Colin Gray Event Catering. “The more people we get behind it, the more we can achieve together.
“Free membership will open up a range of networking opportunities and a fee will be charged only if a member wishes to have a vote in the association.”
One of the first decisions taken under his presidency was to re-form the association’s Mid Wales region. Gareth Johns, co-owner of the Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth, is chairman, Arwyn Watkins, managing director of Cambrian Training Company, Welshpool is secretary and Nick Davies, co-owner of the Lion Hotel, Llandinam is treasurer.
The association plans to hold four major annual events – the National Chef of Wales or Junior Chef of Wales competitions, which are held in alternate years, the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos on Sea, a summer ball and a Christmas event. In addition, there will be separate events held in the three regions – North, South and Mid Wales.