Praise for high quality Mid Wales caravan parks that continue to set the standard

Owners of top quality caravan parks in Mid Wales who have invested millions of pounds into making them some of the best in the UK have been congratulated for exceptional five star grading results again this year.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates and Tony Bywater, chairman of leading caravan dealership Salop Leisure, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, both praised the parks for maintaining exceptional standards.

Their hard work has been recognised with 33 five star gradings from Visit Wales, the tourism arm of the Welsh Government,
which runs the rule over the parks. Thirteen of the parks are in Powys, 11 in Meirionnydd or South Gwynedd and eight in Ceredigion and one in Carmarthenshire.

Mr Skates said: Mr Skates said: “We need high standard facilities in Wales in order to attract visitors to Wales and entice them back time and again. With their five star ratings, the quality of the caravan parks in Mid Wales can compete with anywhere in the UK.

“Our figures indicate that 2016 has been another great year for tourism in Wales, following two record breaking years. There has been a growth of 15% in international tourism visits during the first six months of 2016 and occupancy levels have been maintained or increased across most sectors. Some 85% of businesses reported that they are confident about this year. We now look forward to working with the industry on the Year of Legends in 2017.”

Salop Leisure supplies caravans to many of the five star parks in Mid Wales, which not only attract thousands of tourists to the region but also promote a positive image of caravanning, says Mr Bywater. Eight of the Mid Wales caravan parks that he and his company owns have all received five star gradings.

“Mid Wales is renowned for having fantastic caravan parks that offer great value for money compared to other parts of the UK,” he added. “Great credit is due to the park owners and managers for continuing to raise their quality standard year after year.

“This year’s outstanding gradings in Mid Wales show that the industry is not resting on its laurels but continuing to invest in quality for the future.

“Discerning holiday home owners from North West England, The Potteries, West Midlands, Shropshire and South Wales regularly tell us that they really appreciate the quality and spectacular scenery offered by caravan parks in Mid Wales. They demand home from home luxury and that’s exactly what they get.”

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT, the independent organisation representing tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales, congratulated all the parks for consistently high standards, adding that their grading success was richly deserved.

“We are fortunate in Mid Wales to have some of the finest caravan parks in the UK and they account for one third of the visitor economy of the region,” she said.

The five star parks are: Ceredigion: Aeron Coast Caravan Park, Aberaeron; Bardsey View Holiday Park, Mydroilyn, Lampeter; Cardigan Bay Holiday Park, Poppit Sands, St Dogmaels, Cardigan; Green Meadow Holiday Home Park, Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth; Gwel y Cwm Caravan Park, New Quay; Ocean Heights Leisure Park, Maenygroes, New Quay; Pencnwc Holiday Park, Cross Inn, Llandysul; Woodland Hideaway Park, Glynarthen, Llandysul;. Carmarthenshire: Cenarth Falls Holiday Park, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn.

Meirionnydd: Bala Caravan Park, Plas Moel Garnedd, Llanycil, Bala; Gwynedd Holiday Home Park, Tywyn; Hendre Mynach Caravan Park, Barmouth; Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth; Llandanwg Holiday Home Park, Llandanwg, Harlech; Min- y- Don Holiday Home and Touring Park, Harlech; Pale Wood Holiday Park, Llandderfel, Bala;  Rowen Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth; Trawsdir Camping Park, Llanaber, Barmouth; Parc Gwyliau Pen y Garth Lodge Park, Llandderfel, Bala and Castle View  Holiday Park, Harlech.

Powys: Bishops Meadow Caravan Park, Brecon; Dolgead Hall Caravan Park, Llanfair Caereinion; Gwernydd Hall Holiday Home Park, New Mills, Newtown; Hidden Valley Caravan Park, Maesmawr, Guilsfield; Maesperthi Holiday Park, Penegoes, Machynlleth; Morben Isaf Holiday and Touring Park, Derwenlas, Machynlleth; Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park, Pencelli, Brecon; Rhyd-y-Groes Caravan and Camping Park, Marton, Welshpool; Seven Oaks Holiday Home Park, Crew Green, near Welshpool; Smithy Caravan Park, Abermule, near Montgomery; Derwen Mill Holiday Park, Guilsfield; Red Kite Touring Park, Llanidloes and Clywedog Caravan Park, Llanidloes.

Hat-trick of awards for popular Aberdyfi hotel

Trefeddian Hotel managing director Caroline Cave, her son Tom (right) and general manager William Moeran (second from left) receive their Best Loved Hotels award from Paul Buckley from sponsor Riasca watched by Julian Ebbutt (left), managing director of Best Loved Hotels.

Inclusion of the Trefeddian in the Editor’s Choice for top golf hotels is particularly fitting as it peers out over the famous links golf course at Aberdyfi.

The leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland, The Good Hotel Guide provides impartial advice on good places to stay. Hotels cannot buy their entry and the editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels.

Best Loved Hotel Awards, which are voted for by hotel guests, are designed to celebrate and showcase excellence across Best Loved properties throughout Britain and Ireland. The Extra Mile Award recognises seamless customer service, generosity of spirit, a hotel that is prepared to go above and beyond for its guests.

“The overall customer experience is paramount in any hotel stay and we feel our awards celebrate the eclectic nature of our hotel portfolio,” said Julian Ebbutt, managing director of Best Loved Hotels. “For hotels to achieve these exceptional standards and to constantly innovate and improve must be both recognised and celebrated.”

William Moeran, the Trefeddian’s delighted general manager, said: “It is always very satisfying to be featured in The Good Hotel Guide because of its independence and to pick up two Editor’s Choice awards is fantastic recognition for the hotel and our excellent staff.

“The Best Loved Hotels award is particularly pleasing because customer service is at the heart of everything we do. It’s lovely that guests recognise and acknowledge the high standard of our customer service and support us.

“The three awards are an endorsement that guests enjoy everything that we offer, from the quality food and service to the location. We value greatly their continued support.

“Caroline Cave has so much enthusiasm to drive the hotel forward. She continues to invest to further enhance the experience for guests who return year after year and to meet the expectations of new customers.”

Last winter, the hotel’s lounge was completely refurbished and this year attention will turn to giving the dining room a makeover. The hotel has 59 bedrooms and 50 staff, many with long service records, including hall porter John Horsley-Jones who has worked at the Trefeddian for 42 years.

The hotel is blessed with a stunning location, enjoying panoramic views over Cardigan Bay and a lovely, sandy beach. The hotel’s regular customers tend to be within two-and-a-half hours’ travelling distance, with the majority living in Shropshire and along the M54 corridor in the West Midlands.

The Trefeddian Hotel is ideally placed for golfing and activity breaks as it overlooks a golf course, has watersports and four miles of golden beach on its doorstep and is within a short drive of Coed-y-Brenin Mountain Bike Centre.

The hotel is a long-standing member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid and South Wales.

Local artist exhibits at Kerry Vale Vineyard

Kerry Vale Vineyard, situated on the Shropshire/Powys border, is hosting a new exhibition by local artist Penelope Timmis, which runs from November 19 to December 18.

The exhibition includes a combination of what Penelope is known best for: vibrant and contemporary fowl, flowers and landscape paintings. She has a very distinctive style which aims to reflect the life and colour that she sees in all that inspires her.

Her work has been much in demand since her departure from the Froebel Institute, Roehampton. An established painter she exhibits throughout Wales and the West of England.

Penelope won best entry with the Royal Birmingham Society of the Arts (RBSA) in 2009 and was shortlisted for the Daily Mail’s "Not the Turner" prize in 2004. A fellow of the Royal Society Arts, she supports Shelter Cymru and their art auctions and presented an exhibition for the Prince's Trust.

She is an elected Associate of Birmingham Society of the Arts and an associate of the Society of Women Artists.  Penelope’s solo exhibition can be viewed in the gallery above the vineyard’s shop and café during opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 3pm.

To launch her exhibition Penelope will be holding a drop-in ‘Meet the artist session’ on Friday, November 18 between 2pm and 3.30pm at the vineyard gallery where she will be available to chat, discuss her work and answer any questions.  Booking for ‘meet the artist’ is not required. 

Festivities and giant lanterns light up Cardigan this Christmas!

As Cardigan's Festive Fortnight draws nearer, Small World Theatre welcomes the public to the final free lantern making workshop on Sunday, November 20.

By constructing a lantern, participants will help make Cardigan light up and they will be able to take it home in time for Christmas.

The lantern making workshop is part a new project called Creative Cardigan that has launched a festive fortnight between December 3 - 17. The town has worked together to create a programme of exciting events including Christmas concerts, markets, a cabaret night, Christmas Tree Festival and creative workshops. See more at www.creativecardigan.com

Late night shopping, a giant lantern parade and a spectacular fireworks display at Prince Charles Quay will be held on Friday, December 9 between 6pm and 8.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the final lantern workshop so they can be part of this exciting evening. Lanterns are made from tissue paper and PVA glue, so participants are advised to wear old clothes and aprons will also be available. Book ahead by visiting www.smallworld.org.uk.

Machynlleth museum hosts Tim Tozer’s first UK solo exhibition

The Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth is presenting expatriate British artist Tim Tozer's first UK solo exhibition until February 4

Born in 1969 in Portsmouth, Tim attended Winchester School of Art and received his BA in Fine Art from the University of Ulster, Belfast. In 1994, he moved to the USA upon receiving the Andy Warhol Scholarship for study at the New York Academy of Art.

Since earning his MFA in painting, he has taught at numerous locations in the USA, including the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he is currently an associate professor in painting and drawing. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is represented there by the Groveland Gallery.

“The paintings in this exhibition are, in many ways, an attempt to connect to a sense of home,” said Tim. “Although I have lived and worked in the United States for more than 20 years, my work is informed by memories of the English coastline I grew up beside as well as the Welsh locations I visit and draw inspiration from today.”

The paintings are not, however, bound to one specific locale or personal experience; rather, through making them, Tim searches for a configuration of spaces, light and placement that resonate with something he cannot describe in any other way.

He starts with people and places he knows from his own life in order to do this, but it is only when the work departs from these that the paintings have the ability to connect directly to the impulses that drive them.

MOMA Machynlleth is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm

National library’s appeal for Aneurin Bevan archives

To mark Aneurin Bevan’s birthday on November 15, 1897, the Welsh Political Archive at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is launching an appeal for material about his life and work.

Bevan (pictured) stands amongst the most famous and influential Welsh politicians, serving as MP for Ebbw Vale from 1929-‘60, as a government minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. His most celebrated achievement came when, as Minister for Health and Housing in the reforming post-war Labour government, he was responsible for establishing the National Health Service.

The library holds copies of his books, including ‘In Place of Fear’ and the archives of his agent and Ebbw Vale Labour Party secretary Cllr. Ron Evans, but it is eager to collect more material about the work of this important man.

Rob Phillips, assistant archivist at the Welsh Political Archive, said: “Aneurin Bevan is a central figure in Welsh and British politics and we’re keen to collect more material about his life and work so that it will be available to all who want to know more about his contribution to modern Wales.

“We’re looking for all kinds of material; photographs, letters, leaflets, posters, booklets and so on, so that we can create a new collection to make his 120th birthday in 2017. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone who has material which they would be prepared to donate to the library.”

The Welsh Political Archive is a dedicated programme within the National Library of Wales to collect, store, catalogue and promote archival material which reflects the political life of Wales. The library holds the archives of the main political parties in Wales, along with those of individual politicians and campaign groups.

Further Information:
Elin- Hâf 01970 632471 or post@llgc.org.uk

The National Library wins prestigious volunteering award

Volunteers at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth have won a prestigious national award for their work.

‘Helping us to Achieve’, the library’s scheme to expand access to Wales’ national archives by developing a cadre of skilled volunteers, has won the Archive Volunteering Award for 2016.

Sponsored by the Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland) and sector partners, this annual award recognises outstanding work involving volunteers within an institutional archive service.

The judges said: “Helping us to Achieve was the stand-out nomination in a very strong field. In 2015-16 alone, 65 project volunteers took part in the scheme, volunteering the equivalent of over 1,000 days of their time.

“They completed 10 projects and tasks; another 10 are still in progress. 769 online volunteers also participated in ‘Cynefin’, a ground-breaking project to geo-reference Wales’s Tithe Maps.

“Helping us to Achieve has involved wide community collaboration and support, a diverse range of volunteers and benefitted from professional archive staff support at the National Library, as well as top-management backing. The scheme has also delivered at an individual level: around 20% of the volunteers have moved on to paid employment.”

One volunteer said: “Through the experience I have made friends with some lovely and like-minded people. This has given me a lot of confidence – I don’t feel intimidated by the workplace – I feel I belong.”

Another said: “I have completed nearly three and a half years of volunteering. During that time I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I like the general atmosphere of quiet and calmness.

“This is important to me because my epilepsy is mostly stress related. I am not sure if my new-found confidence is helping my epilepsy (but) my slight improvement in health is increasing my confidence.”

Linda Tomos, national librarian of Wales, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. I am delighted that the strong partnership between our volunteers, staff and our supporting partners to make our national archives more accessible has been recognised as an exemplar.

“NLW is committed to developing this innovative approach which is actively helping people to improve their quality of life and obtain workplace skills as well as learning more about our culture and heritage.”