Andrew Logan Museum jazz night with Paul Mason’s Secret Sextet

Paul Mason swings back into action at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture with his Secret Sextet for an eclectic and exciting New Year’s exploration of jazz. Shake off the turkey, mince pies and Christmas port daze from 8pm on January 8.

This presentation is the final in a trio of winter evenings presenting jazz at the Berriew museum and will be an opportunity to hear an eccentric mix of jazz from the 1950s to the present, from the likes of Art Pepper, Yusef Lateef, Oliver Nelson, Jerry Bergonzi and many more ground-breaking Jazz visionaries.

Mason was trained at the Royal College of Music and has played most of the major London Concert Halls and West End, eventually specialising in big bands, chamber jazz and creative improvisation. 

He played at Elton John’s infamous birthday party and now lives in Mid Wales running jazz groups for the love of it.  The Secret Sextet, whose inaugural performance was at ALMoS in May 2015, is his latest and most colourful concoction of sounds, taking the best of modern jazz to make beautiful, melodic, creative music.

“We are thrilled and delighted to have such wonderful, eminent musicians playing at the museum,” said Michael Davis, chair of the board. “What a way to finish our trio of jazz evenings.”

Paul Mason’s Secret Sextet will play shortly after doors open at 8pm. Tickets are £15, including a light supper and can be bought from the museum,  via the Andrew Logan website -http://www.andrewlogan.org - or in person at R. H. Bunners, Montgomery.

The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture opened in Berriew in 1991 and houses a glittering selection of Logan’s signature sculptures and jewellery.  The museum is open 12 – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, July, August and September and by arrangement.  Entry is only £3 and £1.50 for concessions, with family tickets available.

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Editor's Notes:

Born in Oxford in 1945, Andrew Logan qualified in architecture in the late 1960s and has worked across the fields of sculpture, stage design, drama, opera, parades, festivals and interior design. To him “art can be discovered anywhere.” Logan crosses cultures and embodies artistic fantasy in a unique and unprecedented way. His work is the art of popular poetry and metropolitan glamour. From his early fame amongst London’s fashionable crowd, he has become an influential artist of international stature, with exhibitions as far afield as Los Angeles (USA), Monterrey (Mexico) and St Petersburg (Russia).

For more information, contact Anne-Marie Pope on 07813 885 906 or the Museum direct on 01686 640 689, almos@andrewloganmuseum.org<mailto:almos@andrewloganmuseum.org>

MOMA Machynlleth museum achieves accreditation

Machynlleth Tabernacle Trust has been awarded accreditation by the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division for its Museum of Modern Art.

As a result of its new status the museum will in future be known as MOMA Machynlleth.

Andrew Lambert, trust founder, said he was happy with the change of name as he believed it would further strengthen Machynlleth's unique position in the culture and language of Wales.

The new website address is www.moma.machynlleth.org.uk . The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

The Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth (MOMA, MACHYNLLETH) was established in 1991 as MOMA WALES alongside The Tabernacle in Machynlleth. It is owned and run by Machynlleth Tabernacle Trust which is funded by grants and public donations.

Throughout the year, the galleries show contemporary art, featuring leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection and, in August, selected entries from the Tabernacle Art Competition. Many of the works of art are for sale.

The current exhibition programme is supported by the Arts Council of Wales. In May, 2015 "The Tannery" was opened after many years of fundraising and restoration of this historic industrial building, which contains two galleries, connected to the main building by a bridge, one of which is specifically for sculpture. This brings the number of exhibition spaces up to seven.

Contact: Richard Lambert, Honorary Treasurer richard@moma.machynlleth.org.uk 01654 70335

Talyllyn Railway 150th anniversary events to continue in 2016

Talyllyn Railway has announced the continuation of its 150th anniversary celebrations with two new gala weekends to be held in 2016.

Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (April 30 - May 2) the railway will be holding the ‘Road to Adventure Gala’ to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of the extension between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol along the former mineral line. The extension was dubbed ‘The Road to Adventure’ by L.T.C. Rolt.

The weekend, which will have a 1970s theme, will feature re-enactments of some of the key moments of the building of the extension, including a reunion of the ‘Gwerns’, the name given to volunteers and staff who worked on the project.

On April 30, the railway will work a modified version of the early 1970s peak service between Tywyn Wharf and Abergynowyn, with a shuttle service operating between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol. Then on May 1 the 1976 peak service will be operated including 10 daytime departures from Tywyn Wharf. In the evening there will also be a members’ barbecue.

May 2 will see the 25th anniversary of locomotive No.7 ‘Tom Rolt’ being celebrated with a ceremony at Abergynolwyn, having previously been the subject of an early morning photo train. This will also include the 75th anniversary of diesel locomotive No.5 ‘Midlander’, which will be in charge of the railway’s vintage set on the day.

In addition, throughout the weekend, there will be various 1970s themed activities for all the family, including some iconic children’s games from the period.

Then, to finish the railway’s 150th celebrations, there will be ‘The Grand Finale’ over the weekend of July 1-3. This will major on the 150th anniversary of the locomotive No.2 ‘Dolgoch’, which was delivered in the summer of 1866 and on May 14, 1951 became world famous for hauling the first train on a preserved railway anywhere in the world.

A spokesperson for the railway said: ‘Last year’s galas were an amazing success and, with a number of significant anniversaries in 2016, it seemed right to continue the celebrations into the new year.

“As we started the celebrations with the 150th anniversary of the completion of locomotive No.1 ‘Talyllyn’ in September 2014, it seemed appropriate that we should end them with a party to mark No.2 ‘Dolgoch’s’ 150th. It is probably one of the most iconic locomotives in the world and without its efforts in 1951 there might not be a world-wide heritage movement today.

“Much like last year’s ‘150th Party’ ‘The Grand Finale’ will feature some sights and sounds never seen on the Talyllyn before and will be a fitting end to the railway’s 150th celebrations.”

More details will be announced early in the new year.

Picture caption:

No.2 ‘Dolgoch’ will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary at ‘The Grand Finale’ gala in July 2016.

Editor’s notes

Talyllyn Railway is a narrow gauge railway opened for goods traffic in 1865 and shortly after for passenger services, which have operated every year since between Tywyn on the west coast of Wales and Nant Gwernol, just over seven miles inland. In 1951, operation of the line was taken over by Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society and became the world’s first preserved railway.

Operation of the line is primarily by volunteers from all walks of life, with a small paid staff. It is now a major tourist attraction in Mid Wales, contributing significantly to the area’s economy.

Wales tourism industry opposes Visit Britain’s merger with Visit England

An organisation which represents all sectors of the tourism industry in Wales is calling for a proposed merger between its English counterpart and Visit Britain to be scrapped.

The Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) has written to John Whittingdale, the Westminster Government’s minister for culture, media and sport, asking him to reconsider the Visit England merger proposal. The letter has been copied to Ken Skates, Wales’ deputy minister for culture, tourism and sport.

WTA chairman Adrian Barsby (pictured) has called on the minister to reflect on a Select Committee recommendation that there should be “clearer delineation of the respective roles of Visit Britain and Visit England”.

In his letter, Mr Barsby states that the WTA has always been assured that Visit Britain is even handed in its promotion of the England, Wales and Scotland, yet there are views within the industry that its focus is London centric.

“Having worked in the industry in Wales for 22 years, I can say with complete certainty that this is the feeling of most of the nation’s tourism businesses,” he adds. “If Visit England were to be subsumed into Visit Britain, this feeling is bound to increase and indeed it is likely to have more substance.

“The position of the representatives from Wales and other countries on a Visit Britain board, which is also responsible for tourism development in England, would be invidious. It is important that Visit Britain has a clear and unambiguous Britain-wide remit and if this is compromised it could lead to tensions with potentially wide ramifications.”

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For more information please contact either Adrian Barsby, Wales Tourism Alliance chairman, on Tel: 01352 741998 or 07921 787668.

Newtown country house wins luxury apartment of the year award for Powys

A country house retreat on the outskirts of Newtown has been named luxury apartment of the year award for Powys in the World Travel Awards™.

Penygelli Apartments - http://www.penygelli.co.uk - is run by Phil Davies and Zoe Hawkins who are delighted to receive the award following their nomination by a guest who stayed in one of their two studio apartments, which have kitchenette and en suite facilities.

“The award came as a complete surprise to us but it’s nice to receive recognition for the quality of the accommodation,” said Zoe. “Whether our guests are joining us for a short or long stay, for business or leisure, we aim to make their visit to Penygelli as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”

The flexible apartments can either be a super king sized double or twin room and an adjoining single room is also available if required. Children are accepted only if both apartments are booked together and well behaved pets are allowed by prior arrangement.

Each apartment has free wi-fi and a large flat screen TV with Sky and Sky Sports. A welcome pack is provided in each apartment complete with fresh bread, Welsh butter, milk, Welsh tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits.

Set amongst magnificent countryside just one mile from Newtown, Penygelli Apartments offers an ideal base from which to explore Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches. The business has joined FairBooking™ Wales, which is part of an internationally recognised initiative designed to help visitors make ethical booking choices.

By booking the accommodation directly through FairBooking™ Wales, the business makes a big saving on commission rates charged by online travel agents. In return Penygelli Apartments agrees to provide the best deal available to customers, to provide complimentary extras as a bonus and to donate £1 to the Wales Air Ambulance for each booking received.

Penygelli Apartments is a member of MWT, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid and South Wales.

World Travel Awards™ were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

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For more information please contact Zoe Hawkins on Tel 01686 951497 or 07983730151.

Ssshh! Andrew Logan Museum, Jazz Night with Paul Mason and his secret sextet

SSSHHH! ANDREW LOGAN MUSEUM JAZZ NIGHT WITH PAUL MASON AND HIS SECRET SEXTET



****Friday 8 January 2016****



Paul Mason swings back into action at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture with his Secret Sextet for an eclectic and exciting New Year’s exploration of jazz. Shake off that turkey, mince pies and christmas port daze with us from 8pm.


This presentation is the final in trio of winter evenings presenting Jazz at the Berriew museum and will be an opportunity to hear an eccentric mix of Jazz from the 1950’s to the present, from the likes of Art Pepper, Yusef Lateef, Oliver Nelson Jerry Bergonzi, and many more ground-breaking Jazz visionaries

Mason was trained at the Royal College of Music and has played most of the major London Concert Halls and West End, eventually specialising in Big Bands, Chamber Jazz and creative improvisation. He played at Elton John’s infamous birthday party (the one with the Porsche) and now lives in mid-Wales running Jazz groups for the love of it. The Secret Sextet, whose inaugural performance was at ALMoS in May 2015, is his latest and most colourful concoction of sounds, taking the best of modern(ish) Jazz to make beautiful, melodic, creative music.

“We are thrilled and delighted to have such wonderful, eminent musicians playing at the museum” said Michael Davis, Chair of the Board, “what a way to finish our trio of jazz evenings”.

Paul Mason’s Secret Sextet will play shortly after doors open at 8pm.  Tickets are £15, including a light supper and can be bought from the museum, Andrew Logan website (www.andrewlogan.org), or in person at R H Bunners, Montgomery.

The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture opened in Berriew in 1991 and houses a glittering selection of Logan’s signature sculptures and jewellery.  The museum is open 12 – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, July, August and September and by arrangement.  Entry is only £3.00 (concs £1.50).  Family tickets available.

For more information, contact Anne-Marie Pope on 07813 885 906 or the Museum direct on 01686 640 689, almos@andrewloganmuseum.org

Newtown country house wins luxury apartment of the year award for Powys

Penygelli Apartments

A country house retreat on the outskirts of Newtown has been named luxury apartment of the year award for Powys in the World Travel Awards™.

Penygelli Apartments - http://www.penygelli.co.uk - is run by Phil Davies and Zoe Hawkins who are delighted to receive the award following their nomination by a guest who stayed in one of their two studio apartments, which have kitchenette and en suite facilities.

“The award came as a complete surprise to us but it’s nice to receive recognition for the quality of the accommodation,” said Zoe. “Whether our guests are joining us for a short or long stay, for business or leisure, we aim to make their visit to Penygelli as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”

The flexible apartments can either be a super king sized double or twin room and an adjoining single room is also available if required. Children are accepted only if both apartments are booked together and well behaved pets are allowed by prior arrangement.

Each apartment has free wi-fi and a large flat screen TV with Sky and Sky Sports. A welcome pack is provided in each apartment complete with fresh bread, Welsh butter, milk, Welsh tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits.

Set amongst magnificent countryside just one mile from Newtown, Penygelli Apartments offers an ideal base from which to explore Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches. The business has joined FairBooking™ Wales, which is part of an internationally recognised initiative designed to help visitors make ethical booking choices.

By booking the accommodation directly through FairBooking™ Wales, the business makes a big saving on commission rates charged by online travel agents. In return
Penygelli Apartments agrees to provide the best deal available to customers, to provide complimentary extras as a bonus and to donate £1 to the Wales Air Ambulance for each booking received.

Penygelli Apartments is a member of MWT, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid and South Wales.

World Travel Awards™ were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Ends

For more information please contact Zoe Hawkins on Tel 01686 951497 or 07983730151 www.penygelli.co.uk 

Historic Mid Wales mansion venue targeting classic car clubs in 2016

A magnificent Mid Wales mansion, which is used as a venue for weddings, corporate events and house parties, is aiming to attract more classic car clubs to stay during 2016.

Eldrydd and Tyson Lamp, who returned from Australia three years ago to breathe new life into Plas Dinam, situated in the village of Llandinam, near Newtown, believe the historic property is ideally suited to car clubs, having hosted the TVR Car Club this year.

Eldrydd is a descendant of famous Victorian railway and mining entrepreneur David Davies and Plas Dinam has been home to five generations of the Davies family for 129 years. The impressive, Grade II Listed mansion, which has 15 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, is surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful gardens, lawns and woodland overlooking the scenic upper Severn Valley.

She and Tyson, a former motorsport club racer, said Plas Dinam is able to accommodate up to 32 people and provide tailor-made road trips for them either in either midweek or at weekends.

“The winding, scenic roads leading to Plas Dinam are a driver’s delight and we can put together a custom made road book for a rally,” said Eldrydd. “This road book will take them from Plas Dinam along the best driving roads and mountain passes and can be in the form of a fun competition, perhaps incorporating pub lunch and coffee stops.

“We can also organise rallies for the days during the club’s stay to show off the stunning scenery and picturesque towns. Tyson is a keen car enthusiast, having raced in club motorsport in the UK and in Australia.”

The gardens at Plas Dinam are now open under the National Garden Scheme and 36 species of flowers and grasses have been recorded in the wildflower meadow, including huge areas of wild orchids.

Just one weekend remains available to book in June next year, when the meadow is at its best. Weekends in January, July and August are already fully booked. February, April, May and October each have two weekends available, while March has just one weekend free.

Having converted the Old Victorian Stables as an additional wedding venue this year, the couple’s next project is to renovate The Lodge, at the drive entrance to Plas Dinam, to provide extra accommodation for guests.

Picture caption:

Members of the TVR Car Club at Plas Dinam.

Notes for Editors

Plas Dinam was designed and built in 1873 by the well-known London based architect, W.E. Nesfield for his client, Captain Offley Crewe-Read, deputy lieutenant of the county, JP and descendant of the ancient Crewe family of Flintshire and Cheshire.

The property was purchased by David Davies (1818-’90), a sawyer who made his fortune building railways and developing Welsh mines, in 1884 for his son Edward, who died in 1898 at the age of 48. Edward was survived by three children, son David and two daughters, Gwendoline and Margaret. David (1880-1944) followed his grandfather’s lead, becoming MP for Montgomeryshire from 1906-’29 and the first Baron of Llandinam in 1932.

The sisters went on to become great art patrons, establishing collections of international importance at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, which were later donated to the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
For a short period during the war, Gordonstoun School was relocated from Scotland to Plas Dinam to ensure the safety of the schoolboys. The house also housed an agricultural college for a period after the war.

Lady (Eldrydd) Davies, wife of the second Lord Davies, effectively inherited the house when her husband, Mike, was killed in Second World War action in Holland in 1944. Her father-in-law had died earlier the same year. Raising two sons, David and Jonathan, by herself at Llwynderw in the village, she took the momentous decision to move back into Plas Dinam in 1957.

It has been a much-loved family home ever since, with the current Lord and Lady Davies moving into the house after his mother’s death in 1966. In 2001, fire devastated the top floor of the house, which took two years to restore to its former glory.

When Lord and Lady Davies downsized from Plas Dinam to smaller accommodation in the village in 2011, Eldrydd and Tyson returned from near Perth with their children.

Ends

For more information, please contact Eldrydd Lamp on 07415 503554.

Mid Wales tourism organisation attracts 48 new members in last year

An independent organisation that represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid and South Wales attracted 48 new members over the past year, the annual meeting was told.

“Members have reported strong growth this year with visitor confidence returning and we have been delighted to welcome so many new member businesses,” MWT’s chief executive Val Hawkins reported at the meeting held at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth on December 4.

“Our primary focus in the past year was to position MWT to enable the company to meet future challenges and opportunities, supporting our members and, in partnership with other tourism organisations, help develop the tourism economy of Mid Wales and beyond.”

MWT’s chairman Anne Lloyd-Jones said the organisation approached its 25th year in business with optimism and she thanked members for their continued support.

“As a business-led organisation we are committed to delivering activities which support the growth and development of a strong and sustainable tourism industry,” she added. “It is pleasing to note that our membership figures remain strong with a growing number of businesses across South Wales also benefiting from our services.”

Mrs Hawkins said MWT’s primary aim was to give members a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Exclusive supplier discounts and services, access to impartial support and advice and a continual programme of investment in the latest digital marketing technology are designed to help MWT members to save time and money.

She reported a “significant increase” in the number of members using MWT’s one-to-one support services, including marketing reviews, website design and helpdesk services. Investment in the latest online marketing technology was designed to give members a competitive edge.

Projects undertaken included the launch of FairBooking™ Wales, which aims to encourage customers to book accommodation direct with a business instead of through high commission online channels. Direct booking enables tourism businesses to keep a larger share of the fee paid by guests.

Wales has become only the fourth destination in the UK to join the FairBooking™ initiative, with in excess of 30 Welsh businesses already involved.

Other projects include a focus on travel tourism initiatives aimed at achieving a step change in how visitors travel to and around Mid Wales by encouraging them to use low impact options.

MWT is a member of the Wales Tourism Alliance, which lobbies politicians at a national level on behalf of the tourism industry. The WTA will be supporting members to lobby their local Assembly Members and prospective candidates in the run up to next year’s National Assembly for Wales election to ensure the best deal for tourism businesses.

Vice chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, of Penrhos Park Golf and Country Club, Llanrhystud was reappointed as a trade director for Ceredigion and Paul Boland, general manager of the National Trust property Llanerchaeron, near Aberaeron, was co-opted.

The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir to feature on Channel 5

Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall in Mid Wales is to appear in a Channel 5 documentary about Christmas next week. ‘Crackers about Christmas’ is to be televised at 8pm on Tuesday, December 8.

“The programme is a light-hearted look about the more eccentric ways in which Christmas is celebrated,” said Paul Humpherston, owner of the Grade II, Gothic Revival property near Llandrindod Wells. “We appear to qualify as the only property in the UK to have all 52 rooms decorated to individual themes for Christmas!”

The filming covered the hall’s planning and preparations in October through to the first group guided tour in November by Pontrobert Friendly Society.

“The Channel 5 team said that they had never seen a property quite like The Hall before and were taken aback by the scope, quality and scale of the decorations, added Mr Humpherston. “The whole thing should make unusual television.

“We share our home with its outstanding architecture, stunning interiors, fascinating collections and beautiful gardens throughout the year with visitors who tour the house in a true family atmosphere, but Christmas is something special.

“There is nowhere else in the UK to have 52 rooms, all with Christmas trees and separate decorative themes.”

Christmas celebrations at Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall continue until January 6, 2016. To book a guided tour telephone 01597 851727 or email info@abbeycwmhir.com. Tours of all 52 rooms cost £16 per person or £14 for groups or repeat visitors. Children are charged £5 each.

Visit http://www.abbeycwmhir.com/ for more information.

Picture captions:

Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall at night and one of the 52 rooms at Abbey-Cwm-Hir decorated for Christmas.

Ends

For more information please contact Paul Humpherston at Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall, on 01597 851727.

Corris Railway’s Santa train services to run on December 12 and 13

Corris Railway will be operating its popular Santa Train services on December 12 and 13.

Following a heavy overhaul last year, steam locomotive Number 7 will head the Santa Train, which will also feature carriage number 22, making its festive season debut after entering traffic in September.

The trains will leave Corris Station at hourly intervals with the first departure at 11am and the last at 3pm. Passengers will enjoy the ride to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting in his grotto with presents for all the children.

There will be seasonal refreshments for the adults and the round trip will take just under an hour.  The fare for adults and seniors is £5 and for children £7.50. A family ticket - two adults and two children - will cost £20.

Corris Station is in the village and can be reached by turning off the A487 Dolgellau to Machynlleth road at the Braich Goch Inn.

“It will be good to hear the sound of a steam train at work in the Dulas Valley in the lead-up to Christmas and both our volunteer workers and the passengers always find the Santa days a lovely way to finish off our year of operations,” said organiser Bill Newton.

Picture caption:

Santa Claus at Corris Railway last year.

New exhibitions for Christmas at Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art, Wales in Machynlleth is offering a feast for the eyes this Christmas with seven exhibitions of modern sculptures, ceramics, portrait and landscape paintings.

There should be something for every taste and many of the works are for sale. Peter McNally’s exhibition, ‘The Stream and The Steam - Y Nanta’r Ager’, runs until January 16 and features a selection of paintings from the past 30 years reflecting his interest in modern art movements and the influence of his early life in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Moelwyn mountains are a repeated theme throughout his work.

Bob Guy’s exhibition, titled ‘Embrace the Hills - Cofieido’r Bryniau’, which also runs until January 16, is part of a project for which he is producing wood engravings to celebrate 40 years in Montgomeryshire and the various places he has lived around the Tanat and Cain valleys.

Specialising in wood engraving, a technique pioneered in the late 18th century by Thomas Bewick and revived in the 20th century, Bob has recently been elected a member of the Society of Wood Engravers.

Simon Fenoulhet’s Counting in Colour – Cyfrif Mewn Lliw, which ends on January 16, is part of a series of light installations that uses the accidental colours in modern manufacturing, looking for sense and meaning where none is supposed to reside.
It could be a metaphor for our own reaction to the strange world of manufactured goods that surround us while at the same time celebrating the curious aesthetic that exists in the most unlikely places.

Simon studied fine art at both Newport and Cardiff Colleges of Art, gaining a Masters Degree in 1987. Since then he has worked throughout Wales as an artist, educator and public art consultant. He was a founding staff member of Cywaith Cymru Artworks Wales, the national organisation for public art in Wales and served as its deputy director between 1991 and 2002. On Wednesday, February 9, he will give a free talk at noon at MOMA, Wales.

An exhibition of ceramics and paintings by Eluned Glyn and her father Glyn Tomos runs until January 23. Eluned graduated with a first class degree in ceramics in 2012 and describes herself as a ceramic designer. She is interested in the deconstruction and distortion of domestic pottery into a familiar yet foreign form.

Glyn is primarily interested in figurative drawing and painting. During his teaching career, he taught art at Ysgol Maes-y-Dderwen, Ystradgynlais, Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery, Ysgol Bro Dyfi, Machynlleth and finally, in 1990, Penweddig, Aberystwyth before retiring in 2010.

Two of his works are held in the Tabernacle Collection but he rarely exhibits. Eluned will be giving a free talk at noon on Wednesday, January 13.

Dan Roberson’s exhibition, titled ‘Pivotal Moments & Memories1975-2015 - Eiliadau ac Atgofion Allweddol 1975-2015’, ends on January 23. Dan describes himself as a painter who is inspired by the people and places that surround him. It is of great importance to him that his work is accessible to all; his aim is to stimulate but never to alienate.

Painting, he believes, is the perfect vehicle for this. A lifelong painter, Dan returned to education as a mature student in 2006 and obtained a first class degree in fine art from Aberystwyth University and a masters degree with distinction.

The exhibition titled ‘Our Glorious Coastline - Ein Harfordir Godidog’, which ends on March 5, is a themed selection of paintings from the Tabernacle Collection by Mike Briscoe, Andrea Kelland, Judy Linnell, Jean Napier, Arthur Charles Kemp, David Tress, Therese Urbanska, Gill Watkiss, Geoff Yeomans, as well as work by Wynne Jenkins and Josephine Thomas.

Howard Bowcott’s exhibition, titled ‘Raising Stones - Codi Cerrig’, which ends on January 9 is ongoing.

MOMA, Wales is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Picture caption:

Simon Fenoulhet with a work from his 'Counting in Colour' exhibition.

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

The Museum of Modern Art, Wales (MOMA, WALES) was established in 1991 alongside The Tabernacle in Machynlleth. It is owned and run by Machynlleth Tabernacle Trust which is funded by grants and public donations. Throughout the year, the galleries show contemporary art, featuring leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection and, in August, selected entries from the Tabernacle Art Competition.

Many of the works of art are for sale. The current exhibition programme is supported by the Arts Council of Wales. In May 2015 "The Tannery" was opened after many years of fundraising and restoration of this historic industrial building. This contains two galleries, connected to the main building by a bridge, one of which is specifically for sculpture. This brings the number of exhibition spaces up to seven.

For more information please contact: Lucinda Middleton, Richard and Ann Mayou Fund Curator at lucinda@momawales.org.uk or Tel: 01654703355

International recognition as Fforest Fawr becomes a UNESCO Global Geopark

Fforest Fawr Geopark in the Brecon Beacons has been recognised as one of the UK’s seven Global Geoparks under a new UNESCO initiative.

The programme is the first formal recognition of Global Geoparks and confers on Fforest Fawr the same prestigious status which UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites enjoy.

Fforest Fawr Geopark is celebrating its inclusion in the list - the first initiative of its kind from UNESCO (United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture) in 40 years. The decision was reached in Paris at the organisation’s general conference last week.

The status recognises an area of outstanding geological interest together with its distinct industrial, cultural and archaeological heritage, where the local communities promote the local, unique geology to stimulate economic development in the area.

Fforest Fawr was the first Welsh Geopark and it celebrated its 10th birthday last month. In 2016, it will receive a visit from the network’s evaluators who will ensure that the Global Geopark is continuing to develop and improve.

Dr Tony Ramsay, scientific director of the Fforest Fawr Geopark, said: "I am thrilled that the first decade of our Geopark is marked by this international recognition. The success of our Geopark is based on the strong cooperation between its communities and partner organisations.

"Our Geopark Festival in May has proved very popular in promoting Fforest Fawr Geopark. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed guided walks and stimulating lectures by experts in various fields. I think this new international designation will inspire us to go from strength to strength.”

Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority's member champion for business and development, agreed: “We have just finished a scrutiny review of the impact of the Geopark and it has drawn our attention to the community engagement in and enthusiasm for the Fforest Fawr Geopark.

"We have trained more than 50 local businesses to become specialist ambassadors for our Geopark and the UNESCO Global Geopark programme will help us to build on our work here and reach an even wider audience."

UK National Commission for UNESCO’s natural sciences director, Dr. Beth Taylor said: “The UK’s seven Global Geoparks are a national treasure, not just in terms of their geological interest but the enthusiasm and dedication of their local champions who work so hard to maintain them and to make the most of the educational and economic opportunities they offer.

"They are a great illustration of local communities working very effectively in some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the UK. But I appreciate that they are also a bit of a national secret, not widely recognised by visitors or even by many of those who live within their boundaries.

"I hope that the UNESCO brand will give our Global Geoparks the same recognition factor as World Heritage Sites – a visible guarantee of their international significance and an assurance that they are great places to visit and explore.”

ENDS

For more information contact Jo Maurice, communications manager, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Tel: 01874 620 406

Welsh tourism businesses urged save money by signing up for FairBooking™

Welsh tourism and hospitality businesses are being encouraged to join the first 30 that have signed up to FairBooking™ Wales, an international initiative aimed at helping visitors make ethical booking choices.

FairBooking™ Wales - http://www.fairbookingwales.com/ - aims to encourage customers to book direct with a business to get the best deal and avoid a hefty commission charged every time a booking is made via an online travel agency.

This will enable tourism businesses to keep a larger share of the fee paid by guests booking their accommodation. More than 35 countries worldwide are now taking part in this initiative.

Wales has become only the fourth destination in the UK to sign up to Fair Book, following Cumbria Tourism, New Forest Destination Partnership and Visit Cornwall.

The initiative in Wales has been introduced by MWT Cymru, a not for profit, independent organisation that represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion, Meirionnydd and South Wales.

Participating businesses agree to provide the best deal available to customers who book direct and are encouraged to throw in complimentary extras as a bonus. In return, for every direct booking made, participating businesses pledge to make a donation of a set value to a local charity of their choice.

Fair Booking Wales aims to support best practice, improve customer experience, increase profit margin and establish Wales as a FairBooking™ community. For each direct booking received, participating businesses give a minimum of 50p to a charity of their choice.

“Online travel agents provide a good service but visitors are often unaware of the high commission charged – 18 per cent upwards - to accommodation provider,” explained Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief execiutive. “Most OTAs also demand that businesses match the price displayed on their own website.

“If a booking is worth £200, a tourism business could save £36 in commission by encouraging a visitor to book direct with them. We are dedicated to helping tourism businesses in Wales attract more direct bookings and reduce their reliance on online travel agencies.

“When the first FairBooking™ initiative was introduced to the UK, MWT Cymru had the opportunity to develop the scheme in Wales. It sits perfectly with our company’s ethics: Helping the visitor, helping the businesses and helping the industry.”

As the official partners for FairBooking™ Wales, MWTY Cymru has committed to donating one per cent of the value booked through the Wales section of www.fairbookinguk.com to the Wales Air Ambulance.

For information on how to join FairBooking™ Wales, contact MWT Cymru on Tel: 01654 702653.

Let Powis Castle provide the perfect antidote to ‘Black Friday’

A stroll around the spectacular illuminated garden at Powis Castle, Welshpool is guaranteed to brighten up even the darkest of winter nights.

Wander along the magical terraces and see the Yew tumps rise spectacularly from the darkness. Marvel at our lit lead statues dancing in the spotlights and our picturesque castle floating majestically above a sea of colour.

The illuminated garden event provides a unique opportunity to experience the unfamiliar sights and sounds of Powis Castle after dark. Visit this spectacle between November 27-29, December 4-6 and 11-13 from 5pm to 8.30pm, with last entry at 7.30pm.

The castle will also be open until 8pm on each of the evenings, decked out in all the splendour of an Edwardian family Christmas. Visitors will see beautiful decorations and chandeliers glinting in the candlelight to get them in the festive spirit!

The castle’s Christmas shop and restaurant and will remain open until 8pm. The cost of the visit is: Garden only: adults £5.20, children £2.60, free to National Trust members. Castle and garden: adults £6.70, children £3.35, free to National Trust members.

ends

Notes for Editors:

Powis Castle facts: 

Powis Castle began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh princes of Powys, who held on to their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and England.
In 1587, Powis was sold to Sir Edward Herbert who created the romantic long gallery which is richly decorated with the coats of arms of his ancestors.
The first Marquess of Powis was forced into exile in 1668 due to his loyalty to the deposed King James II.
In 1784, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert and Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, combined the Powis and Clive estates.
In the early 20th century, the 4th Earl of Powis and his wife, Lady Violet, redecorated much of the castle and brought the garden back to life, introducing new varieties from all over the world.

National Trust

The National Trust was founded in 1895 to care for places of historic interest or natural beauty. In Wales it cares for over 45,000 hectares of countryside, 140 miles of coastline as well as some of the finest castles and gardens.
The trust is the largest conservation organisation in Europe, supported by four million members, 100,000 of whom live in Wales. As a charity it relies on membership subscriptions, gifts and other voluntary support to meet its £148 million annual conservation and maintenance costs.
The trust’s properties have unique legal protection “inalienability” – they cannot ever be sold or mortgaged without permission of Parliament.

For further information please contact Ruth Scutter on 01938 551929. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @NTPowisCastle 2. 

Mid Wales tourism organisation to hold annual meeting in Aberystwyth

Tourism and hospitality businesses from across Mid Wales with gather in Aberystwyth next month for the annual meeting of a leading tourism organisation.

MWT Cymru, a not for profit, independent organisation that represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion, Meirionnydd and South Wales, will be meeting at the National Library on December 4.

MWT Cymru chairman Anne Lloyd Jones and chief executive Val Hawkins will report on the year’s business activities, including the launch of FairBooking Wales and update members on the company’s future plans for 2016.

Aberystwyth chef to compete in final of Welsh culinary contest

An Aberystwyth chef has made it through to the National Chef of Wales contest final in the new year after closely contested semi-finals.

Nathan Davies, 25, head chef at the Belle Vue Royal Hotel, Aberystwyth, is joined in the final by Benjamin Taylor, 34, head chef and Thomas Westerland, 24, chef de partie, both from the Michelin starred Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa at Colerne, near Chippenham and Jack Davison, 23, sous chef from Deganwy Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy, who was runner up in the final two years ago.

Davies, who was making his competition debut, confessed to being “gobsmacked” when his name was read out in the top four. “I am chuffed to bits,” he said. “We have worked hard on the dishes and every single time I think I could have done better. I can’t wait for the final now and it would amazing to win.”

They clinched the four final places after the semi-finals, hosted by NPTC Group’s Newtown campus on Monday. For the first time, the contest has been thrown open to Wales born chefs who are now working outside the country. Previously, the contest was restricted to chefs living, working or studying in Wales.

The competition is organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and main sponsor is Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s department representing the food and drink industry.

Apart from the kudos of being named best in Wales, the winner of the nation’s premier culinary contest for senior chefs will automatically go through to the UK semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year contest.

The final will be held on the last day of the 2016 Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay on the afternoon of Thursday, February 18. The finalists will be given three hours to cook a three course meal.

The judges were chairman John Retallick, CAW secretary, Colin Gray, chef patron of Capital Cuisine and CAW vice president, Michael Bates, executive chef at the Celtic Manor, Newport, Shaun Bailey, senior chef lecturer at NPTC Newtown campus, Eric Bruce, chef patron at Restaurant Severn, Ironbridge and Chris Bason, Cambrian Training Company’s head of hospitality.

The judges praised the high standard of the competition and congratulated the chefs for producing some “stunning” individual dishes.

The losing semi-finalists were: Dion Jones, head chef at the Lion and Pheasant Hotel, Shrewsbury, John Quill, owner of JQ Catering Services, Cardiff, Andreas Leisinger, senior sous chef at St Georges Hotel, Llandudno, Nickolas Collins, director of Grate Catering and The Pickled Radish @ The Laleston Inn, Laleston, near Bridgend.

The four finalists (from left) Benjamin Taylor, Thomas Westerland, Nathan Davies 

and Jack Davison with Culinary Association of Wales secretary John Retallick.

Picture captions:

Top: Nathan Davies ‘fired up” in the semi final.

Notes for Editors:

The chefs’ menus:

Nathan Davies: Starter: Mi-cuit salmon, cottage cheese organic local watercress and picked SY23 elderberries. Main course: SY23 lamb rump and braised satay, salt baked organic beetroot, organic leaves, charred spring onions, Llaeth y Llan yoghurt and braising sauce. Dessert: aerated chocolate, poached pear, caramelised pear sorbet, vanilla mayonnaise, wood sorrel and candied walnuts.

Benjamin Taylor: Starter: Roast loin of rabbit, sage and rabbit pate, pickled carrots, cobnuts and wood sorrel. Main course: Baked fillet of Welsh seatrout, beetroot puree, shitake mushrooms, salsify, tarragon and potato gnocchi and tarragon oil. Dessert: Pont Gar cheesecake with chai spices, green apple sorbet, macadamia, nut crumb and Penderyn whiskey jelly.

Jack Davison: Starter: Great Orme crab, citrus salad, avocado and Snowdon ale jelly. Main course: Butter poached chicken, roasted trompettes, carrot, pinenut crumb and truffle. Dessert: Dark chocolate torte, banana, caramel and popcorn.

Thomas Westerland: Starter: Roast Cardigan Bay turbot, buttered iceberg, artichoke, hand-rolled macaroni and lava bread. Main course: Roast Madgetts Farm chicken, chicken faggot, wing Kiev, Savoy fricassee, celeriac risotto and baby leaves. Dessert: Welsh whiskey crème brûlée, apple ad cinnamon doughnuts, apple jelly and chocolate sorbet.

Wales Rally GB hailed huge success thanks to ‘team effort’

Officials, marshals and spectators have all been praised for helping to make the 2015 edition of Wales Rally GB a tremendous success despite the elements doing their utmost to derail proceedings.

With its late calendar slot, Wales Rally GB is renowned as one of the most gruelling events on the annual FIA World Rally Championship schedule. Extreme weather made this year’s rally even more demanding than usual.

Heavy rain and gale force winds challenged the organisers throughout the week, but the Deeside Service Park still welcomed 160 teams and more than 20,000 visitors. The forest stages went ahead as planned, despite constant monitoring of Storm Abigail and Hurricane Kate, with the only casualty being the closing of the iconic Great Orme stage to spectators on safety grounds.

Substantial overnight damage to the Service Park delayed Sunday’s public opening time, but a stellar effort by the event team meant the ceremonial finish went ahead as planned once the wind had abated. It was, reflected Wales Rally GB managing director Ben Taylor, a triumph of determination over persistent adversity.

“There have been so many people involved in keeping this year’s Wales Rally GB show on the road and I really can’t thank them enough,” he said. “It was one of the toughest Wales Rally GBs of recent times and everybody played an absolutely vital role in helping to overcome all the obstacles that were placed in our path.

“I must pay particular tribute to Natural Resources Wales this week. Every year, the work they put in to prepare the stages receives widespread praise from the drivers and teams, but this year they have made truly enormous efforts to keep the event on track, including removing the felled trees on Sunday morning from Brenig and Alwen.

“But, above all else, the outstanding professionalism, meticulous preparation and unflinching commitment of our organisers, officials, marshals, car clubs and volunteers ensured that one of the most challenging editions of Wales Rally GB was also one of the most successful, enjoyed by fans and competitors alike.

“We have seen significant growth in all areas this year with oversubscribed competitor entries, a maximum quota of volunteer marshals, higher advance ticket sales and more commercial partners to help us make it better still. The event is moving in the right direction and work is already underway to make sure the 2016 Wales Rally GB is bigger and better again!”

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “Wales Rally GB was yet another success with both the drivers and the spectators.  The challenging conditions meant that organisers and volunteers had a tough job, but I’d like to thank everyone for a true team effort staging a fantastic event and to the spectators for giving all the drivers such a warm Welsh welcome despite the elements.
“I’m already looking forward to the 2016 event, which will of course be Wales’ Year of Adventure. The earlier timing in October may mean that the weather conditions will be kinder and will give us an excellent opportunity to attract more people to Wales during half term.”

There was even more cheer for the hardy crowds, as Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team star Kris Meeke became the first British driver to finish on the podium on home soil in almost a decade-and-a-half by piloting his DS3 WRC to the runner-up spoils.

“I want to thank all the spectators – not just the home fans, who were incredible, but anyone who stood out in the rain – and that goes for the officials as well,” the Northern Irishman remarked. “There was an amazing atmosphere about the event; even inside the car, we did get that real feeling of it being a classic.

“The conditions were incredibly challenging; I know that’s not something new at Rally GB, but this weekend in particular the rain never seemed to stop. It came in sideways at times, like only Wales knows how, but the fans were still there with the flags, banners and air horns and you can feel it in the car, believe me. It was a fantastic experience.”

To watch our thank you video in English, click here: http://bit.ly/1PKtzzH
To watch our thank you video in Welsh, click here: http://bit.ly/212HmHh

Follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb

[Ends]

Media Contact: 
Jonathan Gill, Wales Rally GB Media Office, Tel: 01372 414120 or 07860 563000
E-mail: Jonathan.Gill@MPACreative.com

Shropshire vineyard scoops four awards at regional competition

Shropshire border business Kerry Vale Vineyard is celebrating after winning multiple awards at a prestigious competition.

Following eight international and national wins this summer, Kerry Vale Vineyard, located just outside Montgomery, is celebrating again, having won four more awards for its wines at the Mercian Vineyard Association’s esteemed competition.

The vineyard won two silver awards, one for its Sparkling White Wine and one for its ‘Shropshire Lady’ Dry white wine. Kerry Vale also won a bronze award for its ‘Red Denarii’ red wine and a highly commended for its new release ‘Red Kite’ red wine.

The Mercian Vineyard Association’s annual wine challenge took place this year at Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire on November 15. There were six categories from dry white to sparkling. The challenge features wines from all over our region and is open to any wine produced in quantities from 24 to 12,000 or more bottles a year and is open to all different styles of still and sparkling wine.

The MVA is open to both commercial and private vineyards and encompasses vineyards spanning from Stratford-upon-Avon in the south to Scotland in the north and stretching from the Welsh border to virtually the east coast.

Kerry Vale Vineyard owner June Ferguson said: “This has been a fantastic year for us and we are thrilled to have picked up another four awards, taking us up to 12 this year!

“This is great news for English and Welsh wines too. There has been a revival of interest over the last few years and the quality is greatly improved and much more consistent. Consumers are now recognising the high standards of the world-class produce the UK has to offer."
June described the award-winning sparkling wine, which is available in the vineyard shop and a number of local restaurants, as "dry and light with a beautiful, crisp acidity, full of toasty notes and wonderful, tiny bubbles".

She added: “The cool English climate gives a fresh and light style to our sparkling wines that sets them apart from Champagne, as more delicate grapes mean the wines retain a more subtle, fruity flavour which is often lost in rival countries’ offerings.”

People keen to try some of Kerry Vale’s award winning wine can either visit the shop and wine café or book a vineyard tour from next spring, when they will find out how vines are grown and maintained to achieve the best quality grapes.  Hampers are also now available for Christmas. Visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Kerry Vale Vineyard
Kerry Vale Vineyard is a small, family run, English vineyard situated on the Powys-Shropshire border.  Planted in 2010 and covering six acres of farmland, the vineyard resides at the eastern tip of the Kerry Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty and just three miles south of the charming town of Montgomery.

The vines
Kerry Vale Vineyard is home to 6,000 vines and three varieties - Rondo, Pheonix and Solaris – which are all ideally suited for our English climate. Spaced at 1.2m in rows 2.3m apart, there are 62 rows with a combined length from the first vine to the last of just under 13 kilometres or approximately eight miles!

High quality wines
The vineyard is dedicated to producing wines of only the highest quality, utilising time honoured viticulture practices to produce the best possible fruit. Disease resistant varieties, which keep spraying to a minimum, have been selected and great attention is paid to canopy management, maximising air flow and sun and light exposure to suit the season. The grapes produce red, white and rosé still wines and sparkling wine.

Media Contact: Nadine Roach,T: 01588 620627, M: 07815157851
Email: kerryvalevineyard@gmail.com

Ogier conquers conditions to complete Wales Rally GB hat-trick

Sébastien Ogier completed a Wales Rally GB hat-trick and swiftly dedicated his victory to the French people, after conquering some of the most challenging conditions the event has ever seen.

Storm Abigail, the remnants of Hurricane Kate, gale force winds and driving rain battered Britain’s concluding round of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship in Mid and North Wales. But that didn’t deter the thousands of hardy fans who lined the legendary forest stages throughout, as organisers performed miracles to keep the show on the road with the assistance of many volunteer marshals.

Befitting his triple world champion status, Ogier led from the start. An early threat from Volkswagen Motorsport team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala evaporated on only the second stage – the short blast through Sweet Lamb – leaving home hero Kris Meeke to take up the chase.

Behind the wheel of his Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team DS3 WRC, Meeke kept Ogier firmly within sight over the course of the opening day – comprising double passes of the two longest tests of the rally in Hafren and Myherin – and returned to the evening service halt in Deeside just 13.5 seconds adrift.

The Northern Irishman continued to push hard on Saturday’s classic Rally GB stages, including demanding after-dark blasts through Dyfnant and Aberhirnant.

His primary objective was to secure the runner-up spoils for Citroën in the final manufacturers’ classification, however, and therefore he remained wary of overstepping the edge in the tricky conditions. With Ogier having an answer every time Meeke looked like closing the gap, his pursuer wisely decided that on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valour.

Ogier duly paced himself through Sunday’s four blustery stages to maintain a winning run on Wales Rally GB that began in 2013. At the end of the final Brenig Power Stage, the Frenchman and co-driver Julien Ingrassia unfurled a Tricolore flag and draped it over the bonnet of their Polo R WRC out of respect for the weekend’s tragic events in Paris.

The WRC community subsequently gathered for a podium ceremony marked by a minute’s silence, after which an emotional Ogier dedicated his triumph to the victims of Friday night's terrorist attacks.

“It’s been a very difficult weekend with the events elsewhere,” acknowledged the 31-year-old. “Mentally, it wasn’t easy to continue after what happened on Friday in France, but in these situations, you have to carry on even stronger than before and remain united.

“Now is not the time to celebrate and it’s not easy for me to find the right words to say at the moment, but as a small sign of support, I want to dedicate this victory to the memory of all those who lost their lives and everybody else affected by these tragic events.”

Meeke’s speed, flair and consistency earned the Ulsterman a thoroughly well-deserved third podium finish of the campaign and in so doing ended a 14-year drought since a British driver last reached the rostrum on home turf. The 36-year-old mounted the ceremonial finish ramp to rapturous applause.

“This was probably my strongest performance to date,” he said. “It was a better drive than when I won in Argentina earlier this year. It was obviously a tough rally, but we established a really good set-up for the car, settled into a good rhythm and I felt very comfortable.

“We did the job we set out to do and ticked both boxes with the podium and second place for Citroën in the manufacturers’ standings. This is also my first second place in the WRC and it’s nice to score it this weekend, 20 years on from Colin McRae’s famous victory. His spirit can always be felt at Rally GB, right down to the people out on the stages bearing Scottish flags. 

“To be the first British driver to finish on the podium here in 14 years is fantastic for me and for all the loyal fans. Their support in this weather has been incredible, so hats off to them.”

Despite missing the pre-event Shakedown, Andreas Mikkelsen increased the Volkswagen presence on the rostrum with a strong run to third position to consolidate the same spot in the final drivers’ table, as he concluded an impressive season that has yielded no fewer than nine top three finishes from 13 starts.

Behind the Norwegian, a titanic tussle raged for fourth place for much of the rally between Mads Østberg, Elfyn Evans, Dani Sordo, Ott Tänak, Hayden Paddon and Thierry Neuville – and each of them would encounter dramas along the way.

The first to fall was Neuville, who removed a wheel from his Hyundai Motorsport N i20 WRC a third of the way into the first passage through Myherin. The Belgian would subsequently do rather more significant damage on day two with a dramatic roll in Dyfnant, albeit not before winning back-to-back stages.

Next to run into trouble was local favourite Evans, whose hopes were hit by a puncture on Hafren 2 that cost the young Welshman more than a minute. After recovering from an early hairpin stall the next day, the M-Sport World Rally Team star gave the rain-lashed spectators plenty of reason to cheer with a string of stellar top five stage times behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Paddon experienced hydraulic issues in his Hyundai, whilst a puncture for Østberg on Dyfi 1 was compounded by a mistake on the first run through Dyfnant later the same day that left his Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team DS3 WRC briefly beached in a ditch.

Sordo battled against gearbox troubles and a minor ‘off’ in Dyfi 2, whilst Tänak – who looked to be on-course for an excellent fourth position despite a high-speed spin – saw his bid brought to a premature conclusion on Alwen on Sunday morning, as an accident damaged the left rear of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

That meant that through it all came Sordo – not renowned as a loose-surface specialist – to clinch fourth place following a very solid performance in which he held his own throughout. Paddon was not far behind in fifth, with Evans sixth and Østberg seventh. Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën DS3 WRC), ex-Formula 1 star Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) and Lorenzo Bertelli (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) completed the top ten finishers. Power Stage points went to the much delayed Latvala, Mikkelsen and Kubica.

“We had a really good feeling in the car this weekend, so it was a shame about the puncture on Friday – that made it a case of what might have been,” reflected Evans. “It’s been a difficult rally with very changeable grip levels, especially on Saturday when it rained pretty hard, but that’s all part of the challenge of Wales Rally GB and the unique character of the event.

“Historically, this has always been a tough rally from a weather point of view, but even allowing for that, I’d say conditions were some of the trickiest I’ve come across.

“The stages held up really well and the organisers did a great job to make it such a successful event. It’s not easy to run a rally in this kind of weather, but they did so without any problems, so all credit to them. I also need to say a massive thank you to the fans and the marshals for staying out there – to see so many people on the stages so close to home was fantastic.”

Engine problems for Eric Camilli's Ford Fiesta R5 scuppered his efforts at the head of the WRC 2 field, as late heartache for him handed the class win to Teemu Suninen's Skoda Fabia S2000. Craig Breen claimed third in class and 13th overall behind the wheel of his Peugeot 208 T16 R5. Chris Ingram's WRC 3 and Junior WRC challenge was extinguished when his Citroën DS3 R3T ground to a halt on the road section between Sunday morning's Alwen and Great Orme tests.

David Higgins dominated the Production and non-priority categories in his Group N Subaru WRX STI, as he wowed fans throughout the weekend in his car bearing a livery that paid tribute to the 20th anniversary of the late Colin McRae’s title triumph.

Long-time Network Q WRGB National Rally leader Jock Armstrong suffered his own last-gasp misfortune as retirement on the final stage allowed Mike Faulkner's Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX to sneak through and claim a second successive triumph on this event.

Home favourite Elfyn Evans roars 

through the beautiful Welsh countryside.

WRC teams pause for a minute of silence to reflect

 on those lost in Paris terrorist attacks.

A stunning Welsh coast backdrop on the

 Great Orme stage as Ogier blasts by.

Picture caption:

Top: Sébastien Ogier scored his third successive Wales Rally GB victory.

Ends

Media Contact: Jonathan Gill, Wales Rally GB Media Office, Tel: 01372 414120 or 07860 563000 E-mail: Jonathan.Gill@MPACreative.com

Shropshire vineyard scoops four awards at regional competition

Shropshire border business Kerry Vale Vineyard is celebrating after winning multiple awards at a prestigious competition.

Following eight international and national wins this summer, Kerry Vale Vineyard, located just outside Montgomery, is celebrating again, having won four more awards for its wines at the Mercian Vineyard Association’s esteemed competition.

The vineyard won two silver awards, one for its Sparkling White Wine and one for its ‘Shropshire Lady’ Dry white wine. Kerry Vale also won a bronze award for its ‘Red Denarii’ red wine and a highly commended for its new release ‘Red Kite’ red wine.

The Mercian Vineyard Association’s annual wine challenge took place this year at Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire on November 15. There were six categories from dry white to sparkling. The challenge features wines from all over our region and is open to any wine produced in quantities from 24 to 12,000 or more bottles a year and is open to all different styles of still and sparkling wine.

The MVA is open to both commercial and private vineyards and encompasses vineyards spanning from Stratford-upon-Avon in the south to Scotland in the north and stretching from the Welsh border to virtually the east coast.

Kerry Vale Vineyard owner June Ferguson said: “This has been a fantastic year for us and we are thrilled to have picked up another four awards, taking us up to 12 this year! 

“This is great news for English and Welsh wines too. There has been a revival of interest over the last few years and the quality is greatly improved and much more consistent. Consumers are now recognising the high standards of the world-class produce the UK has to offer."

June described the award-winning sparkling wine, which is available in the vineyard shop and a number of local restaurants, as "dry and light with a beautiful, crisp acidity, full of toasty notes and wonderful, tiny bubbles".

She added: “The cool English climate gives a fresh and light style to our sparkling wines that sets them apart from Champagne, as more delicate grapes mean the wines retain a more subtle, fruity flavour which is often lost in rival countries’ offerings.”

People keen to try some of Kerry Vale’s award winning wine can either visit the shop and wine café or book a vineyard tour from next spring, when they will find out how vines are grown and maintained to achieve the best quality grapes.  Hampers are also now available for Christmas. Visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk.

Media Contact: Nadine Roach,T: 01588 620627, M: 07815157851

Email: kerryvalevineyard@gmail.com