Signature status for Wales' oldest classical music festival

Wales’ oldest classical music festival, the Gregynog Festival, is putting the country on the international cultural map as a key signature event, according to the Welsh Government’s tourism minister.

Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism said the signature status for the Gregynog Festival demonstrates its key cultural and economic importance to Wales and the border areas, raising the profile of Wales domestically and internationally since sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies launched it at Gregynog Hall, near Newtown, Powys in 1933.

Such events have to demonstrate a strong international dimension and be either unique to Wales or distinctively Welsh in flavour, reflecting culture, traditions and values. The festival launched its box office last week and has already been inundated with bookings from the UK and abroad.

“I’m delighted that the Welsh Government is supporting the growth and development of the Gregynog Festival which is Wales’s oldest classical music festival and one which is gaining international recognition for the quality of programme on offer and is drawing musicians of international significance to perform in Wales.”

He added: “The success of the Gregynog Festival is a wonderful way to keep the story of Davies sisters alive and introduce their achievements and heritage to new audiences.”

This year’s Gregynog Festival, which takes place between 12-28 June, is themed on Revolution, focusing on Welsh connections between the Napoleonic Wars and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and with an emphasis on French music and musicians.

Thousands of prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars were sent to communities in Montgomeryshire and the border areas during the early 1800s.

The Festival will mark this with a series of concerts, workshops, talks and events within communities such as Montgomery, Welshpool, Llanfyllin and Oswestry, as well as other events in Gregynog Hall’s famous Music Room, the Gregynog Gallery at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff and the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

“We’re very pleased to have been re-awarded Visit Wales Signature status. We are one of just a few such events to attain this as a result of our distinctive and varied programme of music and events,” said Dr Rhian Davies, artistic director of the Gregynog Festival.

“We’re taking this year’s Festival out to even more communities in the area, reviving music of the Napoleonic era with some of the world’s leading performers and highlighting the unique connections which these wars had with rural communities here in Mid Wales.

“Our events will also highlight local stories connected to the prisoners of war, some of whom returned to the area after being repatriated to France.”

The events and concerts will also highlight local stories connected to the prisoners of war, some of whom returned to the area to live after being repatriated to France.

The Gregynog Festival box office opened this week and booking can be made at www.www.gregynogfestival.org or by telephoning 01686 207100.

A full list of concerts and events can also be found on the website.

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Notes to the Editor:

Gregynog Festival is a Lottery funded project for the Arts Council of Wales, a Signature Event of the Major Events Unit, Welsh Government (Visit Wales), and the only Welsh member of REMA, the European Early Music Network based at Versailles.

Festival to provide a rare insight into Davies sisters early family life

A rare insight into the early lives of Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, founders of the famous Gregynog Festival and granddaughters of Victorian mining and railway entrepreneur David Davies, will be revealed at their ancestral Mid Wales home as part of this year’s festival.

The sisters launched the Gregynog Festival in 1933 at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown, but it was Plas Dinam (pictured) at Llandinam where they spent a large part of their lives.

Now the organisers of Wales’ oldest classical music festival have been given permission by the Davies family to host a rare opportunity to see the house and a recently opened private family museum as part of 24 concerts and events being held during the Gregynog Festival between 12th and 28th June.

The house, its gardens and private museum will be open by ticket only on June 15 from 2.30pm. And a special candlelit concert will be held at Llandinam Village Hall the evening before (June 14).

“We’re very privileged to have access to Plas Dinam and the private family museum,” said Dr Rhian Davies, Gregynog Festival’s artistic director.

“This is a very rare opportunity to see the childhood home of the Davies sisters and to see private items and archives relating to their lives in the private museum which is rarely opened to the public.”

Plas Dinam is now run as a five star luxury venue for weddings, holidays and corporate events by descendants of the sisters.

Lord and Lady Davies moved out to another property in Llandinam in 2011 with their daughter, Eldrydd Lamp, taking it over and putting her entrepreneurial stamp on it.

“It’s quite fitting to have a festival event here at Plas Dinam,” said Mrs Lamp. “This is where my relatives grew up. They were inspired by the surroundings and would always return here after their travels around Europe collecting art and attending musical concerts and recitals.”

The sisters moved to Gregynog Hall in 1922 when their brother, David, remarried and moved to Plas Dinam to raise a family.

On the evening before the event, a candlelit concert will be held at Llandinam Village Hall with Bach, Vivaldi and Couperin.

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On June 14 at 7.30pm the Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments will perform using a hurdy-gurdy, viola d’amore, viola da gamba and harpsichord in the style of the Societe des Instruments Anciens.

“The concert will recreate one of the candlelit concerts given by a group of the same name when the sisters were purchasing their paintings in Paris,” said Dr Davies. “It’ll be a very atmospheric event and quite timely the night before the event at Plas Dinam.”

The event is part of the 2015 Gregynog Festival which has the theme “Revolution.” Taking place between June 12-28, this year’s classical music festival focuses on Welsh connections between the Napoleonic Wars and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and with an emphasis on French music and musicians.

Details about the Gregynog Festival and tickets for these events can be found at www.gregynogfestival.org or telephone 01686 207100.

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Notes to the Editor:

Gregynog Festival is a Lottery funded project for the Arts Council of Wales, a Signature Event of the Major Events Unit, Welsh Government (Visit Wales), and the only Welsh member of REMA, the European Early Music Network based at Versailles.

Cave battles to solid season start in Portugal

Welsh rally driver Tom Cave got his 2015 competitive campaign off to a flying start after last weekend’s opening round at Vodafone Rally de Portugal.

Despite ongoing electrical gremlins, which caused the engine of his Ford Fiesta R2 to cut out, Tom and co-driver Craig Parry set a series of fastest times to secure fourth place in the championship race.

Last year’s Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy runners-up were pre-event favourites amongst the bunch of 11 talented young hopefuls who lined up at the start of this year’s series. The hungry pack were all chasing the huge prize drive of a fully-paid season in next year’s FIA World Rally Championship 2.

Tom got his challenge off to the best possible start after setting a strong pace during Friday morning’s opening loop of rough, rocky stages to hold a slender 2.1 second lead at the mid-day service halt in Porto. The 23-year-old from Aberdovey, whose family owns the resort's Trefeddian Hotel, dodged the worst of Friday’s rough conditions as he stormed to an early advantage over the new stages.

But an electrical issue on the final speed test of the day saw him drop 40 seconds when the new 1.0 litre turbocharged engine powering his Fiesta cut out during the timed special stage. Forced to power off and restart the machine a few times during the Viano do Castelo stage, he had no option but to push hard to counteract the time loss.

His M-Sport mechanics were unable to locate the cause of the fault during the overnight service halt and the issue continued throughout Saturday’s action, which moved to the mountains east of Porto.

Tom continued to drop time as he struggled with the cutting-out car but the final stage of the day saw him eventually succumb to the rutted roads. A punctured tyre, which he and Craig were forced to stop and change, meant he slipped three places to sixth after losing over three minutes.

With the issue eventually put to bed, Tom restarted the final leg today and blitzed the pack, setting fastest times on every stage – including the famous run over the iconic and spectator-swamped Fafe test. After a fantastic fight-back he eventually finished fifth, just 3.9 seconds adrift of fourth. But he was rewarded for winning a quarter of the total stages and the bonus points on offer edged him into fourth place in the championship standings.

After a spell in the Algarve region, the event had moved north to Porto for the first time in 14 years and offered an arduous three-day route after Thursday night’s ceremonial start in the town of Guimares.

Next up is Rally Poland from July 2-5 where Tom will be hoping to use his experience from last year’s event to good effect.

Tom Cave said: “It’s been a tough weekend and we’ve tackled some of the most challenging stages I have ever driven. The electrical problem was very frustrating as the engine cut out on some very tricky places, like when you needed some power mid-corner. It knocked my confidence a lot as I had no idea when it would happen. Now we just have to look forward to Poland and aim for a better result.

“It does feel great to be back competing on WRC events and gaining experience on the best stages in the world. It’s been a character building start for us, but ultimately it’s great to be back in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy.”

Tom Cave (left) and co-driver Craig Parry.

Picture caption:

Top: Tom Cave in action in Portugal.

Mid Wales well placed to play leading role in ‘Year of Adventure 2016’

The chairman of an independent organisation representing tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales says the region is well placed to play a major role in the ‘Year of Adventure’ planned by the Welsh Government in 2016.

Anne Lloyd-Jones, chairman of Machynlleth-based MWT, which has 600 members across Powys, Ceredigion, Meirionnydd, welcomed the ‘Year of Adventure’ announcement by Deputy Minister for culture, sport and tourism Ken Skates and looked forward to supporting the initiative. 

“Our big selling point in Mid Wales is our spectacular natural landscape and freedom to try things that are not available in other places,” she said. “Discovering the wild areas of Mid Wales is an adventure in its own right and the region is within two hours of large population.

“Our approach in Mid Wales will be to promote the wide range of unique experiences that visitors can have here and adventure isn’t necessarily all about adrenalin.

“For example, for walkers we have the Wales Coast Path, Glyndwr’s Way and Offa’s Dyke Path. Where else in the UK could you go to see such spectacular countryside?”

She said she looked forward to receiving details of the funding package that will be available from the Welsh Government to help businesses engage in the ‘Year of Adventure’.

Mr Skates announced last month that survival expert Bear Grylls and Welsh international rugby player turned explorer Richard Parks would become the nation’s Adventure Ambassadors in 2016.

He said the ‘Year of Adventure’ would include a series of challenges to put Wales on the map as a leading destination for thrill seekers. It will be the first of many themed years for Wales, with 2017 the ‘Year of Legends’ and 2018 the ‘Year of the Sea’.

Next year will also see the country celebrate the centenary of author Roald Dahl. Inspired by Dahl’s book ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’, the Welsh Government plans to become Willy Wonka by delivering ‘Golden Tickets’ to people to “open experiences money cannot buy”.

Mr Skates said the year would feature a series of “major events” and activities of “considerable international significance”, many of them taking place along the 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path.

“During 2016, the people of Wales and visitors who travel here will experience the centenary celebrations of Roald Dahl, which will encompass attractions on an extraordinary scale,” he announced.

“Children will be invited to take over and sleep in castles, museums and abbeys surrounded by world-class adventure exhibitions, whilst treasure hunters will be able to take part in a geocaching challenge along the Wales Coast Path.

“Family adventure involving big picnics, stargazing and acrobatic circuses will take place, as well as opportunities for young people to write their own adventures.”

Picture caption:

MWT’s chairman Anne Lloyd-Jones with Deputy Minister for culture, sport and tourism Ken Skates.

Egghead drives on the Welsh Highland Railway

Chris Hughes, star of BBC's Eggheads, Mastermind champion and an ex-BR driver, tried his hand at the regulator of NG/G16 138 on the 1405 Welsh Highland Railway service from Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu on Wednesday, under the watchful eye of driver Andie Shaw.

Chris, who was recording a feature for his Six Towns Radio show, Steam Radio, said: “Driving a steam loco is like riding a bike - something you never forget.”

Making Waves on the Montgomery Canal

More than 230 people came to the Welsh border on May 9 to take part in the fourth Montgomery Canal Triathlon and 170 covered the whole 35 miles of the canal.

In addition, more than 80 members and friends helped out on the day to assist entrants at locks and road crossings. The event was started at 8.30am by the Mayor of Newtown, Cllr Rina Clarke who sent entrants on the first leg of the event, cycling 17 miles to Pool Quay, near Welshpool. 

This section of the canal towpath is part of the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury cycle route. Cyclists have to cross the A483 where it obstructs the canal at Dairy Bridge (bridge no. 141), Halfway House Bridge (bridge 136) and at Garthmyl (bridges 132/131), in addition to crossing at Gallowstree Bank bridge, Welshpool (bridge 117).

Bicycles were left at Pool Quay and participants started on foot to cover the 10.5 miles to Morton, a length including a section of the Offa's Dyke path and crossing the main road at Arddleen and Maerdy bridges (103/102), the Vyrnwy Aqueduct – the most notable structure on the canal – and three minor road crossings in the Llanymynech area where the towpath crosses into England.

The final 7.5 miles from Morton were taken in canoes, passing round three locks at Aston, near Queen's Head and the Graham Palmer lock, created 20 years ago as part of the restoration of the canal.

Entrants came from Kent, Cornwall, Lincolnshire, Manchester, Birmingham, South Wales and the Cotswolds, including Richard Parry, chief executive of Canal and River Trust, who was only able to undertake the final canoe section this year and Andrew Stumpf, Wales head of Glandŵr Cymru/Canal and River Trust in Wales.

The next event was Making Waves with Canoes, offering free taster sessions in canoes, on May 17. Red Ridge Outdoor Centre provided canoes and instructors who were kept busy throughout the day with more than 60 adults and children taking part. The youngest was aged two and one of the oldest was her grandmother.

Forthcoming events include Flicks in the Sticks showing 'The Bargee' in Welshpool on June 8 at 7pm. This is a canal comedy classic with Harry H. Corbett, Ronnie Barker and Eric Sykes. Tickets cost £3.50.

Making Waves with Rafts on June 13 at 1pm in Llanymynech will see youth group teams building a raft, decorating it and attempting to sail it around a designated course on the canal. This event is organised by Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre.

A Summer Solstice Walk at Carreghofa, organised by Friends of the Montgomery Canal, takes places on June 21. Starting from Carreghofa Locks at 11am, the walk includes the Vyrnwy Aqueduct and visits the weir on the River Tanat which feeds the canal. There is no charge to take part.

Coracles are returning to the Montgomery Canal on June 27 for a Making Waves with Coracles event. Welshpool was once an important centre for coracles and among the many types of the craft there was a style unique to the townl. Now coracles are returning for a two-part regatta.

Teams of four from local clubs, groups and businesses will race in relays using matched coracles provided by the organisers in a morning regatta. The winning team will represent Wales in the World Coracle Championships at Shrewsbury in September. There will be a short practice session before racing starts.

This event and the world championships are important fund-raising events for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The afternoon regatta is organised with the support of the Coracle Society and a strong contingent from Ironbridge, where a long tradition of coracle building has been maintained. There will be demonstrations - including one for the newly-revived Welshpool coracle - and a variety of events open to novices and experienced coraclers.

Admission to the event is free to all and there will be a spectacular view from both sides of the canal of the thrills and likely spills in the fiercely contested races and team games. 

The Welsh Waterway Festival takes place on July 4 and 5. Motor, steam, electric and model boats are coming to the Montgomery Canal to bring colour to Welshpool for a weekend of activity and entertainment,

There will be stalls and demonstrations, boat trips, competitions, canoes, fishing, music, Morris dancers and street theatre with Wild over Waterways (WoW) activities for children. An afternoon procession of decorated boats through Welshpool will be repeated at twilight with illuminations and music.

Welshpool Ramblers will be contributing to the festival with two walks, starting at 11.30am from the Tourist Information Office, near the festival site. Featuring the canal and attractive countryside around town, the walks are designed to appeal to visitors and local residents alike.

Montgomery Canal Forum on July 6 at 2pm in the Assembly Room at Welshpool Town Hall will be an opportunity to learn more about Montgomery Canal and plans for its future.

Presentations will include the coming bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to extend the navigable section of the canal and studies by undergraduate and post-graduate students from Liverpool University who have been developing a vision of what the Montgomery Canal could be like in 15 years' time.

Michael Limbrey, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chairman, said: “This summer's events demonstrate the value of the Montgomery Canal with activities on the water and along the towpath, highlighting the canal and its contribution to the area. 

"Years ago, the Montgomery Canal was derelict and it wasn't even easy to get to Llangollen by canal. Today the canals of the North Wales border include the World Heritage Site bringing visitors and boaters from far and wide and the Montgomery Canal too is coming back to life. 

"The Montgomery Canal Triathlon was the best yet! It was a thoroughly good-natured event which brought hundreds of people to the towpath and many who came from far away stayed here for the weekend.

“A good number had come back after enjoying the event previously and others were joining for the first time, but saying they would come again.

"For me the highlight was the Tanat Valley bus with an illuminated sign on its destination screen saying, 'The 4th Montgomery Canal Triathlon'.

"Last weekend's event, Making Waves with Canoes, was a great opportunity for children and families to try out canoes. The canal is a very safe environment for canoeing and is regularly used in this way with the canoes of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal at Canal Central, Maesbury, being very popular.

"Our coming events will provide more activity on the Montgomery Canal. Coracle racing will be very exciting and we are looking for teams of four to take up the challenge of relay races across the canal and back again. 

“I am not sure that handling a coracle will be as easy as it looks in the hands of someone with experience! We are expecting thrills and spills! 

"We are encouraging everyone to have a go on the water either in novice events or just for fun in coracles provided. Join us for an unusual and exciting day with coracle displays and other attractions. Spectators will be able to see everything from either side of the canal or from the bridges which cross it.

"The Welsh Waterway Festival, Making Waves in Welshpool, will be the culmination of our Making Waves programme. Boats are already booked in to fill the mooring pontoons at Welshpool Wharf and we have a crowded programme of activities, especially for children, with entertainment through both days. 

"For me, the highlight of the festival will be Saturday's processions of boats, one in the afternoon and the other with the boats decorated with lights as they parade through Welshpool at twilight.

"These events celebrate the canal and its story and through them we are able to tell a wider audience about Welshpool and the area. We all look forward to the day when visitors will be able to reach here by boat from London, Lincoln or York, to discover the delights of Montgomeryshire.”

Full details of these events can be found on www.MakingWaves2015.co.uk. Making Waves is promoted by the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and supported by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and the Inland Waterways Association’s Shrewsbury District and North Wales branch. 

Picture caption:

Competitors taking part in the Montgomery Canal Triathlon.

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For further information contact Michael Limbrey at michael@limbrey.net or Tel: 01691 654081.

New2Golf ladies swing into action to raise funds for Velindre Hospital

Golf Professional Gareth Bennett and Cottrell Park Golf Resort have been raising funds for Velindre Hospital in Whitchurch since August 2014.

The fundraising was initiated through the Golf Development Wales ‘New2Golf’ scheme encouraging beginners and lapsed golfers to take up the game of golf.

Gareth Bennett qualified as a PGA Professional in 2007 and became one of Cottrell Park’s professionals in October 2013. He offered his coaching services free of charge for the Golf4Life named sessions and all participants paid £5 per week or £25 for six weeks.

The hour long sessions covered all aspects of the game and finished with an on-course fun competition. All proceeds were collected and £720 was raised.

In addition the club arranged for pink golf shirts with a logo to be produced and sold with a contribution of £10 per shirt to be donated to the charity. In total 27 shirts were sold raising a further £270.

More recently, Gareth has been coaching a group from ‘Spindogs’, a local leading web design and developments agency. They donated £300 for lessons for their employees and clients which again was donated to the charity. Three members of their team are continuing with lessons to improve their game.

Finally a Golf4Life competition was held on May 4. The entry fee was £10 per person with £5 going to Velindre Hospital. A field of 18 entrants entered with some playing a five hole competition and the rest a nine hole competition.

Entrants included four Cottrell Park employees, two Spindog employees and ladies currently having lessons with Gareth. The winner of the five hole comp was Lindsay Guthrie with 36 shots and Emily Pullham won the nine hole comp with 71 shots. Both winners received a 30 minute golf lesson with Gareth.

In total £1,500 was raised for Velindre Hospital, including a donation of £120 from Cottrell Park Golf Resort.

Velindre Cancer Centre provides specialist cancer services to more than 1.5 million people in South East Wales and beyond and they are one of the largest cancer centres in the UK.

Gareth said: “The New2Golf scheme at Cottrell Park has been hugely successful. On a personal note, it feels great to be able to give back to the game of golf by providing free lessons and giving opportunities to people to take up this great game and structured pathways to membership. At the same time raise money for a fantastic charity.”

Photo caption:

Players in the Golf4Lifef competition (from left) Lindsay Guthrie, Jane Williams, Emily Pullham, Louise Dixon, Shirley Hamill, Helen Archer, Gaynor Openshaw-Smith, Esther Storey, Hayley Hughes, Kat Ambroziak, Lizzie Evans, Andrea Kitzinger, Cheryl Hopkins and Olivia Sherrin.

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About Cottrell Park Golf Resort

Opened in 1996 and based in St Nicholas, Cottrell Park Golf Resort boasts two exceptionally-maintained golf courses, event and conferencing facilities, restaurant with award winning caterer Spiros, plus indoor and outdoor activities including two state-of-the-art golf simulators. The club was also recently awarded runner up in the 2014 GUW Welsh Golf Club of the Year Awards.

For more information please contact Gaynor Openshaw-Smith, sales and marketing manager, on Tel:  01446 782015

The Drover’s lost his Sheep! at the Judge’s Lodging

The Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne is celebrating the final days of its popular ‘Farming Memories of East Radnorshire’ exhibition this half term with some great family farm fun.

Kids can take ‘The Drover’s lost his Sheep!’ trail around the judge’s apartments and court, hunting for Drover Jim’s yellow sheep, lost in amongst flocks of multi-coloured beasts.

The little woolly escapees are illustrated by local artist Matt Davies, who has worked with The Judge’s Lodging on several exhibitions and sheep of all colours will prove a real challenge in finding the right ones!  There’s a yummy prize for any young person finding the special Rainbow Sheep hidden in the house too.

This trail is part of the Judge’s Lodging’s new Family Activity Programme, which will see crafts, trails and much more through each school break. With the museum’s Gift Aid scheme, it means that visitors who come and pay their admission charge as a donation will get a ticket that lets them come back as many times as they like for a whole year. People buying the annual ticket will help the museum by gift-aiding and they will be able to enjoy all it has to offer for the rest of the year.

On Wednesday, May 27, the Judge’s Lodging is also looking for helping hands to sort out hundreds of farm toys that have recently been donated to the museum. All the toys were once love and played with by a British boy, who has grown up to become a farmer in New Zealand.

Staff need lots of little hands who can sort the animals, tractors and farm buildings out to help them create a giant farm scene, which will be photographed and sent to their former owner as a thank you.

Children who led a hand will also find out a little more about what museums do when things are given to them, how they check them, write about them and store them. Just turn up at The Judge’s Lodging between 10.30am and 12pm on May 27 to lend a hand. The Create a Giant Farm Scene event is free of charge.

The ‘Farming Memories of East Radnorshire’ exhibition runs until May 31, a visit to which offers a chance to hear dozens of snippets from interviews talking about the last 100 years of farming, loads of farm implements and photographs.

The Judge’s Lodging is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

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For further information, please contact Gabrielle Rivers, Senior Museum Curator, on Tel: 01544 260650, Email: info@judgeslodging.org.uk

www.judgeslodging.org.uk

Midsummer Night’s delight at The Falcondale

The Falcondale Hotel and restaurant in Lampeter have created an evening fit for the longest day of the year on June 20 with fine food, dancing and fireworks.

The dress code of summer suits and frocks is perfect for enjoying summer cocktails and canapés on the terrace overlooking the Teifi valley during the early evening.

Dafydd Davies and his team in the kitchen have created a three-course menu, using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, to delight the taste buds. Look out for the Pimms cheesecake, which may not be what you expect!

Dance the night away with a DJ playing contemporary and well-known music to suit all tastes. Around halfway through the evening congregate on the terrace for a short firework display, an enjoyable spectacle for all ages.

All this is included at £55 per person, with the addition of bed and breakfast available for an extra £44 per person. Bookings will be taken at The Falcondale on 01570 422910 or email info@thefalcondale.co.uk for further details.

Other events happening in the area June 21 include Taith Heuldro'r Haf Pumlumon summer solstice walk - https://visitcambrianmountains.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/event-pumlumon-summer-solstice-walk/; Radnor Fringe Festival - http://www.radnorfringe.co.uk/ and Fforest Cwmcarn Forest summer solstice walk - http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/events/events

Cream of French early music talent on show at Gregynog Festival

The cream of French early music talent will be performing at this summer’s Gregynog Festival from June 12-28, which has Révolution as its theme.

The French stars include Christophe Rousset and his ensemble, Les Talens Lyriques, who will appear at Gregynog Hall on June 22.

Christophe is a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur, Commandeur in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier in the Ordre National du Mérite. He founded Les Talens Lyriques in 1991 after completing his harpsichord studies at the Schola Cantorum in Paris and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

His extensive recordings of music for harpsichord include the complete works of Francois Couperin and of Jean-Philippe Rameau, whose remarkable late Pièces de clavecin en concerts he will perform at Gregynog. With Les Talens Lyriques he has made more than 40 recordings, including the soundtrack for the film Farinelli.

Alongside his work with Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe is a frequent guest conductor, particularly of early opera and has given performances worldwide including at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Barbican in London.

Christophe - like the Gregynog Festival - takes inspiration from performing rare and unpublished works that are genuine missing links in the rediscovery of European musical heritage.  He will be joined at Gregynog Hall by the soprano Valérie Gabail (Opera Singer Discovery 2006 at the French Victoires de la Musique Awards) and by the principal players of Les Talens Lyriques: Gilone Gaubert-Jacques, violin, and Lucile Boulanger, viola da gamba.

Their 7.30pm concert is preceded at 2.30pm by a recital of Mozart and Beethoven played on the predecessor of the modern grand piano, the fortepiano, by today's leading performer on the instrument, the South African virtuoso Kristian Bezuidenhout. There is a discount available if you book for both concerts.

Full details of the festival programme are available at http://gregynogfestival.org/

Picture caption:

Christophe Rousset

Tickets released for Powis Castle’s event of the season

Powis Castle is to present Rudyard Kipling’s iconic classic The Jungle Book in its world famous gardens at Welshpool on Thursday, July 17 at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now.

In the magical Indian jungle a new arrival changes the animal kingdom forever. Favourite animal characters are brought to life to create an enchanting and fun-filled musical show for adults and children of all ages.

Join Mowgli on his wonderful adventures with the loveable and wise Baloo the Bear, the powerful panther Bagheera, mischievous monkeys and the terrifying tiger Shere Khan!

Rudyard Kipling’s best known and most loved story will be a guaranteed summer hit for all the family in the castle’s formal gardens. Children are invited to dress up in their favourite animal costume and join in the Jungle Parade in the interval.

A Powis Castle spokesman said: “This is likely to be a very popular event, so to avoid disappointment, we advise people to book early.”

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £9 for children. To book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle or call 0844 249 1895. Booking fees apply. A 10% discount will be given to parties of 10 or more.

Cave aims for DMACK Trophy glory in Portugal

Welsh rally driver Tom Cave kick starts his 2015 rally campaign next week when the opening round of the 2015 Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy blasts into action at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal.

As runners-up in last year’s championship, Tom and co-driver Craig Parry have their sights firmly set on going one step better and lifting the huge prize on offer this year.

Tom’s last event was his home round of the FIA World Rally Championship back in November at Wales Rally GB and he’s had to wait patiently for almost five months to get back behind the wheel.

The DMACK-backed series sees him pitted against a number of up and coming drivers as they battle in identical Ford Fiesta R2 rally cars on control DMACK tyres – with the format delivering some intense rivalry.

The 23-year-old. whose family own the Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, was one of the series front-runners in 2014 and narrowly missed out on the spoils as the championship battle went down to the last loop of stages. But he returns full of confidence and knows he’s one of the title favourites once the action kicks off on Thursday night near Porto.

With British rally drivers currently causing a stir in the WRC, Tom will be focusing on a strong haul of points next weekend. After leading every single event at some point last year, he’s hoping to carry through that advantage as he battles against some of the world’s top young rallying talent.

The prize, a fully funded drive in next year’s WRC 2 Championship, is currently the biggest in the sport and Tom has been leaving no stone unturned as he ensures his preparation for the event is the best possible.

However, there are a few unknowns. After 14 years, the rally moves back north to Porto and features new stages which are unfamiliar to everyone. Series organisers M-Sport have also introduced an exciting new Ford Fiesta 1.0 litre turbocharged car packed full of new technology and improvements. Tom has driven the car briefly and quickly felt at ease with the new machine.

The new route will see crews tackle a diverse range of gravel roads across the north Portuguese countryside, including soft, sandy tracks and rough mountains roads. After a start in Guimares on Thursday night and a 3.36km super-special stage at Lousada, the rally moves north for a three-stage loop near the Spanish border.

Saturday is the longest day and includes two passes over the 37.67km Fridao test before Sunday sees the return of the iconic Fafe stage, an area steeped in WRC history, which is set to be swamped with tens of thousands of energetic rally fans.

“It’s set to be another seriously competitive championship,” said Tom. “This year, no-one has got any experience of the new car and the stages of the rally are completely unknown, so it really is going to be an interesting event.

“The new roads place even more emphasis on accurate pacenotes and that’s an area where I can be confident. My pace was strong last year, we were battling for the top spot on every rally, so I hope we can be setting the pace again this year.

“We’ve been preparing as much as possible for the rally as it's the little things which can give you an edge in a one-make series like this. Last year, I underestimated how important the extra points for stage wins would be so I will have one eye on setting fastest times while still taking a long-game approach to win the rally.”

Picture caption:

Tom Cave and Craig Parry topped the podium in Germany last year.

Tourism minister pledges work with Mid Wales businesses

A Welsh Government minister gave an upbeat message as he pledged to work with businesses to ensure the future growth of the tourism industry in Mid Wales.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates made the pledge when addressing the Mid Wales Tourism and Business Conference at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells during Welsh Tourism Week.

The annual conference, which had as its theme ‘Boosting the bottom line’,  was organised by MWT, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism businesses in Mid and South Wales.

“Mid Wales provides us with a wide range of rich heritage, landscapes, activities and distinctive tourism destinations to proactively promote and market through our Visit Wales website,” he told the 100 delegates.

“I look forward to working with you to support the development of destination management in
Wales and ensure that Mid Wales plays an important part to the Welsh visitor experience.

“With tourism, Cadw and culture now in the same portfolio, there are great opportunities to forge stronger working links across these areas which together clearly have a significant influence and role to play in making Mid Wales a place that people want to visit and return to.

He said the Welsh Government had been working to make faith tourism more a part of the visitor experience, referring to the ‘Peaceful Places Trail’ in North Ceredigion which has brought together 17 places of worship.

“We will be looking to locate and work with iconic, high quality, reputation-changing products and events with a focus on more luxury and branded hotels, more well-being facilities such as spas, more heritage hotels that utilise historic and distinctive buildings, more all year round attractions, activities and cultural experiences,” he added.

He told delegates to expect an exciting major announcement within the next 10 days about future tourism strategy in Wales.

He went on to answer questions about tourism advertising expenditure, business rate and VAT reviews and the availability of Jobs Growth Wales funding to support recruitment.

Anne Lloyd-Jones, MWT’s chairman, said the conference was designed to help businesses focus on ways of saving money, whilst at the same time enhancing customer experience and branding.
“Partnership working at all levels has never been more important to ensure that ever decreasing resources are spent wisely on tourism,” she added.

Justin Baird-Murray, managing director of the Metropole Hotel and chairman of the British Hospitality Association, called on the Welsh Government to reduce VAT for the tourism industry in Wales to allow businesses to compete fairly with Ireland and France.

Adrian Greason-Walker, the Wales Tourism Alliance’s executive director, emphasised the importance of tourism businesses engaging with politicians at all levels, while Phil Raynsford, executive director of People 1st in Wales, highlighted the importance of tourism operators understanding and “wowing” their customers.

Anthony Rosser, general manager of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, praised the local community for working together to host the Samworth Brothers Charity Challenge, a biannual triathlon involving 400 people in June while John Rickerby spoke about the work of Natural Mid Wales, which supports wildlife tourism in the region.

Other speakers included Adam Evans and Rowan Jones from Business Wales, Andrew Winning from My EChef and Amanda Chadwick from Peninsula Business Services.

Picture caption:

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Ken Skates with MWT’s chief executive Val Hawkins (left)m and MWT’s chairman Ann Lloyd-Jones.

A weekend break with your gundog

A Mid Wales tourism business is offering a weekend break with gundog training, good food, great company and wonderful scenery.

Margot Porter at Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells runs ‘working weekends with your gundog’ for anyone who has a working bred gundog.

“If you want to work your dog either in the shooting field or in tests and trials then both our basic and improver courses are ideal for you depending on where you are in your training,” said Margot.

“On our basic courses, we also take people who do not wish to work their dogs but still want an obedient, biddable and happy dog.  The same training applies, even if you are not going to work them; they still need to be able to use their natural instincts of hunting and retrieving but under control.”

Margot has been running the courses for the past couple of years with Margaret Ward, an experienced trainer who works her two spaniels in the winter and trials her pointers in the spring and autumn. She has this year retired her double field trial champion Lace, which she bred, trained and handled.

Margot has trained her five-year-old cocker spaniel, Ash and regularly beats at a local shoot.  Margaret and Margot are keen demystify some of the shooting terms and to encourage others to have a go either picking up, beating or entering tests

“I love working Ash, it is so rewarding to see a dog doing what they were bred for and thoroughly enjoying themselves,” said Margot.

“Our aim with the courses is to provide an enjoyable, informative weekend away with your dog where you can meet other gundog owners.  We only take six dogs on each course, so everyone gets plenty of time and it is a very relaxed non-judgemental atmosphere.
“We also take wives, husbands and partners, as some people like to bring their other half, while others prefer just to bring the dog!”

If two people are going to look after the dog then Margot and Margaret feel it is beneficial for both to come on the course so they give the same commands.

Margaret quotes an instance with one of her spaniels; she could not work out why it would not ‘hup’, the term used by Margaret and many gundog owners for sit.  All became clear one day, when she found her husband saying “up” when he wanted the spaniel to get in the car.

“No wonder the dog was confused, the words were so similar,” says Margaret.

Anyone living locally is welcome to join the courses, without staying overnight. “However we do hope they will join us for Saturday night supper in our lovely Cruck Barn. It’s a good social evening, where we talk about the day, our dogs and a whole load of other subjects and it usually involves quite a lot of laughter,” said Margot.

This year’s spring courses began with an improvers course in April 11 and the basic courses are on May 16 and 17 and May 30 and 31.  The autumn course dates are: September 12 and 13, September 26 and 27, October 10 and 11, October 24 and 25. One of these dates will be an improvers, the others are basic.

Visit www.tygwynfarm.co.uk. margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk or telephone Margot on Tel: 01597 822665.

Picture caption:

Margaret Ward and Margot Porter with their dogs.

Fair Booking system aims to boost tourism businesses across Wales

Tourism businesses will be able to keep a larger share of the fee paid by guests booking their accommodation when a new campaign spreads to Wales.

Fair Booking Wales 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. 

Wales will become only the fourth destination in the UK to sign up to www.FairBookingUK.com, following Cumbria Tourism, New Forest Destination Partnership and Visit Cornwall.

Introducing the system in Wales is MWT, an 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.

MWT’s chief executive Val Hawkins introduced Fair Booking Wales during Welsh Tourism Week at the annual Mid Wales Tourism Marketing and Business conference attended by 100 delegates at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.

She aims to sign up at least 150 businesses, six Fair Booking areas of Wales and five charities during 2015. She told the conference that MWT would be using Cumbria Tourism’s successful Fair Booking model as a template and was keen to share best practice with the other participating destinations.

“This is a project that we have been looking to develop for some time and we are extremely excited about its potential,” she said. “We want to help our businesses within Wales attract more direct bookings and reduce their reliance on online travel agencies.”

Fair Booking Wales aims to support best practice, improve customer experience, increase profit margin and establish Wales as a Fair Booking community. By joining FairBookingUK.com now, Welsh businesses would be ahead of the game, said Mrs Hawkins.

Sue Clarke from Cumbria Tourism, who owns a guest house in the Lake District, said Fair Booking offered the best deal for businesses and the local community, built on long standing good practice, encouraged repeat trade, retained money in the local economy, promoted loyalty and added value.

It was estimated that £50 million a year left the Cumbrian economy in commission payments to online travel agencies. “A lot of visitors don’t understand when they book through an online travel agent that we have to pay a commission,” she said.

“We want our visitors to book direct or via the FairBooking website to get the best deal. Our phones are ringing a lot more as a result of the campaign. For each direct booking we receive, we give a minimum of 50p to a charity and our selected charities are working well with our businesses.”

She revealed that attractions and shops were getting involved in the scheme by offering discounts to people who use Fair Booking.

Conference delegate, Roger Stevens, owner of the Lasswade Country House, Llanwrtyd Wells, said: “Anything that saves us from the horrendous commissions that are starving our industry has got to be good. The majority of our guests don’t understand the vast commission that we pay.”

Welsh chefs appoint new president and secretary

The Culinary Association of Wales has appointed a new president and secretary to drive forward the membership organisation.

Arwyn Watkins, managing director and chairman of Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company, takes over as president from Colin Gray, managing director of Capital Cuisine, Bedwas, who held the post for two years and now becomes vice president.

New secretary is vastly experienced chef and culinary judge John Retallick from Pencader, near Carmarthen.

Mr Watkins, who coached and mentored the Junior Welsh National Culinary Team to their only Olympic gold medal in 2004, is passionate about developing the skills of Welsh chefs.

“I am looking forward to this new challenge and hope to be able to use my expertise in dealing with the public sector to link the aspirations of the Culinary Association of Wales with the aspirations of Food and Drink Wales and food tourism in Wales,” he said.

“I would also like to see the culinary association have much more exposure within Wales. We shall be looking for talented and committed chefs to represent both the senior and junior Culinary Team Wales in next year’s Culinary Olympics in Germany.”

Earlier this year, Mr Watkins stood down from his role as a key advisor to the National Training Federation Wales, which he had also served as chairman and chief executive. He is a director and trustee of the British Food Trust and represents the Culinary Association Wales on the National Committee of the Applied Ability Awards.

He was instrumental in running pilot programmes in Wales, which have led to a ground-breaking, craft-led apprenticeship and Higher Apprenticeship for chefs with Pearson and People 1st.

A farmer’s son, he left Builth Wells High School in 1978 to join the Army as an apprentice chef and has maintained his commitment to apprenticeship programmes throughout his working life with a very strong focus on people development.

Mr Gray said he was proud of what had been achieved during his two years as president. “We are in a stronger position than we have ever been in terms of membership and support from sponsors,” he added. “We also had a record number of entries for this year’s Welsh International Culinary Championships.

“One of the key things we have tried to do is to make the association more professional, transparent and accountable. I am confident that Arwyn will now take the association to the next level.”

Mr Retallick is a World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) judge who has judged at leading culinary competitions around the globe. He was chairman of judges at Hotel Olympia and the Hospitality Show in Birmingham for more than 20 years.

A former Culinary Team Wales manager, he moved to Wales in 1993 and was chairman of judges at this year’s Welsh International Culinary Championships. During his career he worked on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, in London’s West End, as a consultant development chef for Gourmet Classic and taught and lectured at the Army School of Catering, Aldershot, Port Rush Culinary School and South Devon Culinary College, Torquay.

“We have some very good chefs in Wales and I hope to increase membership, which is the way forward for the association,” said Mr Retallick. “I have gained a lot of experience over the years from being involved in so many associations and competitions around the world.

“I’m excited about this new post and one of my goals is to work towards improving for competitors the already successful Welsh International Culinary Championships.”

Picture caption:

The new team at the Culinary Association of Wales (from left) secretary John Retallick, treasurer Toby Beevers, Culinary Team Wales manager Peter Fuchs, vice president Colin Gray, president Arwyn Watkins and Junior Culinary Team Wales manager Michael Evans.

Three talented young chefs join the team at Llangoed Hall

Three ambitious young chefs who have worked at some of the country’s top restaurants have taken up posts in the kitchen at award-winning Llangoed Hall near Brecon.

Christopher Emery, 23, has been recruited as head pastry chef, Ashley Lewis, 23, originally from Swansea, has been appointed junior sous chef and Hayley Smith, 19, is the new chef de partie.

Christopher and Ashley previously worked together at the three Michelin starred The Waterside Inn, Bray, owned by famous brothers Michel and Alain Roux, while Hayley has joined from the one Michelin star The Bath Priory Hotel, Bath, where she worked with executive head chef Sam Moody.

They are excited to join a talented brigade led by head chef Nick Brodie who guided the restaurant at Llangoed Hall to three rosettes at the AA Hospitality Awards in London last year.

Christopher, a native of Bristol, is promising Llangoed Hall diners the wow factor with his dishes. During his career, he has also worked with executive chef Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, near Chippenham and with head chef Andre Garrett at Cliveden House, Taplow.

“I was looking for my first senior role in pastry and this post at Llangoed Hall gives me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and develop my career,” he said.
“We have a very strong team with the potential and right style of food to achieve major honours.

“I like my food to be seasonal and fresh with a focus on flavour and execution. The dishes must look great but taste even better. I want to generate the wow factor with my dishes.”

A former student of Swansea College, Ashley began his career as a chef de partie at Lower Slaughter Manor in the Cotswolds before moving to The Waterside Inn. Prior to taking up his new post, he undertook a short French tour, working at a Relais Chateaux and Michelin restaurant at Le Côte Saint Jacques near Paris.

“I wanted to come back to Wales and jumped at the chance to work at Llangoed Hall because I think it’s a hotel that’s going places,” said Ashley.

Hayley, who has won a series of awards as an apprentice and former student of Frome College and Bath College, said she liked the modern influences on dishes produced by the team at Llangoed Hall.

“I am really impressed by the food and have learnt so much in the first two weeks I have been here,” she said.

All three chefs say they are dedicated to helping Llangoed Hall win major accolades for its food.

Llangoed Hall’s managing director Calum Milne said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris, Ashley and Hayley on board and trust they will make a very positive contribution to the food offering at Llangoed Hall under head chef Nick Brodie.

“Chris and Ashley have an outstanding pedigree and background in top end food, having worked at the three Michelin star The Waterside Inn under the leadership of Alain Roux. Hayley also shows great potential, which we shall look to develop.

“The appointments come hot on the heels of achieving our third rosette and installing a new £125,000 kitchen, which demonstrates that we have no desire to stand still. We aspire to be the very best we can be.”

Last year, the country house hotel was named The Sunday Times Country House of the Year 2014-’15 and was listed twice in The Good Hotel Guide 2015 for Great Britain and Ireland’s top 10 Editor’s Choice country house and historic hotels.

Picture caption:

Llangoed Hall’s managing director Calum Milne (left) with (from left) Ashley Lewis, Hayley Smith, Christopher Emery and head chef Nick Brodie.

Sian swaps the tv screen to become a fine dining chef for a day

Globetrotting television presenter Sian Lloyd took a break from filming at exotic places around the world to learn new cooking skills in the fine dining kitchen of an award winning Welsh country house hotel.

The former ITV weather forecaster, who is passionate about Welsh food, agreed to become a chef for the day to promote the value of vocational qualifications in the lead up to the VQ Awards in Wales in June 9 and national VQ Day the following day.

The VQ Awards are organised by the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) and CollegesWales. The awards are part funded by the European Social Fund.

Sian, who is filming a series on climate change for American television company CNN and also writes holiday reviews for the Mail on Sunday, was drafted into the kitchen at Llangoed Hall at Llyswen, near Brecon, one of her favourite places to dine and stay.

Under the guidance of head chef Nick Brodie, she learnt new culinary skills by preparing fine dining dishes for the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, which was upgraded to three rosettes by the AA in 2014.

“Food has always been a big passion of mine but I don’t think I would have had the skill or the patience to become a top chef,” confessed Sian. “I admire them so much. I did Master Chef at one point and worked in a professional kitchen where I saw how difficult it was.

“I am passionate about promoting Welsh food and they cook it so beautifully at Llangoed Hall, which is one of my favourite restaurants in Wales. Nick is hugely talented and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a Michelin star.

“Although I love food, I am a wimpish cook. I am a generous entertainer but I tend to cook easy food that I can’t ruin when we have guests. Hopefully, the masterclass I have had from Nick will encourage me to be a bit more adventurous in future.”

Mr Brodie was impressed by the cooking skills of his apprentice for the day and said that she definitely had potential to become a chef.

Sian is a big supporter of vocational qualifications and work-based learning. “I am a great admirer of NPTC Group’s Newtown campus and have seen the phenomenal work they do in the catering department to encourage students to develop skills and achieve qualifications that will be vital to their careers,” she explained.

“With so many people going for jobs nowadays, employers are looking closely at qualifications and work-based experience. Anything that gives you the edge has got to be beneficial.”

Calum Milne, Llangoed Hall’s managing director, is an ambassador for food and drink skills in Wales and a strong advocate of work-based and lifelong learning. He employs 50 staff, seven of whom are undergoing training programmes, including two catering apprenticeships.

“There was a time when I said that qualifications meant not as much as experience, but in hindsight and having maturity on my side, I would now say they both work better together.

“Work-based learning has more growth potential for encouraging people into the hospitality industry because they have no false expectations of it. This is a lifestyle industry from which there can be many great rewards. Whether you’re 17 or 51 there is no limit to anybody’s learning capacity.”

VQ Day is a national celebration of people who have achieved success in vocational education in Wales. Vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual; they deliver the trained, talented employees businesses are crying out for and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.

VQ Day supports the aspiration that vocational qualifications, which are not just for young people, should achieve parity of esteem alongside other educational routes.

The VQ Awards in Wales help to showcase individuals and organisations that have raised the standard of the services they offer as a result of vocational qualifications.

There are two award categories: the VQ Learner of the Year and the VQ Employer of the Year. Finalists will be shortlisted from entries and announced in early May. The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony to be held at St David’s Hotel, Cardiff on the evening of June 9, the eve of VQ Day.

 Picture caption:

Sian Lloyd receiving her fine dining masterclass from head chef Nick Brodie at Llangoed Hall watched by managing director Calum Milne.

Restaurant manager with Michelin star track record joins Llangoed Hall

A restaurant manager with an impressive track record of helping his employers achieve Michelin stars has been recruited by a multi-award winning country house hotel in Mid Wales.

Bruno Asselin, who is originally from Burgundy in France, has helped restaurants achieve 21 Michelin stars during his career and now hopes to pass on his experience to the team at Llangoed Hall at Llyswen, near Brecon.

Arriving in the UK in 1991, he worked with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat;’ Saisons for three years, Pied a Tere Restaurant in London for a total of nine years, Annapurna Hotel, Courchevelle and Neat Restaurant, Cannes, Pharmacy Restaurant, Nottinghill Gate, London, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Bath and Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot.

He was also runner up for the UK’s best sommelier in 1990 and ’91 for French wines and spirits and world wines and spirits respectively.

Excited by his new challenge, Mr Asselin is confident of achieving the goal set by managing director Calum Milne of making Llangoed Hall the best it can possibly be.

“The food being cooked here by head chef Nick Brodie is fantastic and the hall is like a museum with all its wonderful works of art,” he said. “I am very excited to be here.

“Having achieved two Michelin stars with three different chefs, I believe we are already close to a Michelin star. The partnership between the head chef and myself is something very special and I believe the possibilities are limitless.

“I have been lucky to work all my life with passionate and talented chefs and I can see the potential here.”

He plans to focus on staff training to hone the restaurant service and to upgrade crockery to give it a stylish, contemporary feel in keeping with the hotel.

Mr Milne said: “Bruno brings an immense wealth of experience working in two Michelin star establishments in France and the UK. It is a marriage of experience, with Nick in the kitchen producing award winning food and Bruno out front providing first class service in an unpretentious manner.

“His appointment will drive Llangoed Hall forward to where we want to be and hopefully raise standards nationally.”

Last year, the country house hotel achieved three AA rosettes, was named The Sunday Times Country House of the Year 2014-’15 and was listed twice in The Good Hotel Guide 2015 for Great Britain and Ireland’s top 10 Editor’s Choice country house and historic hotels.

Picture caption:

Bruno Asselin setting high standards at Llangoed Hall.