Discover the Welsh Marches during September Walking Weekend

A September Walking Weekend in the Welsh Marches is being organised in the border market town of Knighton, which located in the Heart of Offa's Dyke Country.

Knighton and District Tourism Group is organising busy programme for walkers on September 12 and 13 to put the town, situated on the Powys-Shropshire border, on the map.

The walks include Glyndwr’s Way Walk (1) from Llangunllo to Knighton starts with an amazing 15 minute train journey across the Heyope Valley on the famous 13 arch castellated viaduct at Knucklas.

This part of the Heart of Wales Railway climbs one of the steepest inclines on the national train network before entering a tunnel and emerging into the light just before Llangunllo where the walk begins. Walkers will pause later for refreshment at the Greyhound Pub and they must take £2.70 for their train ticket and a packed lunch.

Glyndwr’s Way Walk (2) from Knighton to Pilleth to Knighton is a circular walk to the battlefield site at Pilleth, one of the most savage and bloodiest battles of the Welsh War of Independence and Owain Glyndwr's finest hour.

Walkers will visit the ancient church and holy well of Pilleth where the battle strategy is still on display and where nature has reclaimed the peace and beauty of that bloody episode in Marches history. Both walks are in celebration of 600th anniversary of Glyndwr’s presumed death. Owen Glyndwr’s day is celebrated on September 16.

Nature's Wildlife Walk studies the wonders to be seen around the Knighton area. Local flora and fauna brought to life by the unfathomable understanding of Dr Joan Payne from the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. As there is so much to see, this walk is not for the hard paced fast trekker.

Martin's Beer Walk: Every walker in the world looks for a 'watering hole' and local expert Martin Holberrow has been researching as many of them as still exist. This part history, part experiential walk will whet the whistle, exercise the leg muscles and relieve the dry throat even on the harshest, sun blistering day.

Alice's Family Walks are truly warming walks for a full family experience, so walkers are advised to take a tea party picnic, their stories and their imagination. “It's great to follow Alice and there's always the chance of seeing a busy (and late) rabbit, a caterpillar, a hare and a maybe dormouse,” said a spokesman for the organisers.

Sue Harris is leading the first ever Knighton Singing Walk. Sue, who shares her world songs throughout the border area year round, has designed a walk for those who love to burst into song at nearly every opportunity. Walkers are invited to “come and walk, sing, laugh and dance with us as we fill the countryside with music.”

History walking for history lovers: As Knighton is an ancient border town steeped in history and the only town situated right on Offa’s Dyke itself, a walk has been organised to capture local
history and architecture. Join John Davies on a walk peppered with moments to stop
and marvel at the unfolding stories of the area's built history.

Walker's Walk, which will be led by Kevin Jones from with East Radnorshire Ramblers, is for those who enjoy the terrain, love the views, warm to the fresh air and feel best when they are seriously crossing country. So don't expect too many breaks - just enjoy being there and knowing you have done it!

For more information about the walking weekend, visit www.visitknighton.co.uk

Picture captions: 

A walker takes in the view overlooking the market town of Knighton. 

ENDS- 

For more information please visit www.visitknighton.co.uk or contact Marje Rickerby on Tel: 01547 510028

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway steams into Shrewsbury Flower Show

Shrewsbury Flower Show, which claims to be the world’s longest-running flower show,  takes place on August 14 and 15 this year and joining in the celebrations will be a steam locomotive nearly as old.

Lilla, from the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales, was built in Leeds in 1891 and celebrates her 124th birthday this year. She will be in steam as part of the railway’s exhibit at Shrewsbury.

Alongside the venerable loco, the centrepiece of the railway's presence, will be a brand new £250,000 Pullman observation carriage (pictured) built in the railway's own workshops.

The carriage - yet to be named - carries the number 150 to mark the 150th anniversary of passenger services on the Ffestiniog Railway and will be used as the press office for the duration of the show, promoting both the railway and North Wales in general.

The Pullman brand has been synonymous with the very best in rail travel for a century and a half and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland team faced a big challenge in reinventing the Pullman experience in Wales for the 21st century. The result is simply stunning, with a carriage inspired by 1930s Art Deco styling but with a modern twist.

When the Welsh Highland Railway, which runs coast-to-coast from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, opened in 2009, new Pullman carriages were built using modern glazing technology to give huge panoramic windows. The Welsh Highland carriage Glaslyn was named by Her Majesty the Queen on April 27, 2010 and has proved immensely popular.

So, to mark 150 years of passenger services, the railway embarked on a mission to build its best carriage ever. With great plans and new shapes in mind, the railway’s bosses went back to craftsmen in their workshop to work out how this modern design could be created using traditional hand crafting methods. The objective was modern style and convenience combined with traditional ambience.

ends

Further info from Andrew Thomas athomas@ffwhr.com 01766 516072

Talyllyn Railway goes to Wonderland

Talyllyn Railway continues its 150th anniversary celebrations with the 1865 - 2015 Gala over the weekend of August 7 - 9.

The celebrations begin on Friday, August 7 with a special family activity day themed around a well-known childhood favourite, Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', which is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Alice first appeared in print in 1865, the same year the Talyllyn Railway Act received its royal assent. To celebrate the railway will be hosting a number of special activities at Abergynolwyn Station on the Friday, including colouring and games such as pinning the smile on the Cheshire Cat.

Meanwhile, at Tywyn Wharf Station over the whole weekend, another children's author, Christopher Vine, will have a display based on his 'Peter's Railway' series of books. In the evening there will be the opportunity to take ‘The Sunset Special’ train up the line, which will allow passengers to watch the sun go down over Tywyn with a drink in hand.

On the Saturday, the railway is holding an engineering day, offering people the chance to go behind the scenes at the Pendre workshops to see the types of work that goes on there every day to keep the railway running and to maintain the locomotives and rolling stock.

There will be a special shuttle service from Tywyn Wharf Station throughout the day to get people to and from the Works. In addition, at Tywyn Wharf there will be a demonstration of tracklaying, showing the techniques used to keep the track in good repair.

During the day, different types of engineering train will be run along the line, in addition to a regular passenger service. At 5.20pm, there will be a different train departing from Tywyn Wharf. 'The Breezy Special' will feature all the railway's open carriages in one train and will offer passengers the chance to get the wind in their hair as they travel up and down the line.

Later, on Saturday evening, there will also be a 1920s dance at Neuadd Pendre on Brook Street, Tywyn, starting at 7pm with a dance lesson. This will feature the 'Footloose Dance Band', which includes some Talyllyn Railway volunteers.

They will also be playing on the platform at Tywyn Wharf Station on the Sunday when the railway will be holding a 1920s day. This will include a 'Farmers' Special' mixed train, departing in the morning at 11.10am, which will deliver and collect different types of goods and produce up and down the line, just as it did in the 1920s.

This train has been recreated using information from the railway's archives to produce an authentic range of goods which the railway carried. In the afternoon, another 1920s mixed train will run and anyone coming in 1920s costume can ride for free all day on the Sunday.
The gala will formally conclude with the running of the 'Old and New Special'. This will be hauled by the railway's oldest and newest steam locomotive, No. 1 Talyllyn and No.7 Tom Rolt, and will include some of the railway’s original carriages as well as some of its modern coaches.

Throughout the weekend the annual Mini-Beer festival will also be taking place at Tywyn Wharf Station. This will feature a wide range of different brews, which will be available every day and into the evenings. The café at the station will also be staying open every evening to provide a range of light meals and snacks.

Talyllyn Railway goes to Wonderland

Talyllyn Railway continues its 150th anniversary celebrations with the 1865 - 2015 Gala over the weekend of August 7 - 9.

The celebrations begin on Friday, August 7 with a special family activity day themed around a well-known childhood favourite, Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', which is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Alice first appeared in print in 1865, the same year the Talyllyn Railway Act received its royal assent. To celebrate the railway will be hosting a number of special activities at Abergynolwyn Station on the Friday, including colouring and games such as pinning the smile on the Cheshire Cat.

Meanwhile, at Tywyn Wharf Station over the whole weekend, another children's author, Christopher Vine, will have a display based on his 'Peter's Railway' series of books. In the evening there will be the opportunity to take ‘The Sunset Special’ train up the line, which will allow passengers to watch the sun go down over Tywyn with a drink in hand.

On the Saturday, the railway is holding an engineering day, offering people the chance to go behind the scenes at the Pendre workshops to see the types of work that goes on there every day to keep the railway running and to maintain the locomotives and rolling stock.

There will be a special shuttle service from Tywyn Wharf Station throughout the day to get people to and from the Works. In addition, at Tywyn Wharf there will be a demonstration of tracklaying, showing the techniques used to keep the track in good repair.

During the day, different types of engineering train will be run along the line, in addition to a regular passenger service. At 5.20pm, there will be a different train departing from Tywyn Wharf. 'The Breezy Special' will feature all the railway's open carriages in one train and will offer passengers the chance to get the wind in their hair as they travel up and down the line.

Later, on Saturday evening, there will also be a 1920s dance at Neuadd Pendre on Brook Street, Tywyn, starting at 7pm with a dance lesson. This will feature the 'Footloose Dance Band', which includes some Talyllyn Railway volunteers.

They will also be playing on the platform at Tywyn Wharf Station on the Sunday when the railway will be holding a 1920s day. This will include a 'Farmers' Special' mixed train, departing in the morning at 11.10am, which will deliver and collect different types of goods and produce up and down the line, just as it did in the 1920s.

This train has been recreated using information from the railway's archives to produce an authentic range of goods which the railway carried. In the afternoon, another 1920s mixed train will run and anyone coming in 1920s costume can ride for free all day on the Sunday.
The gala will formally conclude with the running of the 'Old and New Special'. This will be hauled by the railway's oldest and newest steam locomotive, No. 1 Talyllyn and No.7 Tom Rolt, and will include some of the railway’s original carriages as well as some of its modern coaches.

Throughout the weekend the annual Mini-Beer festival will also be taking place at Tywyn Wharf Station. This will feature a wide range of different brews, which will be available every day and into the evenings. The café at the station will also be staying open every evening to provide a range of light meals and snacks.

ends

Editor’s Notes  

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

2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the line to goods traffic, and to mark the occasion a series of special celebrations are being held.

Two galas have already been successfully held, the rest are scheduled as follows: August 7-9, The 1865 – 2015 Gala; August 29-31, The Heart of Gold Weekend and September 25-27, The Heritage Weekend.


For further information about this press release please e-mail: pressoffice@talyllyn.co.uk.

Welsh steam loco marks 60 years of service since restoration

On August 3, 1955, the Ffestiniog Railway's Prince hauled its first passenger train of the restoration era, comprising carriages 23 - now in regular use on the Welsh Highland Railway - and 12. It entered regular passenger service two days later.

To mark the 60th anniversary of this landmark in steam preservation, the 152-year-old loco, complete with flags, will double head the 1010 and 1335 departures from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog on August 3, 4 and 5 as an added bonus to the Summer of Fun celebrations.

Double heading is required because, these days, two carriages simply aren't enough and 10 is rather more than the 'Old Gent' can manage on its own…

Mid Wales now the place to go for Dark Sky stargazing

Where’s the best place to go in the UK to stargaze? It appears the answer is Mid Wales where the dark skies and reduced light pollution are attracting global recognition.

The Welsh region renowned for its unspoilt, natural beauty now has two areas that have achieved International Dark Sky status and a further area stretching into North Wales is set to apply to join them later this year.

The picturesque Elan Valley Estate, which stretches for 70 square miles from Rhayader westwards towards Aberystwyth, has created history by becoming the world’s first privately owned, but publicly accessed International Dark Sky Park.

The silver-tier status has been granted by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) based in Arizona, USA and means that the 45,000 acre estate is now protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work there, as well as for visitors and the abundance of wildlife found there.

The Elan Valley Estate joins the Brecon Beacons National Park which, due to its size, is classified as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Now Snowdonia National Park is also preparing an application to the IDA.

Speaking about the Elan Valley Estate’s newly acquired stargazing status, John Barentine, IDA project manager in Tucson, Arizona, said: “We’re thrilled by the outcome and what this means for Wales. With other sites in the application process, Wales will lead the entire world in terms of countries with the largest fraction of their land subject to dark skies protection.”

It’s great news not only for people who love pondering the wonders of the galaxy, but also for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales who are hoping to capitalise on is global recognition by attracting astro-tourists throughout the year.

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT, an independent organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid and South Wales, has pledged to work closely with members and tourism groups to maximise the potential of astro-tourism.

Located just two hours from Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol, she believes that many people have no idea of the natural wonders waiting for them virtually on their doorstep.

“International Dark Sky Park status is fantastic news and reinforces everything that is special about Mid Wales with our unspoilt, natural environment and spectacular night skies,” said Val. “As we are only two hours from some of the largest cities in the UK, hopefully more people will now come and visit Mid Wales to experience some of the natural wonders that we here.”

She adds that MWT will be working closely with tourism groups and businesses to promote events relating to astro-tourism in the coming months. Dark Sky status for growing areas of Mid and North Wales offers great potential to attract tourists all year round.

Focusing on the astro tourism potential, Richard Smith, of Cambrian Safaris, is already working closely with the accommodation providers and the local community to promote the area’s natural attractions.

“We aim to encourage people to come again by giving them ideas of places to explore for themselves,” he said. “We run evening tours all year round and organise astronomy sessions with the Elan Valley Astronomy Group who worked so hard to gain the Dark Sky Status for the Elan Valley Estate. Dark Sky status will be a great help in putting the Cambrian Mountains on the map.”

Amateur astronomers, Les and Kris Fry, from the Elan Valley Astronomy Group, who led the bid for Dark Sky status helped by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water estate rangers, are looking forward to the inevitable boost to the local economy associated with astro-tourism.

“It’s absolutely amazing how much we have achieved as amateur astronomers,” said Kris and Les, who have become volunteer astro-rangers. “We want to show other people that you don’t need to be a big corporate concern to gain Dark Sky status. The common person can also protect their sky from light pollution.

“We now want to expand the Dark Sky area to cover the whole of the Cambrian Mountains and put Mid Wales on the map for astro-tourism.”

The Dark Sky process began in November 2012 and more than 200 individual light readings were taken at 13 sites over a 22 month period to demonstrate that the estate fits the criteria for this status.

Data revealed that the estate "possessed exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, scenic, and natural resource". This is one of the primary conditions for granting International Dark Sky Park status and so ideal for stargazing.

Ed Parsons, area lands manager for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, said he looked forward to welcoming more visitors attracted by “our spectacular night sky”. He pledged to further improve light wastage within the estate and to improve facilities for astronomers at several locations.

To find out more about the astronomical events run by the volunteer astro-rangers at the estate visit www.elanvalley.org.uk or call 01597 810880. For more information on Elan Valley Astronomy email: elanvalleyastronomy@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/EVastronomy

For tourism information about Mid Wales in general visit http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/

Picture captions:

A selection of images of the Elan Valley night sky by amateur photographers Janice Vincentt, Sorcha Lewis and Les Fry.

Llangoed Hall’s award winning young chef tipped as one to watch

A young commis chef in the award-winning restaurant at Llangoed Hall, near Brecon has been tipped as one to watch in the future after being judged skills and craft student of the year in the NPTC Group’s catering department.

James Corbett, 19, from Carno, has just completed his NVQ level three qualification in professional cookery at the college’s Newtown Campus and has started a full time post in the kitchen at Llangoed Hall, where he has worked part-time since last October.

He first made contact with the five star country house hotel, which is popular with rich and famous guests, last year when he spent a week on work experience there with two fellow students from NPTC Group.

Llangoed Hall’s head chef Nick Brodie said: “James stood out as the star student and impressed me so much that I offered him a job. He chose to work here part-time while he finished his course.

“I’m really chuffed for him that he has won this award because he’s a very promising chef with a great attitude and personality and a very solid worker. He definitely has potential and, in a few years’ time, he will be one to watch.”

James began his journey into the world of catering as a pot washer at the Aleppo Merchant Inn in his home village of Carno to help fund his passion for mountain bike racing at a national level. After winning one race and achieving a few podium finishes, he opted to focus his energy on developing a career as a chef.

That decision has paid dividends, as he has now won the top student award and landed a job at one of Wales’ best restaurants. Coincidentally, the award is sponsored by Llangoed Hall.

He thanked the college staff and Mr Brodie for their support. “It’s amazing to have won the award because I’m not academic and wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I think working at Llangoed Hall gave me a massive head start.

“It’s hard work but it’s the best place to be with a team a very talented young chefs. Nick has helped me massively over the last 12 months and has always taken an interest in what I was doing at college.
“My ambition is to work my way up the ranks at Llangoed Hall and to eventually become a head chef. If I can get anywhere near as good as Nick, I will be very happy.”

Picture caption:

James Corbett (left) prepares afternoon tea under the supervision of head chef Nick Brodie.

Film charts railway journey through the seasons from the Midlands to Aberystwyth

A film about the railway line between Birmingham and Aberystwyth, a crucial artery between the industrial West Midlands and Mid and West Wales since its completion in 1863, is now showing at The Museum of Modern Art, Wales in Machynlleth.

The one hour 50 minutes long film, ‘Of time and the railway’ by Robert Davies, will run until July 31 at the museum, which is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

"Exhibiting a film in the auditorium is a new departure for MOMA WALES and we hope that visitors will enjoy the experience," said Lucinda Middleton, Richard and Ann Mayou Fund curator at the museum.

‘Of time and the railway’ is about the passage of time, both literally and historically. It’s about taking a journey, but also the effect that the passage of time has on that journey. It describes a moment in the history of this landscape.”

This is a film about the journey recorded from the drivers’ cab of the train. Filmed between October, 2013 and February, 2015 on 86 different days, it has been edited into a single trip that takes in more than a year.

It captures the changing human geography adjacent to the track and a landscape that is sustained and twisted by the weather and the coming and going of the seasons. The film also represents a single day – entering Birmingham at night and leaving at dawn, going to Shrewsbury in the morning and on to Newtown and the mountains in the afternoon, before dropping down towards the sea as the sun starts to set and we reach journey’s end at Aberystwyth.

The journey starts in a landscape described and scarred by the process of industrialisation. It continues through the Black Country, the Shires and the Welsh Marches, land that has been farmed since it was settled.

It carries on through the hills of Powys, where the relationship between man and the landscape begins to change; cattle and sheep vying for space with crops. On the steeper slopes, sheep farming becomes prevalent as the train reaches its’ highest point at Talerddig, before winding down the Twymyn valley to the River Dyfi as it meanders to Machynlleth.

The journey continues along the flood plain to the open mouth of the Dyfi Estuary and the wilds of Ynys Las and Borth before arriving at the university town of Aberystwyth.

Produced with the assistance of Arriva Trains Wales and their staff, ‘the fllm opened in Aberystwyth Arts Centre in March and it is touring throughout 2015, being shown in all major galleries along the route and at five main stations. he film was partially funded by Arts Council Wales.

Robert Davies is an artist based near Aberystwyth, who studied graphic design and went on to do an MA in Fine Art at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1993. Since then, he has been working as an artist in London, Worcestershire and Wales.

His diverse work has included doing life size drawings of the animals of food production and racehorses, photographing the night sky in Iran and the USA, working with FIFA and the footballer Pele on their centenary project ‘The FIFA 100’, producing the book ’90 minutes’ with Richard Williams, chief sportswriter of the Guardian and doing a commission for the BAR Honda Formula 1 team.

Film charts railway journey through the seasons from the Midlands to Aberystwyth

A film about the railway line between Birmingham and Aberystwyth, a crucial artery between the industrial West Midlands and Mid and West Wales since its completion in 1863, is now showing at The Museum of Modern Art, Wales in Machynlleth.

The one hour 50 minutes long film, ‘Of time and the railway’ by Robert Davies, will run until July 31 at the museum, which is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

"Exhibiting a film in the auditorium is a new departure for MOMA WALES and we hope that visitors will enjoy the experience," said Lucinda Middleton, Richard and Ann Mayou Fund curator at the museum.

‘Of time and the railway’ is about the passage of time, both literally and historically. It’s about taking a journey, but also the effect that the passage of time has on that journey. It describes a moment in the history of this landscape.”

This is a film about the journey recorded from the drivers’ cab of the train. Filmed between October, 2013 and February, 2015 on 86 different days, it has been edited into a single trip that takes in more than a year.

It captures the changing human geography adjacent to the track and a landscape that is sustained and twisted by the weather and the coming and going of the seasons. The film also represents a single day – entering Birmingham at night and leaving at dawn, going to Shrewsbury in the morning and on to Newtown and the mountains in the afternoon, before dropping down towards the sea as the sun starts to set and we reach journey’s end at Aberystwyth.

The journey starts in a landscape described and scarred by the process of industrialisation. It continues through the Black Country, the Shires and the Welsh Marches, land that has been farmed since it was settled.

It carries on through the hills of Powys, where the relationship between man and the landscape begins to change; cattle and sheep vying for space with crops. On the steeper slopes, sheep farming becomes prevalent as the train reaches its’ highest point at Talerddig, before winding down the Twymyn valley to the River Dyfi as it meanders to Machynlleth.

The journey continues along the flood plain to the open mouth of the Dyfi Estuary and the wilds of Ynys Las and Borth before arriving at the university town of Aberystwyth.

Produced with the assistance of Arriva Trains Wales and their staff, ‘the fllm opened in Aberystwyth Arts Centre in March and it is touring throughout 2015, being shown in all major galleries along the route and at five main stations. he film was partially funded by Arts Council Wales.

Robert Davies is an artist based near Aberystwyth, who studied graphic design and went on to do an MA in Fine Art at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1993. Since then, he has been working as an artist in London, Worcestershire and Wales.

His diverse work has included doing life size drawings of the animals of food production and racehorses, photographing the night sky in Iran and the USA, working with FIFA and the footballer Pele on their centenary project ‘The FIFA 100’, producing the book ’90 minutes’ with Richard Williams, chief sportswriter of the Guardian and doing a commission for the BAR Honda Formula 1 team.

ENDS

Notes for the Editor.

The Museum of Modern Art, Wales (MOMA, WALES) was established in 1991 alongside The Tabernacle in Machynlleth, Powys. 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.

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.

Contact Lucinda Middleton, Richard and Ann Mayou Fund curator lucinda@momawales.org.uk 01654 703355 or Robert Davies, can provide stills from the film hospitalbob@hotmail.com 07789 996 172

Mid Wales now the place to go for Dark Sky stargazing

Where’s the best place to go in the UK to stargaze? It appears the answer is Mid Wales where the dark skies and reduced light pollution are attracting global
recognition.
 
The Welsh region renowned for its unspoilt, natural beauty now has two areas that have achieved International Dark Sky status and a further area stretching into North Wales is set to apply to join them later this year.
 
The picturesque Elan Valley Estate, which stretches for 70 square miles from Rhayader westwards towards Aberystwyth, has created history by becoming the world’s first privately owned, but publicly accessed International Dark Sky Park.
 
The silver-tier status has been granted by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) based in Arizona, USA and means that the 45,000 acre estate is now protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work there, as well as for visitors and the abundance of wildlife found there.
 
The Elan Valley Estate joins the Brecon Beacons National Park which, due to its size, is classified as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Now Snowdonia National Park is also preparing an application to the IDA.
 
Speaking about the Elan Valley Estate’s newly acquired stargazing status, John Barentine, IDAproject manager in Tucson, Arizona, said: “We’re thrilled by the outcome and what this means for Wales. With other sites in the application process, Wales will lead the entire world in terms of countries with the largest fraction of their land subject to dark skies protection.”
 
It’s great news not only for people who love pondering the wonders of the galaxy, but also for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales who are hoping to capitalise on is global recognition by attracting astro-tourists throughout the year.
 
 
 
Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT, an independent organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid and South Wales, has pledged to work closely with members and tourism groups to maximise the potential of astro-tourism.
 
Located just two hours from Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol, she believes that many people have no idea of the natural wonders waiting for them virtually on their doorstep.
 
“International Dark Sky Park status is fantastic news and reinforces everything that is special about Mid Wales with our unspoilt, natural environment and spectacular night skies,” said Val. “As we are only two hours from some of the largest cities in the UK, hopefully more people will now come and visit Mid Wales to experience some of the natural wonders that we here.”
 
She adds that MWT will be working closely with tourism groups and businesses to promote events relating to astro-tourism in the coming months. Dark Sky status for growing areas of Mid and North Wales offers great potential to attract tourists all year round.
 
Focusing on the astro tourism potential, Richard Smith, of Cambrian Safaris, is already working closely with the accommodation providers and the local community to promote the area’s natural attractions.
 
“We aim to encourage people to come again by giving them ideas of places to explore for themselves,” he said. “We run evening tours all year round and organise astronomy sessions with the Elan Valley Astronomy Group who worked so hard to gain the Dark Sky Status for the Elan Valley Estate. Dark Sky status will be a great help in putting the Cambrian Mountains on the map.”
 
Amateur astronomers, Les and Kris Fry, from the Elan Valley Astronomy Group, who led the bid for Dark Sky status helped by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water estate rangers, are looking forward to the inevitable boost to the local economy associated with astro-tourism.
 
“It’s absolutely amazing how much we have achieved as amateur astronomers,” said Kris and Les, who have become volunteer astro-rangers. “We want to show other people that you don’t need to be a big corporate concern to gain Dark Sky status. The common person can also protect their sky from light pollution.
 
“We now want to expand the Dark Sky area to cover the whole of the Cambrian Mountains and put Mid Wales on the map for astro-tourism.”
 
The Dark Sky process began in November 2012 and more than 200 individual light readings were taken at 13 sites over a 22 month period to demonstrate that the estate fits the criteria for this status.
 
Data revealed that the estate "possessed exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, scenic, and natural resource". This is one of the primary conditions for granting International Dark Sky Park status and so ideal for stargazing.
 
Ed Parsons, area lands manager for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, said he looked forward to welcoming more visitors attracted by “our spectacular night sky”. He pledged to further improve light wastage within the estate and to improve facilities for astronomers at several locations.
To find out more about the astronomical events run by the volunteer astro-rangers at the estate visit www.elanvalley.org.uk or call 01597 810880. For more information on Elan Valley Astronomy email: elanvalleyastronomy@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/EVastronomy
 
For tourism information about Mid Wales in general visit http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/
 
Picture captions:
 
A selection of images of the Elan Valley night sky by amateur photographers Janice Vincentt, Sorcha Lewis and Les Fry.

Elan Valley Estate achieves International Dark Sky Park status in world first

 

 

The picturesque Elan Valley Estate in Mid Wales has created history by becoming the world’s first privately owned, but publicly accessed International Dark Sky Park.

The silver-tier status has been granted by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) based in Arizona, USA and means that the 45,000 acre estate is now protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work there, as well as for visitors and the abundance of wildlife found there.

The Elan Valley Estate joins the Brecon Beacons National Park which, due to its size, is classified as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Snowdonia National Park is also preparing its application to the IDA.

What makes the Elan Valley Estate’s achievement even more remarkable is that all the preparatory work was done in house by two local amateur astronomers, Les and Kris Fry, now volunteer astronomy rangers and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water estate rangers.

The process to become an International Dark Sky Park began in November 2012. More than 200 individual light readings were taken at 13 sites over a 22 month period to demonstrate that the Estate would fit the criteria for this status.

Analysis of the data revealed that the estate "possessed exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, scenic, and natural resource". This is one of the primary conditions for granting International Dark Sky Park status and so ideal for stargazing.

News of Dark Sky status was announced jointly by the IDA in conjunction with Elan Valley Astronomy (EVA) and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water at 10am this morning (Friday).

Les and Kris, of EVA, thanked all members and organisations who had contributed in attaining this accolade and said they looked forward to the inevitable boost to the local economy that the associated astro tourism should bring.

“It’s absolutely amazing how much we have achieved as amateur astronomers,” said Kris. “We want to show other people that you don’t need to be a big corporate concern to gain Dark Sky status. The common person can also protect their sky from light pollution.

“We now want to expand the Dark Sky area to cover the whole of the Cambrian Mountains.”
John Barentine, DSA project manager in Tucson, Arizona, said: “We’re thrilled by the outcome and what this means for Wales. With other sites in the application process, Wales will lead the entire world in terms of countries with the largest fraction of their land subject to dark skies protection.”

Ed Parsons, area lands manager for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “I’m very excited that our spectacular night sky has been recognised by the International Dark Sky Association. This global recognition is testament to the hard work of our rangers and voluntary astronomers, without whom this would not have been possible.

“I would also like to thank the Elan Valley Trust for their support from the beginning of this process. We will continue to work in partnership with them and local residents to protect and enhance this feature of the estate and welcome visitors to experience a truly dark sky at night.”

IDA executive director, J. Scott Feierabend, said: “Today IDA takes a major step forward in dark skies conservation by welcoming the Elan Valley as the first-ever privately owned International Dark Sky Park. Moving into the realm of private land conservation significantly extends the reach of protections for the natural night time environment."

Bob Mizon, director of the British Astronomical Association's Commission for Dark Skies, said: "It's really exciting to see the Elan Valley joining the ranks of those places worldwide who are protecting our heritage of starry skies above. We look forward to the time when everyone will have the optimum night sky over them."

Focusing on the astro tourism potential, Richard Smith, of Cambrian Safaris, said: “At Cambrian Safaris, we work closely with the accommodation sector and the local community to promote the area’s natural attractions. We aim to encourage people to come again by giving them ideas of places to explore for themselves.

“We now run evening tours all year round and organise astronomy sessions with the Elan Valley Astronomy Group who worked so hard to gain the Dark Sky Status for the Elan Valley Estate. Dark Sky status will be a great help in putting the Cambrian Mountains on the map.”

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT, an independent organisation representing tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales, said the announcement was “fantastic” news for the Elan Valley and Mid Wales as a whole.

“International Dark Sky Park status reinforces everything that is special about Mid Wales with our unspoilt, natural environment and spectacular night sky,” she added. “And we are only two hours from some of the largest cities in the UK.

“Hopefully more people will now come and visit Mid Wales to experience some of the natural wonders that they have on their doorstep.”

There are currently 25 Dark Sky Parks in the world including Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, Death Valley National Park in California, De Boschplaat in the Netherlands and Eifel International Dark Sky Park in Germany.

The Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park will now embark on plans to further improve light wastage within the estate, and to improve facilities for astronomers at several locations across the Estate.

To find out more about the astronomical events run by the volunteer astro-rangers at the Estate please visit www.elanvalley.org.uk or call 01597 810880. For more information on Elan Valley Astronomy email: elanvalleyastronomy@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/EVastronomy

Picture captions:
A selection of images of the Elan Valley night sky by amateur photographers Janice Vincentt, Sorcha Lewis and Les Fry.

 

Erwood Station Gallery going from strength to strength

Erwood Station Gallery, near Builth Wells, which is now run alongside The Lion Street Gallery in Hay-on-Wye, recently rated as one of the best galleries in Wales, is going from strength the strength.

At 2,000 square feet of exhibition space housed within a railway station and vintage carriages, Erwood Station Gallery is the largest privately owned contemporary applied arts gallery in Wales. In addition it also exhibits paintings and sculpture and has four seasonal exhibitions a year.

The gallery focuses on showcasing the very best in contemporary craft and applied arts from artists and makers based in Wales and the Borders. New names arriving this month include artists Peter Kettle, Sheridan Ward, Ceri Auckland Davies, Wynne Jenkins and Karen Pearce, ceramicists Melanie Brown and Christine Gittins.

An exhibition of work by celebrated Pembrokeshire sculptor Perryn Butler, has been secured for the months of August and September:

Erwood Station Gallery also an ideal place from which to explore the surrounding hills and River Wye with plenty of free parking, a picnic area, a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust bird hide in a signal box and a restored diesel train.

The gallery, which is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 5pm, also has a tearoom, which serves homemade cakes and tea until 4.30pm daily.

Picture caption:

Christine Gittins’ pot with quilled lid.

Ends

For more information please contact Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, Tel: 01982 560 674.

Gregynog Festival director privileged to collaborate with “distinguished musicians”

Gregynog Festival's artistic director has thanked everyone who supported this year’s successful festival which had ‘Revolution’ as its theme.

“It was a real privilege to collaborate with so many distinguished musicians, most of whom were making Wales or UK debuts,” said Rhian Davies. “We've received two great in-depth reviews about the season from Wales Arts Review and Seen and Heard International.”

There's still one concert to come when the outstanding harpist Xavier de Maistre plays in the Gregynog Gallery of National Museum Cardiff on December 9 at 7.30pm. Xavier's showstopper programme will include the world premiere of Richard Dubugnon's Apres une visite a Gregynog,  inspired by three masterpieces in the Davies Collection of art.

Rhian has been invited to give a talk about the Belgian refugee musicians, whom sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies helped to safety in Mid Wales during the First World War, at Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth, on July 21 at 7pm.

During the National Eisteddfod in Meifod from August 1-8, Gregynog Festival will also feature in Y Lle Hanes, a local history exhibition co-ordinated by the Powysland Club and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

During the festival, BBC Radio 3 recorded the Escher String Quartet's dazzling performance at the National Library of Wales for future broadcast in the autumn.

Rhian revealed that she is now working to finalise the programme for Gregynog Festival 2016 on the theme of Ireland from June 10-26.

Holy smoke! Archbishop takes the regulator on Talyllyn Railway

Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev. Barry Morgan, recently took control of one of the Talyllyn Railway’s locomotives when he took part in a driver experience day.

Joining him on the footplate of locomotive No.6 Douglas was volunteer driver Canon Malcolm Brown, director of mission and public affairs for the Church of England, while the fireman was Ian Evans, a reader in York diocese.

Guarding the train was the Rev Nigel Adams, who had been responsible for organising the invitation. Other volunteers with ecclesiastical connections were also on duty that day.

The Archbishop clearly enjoyed his trip on the railway, which this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of galas. The guest driver experience continues a long association between the railway and the church, with members of various denominations volunteering on the line.

In addition, a recent celebration service for the 150th anniversary, where the preacher was the Bishop of Bangor, the Rt. Rev. Andrew John, filled St Cadfan’s Church, Tywyn to commemorate the railway’s place in the life of the local community.



Picture caption:

Archbishop of Wales, Most Revd. Barry Morgan with Talyllyn Railway Locomotive No.6 Douglas.
(Photo: B. Fuller)

Corris Craft Centre one of the best days out in Wales

Corris Craft Centre, a Best Day Out in Wales finalist in the National Tourism Awards for Wales 2015, is bursting with activity this summer.

All nine of its craft studios occupied following the opening of a brand new printing studio, Accidental Republic, run by designer-maker Kevin Hodgetts. He designs and hand-prints his own unique, and often humorous, designs onto t-shirts, cards and gifts.

This season has also witnessed the re-opening of the Spellbound Herbals studio where Sarah Dalzell has returned and is once again making herbal lotions and remedies to treat a myriad of ailments. The individual craft studios open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Corris Craft Centre, which is located in Corris, near Machynlleth, also boasts three unique visitor attractions including King Arthur’s Labyrinth underground adventure, Corris Mine Explorers and Lost Legends of The Stone Circle as well as a Welsh food and drink shop and the Y Crochan café.
   
Ian Rutherford, Corris Craft Centre’s managing director, said: “Becoming a finalist in the Best Day Out in Wales was a real honour. With our nine craft studios now fully occupied, three unique attractions and a Welsh food and drink shop and café, we’re an even better day out in Wales.”



Picture caption:

Kevin Hodgetts busy at work in his Accidental Republic craft studio.

Talyllyn Railway backs World Heritage Status bid for the Welsh slate industry

A Gwynedd Council-led bid to achieve World Heritage Status for the Welsh slate industry is being supported by Talyllyn Railway, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer.

The bid is on a shortlist of UK sites being considered for World Heritage Status. Talyllyn Railway is the only example of a railway built for the transportation of slate, which has been in continuous operation since it was opened in 1865.

It was also the first statutory narrow-gauge railway designed for steam operation from its inception and the world’s first preserved railway, being saved from closure by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society in 1951.

The slate industry made a significant impact on the economic and environmental life of this part of Wales, as thousands were employed in quarries throughout the area. Many communities were created because of the industry and its legacy continues.

Part of the industrialisation of the area was the development of new transport systems. Talyllyn Railway played a significant role in gaining Parliamentary approval for narrow-gauge railways that carried not only slate, but passengers as well. Its use of steam traction from the outset also underlined the progress being made in the development of the steam locomotive.

Jane Garvey, Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society chairman, said: “This year, Talyllyn Railway celebrates 150 years since trains first ran on its tracks and also the passing of the Talyllyn Railway Act on July 5, 1865.

“It is therefore wholly appropriate that we support this bid that seeks to bring world recognition to an industry that changed the world in the way buildings were constructed. The Talyllyn was built primarily for transporting slate and it is important that its part in the story of the North Wales slate industry is recognised.


“It was also the world’s first preserved railway, creating a movement that has spread all over the globe. Therefore, it could be said that the Talyllyn has helped change the world. We hope that World Heritage Status will help to attract tourists from across the globe to come here, so that we can inform them about our past and also help preserve our heritage for the future.”

Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies from Blaenau Ffestiniog, who chairs the World Heritage Status Steering Group, is delighted that Talyllyn Railway is so supportive of the bid

“The decision to forge ahead with the bid was taken based on a comprehensive economic report about the benefits which gaining World Heritage Status for the slate industry could bring to Gwynedd,” she said.

“It will be up to us to seize the initiative and make the most of the opportunities that our extremely rich heritage can offer. I’m absolutely delighted that Talyllyn Railway, which has played such an important part in the history of Welsh slate, has decided to support the bid.”

Green Green Grass or Dragon's Breath? Afternoon Tea at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel

In keeping with its local food ethos, afternoon tea at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa this year includes a choice of loose teas blended by Welsh tea company, Morgan’s Brew.

The teas include the intriguingly named Green Green Grass – a twice-dried Yunnan green tea – and Dragon’s Breath which is a chai, or black tea blended with aniseed, cinnamon and cardamom.

These and another dozen different tea blends are offered at the heart of the hotel’s 2015 afternoon tea menu which is served every day between 3pm and 6pm overlooking Mid Wales’ beautiful Lake Vyrnwy.

“While the tea leaves may have travelled some distance, their blending makes them unique to Morgan’s which is based just a few miles from us in Welshpool,” says Lake Vyrnwy’s general manager Anthony Rosser.

“And if the Welsh-named blends – like Barry Island Rock – sound a bit off the wall, we do of course offer more familiar styles including Assam, Morgan’s (Earl) Grey and good old English breakfast tea.”

The full Lake Vyrnwy afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, a macaroon, carrot cake, a fruit tartlet and a sultana scone with home-made jam and clotted cream, all accompanied by a pot of tea from the Morgan’s Brew range. The price is £16.50 per person, and advance booking is not required.
For lighter appetites, a traditional cream tea is £7.50 per person and includes sultana scones with home-made jam and clotted cream, accompanied by a pot of tea.

Full details may be found at www.lakevyrnwy.com or by calling 01691 870692.

Photographer’s National Eisteddfod images feature in new exhibition

Previously unseen images from photographer Dewi Glyn Jones’ series of marketing projects commissioned by the National Eisteddfod of Wales between 2009-’14 have been chosen for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, Wales in Machynlleth, which opens on Saturday.

The exhibition, Llun o Eisteddfod Dewi Glyn Jones, will be opened by artist Eleri Mills at 12 noon and runs until August 8. MOMA WALES is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Dewi’s work is also included in the Lle Celf Exhibition at this year’s National Eisteddfod, which is being held in Meifod from August 1-8.

He was awarded the Ifor Davies Award in 2005 at the National Eisteddfod of Wales for work in the Visual Arts Exhibition that conveys the spirit of activism in the struggle for language, culture and politics in Wales.

Work chosen for the new exhibition was inspired by his discovery of a photograph in the book ‘Llun o Eisteddfod’ by Christine Gregory, who herself was commissioned by the eisteddfod to record the festival held in Caernarfon in 1979.

Whilst browsing the book and to his utter astonishment, Dewi stumbled upon two familiar faces, a picture of himself and his father perusing the artwork in the visual art pavilion 30 years ago. What made this more poignant was that his father had died only a few months before Dewi saw the photograph.

Christine’s photograph shows two figures facing but unaware of each other, separated by a display panel that splits the image in two halves. On the right, Dewi’s father studiously ponders a picture whilst on the opposite side Dewi, as a young boy, observes another picture. Rather than looking at the content, Dewi is absorbed by his own reflection in the glass.

The serendipitous discovery of Gregory’s photograph, with its layers of coincidences and meanings, struck a deep emotional chord, inspiring Dewi to select hitherto unseen images from his Eisteddfod projects to form this body of work.

“The photographer looks through his lens and sees himself and we, the viewer, in turn see ourselves in the images,” said Lucinda Middleton, Richard and Ann Mayou Fund curator at MOMA WALES. “Observation and self-observation are key themes and Dewi’s photography is as much about self-reflection as it is a commentary of others.”

“The photographs are more than momentary vignettes and snap-shots of individuals on the maes. These are images of our culture and community and together they archive the collective memory of a nation, united as a family for one week every year on a few acres of green land.”

Dewi currently lives in Pontllyfni, near Caernarfon and works on various photographic projects within the public and private sector industries, including his continual commitment to his own personal exploration within lens-based media.

Picture caption:

One of the images from Dewi Glyn Jones’ exhibition.

Super second for Cave after battle in Poland

Welsh rally driver Tom Cave moved up to third in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy after finishing runner-up on this weekend’s second round at Rally Poland.

Aberdovey-based Cave and co-driver Craig Parry, from Oswestry, had been battling for the lead over the entire weekend and lost out by just 10.8 seconds as the battle went down to the final stage.

After demonstrating his speed on the opening round of the trophy in May, Cave continued as one of the series favourites, setting a hat-trick of fastest stage times over the weekend. Such was his consistency and pace, he finished in the top-three on 14 of the 17 competitive stages.

The 23-year-old, who is a manager at his family's Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey when not rallying, used his experience of the ultra-fast conditions from last season and quickly settled into a strong pace as he battled against some of the world’s top young rally drivers.

He found his Ford Fiesta R2 was a little soft for the opening loop of stages on Friday morning, which ran close to the Russian border in the far north of Poland. But, after making some adjustments, he was quickly on the front-running pace and aiming for the top spot.

He quickly overhauled Norwegian driver Marius Aasen by mid-day service on Saturday and opened up a lead. However, on the last main stage of the day, he dropped back to second. With no breeze in the air, he faced severe patches of hanging dust and backed off rather than risk making a mistake.

With just two stages to run on Sunday, he pushed but ended up settling for second. The result edges him up the leader-board in the race for the biggest prize in rallying – a fully paid season in 2016.

This weekend’s event was based in the town of Mikołajki, set in the middle of the picturesque Masurian Lake District in the north-east of Poland. The soft, sandy roads saw some crazy speeds with blind crests and high-commitment corners.

The rally suited Cave’s driving style. He grew up rallying in Latvia from the age of 15 and was quickly at home on the smooth gravel.

Round three sees the series move to Finland for one of the most iconic rallies in the world. Neste Oil Rally Finland is a high-speed rollercoaster event and will see Cave battle on some of the most demanding stages in the series.

Cave said: “It’s been an excellent event and I’m very pleased with the result but obviously a little disappointed. I think Saturday was one of my best drives to date, as we were taking time out of Marius all day. The pace was good and we will need that again in Finland.

“The stages here are really rewarding and so much fun to drive, the fast flowing nature really suited my driving style and the atmosphere with so many fans is incredible. I wasn’t entirely happy with the set-up of the car initially so we made some changes and it went much better after that. The car has been excellent all weekend and a real pleasure to drive on these stages.”

Picture captions:

Tom Cave and Craig Parry in action at Rally Poland.

Tom Cave and Craig Parry celebrate the runner-up finish. 

The Judge's Lodging brings Napoleon to Powys!

‘Napoleon & Powys’ is the exciting new exhibition recently opened at The Judge’s Lodging, Presteigne focussing on the effects of the Napoleonic Wars, which 200 years ago was brought to a conclusion at Waterloo.

This exhibition brings together, for the first time, objects from museums and private collections throughout Powys. There is a stunning 11th Light Dragoons uniform worn during the conflict by a Brecon man, Waterloo medals, weapons and artwork made by French prisoners all on display.

Two British Light Cavalry sabres on display have a particularly gruesome story about the devastating damage they could inflict on the enemy. You can see souvenirs from the battlefield of Waterloo and of the Napoleonic Wars’ greatest figures – a lock of Wellington’s hair, a piece of Nelson’s Victory.

There’s even a piece of wallpaper allegedly from Napoleon’s bedroom, thought to have contained the arsenic that killed him – alas, dramatic although this story is, it is quite conclusive now that the French Emperor in fact died of stomach cancer, but what a story!

It is easy to think that such a quiet part of the UK could not possibly have seen much change to their lives throughout more than 20 years of fighting, which ranged from Egypt, throughout Europe and especially through the Peninsular, before culminating in the Allied Army meeting Napoleon’s forces in Belgium.

But to many people in the shires that now make up Powys, these wars were an integral part of their lives, from the men who enlisted and fought, to those who lived in one of the five towns throughout Montgomeryshire and Brecknockshire who housed French prisoners.

There is a special focus on men from Presteigne who fought in the conflict, including a major section dedicated to Thomas Burch, whose gravestone can be seen just yards away from the museum in St Andrew's churchyard.

Thomas was wounded at the Battle of Quatre Bras during the Waterloo campaign, but returned to the town to become a larger than life figure as landlord of the Bull Inn.

There were those who keenly followed the war news and how could Presteigne residents not have heard that the country's best known prisoner of war, Napoleon's own brother Lucien, was living just 20 miles away in Ludlow?

There is even a criminal case highlighted in the exhibition where a local woman was transported to Australia for her forgery of the paper money, being produced as a direct result of the wars’ costs on Britain.

Gaby Rivers, The Judge’s Lodging’s curator, said: “This is a real honour to be able to share the stories of these people, see their clothes, their medals and the effect this conflict had on them. We are so tremendously excited to be able to bring these stories and objects together like this and can’t wait to share it with visitors – it is a very special exhibition.”

Napoleon & Powys is open now and runs until September 30. The museum is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Admission to this exhibition is free.

Inside one of the straw work boxes made by a French prisoner of war.

The detail of a Dragoon jacket.

Picture caption:

Top: Brooding Napoleon.

12 Weeks of Summer Golf at Penrhos Park

Penrhos Park at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth on the Cambrian Coast launches 12 weeks of Summer Golf, from July to September, with a full programme every week for all ages and all standards.

An extensive programme of weekly ladies, juniors, families, beginners and individual coaching is now available at the park’s new Golf Academy with the Penrhos golf pro, Martin Gallagher.

The Summer Programme includes: Ladies Get Into Golf group coaching sessions every Wednesday evening 7-8pm and Sunday afternoons 4-5pm at £12 per session; Juniors (ages eight to 14 years) Get Into Golf group coaching sessions every Saturday 4-5pm and Sunday 11am -12pm at £12 per session; Total Beginners Introductory sessions every Sunday afternoon 2-3pm for adults at £12 per session; ‘Golf In A Week’ – coaching for the whole family while you’re staying on holiday at Parc Penrhos – just book in with reception at £99 per person based on a family group - two adults/two children – six one hour sessions each.

Our academy programmes cost £12 per week per person and this includes clubs, balls, coaching and green fees. Individual one-to-one coaching with Gallagher is £30 per hour.

Email our Golf Pro to book: theacademy@penrhosgolf.co.uk or call reception for further information: Tel: 01974 202999.