International recognition as Fforest Fawr becomes a UNESCO Global Geopark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ends

Notes for Editors:

Powis Castle facts: 

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

National Trust

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

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

Mid Wales tourism organisation to hold annual meeting in Aberystwyth

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

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

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

Aberystwyth chef to compete in final of Welsh culinary contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture captions:

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

Notes for Editors:

The chefs’ menus:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Ends]

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

Shropshire vineyard scoops four awards at regional competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

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

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

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

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

Ogier conquers conditions to complete Wales Rally GB hat-trick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home favourite Elfyn Evans roars 

through the beautiful Welsh countryside.

WRC teams pause for a minute of silence to reflect

 on those lost in Paris terrorist attacks.

A stunning Welsh coast backdrop on the

 Great Orme stage as Ogier blasts by.

Picture caption:

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

Ends

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

Shropshire vineyard scoops four awards at regional competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email: kerryvalevineyard@gmail.com

Could a dry stone walling course be the ideal Christmas gift?

Are you searching for that special present for Christmas? Rather than another pair of socks, a bottle of perfume or a book why not buy a voucher for a country course?

A one or two day dry stone walling course might be the perfect answer for that unusual present. Based at Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales, the dry stone walling course is informative as well as practical and led by Stuart Fry, a professional dry stone waller.

Participants will not only learn the basics of building a dry stone wall but will also learn about the history of how and when they were built. Dry stone walls epitomise man's influence on the landscape and these fascinating short courses with enthral anyone who has an interest in the countryside.

Designed to be fun as well as informative, the course includes lunch and afternoon tea. “Stuart has a wealth of knowledge and experience but imparts it in an easy to understand style and there are always amusing anecdotes to accompany his courses,” said Margot Porter, of Ty Gwyn Farm.

Vouchers can also be purchased for gundog training weekends and walking through history days. For more details; www.tygwynfarm.co.uk, or contact Margot Porter on 01597 822665 or margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk

Picture caption:

Course members admire a dry stone wall they had built.

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Contact Margot Porter on 01597 822665 or margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk for more information.

Cave withdraws from Wales Rally GB after family bereavement

Welsh rally driver Tom Cave will not start his home round of the FIA World Rally Championship this morning after an overnight family bereavement.

The 23-year-old frim Aberdyfi had completed yesterday’s Shakedown and ceremonial start formalities at Wales Rally GB, before news reached him that his grandfather had died and he decided to withdraw from his home rally, which gets underway today (Friday).

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For further media information please contact glenn@reallycleverpr.com or +447872 470115.

Works by new artists and makers in November shows at Mid Wales galleries

Erwood Station Gallery at Erwood, near Builth Wells and The Lion Street Gallery, Hay on Wye are welcoming several new artists and makers during November.

New at Erwood Station Gallery are wooden carved and painted birds by Marilyn and John Davis, beautiful ceramic pebbles from Clare Mahoney, ceramic vessels from Anne James and Katy O'Neil, new paintings from Jonathan Trim for those who missed out on his sell out show and a 25 foot carriage wall of recent paintings by the renowned local artist Simon Dorrell.

The gallery is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 5pm and the tearoom closes at 4.30pm daily.

The Lion Street Gallery also welcomes new artists to the gallery this month and in the run up to Christmas. Husband and wife artists, Gerald and Kim Dewsbury, are showing together and Robert Harrison will be exhibiting his constructivist landscapes in ochres and blues.

There will also be lead heads by Shaun Brosnan, radiant impressionistic landscapes by Jill Annfield and two stunning life-size wolves by Carol Orwin, which are currently standing guard in the main space.

The Lion Street Gallery is open six days a week from Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm.

Both galleries promote artists who work in Wales and the Borders and visitors can buy works of art through the Arts Council of Wales Collectorplan scheme. All they need to do is put down a 10% deposit and spread the remaining payments over 12 months with no interest to pay. The scheme can be used to buy art worth up to £5,000.

Little Stints, wooden carved and painted birds by Marilyn 

and John Davies which are on show at Erwood Station Gallery.

Picture caption:

Top: Two of these life-size wolves in iron resin by Carol Orwin are on show at The Lion Gallery.

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For more information contact Brent or Kate on Tel: 01497 822 900 or Email thelionstreetgallery@gmail.com

Award winning vineyard opens shop and releases new wine this November

Kerry Vale Vineyard, on the Shropshire/Powys border, has opened its new wine shop.

Located just outside Churchstoke, the shop features the vineyard’s award winning portfolio of wine as well as a selection of locally made gifts.

A unique tourist attraction and favourite amongst locals, the vineyard provides customers with the opportunity to discover the secrets of English and Welsh wine within a retail space. It also offers an art gallery featuring exhibitions from local artists and a wine café and kitchen which makes good use of the exceptional produce being made locally.

In line with a commitment to make wine fun, Kerry Vale will continue to act as venue for popular vineyard tours and wine tastings and monthly workshops.

To celebrate the opening of the new shop, the vineyard will be releasing their new red wine, ‘Red Kite’, which will be available to taste in their café through November and December. Red Kite is made from 2014 vintage and has been lightly oaked to enhance the fruity flavours of the rondo grapes.

Named after the beautiful Red Kites that soar over the vineyard, this new wine promises to be a favourite. The vineyard will also be launching two new English sparkling wines; a sparkling white and a sparkling rose made from their 2013 harvest, using the traditional champagne method.

The new shop will be open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday until December 20 and provides customers with the opportunity to view a selection of wines, hampers and other products in readiness for Christmas.

For more information about Kerry Vale Vineyard, visit: www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk or call 01588 620627.

Picture caption:

Apprentice Nikita Mullard-Davies and Kerry Vale Vineyard owner June Ferguson with a selection of wines.

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For more information please contact Nadine Roach on Tel: 01588 620627 or 07815157851 or email: kerryvalevineyard@gmail.com

Recce, steady, go for Wales Rally GB!

The Wales Rally GB is revving up to fire into life, with the Deeside Service Park in place and the recce run ahead of the hotly-anticipated finale to the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship.

Wales Rally GB is one of the most traditional and invariably one of the most challenging events on the WRC calendar, with its 19 competitive special stages – totalling 193 miles – run against the clock through the spectacular and famously unforgiving north Wales scenery.

The speed tests will be tackled this year by more than 70 international crews, with a further 90 competitors doing battle on the supporting Network Q WRGB National Rally.

The key to success will inevitably be preparation and the drivers and co-drivers have been recceing the stages in road cars to establish a feel for the conditions and perfect their all-important pace notes ahead of the flat-out blast through the region’s legendary forests.

“On this rally, you just never know what might happen – anything is possible,” acknowledged Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team ace Kris Meeke. “The stages look fantastic and in excellent condition and they were very muddy during the recce, so it’s certainly going to be a challenge!

“I’m particularly looking forward to the night stages, because I love driving in the dark – especially here in Wales. It’s an awesome feeling.

“Wales Rally GB was the first WRC event I competed on and in fact my first ever rally was in these very forests 15 years ago. I get a big contingent of fans coming over from Ireland to cheer me on which means it really feels like home and it’s always a pleasure to return.”

Jari-Matti Latvala is another driver who enjoys plenty of support in Wales and the Volkswagen Motorsport star – who won here in back-to-back seasons in 2011 and 2012 – is keen to make it a hat-trick of triumphs this weekend.

“Wales Rally GB is one of my favourite events,” enthused the ‘Flying Finn’. “I started my career in Britain; I came here for the first time as a spectator in 2001 and have competed here every year since 2002. It’s like a home rally for me – I’m coming back to the roads where I learnt to drive.

“I’ve been concentrating really carefully on the recce, because some of the sections are extremely slippery – I think the conditions will be very tricky out there.”

Next up will be the Shakedown at Clocaenog today (Thursday) morning, followed this evening by a show-stopping Ceremonial Start on Mostyn Street, Llandudno. The high-octane action then officially gets underway in Mid Wales early on Friday.

A marathon leg on Saturday takes place closer to Wales Rally GB’s Deeside base and includes the hugely popular, family-friendly RallyFest stage at Chirk Castle before the final day of the 2015 WRC season on Sunday, featuring a return to the iconic Great Orme. The winners will then be crowned in front of the teams and fans back in the Service Park that afternoon.

All tickets are still available via the official www.walesrallygb.com website or ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251.

The four-day World Rally Pass is the all-inclusive ticket for fans. It provides access to all the individual Special Stages as well as Thursday's pre-event Shakedown. It is priced at £99 for adults (or just £1 for accompanied children aged 9-15) and comes with a desirable hard card and lanyard plus an event programme valued at £9.

Forest Passes offer a similar level of flexibility as the World Rally Pass but for individual days of the event. Again they include an official programme and can be purchased in advance for just £25 – a considerable saving on Single Stage tickets costing £30 on the day. Tickets for the family-friendly RallyFest at Chirk Castle are available now for £25 with an even greater discount being offered to families. Full ticket information can be found on the WalesRallyGB.com website.

For further updates, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb

WALES RALLY GB
2015 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 13

Event Timetable*

Thursday, November 12
08:00                           Official Shakedown – Clocaenog
17:00-17:30                 Autograph session, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
18:00                           Opening Ceremony  
18:30                           Ceremonial Start, Llandudno

Friday, November 13
06:30                           Depart – Deeside
09:27                           Hafren 1 (Stage 1)
10:10                           Sweet Lamb 1 (Stage 2)
10:27                           Myherin 1 (Stage 3)
11:56                           Remote Service – Newtown (20 mins)
13:29                           Hafren 2 (Stage 4)
14:12                           Sweet Lamb 2 (Stage 5)
14:29                           Myherin 2 (Stage 6)
17:48                           Service – Deeside (45 mins)

Saturday, November 14
05:00                           Service – Deeside (15 mins)
07:29                           Gartheiniog 1(Stage 7)
07:56                           Dyfi 1 (Stage 8)
09:38                           Gartheiniog 2 (Stage 9)
10:05                           Dyfi 2 (Stage 10)
11:53                           Dyfnant 1 (Stage 11)
12:51                           Aberhirnant 1 (Stage 12)
14:31                           Chirk Castle (Stage 13)
15:32                           Service – Deeside (30 mins)
18:25                           Dyfnant 2 (Stage 14)
19:23                           Aberhirnant 2 (Stage 15)
21:07                           Service – Deeside (45 mins)

Sunday, November 15
07:00                           Service – Deeside (15 mins)
08:26                           Brenig 1 (Stage 16)
08:52                           Alwen (Stage 17)
10:20                           Great Orme (Stage 18)
10:31                           Regroup: Llandudno (25 mins)
12:08                           Brenig 2 (Power Stage 19)
13:51                           Ceremonial Finish – Deeside Service Park

* All times are for the first car and subject to change
For further updates, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb

Picture captions:

A coastal route and a brooding sky that awaits Wales Rally GB competitors.

A typical Welsh forest track, which will test the skills of drivers to the maximum.

[Ends]

Media Contact:

Jonathan Gill, Wales Rally GB Media Office, MPA Creative, High Barn, Effingham, Surrey KT24 5PR.
Tel: 01372 414120 or 07860 563000
E-mail: Jonathan.Gill@MPACreative.com

Final countdown to World Rally Championship action in Wales

The legendary Welsh forests are ready to welcome a capacity and star-studded 160-car entry into Wales Rally GB, the 13th and final round of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship.

Building on the huge success of recent years’ events, this season’s spectacular features a fan-friendly three-day route. It comprises 19 competitive special stage speed tests – totalling 193 miles – all run against the clock on a challenging mix of traditional gravel forest tracks and parkland roads.

After a dazzling opening ceremony on Mostyn Street, Llandudno on Thursday evening, the intrepid crews face a marathon leg in Mid Wales on Friday. The weekend’s action is closer to the Deeside Service Park and includes the popular RallyFest at Chirk Castle and the return of the iconic Great Orme on Sunday. The winners will be crowned in front of the teams and fans back in the Deeside rally hub on Sunday afternoon.

Heading the entry list is 2013, 2014 and 2015 world champion, Sébastien Ogier. Having just clinched a hat-trick of titles, the gifted 31-year-old Frenchman will be the one to beat on an event he has won for the past two years.

Ogier, though, isn’t the only past winner targeting further success. His Volkswagen Motorsport team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala has also lifted the coveted Peall Trophy and, with no team orders, is sure to provide stiff opposition.

No British driver has won the event since the late Richard Burns completed a hat-trick of triumphs back in 2000 but, with Elfyn Evans and Kris Meeke among this season’s front-runners, another famous home victory may not be that far away. Meeke won in Argentina and Evans finished second more recently in Corsica.

Adding to the competition, Hyundai Motorsport is fielding a four-car entry and is locked in a battle with Meeke’s Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT outfit for second place behind the all-conquering VW Motorsport in the Manufacturers’ Championship. Ex-F1 star Robert Kubica is another to watch.

Following the huge popularity of recent events in North Wales, every effort has been made to increase car parking capacity and improve the spectator experience in advance of next week’s season finale. Once again, the event will boast its own dedicated Wales Rally FM radio station on 87.7FM as well as big screen television coverage – anchored by Steve Rider – with live action at key locations.

“The excitement is really building towards this week’s event,” confirmed Ben Taylor, managing director of Wales Rally GB. “We’ve got 19 of the finest rally stages in the world, a capacity entry list featuring the world’s best drivers and a huge crowd anticipated.

“Better yet, we have genuine hopes of a strong British result, after Kris and Elfyn’s performances this year. We’ll also be inducting Petter Solberg into the ‘Hall of Fame’ and celebrating the 20th anniversary of Colin McRae’s WRC title triumph. It all adds up to an utterly unmissable world championship event.”

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “The Wales Rally GB is a world-class event and I hope this year’s event will be even bigger and better than ever. Wales Rally GB has developed a strong profile on the World Rally Championship calendar, demonstrating Wales’ ability to deliver a wide range of major events. The rally provides an ideal platform to showcase Wales’ many assets, including our spectacular scenery.  

“The organisers have worked to widen the appeal of this sport, with developments such as the RallyFest stages proving invaluable in reaching beyond the motor sport enthusiast. We look forward to an action packed weekend.”

The majority of the special stage action takes place in the spectacular Welsh forests, which are managed by Natural Resources Wales, who provide an invaluable service to the event every year.

Emyr Roberts, chief executive of Natural Resources Wales, said: “More than 90 per cent of this year’s rally is staged on forest roads we manage. Welsh forests are an important part of our economy and environment. Preparing the roads and safe spectator areas has taken us many months – this is a beautiful backdrop for the teams to compete at the highest level.”

BIGGEST BRITISH CHALLENGE FOR MORE THAN A DECADE

Not since the heady days of Colin McRae and Richard Burns have British fans had so much to celebrate at their home round of the World Rally Championship.

With Kris Meeke becoming the first British driver since Colin McRae in 2002 to win a WRC round earlier this season and Elfyn Evans scoring a career-high second place in Corsica, there are two homegrown stars in the hunt for glory. Since joining Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT at the start of last season, Meeke has notched up six podiums and taken the fight to Ogier on many occasions.

“I love these stages,” enthused the 36-year-old Ulsterman. “They’re definitely some of the best in the world. But it’s not just the roads, it’s everything that goes with them: the smell of the mud on the exhaust, the sight of the mist hanging over the hills in the morning – it’s a beautiful place to be, and the only place to be for a rally fan in November.

“Of course I would absolutely love to win but we have to be realistic. To try and win it against these Volkswagen boys will be difficult but if something happens to them... Either way I want to try to get on the podium. We were running second last year, but then got caught out in the Brenig stage on the final morning. There’s a wee bit of unfinished business there…”

Evans is a local hero in his native Mid Wales and the 26-year-old from Dolgellau has been groomed for future stardom by his Cumbria-based M-Sport team, underlining his potential with two podiums already this season. Last year, he sent the fans home happy by finishing a fine fifth in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC – now he’s aiming a bit higher.

“I would obviously love to score my third WRC podium in Wales,” he admitted. “Given the calibre of the opposition out there, it will be no mean feat, but I can promise you we will be giving it our all and that’s what we are aiming for.

“The stages are fantastic. Everywhere else in the world we go, when there is rain and mud, there is practically no grip – but here that never seems to be a problem, meaning you can settle into a good rhythm and really attack the event and enjoy the whole experience.”

While Meeke and Evans will spearhead the home guard, there’s plenty of other British talent on show. Mid Wales based David Higgins will make a welcome return behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza in tribute to Colin McRae, while rising young stars Tom Cave, David Bogie, Chris Ingram, Johnny Greer and Gus Greensmith will all feature in the International event.

RALLYFEST PROVIDES FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Providing a full day’s high-octane entertainment for those who would rather not venture into the forests, RallyFests have been an instant success, particularly with the family audience – so it’s no surprise that one features on this year’s bill at Chirk Castle.

Indeed, such was the popularity of the first action-packed RallyFest at Chirk that car parking and spectator areas were massively increased for 2014 and a special traffic management system introduced. These all worked as planned last November and are again in place this year.

Enhanced facilities include live commentary, a big screen, children’s fairground rides, trade stands, historic rally car parades, catering plus a mouth-watering array of special displays. The Red Bull Matadors will be performing in the skies above the medieval fortress while stars from SuperMoto and Guinness World Record stunt driver Terry Grant will be wowing fans back on earth.

The action starts from 9:45am with the Network Q WRGB National competitors. After that, the entertainment begins at 11.45, before the WRC stars and cars arrive early in the afternoon. Advance adult tickets are priced at £25, while specially priced family tickets are available for just £45.

FREE OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE THE WRC

While access to all 19 special stages is ticketed, there are several great opportunities for the public to savour the presence of the World Rally Championship in north Wales absolutely free.

Visitors are welcome to come to the packed Service Park in Deeside on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and, for the first time, Sunday. Here they will not only see all 160 cars being prepared for action but will also be treated to some impressive entertainment including live bands, funfair rides, 4x4 driving, a zip-wire, a special Colin McRae tribute, stunt shows and on Saturday evening a fireworks display.

Entrance to the Opening Ceremony in Llandudno and the Ceremonial Finish in the Service Park are free of charge, as is admission to the final Regroup in Llandudno on Sunday morning. For those Mid Wales, Newtown offers a giant screen to watch the action and the chance to see the rally cars and stars up close in the town on Friday morning.  

MCRAE HEADS NETWORK Q WRGB NATIONAL RALLY ENTRIES

The Network Q WRGB National Rally is an integral part of the WRC show. Aimed at enthusiastic amateur crews keen to be part of the UK’s biggest rally festival, it follows the same route providing spectators with even more top class action.

As well as featuring some iconic rally cars from yesteryear including Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evos and large numbers of sideways Escorts, the National entry also showcases a few stars of its own.

As part of the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Colin McRae becoming Britain’s first World Rally Champion in 1995, his father Jimmy McRae is rolling back the years behind the wheel of an historic Vauxhall Firenza Can-Am. Last year’s victor Mike Faulkner is back, too, defending his title.

WALES RALLY GB 

NETWORK Q WRGB NATIONAL RALLY*

Friday 13 November
08:15                           Depart Service Park (Deeside)
11:12                           Hafren (Stage 1)
11:55                           Sweet Lamb (Stage 2)
12:12                           Myherin (Stage 3)
15:31                           Arrive Service Park (Deeside)

Saturday 14 November
08:40                           Depart Service Park (Deeside)
09:43                           Chirk Castle (Stage 13)
11:38                           Gartheiniog (Stage 9)
12:05                           Dyfi (Stage 10)
13:53                           Dyfnant (Stage 11)
14:51                           Aberhirnant (Stage 12)
16:35                           Arrive Service Park (Deeside)

Sunday 15 November
09:15                           Depart Service Park (Deeside)
10:40                           Alwen (Stage 17)
12:08                           Great Orme (Stage 18)
12:19                           Llandudno Regroup
13:56                           Brenig (Stage 19)
15:26                           Ceremonial Finish – Deeside

* All times are for the first competitive car on the stage and are subject to change

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FOR WALES RALLY GB 

Both live and post-produced shows will be screened on no fewer than three different TV channels within the UK.

BT Sport will air daily highlights plus live coverage of selected stages throughout the weekend, including Sunday’s concluding Brenig Power Stage.

ITV4 will be screening daily highlights while Welsh language station S4C’s dedicated motor sport programme Ralio+ will be broadcasting daily. Ralio+ will also be showing the Power Stage ‘as live’ later on Sunday afternoon.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

All tickets are still available via the official www.walesrallygb.com website or ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251.

Tickets are selling fast, with large numbers taking advantage of the significant discounts on offer for those booking in advance.

The four-day World Rally Pass is the all-inclusive ticket for fans. It provides access to all the individual Special Stages as well as Thursday's pre-event Shakedown. It is priced at £99 for adults (or just £1 for accompanied children aged nine to 15) and comes with a desirable hard card and lanyard plus an event programme valued at £9.

Forest Passes offer a similar level of flexibility as the World Rally Pass but for individual days of the event. Again they include an official programme and can be purchased in advance for just £25. Tickets for the family-friendly RallyFest at Chirk Castle are available now for £25 with an even greater discount being offered to families.

On-the-day tickets will be available at all stages for £30, subject to availability.

Full ticket information can be found on the WalesRallyGB.com website.

WALES RALLY GB 

2015 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 13 

Event Timetable*

Thursday 12 November
08:00                           Official Shakedown – Clocaenog
17:00-17:30                 Autograph session, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
18:00                           Opening Ceremony  
18:30                           Ceremonial Start, Llandudno

Friday 13 November
06:30                           Depart – Deeside
09:27                           Hafren 1 (Stage 1)
10:10                           Sweet Lamb 1 (Stage 2)
10:27                           Myherin 1 (Stage 3)
11:56                           Remote Service – Newtown (20 mins)
13:29                           Hafren 2 (Stage 4)
14:12                           Sweet Lamb 2 (Stage 5)
14:29                           Myherin 2 (Stage 6)
17:48                           Service – Deeside (45 mins)

Saturday 14 November
05:00                           Service – Deeside (15 mins)
07:29                           Gartheiniog 1(Stage 7)
07:56                           Dyfi 1 (Stage 8)
09:38                           Gartheiniog 2 (Stage 9)
10:05                           Dyfi 2 (Stage 10)
11:53                           Dyfnant 1 (Stage 11)
12:51                           Aberhirnant 1 (Stage 12)
14:31                           Chirk Castle (Stage 13)
15:32                           Service – Deeside (30 mins)
18:25                           Dyfnant 2 (Stage 14)
19:23                           Aberhirnant 2 (Stage 15)
21:07                           Service – Deeside (45 mins)

Sunday 15 November
07:00                           Service – Deeside (15 mins)
08:26                           Brenig 1 (Stage 16)
08:52                           Alwen (Stage 17)
10:20                           Great Orme (Stage 18)
10:31                           Regroup: Llandudno (25 mins)
12:08                           Brenig 2 (Power Stage 19)
13:51                           Ceremonial Finish – Deeside Service Park

* All times are for the first car and subject to change
For further updates, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb

[Ends]

World rally stars to tackle legendary forests of North and Mid Wales

This year’s Wales Rally GB (November 12-15), the concluding round of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship, will again be based in Deeside, with the majority of the timed Special Stages set in the legendary forests of North and Mid Wales.

The three-day schedule includes 19 Special Stages totalling 191 miles of established classic tests and welcomes back the famous Myherin and iconic Great Orme stages last seen in 2013. The route features the family-friendly RallyFest at Chirk Castle, as well as the unique challenge of two stages run in darkness on Saturday evening.

After two years of hosting the ceremonial finish, the seaside town of Llandudno this year hosts the ceremonial start, while the finish will switch to Deeside, extending the opening times of the hugely popular Service Park into Sunday and ensuring that teams and fans can share in the end of season champagne celebrations.

Once again, access to the Service Park, as well as to the start, finish and the regroups in Newtown on Friday and Llandudno on Sunday morning will be free of charge. Last year, these areas provided more than 40,000 visitors with a fabulous chance to experience all the atmosphere of the FIA World Rally Championship for free.

The event’s official website is www.walesrallygb.com and provides regular news updates.

Thursday, November 12

Fans get their first chance to see the stars and cars from the FIA World Rally Championship in action during the official pre-event Shakedown taking place in Clocaenog Forest on Thursday morning. It’s during this final warm-up that the teams make their last minute preparations for the competitive sections ahead. A huge crowd is guaranteed for the Ceremonial Start in Llandudno town centre on Thursday evening which will be preceded by the popular Autograph Session in its Venue Cymru conference centre.

Friday, November 13

The dramatic high-speed competition blasts off in spectacular fashion with three stages in the legendary forests of Mid Wales to the east of Aberystwyth, each tackled twice either side of a lunchtime regroup on the busy streets of Newtown. The demanding 20-mile timed section through the renowned Hafren Forest is followed by the shorter Sweet Lamb stage with its fabulous viewing opportunities that make it hugely popular with spectators. The third of Friday’s tests sees the return of the famous Myherin stage, rated by many of the sport’s top drivers as one of their favourites on the entire WRC calendar.

Saturday, November 14

Saturday offers another long, challenging and action-packed day, starting with back-to-back runs through the classic Gartheiniog and Dyfi forests to the north of Machynlleth. The route returns to the bustling Deeside Service Park in mid-afternoon via the fast and tricky Dyfnant and Aberhirnant stages and the well-established, family-friendly RallyFest at Chirk Castle. With additional lights fitted during a 30-minute service in Deeside, the crews then set out for a second run through both Dyfnant and Aberhirnant, this time under cover of darkness, before returning to Service for Saturday night’s entertainment.

Sunday, November 15

Sunday is a shorter – but no less spectacular – day set entirely in north Wales. The Brenig and Alwen stages introduced last year both feature again, with the second run through Brenig being Wales Rally GB’s concluding ‘Power Stage’ screened live to TV audiences around the globe. In-between comes the iconic test around the Great Orme, followed by a regroup in Llandudno, giving the public another great chance to see the cars up close. This year’s Ceremonial Finish and prize-giving have been relocated to the Service Park at Deeside, ensuring that celebrations can take place among the teams and fans to create a memorable finale to the 2015 WRC season.

2915 Wales Rally GB

Thursday, November 12:
18:30 Ceremonial Start: Mostyn Street, Llandudno
Overnight Deeside Service Park

Friday,  November 13:
09:24 SS1: Hafren 1
10:07 SS2: Sweet Lamb 1
10:24 SS3: Myherin 1
11:54 Regroup: Newtown
13:32 SS4: Hafren 2
14:15 SS5: Sweet Lamb 2
14:32 SS6: Myherin 2
18:04 Service: Deeside Service Park
Overnight Deeside Service Park

Saturday, November 14:
07:29 SS7: Gartheiniog 1
07:58 SS8: Dyfi 1
09:38 SS9: Gartheiniog 2
10:07 SS10: Dyfi 2
11:50 SS11: Dyfnant 1
12:48 SS12: Aberhirnant 1
14:26 SS13: Chirk Castle RallyFest
15:37 Service: Deeside Service Park
18:18 SS14: Dyfnant 2
19:16 SS15: Aberhirnant 2
21:09 Service: Deeside Service Park
Overnight Deeside Service Park

Sunday, November 15:
08:26 SS16: Brenig 1
08:53 SS17: Alwen
10:11 SS18: Great Orme
10:23 Regroup: Llandudno
12:08 SS19: Brenig 2 (Power Stage)
14:00 Ceremonial Finish: Deeside Service Park