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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Editor's Notes:

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

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

MOMA Machynlleth museum achieves accreditation

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

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

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

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

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

Talyllyn Railway 150th anniversary events to continue in 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More details will be announced early in the new year.

Picture caption:

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

Editor’s notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penygelli Apartments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ends

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

Historic Mid Wales mansion venue targeting classic car clubs in 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture caption:

Members of the TVR Car Club at Plas Dinam.

Notes for Editors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid Wales tourism organisation attracts 48 new members in last year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture captions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture caption:

Santa Claus at Corris Railway last year.

New exhibitions for Christmas at Museum of Modern Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture caption:

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

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

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

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

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