Praise for high quality Mid Wales caravan parks that continue to set the standard

Owners of top quality caravan parks in Mid Wales who have invested millions of pounds into making them some of the best in the UK have been congratulated for exceptional five star grading results again this year.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates and Tony Bywater, chairman of leading caravan dealership Salop Leisure, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, both praised the parks for maintaining exceptional standards.

Their hard work has been recognised with 33 five star gradings from Visit Wales, the tourism arm of the Welsh Government,
which runs the rule over the parks. Thirteen of the parks are in Powys, 11 in Meirionnydd or South Gwynedd and eight in Ceredigion and one in Carmarthenshire.

Mr Skates said: Mr Skates said: “We need high standard facilities in Wales in order to attract visitors to Wales and entice them back time and again. With their five star ratings, the quality of the caravan parks in Mid Wales can compete with anywhere in the UK.

“Our figures indicate that 2016 has been another great year for tourism in Wales, following two record breaking years. There has been a growth of 15% in international tourism visits during the first six months of 2016 and occupancy levels have been maintained or increased across most sectors. Some 85% of businesses reported that they are confident about this year. We now look forward to working with the industry on the Year of Legends in 2017.”

Salop Leisure supplies caravans to many of the five star parks in Mid Wales, which not only attract thousands of tourists to the region but also promote a positive image of caravanning, says Mr Bywater. Eight of the Mid Wales caravan parks that he and his company owns have all received five star gradings.

“Mid Wales is renowned for having fantastic caravan parks that offer great value for money compared to other parts of the UK,” he added. “Great credit is due to the park owners and managers for continuing to raise their quality standard year after year.

“This year’s outstanding gradings in Mid Wales show that the industry is not resting on its laurels but continuing to invest in quality for the future.

“Discerning holiday home owners from North West England, The Potteries, West Midlands, Shropshire and South Wales regularly tell us that they really appreciate the quality and spectacular scenery offered by caravan parks in Mid Wales. They demand home from home luxury and that’s exactly what they get.”

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT, the independent organisation representing tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales, congratulated all the parks for consistently high standards, adding that their grading success was richly deserved.

“We are fortunate in Mid Wales to have some of the finest caravan parks in the UK and they account for one third of the visitor economy of the region,” she said.

The five star parks are: Ceredigion: Aeron Coast Caravan Park, Aberaeron; Bardsey View Holiday Park, Mydroilyn, Lampeter; Cardigan Bay Holiday Park, Poppit Sands, St Dogmaels, Cardigan; Green Meadow Holiday Home Park, Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth; Gwel y Cwm Caravan Park, New Quay; Ocean Heights Leisure Park, Maenygroes, New Quay; Pencnwc Holiday Park, Cross Inn, Llandysul; Woodland Hideaway Park, Glynarthen, Llandysul;. Carmarthenshire: Cenarth Falls Holiday Park, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn.

Meirionnydd: Bala Caravan Park, Plas Moel Garnedd, Llanycil, Bala; Gwynedd Holiday Home Park, Tywyn; Hendre Mynach Caravan Park, Barmouth; Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth; Llandanwg Holiday Home Park, Llandanwg, Harlech; Min- y- Don Holiday Home and Touring Park, Harlech; Pale Wood Holiday Park, Llandderfel, Bala;  Rowen Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth; Trawsdir Camping Park, Llanaber, Barmouth; Parc Gwyliau Pen y Garth Lodge Park, Llandderfel, Bala and Castle View  Holiday Park, Harlech.

Powys: Bishops Meadow Caravan Park, Brecon; Dolgead Hall Caravan Park, Llanfair Caereinion; Gwernydd Hall Holiday Home Park, New Mills, Newtown; Hidden Valley Caravan Park, Maesmawr, Guilsfield; Maesperthi Holiday Park, Penegoes, Machynlleth; Morben Isaf Holiday and Touring Park, Derwenlas, Machynlleth; Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park, Pencelli, Brecon; Rhyd-y-Groes Caravan and Camping Park, Marton, Welshpool; Seven Oaks Holiday Home Park, Crew Green, near Welshpool; Smithy Caravan Park, Abermule, near Montgomery; Derwen Mill Holiday Park, Guilsfield; Red Kite Touring Park, Llanidloes and Clywedog Caravan Park, Llanidloes.

Hat-trick of awards for popular Aberdyfi hotel

Trefeddian Hotel managing director Caroline Cave, her son Tom (right) and general manager William Moeran (second from left) receive their Best Loved Hotels award from Paul Buckley from sponsor Riasca watched by Julian Ebbutt (left), managing director of Best Loved Hotels.

Inclusion of the Trefeddian in the Editor’s Choice for top golf hotels is particularly fitting as it peers out over the famous links golf course at Aberdyfi.

The leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain and Ireland, The Good Hotel Guide provides impartial advice on good places to stay. Hotels cannot buy their entry and the editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels.

Best Loved Hotel Awards, which are voted for by hotel guests, are designed to celebrate and showcase excellence across Best Loved properties throughout Britain and Ireland. The Extra Mile Award recognises seamless customer service, generosity of spirit, a hotel that is prepared to go above and beyond for its guests.

“The overall customer experience is paramount in any hotel stay and we feel our awards celebrate the eclectic nature of our hotel portfolio,” said Julian Ebbutt, managing director of Best Loved Hotels. “For hotels to achieve these exceptional standards and to constantly innovate and improve must be both recognised and celebrated.”

William Moeran, the Trefeddian’s delighted general manager, said: “It is always very satisfying to be featured in The Good Hotel Guide because of its independence and to pick up two Editor’s Choice awards is fantastic recognition for the hotel and our excellent staff.

“The Best Loved Hotels award is particularly pleasing because customer service is at the heart of everything we do. It’s lovely that guests recognise and acknowledge the high standard of our customer service and support us.

“The three awards are an endorsement that guests enjoy everything that we offer, from the quality food and service to the location. We value greatly their continued support.

“Caroline Cave has so much enthusiasm to drive the hotel forward. She continues to invest to further enhance the experience for guests who return year after year and to meet the expectations of new customers.”

Last winter, the hotel’s lounge was completely refurbished and this year attention will turn to giving the dining room a makeover. The hotel has 59 bedrooms and 50 staff, many with long service records, including hall porter John Horsley-Jones who has worked at the Trefeddian for 42 years.

The hotel is blessed with a stunning location, enjoying panoramic views over Cardigan Bay and a lovely, sandy beach. The hotel’s regular customers tend to be within two-and-a-half hours’ travelling distance, with the majority living in Shropshire and along the M54 corridor in the West Midlands.

The Trefeddian Hotel is ideally placed for golfing and activity breaks as it overlooks a golf course, has watersports and four miles of golden beach on its doorstep and is within a short drive of Coed-y-Brenin Mountain Bike Centre.

The hotel is a long-standing member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid and South Wales.

Local artist exhibits at Kerry Vale Vineyard

Kerry Vale Vineyard, situated on the Shropshire/Powys border, is hosting a new exhibition by local artist Penelope Timmis, which runs from November 19 to December 18.

The exhibition includes a combination of what Penelope is known best for: vibrant and contemporary fowl, flowers and landscape paintings. She has a very distinctive style which aims to reflect the life and colour that she sees in all that inspires her.

Her work has been much in demand since her departure from the Froebel Institute, Roehampton. An established painter she exhibits throughout Wales and the West of England.

Penelope won best entry with the Royal Birmingham Society of the Arts (RBSA) in 2009 and was shortlisted for the Daily Mail’s "Not the Turner" prize in 2004. A fellow of the Royal Society Arts, she supports Shelter Cymru and their art auctions and presented an exhibition for the Prince's Trust.

She is an elected Associate of Birmingham Society of the Arts and an associate of the Society of Women Artists.  Penelope’s solo exhibition can be viewed in the gallery above the vineyard’s shop and café during opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 3pm.

To launch her exhibition Penelope will be holding a drop-in ‘Meet the artist session’ on Friday, November 18 between 2pm and 3.30pm at the vineyard gallery where she will be available to chat, discuss her work and answer any questions.  Booking for ‘meet the artist’ is not required. 

Festivities and giant lanterns light up Cardigan this Christmas!

As Cardigan's Festive Fortnight draws nearer, Small World Theatre welcomes the public to the final free lantern making workshop on Sunday, November 20.

By constructing a lantern, participants will help make Cardigan light up and they will be able to take it home in time for Christmas.

The lantern making workshop is part a new project called Creative Cardigan that has launched a festive fortnight between December 3 - 17. The town has worked together to create a programme of exciting events including Christmas concerts, markets, a cabaret night, Christmas Tree Festival and creative workshops. See more at www.creativecardigan.com

Late night shopping, a giant lantern parade and a spectacular fireworks display at Prince Charles Quay will be held on Friday, December 9 between 6pm and 8.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the final lantern workshop so they can be part of this exciting evening. Lanterns are made from tissue paper and PVA glue, so participants are advised to wear old clothes and aprons will also be available. Book ahead by visiting www.smallworld.org.uk.

Machynlleth museum hosts Tim Tozer’s first UK solo exhibition

The Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth is presenting expatriate British artist Tim Tozer's first UK solo exhibition until February 4

Born in 1969 in Portsmouth, Tim attended Winchester School of Art and received his BA in Fine Art from the University of Ulster, Belfast. In 1994, he moved to the USA upon receiving the Andy Warhol Scholarship for study at the New York Academy of Art.

Since earning his MFA in painting, he has taught at numerous locations in the USA, including the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he is currently an associate professor in painting and drawing. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is represented there by the Groveland Gallery.

“The paintings in this exhibition are, in many ways, an attempt to connect to a sense of home,” said Tim. “Although I have lived and worked in the United States for more than 20 years, my work is informed by memories of the English coastline I grew up beside as well as the Welsh locations I visit and draw inspiration from today.”

The paintings are not, however, bound to one specific locale or personal experience; rather, through making them, Tim searches for a configuration of spaces, light and placement that resonate with something he cannot describe in any other way.

He starts with people and places he knows from his own life in order to do this, but it is only when the work departs from these that the paintings have the ability to connect directly to the impulses that drive them.

MOMA Machynlleth is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm

National library’s appeal for Aneurin Bevan archives

To mark Aneurin Bevan’s birthday on November 15, 1897, the Welsh Political Archive at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is launching an appeal for material about his life and work.

Bevan (pictured) stands amongst the most famous and influential Welsh politicians, serving as MP for Ebbw Vale from 1929-‘60, as a government minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. His most celebrated achievement came when, as Minister for Health and Housing in the reforming post-war Labour government, he was responsible for establishing the National Health Service.

The library holds copies of his books, including ‘In Place of Fear’ and the archives of his agent and Ebbw Vale Labour Party secretary Cllr. Ron Evans, but it is eager to collect more material about the work of this important man.

Rob Phillips, assistant archivist at the Welsh Political Archive, said: “Aneurin Bevan is a central figure in Welsh and British politics and we’re keen to collect more material about his life and work so that it will be available to all who want to know more about his contribution to modern Wales.

“We’re looking for all kinds of material; photographs, letters, leaflets, posters, booklets and so on, so that we can create a new collection to make his 120th birthday in 2017. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone who has material which they would be prepared to donate to the library.”

The Welsh Political Archive is a dedicated programme within the National Library of Wales to collect, store, catalogue and promote archival material which reflects the political life of Wales. The library holds the archives of the main political parties in Wales, along with those of individual politicians and campaign groups.

Further Information:
Elin- Hâf 01970 632471 or post@llgc.org.uk

The National Library wins prestigious volunteering award

Volunteers at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth have won a prestigious national award for their work.

‘Helping us to Achieve’, the library’s scheme to expand access to Wales’ national archives by developing a cadre of skilled volunteers, has won the Archive Volunteering Award for 2016.

Sponsored by the Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland) and sector partners, this annual award recognises outstanding work involving volunteers within an institutional archive service.

The judges said: “Helping us to Achieve was the stand-out nomination in a very strong field. In 2015-16 alone, 65 project volunteers took part in the scheme, volunteering the equivalent of over 1,000 days of their time.

“They completed 10 projects and tasks; another 10 are still in progress. 769 online volunteers also participated in ‘Cynefin’, a ground-breaking project to geo-reference Wales’s Tithe Maps.

“Helping us to Achieve has involved wide community collaboration and support, a diverse range of volunteers and benefitted from professional archive staff support at the National Library, as well as top-management backing. The scheme has also delivered at an individual level: around 20% of the volunteers have moved on to paid employment.”

One volunteer said: “Through the experience I have made friends with some lovely and like-minded people. This has given me a lot of confidence – I don’t feel intimidated by the workplace – I feel I belong.”

Another said: “I have completed nearly three and a half years of volunteering. During that time I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I like the general atmosphere of quiet and calmness.

“This is important to me because my epilepsy is mostly stress related. I am not sure if my new-found confidence is helping my epilepsy (but) my slight improvement in health is increasing my confidence.”

Linda Tomos, national librarian of Wales, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. I am delighted that the strong partnership between our volunteers, staff and our supporting partners to make our national archives more accessible has been recognised as an exemplar.

“NLW is committed to developing this innovative approach which is actively helping people to improve their quality of life and obtain workplace skills as well as learning more about our culture and heritage.”

Mid Wales B&B enlists help from top US interior designer

An interior designer to the stars in the United States is helping put the finishing touches to a five star bed and breakfast cottage business in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park in Mid Wales.

Brandon Branch, a New York Times best-selling author, designer and expert in Southern style, accepted an invitation to give his friends David and Sharon Jones some tips when they bought Pandy Isaf Country House, a former fulling mill with three en-suite guest rooms in a riverside setting near Dolgellau. He enjoyed his visit so much that he’s now looking to move to Wales himself.

Sharon and David, who are originally from Llanasa, near Prestatyn, spent 13 years working in the US before returning home to Wales in March to become B&B business owners.

Dave and Sharon’s bed and breakfast is very special to me. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place I have ever stayed and I've travelled the world! Dave's breakfasts are wonderful and the Pandy cakes are to die for!

“Dolgellau is a breathtaking little town where the people are so lovely and friendly. The Royal Ship Hotel has the best fish and chips and mushy peas in all of Wales and there is nothing like a morning run through the countryside. It's one of my most cherished rituals when I'm there.”

Sharon and David initially moved to Pennsylvania 13 years ago when she was transferred to the head office of a major pharmaceutical company. David was head of operations for an industrial contractor whilst living in Georgia.

“We enjoyed our 13 years living in the US but home was always calling us,” said Sharon. “Because we had both done a lot of customer facing work and David is a keen chef, we decided to buy a B&B.

“After doing a lot of research, we whittled the potential properties down to four and fell in love with Pandy Isaf. One of the things we liked was that that we would get to live in the old house, which was the original fulling mill. The previous owners had done a fantastic job with the guest wing, which was purpose built.

“We bought it in March and opened for business in June and everything has gone really well. It was nice to have had an adventure for 13 years, but we are glad to be home.

“We have had a number of American visitors and without exception they have been blown away by Wales. They love the diversity of the scenery – the coast, lakes and mountains – and everybody raves about the quality of the food.”

 One of the first things the couple did after buying the B&B was to become members of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality business across Mid Wales.

Sharon has met MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins and digital projects manager Zoe Hawkins to receive details of the wide range of membership benefits available to the business. In addition, Zoe has built a new website for Pandy Isaf - http://www.pandyisaf-accommodation.co.uk/.

“MWT Cymru have been great and tear-off pad that they provide with a map of the area and its attractions is very popular with our guests,” added Sharon. “So many guests come here and don’t know what they want to see or do. Some just come for the open space and to relax.”

Kerry Vale Vineyard wins overall award at Welsh wine competition

Shropshire-Powys border based Kerry Vale Vineyard collected the overall award for the best wine at the Welsh Vineyards Association’s (WVA) annual wine competition.

The vineyard’s Shropshire Lady/Solaris 2014 was named Wine of the Competition and received the 'The Thomas Davies Memorial Trophy'. The vineyard also won the Halfpenny Green Salver and achieved a bronze award for its Lightly Oaked Red wine called ‘Red Kite’, named after the kites that fly over the vineyard.

Kerry Vale Vineyard, which is located between Montgomery and Churchstoke, is celebrating 17 awards and trophies since this summer. Owner June Ferguson said: “Although we are not in Wales, we are only a stone’s throw away from the border, which qualifies us to be a part of the association and the Welsh Wine trail.

“This has been a fantastic year for us and we are thrilled to have picked up all of these awards. We work really hard to maintain our vineyard to a very high standard so we are producing the best possible quality grapes, which is really paying off. Our customers are recognising the high standard of wine we are producing and demanding more and more!”

She described the award-winning best seller ‘Shropshire Lady’, which is available in the vineyard’s shop and local restaurants, as dry and light with a beautiful crisp acidity. “The cool climate gives a fresh and light style to our wines that sets them apart from their international counterparts, as more delicate grapes mean the wines retain a more subtle, fruity flavour which is often lost in rival countries offerings.”

Held at Llanerch Vineyard at Hensol in the Vale of Glamorgan, the competition saw 42 wines entered by nine vineyards ranging across Wales. Split into five classes, 10 bronze and five silver awards were made, with the best wine in each class also receiving a trophy.

The expert judging panel comprised Linda Johnson-Bell, wine critic, author and climate change analyst, Michael Harrison, international wine judge and Bibendum Fine Wine manager and David Cowderoy, wine maker and owner of Bevtec.

Welsh vineyards are producing a range of wines, from sparkling through to reds and have won awards in prestigious international competitions.

Kerry Vale’s award winning wine can be tasted at the shop and wine café or on a vineyard tour from next spring.  Hampers are now available for Christmas. Visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk

Adventurous sleepover planned in abandoned Welsh slate mine in 201

The abandoned workings of an old Welsh slate mine will create an unusual backdrop for a sleepover and adventurous 21-hour escorted trip through a virtual time capsule on February 18 and 19 next year.

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Building upon the success of the inaugural underground sleepover earlier this year, which took place during the Welsh Year of 
Adventure, the old Braich Goch Slate Mine at Corris, near Machynlleth is offering six intrepid explorers a unique opportunity to spend the night in the virtually untouched abandoned workings. 

On this unique after-hours experience, adventurers will enter parts of the mine which are not normally visited. The six explorers will have to tackle ledges, climbs and scrambles to venture deep into the mine. 

Led by Corris Mine Explorers, this underground sleepover will explore areas of the mine first worked in 1836, when it first opened and right up to the 1970s, when the doors finally closed.  Explorers will discover miles of tunnels and gigantic chambers, find mining paraphernalia and hear authentic and shocking stories of mining life.

In a large, disused chamber, hot drinks and snacks will be served before candles out.  A final exploration will take place the following morning before emerging above ground for a full Welsh breakfast in the adjoining Y Crochan Café. 

The sleepover adventure will kick off with a three-course evening meal in Y Crochan café at the Corris Craft Centre. To book or to find out more, contact Mark Waite at Corris Mine Explorers on Tel: 01650 511720 or email info@corrismineexplorers.co.uk

Narrow Gauge Railway Museum announces Heritage Lottery Funding

Locomotive Jubilee 1897 is turned ready to be loaded after being removed from the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Tywyn Wharf on 9 November 2016. It has been transported to the Penrhyn Quarry Railway in Bethesda where it is hoped it will be returned to steam.

The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum has received a grant of £42,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to refresh its collection and displays to enhance its education programme.

Physical work on the displays starts immediately, with completion set for early March, 2017. The expanded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programme will run for the remainder of 2017, focusing on helping children understand how steam engines work and how their use influenced the shape of our society.

This will build on the museum’s existing objectives of providing exciting opportunities for visitors young and old to learn about the locomotives and railway artifacts in the collection and to provide a window into the many roles of small narrow gauge railways in everyday life in the British Isles.

Located at the historic Talyllyn Railway, the world‘s first volunteer run railway, the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum is entirely run by a small group of about 30 volunteers, mostly local, who will undertake much of the work involved.

The generous support provided by the HLF will allow the museum to employ professional suppliers to deliver the more technically demanding parts of the project.

The project will enable visitors of all ages to see how narrow gauge railways played a vital part in two industries previously unrepresented in the collection - limestone quarrying and forestry - and how the internal combustion engine supplanted steam motive power in railway operations in the 20^th century.

Rebecca Cottrell, the museum’s education advisor, said “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are really looking forward to working with children to allow them to better understand our heritage.”

Richard Bellamy, head of HLF in Wales, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF grants preserve fine examples of Britain’s industrial and transport genius that not only helped create the nation, bringing jobs and economic prosperity, but also influenced the world.

“HLF is pleased to support the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum to pass on the experiences and achievements from our working past to future generations.”

Celebrate the Welsh Museums Festival with free family workshops at Moma Machynlleth

Welsh Museums Festival Week is 22 to 29 October 2016. This annual event celebrates all that is good about Welsh Museums by offering workshops and events. This year the Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth, is offering 3 free workshops: Optical Illusions: Sci-art Workshop and Children's Drama and Art Workshops.

Free Optical Illusions: Sci-Art Workshop on Wednesday 26th October from 11am to 2pm. Inspired by the John Carter RA exhibition, explore the strange world of optical illusions and try making your own with Rebecca Cottrell. This has been a very popular workshop in the past. No need to book, just drop in at any time, families welcome.

Free Children's Drama and Art Workshops on Friday 28th October from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Inspired by the Richard Blacklaw-Jones exhibition, create your very own Beachcombing Art with the artist himself (please bring some of you own beachcombed man-made materials) OR create a Play in a Day with Lauren Hussein. Please book in advance. Suitable for 8 to 12 year olds. Please note: the art workshop is only accessible via stairs. Lunch not provided.

Bookings at 01654 703355 or info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk
Further Festival information at www.museums.wales

New trail explores wildlife and local history at Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), near Machynlleth in Mid Wales celebrates the opening of its new Quarry Trail with a school half term day out in nature for all the family on Monday, October 24.

Built with support from Natural Resources Wales, the new trail explores the wildlife and biodiversity of the old slate quarry on which CAT is built and looks at the history of changing land-use and industry in the area. Winding up through broadleaf woodland, three different trails of varying lengths allow access to never-before-seen areas of the CAT woodlands and gardens whilst offering spectacular views into the Snowdonia National Park.

The launch event will see the trail brought to life by musicians, singers and storytellers, whilst experts in the wildlife and history of the quarry will help visitors to get a better understanding of their surroundings.

Micro-landscape tours provide a glimpse into the tiny world of mosses and lichens, a local ornithologist will be on hand with tips and tricks for recognising bird song, and an expert from Corris Mine Explorers will talk through the geology and history of the old quarry. There’s also the chance to get involved in surveying a new wildflower meadow and to get to grips with green woodworking skills.

CAT’s chief executive Adrian Ramsay said: “The new trail will bring people closer to nature and local heritage, illustrating the impact that human activity has had on biodiversity and helping visitors understand how we create landscapes that actively benefit nature. I’m looking forward to seeing people exploring and enjoying the trail.”

Michael Smith, Natural Resources Wales’ senior access and recreation officer, said: “We encourage people to get active and enjoy the outdoors by supporting communities and partners with our grant aid programmes.

“The Centre for Alternative Technology is popular with locals and visitors alike and the new trail will hopefully encourage more people to learn about our environment, our heritage and our culture in Wales.”

The Quarry Trail opens with activities from 10am and a ceremony at 11.30am. CAT’s family activities continue throughout half-term week.

The new trail will also provide additional educational facilities for CAT’s programme of school visits, short courses and postgraduate degrees.

 For more information, please contact Catriona Toms, external relations manager at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern, Machynlleth.

Tel. No.: 01654 704956, e-mail catriona.toms@cat.org.uk

Tom secures second place in British Rally Championship

A family-owned Aberdyfi hotel was celebrating at the weekend after watching Tom Cave and co-driver James Morgan, deliver a perfect performance on the Rally Isle of Man to secure second place in this year’s MSA British Rally Championship.

From the moment the seventh and final round of the season started on Thursday evening through to its conclusion on Saturday afternoon, Tom, whose family owns the Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey and James from Hirwaun never put a foot wrong and reaped the rewards of their efforts, not just for this event, but for the whole of the 2016 season.

With fellow Welshman Elfyn Evans claiming the BRC title on the previous round in Northern Ireland, Tom went to the rally knowing exactly what he had to do in order to retain his second place in the championship.

Goal number one was to finish - not an easy task over a total of 167 competitive miles split into 20 stages on roads that have a reputation for the demands they put on cars and crews.

Goal number two was to score enough points to stay ahead of the four other crews that could challenge for the runners-up spot. But that wouldn’t be easy either, as double points are awarded for the last round of the championship.

Focused and determined, Tom set off for the first of Thursday evening’s three stages with the aim of staying out of trouble, but at the same time not lose time to his rivals. And that’s exactly what he did, getting back to Douglas for the overnight halt, not only second in the BRC standings, but second in the overall event behind Evans.

Friday was to be the longest day with 11 stages planned. Throughout it, James kept a close eye on the stage times of the crews that mattered and Tom adjusted his pace accordingly.

Another faultless performance by car and crew meant they skillfully maintained their BRC position by the end of the day and now held third place, with Manxman Mark Higgins - who wasn’t registered for the BRC and therefore not taking any points - now heading the field.

For Tom, James and the Spencer Sport team, they knew that Saturday’s six stages were to be the most important of the season. The team gave Tom the best car they could, whilst inside the Fiesta it was a case of 100% concentration and no mistakes for the remaining 60 stage miles.

But Tom and James were in the zone and an exemplary drive on the final day saw them cross the finish line at the TT Grandstand having maintained position behind Evans - who had retaken the lead - and Higgins.

After the rally, an elated Tom said: “I’m really pleased we were able to maintain such a good pace throughout the rally and I was able to push when we needed to push to stay ahead of our rivals.

“Second in the BRC is the best outcome we could have hoped for, not just for this event, but for the season overall. We always knew it was going to be tough to beat Elfyn and we were up against so many top drivers. But I’ve had a great team around me and that has made such a difference.

“Not only have Spencer Sport given me a car that’s performed faultlessly throughout the year, but James’ and the team’s support and commitment to what we needed to achieve has been incredible. Testimony to this is the fact that we are one of only two crews in the whole of the British Rally Championship field that has scored points on all seven rounds.

“I would therefore like to thank James for his work inside the car, the team for their work outside it, plus all of my sponsors and supporters, including the Trefeddian Hotel, Michelin and team boss Jamie Jukes, for letting me drive his car! It’s been a fantastic season.”

Tom Cave and James Morgan in action in the Rally Isle of Man.

Picture caption:

Top: Tom Cave and James Morgan celebrate securing second place in the MSA British Rally Championship.

Felin Fach Griffin regains Dining Pub of the Year Award in Wales

The Felin Fach Griffin has been named Dining Pub of the Year for Wales in the 35th anniversary edition of the 2017 Good Pub Guide published earlier this month.

The Griffin at Felin Fach, near Brecon reclaims its crown, taking the award for the sixth time in seven years having been dethroned in the 2016 guide. Hosted by Julie Bell, The Griffin is a seven bedroomed inn owned since 2000 by brothers Charles and Edmund Inkin through their company EATDRINKSLEEP.

It has a thriving restaurant and bar that is a base for the community, supporting local producers, brewers and growers, as well as having its own kitchen garden.  It follows the brothers’ belief in “the simple things done well”, a philosophy which was developed during their dairy farming childhood in neighbouring Monmouthshire.

The Inkin brothers also own The Gurnard’s Head, near St Ives and The Old Coastguard, an iconic seaside hotel in nearby Mousehole.  Both have recently been awarded gold awards in the annual Taste of the West hospitality awards and both achieve bedroom occupancy levels of over 90% year round.  The group now employs more than 120 people in Wales and in Cornwall.

The 2016 Good Pub Guide said of The Felin Fach Griffin: “Highly thought of dining pub with home-grown vegetables among its carefully sourced ingredients, a fine range of drinks and upbeat rustic décor….. this well run dining pub is a civilised place for a first class meal – or even better, a relaxing break.”

Edmund Inkin said: “I never take greater pleasure than when the team rebound from a knock, so to win this award, having lost the crown last year, is a proper pat on the back for the team who have put in a magnificent shift this year.”

The 2017 Good Pub Guide is published by Ebury Press and is an independent guide featuring more than 5,000 pubs. Entry is by selection only and is based on reviews by 2,000 of the guide’s readership.

Picture:

The Felin Fach Griffin's welcoming interior.

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Media Enquiries: Philippa Hodson 07980 444 961 philippa.hodson@gmail.com  
Edmund Inkin 07786 932 755 edmund@eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk

Aber-fan disaster remembered 50 years on in library exhibition

On the morning of Friday, October 21, 1966, tragedy struck Aber-fan, the small mining village in South Wales.  The valley around the village had been piled high with spoil from the nearby Merthyr Vale Colliery and, shortly after 9am, ‘Tip 7’ began to move.

Within minutes a vast landslip of shale and coal dust hurtled down the mountain, mixing with underlying water and engulfing everything in its path. Around 1,000 tonnes of colliery spoil wiped away two farm cottages, several houses and tore into the side of Pantglas Junior School.

A total of 144 people lost their lives in the disaster, 116 of them children, triggering a profoundly emotional response not only in Wales but also throughout the international community.

Thousands rushed to help with the rescue effort while sympathies and financial support poured in from other countries as well.

Over a period of 50 years since that black October in 1966, a myriad of poets, writers, photographers, musicians, media professionals and others have commemorated the tragedy and the lives lost in their own unique way.

A special exhibition is running at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth from until January 14, 2017, which focuses on the response to the disaster and allows the library itself to remember that which was lost.

The exhibition includes various photographs of the disaster and the days that followed, remembrance literature, including poetry and articles, a collection of stills from ITV Cymru Wales news programmes and a coal installation which has been created especially for this exhibition to remember anew, 50 years later.

During this period, there will also be an opportunity to see a photographic collection by I. C. Rapoport as part of ‘The Days After’ exhibition, which commemorates the Aber-fan disaster and record the residents’ attempts to come to terms with life after the tragedy.

Photographer I. C Rapoport said: “In New York I watched news report after news report from Aber-fan and, with my four-month-old son lying nearby, was deeply affected by the tragedy. I had an overwhelming desire to photograph that Welsh mining village—after the first horde of journalists had finally given up the story of the disaster—to photograph the life that ensued.”

Linda Tomos, national librarian, said: "It is fitting that the National Library commemorates the Aber-fan disaster through this special exhibition. Although half a century has passed, the event is still fresh in the memories of all of us and the grief remains.

“In visiting the exhibition, not only is the scale of the disaster for the whole nation apparent, but also the enormity of the loss to the families who lost their children and loved ones is striking. It is very hard even today to comprehend the extent of this tragedy.”

Kerry Vale Vineyard the only gold in regional wine competition

Kerry Vale Vineyard is celebrating after winning multiple trophies and awards, including the only gold, at a prestigious regional competition.

Following four national awards this summer, the vineyard just outside Montgomery celebrating again, having won a three trophies and seven more awards for their wines at the Mercian Vineyard Association’s esteemed competition.

The vineyard won trophies for its ‘Shropshire Lady’ dry white wine: the Renishaw Trophy for Best White, the Tanners Trophy for Best 2015 Vintage and the Attingham Trophy for Wine of the Year. ‘Shropshire Lady’ also won the only gold awarded in the whole competition.

To top this off, the vineyard achieved two silver awards, one for its Sparkling White Wine and one for ‘Red Denarii’ red wine, a bronze award for its Sparkling Rose wine and three highly commended for its ‘Summer Days’ medium dry white wine, Kerry Rose medium rose wine and ‘Red Kite’, a lightly oaked red wine.

Mercian Vineyard Association (MVA) is open to both commercial and private vineyards with a total of 56 vineyard members. It encompasses vineyards from a huge region covering the Scottish and Welsh Borders to the north and west and Staffordshire and Lincolnshire to the south and east.

The MVA’s annual wine challenge took place this year at Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire on September 4. There were seven categories from dry white to sparkling. Wines were judged by five judges, led by head judge, Master of Wine Mr David Bird.

Owner June Ferguson said: “This has been a fantastic year for us and we are thrilled to have picked up all of these awards – taking us up to 11 so far 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."

She described their award-winning, best seller ‘Shropshire Lady’, which is available in the vineyard shop and a number of local restaurants, as "dry and light with a beautiful crisp acidity". She added: “The cool climate gives a fresh and light style to our wines that sets them apart from their International counterparts, as more delicate grapes mean the wines retain a more subtle, fruity flavour which is often lost in rival countries offerings”.

Kerry Vale’s award winning wine may be sampled at the vineyard’s shop and wine café or during a tour from next spring, when visitors will be able to find out how the vines are grown and maintained to achieve the best quality grapes.  Hampers are also now available for Christmas. Visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk

Picture caption:

Geoff and June Ferguson with some of the awards won by Kerry Vale Vineyard.

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Notes to Editors:

About Kerry Vale Vineyard
Kerry Vale Vineyard is a small, family run, English vineyard situated on the Welsh / English border of rural Shropshire. 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 3 miles south of the charming village of Montgomery.

Our Vines
Kerry Vale Vineyard is home to 6,000 vines.  We have three varieties - Rondo, Pheonix & Solaris, 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 8 miles!

High Quality Wines
We are dedicated to producing wines of only the highest quality, utilising time honoured viticulture practices in the vineyard to produce the best possible fruit. We have selected disease resistant varieties which keep spraying to a minimum and we pay a great deal of attention to canopy management, maximising air flow through the canopy and sun and light exposure to suit the season. Our grapes produce red, white and rosé still wines and sparkling wine.

Explore a beautiful part of unspoilt Mid Wales with audio guided walks

Traditional folk tales and the history, industry and culture one of the most beautiful parts of rural Mid Wales are celebrated in a series of audio guided walks that has been made available to download for free from https://afonleri.com/

The four audio guides - Teithiau Leri - Leri Walks - lead walkers down the River Leri from its source in Craigypistyll to where it joins the sea at Ynyslas, near Aberystwyth in Northern Ceredigion.

From the highland plateau of Nant-y-moch to the vast plain of the Dyfi Estuary, the audio guides recount the traditional folk tales of the area, tell the personal stories of the locals and give the long history of industry and culture in Cwm Eleri, all while guiding walkers through some of the most beautiful woods and valleys in Mid Wales.

The course of the River Leri is split into four paths, each stretch taking between three and four hours to complete. Walkers can listen to the guides at their leisure as they walk the paths, deepening their connection to the landscape as they hear its many stories.

Autumn is wonderful time to explore the multi-coloured landscapes of Mid Wales, which is blessed with some of the most natural and unspoilt scenery in the whole of the UK.

The four audio guides are available to download for free from https://afonleri.com/
where there is also the opportunity for walkers to share their own comments and responses and any other local knowledge they may come across.

The project was funded by Cronfa Eleri, they community fund provided by Mynydd Gorddu Windfarm. It was also supported by the Cymerau project that has provided many public events in the area over the last year.

The audio guides have been created and narrated by two local artists, Gwilym Morus-Baird and Jane Lloyd Francis, who took part in the Cymerau project.

“Jane and I were funded by the Cymerau project go do community arts projects in the Talybont area and we recorded a series of interviews with local people for a half hour radio programme,” explained Gwilym.

“It had always been my intention to create audio guided walks and this seemed an ideal opportunity to combine the two. It took us two months to research, plan and script the walks and then record them. The walks are not too strenuous, so should be accessible to most people.”

To find out more information about things to see and do and places to stay in Mid Wales, check out http://www.showmewales.co.uk/

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For more information, please contact Gwilym on 07840 880594 / gwilmor@gmail.com

National Library exhibitions remember Aberfan

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth is presenting two exhibitions to commemorate one of Wales' most tragic coal-mining disasters of the 20th century, Aberfan, from September 17 to January 14, 2017.

It was on every news station that October morning. A mountain had fallen on a junior school in Aberfan, Scores of children were dead or missing along with many of their teachers. It was Friday, October 21, 1966.

Moved by the tragic news reports from Aberfan, photographer I. C. Rapoport travelled from New York to the South Wales village to document the shock and grief and the stirrings of life after so much loss.

View these moving images for yourself in the library’s Upper Central Hall and witness the aftermath of one of Wales' darkest days.

In the Gregynog Annexe, there will be an opportunity to view items from the library collections commemorating the tragedy. From literature and art to music and film. An immersive experience showing the effect of the disaster and the reaction in Wales.
The exhibition also includes a 'coal installation', which shows one piece of coal for each life lost.

For more information : 
http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Aberystwyth-National-Library-of-Wales/details/?dms=3&venue=1024485 

Your chance to be part of a major world championship attraction

Next month’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (October 27-30) is offering 100 volunteers a brilliant opportunity to be part of a major World Championship motor sport showpiece.

Britain’s award-winning round of the FIA World Rally Championship is expanding its widely-praised ‘Rally Makers’ initiative, thus providing more like-minded people with the chance to be involved.

First introduced four years ago after the huge success of the Games Makers at the 2012 London Olympics, Rally Makers offer information and support to both spectators and officials during the four days of the north Wales-based event.

Not to be confused with the thousands of trackside sporting marshals who assist with the competitive action, Rally Makers in their special red tabards are firmly focused on ensuring customers enjoy nothing less than a memorable experience. Their roles vary from handing out information flyers at the central Rally Village in Deeside to directing fans to the best possible spectating spots at Saturday’s family-friendly RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle.

All Rally Makers will be fully-briefed in advance and will be invited to attend a half-day training programme ahead of the event.

“It’s not often that you get the chance to be part of a major team and gain first-hand experience of working at a full-on World Championship sporting attraction,” said Alun Pritchard, Partnership Manager.

“We are mainly recruiting from universities and other organisations in the region, but anyone can apply. We will be acknowledging Rally Makers attending the training session with an official certificate and providing all of them with an item of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB merchandise as a memento of their involvement.”

All those willing, able and keen to get involved should waste no time contacting Alun directly, via email: apritchard@walesrallygb.com.

Tickets on sale

Tickets for October's event are now on sale, with significant discounts for those buying in advance. Adult ticket prices start at just £20 for the family-friendly RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle, £25 for a day ticket or £99 for the full 4-day event pass. As this year's rally falls in October half-term, all children aged 15 and under go free!

The latest event and ticket information can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.

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

Festival to celebrate Welsh triple harpist’s bicentenary

Following this summer’s exploration of the music and culture of Ireland, Gregynog Festival extends the 2016 season with a weekend celebration on November 18 and 19 to mark the bicentenary of the birth of the legendary triple harpist John Roberts, Telynor Cymru.

Roberts, a major figure in Victorian Wales as performer, composer and impresario, lived in Frolic Street, Newtown and is buried in St David's Churchyard nearby. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but our programme takes place on the weekend closest to his baptism: 24 November 1816.

Led by Robin Huw Bowen (pictured), the leading triple harpist of our own time, the 200th birthday party will include music, talks, exhibitions and other special events to highlight Telynor Cymru's Romany heritage and local links, including performances at Gregynog Hall.

Roberts performed at many of the great houses of Wales and the Borders with his family ensemble, The Original Cambrian Minstrels. Roberts, seven sons and a nephew once played on nine harps before Queen Victoria at Palé Hall, near Bala, during a visit she made to Wales in 1889.

The festival’s programme explores Roberts' Romani heritage through talks and demonstrations as well as featuring his own triple harp in the closing grand concert, led by the modern master of the instrument, Bowen.

On Friday, November 18, there will be a reminiscence session in the Senior Common Room at Gregynog Hall at 7.30pm with a rare chance to hear descendants of Roberts and Abram Wood sharing their family stories.

At 9pm, in the same room, there will be a free screening of Eldra, by permission of S4C and Teliesyn, of the film based on the life of Eldra Jarman, née Roberts, great-granddaughter of Roberts.

Next day, at 11.30am at St David's Churchyard, Newtown, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at Roberts’ grave led by Rev Canon Nia Wyn Morris, Rector of Newtown. The ceremony will include a performance by Bowen.

In the afternoon, at 2.30pm, in Senior Common Room at Gregynog Hall, there will be an illustrated talk by Peter Lord, the leading historian of Welsh art, on ‘The Romani in Welsh art’.

At 4pm in Senior Common Room, there will be ‘An Hour of Merriment and Mirth’ with stories and amusing anecdotes, songs, step-dancing and a demonstration of wood flower-making in the company of Peter Ingram, Romany craftsman and storyteller.

At 6.30pm, Dr Rhian Davies, the festival’s artistic director, will give a free illustrated pre-concert talk on ‘The John Roberts Collection at the National Library of Wales, including evidence of Telynor Cymru's performances at Gregynog Hall.

The grand concert takes place at 7.30pm in The Music Room at Gregynog Hall with Bowen and "The Cambrian Minstrels".

A Rover Ticket covers the whole weekend for just £30 or £10 for young people aged 18 and under. Tickets are also available for each individual event. Tickets may be booked through the festival website at http://gwylgregynogfestival.org/

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Newtown-Gregynog-Hall-Gardens/details/?dms=3&venue=1101463 

Discover treasures on your doorstep at The Judge’s Lodging this weekend

Treasure the Treasures on you Doorstep! is the theme of this year’s national Heritage Open Days scheme, which takes place over this weekend.

The Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne will be throwing open its doors to everyone for free on Sunday, September 11. Not only will visitors have the chance to wander around the judge’s sumptuous apartments, gloomy gas-lit servants’ areas and the grim cells and vast echoing courtroom, but there will also be lots of additional activities for all ages.

Two popular family trails will run throughout the building – The History Ducks, which have proved a huge hit this summer, will make one last appearance for visitors to seek out the historical characters depicted in duck form throughout the period rooms, using clues to identify them.

Also running will be a hilarious search for objects listed in the Sound of Music’s ‘My Favourite Things’ song, which was created to compliment the current community exhibition featuring some of the best and quirkiest items from the local history collection held at the museum.

Lots of photographs from the town’s past and audio recordings will also be available to browse and there will be additional activities in all sorts of corners to really add to the fun. One favourite, which is returning as a special request from visitors, is napkin folding, the Victorian way - follow Mrs Beeton’s instructions to make little booties, fans, bishop’s mitres and other shapes from the linen supplied.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Judge’s Lodging if you have not been before, but they would equally love to see people who are regulars!

Gaby Rivers, museum development manager, said: “We just love the Heritage Open Days scheme, which gives us a chance to say hello to so many people who might not usually come to visit, and share with them the building we love so much.

“The message of ‘Treasure the Treasures on your Doorstep’ could not be more pertinent now and we’d love to see many happy faces coming through our doors on Sunday. The more the merrier!”

Heritage Open Days is the largest heritage festival in the country. In 2015, more than 4,800 events welcomed around three million visitors across England. Heritage Open Days operates as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. For details and opening times, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk .

Detail from the Lamp Room at The Judge’s Lodging.

The Judge’s Lodging, Presteigne.

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Presteigne-The-Judge's-Lodging/details/?dms=3&venue=1021669