Bumper entry for popular Rally North Wales

The 2016 North Wales Rally Services - Rally North Wales has attracted a bumper entry as more than 120 crews head to Dolgellau for the popular April 2 event.

After running a successful and revised format in 2015, the Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club organised event will see competitors tackle a one-day blast through classic Welsh stages such as Dyfi and Gartheiniog, hosting the battle for a series of top-line championships.

Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Championship contenders return to Rally North Wales once again this year and are joined by the spectacular Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship runners for the first time.

The Defender Challenge by Bowler Motorsport is another new inclusion and they will certainly provide some great entertainment towards the rear of the field. The ANWCC Forest Rally Championship and ASWMC Loose Surface Championship also return for 2016.

Organisers have retired the coveted “car 1” from the event in memory of popular rally driver and long-time club supporter David Stokes who recently lost his battle with cancer. This means Rhuddlan’s Luke Francis and co-driver John H. Roberts will head the field away from Gwyndaf Evans Motors at car two on Saturday morning in his rapid Mitsubishi Evo 9.

BTRDA Rally series regulars Stephen Simpson and Patrick Walsh will certainly be hot on the heels of Francis in their Fiesta S2000 at three.

Brendan Cumiskey/Gerry Mc Veigh will make the long trip over from Ireland to gain forest mileage in his new Fiesta R5 and starts at number four seed. Taking maximum Welsh Championship points on the Mid Wales Stages earlier in the month, Llanon’s Dylan Davies is at five with new co-driver Mark Glennerster in his Subaru Impreza. Paul Davy/Roger Allen start at six and head the class eight runners for Group N – showroom spec machinery.

Heading up the Mintex MSA British Historic Championship crews are last year’s category winners Nick Elliot/Dave Price in their Ford Escort Mk2 at car seven with Builth Wells challenger Jason Pritchard at eight in his RS1800, accompanied by Phil Clarke. Shropshire’s Joe Price/Chris Brooks round off the top 10 in their similar machine.

Edd Cobley and John Tomley lead away the Defender Challenge by Bowler Motorsport crews as they look to build on their round one win at the Mid Wales Stages.

Spectators will have plenty of opportunity to watch the cars in action throughout the day, as well as at close quarters in the service area and start/finish venues. The first car will leave the start line at Gwyndaf Evans Motors, Dolgellau on Saturday, April 2 at 9am. To view the action, spectators can head to Geoff Jones Motorsport Dyfi for stage one at 9.35am and four at 1.10pm. You can also catch the action at Jordan Road Surfacing Big Ray for SS2 at 9.50am and SS5 at 1.30pm.

At a much slower pace, cars will be arriving at the Rally Marketing Service Park, which is located at the Farmers Mart, Bala Road, Dolgellau from around 11.15am. Crews who have successfully completed the route will arrive at the finish at Gwyndaf Evans Motors at around 2.30pm.

All the news from the event will be updated via the Rally North Wales social media feeds:
www.facebook.com/rallynorthwales
www.twitter.com/rallynorthwales
You can also tune into Rally FM for updates online at http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_rallyfm_net_show

More information about the event, full spectator details and entry list are now at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

Nick Elliot and Dave Price in their Ford Escort Mk2, 

last year’s historic section winners.

Credit to Rally Sport Media.

Picture caption:

Top: Luke Francis and John H. Roberts in their Mitsubishi E9 will lead the field away:

Credit to Rally Sport Media

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For more information please contact Matt Cotton on Tel: 07870 216931 or Bex Hinton on Tel: 07540 186092.

Straw Cottage helps children find fun in the countryside

The owners of a unique holiday on a Mid Wales hill farm are doing their bit to introduce children from towns and cities to the wonders of the countryside.

Ty Gwyn Farm is tucked away in the rolling hills of the old county of Radnorshire – now part of the huge county of Powys – just over two miles from the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells.

The farm offers holidays in The Straw Cottage, which, as the name suggest is built of straw, has no electricity and is surrounded by its own two acres on the farm. The cottage provides an escape from today’s technology driven world.

Whilst the cottage offers a great romantic break or a place for recharging batteries for adults, for children it means a place where they can run free and explore.

“I would like to think that in our own small way we can introduce children to the countryside and help them learn about the animals and plants around them,” explains Margot Porter, of Ty Gwyn Farm. “We hope they will find out that some of the real simple pleasures of life are more exciting and interesting than the virtual world on their mobile ‘phone or tablet.

“A recent study by Natural England shows that an increasingly large proportion of children in England are losing touch with nature. The study found that one in nine children has not visited a natural environment in the past year.

“I hope that here in Wales more of our children experience the freedom of exploring the countryside but it is a sad fact of life that so many children don’t have the great outdoors as their playground.
“It has been most rewarding and sometimes surprising to see how much the children enjoy just being at the cottage, pond dipping and building dens – we have had some great dens built!

“Sometimes they can start by being a bit nervous but by the end of their stay, their parents can’t get them away! In fact one dad told me that there was no point taking the children out as they kept asking when they could go back to the farm!”

In the cottage there are books to identify birds and flowers and children are encouraged to have a go at some of the ‘20 Things to do at The Straw Cottage’ that Margot has suggested.

Making a wild art painting out of leaves and flowers, watching the stars in a dark sky, rolling down a hill, making a daisy chain or grass trumpet, bird watching, making a campfire and roast marshmallows under parental supervision are just a few. One of the most popular things is a treasure hunt with clues laid out around the two acres of the cottage.

Children love the freedom and absence of cars, while adults love the peace, the very comfortable accommodation, reading, walking, sitting outside or, on chilly evenings, sitting by the woodburner with a glass of wine and a book.

To celebrate ‘Wales Year of Adventure’, Ty Gwyn Farm has a special deal for guests who book a three or four night break in the Straw Cottage in April and May. They are offered a half price three or four night break in the Granary Cottage, a four star self-catering cottage in the courtyard, at the same time or on different dates in April and May, excluding Easter week and May Bank Holidays.

The offer is ideal if families want to bring the children and have somewhere for the grandparents to stay. Visit www.tygwynfarm.co.uk for more information, call Margot on Tel: 01597 822665 or email margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk

Picture captions:

A selection of pictures of The Straw Cottage and visitors enjoying themselves.

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Notes for editors

Ty Gwyn Farm is 130 acre farm in Mid Wales. Holiday accommodation includes:
The Straw Cottage, sleeps four in two bedrooms, separate bathroom with flushing WC and hot shower. Large sitting room with comfortable sofas, woodburner. No electric. Candles, lanterns, solar, wind up lights. Gas oven, hot water. Set in 2 acres of open woodland, meadow and stream.
The Granary Cottage, four star self-catering converted granary in courtyard, sleeps four in two en-suite bedrooms.
Country courses include gundog training weekends, dry stone walling courses and walking through history days.
A Cruck Barn meeting room for hire with projector, screen, wifi, small kitchen and two WCs.

Short breaks in The Straw Cottage are from £362 to £480, weeks from £518 to £770. The cottage is available all year round.

The 2016 Rallynuts Motorsport Severn Valley Stages is launched

Popular Welsh stage rally, The Severn Valley Stages, has announced a new sponsorship agreement with established racewear and accessory firm, Rallynuts Motorsport. 

The June 4 event will be known as the Rallynuts Motorsport Severn Valley Stages Rally and the new collaboration will bring a fresh new-look to the all-gravel event.

2016 will see the 43rd running of the Midland Manor Motor Club organised event and has been widely recognised as a key event in the British rallying calendar over the years.  Having been known for 13 years as the Kerridge Stages Rally followed by the Mutiny Stages Rally, the new association with Rallynuts Motorsport offers an opportunity for the event to expand with the promise of a new route and stages.

Based at the Builth Wells Showground, the rally will once again be a round of the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Championship; the new HRCR Stage Masters Challenge and the FMP Rally Challenge. 

It will offer more than 40 miles of action through some of the most challenging stages in Wales, made famous by the final round of the World Rally Championship finale, Wales Rally GB in recent years.

Event organisers are delighted at the new partnership with Rallynuts Motorsport and believe it will help them to offer an even better rally than the success of 2015.

“It really is an honour to have Rallynuts Motorsport on board with us this year and we hope this is just the start of a long and prosperous relationship,” said joint clerk of the course Keith Ashley.  “The rally has a fantastic heritage and we had some very positive feedback after last year so we are hoping to build on that for 2016 and having Rallynuts on board will certainly help with that.”

Paul Bonas and Craig Cameron, managing directors of Rallynuts Motorsport Ltd, are equally enthusiastic with the news. “We are delighted to be part of the 2016 Severn Valley Stages Rally and look forward to seeing everyone there,” they said. “This event is already set to be a huge success and one to remember, so come along and be sure to be a part of it too.

“Work is well underway behind the scenes to further develop many aspects of this exciting rally. We are thrilled to be providing support to the organisers, who are all volunteers, whom we acknowledge devote a vast amount of man hours to organise and ensure that competitors and spectators enjoy a safe and enjoyable day’s motorsport. 

“We are grateful to have this opportunity to give back to the sport, as competitors ourselves, and are proud in the knowledge that we will be part of making this a thoroughly enjoyable event for all.”

The 2016 Rallynuts Motorsport Severn Valley Stages event regulations and a brand new event website will be available in early April.  For more information, visit www.severnvalleystages.co.uk 

or follow the event on social media:

www.facebook.com/severnvalleystages

www.twitter.com/svsstages

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For more information please contact MCR Motorsport Media – 07870 216931 or 07540 186092.

12 reasons to visit The National Library of Wales this Easter

Here are 12 reasons to visit The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth this Easter.

On Easter Saturday and Monday, the library’s exhibitions and the shop will be open from 9.30am to 5pm with Caffi Pen Dinas open between 10am and 4pm but the Reading Rooms will be closed. The library will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

1. The library is home to the Gregynog Gallery, the largest art gallery in Wales and has held exhibitions by some of Wales’ most prominent artists, such as Shani Rhys James. The gallery will host a touring exhibition from Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Cymru, National Museum Wales, until May 28: ‘Efforts and Ideals: Prints of the First World War’, which includes contributions from well-known British artists such as Augustus John, Frank Brangwyn, William Rothenstein and C. R. W. Nevinson.

2. This Grade II listed building and gardens are truly a glorious site with stunning views over Cardigan Bay. It’s the national legal deposit library of Wales, holding 6.5 million books and periodicals, archives, portraits, paintings, topographical prints, manuscripts, maps and photographic images. With more than 30,000 rare manuscripts; the Peniarth Manuscripts Collection (in July 2010) was included on the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register, giving the collection global recognition.

3. Listen to the sounds of Wales at The National Library of Wales, which is home to the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales. Listen to the music of Wales and watch classic Welsh children’s films and cartoons in the Drwm auditorium.

4. A programme of events is published four times a year featuring information about the library’s exhibitions, talks and presentations and general visitor information. Find out more about ‘Hunting Glyndŵr’ with Mike Parker (April 13) or enjoy ‘An evening of Antiques and Anecdotes’ with BBC’s Antiques Roadshow specialist Marc Allum (April 29). Most of the events are ticketed and these can be obtained online or by telephone.

5. Celebrate the centenary of one of Wales’ best loved writers, Roald Dahl. For the younger audience the library stages a show on Friday, April 1 aimed at children between the ages of seven to 11: Roald Dahl – The Big Friendly Author. A one man show which will offer a chance to be part of Dahl’s scrumdiddlyumptious world as one of his greatest fans introduces some of his most colourful characters. There will be two performances: one in Welsh at 10am and the other in English at 2pm. Admission by ticket at £5 per head to include drink and a cake.

6. Get Creative. In order to mark the Arts Council of Wales Get Creative weekend, the library has organised a lino print art workshop with Elin Vaughan Crowley, a print and textile artist from Bro Ddyfi. The workshop will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, April 2, 1.30pm to 4.30pm at a cost of £8 per head and is suitable for nine to 12 year olds. Limited tickets available from library shop.

7. Come on an adventure around the library’s exhibitions with the help of a brand new activity book, full of exciting activities, games and puzzles. Collect your free copy at reception. How about creating your own adventure in Hafan, our space for families and children? Create your own comic strip, write an adventure story and be creative with activities based on adventure on land, in the sky, under the sea and in space. Explore ‘Adventure is just a page away’ (March 3 to February 2017), an exhibition looking at adventure in Welsh and Anglo-Welsh literature. Bring back happy memories of childhood and encourage children to go on their own adventure.

8. Calling all Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, past and present. ‘Girlguiding Cymru: Pushing the Boundaries’ (April 23 to September 3) traces the history of Girlguiding Cymru from its establishment in 1910 to the present day. Look at how guiding has pushed the boundaries and impacted on the lives of girls over the years.

9. Discover the heart of Welsh culture. Uncover the treasures of Wales in a new exhibition in the Peniarth gallery. See the Black Book of Carmarthen, the earliest surviving manuscript written solely in Welsh. Wales is a land of song. Find out the story behind the National Anthem of Wales and learn to sing it too! Meet Mam Cymru, the mother of Wales, Katheryn of Berain, and find out more about your own family’s history.

10. Eat Welsh cakes and bara brith in Caffi Pendinas at the library. Sample local Welsh home-cooked food in the restaurant including cawl, Welsh cakes and bara brith. If the sun’s shining, pick up some sandwiches and have a picnic in the landscaped grounds of the library.

11. Go ‘Behind the Scenes’ with a free guided tour of the library, suitable for all ages, every Monday at 11am and Wednesday at 2.15pm. Book online or by call the library shop.

12. Indulge in a little retail therapy. The shop stocks quality, bespoke gifts, many by local artists, others of national acclaim, such as Mari Thomas, who has won numerous design awards. Lizzie Spikes’ and Valeriané Leblond’s work feature regularly on the shop’s shelves, showcasing work which demonstrates their love for their local Ceredigion landscape and its charm.

The site has ample car parking facilities and is a 10 minute walk from the town centre or alternatively the ’03 bus follows a circular route from the town centre, calling at the library and Aberystwyth University campus.

Make The National Library of Wales one of your destinations during 2016’s Year of Adventure.
The library is open form Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and on Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm.
Exhibitions are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm. The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Caffi Pen Dinas is open from
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The Library Shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm.

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For more information please contact Elin-Hâf Williams, communications officer at the National Library of Wale, on Tel: 01970 632534

Multitude of adaptive cycles set to hit the Mawddach Trail

A multitude of unusual and remarkable bikes will be seen on the Mawddach Trail in Southern Snowdonia when the 'Challenge your Boundaries' adaptive mountain biking project hosts a have-a-go session on Saturday, April 2.

Running from 10am to 4pm at Morfa Mawddach Station car park near Arthog, Dolgellau, the Mawddach Meet forms part of the Visit Wales “Great Weekend of Adventure”.

Project lead Graham O’Hanlon is keen to encourage disabled riders and would-be riders to give off-road biking a go. “To keep things as accessible as possible we have chosen the Mawddach Trail, a flat track which runs along the shores of the beautiful Mawddach Estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth,” he said.

“Our hope is to get as many riders as possible out on the trail and we have teamed up with the folk from Cycling Projects in Warrington to provide an impressive range of adaptive bikes to suit an equally wide range of abilities and mobilities. There are pedal trikes and quads, hand-bikes, side-by side tandems and wheel-chair transporters to name but a few.”

Places on the try-out day are free of charge and will begin and end at the public car park at Morfa Mawddach Station near Arthog, which has bus and rail connections. The try-outs are unsupervised and parents and carers are encouraged to bring a bike to ride alongside or even to take on the role of tandem pilot! Bikes will not be available to unaccompanied under-18s.

“In terms of fitness and balance requirements, these range from negligible through to full-on racing snake mode,” said Graham. “Don’t worry if you’ve never had a go before; most of these are very straightforward to ride and there will be a wealth of experience to draw on during the day.”

Dates for other Challenge your Boundaries events can be found at www.facebook.com/challengeyourboundaries. For more about adaptive mountain biking see www.adaptiveMTB.co.uk, or contact Challenge your Boundaries on 01341 430628.

Picture caption:

Examples of the adaptive bikes that will be heading for the Mawddach Trail next month.

Notes to editors
For more information about Challenge your Boundaries see: www.discoverdolgellau/cyb
or contact Jacky O’Hanlon on 01341 430628, info@snowbikers.com
Challenge your Boundaries is on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/ChallengeYourBoundaries

Project focuses on photographer Philip Jones Griffiths

The National Library of Wales Education Service has been working with photographer Marian Delyth on a project at Ysgol y Castell, Rhuddlan between January and March.

The project focuses on the Philip Jones Griffiths photographic collection, especially pictures of Rhuddlan area and his portrayal of childhood. 

Pupils have also been taking photos at home to record their personal lives and interests on cameras purchased by project sponsors Scottish Power Foundation. 

A finished collaborative piece will be created and will include images by the students to recognize and reflect the influence of Griffiths.

Picture caption:

Seen in the photos are some of the school pupils with photographer Marian Delyth.

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For more information please contact Elin-Hâf, communications officer, National Library of Wales, on Tel: 01970 632534.

Influx of Irish visitors as Wales’ oldest music festival launches

Wales’ tourism industry anticipates a major Irish boost this June as Wales’ oldest music festival launches its 2016 season and reveals its line-up of leading classical and traditional artists with links to the country during the two-week event.

The Gregynog Festival, launched in 1933 by philanthropists Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, granddaughters of Victorian mining and railway entrepreneur David Davies, will feature concerts, drama, poetry, film, talks and exhibitions on the theme of Eire between 16 and 26 June at venues throughout Mid Wales.

It comes as the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising will be marked in Wales this summer,  recalling how 1,800 Irish people who took part, including Michael Collins, were kept at the Fron-goch prison camp near Bala.

Music, drama and talks inspired by the Rising and Fron-goch feature during the festival programme as well as forming part of the Welsh Government’s project Cymru’n Cofio | Wales Remembers 1914-1918.

Leading Irish musicians and historians, plus major international artists who specialise in performing Irish repertoire, are travelling especially to Mid Wales to take part.

Jordi Savall returns to the festival with Martin Hayes, the dazzling folk fiddler from Co. Clare, while other Irish musicians include Chamber Choir Ireland, soprano Ailish Tynan, pianist Finghin Collins and harpist Siobhan Armstrong with her Irish Consort.

International visitors include Iranian harpsichord virtuoso Mahan Esfahani, French early music ensemble Nevermind and the Academy of Ancient Music, directed by Croatian violinist Bojan Cicic.

“So many close cultural connections have formed between Ireland and Mid Wales over the years in terms of music, the arts and local history,” said Dr Rhian Davies, artistic director of the Gregynog Festival.

“These connections are highlighted throughout the festival programme, including the Abermule composer Peter Warlock who spent time composing in Dublin, the Irish harp pins excavated at Montgomery Castle, the sixth century Irish Saint Melangell, and the Celtic Library of Gwendoline and Margaret Davies.”

“We’re anticipating strong interest from Ireland and expect many people to visit the wider area while enjoying the range of events which we have planned, particularly with the high calibre of international artists who are performing for us,” added Dr Davies.

Festival events will be held at venues throughout Mid Wales, including Gregynog Hall, near Newtown, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Llandinam Village Hall, Montgomery Town Hall, Tregynon Church and Pennant Melangell Church.

A Welsh Government Visit Wales signature event, the festival attracts visitors from across the world each year to venues throughout Mid Wales, including the famous Gregynog Hall, home of the Davies sisters who launched the event because of their passion for music and the arts.

In addition to placing the area on the international music and arts map, the Gregynog Festival plays a part in supporting the rural economy, attracting visitors into the area and raising its profile.

Last year the festival attracted at least £150,000 of spend into Mid Wales as well as working  with local people through an outreach programme involving musicians and artists visiting local schools, cafes and residential homes.

A substantial outreach programme is again planned and will be revealed shortly under the name Irish Coffee.

The box office for the Gregynog Festival has just opened with tickets available through www.gregynogfestival.org and 01686 207100.

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Notes to the Editor

The Gregynog Festival is a lottery funded project for the Arts Council of Wales, a signature event of the Major Events Unit, Welsh Government (Visit Wales), and the only Welsh member of REMA, the European Early Music Network based at Versailles. It has also received funding for the 2016 season from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Cymru’n Cofio | Wales Remembers 1914-1918.

Launched by sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown in 1933, the Gregynog Festival is Wales’ oldest classical music festival. The granddaughters of industrialist, entrepreneur and politician, David Davies, who came from Llandinam, Powys,  they became philanthropists travelling throughout Europe, passionate about art and music, and bequeathing over 260 works from their collection to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, where many are now displayed.

The Gregynog Festival attracts visitors from all over the world into Wales as well as having a social and economic impact on the local community through its investment in concerts, workshops, talks and community outreach projects.

For more media information, please contact:

Owain Betts, t: 01686 639028, e: Owain.Betts@ombpr.com

or

Kate Gedge, t: 01874 730300 or 07754 149577, e: kg.pr@btinternet.com

Newtown bypass start great news for Mid Wales says tourism leader

 

The start of work on the £56 million Newtown bypass has been described as great news for Mid Wales by the chairman of an organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across the region.

“Everybody is relieved that work on the long awaited Newtown bypass has finally started,” said Anne Lloyd-Jones, chairman of MWT, which has members across Powys, Meirionnydd, Ceredigion and South Wales. “It’s going to help the whole region because Newtown has been a traffic bottleneck for such a long time.

“Newtown is a primary access point on the East to West route through Wales and it’s important that visitors have a smooth passage to their destination when they arrive in Mid Wales from the West Midlands and other parts of the country.

“Every town west of Newtown will feel the benefit of the bypass and we all look forward to the work progressing on schedule over the next two years.”

Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, said the bypass would boost the Mid Wales economy, improve school safety and emergency services response times and support tourism.

Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George has pledged to work with businesses in Newtown to ensure that the town is properly signposted on the bypass.

"The Welsh Government has informed me that works will take two years to complete and I am looking forward to driving on the new bypass myself in the spring of 2018,” he said.

Picture caption:

Anne Lloyd-Jones, chairman of MWT.

Young head chef excited to take over at The Swan @ Hay Hotel

A young chef who has worked in some of the country’s leading restaurants says he’s excited to be taking over as head chef of The Swan@Hay Hotel in the book capital of Hay-on-Wye.

Jerry Adam, 26, joined the 18-bedroomed hotel at the start of the month and is now recruiting his own team, including a sous chef, chef de partie and commis chef.

The Swan@Hay Hotel, which was purchased by the owners of multi-award winning Llangoed Hall at Llyswen last September, remains open for business whilst undergoing a £1 million refurbishment. Following re-roofing, work will begin inside the hotel in the coming months.

Jerry is no stranger to the area, having worked at Llangoed Hall under head chef Nick Brodie for nearly three years. He takes up his new post having worked at the Michelin starred Ynyshir Hall, near Machynlleth for five months.

Earlier in his career, he worked at The Olive Branch, Clipsham and The Bath Priory, Bath, both Michelin starred restaurants and The Queensberry, Bath, where he first met Nick Brodie.

When Brodie was appointed head chef at Llangoed Hall, Jerry turned down another exciting job offer to move with him and has not regretted relocating to rural Wales.

“It was a wise move on my part to turn down the other job because I love Wales,” he said. “It’s great to be back working in this area because I missed everybody and my girlfriend, Hannah Powell, is from Erwood.

“This area of Wales is just so beautiful, the people here are friendly and ingredients I can source locally are really good. I would like to have my own garden to source fresh ingredients.

“It’s an exciting challenge to become head chef and I am looking forward to cooking for local people and visitors. They can look forward to homely as well as exciting and innovative food and I plan to expand the menu with my own dishes in the coming months.”

When he’s not working, Jerry plays pool for Powys and also enjoys playing snooker and riding his Triumph Daytona 675 motorbike.

Calum Milne, managing director of Llangoed Limited and The Swan@Hay Ltd, said: “Jerry spent nearly three years at Llangoed Hall and I am delighted that Nick has nurtured his talent. He is the youngest head chef in the group and will reinvigorate the food offer at The Swan.

“His appointment is an indication of the quality rather than the style of food that customers can expect at The Swan. It will offer another price point for our customers and an alternative dining experience.

“Work on the refurbishment is progressing well and I am pleased with the support we have received from Brecon and Radnor MP Chris Davies, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Powys County Council.

“We want to be in the heart of the community and are using local tradesmen to support the local economy. We currently have 12 staff but plan to increase the workforce by growing the business with the support of local people.

“Our aim is to make The Swan one of the most comfortable inns in Wales and a beacon for the local community which attracts tourists throughout the year, not just for the festivals. I appreciate the support I have had from Peter Florence, director of Hay Festival.”

The Swan@ Hay Hotel is the third hotel acquired by Llangoed Limited, which has its sights set on further expansion. The other hotels in the group are Llangoed Hall and the 49-bedroomed, award winning Sudbury House in Faringdon, near Oxford.

The Swan@Hay Hotel is a popular location for weddings, conferences, family reunions and short breaks, able to cater for up to 120 people.

Picture caption:

Jerry Adam, new head chef at The Swan@Hay.

The National Library of Wales celebrates WWY’s Earth Hour 2016

The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is joining forces with thousands of iconic landmarks across the world, from the Harbour Bridge in Sydney to Times Square in New York, for WWF’s Earth Hour – the global celebration of our brilliant planet.

WWF’s Earth Hour is a spectacular lights-out display focussing the world’s attention on our planet and the need to protect it. At 8.30pm on Saturday, March 19, The National Library of Wales will be switching off its lights in support of this year’s Earth Hour campaign.

Hundreds of thousands of people across Wales and millions across the globe take part in Earth Hour every year. Last year, more than half a million people in Wales took part as well as 235 schools across the country, sending out a resounding message of love for our planet.

Huw Williams, The National Library of Wales’s head of estates and support services, said: "As an organisation contributing to Wales reaching the Well-being of Future Generations Act goals, we are firmly committed to the principle of sustainable development. Our participation in Earth Hour is symbolic of this commitment and more than apt that one of Wales' most iconic buildings will be featured."

Anne Meikle, head of WWF Cymru, said: “We’re delighted that The National Library of Wales will be taking part in Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. By taking one simple step to switch off, you’ll be joining millions of people from around the world in this special celebration.”

Climate change will have a massive impact on our planet. By taking small steps to live more sustainably, we can help tackle it. Taking part in Earth Hour is a symbolic gesture of support for protecting our brilliant planet. Together we can make change happen.

Everyone can sign up to WWF’s Earth Hour 2016. Visit wwf.org.uk/earthhour to sign up and add yourself to the map – and don’t forget to switch off your lights for an hour at 8.30pm on Saturday.

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

Editor's notes
Join in the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #LightsOutCymru and by following @wwfcymru

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour, organised by WWF, is a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet. Last year was the biggest yet, with hundreds of millions of people taking part across a record 162 countries and 7,000 towns and cities alongside world famous landmarks from the Sydney Opera House to Times Square in New York. In 2016 Earth Hour will be held on Saturday 19 March between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. wwf.org.uk/earthhour

About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, with more than five million supporters and a global network active in more than one hundred countries. Through our engagement with the public, businesses and government, we focus on safeguarding the natural world, creating solutions to the most serious environmental issues facing our planet, so that people and nature thrive.  Find out more about our work, past and present at wwf.org.uk.

‘The Railway Children’ comes to Talyllyn Railway this Easter

Talyllyn Railway is linking with the Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn on Easter Monday, March 28 to provide a unique opportunity to experience a film based on one of the best loved children’s books.

E. Nesbit’s ‘The Railway Children’ has been a firm favourite for years, having also been immortalised in the 1970 film directed by Lionel Jeffries.

More recently a special stage production has been developed which has been seen at both the National Railway Museum in York and in London to much acclaim, including winning a prestigious Olivier Award.

Now a film has been made of this production, which features one of the locomotives from the original 1970 film. This is to be premiered in 400 cinemas in the UK and Ireland, one of which is the Magic Lantern in Tywyn.

To celebrate the event, the cinema and Talyllyn Railway have combined to offer a unique train ride experience featuring a complete trip on the railway, including a re-enactment of one of the famous scenes from the book. The train then returns to Tywyn in time for people to be able to take their seats for the cinema showing.

The train will leave Tywyn at 12.45pm, with the cinema showing commencing at 4pm. Combined tickets for both the train and cinema cost £20 for adults and £12 for children under 18, with other concessions available. They can be booked online via the Talyllyn Railway website at www.talyllyn.co.uk, or by phone on 01654 710472.

A spokesperson for the railway said: “E. Nesbit’s story is an enduring memory for many which has lived on down the years. Therefore to have the opportunity to work with The Magic Lantern Cinema to give people this unique experience was too good to miss.

“We hope that people will thoroughly enjoy their trip along the railway and the chance to see this wonderful new production.”

If people do not wish to ride the train, tickets for the film only will be available from The Magic Lantern Cinema.

Ends

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 the Mid Wales area, contributing significantly to the area’s economy.
For further information about this press release please e-mail: pressoffice@talyllyn.co.uk or phone either 0113 281 8235 or 01654 710472.

Love letters of a Polish pianist discovered at the National Library of Wales

Hilary Peters, assistant archivist at the National Library of Wales, has spoken of her excitement after discovering a collection of love letters written by famous Polish pianist Auguste de Radwan to a Welsh woman.

The letters to Marjorie Howell (1906-1993) of Cwmcynfelyn near Aberystwyth were found amongst the records of the Gogerddan Estate near Aberystwyth.

Hilary takes up the story: “The name of Auguste de Radwan (1867-1957) has faded into obscurity but he was once a famous concert pianist, a notable authority on Chopin, fêted by the beau monde of Europe. His friends included Princess [Roza] Radziwill and Isifdor Philipp.

“It was hugely exciting to discover more than 250 letters by Radwan, written mostly in French, amongst the Gogerddan Estate records. Radwan was Polish but, like many other musicians, he was based in Paris for most of his career. In January 1926 a student of the Conservatoire de Paris asked for his autograph.

“Marjorie Howell was totally starstruck: Il etait charmant! Je l’adore! and the encounter developed into a love affair which lasted almost until Marjorie’s marriage to Sir Lewes Pryse of Gogerddan in 1938.

“The letters and Marjorie’s diaries vividly portray the musical life of Paris, the concerts by Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, Emil Von Sauer and Ignacy Jan Paderewski, as well as Radwan’s own performance for Mareschal Ferdinand Foch in 1928, and his meeting with Moriz Rosenthal in 1931.

“Marjorie described Radwan’s apartment at 107 Rue de l’Universite: three lovely rooms, two pianos, many books, pictures and a portrait of Chopin in the bedroom. His effects included silver-framed photographs of the Queens of Belgium and Italy and the velvet waistcoats and silk stocks that he liked to wear.

“After Marjorie’s return to Wales, the strain of the long-distance romance eventually caused its demise. Radwan kept her photographs and her first letter in his wallet until the day he died.”

Picture captions:

Auguste de Radwan

A photo of Marjorie Howell from Radwan’s wallet.

Ends

For more information contact Elin-Hâf at the National Library of Wales, on Tel: 01970 632534.

Dragon Trails offers 20% discount on walking holidays this April

Dragon Trails is offering a 20 per cent discount on walking holidays on the West Wales coast  in April.

Stay in a beautiful country house near Cardigan with full board - cooked breakfast, packed lunch, home-made teas and three-course dinner with wine - and enjoy daily guided walks of between five and 10 miles with a Welsh-speaking guide.

Discover the ancient mysteries of the Preseli Mountains, home of the Stonehenge Bluestones and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Coasts, including seals, dolphins, peregrines, choughs and a riot of spring flowers.

Holidays run from the Saturday for six or seven nights for between six and 10 guests, who will enjoy a relaxed house-party atmosphere with tea on the lawn and croquet and coracling thrown in! Singles, couples or groups all welcome.

The holiday costs £416 for seven nights or £376 for six nights and there is an additional £40 per head for en suites. The available dates are April 16-22, April 23-29 and April 30-May 7. For more details ring Richard Mitchley on email: richard@dragontrails.com or telephone 01873 810970.

Richard Mitchley of Dragon Trails on the spectacular Welsh coast.

Picture caption:

Top: Walkers on a Dragon Trails coastal walk.

Ends

For more information contact Richard Mitchley, Dragon Trails, on Tel. 01873 810970.

The National Library of Wales receives Shelter Cymru Papers

Shelter Cymru, Wales’ leading people and homes charity, is marking 35 years this year and has donated a collection of material, telling the story of the organisation and its campaigns since 1981, to the Welsh Political Archive at The National Library of Wales.

The collection outlines official documents including reports, commissions of enquiry, fundraising, campaigns, T-shirts, Posters, Videos, and photographs.

The Welsh Political Archive was set up in 1983 to co-ordinate the collection of documentary evidence of all kinds about politics in Wales. It collects the records and papers of political parties, politicians, quasi-political organisations, campaigns and pressure groups; leaflets, pamphlets, other printed ephemera, posters, photographs, and tapes of radio and television programmes. Its work is not restricted to a specific department within the Library.

Rob Phillips, Welsh Political Archive’s assistant archivist, said: "This is a wonderful collection which really gives an insight into the work of Shelter Cymru over the last three and a half decades, where the stories are brought to life through photographs and recordings of people speaking about their personal experiences.

“The campaigning side of Shelter Cymru’s work is also well represented through posters, badges and banners as well as pioneering efforts to focus on the specific housing needs of groups such as women and young people. The archive will be a goldmine to anyone interested in the modern social history of Wales."

Shelter Cymru added: “We are delighted that The National Library of Wales are archiving the work of Shelter Cymru as a valuable resource for future generations. Since our inception in 1981, we have worked tirelessly for the people of Wales helping them fight for their rights, and campaigning against homelessness and bad housing.

“We have also influenced Welsh housing policy over the years to promote our underlying principle that everyone in Wales deserves a decent and secure home. This archive is testament to our work with people in Wales over a 35 year period and is a fitting way to mark this milestone. However, the campaign to end homelessness and bad housing continues.”

Picture caption:

Looking through the collection of material are (from left) Shelter Cymru director John Puzey, head of Campaign Shelter Cymru Michelle Wales and the Welsh Political Archive’s assistant archivist Rob Phillips.

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

Editor’s notes:
• 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.

Welsh Political Archive
@WelshPolArch

Shelter Cymru
• Shelter Cymru supports families at risk of homelessness or living in poor housing. Last year the charity helped 16,000 people and a further 120,000 used Shelter Cymru’s Advice Online Service.
• Shelter Cymru is Wales’s People and Homes charity. We have offices all over Wales and prevent people from losing their homes by offering free, confidential and independent advice.
Shelter Cymru
@ShelterCymru
-

Welshman Elfyn Evans wins a nail-biting British Championship opener

World Rally Championship ace Elfyn Evans overcame “Arctic like” conditions on last weekend’s Mid Wales Stages to take victory on home soil and first blood in the opening round of the MSA British Rally Championship.

Along with Oswestry-based co-driver Craig Parry, the Welshman battled with Swede Fredrik Ahlin in his similar machine during the tough Newtown-based event, but came out victorious after battling through six snow and ice covered stages to take the win in his Ford Fiesta R5. Another Mid Wales hero Tom Cave from Aberdyfi took third in a similar Fiesta R5.

The Newtown and District Automobile Club organised event was based around the Theatre Hafren complex on the outskirts of Newtown, where for much of the weekend it remained chilly but dry.
It was a different story, however, on the stages some 20 miles away where heavy snow made for treacherous driving conditions for crews during both the pre-event recce and the rally itself.

Hosting a round of the British Rally Championship for the first time, the Mid Wales Stages took on a different format this year and the event kicked off with two stages under the cover of darkness on Saturday night.

Evans drew on his recent experiences on the World Rally Championship in Sweden where he won the WRC2 class, to end the opening leg with a 17 second advantage over the hard chasing Ahlin, with Scottish crew David Bogie/Kevin Rae creeping into the top three in their Skoda Fabia R5.

With mild overnight conditions on Saturday, the snowy conditions eased for the four stages on Sunday and the battle resumed in the Hafren and Myherin Forests. Ahlin and co-driver Morton Erik Abrahamsen were fastest out of the blocks on the opening two tests to take the

Leaving the Theatre Hafren service park, Evans remained confident, hoping to emulate Saturday night’s time in the penultimate test. He duly delivered, taking 16 seconds from the Swede to regain the lead of the rally which he held over the final stage to eventually take victory by over 17 seconds.

“It’s been a really tough event with so many changing grip levels, it’s been very challenging,” said Evans. “We had a much better afternoon after changing tyres in service which boosted my confidence for the final loop. I have to admit, Fredrik had me worried and I really didn’t want to let him win. I’m happy!”

Ahlin was also pleased with his result: “A win would have been hard this weekend” he said. “Elfyn was quick today and we knew it would be hard to beat him. I`m happy with my progress, we

Third was Cave with James Morgan alongside, who recovered from a spectacular pre-season accident just 10 days ago to occupy the final podium spot. Bogie took fourth whilst fellow Scot’s Euan Thorburn and Paul Beaton grabbed fifth in their Peugeot 208 R5.

The BRC National Cup competitors also joined in the fun in Newtown and popular Welsh crew Osian Pryce and Dale Furniss dominated the proceedings all weekend long and took victory in that category by a huge eight minutes from Swedes Robert Blomberg and Lars Anderson, both in Mitsubishi Mirage R5s.

Pryce’s time would have been good enough for fifth overall in the main event and the rising star also took maximum FMP Rally Challenge points to boot.

The Viking Motorsport/Links Electrical Mid-Wales Clubmans Stages Rally took place across the Sunday stages of the event and victory went to the Subaru Impreza crew of Dylan Davies and Llion Williams who overcame a small off on SS3 to win by almost a minute from Andy Davies and Max Freeman.

Thomas and Eurig Davies took third in their Ford Fiesta R5. Dylan also had the honour of being first Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Championship crew home, Andy was second and fellow Subaru Impreza crew Wug Utting and Dan Nieroda was third.

The Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler Motorsport provided some fantastic action towards the back of the field as the large 4x4s coped with the conditions admirably as expected. Edd Cobley and John Tomley took “country mile” victory, beating Belgians Christian Femont and Peter Janssens by almost six minutes.

Clerk of the course Chris Tomley had endured a nerve wracking week and was indebted to the hundreds of volunteers who made the event happen. “It’s been a mammoth task to turn the Mid Wales Stages into the opening round of the British Rally Championship, all eyes have been on us this year,” he said.

“On top of that, Mother Nature played her part and dumped all this snow on us, giving us a nightmare scenario. But the team worked wonders and made sure the event ran pretty much to sch

Second overall crew Fredrick Ahlin and Morton Erik Abrahamsen in action. 

Picture caption:

Top: Event winners Elfyn Evans and Craig Parry in action in their Fiesta R5.
Jakob Ebrey Photography.

-Ends

For more information contact either Bex Hinton on 07540 186092 or Matt Cotton on 07870 216931

The Judge’s Lodging runner up in the 2016 Hudson’s Heritage Awards 2016

The Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne has been recognised for the second time in two years at the prestigious 2016 Hudson’s Heritage Awards.

Whilst museum staff were busy lighting their period lights and opening the doors to welcome the first visitors of 2016, their curator, Gaby Rivers, was down in London accepting an award.

The Judge’s Lodging picked up the highly commended second place in the Best New Discovery category, behind winner Bletchley Park Trust. The Hudson’s Heritage Awards have several categories and The Judge’s Lodging has twice before been honoured in them, being heralded as the Britain’s Best Hidden Gem in 2014.

This Best New Discovery category refers to ‘Something newly found, uncovered, researched or restored’ and was given for The Judge’s Lodging’s project working with young student conservator Gemma McBader last year on an Ethiopian Emperor’s shield.

The shield lay forgotten in the local history collection until Gemma chose it to work on for her Masters Degree at Cardiff University. Her work helped to identify that not only is it unique in design in shields held throughout large UK collections, but it turned out to have been a gift to Lord Rennell Rodd of Presteigne from the Emperor Menelik II on the signing of the Anglo-Ethiopian Treaty of 1897. An item from a small town museum which turned out to have real international significance.

Norman Hudson, founder of Hudson’s Historic House Guide, the UK’s leading publication on historic properties open to the public, said the project showed that it must not be forgotten what amazing treasures can be found within collections in small museums throughout the country.

The Judge’s Lodging was by far the smallest historic property honoured at the awards, but this time, there was good reason to be truly amazed by their accolade.

Find out more about the original story of the shield's restoration online at http://judgeslodging.org.uk/news/ethiopian_emperors_shield_causing_excitement/

When it was revealed at the ceremony, the details of winning project from Bletchley Park Trust, Gaby Rivers expressed museum’s feelings immediately on social media for people eagerly awaiting the outcome of the awards.

“When can we be truly humbled by taking second place at an award ceremony? When the winner is Bletchley Park discovering some of Alan Turing’s notes that had been screwed up and used to stop up a draft – wow,” she wrote.

Established in 2011, the awards are an independently judged, annual, national scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites and celebrate the very best visitor experiences.
Dan Cruickshank, distinguished architectural historian, presented the awards at Goldsmiths Hall, London on March 1 with invited guests including owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media.

The lunch was hosted by an independent judging panel of heritage experts including chairman Norman Hudson, OBE, heritage consultant, Lucinda Lambton, writer and broadcaster, Jeremy Musson, architectural writer, Simon Foster, consultant to Channel 4’s Country House Rescue and Ken Robinson, CBE, tourism business consultant.

The Ethiopian Emperor’s shield after restoration.

Picture captions: 

Gaby Rivers and Gemma McBader collect the award from Dan Cruickshank, along with representatives of Bletchley Park Trust.

ends

For further information on The Judge’s Lodging, contact Senior Curator, Gaby Rivers at info@judgeslodging.org.uk or call 01544 260650, www.judgeslodging.org.uk

Politicians open ‘green gym’ and new toilet block for walkers at Gregynog Hall

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies and Assembly Member Russell George were the first to try out a new ‘green gym’ in the grounds of a leading Mid Wales hotel, conference and events venue in their constituency yesterday (Monday).

The local politicians paid a visit to Gregynog Hall at Tregynon, near Newtown to officially open the ‘green gym’ and a new toilet block for walkers in a restored and converted former gardener’s hut. The opening is perfectly timed as 2016 has been designated the Year of Adventure in Wales.

Designed and installed by Playdale in woodland directly opposite the picturesque Gregynog Hall, the ‘green gym’ provides a challenging exercise circuit that offers physical activity for the community and hall residents. Although aimed at adults, older children can use the equipment with adequate supervision.

The new facility, which received funding support from Natural Resources Wales, allows visitors to enjoy great cardiovascular exercise in a setting that is unrivalled. Ten activity stations include push ups, pull ups, leapfrog and chin ups.

The new toilet block is housed in a beautifully restored building, which retains period details such as the original paint on its lovely worn doors and fireplace. This new facility is needed to respond to the Gregynog estate’s increasing number of visitors and outdoor events.

Last Easter’s bunny trail attracted more than 400 children and Gregynog Hall is hoping for even more visitors this Easter. The new toilet block is designed to enhance the experience of walkers and courtyard café customers alike.

Gregynog was designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 2013. A network of colour coded woodland walks encourages visitors to explore 750 acres of beautiful and varied landscapes. The Great Wood, one of the few remaining examples of continental lichen-rich woodlands, is home to internationally important lichens and fungi.

Mr George commented: “The green gym and toilet block are great additions to the facilities at Gregynog and should help to attract more visitors and increase public access to the National Nature Reserve, which will in turn boost the local economy. I commend the positive partnership that has been developed between Gregynog and Natural Resources Wales.”

Mr Davies said: “Gregynog Hall has been an important part of life in Montgomeryshire for more than 100 years and the estate is now developing a role that ensures that it carries on for the next century.”

Euros Jones, partnerships manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “Gregynog NNR is a beautiful and rich mosaic of parkland and ancient woodlands. It has one of the best examples of ancient woodland in Wales with some of the oak trees being more than 350 years old.

“The area is becoming increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike and the newly waymarked paths and facilities will hopefully attract even more people here to enjoy the tranquillity of the parkland and take advantage of the well-being opportunities it offers.”

The gardens at Gregynog Hall are one of the many jewels in the estate’s crown. In its heyday, the estate employed 26 gardeners and the Grade 1 listed gardens are still hugely popular with visitors, especially when the brightly coloured azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Gregynog has been described by CADW, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, as one of the most important gardens in Powys, dating from at least the 1500s. The gardens include a magnificent yew hedge and water and rose gardens, while ancient oaks form a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“The green gym and new toilet block are designed to increase public access to the National Nature Reserve at Gregynog and to contribute to health and wellbeing by encouraging visitors to get involved in outdoor activities in this fantastic setting,” explained Gregynog Hall’s director Karen Armstrong.

“We were delighted that Glyn and Russell could spare the time to come and officially open the new facilities, which will hopefully attract even more visitors to Gregynog Hall this year.”

The estate is open to visitors from dawn to dusk in the winter and from 8am to 8pm in the summer.
Estate admission is administered via a car parking charge of £2.50 per day and admission to the gardens costs £3.

Gregynog Hall offers an annual membership scheme at £15 year for an individual or £25 for a family, with income generated contributing to the maintenance of the gardens.

The estate, made famous by the art collecting Davies sisters, Gwendoline and Margaret, has been managed by the University of Wales for more than half a century.

MP Glyn Davies and Assembly Member Russell George open the new toilet

 block at Gregynog Hall with Gregynog director Karen Armstrong.

Picture caption:

TOP: Testing out one activity station in the new green gym equipment at Gregynog Hall are (from left) Michael Smith of Natural Resource Wales, Darren Moore of Playdale, Assembly Member Russell George, Gregynog director Karen Armstrong and MP Glyn Davies.

Ends

Notes for Editors:

Spinster sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies established Gregynog Hall as a centre for music and the arts. They collected work by Rodin, Renoir, Monet, Cezanne and others on a Grand Tour of Europe in the early 20th century and gifted their collection to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff 1951 and ‘63.

The estate was bequeathed by Margaret Davies as a deed of gift to the University of Wales 56 years ago.

Gregynog Estate was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2013. There is a network of footpaths through the parkland and visitors can see a vast range of wildlife – from hares, great crested newts and dragonflies to breeding birds like the wood warbler, pied flycatcher and redstart. Gregynog also supports good numbers of bats and provides feeding areas for the important lesser horseshoe bat. Interpretation panels full of information about the wildlife are dotted around the estate.

Mid Wales ready for muddy action this weekend

The opening round of the MSA British Rally Championship kicks’ off this weekend with the Newtown based Mid Wales Stages

The 2016 Mid Wales Stages is set to welcome more than 120 entries from around the world to Newtown as it hosts the opening round of the MSA British Rally Championship on 5th/6th March.

The historic Powys town will provide the backdrop for the exciting new-look series which has generated competitors from as far afield as Australia, India and America.

The Newtown and District Automobile Club organised event will take place across classic Welsh forest stages and a tough two-day format lies in wait for almost 50 eager BRC contenders.

Leading the BRC crews away at number one seed from Newtown will be World Rally Championship star Elfyn Evans. Co-driven by Craig Parry, Evans will be undoubtedly one to watch for overall victory in his Fiesta R5. However there is a host of rivals aiming to top the leaderboard on Sunday including previous British Champions Keith Cronin in his Citroen DS3 R5 and David Bogie in his Skoda Fabia R5.

Aberdovey’s Tom Cave returns to the series in a Fiesta R5 and is closely followed by Swede Fredrik Ahlin in a similar machine. Scotsman Euan Thorburn brings his unique Peugeot 208 R5 to the event with son of 1981 World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen, Max just behind.

Some of the closest battles of the event will undoubtedly come from the DMACK Junior British Rally Championship crews and it will be equally as hard to pick a winner from the two-wheel-drive R2 runners as it will be the leading contenders.

Vauxhall Motorsport Junior Rally Team member Mattias Adielsson heads the three car team in the rapid Vauxhall Adam with Norwegian Sindre Furuseth in a Renault Twingo R2 hot on his heels. World Rally Championship regular Gus Greensmith heads the British Junior contingent in his Fiesta R2T.

The National B event mirrors the BRC format and hosts over 25 contenders in the BRC National Cup and Defender Challenge. They will be led away by the Welsh crew of Osian Pryce and Dale Furness in the Mitsubishi Mirage R5, hoping to take the fight to the National A runners. Two-time Defender Challenge champs Edd Cobley and John Tomley lead the Land Rover crews.

The Viking Motorsport - Links Electrical Clubman Rally houses competitors from the Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Stage Masters, Jelf Motorsport Welsh Clubmans and ANWCC Forest Rally Championships. Subaru Impreza crew Dylan Davies and Llion Williams head the field away as round one winner Luke Francis has elected to miss this event.

The event kicks off at 6pm Saturday, March 5 from Theatr Hafren in Newtown which also plays host to the event, providing Rally HQ, documentation and pre-event scrutiny. Two stages lie in wait under the cover of darkness for the BRC and National B crews, both of which are accessible to spectators with Hafren Sweet/Lamb providing the action at around 7pm. Across the road at Pikes Peak/Myherin, you can catch the crews just before 8pm.

On Sunday, the Clubman Rally joins the BRC crews to negotiate the remaining 43 miles of the event over four, hard fought stages. Spectators can catch the action on the opening stage of the second day at Pike’s Peak which takes kicks off at around 9.25am. Hafren/Sweet Lamb will be the penultimate stage at 12.45pm with Myherin/Pikes Peak rounding off the day at 2pm.

Those fortunate enough to have made it through the day will return to ceremonial finish to spray the well-deserved champagne back at Theatr Hafren at around 3pm that afternoon. The pre and post event press conferences will also be hosted by the theatre and college centre with the Service Park a short distance away in the industrial park opposite.

Full spectator information and a full entry list is available to download at www.midwalesstages.co.uk
You can keep up to date with all the event news on Social Media at:
www.twitter.com/midwalesstages
www.facebook.com/midwalesstages

Picture caption:

Photo 1: MSA British Rally Championship entrants Rhys Yates/Tom Woodburn in action in their Fiesta R5. 
MCR Motorsport Media

Photo competition aims to capture adventure holidays in Wales

An exciting competition to find the digital photographs which best capture adventure holidays in Wales is being launched to celebrate Wales Tourism Week from February 29 to March 6.

Organised by the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), the competition is open to young photographers aged between 11 and 19 years. The overall winner will receive a fantastic GoPro camera donated by North Wales Tourism and there will be prizes for regional winners for Mid, North, South East and South West Wales as well.

With 2016 being designated the “Year of Adventure” in Wales, the competition is timed perfectly. Adventure can mean all kinds of different things. For some it might mean a great day out climbing, coasteering or kayaking. For others it might mean exploring and sampling some of the great food, music and history the country has to offer. 

With such a huge range of exciting things to see and do in Wales, the WTA is expecting a fantastic array of digital photographs for this competition. The competition is open to young people living within Wales and those from outside the country who have visited for holidays, short breaks and activities.

The regional winners will receive prizes of an exciting activity in the region where they took their digital photograph. The South East Wales regional winner will win gorge walking for two with Adventure Britain - www.adventurebritain.com - based at Seven Sisters, Neath. The South West winner will win a Tree Tops Trail for two at Heatherton World of Activities near Tenby.

The Mid Wales winner will win a half day fully-instructed indoor activity session at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre - www.activityuk.com – at Llangorse, near Brecon.

The North Wales winner will win a choice of two outdoor activities for two people for one day at Safe and Sound Outdoor Adventures - www.sasoutdoors.co.uk – at Llangollen.

Every photograph must be submitted electronically and accompanied by 100 words of text to explain where and the date it was taken and why it conveys the idea of adventure. A maximum of two photographs for each person is allowed and they must not have been entered in a previous competition.

The closing date for entries is April 4 and photographs should be sent as Jpeg images at the highest available resolution as email attachment to photo2016@wta.org.uk . For further details and full terms and conditions please see www.wta.org.uk.

A panel of experienced judges, including professional photographers, will cast their eyes over the entries and the regional and overall winners will be announced on April 11.
By entering this competition, young photographers will be agreeing to allow the WTA to use their photographs for promotion of holidays in Wales and transfer copyright of the images accordingly.

Representing businesses engaged in the Welsh tourism industry, the Wales Tourism Alliance organises Wales Tourism Week to celebrate the major contribution that the industry makes to the health and wellbeing of the nation. 

Ends

For more information please contact either Adrian Barsby, Wales Tourism Alliance chairman, on Tel: 01352 741998 or 07921 787668, Paul Loveluck on Tel: 01686 650818 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations adviser, on Tel: 01686 650818.