Ten WorldTour teams confirmed for the Tour of Britain

This year's Tour of Britain will feature 10 of the UCI's top level WorldTour teams for the first time ever. Teams from the top tier of the sport make up half the field for this year’s tour, which takes place from September 4-11.

Among those teams will be Team Dimension Data, who won the 2015 Tour of Britain with Edvald Boasson Hagen and now also boasts Mark Cavendish.

They will be joined by the likes of regular Tour of Britain participants Team Sky, Movistar Team, BMC Racing Team and Cannondale Drapac, while Team Giant Alpecin, Orica BikeExchange and Trek Segafredo return having not competed in 2015.

Team WIGGINS will also race, with Sir Bradley Wiggins having already publically stated that he intends to ride the Tour of Britain following his bid for gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Two UCI ProContinental teams will be making their Tour of Britain debuts – the Spanish Caja Rural – Serguros RGA team, from whom Preston's Hugh Carthy rides and the Belgian Wanty – Groupe Gobert team, who include former SKODA King of the Mountains Mark McNally.

Having won both the Yodel Sprints and SKODA King of the Mountains jerseys with Peter Williams in 2015, ONE Pro Cycling return for their second Tour of Britain, their first as a UCI ProContinental team.

Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett said; "This is a world-class line-up of teams entirely befitting of the Tour of Britain's continuing growth in stature and importance on the global cycling calendar.

"Half of the teams selected are currently racing in the Tour de France, giving British fans a taste of the high-level of competition which they can look forward to watching this September.”

Jonny Clay, British Cycling director of cycle sport and membership, said: "The fact that 10 World Tour teams have confirmed their place on the start line in Glasgow at this year's Tour of Britain is a fantastic endorsement and underlines the strong reputation that the event now holds within an ever increasingly competitive international calendar.

“We are greatly looking forward to the spectacle of a world class peloton racing on British roads this September.”

It will be the largest number of UCI WorldTour teams to compete in Britain at any point since the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014.

In total 20 teams will participate in the 2016 Tour of Britain. The final three British UCI Continental teams will be confirmed on Monday, August 1 following the Prudential RideLondon event.  Team WIGGINS was selected by virtue of their third overall with Owain Doull in the 2015 Tour of Britain.

JLT Condor presented by Mavic, Madison Genesis, NFTO, Pedal Heaven and Team Raleigh GAC are vying for the final three spots, with their selection based upon performances in major domestic events and UCI level races in the UK.

The Tour of Britain is British Cycling's premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world's best teams and riders competing on their door step

National Library’s crucial role in the development of the nation

President of the National Library of Wales, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, says the organisation will play a crucial role in developing the identity of the nation.

He told the library’s board of trustees: “Following the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union a month ago, it seems that all the attention is now focused on redefining Britain in a federal form.

“If Wales, as the First Minister desires, is to develop her identity within this federal state, her national institutions need to play a central role in the growth of the nation.

“As important as the other national institutions are in this process, we need to recognise that the National Library is completely unique. The library is the custodian of the nation's past, the recorder of our present and where we can find the inspiration for our future.

“Creating a federal state is not only a matter of political routine. All four nations need to develop and highlight their identity. Arguably, Northern Ireland and Scotland have done this to a far greater extent than Wales.

“If her distinctiveness is not clear, Wales will be no more than an appendix of England and we will return to the stereotypical description ‘for Wales, see England’. The National Library is the key to turning political aspirations into reality and to allowing Wales to stand alongside other nations as part of the United Kingdom in its new form.”

Roald Dahl themed celebrations at The National Library of Wales

As part of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Roald Dahl, some of his original manuscripts can be seen at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth this summer.

The exhibition at The National Library of Wales is supported by Welsh Government and forms part of the Roald Dahl 100 Wales celebrations taking place throughout 2016.

A single page from first draft manuscript of ‘James and the Giant Peach’, two pages from the typed transcript of the second draft 'James and the Giant Peach' and an illustration by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, 'The peach being flown by seagulls', ink drawing with pencil colouring 1961, will be on display throughout the summer months.

Linda Tomos, national librarian, said: “We are very proud to have on display some of the original manuscripts at The National Library of Wales and look forward to meeting many new visitors as we celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary at the library.

“Roald Dahl’s contribution to the fields of children’s literature, poetry and screenwriting are unparalleled and his subversive, humorous and darkly clever tales continue to entertain and thrill children across the world.”

Ken Skates, Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure who is also responsible for culture, tourism and heritage in Wales, said:  "Celebrating the centenary of Roald Dahl has given people throughout Wales a chance to get know the world's number one storyteller better and to celebrate through song, music, dance and of course -  reading and writing.

“This year we celebrate Year of Adventure in Wales, which is a perfect fit with such a great ambassador for adventure and there are plenty more adventures to be had as we look forward to his birthday in September.  I'm delighted that the National Library has been able to secure these manuscripts to have on display and the event next month promises to be a gloriumptious event."

The archivist from Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Rachel White, will be visiting library to hold a special event for children on August 10.  This will explore the idea of what an archive is and look at some of the fascinating secrets behind Dahl’s amazing stories. This event is suitable for children aged eight years and above with free admission by ticket.

Anni Llŷn, Children's Poet Laureate of Wales, will be on hand to welcome all of Mid Wales' little monsters for a session filled to the brim with fun and preposterous poetry on August 26 from 10am to noon.

There will be an opportunity to have a look around the exhibition and draw inspiration from the master of mischief himself, Roald Dahl. Be prepared to rhyme, compose silly lines and fall about in stitches. Suitable for children aged seven to 11 years, the workshop is held in Welsh with free admission by ticket.

To end the summer holidays, a Roald Dahl tea party is being held on Saturday, September 10.  Creative writing workshops for children (Years five and six) will also take place during the day and children will be encouraged to take inspiration from Roald Dahl’s The BFG to create their own Welsh giants.

Horseradish adds extra spice to ‘in-stage VIP entertainment

 

The fast-moving development of Wales Rally GB continues apace with the appointment of a new VIP hospitality provider.

 

Horseradish, the highly regarded catering and events division of Chester Race Company, will take the lead when the World Rally Championship comes to the UK in October.

 

Based locally at Chester and Bangor-on-Dee Racecourses, Horseradish boasts a track record of delivering high quality catering and hospitality events, serving more than 75,000 guests each year at a growing number of venues.

 

For the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (October 27-30), Horseradish will provide  not only the customary delicious food and great service for VIP guests, but also dramatic viewing opportunities that will ensure a memorable experience on all three days of the event.

 

Friday’s hospitality is located at the famous Sweet Lamb Rally Complex, set in magnificent scenery near Llanidloes and offering a panoramic 180-degree view. The action runs throughout the day from 9am to 4.30pm, starting and finishing with the front-runners in the world championship, allowing corporate guests to watch the spectacular cars through a water splash, over jumps and around hairpin bends.

 

Saturday’s venue takes some beating, as the event heads to historic Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire for a high-octane family-friendly garden party. The action begins in the morning with the WRGB National Rally and, after a busy programme of entertainment featuring historic cars and Group B legends, culminates with the modern WRC heroes.

 

Once they have completed their timed runs, the stars will park their cars and spend time signing autographs and posing for selfies with the fans.

 

Sunday’s hospitality venue is every bit as exceptional, offering a fabulous opportunity to take in the rally’s final Power Stage. Early birds will catch the cars first time through at the eye-catching Llyn Brenig reservoir before a hearty brunch in a special structure preceding the final Power Stage on live TV.

 

Guests will not only enjoy a prime viewing location, but will also rub shoulders with the WRC stars as they wait to see who will be spraying the champagne on the adjacent podium at the end of the event.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Horseradish to an altogether different type of horsepower,” said Ben Taylor, Wales Rally GB managing director. “The excellence of their catering and hospitality is already well-known to Chester Racecourse visitors and I believe they will add another dimension to the experience of watching Wales Rally GB in a truly unique and memorable location with first class facilities.”

 

The prospect of providing rally fans with a new stage-side experience has the team at Horseradish chomping at the bit.  

 

“We are thrilled to be working with one of the biggest events in world rallying and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with Wales Rally GB,” enthused Kate Dawson, head of commercial at Chester Race Company.

 

“We will use our renowned expertise to create a very different offering in three separate areas across the event, ensuring a fabulous weekend, not just for rally fans but for those appreciating unique sporting experiences.”

 

Prices start at £199 + VAT per person. As places are limited and the event sold out last year, customers are advised to book early. Full details on each of the three hospitality packages can be found at www.walesrallygb.com/hospitality

Traveline Cymru customers amongst happiest in UK

Traveline Cymru has announced record-breaking customer satisfaction levels in its latest user survey.

According to the latest report from the UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), Wales is the part of the UK with the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Satisfaction levels across Traveline Cymru’s contact centre, website and app, were measured throughout March and April using bilingual telephone interviews and an online survey.

According to the latest report, developed by independent research and planning consultancy Wright Research, 97% of contact centre users surveyed were ‘very/quite satisfied’ with the service they received, up from 92% in 2015.

The likelihood of customers wanting to use the contact centre service again has increased from 88% in 2015 to 99%, the highest it has been since the survey began in 2009.

Emma Lockett, manager at Contact Centre Cymru, said: “The results for the contact centre are fantastic, the number of people who are likely to use our service again is the highest it’s ever been, which is testament to the hard work of our agents.

“The contact centre is currently in its 11th year. In this time, it has handled over 2.9 million calls, almost one for every person living in Wales and currently employs a 21 strong team of full and part time, highly trained customer service agents. It’s rewarding to get such high level of praise and knowing our customers are amongst the happiest in the UK means team are even more motivated to continue to deliver excellent customer service.”

Getting bus times continues to be the main reason for using the Traveline Cymru call centre service, with respondents stating that they can ‘get the information that they require’ from ‘helpful and friendly’ call takers.

Whilst most call centre users have used the service several times in the past, 27% of those surveyed were calling for the first time.

Traveline Cymru’s website and app also received high acclaim. 93% of respondents were likely to use the Traveline Cymru website again, up from 87%, listing the ease and speed of use as key drivers in increasing satisfaction with usage experience.

The proportion of people using the journey planner is increasing, with three quarters of app users now using this facility.

Ken Skates, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy and infrastructure, said: “Providing informed, helpful and multi-platform customer service makes such a difference to passengers and these results are testament to the hard work that Traveline Cymru has done to excel in this area.

“It’s fantastic to see a Welsh public service provider leading the way in how it interacts with and provides for its many customers. Well done to all involved.”
Jo Foxall, marketing manager at Traveline Cymru, said: “We are really thrilled with the results of the research, the most positive since it began in 2009. The customer is at the heart of everything we do, so getting their feedback is essential in order to review current processes and plan for the future.

“We have worked hard to ensure that we listen to the needs of the customer and build our services around them. We want to build on this success and look to continually improve the level of service we provide.”

Traveline Cymru is a not-for-profit company based on a partnership between the Welsh Government, public transport operators in Wales and Welsh local authorities. It provides route and timetable information for all bus, coach and rail services in the country via a bilingual website, its call centre and a suite of services for mobile phone users.

Welsh stages of Tour of Britain launched at Royal Welsh Show

The two Welsh stages of the Tour of Britain were officially welcomed on the opening day of the Royal Welsh Show by the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and elite Welsh cyclists.

Britain's most prestigious professional cycle race will return to Wales for two stages once again this autumn, with Wednesday, September 7 seeing the world's top riders racing from Denbigh to Builth Wells, where they will finish on the Royal Welsh Showground.

Thursday, September 8 will then see the cyclists racing from Aberdare across South Wales through Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly County Borough, Torfaen and Monmouthshire before a finish in Bath.

The two stages will include almost 300-kilometres of racing on Welsh roads, with stage four from Denbigh to Builth Wells the longest of the 2016 race at 218-kilometres also including the most ascent of any leg, with more than 4,000-metres of climbing.

First Minister of Wales said: "I am delighted to launch two new Welsh stages of the Tour of Britain. The race is a great opportunity for us to showcase the beautiful Welsh landscape to the cyclists taking part as well as the thousands of spectators who watch the thrilling competition.

"Following the magnificent Euro 2016 tournament, Wales' sporting achievements are being recognised and celebrated around the globe. I hope being part of the Tour of Britain will continue to inspire people in Wales to take up sport – and with 2016 being Wales' Year of Adventure, this is the perfect time for people to get active and plan a sporting adventure!”

Stage four will begin from Denbigh town centre at 10.30am and is expected to finish on the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells at around 3.29pm.  It will mark the first time that Denbighshire has hosted a stage start of the Tour of Britain and the first time that a stage has finished in Powys.

Flintshire will host an intermediate Yodel Sprint, sponsored by parcel delivery company Yodel, in Mold and the day's opening SKODA King of the Mountains climb to the village of Rhydtalog.

Two further SKODA King of the Mountains climbs will come at Bwlch-y-Safn in Denbighshire's Berwyn Mountains and at Dyfnant Forest in Powys, with the final Yodel Sprints in the villages of Foel and Newbridge-on-Wye.

The Tour of Britain will resume a day later from Aberdare Park in Rhondda Cynon Taf at 11am on Thursday, September 8 for a 205-kilometre stage to Bath. From Aberdare the stage will pass through Mountain Ash, Ystrad Mynach and Pontypool, before the opening Yodel Sprint on Monmouth Road in Usk.

The stage five route continues through Monmouthshire to Tintern, crossing the River Wye into Gloucestershire via the Bigsweir Bridge north of Llandogo.

Commenting on the Welsh stages, Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett said; "We are looking forward to this year's Welsh stages of the Tour of Britain and taking in new venues and new climbs.  As always the Welsh stages will be amongst the hardest in the tour and this year is no different with both stages in excess of 200-kilometres and containing plenty of climbing.”

It will be the first time that the Tour of Britain has returned to Caerphilly County Borough since Caerphilly hosted three stage finishes between 2011 and 2013, while Monmouthshire will welcome the race for the first time since the summit finish on the Tumble in 2014.

Anne Adams-King, chief executive officer at Welsh Cycling, said; "Welsh Cycling is delighted to once again welcome the Tour of Britain to Wales. A stage start is a first for the town of Denbigh and to finish at the heart of Wales at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells will be spectacular. We are also pleased to see stage five depart from Aberdare as the race travels across the border to finish in Bath.

"We have a fantastic summer of cycling activities here in Wales for everyone to enjoy. With our elite athletes competing in the Tour de France and Rio Olympic Games and major events like the Tour of Britain on our doorstep, we hope that Wales will be inspired to cycle this summer.”
 
Cllr Avril York, Powys County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I'm thrilled that the Tour of Britain is returning to Powys – the green heart of Wales, after a two-year absence. We've held five Tour of Britain starts since 2010 but to host a finish for the first time for this year's race is extra special and something we are truly excited about.

"A lot of hard work has already taken place to make the stage four finish a wonderful and unforgettable experience for visitors and the competitors.  Hosting a stage finish provides a huge opportunity to showcase the beauty of Powys to millions across the world when the event is broadcast worldwide.

"Hosting a finish stage is a major coup for the county and we are looking forward to working with the Tour of Britain, the Welsh Government and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society over the coming weeks to make this a memorable experience for all when we will once again warmly welcome the race in September.”

Steve Hughson, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), said: "The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is delighted to be able to host the stage four finish of this iconic event at the prestigious Royal Welsh Showground, one of the top outdoor event venues in Wales.

"We are proud that the official launch of both Welsh stages was held at the Royal Welsh Show, where thousands of people from across Wales and beyond come together to celebrate the very best of Welsh and British agriculture.”

This year will be the eighth year that the modern Tour of Britain has visited Wales since its revival in 2004.  The race has visited annually since 2010, with Wales hosting the Grand Depart of the race from Anglesey for the first time in 2015.

The Tour of Britain is British Cycling's premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world's best teams and riders competing on their door step.

Ends

For more information please contact peterh@thetour.co.uk or Tel: 01932 831485

August fun for children and adults at Broneirion

An August packed full of fun for both children and adults is being planned at the training centre and headquarters of Girlguiding Cymru in Mid Wales.

The fun begins at Broneirion, Llandinam, near Llanidloes on August 2 and 4 with activities for children aged between four and 13 years which are being organised by Ultim8 Warrior from Cambridge.

Similar to mud runner for children, the activities are all based around warrior tribes and children will take part in obstacle races, time trials and warrior games. The price is £20 per child and the day runs from 10am to 4pm.

The activities on August 2 are already fully booked, so those interested in the second day are urged to book quickly.

On August 8, Broneirion is hosting an Arty Fun Day for four to 16 year olds with upcycling themed workshops run by Merrymakers from Aberystwyth and local artist John Selly from Glow Studios.

There will also be a chance for children to have fun on a Zip wire and Zorbs. The event costs £20 for the first child and £15 for siblings. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Adults get chance to enjoy the hospitality between August 8 and 12 when they are invited to the annual Broneirion Holiday. Visitors will stay at Broneirion for a week and be taken on day trips to the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, dolphin spotting in New Quay and Abbey-cwm-hir.
They will also spend an evening with The Willow Globe players who are visiting Broneirion for a “Have a go Shakespeare” evening. The cost of the holiday is £340 per person for four nights’ full board.

Broneirion is now open mid-week for lunches and afternoon teas, which must be booked in advance. Two course lunches cost £12 and afternoon teas are £7.95 for the classic and £9.95 for the prosecco.

To book a place at the children’s activities, holiday, lunch or afternoon tea call Broneiron on Tel: 01686 688204 or email Broneirion@girlguidingcymru.org.uk.

ends

For more information, please contact Lorna Morris, marketing and communications officer at Broneirion, on Tel: 01686 688204.

Conquer The Gospel Pass on new short break cycling tour

Cyclists will have the chance to conquer the Gospel Pass in the Brecon Beacons on a new short break organised by Wheely Wonderful Cycling.

The three day, two-night tour stays in the famous bookshop town of Hay on Wye for two nights, giving cyclists the chance to challenge themselves to cycle the Gospel Pass.

Starting at Ludlow the cycle tour goes along the border with England and Wales, crossing the dramatic Offa’s Dyke at Hergest Ridge, then down to cross the toll bridge to Hay on Wye, a lovely town, famed for its bookshops, castle and great places to eat.

On the next day, cycle around the base of the Black Mountains into the cathedral town of Brecon and ride along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, one of the most beautiful sections of canal in the country. Then over the challenging Gospel Pass, fantastic views from Hay Bluff and a great downhill ride into Hay on Wye.

The last day of the cycle tour is an easier ride through the black and white villages of North Herefordshire with a chance to stop at a cider farm and the 600-year-old New Inn.  The tour is priced at £285 per person.

This is one of a four new cycle tours designed with challenging mileages of 40 to 70 miles a day, but with luggage moved, everything organised and great places to stay each night.  All the tours start at Ludlow and involve a three-day cycle ride and two nights’ accommodation costing between £285 and £310 per person.

The tours pick out the best cycling areas in Wales: from the challenge of the Gospel Pass, the hills of Offa’s Dyke down to the Wye Valley and the remote landscape of the Elan Valley. The short break format and central location means that they are ideal to enjoy with a group of friends.

Wheely Wonderful Cycling also offers a bespoke tour service if a group wants to adapt a tour to their specific requirements. There are price reductions if cyclists bring their own bike and for groups of 10 or more. The tour price includes hotel or inn accommodation, trek bike hire, luggage transfers, route maps and back-up.

Kay Dartnell, from Wheely Wonderful Cycling, said: “We’ve all seen the phenomenal growth in participation in cycling sportives and triathlons. For the most part they are single day events, so here’s a way to meet up with your friends and family for a weekend or short break with a similar challenge and great après cycle, food and drink.

“We get groups of far-flung friends meeting up at our base, from the north and south, it’s a great central location with good rail links.”

Full details about the cycle tours are available on www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk or contact Kay on Tel: 01568 770755 or email: info@wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk

Cyclists enjoying the stunning Welsh countryside.

Picture caption:

Top: Cyclists will enjoy magnificent views from The Gospel Pass.

Ends

Notes for Editors:

Fast facts about Cycle Challenge Tours in Wales:
Brecon Beacons Cycle Challenge – three days.  Distance 138 miles. Adult £285 (Hotel/Inn option £305pp).
Tour highlights: The Gospel Pass and Llanthony Abbey, Hay on Wye book town, Offa’s Dyke and drovers roads.

For more information please contact Kay Dartnell on Tel: 01568 770755 or email: info@wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk

Tithe maps reveal changes in land use in Wales since the 1840s

Tithe maps and documents from Wales in the 1840s, made available online through the Heritage Lottery funded Cynefin project at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, have allowed students to study and quantify changes in land use and field names in a way not previously possible.

The tithe maps and records were originally created to keep a record of tithes, a type of tax payable by farmers to the church.

The 180-year-old documents are being transcribed and digitised through the cynefin.wales website by an army of over 850 volunteers, making it possible to quickly access and analyse recorded information about who was farming where, who landowners were, what use was made of the land and what fields were called.

According to project manager Einion Gruffudd: “Only one million people lived in Wales in the 1840s compared with over three million today, but there were far more farms and much more land was used for arable production compared to today, even on the highest hills and mountains.”

Mr Gruffudd said that farmland has been lost not only to urbanisation and reservoirs but also to forestry, while vast areas of what was previously used for arable production are now given over to grass or open mountain land.

“The tithe records don’t just categorise land, they also name the fields, enabling us to identify fields which are today under water, in the middle of busy towns, or deep in forests.

“We also know how much tithe was paid for farming them.”

The Cynefin project is also merging all the tithe maps of Wales to produce one unified digital map during a very transformative period in our history. This map and all the associated transcribed information will be available to the general public free of charge and most of this is already accessible on the cynefin.wales website.

This information is also a great new source for academic research and is already being used by MA students from Aberystwyth University, commissioned by the Farmer’ Union of Wales to research historic land uses.

One of the students, Rhodri Evans said: “It’s great to have such convenient access to detailed information applied to virtually all of Wales. This source enables us to carry out new research in a way which was completely impractical before.

“For example, we now have a list of more than a quarter of a million field names which tell us a lot about the land and how it was farmed. We can also look closely at the area, location and use made of each field as it was in the 1840s, and compare that with today.”

Nick Fenwick, the FUW’s head of policy, said: “The tithe maps are an invaluable source which allows us to study changes in the use of farmland in different parts of Wales and dispel some of the myths about how farming has changed.

“One of the most significant of these is the degree to which farming has become less intensive on higher ground during the past two centuries or so.

“The way in which field names have changed during the period, or remain in use to this day, is also important from an historical point of view, particularly where the names describe land use or historical events,” he added.

Some of the project’s early findings will be displayed at the Tŷ Mawr exhibition during the Royal Welsh Show. A free presentation about these findings will be hosted by Mr Gruffudd on the Tŷ Mawr stand on Monday, July 18 at 3pm.

Picture caption:

A map being digitised for the Cynefin project.

Max and his team conquer Three Peaks Challenge to hit £8,000 target

Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser Max Ball was joined by four workmates and friends in conquering the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours.

They conquered Mount Snowdon with just 15 minutes to spare on July 3 and hope to have raised more than £2,000, which takes Max, 25, over the £8,000 target he set when he decided to take on 12 different sponsored challenges - MaxAndTheMac12 - during 2016.

All the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support which is supporting his father, Steve, who was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer last October, and family.

Max was joined in completing the National Three Peaks Challenge by his Salop Leisure workmates Ed Glover, Mark Jones, Mark Fras and Sophie Ratcliff, Duncan Smith from Swift Group and friend Steve Owen. Tom Greatorex and Ben Ashford also completed part of the challenge.

Tony and Lynda Cooke from Salop Leisure, Paul Shoebridge, Jane Greatorex and Tony Parker were the designated drivers.

The group began their challenge at Ben Nevis in Scotland at 6.30am on July 2 and took four hours and 20 minutes to reach the top and walk back down. Scafell Pike in the Lake District was next at 6.30pm and took three hours to complete.

Lastly, the group arrived at the base of Mount Snowdon in North Wales at 2am and climbed in the dark and through thick fog to reach the top and return to their vehicles by 6.15am.

“It was the most mentally and physically challenging thing that I’ve ever done,” confessed Ed Glover, Salop Leisure’s assistant marketing manager. “I genuinely feared for my life as climbing Snowdon in the pitch black and fog at two o’clock in the morning, but it was fantastic to have completed the challenge within 24 hours.”

Max said: “I was delighted to have completed the challenge within the allotted time, particularly as I injured my ankle on Ben Nevis and I had a 40 per cent chance of being able to climb Scafell Pike and Snowdon. It was a really good effort by everyone and we all enjoyed the weekend.

“I have had phenomenal support from my work colleagues, family and friends, which has helped me pass the £8,000 fundraising target with five challenges still to go. The money raised will help Macmillan to reach more people with cancer and improve the quality of care and support available to them during their cancer journey.”

Next challenge is a Dana Prison escape on Sunday, followed by white water rafting in Llangollen and a 24 hour squashathon at Kingsland Squash Club, Shrewsbury in August, Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon on September 4 and a 106 kilometre ride at Ludlow Cycling Festival on September 18.

As an extra fundraiser, he’s planning a bake-off amongst Salop Leisure staff to coincide with Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on September 30.

Anyone wishing to support Max can donate money using www.justgiving.com/MaxAndTheMac12/.

Picture caption:

The six walkers at the end of the challenge (from left) Ed Glover, Steve Owen, Max Ball, Sophie Ratcliff, Mark Jones and Mark Fras.

Elfyn Evans masters the mixed conditions in Mid Wales rally

 
Dolgellau’s Elfyn Evans and Oswestry-based co-driver Craig Parry won last weekend’s Nicky Grist Stages Rally, round five of the seven round MSA British Rally Championship.

The DMACK British Rally Team driver made it three wins from five and his second ‘home’ victory in Wales this season. Fellow Welshman Tom Cave from Aberdyfi equalled his season best with a fine second while Desi Henry completed the podium after a tough two-day encounter.

Based in Builth Wells, the Nicky Grist Stages is a unique event on the BRC calendar with the two days split into two surfaces. Biblical weather greeted the competitors on the opening day with crews slipping and sliding through 45 miles of forestry gravel stages before tackling the famous Tarmac on the Epynt Ranges on the second day.

It wasn’t just the crews inside the car who were tested this weekend as the service teams had just two-and-a-half-hours on Saturday evening to convert the cars from mud-slinging monsters into Tarmacadam-hugging weapons.

Series leader Evans had a difficult start to the event, as the Ford Fiesta R5 driver was not to have it all his own way, with a spin on the opening stage and pop-off valve problems on the second.

Undeterred by these early issues, the Welshman swiftly got back into his dominating stride, topping the time sheets on 12 of the event’s 15 stages to finish with a healthy 1 minute 11.4 second margin as the cars returned to Builth Wells for the ceremonial finish.

It was to be Cave in his Michelin-shod Ford Fiesta R5 who drew first blood, however, setting fastest time on the opening stage of the rally. He would lead the event until an inspired Evans snatched the advantage on the third stage.

Thereafter Cave couldn’t live with Evans’ pace but showed his own improvement in speed by recording another second place and his third podium of the year, a result that has helped him to leap-frog Fredrik Ahlin into second place in the championship points standings with two rounds remaining on the calendar. Ahlin missed out on a points haul after retiring on the opening day.

Henry picked-up from where he left off in Scotland with another fine third position in his Skoda Fabia R5. The Northern Ireland driver started off cautiously but gathered pace as he flew through the gravel stages.

It wasn’t to be plain sailing for the likeable Irishman, though, as he took a big cut on the opening day nearly sending the Skoda onto its roof. With the Fabia safely back on all four wheels, Desi pressed on – more so when the competition switched to his preferred sealed-surface.

Eager to hold station, Henry chalked up a fastest time on stage 12, showing his asphalt form which, in turn, elevated him up the championship points table at the end of the Mid Wales event.

Scottish star David Bogie, in his Pirelli-backed Skoda Fabia R5, has had a disappointing run of bad luck with two retirements since his podium on the Circuit of Ireland. The Dumfries-based driver suffered turbo issues on the final day but was pleased to score points once again with fourth overall.

Circuit of Ireland winner Josh Moffett moved through the order on the Epynt Ranges to place his Fiesta R5 in fifth while rounding off the top six in his Citroen DS3 R5 was Ulsterman Jonathan Greer who also claimed a fastest section time on the Nicky Grist Stages.

Greer will be looking for a strong result when the series returns to Ireland for the penultimate round of Britain’s premier rallying series.

Young-gun Rhys Yates took one of his best performances to date in his striking Fiesta R5 with seventh while Jamie Anderson was sadly the biggest loser on the second and final day.

Nestled in fourth at the overnight halt, the Englishman struggled with his limited Tarmac experience on the demanding, flowing stages, settling for eighth at the end of the multi-surface event.

Ollie Mellors was the top S2000 runner in his Proton Satria while Thomas Preston rounds out the top ten in his Skoda Fabia R5.

In the DMACK Junior British Rally Championship, Vauxhall ADAM R2 driver Robert Duggan made it a hat-trick of victories this season. The Irishman drove a faultless event leading from start to finish, heading a Vauxhall Motorsport one-two as the cars returned to the Royal Welsh Showground.

Teammate Mattias Adielsson struggled on his preferred gravel surface on the opening day, but woke up in inspired form with new found Tarmac speed as he reeled in and overhauled Sindre Furuseth to take second. The Swede was playing his ‘Joker’ this weekend, thus doubling his points and putting him well into the title hunt.    

Scotland winner Furuseth, in his Renault Twingo R2, held a solid second overnight but his first event on Tarmac was to be his downfall as he slipped back into the final podium position. The Norwegian can take a lot of credit as he now has a day of asphalt experience under his belt as he heads into the final two Tarmac events.

Local driver Meirion Evans (Ford Fiesta R2T) made it four fourth placed finishes in a row while Josh Cornwell rounded off the top five among the juniors in his Fiesta R2.

Colwyn Bay’s Matt Edwards took the spoils in BRC2. the Welshman produced another stunning performance to get himself into the top 12 overall as well as the class win. The Mitsubishi Evo 9 driver now has an unassailable lead in the BRC2 category and will be crowned champion at the season finale.

BRC3 competitors Chris Wheeler and Yan Griffiths, in their Citroen DS3 R3T, were looking for another strong finish to consolidate their class lead before a heavy impact on Epynt forced them into retirement. The pair had to be extracted from the car and taken to hospital but no serious injuries where incurred.

In BRC4, Tony Simpson was another driver to take his third win of the season in his Kumho-supported Ford Fiesta ST. Marty Gallagher, who was competing in his first event outside of Ireland, had a commanding lead at the end of the first day before a retirement early Sunday morning put paid to his event.

National Rally Cup winner Robert Blomberg made it back-to-back victories as championship leader Donnie Macdonald retired with head-gasket failure and with it went his place on the summit of the table.

The winner of the SORT Oil Spirit of the Rally Award was DMACK Junior BRC competitor Blair Brown. Every team was under pressure during the two-and-a-half-hour change over from gravel to Tarmac specification.

Blair and his small team only had three people including himself and it would be a race-against-time for them to get his R2T Fiesta into Parc Ferme, a feat which they achieved with time to spare.

Brown also won the award for assisting a spectator who got stuck on the road section. The Scottish driver jumped out of his own car to help get the grateful spectator off a rock and on his way again.

The next round of the BRC is the Ulster Rally on August 19 and 20.

Elfyn Evans said: “We are happy with how the event went and it wasn’t easy as the conditions were very challenging. We had a spin on the first stage and from there we had to bring it together. When we got the lead, and when things were difficult, I had spare capacity to keep it calm.

“In rallying anything can happen and with double points on the Isle of Man finale, this will leave it open until the last round, so we have to keep on it, keep pushing and keep winning.”

Tom Cave said: "I am very pleased with second as it’s good for the team and for the championship. Things have progressed even more this weekend, more than we had hoped. Our pace on both surfaces was encouraging especially on Tarmac on the second day.

“We knew it would be difficult to beat Elfyn this weekend but I have learnt a lot from chasing him and want to be even closer on the Ulster next time out. Second in the championship is good but we will keep working hard and keep making progress forward.”

The top three in the Nicky Grist Stages Rally 

line up at the end.

Runner-up Tom Cave in action.

Picture captions:

Top: Winner Elfyn Evans has lift off en route to victory.

Grand finale brings railway’s celebrations to a close

There was a unique gathering of locomotives at Tywyn Wharf Station over the weekend as the Talyllyn Railway concluded its series of special galas to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Called ‘The Grand Finale’, the gala lived up to its name by bringing together all five of the surviving locomotives based in the UK built by the firm of Fletcher, Jennings & Co. of Whitehaven, Cumbria.

These included not only the railway’s own original locomotives No.1 Talyllyn and No.2 Dolgoch, but also three locomotives originally built for a quarry in at Betchworth in Surrey. One of these, Captain Baxter, now based at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, was in steam at Tywyn Wharf Station, becoming the first standard gauge locomotive to operate on Talyllyn Railway property.

Its smaller companions were Townsend Hook from the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex and William Finlay, which has been acquired by the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn and will be put on permanent display this winter.

Both Townsend Hook and William Finlay were built to run on the 3ft 2¼in line at the quarry and are believed to be the only two locomotives in the world built to this gauge. Sadly neither is operational but they were on static display in Tywyn Wharf Station yard.

The story of these locomotives and the other four surviving elsewhere in the world are told in a booklet The Lowca Legacy, written by National Railway Museum senior curator, Anthony Coulls, which was also launched during the weekend.

The focus of the weekend was the 150th anniversary of Dolgoch and the locomotive took centre stage at the head of several special trains, including a re-enactment of the first public train to operate on the Talyllyn Railway in December, 1866. This included not only Dolgoch but also the original carriages believed to be on the railway at the time.

As well as the events on the railway itself, the Llechfan Garden Railway was holding its Garden Railway Gala, with visiting locomotives and other attractions. During the weekend, there was the official opening of the model village as part of the Garden Railway scene by Tim Dunn, who is shortly to be seen on BBC TV’s Trainspotting Live.

A Talyllyn Railway spokesperson said: “Holding seven successful galas over the course of 14 months has been a major achievement for the railway, but we wanted to round things off in style and ‘The Grand Finale’ has certainly done that.

“The event attracted many visitors from all over the United Kingdom and beyond, who had come to witness a genuine once in a lifetime event. Many expressed their appreciation of the weekend and what was achieved.

“We would like to thank our friends at the Bluebell Railway and the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre for the loan of Captain Baxter and Townsend Hook respectively, as well as all those who worked so hard to make these galas a reality. They have certainly made the railway’s 150th anniversary a truly memorable event.”

Picture caption:

The unique line-up of Fletcher, Jennings locomotives on display at Tywyn Wharf during ‘The Grand Finale’ gala (from left) Townsend Hook, Captain Baxter, Dolgoch, William Finlay and Talyllyn. (Photo: D. Turner)

For further information about this press release please e-mail: pressoffice@talyllyn.co.uk or phone either 0113 281 8235 or 01654 710472.

Wynne Jenkins exhibits summer canvases at MOMA Machynlleth

An exhibition titled ‘Summer Canvases’ by Welsh artist Wynne Jenkins is on show at the Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth until September 10.

A native of Llangennech, Llanelli, Jenkins has been living in Carmarthen for nearly half a century. After a career in education, he now concentrates on expressing himself through his painting in oils.

He makes frequent trips to both Pembrokeshire and North Wales, where Tal-y-Llyn is one of his favourite subjects. Many of the works in this exhibition are from the local area.

He takes the opportunity to transform 'everyday' scenes into an art form - the timelessness of Wales' seascapes and mountains artistically unfold. He seeks to paint not only that which is seen and felt, but also that which is not seen - one layer at a time, until the dream is realised.

He prefers the challenge of the palette knife, rather than the brush "to express with precision the emotional response to nature", a technique inspired by Sir Kyffin Williams.

Jenkins exhibits his work across Wales and has presented programmes on the visual arts in Wales on S4C.

MOMA, Machynlleth is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The current exhibition programme is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.

Picture caption:

‘Oes gwell lle na Aberdyfi’ by Wynne Jenkins.

Tabernacle Art Competition attracts entries from as far as Israel

The 2016 Tabernacle Art Competition at the Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth attracted entries from as far away as Israel.

Run in association with the Coleridge in Wales Festival, the competition theme, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem ‘Frost at Midnight’, has inspired some outstanding work.

All visitors to the museum are invited to vote for their favourite work from the exhibition and the artist with the most votes will receive the Ailsa Owen Memorial Prize - £850 for adults, £100 for under 18s - at a ceremony during Machynlleth Festival on Saturday, August 27.

Visitors will have an interesting time choosing their preferences. The judges were the Welsh artist Ivor Davies and Richard Parry from the Coleridge in Wales Festival.

“It has given us great pleasure to encounter and spend time with your paintings and creations on this year's competition,” the judges told under 18 category artists. “We have enjoyed and admired every piece submitted to the under 18 category and wish to commend and congratulate each of you. We have awarded winner's prizes but each piece of your work is commended.”

The prizewinners were: Adult: 1, Steven Allan Griffiths, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire; 2, Louise Payne, Tywyn, Gwynedd; joint 3, Jill Cope, New Moat, Pembrokeshire and Daphne Hurn, Abergavenny; highly commended, Jane Hibbert, Forge, Machynlleth; Quentin Deakin, Tywyn, Gwynedd; Malcolm Ryan, Ynyslas, Borth; Ruth Jên Evans, Talybont, Aberystwyth and Helen Iles, Barmouth.

Ages 11 and under: joint 1, Jian Adey,10, Cemmaes, Machynlleth and Emily Murfin, eight, Tywyn, Gwynedd. Ages 12-17: 1, Florrie Lithgow, 13, Comins Coch, Ceredigion.

The entries will be on display the MOMA, Machynlleth until September 1. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Emily Murfin’s joint winning work 

in the under 11 category.

Jian Adey’s joint winning work

 in the under 11 category.

Florrie Lithgow’s winning work 

in the 12 to 17 category.

Picture caption:

Top: The winning adult work by Steven Allan Griffiths.

Stonecarver and artist exhibits at MOMA Machynlleth

Meic Watts, a stonecarver and artist whose workshop is in Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales, is showing his work at the Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth until September 10.

Using local slates, granites and stones carried and left by glaciers, he works with what has already been shaped by ice and water, finding forms within from nature and the surrounding landscape.

These are then polished to reveal the different types of stone hidden beneath the weathered surface. The exhibition, titled ‘Water and Ice, hammer and chisel’, is a shared with Carmarthen painter Wynne Jenkins.

Watts has included pebbles carved into houses to complement the paintings. There are also many birds, some carved from pebbles, as well as bottles, leaves and waves.

A large work at the centre of the exhibition, made of Derbyshire limestone, is entitled ‘Lleu Llaw Gyffes’, a hero from the Mabinogi. Watts has carved him with wings, which relates to his transformation into an eagle in an attempt to evade an attack.

He exhibits his works widely and has also carried out public art projects.

MOMA, Machynlleth is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The current exhibition programme is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.

Picture caption:

‘Lleu Llaw Gyffes’ by Meic Watts.

Story time and book signing at Kerry Vale Vineyard

Kerry Vale Vineyard on the Shropshire border with Powys is hosting a special children’s story time and book signing by artist and author Meg Hawkins on Sunday, July 17.

The event will be part of Shropshire-based Meg’s exhibition entitled ‘Watercolours, illustrations and beyond’, which features a wide variety of original watercolour paintings and limited edition prints and will run from July 9 to August 3 at the vineyard.

Meg will host the one hour session between 10.30am and 11.30am when she will introduce children to a selection of her best selling stories which will be read aloud.  She will also available to sign books and chat to children and parents.

The session will cost £3.50 per adult, to include tea and cake and £1 per child between three and eight years, to include, milk, squash and cookies.

Meg’s stories follow themes embracing friendship, exploration and learning through adventure, set in the beautiful Shropshire and Powys countryside.

Having drawn pictures for her four children and watching them grow up with the characters that her pencils, imagination and talent had bought to life gave her the passion to make a hobby into something she could share with parents and children.

Meg studied art and sculpture in college, before moving onto interior design and photography.
Her diverse and eclectic exhibition showcases her varied styles and beautiful, wide ranging techniques. Meg captures both fine art detail and the energy in the shapes and contours of her subjects, working in pencil, pastel and watercolour.

Her work can be viewed in the gallery above the vineyard’s shop and café, which is located between Montgomery and Churchstoke, during opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Picture caption:

Meg Hawkins.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Kerry Vale Vineyard is a small, family run English vineyard situated on the Welsh / English border of rural Shropshire. Planted in 2010, the vineyard covers six acres of farmland, and resides at the eastern tip of the Vale of Kerry.  

National Library of Wales appeals to Wales football fans

The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is appealing for Wales fans with anything relating to the team’s historic Euro 2016 campaign to get in touch.

The library is eager to collect any ephemera relating to the story of Wales in the European Championship, including posters, leaflets, programmes, tickets, photographs or anything else - within reason.

Already holding the FAW archive - https://archives.library.wales/index.php/football-association-of-wales-records - the library wants to hear from fans. #Together Stronger!

For more information contact Elin-Hâf Williams at the library on Tel: 01970 632534.

Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve status inspires Welsh ceramic range

Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve status has inspired a new ‘In the Night Sky’ range of ceramics designed and created by a Mid Wales pottery.

The region was announced as an International Dark Sky Reserve last December and is only the 10th in the world. This designation is given by the International Dark Sky Institute to select destinations that have proven that the quality of their night sky is outstanding and real efforts are being made to reduce light pollution.

Lahn Hinchliffe, from the Quarry Pottery at Corris Craft Centre, near Machynlleth, who designed and made the new ‘In the Night Sky’ range, said: “I was born and brought up in this area of Snowdonia and have always been amazed by the clarity of the night sky.

“Our new ceramic range has been inspired by this natural beauty and includes a midnight blue colour with special detail to represent the serenity of the Snowdonia night sky. I plan to create more products that tie into science themes, such as a Mars colour and a slate colour glaze finish.”

The new ‘In the Night Sky’ ceramic domestic ware includes mugs, espresso mugs, bowls, egg cups and funky splash bowls.

Snowdonia Dark Sky.

Photo courtesy of © Keith T. O’Brien.

Picture captions:

The ‘In the Night Sky’ ceramic range) hand crafted by Quarry Pottery at Corris Craft Centre.

END

For further information contact:  Shirley Owen, Corris Craft Centre marketing manager, on Tel: 01686 668301 email: shirleyowen06@aol.com

Early summer sun shines tourism businesses

Glorious early summer weather during May and early June has produced a sales dividend for a successful Shropshire and Mid Wales caravan and motorhome dealership.

Salop Leisure has reported that sales across all divisions of the business, which has its headquarters in Shrewsbury and satellite sales centres in Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, are 10 per cent up on the same period last year.

“The superb early summer weather has made a huge difference to tourism this year,” said Tony Bywater, chairman of Salop Leisure, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. “Caravan parks along the Welsh coast were full for the recent Bank Holiday weekends as Wales seems to have enjoyed the best of the sunshine.

“When the caravan parks are busy, other businesses such as pubs, restaurants, shops and garages, also benefit. Everything is set fair for a successful tourism season.”

Mr Bywater attributes the rise in caravan, motorhome and campervan sales to more people choosing to spend their holidays in the UK this year.

“Having done their travelling and seen lots of the world, many people are now opting for a quieter and more peaceful way of spending their leisure time,” he said. “They are finding that buying a caravan, motorhome or campervan is good value for money for them and their family.

“The hassle of travelling abroad and the threat of international terrorism are also having a huge influence on where people are spending their holidays this year.”

He said the company’s Love Coffee restaurant, workshops and accessory shop had all reported increased business in the last month and Love Plants, the specialist plants centre, had welcomed 30 per cent more visitors than during the same period last year.

“We are delighted that the increase in business is happening in our 50th year of trading and look forward to another successful year,” added Mr Bywater.

Mixed-surface challenge await BRC crews in Mid Wales

The MSA British Rally Championship returns to action this weekend (July 9-10) with round five of the series, the Nicky Grist Stages, in Mid Wales.

Elfyn Evans of Dolgellau took a commanding victory over Aberdyfi-based Tom Cave in the Scottish Rally last month, both using the Ford Fiesta R5.

Local hero David Bogie in a Skoda Fabia R5 was set to take a popular podium on home soil until substantial damage to his car’s radiator cruelly forced him into retirement on the road section back to Dumfries.  Irishman Desi Henry put in his best performance to date and capitalised upon his fellow Skoda driver’s demise, taking his first BRC podium in the process.

The next challenge for the British Rally Championship crews will be the Nicky Grist Stages, based in Builth Wells. The two-day event will be a unique challenge for the BRC crews, with the rally being staged on two different surfaces.

On the first day, competitors will take on 45 miles of fast and flowing gravel through the forests. Teams will then have two-and-a-half hours on Saturday evening to change their cars from gravel set-up to asphalt specification in preparation for 59 fearsome miles over the Epynt Ranges on Sunday.

The high-speed ribbon of Tarmacadam floats over the land and takes no prisoners with its blind crests, flat-out jumps and challenging corners. Those brave enough to conquer the stages will receive the spoils at the ceremonial finish.

DMACK British Rally Team driver Evans, 27, will be eager to continue his fine form as the series returns to his homeland.

Cave took a season-best in Scotland and is hungry for more as he works his way to the summit of the BRC podium. The 24-year-old played his ‘Joker’ last time out, doubling his points to bring him back into the title hunt.

Cave took victory on the non-championship Plains Rally earlier in the year, which utilises similar stages to the Nicky Grist event and, coupled with his Scottish success, the Michelin-backed driver will be one to watch on home turf.

Swedish sensation Fredrik Ahlin had a disappointing Scottish Rally by his incredibly high standards. The Pirelli Carlisle Rally winner retired on the fourth stage and with it lost his championship lead. Ahlin will be on the charge in his Pirelli-shod Fiesta R5 from the off as he guns for glory on the mixed-surface event.

Bogie (Skoda Fabia R5) will want to put two consecutive retirements behind him as he goes in search of a podium position in Wales. The former BRC champion hopes to elevate himself from seventh in the standings with a good points haul.

Fellow CA1 Sport driver Alex Laffey (Ford Fiesta R5) is gaining speed with every round. The Tarmacadam expert has a great deal of knowledge of the Epynt Ranges and will use his experience to good effect as he searches for his first outright BRC point.

Thomas Preston chalked up his first BRC points in Scotland and is showing great promise as he continues to develop his newly acquired Skoda Fabia R5.

Another driver with a vast amount of Epynt experience is multiple MSA Asphalt Champion Damian Cole, who returns to the series in his Ford Fiesta S2000. Cole suffered a tough start to his first BRC season, but will hope his knowledge will guide him to his first finish of the year.

Ollie Mellors, in similar S2000 machinery, gained a solid result and plenty of miles on the non-championship Tour of Epynt earlier in the year. The 20-year-old will be on a mission to bag more points in his SORT Oil Proton Satria S2000 in an effort to claw his way back into the top ten in the standings.

Henry leads the Irish contingent in his Skoda Fabia R5, after a brilliant podium in Scotland put his championship aspirations back on track – a feat he will want to replicate at Builth Wells.

In hot pursuit are Circuit of Ireland BRC winner Josh Moffett in his Ford Fiesta R5 and Ulsterman Jonathan Greer in a rapid Citroen DS3 R5. Both Moffett and Greer have yet to play their ‘Joker’ and will be keen to score more valuable championship points ahead of their preferred events later in the season.

Wales has been a happy hunting ground for Jamie Anderson in recent years. The Fiesta R5 driver has got to grips with his new machine and will want to record a top five finish as he continues to rise up the championship table.

Fellow Michelin Fiesta R5 runner Rhys Yates will be fired-up to bag his first points on gravel, while James Slaughter (Ford Fiesta R5) returns to the series to gain further mileage as he searches for his first outright BRC points.

The DMACK Junior BRC has seen three different winners in four events and the chase for the title is beginning to become intensive between the next generation of rallying superstars.

Championship leader Robert Duggan, in a Vauxhall ADAM R2, has taken two wins so far this season, in Ireland and England, along with a fine second overall on the Scottish Rally.

The Irishman has yet to play his ‘Joker’ and holds a 10-point cushion over the latest member of the Junior BRC winners’ circle, Sindre Furuseth. The Norwegian won in Scotland last time out and is riding the crest of a wave heading to the Nicky Grist Stages in his Renault Twingo R2.

Gus Greensmith returns to the series after missing round four due to World Championship preparation. Behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta R2T, the Englishman won the last time the championship was in Wales and the round one winner will want to add another victory to his name at the close of play next weekend.

Despite taking three podiums, Mattias Adielsson has yet to win a round of the BRC in his Vauxhall ADAM R2. The Swedish star has come close and is as determined as ever to show he has what it takes to become a title contender. Like teammate Duggan, he has yet to play his ‘Joker’ and cannot be discounted on the two-day classic.

Another man who will have his sights set on the podium is local driver Meirion Evans in his Ford Fiesta R2T. After two retirements at the start of the year, the Llanwrda-based driver has turned his campaign around with two fourth-placed finishes and will hope his experience of past Nicky Grist Stages will put him in good stead for 2016 event.

Adam Bustard, in his Fiesta R2T, has already scored two podium finishes this season and will be eager to emulate his mid-season form once again after a troubled run on the Scottish Rally.

Ford Fiesta R2 drivers Josh Cornwell, Guy Tyler, Nick Carr and Blair Brown will all want to rise up the ranks as they search for solid points in Wales. Nabila Tejpar suffered an accident in Scotland and has had to withdraw her entry for the Nicky Grist as her Fiesta R2 is too heavily damaged.

MH Motorsport, which runs the 22-year-old, will now get the car ready for the Ulster Rally in August. Will Graham returns to the series in search of his first BRC points on the Nicky Grist.

In BRC2, Matt Edwards will be in action once again in his Mitsubishi Evo 9, aiming to not only claim a maximum class score but overall championship points to keep himself in the top 10.

Chris Wheeler is the sole runner in BRC3 in his Citroen DS3 R3T, while a three-way battle is set to rage in BRC4 between Roger Platt (Fiesta R2), Marty Gallagher (Peugeot 208 R2) and Kumho-supported Tony Simpson (Fiesta ST).

In the National Rally Cup, Robert Blomberg (Mitsubishi Mirage) was the victor on the last round as he successfully played his ‘Joker’ to reel in championship leader Donnie Macdonald, who is now just five points up the road in his Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Jamie Jukes, in another Mitsubishi Mirage, returns to home ground and will hope his experience will guide him to his first NRC victory.

Lee Hastings and John Morrison will both be targeting the podium in their Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo 9 respectively, while Chris Hellings joins the series for the first time in an MG ZR, making it 11 marques represented in the BRC so far this season.

BRC Championship manager Iain Campbell has high praise for the Nicky Grist Stages team and is looking forward to the mixed-surface challenge.

“The Nicky Grist Stages is going to be a real test for the BRC crews,” he enthused. “To have two surfaces in one event is a real innovation from the organising team and will create a fantastic spectacle for the championship.

“There are so many scenarios that will make the event very unpredictable. Gravel drivers will hope to trail blaze on the first day, while Tarmacadam specialists will be aiming to stay on their coat-tails on the first day and then claw back the time on the asphalt on the second.

“The transition from gravel to Tarmacadam will be a real culture shock for drivers as they change from softly-sprung gravel machines to a lower, stiffer asphalt weapon.

“Then there are the service crews who prepare the cars. The teams will have just two-and-a-half hours to change the set-up for the second day, meaning they will not only be against the clock on the stages but in the service park as well.”

The new-look BRC takes in seven events across the British Isles as it tours England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, before culminating on the iconic lanes of the Isle of Man. Asphalt special stages and gravel tests will see the country’s best drivers in the best cars fight for overall supremacy on the best events, while the action will feature throughout the year on Channel 4 and BT Sport.

The final event will count for double points, while each driver has one ‘Joker’ to play on one of the first six rounds. Selected a week before each round, a ‘Joker’ can only be played once and will enable a driver to double the points scored on that nominated event.

Keep tabs on all the latest BRC developments by visiting www.msabrc.com or following us on social media: MSA British Rally Championship on Facebook and @MSA_BRC on Twitter using #BRC

Elfyn Evans return to home soil this weekend.

Picture caption:

Top: Tom Cave hopes to shine on the Nicky Grist Stages.

New head chef appointed at The Felin Fach Griffin

EATDRINKSLEEP has some announced team changes within the kitchens at The Felin Fach Griffin, near Brecon and The Gurnard’s Head in Cornwall.

Max Wilson has returned to Cornwall to become head chef at The Gurnard’s Head having successfully lead the team at The Felin Fach Griffin  for the last 18 months. The lure of Cornwall has always been strong and he jumped at the opportunity when the position came up.

In his place, Ben Ogden has been promoted to head chef at The Griffin having understudied Max as sous chef since June 2015.  He will bring a slightly lighter style to The Griffin’s food, influenced by his career around the UK and his travelling.

These changes continue the group’s long tradition of moving and promoting within the company, ensuring smooth transitions at the same time as having chefs who fully understand the ethos and approach of EATDRINKSLEEP, including the importance of great ingredients and the principle of good value menus.

Ben is already introducing dishes such as cod, Palourde clams, seaweed and lemongrass broth and lamb breast, merguez sausage, hummus and tabbouleh salad.

Edmund Inkin, joint owner of EATDRINKSLEEP, said: “Max is an exceptionally talented and driven head chef whose heart is in Cornwall.  He’s capable of taking the legacy of The Gurnard’s Head’s kitchen and moving it forward to create something even better.  Back in Brecon, Ben is more than ready for a head chef role and will relish the challenge of taking over from Max.”

July exhibition of Jacob Buckland’s work at MOMA Machynlleth

Carmarthenshire artist Jacob Buckland is holding his first exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth until July 23, showing paintings especially created for this ‘Line and Colour’ show.

The paintings follow his visits to the mountains, woodlands, wetlands and rivers of Wales between late winter and early summer. His work reflects personal observations and feelings about a place, focusing on rural Welsh landscape and nature and has an intriguing ephemeral quality.

“My work is a response to observations and feelings about particular places and moments in time,” said Jacob. “Landscapes are transformed by weather and season, day and night and can momentarily appeal to personal sensibilities.

“Spending time in the landscape and experiencing the transient effects of light and weather helps me to understand something of the essence of a place, which I hope to record in some way through painting and drawing.”

Born in Somerset, Jacob grew up in Shropshire and studied at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 2003.

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

Picture captions:

Afon Gamlan by Jacob Buckland.

Jacob Buckland.

Exhibition highlights bravery of Welsh soldiers in Battle of Mametz Wood

A significant photography exhibition marking the centenary of the Battle of Mametz - one of the major and bloodiest battles fought by Welsh soldiers during World War One – opens at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth this weekend.

On July 10, 1916, during the Battle of Mametz, nearly 4,000 soldiers of the 38th Welsh Division were killed, wounded or declared missing.

Inspired by this important landscape in Welsh history, as well as David Jones’ seminal experimental poem, In Parenthesis, Rhondda-born photographer Aled Rhys Hughes has tried to answer the question: does this landscape have a memory of what happened here 100 years ago?

In 1937, the forest at Mametz Wood was the focus of Jones’ In Parenthesis, an account of his own harrowing experiences in the battle, which began in early July 1916 as the Somme offensive was at its height.

The fierce fighting that took place similarly inspired artists and poets who were serving at Mametz, including Jones, Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves and Llewelyn Wyn Griffith, to share their experiences with the world.

As well as being an acclaimed poet, Jones (1895-1974) was an accomplished artist who produced watercolours, illustrations and inscriptions. The National Library is home to a dedicated catalogue of his work, which includes manuscripts, correspondence, material relating to his artistic works, personal belongings, letters to his friends and editors and much more. This collection was deposited at the library in 1975 and was subsequently bought in 1978.

Items from this archive will be shown alongside Mr Hughes’ striking images of the scene, which even today, still bear the scars of battle.

“This exhibition is a visual culmination of the seven years I have experienced being at Mametz Wood,” said Mr Hughes. “In the annual July visits, I tried to imbue my images with what I saw, felt and heard whilst walking through the dense undergrowth, the open central ride or the angular, shell laden remains of Strip trench.

“Some of the images were made as direct responses to words and phrases from In Parenthesis, others to named places. However, they all pertain to the notion of landscape and memory, the ever-enduring theme in my work.”

The exhibition can be seen at the library until December 3.  Mr Hughes will also host the discussion, Two Perspectives on David Jones, with Anne Price-Owen, secretary of the David Jones Society, on September 2 to discuss Jones’ life as an artist, soldier, and author of In Parenthesis.

Mr Hughes also hosts Welsh and English guided tours of the exhibition on October 19.

The Welsh National Opera celebrated 70 years this year with a world première of In Parenthesis, young British composer Iain Bell’s adaptation of the epic poem. A recording of this live performance of David Pountney’s period production at Wales Millennium Centre will be shown at the Library on Saturday, July 16.

The library’s commemoration programme forms a key part of the Welsh Government’s Cymru’n Cofio – Wales Remembers - 1914-1918 Programme.

Pedr ap Llwyd, the library’s director of collections and public programmes, said: “The main focus of our programme at the library in Aberystwyth and at its community partnership sites are the events of 1914-19 that had a particular Welsh impact.

“Our aim has been to support the exploration of the documentary heritage of Wales to highlight the often hidden histories of the First World War and develop a better understanding of this period of history.

“This is an important opportunity for community engagement activities aimed at all ages, exploring the multifaceted legacy of the impact of the War: on language, religion, culture, politics, art and music. We invite the widest participation in this programme.”

The library’s flagship resource for researching the First World War is The Welsh Experience of the First World War 1914-1918. This is a collection of more than 200,000 pages of newspapers, archives, photographs, and manuscripts from the archives and special collections of Wales.

Many pop-up exhibitions focussing on various elements of The Great War have also been held at the library over the last two years, with more planned for the next two years.

Wales at War: Education and Outreach Around the War Memorials of Wales is an inclusive activity for schoolchildren in Wales that enables them to develop biographies of the names listed on their local war memorials and to learn more about the impact of the First World War on Wales.

The project aims to discover more about the lives of the men and women from Wales who went to war, with a particular focus on those who are commemorated on war memorials in Wales.  The Wales at War website and app also includes a timeline of the main events of the war and theatres of war reference resources.
On Friday, July 8 at 7.30pm, the film: ‘Battle of the Somme’ will be shown at the library. Shot and screened in 1916, this film was the first feature length documentary about war and changed the way both cinema and film were perceived by the public.

In the year of its release, almost 20 million people saw it, many hoping to see the image of a loved one captured on film. One hundred years later, this unique film from the Imperial War Museum’s collection, is being shown to commemorate the anniversary of The Battle of the Somme with musical accompaniment by Laura Rossi. Free admission by ticket.

Ends

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

New Herefordshire and Welsh border gardens cycle tour launched

What could be better on a summer’s day than cycling from one fabulous garden to the next? 

Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders are home to some outstanding and innovative gardens, within the spectacular countryside of the Wye Valley.

Wheely Wonderful Cycling’s new, seven-day, six-night cycle tour for garden lovers visits Bryans Ground, The Whimble, Westonbury Water gardens, the ‘Himalayan” Hergest Croft and the National Trust Gardens of Croft Castle and Berrington Hall amongst others.

These gardens are full of imaginative planting and quirky details, such as the sulking house at Bryans Ground and the water powered cuckoo clock at Westonbury Watergardens. Climb to the Toposcope at The Whimble for fantastic views beyond the garden, or visit Hergest Croft gardens with its azaleas, herbaceous borders and autumn colour, a labour of love by the Banks family for more than 70 years. 

In between the gardens, cyclists come across village fairs and great garden finds on special days, including Windsor Cottage and Hill House Farm gardens in July, Stapleton Castle, Aulden Farm and Ivy Croft gardens in August and Wigmore Gardens in September.

Other highlights include Dunkerton's Cider Farm, medieval dovecots at Eardisland and Luntley, unique bell towers at Pembridge and Yarpole, which has one of the country’s oldest timber structures and historic country inns, including the 600-year-old New Inn, Pembridge.

Cyclists travel through half-timbered medieval villages on quiet country lanes, apple orchards and water meadows and stay at guesthouses with great gardens.

The price includes a seven-day cycle tour, six nights B&B, quality bike hire, luggage and plant transfers, unique route guides and full back up. Staying in guesthouses, the price is £630 per person but cyclists may also choose to stay in hotels or inns for additional £40 per person.

To find full details of the cycling holiday visit www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk

Picture caption:

The type of garden that cyclists can expect to see in Herefordshire and the Welsh border.