Free entry day for Open Doors events at Gregynog Hall

Staff at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown are gearing up for the annual Open Doors event which offers visitors the chance to see the listed, black and white property free of charge.  The event takes place this year on Sunday, September 11 from noon to 4.30pm.

Annette Dowling, from the Hall, said ‘We always enjoy this event and try to ring the changes to offer our visitors something different. This year, as well as the very rare Gwasg Gregynog books out on display, we will be having an exhibition of photographs of the garden taken in years gone by, as well as other exhibitions.

“We will also be serving tea and cake in the historic Blayney Room, so it promises to be a very pleasant afternoon. We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors.”

The hall librarian, Mary Oldham will also be on hand to answer visitors’ questions and the Courtyard Café will be open for lunch. For further information, see www.gregynog.org or call 01686 650224. Advance booking for this event is not required.

Caravan business reports more ‘staycationers’ due to exchange rate and terrorism

The low value of Sterling against other currencies and the threat of international terrorism are making ‘staycationing’ much more popular in the UK this summer, says a leading caravan, motorhome and campervan dealership.

Tony Bywater, who this year celebrates 50 years in the caravan industry with Salop Leisure, which has bases in Machynlleth, Shrewsbury and Stourport-on-Severn, says he has been “amazed” at the impact the value of Sterling and terrorism is having on the UK public’s holiday decisions.

“We have had so many customers buying touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans, caravan holiday homes and lodges this summer when they normally fly abroad on holiday,” he said. “Others have said they were already committed to foreign holidays this year, but plan to holiday at home next summer.”

He maintains that buying a touring caravan, motorhome or campervan is a great investment for families and couples because they allow them to travel the length and breadth of the UK at their leisure and there are so many places waiting to be discovered on this island.

Those who choose to fly abroad are faced with more expensive air fares and holidays than last year due to inflation and extra security checks at the airport because of the terrorism threat. He’s hoping that the attractive exchange rates may encourage more foreign tourists to visit the UK this year.

Mr Bywater also believes that, having done their travelling and seen lots of the world, many middle aged people are now opting to buy a caravan, motorhome or campervan for a quieter and more peaceful way of spending their leisure time with their family.

“We are confident that the next 12 months is going to see massive growth in the caravan industry due to staycationing,” he added. “We have already seen an increase of between 10 and 15 per cent in all divisions of our business compared to last year and are delighted that this is happening in our 50th year of trading.”

Salop Leisure employs a workforce of 140.

Picture caption:

An aerial view of Salop Leisure's headquarters at Emstrey, Shrewsbury.

Celebration time as Llangoed Hall retains place in UK’s Top 50 restaurants

The champagne corks were popping on Thursday morning as news filtered through that Llangoed Hall, near Brecon had retained its place in the Waitrose Good Food Guide’s top 50 UK restaurants for 2017.

To make the listing even more special, Llangoed Hall is the only Welsh hotel included in the top 50. The other Welsh properties listed are Ynys Hir Hall, near Machynlleth, a restaurant with rooms and Restaurant James Sommerin, Glamorgan.

The hotel is one of 27 restaurants, which include Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire and Gidleigh Park, Devon, listed on seven points.

The guide was first published in 1951 to list "600 places throughout Britain where you can rely on a good meal at a reasonable price". It still relies on reader feedback of eateries up and down the country together with anonymous inspections by a team of experts.

“We are delighted to retain our position in the top 50, which is down to the hard work of head chef Nick Brodie and restaurant manager Cedric Mace and their teams,” said managing director Calum Milne.

“We are thrilled to be the only Welsh hotel in top 50, which is a great endorsement of Llangoed Hall and its staff. There are a lot of very nice hotels across the UK that are not included, which demonstrates the high standards applied.

“Whilst it’s fantastic to win national awards, I think it’s equally important that Llangoed Hall supports the local community and we are looking forward to welcoming the Brecon Beacons Tourism Awards next month.”

Mr Brodie has assembled a brigade of talented, young chefs to put Llangoed Hall’s restaurant on the map as a food destination renowned for its culinary excellence. He praised the dedication and loyalty of the kitchen and front of house team and said retaining the restaurant’s top 50 listing was a reward for hard work across the board.

“We work as a close team, which I think makes a difference,” he said. “I receive amazing support from Calum, who has given me free rein to realise our full potential. There are restrictions on what you can achieve in a lot of restaurants, but here it has been an open book.”

He and his brigade work with the freshest ingredients possible, as the well-stocked gardens at Llangoed Hall supply 95 per cent of the vegetables, herbs and fruit used on the hotel’s summer menus. The winter total drops to around 45 per cent of garden produce, but the mission is to get vegetables, herbs and fruit from the garden to the plate in two minutes to preserve flavour and freshness.

The hotel also has its own chickens, quails and ducks to provide guests with a choice of fresh eggs for breakfast and also produces its own honey thanks to beehives in specially created flower meadows.

Llangoed Hall, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, is no stranger to awards. Last year, it won the Best for Green Practises award at the 2016 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, was listed at 29th in The Sunday Times’ top 100 UK restaurants, was the only Welsh hotel shortlisted for The Caterer’s Hotel Cateys 2015, achieved a double listing in The Good Hotel Guide 2016 for Great Britain and Ireland and was runner up for the Eco Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards.
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The success highlights a remarkable transformation of the historic property’s fortunes in the last four years. Mr Milne rescued Llangoed Hall from administration in July, 2012 with the intention of guiding it back to the top of the UK’s hospitality industry.

A £3 million refurbishment has taken place, retaining the influence of the late Sir Bernard Ashley, co-founder of the Laura Ashley fashion brand, who restored Llangoed Hall from a parlous state in the 1980s.

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Brecon-Country-House-Hotel-Llangoed-Hall/details/?dms=3&pid=1200254

Entries open for 2016 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB

Entries open this week for competitors wishing to contest the 2016 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (October 27-30), the UK’s outstanding round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Another star-studded entry is guaranteed with teams from the UK and around the globe eager to dispute one of the most famous and exciting rallies on the WRC calendar.

The 2016 title chase has already produced six different winners with drivers representing Citroen, Hyundai and VW all tasting victory. As this year’s Wales Rally GB competitive route is the longest since the event moved north, success will be all the sweeter and more hard-fought.

Following a final shakedown test and ceremonial start on Thursday, crews will then tackle 22 timed sections held over three challenging days in the legendary Welsh forests. This year’s route also visits England for the first time since 1999 with Saturday’s family-friendly RallyFest relocating to Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, as well as a non-competitive time control on Friday evening in the centre of historic Chester.

It all adds up to one of the World Championship’s most respected rounds and, to encourage local teams to experience life at the top level, the organisers are offering a significantly discounted entry fee for private British entrants.

This year’s regulations allow drivers holding both an MSA competition licence and a UK passport to benefit from a discounted entry fee of £1,995 (inc VAT) instead of £3,000, providing that they fulfil the stipulated private entry criteria.

International entries open on Wednesday, August 24 and close on Tuesday, September 27, with the maximum number of entrants capped at 75. Entries for the WRGB National Rally open one week later at 10am on Wednesday, August 31.

“Dayinsure Wales Rally GB is the showpiece event for the sport in the UK and we look forward to welcoming all the world’s top drivers to Wales in October,” said Ben Taylor, managing director of Wales Rally GB.

“The long-running event has a renowned reputation as one of the toughest on the calendar and, while this year’s edition is a couple of weeks earlier than normal, the battle for glory will be no less testing.  

“It is important for the development of the sport in this country that we encourage as many British crews as possible to contest the high-profile International rally. British drivers benefit from a significant reduction in the entry fee and we hope they will take advantage of the opportunity to compete against the WRC regulars on the full event.”

Further information can be found online via the ‘Competitors’ navigation on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.

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

The latest event and ticket information can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com website. For further updates follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb.

Picture caption:

The type of action drivers in the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB can expect in October.

Ends

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

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture celebrates 25 years

The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in the picturesque Mid Wales village of Berriew celebrates its 25th anniversary from August 27-29.

Opened on August Bank Holiday 1991, the museum houses a glittering selection of Logan’s distinctive sculptures and jewellery with pieces large and small.  Original costumes and memorabilia from his renowned Alternative Miss World pageants are also on display alongside his signature mirror wall portraits, a giant Cosmic Egg, a ‘shrine’ to the late Divine - one of many works inspired by the artist’s friends and muses and other dazzling treasures.

On the same August Bank Holiday weekend this year, Logan looks to capture the excitement of the opening 25 years ago. “We had such a wonderful time at the museum opening that we thought it would be wonderful to do another one!” he said. “We’ll be entertaining with surprise events and afternoon tea and a re-opening!’”

Logan began his prolific work in the 1960s, after graduating from Oxford with a diploma in architecture. His distinctive artworks have been exhibited worldwide for the past 40 years and at the museum, early sculptures such as ‘The Morning Glory Throne’, created for his first one-man show, can now be seen in Gallery 1.

Outside the museum, an enormous Red Rose, originally one of many, was salvaged from his 1974 sculpture garden at the now legendary Biba store in Kensington High Street.

More giant flowers in the form of huge metal Irises are trophies from the 1981 Alternative Miss World.  They were also used in an early ballet called ‘The Mayfly’ choreographed by Lynn Seymour, one of Logan’s many muses.  “The museum is filled with people I have known and loved,” said Logan.

Celebrated performer Divine, immortalised on screen by John Waters, was Logan’s first inspiration for realist portraiture.  Many pieces at the Museum of Sculpture are inspired by Divine, who was a close friend.

Following Divine’s death, several pieces from his own collection of Logan’s work were bequeathed to the museum from his estate.  Poignantly, the museum also owns an oil painting of Divine when he was 18 years old, painted by his father, Harris Milstead.

Logan’s muses are often reimagined as mythical deities. Examples include The Three Graces: Welsh artist and writer Molly Parkin, with daughters Sophie and Sarah, Rajas Zandra (rajas meaning ‘spirit of movement’), applying literally to this life-sized, moving sculpture of fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes.

The late painter Luciana Martinez, photographer and collaborator Robyn Beeche, actor Jenny Runacre and Logan’s own family are amongst his many inspirations fused with the elements and planets plus strong influences from Logan’s extensive travels.

On March 25, 1972, Andrew acted as host and hostess at his first, intimate Andrew Logan’s Alternative Miss World at his studio in Hackney.  Twelve Alternative Miss World competitions have occurred since, the most recent selling-out Shakespeare’s Globe in October, 2014 and returning there in the autumn of 2018.

Alternative Miss World Crown Jewels, costumes and 20ft long crowning robes on display at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture were recently showcased in Wales when they adorned volunteers escorting winners of 2015’s Visual Arts Awards at the National Eisteddfod held in Meifod, close to the museum.

Berriew is an unexpected location for such a venture, but the museum and Andrew have a place in the hearts of local residents through the work of the organisation over the years.
From workshops there are Logan inspired pieces of work in many homes across the borderland. From school visits enthused youngsters have grown up taking Andrew’s message of joy out to the wider world. From events ALMoS has gained many friends, now embraced as part of the museum’s family.

Since 1991, many luminaries and, of course, muses have travelled to Berriew to visit, including the Rocky Horror Show’s Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn, Brian Eno, Anita Pallenberg, Mavis Nicholson, Molly Parkin, Fenella Fielding, Rula Lenska and Amanda Barrie, to name just a few.

There will once again be luminaries at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture with more events and happenings to be announced.  The annual re-opening Jewellery performance extravaganza will occur on Sunday, August 28 at the museum at 6pm, with music by Andy D. Other activities will take place from the Saturday, August 27.

“It’s wonderful to have had a joyous imprint on people’s lives!” said Logan. “Thanks to all those who have worked hard to make this possible”.

The museum is open 12pm to 4pm on Easter weekends, Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, July, August and September and by arrangement.  Entry is £3 (concessions £1.50).  Family tickets are available.


http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Welshpool-Andrew-Logan-Museum-of-Sculpture/details/?dms=3&venue=1021856


EVENTS

Art in the Pews – St Beuno’s Church, Berriew Saturday, August  27 from 12 noon to 6pm and Sunday, August 28 from 1pm to 4pm. Admission £1 donation to include drink and a biscuit.
‘Celebration’: an exhibition of work by local artists from founder member of the Brotherhood of Ruralists Graham Arnold, photo-realist pioneer John Salt, equestrian artist Eva Dutton and Andrew Logan to name but some of those whose work will be on display.

ALMoS Travelling Museum – Berriew Show
Music, making and merriment from ALMoS at the Berriew Show on Saturday, August 27 from 12 noon to 5pm. £5 entry to Berriew Show.

Fun and Games – street party outside the Talbot Inn, Berriew on Saturday, August 27 from 6pm onwards.

School of Noise – Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture on Sunday, August 28 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Experimental Sound workshops, encouraging the exploration of noise, sound and music.  There is no need to have experience of playing music or using equipment to take part in the workshops and they are open to people of all abilities “School of Noise is a brilliant idea, introducing children to a world of sound and the machinery to make it” reported Q Mag

Brian Eno’s Bells of Berriew – St Beuno’s Churchyard and ALMoS on Sunday, August 28 from 11am on the hour, every hour to 6pm and a special ‘live’ performance with the Church Bell-Ringers at 4pm.
ALMoS patron Brian Eno has created a very special piece of music for the 25th anniversary.  Taking a recording of the Bell Ringers of Berriew, he has shaped it into a noticeably recognisable Eno production which will sound out over Berriew.

Afternoon Tea and Treasure Hunt – from ALMoS on Sunday, August  28 at 4.30pm.
£5 entry fee for the treasure hunt
After the excitement of Brian Eno, we’ll be offering afternoon tea. If it’s more excitement you’re after, enter our ‘treasure’ hunt and you might win the special silver Andrew produced prize!

Jewellery Show – Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture on Sunday, August 28 at 6pm. £5 to include drink.
The legendary Jewellery Show and annual re-opening of the museum. If you have not yet experienced an Andrew Logan Jewellery performance, you must be here.  Guaranteed grinning.

Sir Dancealot Ceilidh – The Community Centre, Berriew on Sunday, August 28 at 8.30pm. Admission £7.
For over 10 years, Sir Dancealot have been in demand for ceilidhs and twmpathau around Mid Wales and the Borders.  With a core repertoire of English and Welsh traditional music, they draw on various other European and North American traditions to create a unique style of exuberant, foot-tapping ceilidh music.

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture on Monday, August 29 from 12 noon to 4pm.
£3 adults, £1.50 concs, £8 family (two adults, two children)
Permanent exhibits and new special edition silver alphabet brooch collection, with selected works available for purchase.

Expect a few surprises over the weekend too. For updates become a friend on Facebook ‘Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture’!

For regional press enquiries please contact Anne-Marie Pope on almos@andrewloganmuseum.org 01686 640 689 / 07813 885 906

Editor's Notes:

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

2. Andy D has been a music director and performer at many Andrew Logan Jewellery Shows from 1991 and on Air, Fire and Void Alternative Miss World's.  The music for Void was performed live with Russell Penn and Doris Alloy.

3. The Eisteddfod is Wales’ leading festival held annually during the first week of August, it is the pinnacle of the Welsh cultural calendar, travelling from place to place, alternating between north and south Wales giving communities across the country a chance to welcome up to 160,000 visitors over an eight day period.  An eclectic mix of old and new, the traditional and the modern, the Eisteddfod is a celebration of Wales, its culture and its language.  Combining ceremonial and official activities with a dynamic, young spirited and welcoming festival, it offers something for everyone – whatever their ages and interests.

4. All previous Alternative Miss World contests are the subject of feature-length documentary ‘The British Guide to Showing Off’, directed by Jes Benstock, which premiered in 2011, screened on BBC2 in December 2014 and is available on DVD.

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Welshpool-Andrew-Logan-Museum-of-Sculpture/details/?dms=3&venue=1021856

Experience romance of steam at night on Talyllyn Railway

Visitors are being invited to experience the romance of steam trains at night on Talyllyn Railway with a ‘Late Night Steam event’ on Saturday, August 27.

Trains will be running between Tywyn Wharf Station and Nant Gwernol up until 11pm, transporting passengers into the encroaching darkness with all the sights, smells and sounds associated with a steam train in the dark.

Near Dolgoch Station they will pass through a magical fairy-lit glen, while at Abergynolwyn passengers can enjoy a barbecue and real ale bar. A special illuminated train will also be running, departing from Tywyn at 8pm and 11 pm to delight children and adults alike.

The 7pm departure will be a party train to raise funds for the charity ‘Welsh Hearts’ to provide defibrillators. Before boarding the train at Tywyn, passengers will also be able to visit the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, which will be putting on a light show of its own, showing exhibits in a new way.

During the day on the Saturday, the railway’s Young Members Group will be organising a number of activities as well as helping run the passenger service. Trains will be running to Abergynolwyn to take people to the highly popular Abergynolwyn Show, held adjacent to the station.

On Sunday, August 28, there will be a further event at Tywyn Wharf with the annual Series One Land Rover display. Visitors will discover how many Land Rovers can be packed onto the Wharf Station site, meet their owners and see how much care and attention has been lavished on these much loved vehicles.

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Tywyn-Rheilffordd-Talyllyn-Railway/details/?dms=3&venue=0812889

National Library of Wales wins prestigious ARA Archive Volunteering Award

‘Helping us to Achieve’, the National Library of Wales’ (NLW) scheme to expand access to Wales’ national archives by developing a cadre of skilled volunteers, has won the prestigious national Archive Volunteering Award for 2016.

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

The judges voted ‘Helping us to Achieve’ the clear winner. The scheme has been engaging with volunteers since 2012, including all ages and backgrounds, in the belief that taking part in cultural activity can boost skills, engagement, self-esteem and aspiration.

The scheme also enhances participants’ workplace and social skills and helps make NLW’s national collections more accessible to a wider audience. The scheme has targeted specific groups – the young and economically inactive and older people – and the roles filled by the volunteers have included transcribing text, creating databases, digitising, research, conservation tasks and public presentations.

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

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

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

The judges also commended the many partners involved in the winning scheme, which included Jobcentre Plus, The Shaw Trust, Ceredigion Community Mental Health Team, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations, Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion County Council social services department, NLW’s Friends Association, The ‘Cynefin’ Project (a collaboration between the Archives and Records Council Wales and NLW) and People’s Collection Wales.

The winning volunteers will receive their award on November 4 in Aberystwyth in the run-up to the launch of the annual, national Explore Your Archive campaign.

Archives and Records Association’s chair, Geoff Pick, said: “Archives contain the raw material of our past, individually and collectively. They are hugely diverse, comprising thousands of deposits across the public, private and voluntary sectors, from big corporations and government bodies to community holdings.

“They depend on skilled and dedicated professional staff as well as the many volunteers for their upkeep, transcription, cataloguing and accessibility. When we see inspiring projects like ‘Helping us to Achieve’, we are also reminded how our archives and the skills needed to manage them, can stimulate and motivate people in the wider community to open up new opportunities in their own lives.”

One volunteer on ‘Helping us to Achieve’ said: “Through the experience I have made friends with some lovely and like-minded people. This has given me a lot of confidence – I don’t feel intimidated by the workplace – I feel I belong.”
Another commented: “I have completed nearly three-and-a-half years of volunteering. During that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I like the general atmosphere of quiet and calmness. This is important to me because my epilepsy is mostly stress related.

“I am not sure if my new-found confidence is helping my epilepsy, but my slight improvement in health is increasing my confidence.”

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

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

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

Work experience placement convinces Mari to work in family business

Seven months’ work experience with Shrewsbury-based caravan, motorhome and campervan dealership Salop Leisure has convinced Mari Evans that her future career lies in the industry.

Mari, 18, whose family own Islawrffordd Caravan Park at Talybont, near Barmouth, spent one day a week with Salop Leisure since last October as part of her course at Hartpury College, near Gloucester.

Having completed a level three diploma in horse management with business, she has now returned home to Talybont to work at the caravan park.

“I went to Salop Leisure to get a taste of what the caravan industry is like and I enjoyed my time with the company,” said Mari, who worked in the marketing and after sales departments.

“The work experience helped in terms of knowing what I wanted to do when I left college. I enjoy meeting customers and I like the sales aspect of the business.

“My ambition is to do as good a job as my uncle Dylan and John Billingham who run Islawrfford Caravan Park.”

Mari chose the equine management course because she has always had an interest in horses, despite being allergic to them. But working with them every day on a work placement at a racing yard last year convinced her that was not the career for her.

Salop Leisure has had a long association with the Evans family at Islawrffordd, having supplied the park with caravans for many years. Company chairman Tony Bywater wished Mari success and happiness in the caravan industry.

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Barmouth-Holiday-Park-Islawrffordd-Caravan-Park/details/?dms=3&pid=1007820

Success for Come Outside!

Nearly 3,500 people from deprived communities across Wales have benefitted from a three-year scheme to improve their health and ability to find work.

The Come Outside! Programme, managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), brought partners together to deliver more than 1,000 outdoor activity sessions in Communities First areas across Wales. The activities ranged from bushcraft to gardening and from star gazing to geocaching.
Juliet Michael, Come Outside! programme manager for NRW, said: “Come Outside! provided opportunities for people in more deprived areas of Wales to live a healthier lifestyle, develop new skills and enjoy the fantastic natural environment in Wales.
"It not only improved their job prospects, but made a real impact on their health and wellbeing. By increasing their self-confidence, participants have been inspired to use the local outdoors.
“More than 80 per cent said that the programme had influenced them to become more active.
“Nearly half the groups are now independently involved in outdoor activities and up to 700 people say they have now adopted a more active lifestyle involving their friends and families.”
Rhian Jardine, head of sustainable communities for NRW, said: “What was great about the Come Outside! programme is that it was a real team effort.
“We worked very closely with community workers, health and social care experts, linking with local outdoor providers to provide real improvements for the people involved.
“We have learned a lot during the last three years which can be incorporated into any future physical activity programmes and shared with partners working in health and social care. “
Programme updates, a film and the Evaluation Report is available on NRW's website at https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/our-projects/come-outside.

Experienced Neil takes over the reins at The Swan at Hay Hotel

A new general manager has been appointed to oversee the £2 million refurbishment of a prominent hotel in the popular Mid Wales book town of Hay-on-Wye.

Neil McNamara joins The Swan at Hay Hotel after 12 years as general manager of the Forest Hotel, Dorridge, Solihull, where the restaurant was awarded two rosettes by the AA every year under his management.

A native of Kent, he is a qualified chef who began his career with Scottish and Newcastle Retail for four years and was food and beverage manager at both the award winning Black Swan in Helmsley, Yorkshire and the Great Victoria in Bradford.

“After being at the Forest Hotel for 12 years, I was looking for a new challenge and The Swan at Hay Hotel provides that,” he said. “It’s the only hotel in Hay-on-Wye and has had a good reputation in the past. My job is to return it to its former glory.

“We are aiming to be a destination for good quality food, catering for tourists, walkers, families and local people. Our head chef Jerry Adam’s ever evolving food offering includes good quality, home cooked classics that have universal appeal.”

Work on the hotel’s exterior, including a new roof, is almost complete and four of the 19 rooms have been refurbished to introduce a modern, fresh style, with the remainder to follow by the end of November. Local builders and craftsmen are being employed to undertake the work.

In his spare time, Neil enjoys mountain biking, new technology and reading, which is particularly appropriate in a town renowned for its book shops and literary festival.  He’s also keen on listening to and playing music as a multi-instrumentalist.

“I am very much a city boy, but it’s nice to get away to this absolutely gorgeous part of the country,” he said. “It’s a new experience for me to work in this type of environment and I’m enjoying it.”

The Swan Hotel is one of five hotels, including the multi-award winning Llangoed Hall at nearby Llyswen, owned by Llangoed Limited.

Group managing director, Calum Milne, said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil to both The Swan and the group. The full refurbishment of The Swan will be completed later this year, weather permitting and local builders and craftsmen are being used to undertake the work, as we are strong believers in shopping and spending local wherever possible.

“We have recently added two more properties to the group’s portfolio and have aspirations to expand further in the coming months. We have no intention of standing still, as we wish to be leaders in raising the standard of hospitality in the UK.”

The Elan Valley is an EPIC location

The stunning Elan Valley in Mid Wales has been confirmed as an ‘EPIC’ location for visitors.

The valley has been chosen for the next phase of Visit Wales’ marketing campaign to promote Wales as an adventure destination. An innovative travelling art installation of giant mirrored letters standing four metres high and 11 metres wide forming the word “EPIC” will pop up unannounced at various locations across Wales over the summer as part of the Year of Adventure campaign.

It was first revealed at Pen y Gwryd, Nant Gwynant and has now left Coed Llandegla to travel to the Elan Valley.

Visitors and local residents are being encouraged to pop along and take a selfie and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #FindYourEpic and #GwladGwlad.

The tour is supported by an integrated publicity and multi-media campaign targeting families and visitors in our core regions in North West England, The Midlands, Yorkshire, London and the South East. 

The signage will be located on the dam above the Dwr Cymru Visitor Centre for two weeks.

The Elan Estate is the largest single area of land owned by any of the national water companies, comprising some 10% of the total belonging to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The estate has been managed to protect the quality and quantity of the water since 1892.

The 70 square miles of moorland, bog, woodland, river and reservoir are of national importance for their diversity of lower plants and the estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales.

Responsibility for protecting the Elan Valley lies with Welsh Water and The Elan Valley Trust, who manage the largest part of the estate under a long-term lease including the farmland and open hillside.  Both organisations promote public access and recreation; provide environmental education services and work together to enhance biodiversity in this special area.

The Elan Valley lies at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Its unique landscape combines remote hill land, isolated farmsteads, steep-sided wooded valleys and an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering that brought clean water to the then rapidly expanding industrial city of Birmingham.

Around 154,000 visitors a year enjoy the breathtaking scenery, nature, recreational facilities and extensive free educational resources for schools, families and communities.

Elan Links: People, Nature & Water Landscape Partnership, a £3.3 million project, has a vision to further develop all aspects of this special place to benefit people, as well as the environment itself.

The project, which has secured £1.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme, is in its development phase and will be followed by a five-year programme commencing in July, 2017.

The partnership is currently made up of 17 different organisations who aim to deliver 27 projects under 11 strategic objectives over six years. 

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Rhayader-Elan-Valley-Visitor-Centre/details/?dms=3&venue=1011945

Llanfyllin Show chairman praises teamwork and community spirit

This year’s chairman of Llanfyllin Show has praised everyone associated with organising the annual event, which takes place on Saturday, August 13.

It’s the second time that Emyr Jones, a sheep farmer from Llwydiarth, near Llanfyllin, has been chairman, having previously held the post in 1998 and he’s looking forward with excitement to the event, which has developed a reputation as the “friendly show”.

“Everyone looks forward to the show and we are fortunate to have an army of helpers who volunteer every year,” he said. “They come to set up for the show and are there again on Sunday morning to clear up by lunchtime.

“The committee works very hard but we could not put on the show without the support of the helpers. It’s all down to teamwork and fantastic community spirit. The show brings together people from the town and countryside and it’s a great place for friends to meet.”

Emyr reserved special praise for president Mrs Moyra Griffiths who hosted a successful president’s lunch in a marquee at Aston Hall, Oswestry, on July 24 and for the show’s efficient secretary Jill Hollinshead, who he said was “worth her weight in gold”.

He believes the show is fortunate to have use of one of the best showgrounds in Wales at Bodfach Park, by permission of Simon and Maggie Baynes and Janet Jones.

Although the show no longer has a cattle section, the sheep, horticulture, sheep shearing and other sections have grown over the years to make the event one of the biggest in the region.

“The show has grown fantastically and the attendances in recent year have been phenomenal,” added Emyr, whose wife Maggie and three children, Robert, Catherine and Lucy all support the event. “It’s known as the friendly show and we try to arrange entertainment for all the family.”

Star attraction this year is Above and Beyond, who perform visually stunning and breathtaking aerial displays, combining the grace of dance with acrobatic agility and circus. The show opens at 9am and the last event in the main ring is terrier racing at 6pm.

Local sheepdog trials are held on the eve and day of the show and the Village Green has children’s activities and performances by Tanat Folk Dancers and Porthywaen Silver Band, while a fashion show, organised by Jems Dress Agency, Oswestry, is held in the horticulture marquee.

Other attractions include showjumping, a donkey derby, fun fair, a display by Montgomeryshire Vintage Club, Tanatside Hounds and trade stands.

Picture caption:

Emyr Jones, second time as Llanfyllin Show chairman.

Rocket Day for “kids” all set for lift off in the Elan Valley

“Kids” of all ages are being invited to an Elan Space Agency Rocket Day in the Elan Valley later this month.

Designed to be a fun day, the event on August 17 from 11am to 3pm will see Elan Space Agency rangers help “kids” to design and build their very own pop bottle Rocket and then launch it into low earth orbit powered by water and air alone.

Adults are requested to assist their children with the design and construction of their rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Visitor Centre and they can even make their own.

All materials will be provided for participants, who will be asked to pay £2 per rocket. To book a place, contact the Elan Valley Visitor Centre on Tel: 01597 810880.

The organisers have warned the day may have to be cancelled at short notice if it rains or is windy.

For more information about the Elan Valley and their other events visit http://elanvalley.org.uk/

http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Rhayader-Elan-Valley-Visitor-Centre/details/?dms=3&venue=1011945

Philip Pullman announced as Patron of Literature Wales

The multi award-winning and critically acclaimed author of His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman, has been announced as the first Patron of Literature Wales.

Pullman was born in Norwich and travelled with his family to Zimbabwe and Australia before settling in Llanbedr, Gwynedd. He attended secondary school at Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech before going on to study English at the University of Oxford.

The announcement was made by Literature Wales, the national company for the development of literature, to coincide with the release of their new business plan. The document outlines the organisation’s key strategic areas for 2016-2019: Participation, Children and Young People, Writer Support, International Profile and Digital Creativity.

Literature Wales believes that all children in Wales should have the opportunity to enjoy and create literature whether that is on the page or through the spoken word. Initiatives such as the Young People’s Laureate Wales, Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Laureate), Slam Cymru and the Writers on Tour funding scheme make this a reality for many young people living in Wales.

Mr Pullman said: “Making it possible for school children to meet a professional writer - I don’t say ‘real’ writer, because children are real writers too - is one of the best ways of encouraging them to think that writing has a purpose, brings pleasure and can be a means of exciting discovery and a source of lasting satisfaction.

“It is also a great stimulus to reading. I strongly approve of the work being done by Literature Wales to bring children and professional writers together—it’s really beneficial for both parties.”

Developing and supporting the writers of Wales at every stage of their writing journey is at the heart of Literature Wales’ vision. From Young People’s Writing Squads to residential writing courses at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre and the Wales Book of the Year Awards, Literature Wales provides much needed advice and support.

Sometimes this is financial and buys time out to write: since 2004, Literature Wales has awarded more than £1 million in Writers’ Bursaries, supporting 272 writers and generating more than 100 new books.

The National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn said: “Literature Wales is not just an institution that professionalises Welsh authors, it helps to connect our work with the wider world. It's an essential service that helps our nation recognise ourselves in the morning mirror. And for that, I'm extremely grateful.”

Chief Executive of Literature Wales, Lleucu Siencyn, said: “Literature is one of the most accessible art forms. Throughout our lives we are surrounded by stories; in books, on billboards, on screens, on stage and online. Written and spoken words are interwoven to give us thrills and laughs. They entertain, inform and inspire us. Literature Wales will continue to ensure that literature is supported as a democratic art form that belongs to everyone.”

Mr Pullman is the author of several novels including the trilogy His Dark Materials and the young adult novel The Broken Bridge, set in the landscape of Ardudwy.

His prizes include the Whitbread (now Costa) Book of the Year, the first time it was awarded to a children’s book and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He is currently working on a companion novel to His Dark Materials, to be called The Book of Dust. 

Literature Wales’ Business Plan 2016-19 is available to read online via Issu. For more information, contact Literature Wales on: Tel: 029 2047 2266 / post@literaturewales.org

Community textile artworks explore history of two valleys

Community textile artworks exploring the history and heritage of the Garw and Llynfi Valleys in South Wales are to go on display at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth this month

The Heritage Lottery-Funded ‘Up and Over’ project has been collaborating with Valley and Vale Community Arts, working with local volunteers from two valleys north of Bridgend - the Garw and the Llynfi valleys – to create unique textile artworks.

Women from these communities have been exploring and interpreting their own collective histories, whilst intertwining the history of their communities with their own personal recollections.

The textile artworks will be on display at the National Library of Wales from August 8 to 31.

The project’s aim was to recreate the beauty and history of tithe maps through the medium of textiles. A tithe map was created for nearly every parish in Wales during the 1840s and they are a wonderful snapshot of the geographical and social landscape at the time.

In response to these beautiful historical maps, both communities created a collaborative artwork which includes personal records of shared routes, which represented either physical or emotional journeys, or a combination of both.

A representative of Tir Iarll Women’s Institute, Llangynwyd said: "What a wonderful experience! It was a good time of learning about and remembering times in the Llynfi Valley. Researching the history and bringing places back to life through numerous art and craft activities created a super togetherness within the group.

“We learned so much. The textile panels displayed at the village hall have become an excellent source of interest to visitors who come to the valley.”

The textiles include, among other things, photographs with colour and stitch lines added by participating volunteers. The volunteers created individual pieces encapsulating significant moments in their lives, such as family occasions, carnivals and sporting events, everyday journeys to school and work, or inspiring walks with favourite views. Also captured in the artworks are historical landmarks and influential people from their respective communities.

The Up and Over project was facilitated by artists Becky Adams and Alison McGann and was a collaboration between Valley and Vale Community Arts and the Cynefin tithe map project.

Alison reflected: "So many stories, memories and cups of tea have been shared during this project and especially much love and laughter.”

The Up and Over project is one of six local projects across Wales run by the Cynefin project, which is digitising more than 1,200 Welsh tithe maps from the 1840s and providing free access to them on-line.

The project is run by a partnership led by Archives Wales and includes the National Library of Wales and People’s Collection Wales, with the majority of its funding coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is also supported by the Welsh Government through its Museums, Archives and Libraries Division.

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

Bank Holiday garden party at Gregynog Hall

A leading Mid Wales hotel, conference and events venue is to host a garden party on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29 to support the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust.

Visitors to Gregynog Hall at Tregynon, near Newtown, which nestles on a 750-acre estate described as one of the jewels in Wales’ crown, will be able to wander the gardens, the former home of the altruistic Davies sisters, the Dell area and circular walk around the lily pond where Margaret Davies used to sit and paint.

There will be a rare opportunity to view the hall itself, where there will be an exhibition of photographs of the garden, taken in bygone years and Welsh tea will be served in the beautiful wood panelled Blayney Room, whilst listening to the piano being played in the senior common room.

Annette Dowling, from Gregynog Hall, said: “We are really looking forward to this lovely afternoon, which offers such a lot to the visitor, come rain or shine!  We’ve put together an interesting event at an inclusive ticket price of £8 per person. Advance booking is recommended and tickets can be purchased from our reception or on Tel: 01686 650224.”

Gregynog 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.

For more information about the event visit

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

New board at The Judge's Lodging seeks to raise the bar

Award winning visitor attraction The Judge's Lodging in Presteigne has recruited a fresh board of trustees as it moves into a new phase of development.

Since its opening in 1997, the former Radnorshire Shire Hall has established itself as one of the most immersive small museums in the UK, winning numerous awards and welcoming tourists and school groups alike.

Earlier this year, in response to changes to the museum’s funding, the charity’s trustees reviewed the options for and undertook a thorough review. Keith Slater, outgoing chair, said: "The Judge’s Lodging needs to be well placed to benefit from future opportunities.

“We had a close look at the skills needed to help the museum succeed for Presteigne and the surrounding area and began a process of change. We're very grateful for the voluntary time that all past trustees have put in and have every confidence in the new appointments."

The new chair of The Judge's Lodging Trust, entrepreneur and consultant Ashley Charlwood noted: "The former trustees did a huge amount of excellent work with Powys County Council in establishing this amazing attraction. We know there is a lot of local goodwill and further afield there is a real admiration for the hidden gem of the Welsh borders. We're excited to take it forward."

The trust faces some immediate challenges, but the new board is enthusiastic to ensure that The Judge's Lodging continues to punch above its weight, to promote Presteigne and the Marches area and to preserve the local museum collection.

The trustees working with Mr Charlwood include architectural historian Sophie Andreae and writer and historian Catherine Beale, both of whom were on the former board. They are joined by Diane Gwilt, keeper of Collection Services, Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales and Dr Elizabeth Dollimore, outreach and primary learning manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Gaby Rivers will continue to run the attraction as museum development manager, working for the trust. “I anticipate an exciting period for both myself and the museum,” she said. “We know there is a lot to be done, but the staff and I love opening the doors and working towards giving visitors the best experience possible of a genuine Victorian House, where they can truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere. We're bursting with new ideas."

Joking about the building’s legal past, she adds: “We really want to do the museum justice!”

The Judge’s Lodging is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday on Broad Street, Presteigne.

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

Talyllyn Railway welcomes the RAF’s air officer for Wales

Talyllyn Railway recently played host to a visit from RAF. Air Commodore Adrian Williams, the air officer for Wales, was keen to see the railway’s locomotive No.6 Douglas which was built in 1918 and operated for many years at the RAF base at Calshot near Southampton.

It is now the only surviving steam locomotive originally owned by the RAF. During the visit the Air Commodore was taken for a trip on the line and rode on the footplate of the locomotive for part of the journey.

In 2018, the RAF will celebrate its centenary, having been formed in April, 1918. Talyllyn Railway is also planning its own anniversary celebrations in 2018 for the centenary of locomotive No.6 and part of the visit was to look at possible ways in which the two organisations might co-operate in their respective celebrations.

Locomotive No.6 was originally built by the firm of Andrew Barclay of Kilmarnock and was given to the railway in 1953 by the firm Abelson and Co. It is named after the firm’s then manager director, Douglas Abelson.

Picture caption:

The RAF’s air officer for Wales, Air Commodore Adrian Williams, on the footplate of locomotive No 6 Douglas at Talyllyn Railway.

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.

Kerry Vale Vineyard’s sparkling success in 2016 Great Taste awards

Kerry Vale Vineyard near Montgomery has been announced as one of the Great Taste stars of 2016.

Out of 10,000 products judged, the vineyard on the Shropshire/Powys border was awarded a one-star Great Taste award for its KVV Sparkling White Wine. Great Taste, the world’s most coveted blind-tasted food awards, celebrates the very best in food and drink.

The winning Shropshire fizz is made using the traditional Champagne method and was described by judges as: “Very moussey, bright, with attractive nettly aromas.  On the palate, it's clean, bright, slightly aggressive, with pleasant minerality alongside the floral notes.”

Judged by more than 500 of the most demanding palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs and producers as well as a whole host of food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers.

As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakeable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to a wonderful tasting product, which has been discovered through many hours of blind-tasting by hundreds of judges.       

Geoff Ferguson, owner of the family run vineyard, said: “This is the second year we’ve entered the Great Taste Awards and the second year we’ve won. We are thrilled to have achieved such a prestigious award for our sparkling wine.”

There were 10,000 Great Taste entries this year and 141 of those products have been awarded three-stars, 878 received a two stars and 2,520 were awarded one star.

The panel of judges included TV chef and author, Valentine Warner, MasterChef judge and restaurant critic, Charles Campion, fifth generation baker, Tom Herbert from Hobbs House Bakery, Great British Bake Off winner, Frances Quinn, food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Waitrose and chefs including James Golding, chef director of THE PIG Hotels, and Kevin Gratton, chef director of HIX Restaurants.

Kerry Vale Vineyard’s award winning fizz will be available to buy by the glass or bottle at a number of food festivals this summer. Those wishing to sample the award winning wine can visit the vineyard’s shop and wine café or book a vineyard tour and tasting. Visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk

Planted in 2010 and covering six acres of farmland, the vineyard resides at the eastern tip of the Kerry Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty and just three miles south of the charming town of Montgomery.

The vineyard is home to 6,000 vines in three varieties - Rondo, Pheonix and Solaris – which are ideally suited to the climate. There are 62 rows with a combined length from the first vine to the last of just under 13 kilometres or approximately eight miles.

The vineyard is dedicated to producing wines of only the highest quality, utilising time honoured viticulture practices to produce the best possible fruit. The grapes produce red, white and rosé still wines and sparkling wine.

Picture caption:

Kerry Vale Vineyard owner Geoff Ferguson with a bottle of the Great Taste one-star award winning sparkling wine.

BIKE UK to screen live coverage of the Tour of Britain

Fans of the UK's largest professional cycle race, the Tour of Britain, will be able to watch the action live on television on BIKE Channel UK in September on Sky, Virgin and Freesat.

Ten World Tour teams start this year's Tour of Britain for the first time, with the teams of British favourites Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish's (Team WIGGINS and Team Dimension Data respectively) racing on home roads.

Alongside the BIKE Channel, ITV4 will also screen live coverage and highlights daily from the Tour of Britain.

After starting in Glasgow on September 4, the 1,296.6km route passes through the Lake District, Wales and Dartmoor, before finishing on Regent Street in central London on Sunday, September 11.

The riders arrive in Wales for stage four on Wednesday, September 7, when they travel from Denbigh to Builth Wells followed by stage five next day from Aberdare to Bath.

The route promises to test riders' limits and BIKE, the UK's only 24-hour cycling channel, will be there for every pedal stroke as this iconic event unfolds, with three hours of live coverage from every stage.

The Tour of Britain is the cornerstone of the British cycling calendar and the UK's largest free-to-watch sporting event, attracting more than one million spectators. This year's tour is the biggest in its history and the event continues to grow with cycling popularity nationwide.

Filippo Ubaldini, founder and chief executive of BIKE Channel, said: "The Tour of Britain is one of the most important tours on the calendar and we are delighted to bring it to BIKE this summer. We are sure fans will love following our dedicated coverage of eight days of racing through stunning British countryside before what promises to be an exciting sprint finish in London.”

Mick Bennett, race director of the Tour of Britain, said: "With 10 WorldTour teams riding in this year's Tour of Britain, the race is now the biggest it's ever been. BIKE's coverage – available in over 17 million households in the UK – will bring the Tour of Britain to new audiences and is key to the continued growth of the country's national Tour.”

Fans can follow all the live action from this summer's Tour of Britain from the comfort of their own home with BIKE, available on Sky channel 464, Virgin Media channel 552 and Freesat channel 251.

Ends

For further media information please visit www.thetour.co.uk/press
Press contact: Peter Hodges  peterh@thetour.co.uk 01932 831 485

Great Little Trains of Wales quick to rise to challenge

Thanks to a competition sponsored by the Department for Transport, travellers to Wales have a new free guide to tell them how to visit the "Great Little Trains of Wales" and many other Welsh attractions by public transport.

Taking the big trains to meet the little trains is the theme of a new 100-page guidebook being launched at London King’s Cross station on August 2.  It is published by the 11 little railways, working together with Arriva Trains Wales and includes ideas for intriguing places to stay and eat, walks, heritage sites and the magnificent scenery of Wales.

"Big Train meets Little Train" is inspired by the Bradshaw’s Guides of years gone by and suggests a range of trips into and around Wales, encouraging the novice public transport user or overseas tourist to get out and about by rail.

There is a feature on each of the little trains, plus two of Wales’ beautiful community lines, run by Arriva Trains Wales. In addition, there are some real travellers’ tales to whet your appetite, including BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert, Paul Atterbury.

There are suggestions on places to eat, journeys to make and places to stay as well as some local tips to get the most from your visit to this proud little country.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: "I am delighted that The Great Little Trains of Wales is one of 17 national winners across Britain in our Heritage and Community Railways competition. This new guide for visitors and tourists is a great way of showing the best that Britain has to offer. I look forward to seeing the scheme thrive and be of real benefit to tourists visiting Wales."

In May, a £67,000 UK Government funding boost was awarded to the Great Little Train of Wales (GLTW) from the Department for Transport (DfT) to work together with Arriva Trains Wales to attract tourists from London to Wales.

GLTW, which represents 11 railways across Wales, put together an entry for the DfT Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation Competition and secured the grant to implement the plan.

GLTW have not let the grass grow under their wheels – the pilot edition of their guide and website is being launched at King’s Cross station from noon on August 2. Traveller and storyteller, Gavin Young, will be telling stories found during his family’s visit to Mid Wales. The exhibition will remain in place until August 7 for people to collect their guide.

Newly appointed North Wales Tourism chair, Clare Britton, said: "We are very pleased indeed to be working closely with GLTW and Arriva Trains Wales to promote this excellent venture. It is great to see all the railways working together and we are impressed to see the guide out this summer so the tourism business in Wales can benefit this year.

“We, at North Wales Tourism, firmly believe that joint working and bringing related products together to make planning easier for visitors is the way forward for a stronger tourism offer in Wales."

Alongside the printed guidebook, a new website is being set up on which it will be possible to read the guide online or to download it. This can be previewed at http://bigtrainlittletrain.owenf.info

The permanent address will be www.bigtrainlittletrain.com which should go live in the next few days. Copies of the printed guide are available on request from gltw@ffwhr.com

The GLTW promises Bala Lake, Brecon Mountain, Fairbourne, Ffestiniog, Llanberis Lake, Snowdon Mountain, Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol, Welsh Highland, Welsh Highland Heritage and Welshpool and Llanfair Railways.

ends

For further information contact Charles Spencer, Chair GLTW, at charles.spencer@wllr.org.uk  or Andrew Thomas, media relations at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Phone: 01766 516072, mobile: 07919 414871, Email: athomas@ffwhr.com