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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hat-trick of awards for popular Aberdyfi hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local artist exhibits at Kerry Vale Vineyard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festivities and giant lanterns light up Cardigan this Christmas!

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

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

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

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

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

Machynlleth museum hosts Tim Tozer’s first UK solo exhibition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National library’s appeal for Aneurin Bevan archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The National Library wins prestigious volunteering award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kerry Vale Vineyard wins overall award at Welsh wine competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adventurous sleepover planned in abandoned Welsh slate mine in 201

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

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

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

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

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

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

Narrow Gauge Railway Museum announces Heritage Lottery Funding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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