RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, emphasises the importance of responsibility and sustainability.
“We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and reducing our carbon emissions. We are delighted that the EDF Renewable for Business tariff guarantees that all the electricity we use will originate from 100% renewable sources with a zero-emission rating, which will enhance our long-term sustainability goals.” The RWAS is also currently installing a new 300kW solar system on the roofs of the livestock buildings on the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. This will be supported by the generous funds raised by last year’s feature county, Clwyd. “The installation of the solar panels is a key part of our pathway to become greener and protect us against some of the eyewatering increases in energy prices we’ve seen over recent months,” added Mr Jones. “We are pleased that we have appointed a contractor to install the new panels and hope that the work is completed before this year’s show.”
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MOMA Machynlleth is to host a ‘For the Love of Laura Ashley’ exhibition from June 24 to September 6 to preserve the legacy of the famous Mid Wales-based fashion designer whose name became a global brand.
The exhibition has been organised by the Heritage Hub 4 Mid Wales (HH4MW), a group of volunteers which aims to enhance local civic pride in significant entrepreneurial pioneers from the region, including Laura Ashley. ‘For the Love of Laura Ashley’ will include a Pixel Portrait Quilt of Laura Ashley commissioned by Ann Evans, founder of HH4MW, who worked for Laura Ashley in the 1970s. This quilt was made by self-taught British quilter Devida Bushrod, who now lives in Tulsa, USA, from 1,500 pieces of fabric in 13 colours. Ann has also acquired several vintage Laura Ashley dresses for the exhibition, including a wedding dress with the name tag of the seamstress, Sharon Holt, which was for sale in Witney Oxfam Shop. The wedding dress will be reunited with the seamstress in Machynlleth, where it was made. HH4MW has organised various events including the ‘Laura Ashley Heritage Quilt’ Exhibition in March. The group is seeking to digitally record the social history, archives and memories of Laura Ashley and upload photographs and written and oral stories to the digital heritage website - https://www.peoplescollection.wales/ - at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. The MOMA Machynlleth exhibition - https://moma.cymru/en/e/for-the-love-of-laura-ashley/ - will run at until September 6, which would have been the eve of Laura Ashley’s 98th birthday. She tragically died on September 17, 1985, just 10 days after her 60th birthday. Laura Ashley moved to Mid Wales in the 1960s and a letter to Ann from her son, Nick, states: “My mother used to freely admit that she owed all of her success to the people of Mid Wales. All of my siblings have been raised here and our children. It is a wonderful place where anything is possible. “I am representing my mother when I say that we shall be eternally grateful to all the members of the dream team that grouped together and made this happen.” HH4MW has driven and delivered celebration events and exhibitions to demonstrate the significant legacies of Mid Wales pioneers Robert Owen, the famous social reformer from Newtown, Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, mail order pioneer from Newtown, David Davies of Llandinam, one of the founders of the Industrial Revolution and Laura Ashley. MOMA Machynlleth is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. The Blue Flag beach at Aberporth.
The chief executive of regional tourism organisation MWT Cymru has congratulated Ceredigion County Council for having 14 of its beaches recognised in this year’s Wales Coast Awards. Five of Ceredigion’s most popular beaches will be flying Blue Flags once again in 2023, while a further nine in the county have also made a splash in the awards organised by Keep Wales Tidy. The Blue Flag beaches are Borth, Aberystwyth South, Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth. The four beaches achieving Seaside Award status are Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, Traeth y Dolau, New Quay and Clarach. Completing the accolades are Green Coast Award winners New Quay Traeth Gwyn, Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt and Penbryn. New Quay Traeth Gwyn is new to the awards list this year. Beaches achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status must meet the highest “excellent” water quality standard and are judged for the provision of facilities for beach users and for demonstrating good management and safety provision. The Seaside Award recognises beaches that have an overall “Good” standard of water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management. Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, said: “Congratulations to the award winning beaches and Ceredigion County Council for maintaining such a high standard again to benefit both local residents and visitors alike. “It’s great to see New Quay Traeth Gwyn beach joining the list of Green Coast Award winners this year. Ceredigion is such an important tourist destination and marine wildlife haven, known for its bottle nose dolphins and a particularly scenic and spectacular section of the Wales Coast Path. *I endorse the appeal made by Keep Wales Tidy for everyone visiting our wonderful beaches along the Mid Wales coast to respect the environment and not leave litter.” Keep Wales Tidy gave 51 coastal areas Wales Coast Awards for achieving exceptional standards. A recent survey by Keep Wales Tidy found that the Blue Flag is most associated with good water quality and beach cleanliness. The survey indicated that awareness of the Blue Flag award in Wales is still very high. More than 75% of businesses located near Blue Flue beaches believe that the award attracts visitors to the area. Seeking to inspire everyone to protect the environment, Keep Wales Tidy is appealing to everyone visiting Wales’ award-winning beaches and marinas to be responsible by taking their litter home and make memories not mess. “Some of the world’s best beaches are right here on our doorstep,” said Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive. “These awards are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who strive to maintain and enhance the natural splendour of our coastline. “However, with the privilege of enjoying these breathtaking landscapes comes the responsibility to protect and preserve them. Let us all pledge to do our part by respecting the environment and keeping our beaches clean and litter-free. “Together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Wales' coast.”
In total, the cruise calls for 2023 will see more than 80,000 passengers and 39,000 crew visiting Wales, which equates to a potential passenger day spend income of £8.3 million for the Welsh economy.
Queen Victoria (QV), which carries 2,061 passengers and 981 crew, is a Vista-class cruise ship operated by the Cunard Line. She was the first ship to feature West End style theatre boxes within its three storey Royal Court Theatre, which can seat 800 guests. Meanwhile, the library onboard Queen Victoria, which is home to around 6,000 books, spans two decks and is linked by a spiral staircase. Elsewhere on the ship, guests will find various luxury restaurants, bars, swimming pools and an open air sports deck. Cunard’s Queen Victoria is carrying passengers from 28 different nationalities on a cruise of the UK and Ireland. Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to officially welcome the MS Queen Victoria’s passengers, the Captain and crew to Wales. “It’s excellent news that we’re seeing such significant growth in the number of cruise calls to Wales this year. We’ve been working closely with businesses in the tourism sector to ensure visitors see the very best Wales has to offer. “I hope we can look to further growth and welcome ships like Queen Victoria back to Wales again next year.” During the call in Holyhead, the passengers were offered a variety of tours and trips, which included Anglesey's beautiful coastline and the fabulous Ffestiniog railway and Welsh countryside. Over 800 passengers took the opportunity to go on a tour and explore more of Wales, as well as independent guests exploring the local area. A Cunard spokesperson said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Queen Victoria is sailing to Wales as part of our 12-night British Isles voyage. With its spectacular scenery and history stretching back to Neolithic times, a port call to Holyhead is the perfect stepping stone to postcard-pretty villages and charming countryside, with the stunning glacial landscapes of Snowdonia National Park just a short trip away.” Anglesey Council Leader and Economic portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi said: “The cruise industry brings thousands of visitors from around the world to the international Port of Holyhead year on year, which provides significant economic benefits for Anglesey and North Wales. “The County Council continues to work in partnership with Welsh Government, Regional Partners, Holyhead Town Council and port owners, Stena Line, to attract more cruise liners and ensure that the Island and region’s tourism sector is able to provide the best possible offer for passengers. “We are eager to enhance the local welcome and experience for visitors when they arrive in Holyhead but are limited by the financial support which is available.” She added: “We’re enjoying another bumper year in terms of cruise ship visits with more than 50 expected to dock at Holyhead. This includes the MS Queen Victoria, her crew and passengers, all of which we look forward to welcoming for the first time to Holyhead and Wales.” Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales. |
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