Town criers from across the globe will converge on the ancient Mid Wales border town of Montgomery this autumn to put their vocal chords to the test in a prestigious annual competition. Montgomery Town Crier for the past 22 years, Sue Blower, has secured The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers (AHGTC) Guild Championships for her home town on from September 13-15, with support from the town council. Around 40 town criers are expected to arrive in the pretty former county town, which is overlooked by a castle, on Friday, September 13 for a reception in the Town Hall, followed by the competition next day and a church parade on the Sunday. Sue is now busy trying to raise the £5,000 she needs to stage the competition and is looking for sponsors to join Montgomery Town Council which has already pledged £1,000. Potential sponsors can contact her on Tel: 07939 128286 or email: susieblowermtc@hotmail.co.uk . “It’s a huge honour and a real coup for Montgomery and Wales to have been approached to host the Guild Championships which attracts competitors from across the world to compete for the stunning silver George Carpenter trophy,” she explained. “It’s also an exciting personal challenge because I have to raise £5,000 to stage the event. I hope local businesses will recognise the value of sponsoring an event that will generate worldwide interest and attract many visitors to the town and surrounding area. “Town criers from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will be competing against their counterparts from the UK in my home town. I just wish my parents were alive to see the competition which will be a fantastic spectacle not only for Montgomery but for the whole of Wales.” Sue is receiving widespread support, including from Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Services and a regional MS for Mid and West Wales, Eluned Morgan, who has agreed to join the competition judging panel, which will also include the Earl of Powis. The international town criers will be asked to deliver two cries in the championships – the home cry and a set cry on a particular topic - with each cry not exceeding 140 words. The competition will take place in the Town Square, with Broad Street closed to traffic for the day. An area of the street will be closed off for food and drink vendors to add to the occasion. “It’s not the first time Montgomery has hosted a competition for town criers, having twice held previous contests over the past decade, but this will certainly be the biggest and most prestigious,” added Sue. She has already booked places for the visiting town criers and their partners at the Dragon Hotel and with other local accommodation providers and says many of the visitors plan to stay in the town for a few extra days. One of these is Daniel Laflèche, from Canada, official provincial crier of Ontario since 1984 and the official town crier for the National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau since 1981. He holds the title of The Most Elegant Crier in the World. An actor and former history teacher, Daniel is also a storyteller and has agreed to visit local primary schools in Montgomery and surrounding villages to share his stories during his 10-day stay. Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower – excited about bringing international town criers championships to her home town.
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Golden sunlight burning through fog in the Great Wood at Gregynog. Image: Bradley Carr. ‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme at Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country estates, has been awarded £246,966 through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund. The funding supports nature recovery and encourages more public access to some of Wales’ most special natural environments. Gregynog’s project is one of 17 in Wales set to benefit from Welsh Government conservation funding totalling £3.78 million. The investment in the National Nature Reserve and two areas of Special Scientific Interest at Gregynog, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, will make a huge difference. Gregynog’s Great Wood, an internationally significant ancient oak woodland, is home to rare lichens and to birds such as pied flycatcher, willow tits and wood warblers. The grounds at Gregynog are open every day and lots of people regularly visit to enjoy a walk in the woods and a coffee in the Courtyard café. However, rutted tracks make access difficult for both visitors with mobility issues and those with young children and the woodland walks can be muddy for much of the year. The Nature Network Fund support will allow Gregynog to repair and top dress both the drives to Bwlch y Ffridd, improve drainage and fill all pot holes. A new, accessible path around the lily pond will be created and the pond will be restored to create an accessible 360 degree bird hide on the island, accessed by a new bridge. Invasive plants will also be cleared from the pond over two years. All walks on the estate will have new signage and pathways and mapping will be improved while 50 bird boxes will be installed with help from Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, which will also run public events for the next two years and monitor wildlife on the estate. A children’s playground and covered picnic benches for adults and children using sustainable materials will be installed together with a bike rack for visitors and staff at the Courtyard entrance. Meadow flowers and flowering specimen trees will be planted along the drives and work will continue to restore the walled gardens. The Nature Networks Fund is delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales. Gregynog’s chair Carole-Anne Davies said: “We are very proud of our team and their work on the ‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme. The project allows us to enhance and broaden visitor access and experience, as well as protect and nurture our richly biodiverse reserve as a haven for nature. “It also helps consolidate our partnerships, opening up further potential for collaboration and helping us to reveal and share Gregynog’s magic with more people than ever – exploring the joy that comes with integrating nature, science and creativity.” Ruth Jenkins, head of natural resource management policy at Natural Resources Wales, said: “We are delighted to see these projects, each driving forward the practical action needed to address what is one of the most urgent challenges of our times. “These projects will seek to recover species and habitats through collaboration among a wide range of land owners and organisations. They are all superb and diverse examples of the exciting restoration and community engagement that is a critically needed step to bring about the recovery of nature in Wales.”
“Families and couples are always looking for something to do during Bank Holiday weekends and school half term holidays, especially when it’s raining, which seems likely this Easter,” said Lorna Morris who established the attraction with business partner Jo Woodall four years ago. “As an Easter treat, we have decided to give customers a 20% discount for Good Friday and Saturday, so that they can enjoy the immersive, fun experience indoors here at Beyond Breakout. “‘Shaken Not Purred’ stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and delivering unforgettable adventures for players of all ages. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning players." Lorna and Jo have worked hard to establish the business within the interactive entertainment industry. Next week, the attraction will be open as usual from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information about Beyond Breakout Ltd and its escape room games or to book online, visit www.beyondbreakout.co.uk . Beyond Breakout’s partners Lorna Morris and Jo Woodall.
Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre opens for the season on Saturday. An award-winning Mid Wales pilgrimage centre reopens on Saturday, March 23 with a new name and a day of activities to celebrate its 10th anniversary year. Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, the new name for Mary Jones World at Llanycil, Bala, tells the story of a local Welsh girl who inspired a global movement that changed the lives of millions. The centre shares the inspirational story of Mary Jones, whose epic 26–mile barefoot journey to buy a Welsh Bible led to the foundation of Bible Society, a global movement which is now active in over 240 countries and territories across the world. To celebrate the opening of the new season with a new name, there will be a presentation by Elin Owen, from the Diocese of Bangor’s Pererin Project at 10.30am, a short drama of the Mary Jones story at 1pm and a presentation at 3pm by Mary Thomas, author of ‘The Mary Jones Walk’. Also available throughout the day will be creative prayer stations with Coleg y Bala and children’s crafts. Pilgrim Café will be serving light lunches, homemade cakes and drinks. The visitor experience, set on the edge of the breathtaking Llyn Tegid, allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of Mary Jones with displays and interactive content in a Grade 2 listed building. Complete with a picnic area, café and children’s playground, the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre offers a great time out for children and adults alike. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into the centre or the graveyard. However, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Pilgrim Café and other areas of the site. The café offers a selection of hot drinks, tasty homemade cakes and light lunches from local suppliers. Group bookings are available on request. Visitors from around the world have been welcomed over the past decade and the centre, which opened in October 2014, has listened to feedback that the name Mary Jones World doesn’t accurately represent the experience. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received so far and hope the public will join us in this new, exciting chapter for the centre,” said a spokesperson. The centre is open Wednesday to Sunday from March 23 to September 29 from 10am to 4pm in addition to Bank Holiday Mondays. For more information including enquiries and bookings contact Tel: 0808 1784 909 / 01678521877 or visit www.maryjones.org.uk . Ffestiniog Railway. Many locals may have fond memories of the Ffestiniog Railway’s famous beer trains which, until 1996, were the only place to get a drink when Dwyfor’s pubs were still closed on a Sunday. Others will have treasured family memories of visiting the newly revived railway during summer holidays. People in Blaenau Ffestiniog might have witnessed the first train arriving back in 1982..... All of these stories are invaluable pieces of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways’ past. As part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Interpretation & Boston Lodge Project, there is a fantastic opportunity for people to tell their stories. This ongoing £5.2 million project is an ambitious endeavour to tell the story of the railway and it’s 200-year history to thousands of visitors. The project will involve more people in the railway and help them to develop skills. Historic buildings will be rescued and new buildings created. Boston Lodge Works is the oldest continuously operating engineering works in the world. Through this ambitious and exciting project, the story of the railway will be told to help thousands of visitors understand the area’s pioneering spirit and global impact and explain how the industry has shaped the landscape and community over 200 years. General manager, Paul Lewin, said: “We can feel our history slipping through our fingers – we must act now to save that history.” He is encouraging members of the public to have their stories recorded now before they’re lost forever. Upcoming tours of Boston Lodge Works, the railway’s engineering works, provide a chance to weave people’s stories with the well-established history of the railway to bring the past to life for visitors and the local community. The collection of these stories forms just a small part of the project, which focuses on improving how the history of the railway is told, as well as building works at Boston Lodge. Anybody interested in telling their story is asked to contact the interpretation team at interpretation@ffwhr.com. Interviews can be conducted in-person or remotely. These will then be kept in the company archives, one of the world’s oldest railway archives. There are also always opportunities for those who wish to get involved with the project more broadly. Opportunities include attending workshops, behind the scenes tours, or even volunteering! More details can be found on the project website: https://nlhfproject.festrail.co.uk. Talyllyn Railway in the springtime. An appeal will be launched on Friday to support an exciting £4 million project to redevelop Talyllyn Railway, the world’s first preserved railway, at Tywyn in Mid Wales. The ‘Preserving our Past, Building Our Future’ project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, proposes major redevelopment of facilities at Tywyn Pendre and Wharf stations to carry the railway into the future. Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society (TRPS) is keen to educate visitors about the railway’s heritage and the story of slate in the region whilst also updating and increasing accommodation for volunteers. New engineering facilities are also planned to train the next generation of engineers in heritage skills. The proposals include:
Initial funding has already been secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a full application for a grant exceeding £1m. Further grant funding from other sources is being sought. On Friday, the railway will be officially launching The 75 Appeal with the target of raising at least £500,000 towards the £4m project over the next five to six years. All money raised will go towards providing the railway with facilities needed for future decades. In addition, local links will be strengthened through community engagement programme. Every year, the fundraising appeal will focus on a particular aspect of the redevelopment. Initially, ‘Trefri’, a recently acquired property next door to Wharf Station, will be converted to volunteer accommodation and more carriage storage space will be provided at Pendre, the railway’s main working yards. The whole development project is expected to take around five years to complete Formed nearly 75 years ago to save the seven-mile narrow gauge railway, TRPS has established a major tourist attraction which carries 50,000 passengers and generates around £4m for the local economy annually. The railway is said to have inspired author and volunteer guard, the Rev W. V. Awdry, to create the series of Thomas the Tank Engine books. The Talyllyn still retains much of its character and heritage, including regularly operating all of its Victorian locomotives and passenger stock. Three years ago, the railway became the southern hub of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site.. Local politicians, grant awarding bodies, business people and members of the local community have been invited to attend the 75 Appeal Launch Day which will include a trip on the railway. The railway is a member of MWT Cymru, which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. The Silver Mountain Experience visitor attraction, based at a silver-lead mine near Aberystwyth, is preparing for a choc-tastic new event this Easter. Running from March 26 to April 11, this exciting experience will give visitors the chance to meet Mr Balcombe, the mine manager, who is diversifying into chocolate making! The busy and somewhat eccentric businessman is just beginning this new venture and is inviting visitors to help him get his chocolate franchise fully up and running. Included in the visit will be a tour with Mr Balcombe himself, as he explains how he is embarking on the challenge of making chocolate and shows visitors around the mine equipment he is repurposing into chocolate producing machines. Visitors will also be able to undertake their own chocolate challenge, a quest to help Balcombe produce his ‘Balcombe Bar’ and sell it in his sweet shop. To win the reward, visitors will need to find all of the silver tickets to complete the challenge. Rumour has it there will be some scrumptious surprises around too… maybe even a chocolate fountain and marshmallows in the onsite Miner’s Rest Café – a small extra charge applies. As well as the Easter activities, visitors will be able to join a choice of guided and actor-led tours. Families with young explorers can enjoy the interactive ‘A Dragon’s Tale’ tour, an adventure to find Silver Mountain’s shy and secretive dragon, Grotty. For those who are feeling brave, ‘The Black Chasm’ is a thrilling experience delving deep into the ancient myths, Welsh legends and gruesome mining history of Mid Wales. ‘A Miner’s Life’ guided tour is a must for those interested in a fascinating journey into the history of the mines. There are also a variety of other attractions included within the price of the entry tickets. Children will love running wild in Woo Hoo Woods, having fun in the play areas and taking part in the various trails and puzzles. For those wanting to learn more about the site’s history, the mining museum is packed full of fascinating facts and mining machinery, tools and ephemera. There’s also Ultimate Xscape onsite, featuring two thrilling escape room experiences. Head to www.ultimatexscape.co.uk to find out more and book a slot. The Miner’s Rest Café will be serving a delicious range of snacks, cakes, lunches, hot drinks and tasty Easter treats. The café is open to visitors even if they are not visiting any of the attractions and delicious, freshly prepared afternoon teas can be pre-booked. The neighbouring Red Kite Café will also be open, serving delicious breakfasts and meals. Find out more and book your tickets online at www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/easterfun/ .More information about the Red Kite Café is available at: www.redkitecafe.co.uk Janna Turner (centre) with Alex Johnstone (left) and Deborah Taylor Dyer with the Flock2Flight display. One of the star attractions at this year’s Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, will be an engaging display of felted birds. The ‘Flock2Flight’ display, which measures 10 metres by three metres, is the creation of fibre artist Janna Turner and two friends, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer. Wonderwool Wales is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on April 27 and 28, with 220 exhibitors. Janna Turner, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer with Dave Turner and Martin Dyer who helped set up the Flock2Flight display. Both Shepton Mallet based Janna, who runs Flocks2Felts, and Alex are no strangers to Wonderwool Wales. Janna was project lead and felting advisor to a special, eight-metre long exhibition entitled Alice in Wonderwool in 2022. The eye-catching, hand crafted interpretation of Alice in Wonderland installation featured an array of captivating characters, all crafted from felt and fibre. This year, Janna will be featuring colourful birds in the display, some of which include wooden mechanics to make them fly. For example, there’s a small flock of swallows that fly in circles, a zipwire bird, a diving kingfisher, bird marionettes and hand puppets. Janna has received help from her farmer husband, Dave, in putting together the wooden mechanics for the birds. Largest of the static birds is two metre pelican and there’s also a flying phoenix with specially made clay talons, flamingos, a peregrine falcon and many more. “There are about 20 different types of bird and I have designed the display to be interactive,” said Janna, who worked in a bird sanctuary in Cape Town before moving to England in 2003. “When we did the Alice in Wonderwool display in 2022, people were not allowed to touch the exhibits. This time, I will be encouraging people to engage with the birds and have a play as they walk around. I just love seeing their reactions. There are also hand puppets for people to take selfies with. “The display made its debut at Bath and West Showground last November and it took a couple of months for us to make all the birds. I am looking forward to taking it to Wonderwool Wales, as it will be nice to see familiar faces again.” Money raised by the display will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance, Wonderwool Wales’ adopted charity. Tickets for the award-winning, two-day show, which traditionally attracts more than 6,000 visitors, can be purchased online in advance at https://wonderwoolwales.ticketsrv.co.uk . There will also be tickets for sale at the gate costing £12 per day or £22 for the weekend. Young people aged 16 years and under have free admission. This year’s event will see nine Woolschool afternoon workshops each day which has required the organisers to book extra space on the showground. The Woolschools, which give visitors the chance to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert, can be booked online by the Wonderwool Wales website. Another popular feature, the Sheep Walk fashion show, will keep the audience entertained on both days. This year, all Wonderwool Wales visitors are being encouraged to knit, crochet or make and wear their own beanie or hat to add colour to the event. Stewards will be awarding vouchers to the best hats on both days. Wonderwool Wales was first held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and to add value to products made by small wool and fibre producers in Wales. The festival celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more. Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings. Find out more about the 2024 show at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk , like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales Janna Turner with one of the bird marionettes.
The Smallholding and Countryside Festival returns to the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on May 18 and 19.
The weekend event is a celebration of rural life with smallholding pursuits at its heart, showcasing the real diversity of the Welsh countryside. Together with an array of display ring attractions, competitions, children's activities, shopping trade stands, live music and delicious food and drink, the festival promises to be a fantastic day out for all. Entries for livestock and equine competitions are now open and competitors can view the schedules and enter online at https://rwas.wales/smallholding-and-countryside-festival/competitions-festival/ . With more than 600 livestock classes and special awards for sheep, pigs, goats and cattle, many of which are for traditional, rare and native breeds, there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Entries close on Wednesday, April 3. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has announced that this year’s festival will host qualifiers for the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Royal International Horse Show and Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL), British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and British Show Horse Association (BSHA) London International Horse Show. The event will again host the Premier Open Dog Show. Entries are now open for the 2025 Crufts Qualifier where rosettes, prizemoney and quality pet food are all up for grabs for the winning canines. Postal entries close Tuesday, April 9 and online entries close Tuesday, April 30. Go to the FDS website https://www.fossedata.co.uk/shows/Royal-Welsh-Agricultural-Society-Ltd-May-2023.aspx to view the schedules and to enter. The Smallholders Centre will continue to be the main port of call for those wanting to learn more about the smallholder’s way of life, with talks and demos from the Glamorgan Smallholders networking and support group. It’s also the ideal place to stock up on essentials from the agricultural trade stands. The Country Life Area will feature the Premier Open Dog Show (Crufts 2025 Qualifier), Panic Family Circus, The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group, petting farm, donkey encounter, forestry competitions and sporting and countryside activities, all accompanied by live music from the bandstand. The Festival Display Ring has a jam-packed bill of entertainment, including Dangerous Steve’s thrilling quad and motorbike stunt show, Paws for Thought Dog Display Team, show jumping and working hunter competitions, Scurry Driving and Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs. Meirionnydd Shearing Centre will host wool handling and blade shearing competitions throughout the weekend, demonstrations from the Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers, a vintage shearing display and wool related trade stands. Entries for the wool handling and blade shearing competitions are due to open in late March. It wouldn’t be a Royal Welsh event without showcasing the best food and drink produce that Wales has to offer. There will be a chance to sample delicious goods in the renowned Food Hall and get a bite to eat at food stalls in the Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast. The Royal Welsh Showground is easily accessible from all routes and is located where the A470 and A483 cross at Builth Wells. This event is dog-friendly and has plenty of free onsite parking. Tickets for the festival are available online. Early-bird adult tickets are £18, children’s tickets are £5 and there’s also a family ticket. Discounted tickets are available for RWAS members until April 30. Visit https://rwas.wales/ for more information about the festival and to buy tickets.
Kerry Vale Vineyard has been recognised as one of the 100 best producers in the UK. Their commitment to excellence is supported by the numerous national and international awards they have gained since they began in 2010. Join Kerry Vale for a Trade Tasting Event On Friday, April 12, Kerry Vale Vineyard invite you to the vineyard for an exclusive trade tasting event. Sample their exquisite wines, meet their passionate winegrowers, and explore potential partnerships. Whether you’re a boutique hotel, a cosy B&B or a local restaurant, Kerry Vale wines can elevate your guests’ experience. Event Details: • Date: Friday, April 12, 2024 • Time: 1PM - 2:30 PM • Location: Kerry Vale Vineyard, Pentreheyling, SY15 6HU Supporting Local Businesses: A Win-Win for All Kerry Vale Vineyard is not just about exceptional wines; it’s about fostering strong ties within our community. Here’s why supporting local businesses matters: 1. Authentic Experiences: Tourists seek authenticity. When they visit Shropshire or Powys, they want more than just a place to stay; they crave an authentic local experience. By featuring Kerry Vale wines, you’re offering guests a taste of the region’s rich heritage and terroir. 2. Environmental Impact: Buying local reduces our carbon footprint. Transporting goods across long distances contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By sourcing locally, you’re making a positive impact on the environment. 3. Family-Run and Large Businesses: Kerry Vale Vineyard welcome partnerships with both family-run establishments and larger businesses. Whether you’re a historic inn or a bustling hotel chain, Kerry Vale wines can enhance your offerings and delight your patrons. Join Kerry Vale Vineyard to discover and taste Shropshire’s finest wines and celebrate our borderland’s beautiful bounty. RSVP: To secure your spot at the tasting event, please contact Marketing & PR Manager, Nadine Roach; info@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk or call 01588 620627. If you are unable to make the tasting event but would like to find out more about collaborative working with the vineyard or stocking their wine please contact them to discuss your requirements. |
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