Celebrated shoemaker Ruth Emily Davey has expanded into a newly renovated shop in Machynlleth to meet growing demand across the world for her shoes. Her bespoke shoemaking business, RED Shoes, is now located at Arfon House, High Street which has a larger shopfloor and fitting area to display the shoes and additional workshops and office space. Ruth spent all of 2022 renovating the four-story Victorian town house, which is decorated in red and gold and situated next door to the new ‘Gwen’ Restaurant, opened by Michelin starred chef Gareth Ward from Ynys Hir. The move has created two more jobs, as Ruth’s team has expanded to five. A trained reflexologist, she says the expansion will allow the company to meet customer demand following an increase in business since the Covid pandemic. RED Shoes opened in Machynlleth in 2016 and Ruth’s distinctive “foot shaped shoes” champion the long-term health of clients’ feet above fashion trends. The shoes are all handmade and feature a unique design with broad toe box, close fitting arch support and no heel, which is said to encourage the natural movement of the foot. Ruth has made shoes for Hollywood stars including Drew Barrymore and clients travel from as far away as Alaska, Australia and South America to seek her expertise. Well known in the field of heritage crafts and bespoke shoemaking, Ruth won the Balvenie Young Master of Craft Award in 2011, the QEST Scholarship in 2013 and the Winston Churchill Traveling Fellowship 2016. The fellowship enabled her to travel to Japan and Mexico to understand the passing down of skills from master to apprentice. The opening of the new business premises coincided with the relaunch of a website for sister company, The Original Shandals© Co which specialises in the handmade, “off the peg” version of the bespoke shoes sold at RED. The Original Shandals© Co was launched in 2019 as a collaboration between Ruth and her former mentor, the late Alan James Raddon, after they discovered that their shoe designs were stolen and reproduced online by a factory in China. Ruth’s career began as an 18-year-old apprentice to Mr Raddon whose clientele included Billy Connolly, Sir Alec Guinness, Diana Athill and Emma Thompson. For more information about the businesses, visit https://www.ruthemilydavey.co.uk/ or https://www.shandals.co.uk/, find Ruth on Instagram @ruthemilydavey or email ruth@ruthemilydavey.co.uk . The new RED Shoes shop.
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An Easter adventure awaits at The Silver Mountain Experience. The Silver Mountain Experience is all set for the return of The Dragon Egg Hunt, the Mid Wales visitor attraction’s popular Easter event. Running daily from April 1-16, visitors can explore the Victorian mine just outside Aberystwyth looking for hidden dragon eggs. An Easter treat awaits those who find them all. As well as the egg hunt, there’s also a choice of guided tours that explore the history of the site and the legends of the area, both above and below ground. Families with young explorers can experience the interactive actor led ‘A Dragon’s Tale’ tour. Join the quest to find the friendly resident dragon Grotty, where explorers need to solve the puzzles to discover her whereabouts. For those who are feeling brave, ‘The Black Chasm’ allows them to delve deep into the ancient myths, Welsh legends and gruesome mining history of Mid Wales. The fascinating history of the mines is covered in ‘A Miner’s Life’ guided tour which takes a glimpse into the gruelling world of Victorian mining. Other attractions included with entry tickets are Woo Hoo Woods, play areas and various quiz trails. There’s also a mining museum packed with fascinating facts and mining machinery, tools and ephemera. Ultimate Xscape features two thrilling escape room experiences which give visitors 60 minutes to escape by solving clues and cracking codes. Head to www.ultimatexscape.co.uk to find out more and book a slot. The Miner’s Rest Café serves a delicious range of snacks, cakes, lunches, hot drinks as well as tasty Easter treats. People can visit the café even if they are not visiting any of the attractions. Freshly prepared afternoon teas are available by pre-booking. Head to www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk to get the information to plan a visit and to pre-book your tickets. Talyllyn Railway’s new general managers Lorraine Simkiss (right) and Liz Porrett. Two women have been appointed to share the general manager’s role at Tallyllyn Railway, the world’s first preserved steam railway, at Tywyn in Mid Wales. Senior managers Lorraine Simkiss and Liz Porrett were appointed to succeed Stuart Williams when he left the railway at the end of February to take up a new post in the Orkney Islands. Lorraine is general manager commercial, taking responsibility for all income generation and human resource matters for staff and volunteers, whilst Liz is general manager for operations, engineering and developments. Stuart said he was delighted to leave his post in safe hands and in a sound financial position after the challenges of Covid. Trading at the railway last year was excellent, especially during December and the period between Christmas and New Year, which was exceptional. In December, when the railway ran its popular Tinsel and Turkey trains, it was the only heritage line running. Many visitors were from abroad and holidaying in Wales while local people took the opportunity for a festive train ride before Christmas. Lorraine said: “What a start to the year this has been! We said farewell to Stuart, thanking him for all his hard work and effort, and recognising the significant, positive impact he had made to the railway in his time here. We wished him all the very best on his new adventure in Orkney. “For Liz and me, an exciting opportunity to lead and guide the railway amidst uncertain times.” Formerly general manager of a Midlands theatre, Liz has been involved with the railway since volunteering with the Tracksiders group. She has helped the railway to make significant progress with Health and Safety and environmental matters. In her new role, she will oversee an exciting project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, policy improvements, training initiatives and streamlining processes. “These changes are undoubtedly the way to keep us progressing as an organisation,” she said. “When we want to thrive rather than just survive in these times, standing still is never an option.” Talyllyn Railway Board chairman David Ventry added: “We are delighted to appoint Lorraine and Liz to their new roles. They will provide continuity and stability in uncertain times, and we are confident that they will successfully lead the railway forward.” The famous Salem watercolour. The famous Salem painting by Sydney Curnow Vosper, in which some people see the image of the devil, returned on Friday to Llanbedr, near Harlech, near to the chapel that inspired it. As part of the Masterpieces in Schools event – one of the outreach projects run by the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth – the painting was exhibited at Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr near Harlech. Pupils were able to see the painting close up at the school’s morning service and years five and six pupils took part in workshops. The children looked in detail at the techniques used to create the picture in a watercolour painting workshop based on the masterpiece. A second workshop looked at the Welsh costume, focusing on the paisley pattern of central character Siân Owen’s shawl. The watercolour painting depicts a scene from a service in Salem Chapel, Cefn Cymerau, Llanbedr, near Harlech, with the Owen in her traditional Welsh dress holding a hymn book in the centre of the picture. Vosper (1866-1942) was inspired to create works based on Breton and Welsh culture during his lifetime, but without doubt Salem is his most well-known painting. He created two versions of Salem during his lifetime, the first version, painted in 1908, being purchased by William Hesketh Lever to promote the sales of his ‘Sunlight Soap’.The image became iconic across Britain. Salem was also a symbol of Welsh life and the nonconformist tradition in Wales and became ever-more well known because some people were able to see an image of the devil in the folds of the shawl worn by Owen. The second version, which only differs slightly from the original, was created in 1909 for Frank Treharne James, a solicitor from Merthyr and brother-in-law to the artist. It was purchased by the National Library in 2021. Tesni Edwards, a teacher at Ysgol Llanbedr, said: “We are very grateful for this opportunity which enabled Ysgol Llanbedr pupils to come face to face with one of Wales’s most iconic paintings, and learn more about the collections of our most important institutions.” Rhodri Morgan, the National Library of Wales’s head of education services, said: “It’s our privilege to use the National Library’s collections to offer unique and exciting experiences to the school pupils of Wales. “Offering a workshop on the original painting by Sydney Curnow Vosper to the children of Llanbedr, a stone’s throw away from the chapel that Siân Owen attended more than a century ago, enriches their understanding of their locality, as they continue to celebrate the history of their surroundings.” Later in the year, the library will invite all the pupils of Ysgol Llanbedr to Aberystwyth so that they can see where the painting is kept safely and learn more about the other collections. The Masterpieces in Schools project is part of the library’s strategy to reach out to communities across Wales and support participation in cultural, educational and artistic activities for children and young people. Matt Hirst takes the Get Jerky Rally North Wales Interclub win number three. Credit: Russ Otway, 90Right Basing the Get Jerky Rally North Wales in Welshpool last Saturday has been declared a huge success by the organiser and sponsor, after the event attracted thousands of spectators to the town and surrounding area. Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event took on a distinctly fresh look thanks to a new partnership with Welshpool-based Trailhead Fine Foods and the company’s high protein Get Jerky brand of Welsh Beef jerky snacks. Moving from its traditional base in Dolgellau, the popular motorsport event started and finished in Welshpool town centre, where a large crowd gathered. The rally base was on the town outskirts, at Welshpool Livestock Market. Guy Weaver, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club chairman, said: “Welshpool has a great heritage in motorsport and Rally North Wales has used the town as its base many times before over the decades,” he said. “With the continued growth and development of the event, which has attracted competitors from across the world, we had been looking for a new home for the rally which, in recent times, had been based wholly in Dolgellau. “Thanks to the fantastic support from Welshpool Town Council, Mayor Cllr Alison Davies and our sponsors Get Jerky, the Broad Street start and finish ceremonies were a huge hit with the fans and competitors. “Everyone I've spoken to has truly embraced the event and its ethos and I`m very proud to see the event run to such high acclaim. We look forward to seeing what next year brings.” Arwyn Watkins, OBE, managing director of Trailhead Fine Foods, shared Mr Weaver’s delight and enthusiasm. “It was a brilliant event for Welshpool and the whole community,” he said. “Everything about the rally was positive. “This is just the start in terms of what we can build on for next year. The rally attracted spectators from all over the country, including five people from Margate who had travelled up for the day.” The rally was won for the third time in a row by Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear whose Ford Fiesta R5 was more than two minutes ahead of their nearest rival. Hirst set the fastest time on all but one of the eight tricky forest stages to dominate the event and kick off his defence of the Welsh Rally Championship title in fine style. "Considering the competition out there today, I think a win by two minutes is quite good and very encouraging for the season,” said a delighted Hirst. “Hopefully we can keep going through the rest of the year like this.” Northern Ireland’s Alan Carmichael took runner-up spot with co-driver Claire Williams in their Hyundai i20 R5 and Kevin Proctor and co-driver Jamie Edwards were third. Motorsport enthusiasts were treated to a spectacular day of action as contenders in the Fuchs Lubricants Motorsport UK British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and a host of other regional series battled it out for championship honours and the coveted rally win. In the battle for honours in the National section, which hosted the British Historic championship, Joe Price and Chris Brooks sealed victory by just three seconds in their Ford Escort MKII. Four crews recorded fastest times in the stages, but consistency when others hit trouble gave Price a slender victory over Herefordshire’s Roger Chilman and co-driver Patrick Walsh in their Ford Escort MKII who also scooped the maximum score in the Historic championship. Nick Elliott and Dave Price were third in a FIAT 131 Abarth and Builth Wells driver Jason Pritchard, making an impressive return to the series, was fourth in a Ford Escort MKII with Phil Clarke on the notes. For more information and results, visit www.rallynorthwales.co.uk . April 2023 Employment Law Changes29/3/2023 A really useful guide about Employment changes coming into effect in April including National Living/Minimum Wage Increases.
People who take a holiday in Wales say they’re very satisfied with their experiences in the country, new research published by Visit Wales today shows.
The reports from the Visit Wales consumer re-contact survey provides information on the trip-taking behaviours and intentions of Visit Wales’ consumer contacts. Consumer contacts are people who engaged with and provided their contact details to Visit Wales in 2022 – they are also referred to as ‘enquirers’. Some findings on enquirers from the UK and Ireland include:
Meanwhile, 22% of people from the UK and Ireland who visited Wales in 2022 stated Visit Wales communications influenced their decision to take their holiday or short break in Wales. The main reported changes to trips taken to Wales because of Visit Wales communications were making visits outside the summer season and visiting new and more places than originally planned. Beyond ‘wanting to visit again’, those who take a trip to Wales were most likely to be motivated to visit Wales by the opportunity ‘to get away from it all and have a rest’ and ‘to connect with nature/be outdoors’. Communications from Visit Wales also appear to have impacted future trips. Around 1 in 4 people who intend to visit Wales in 2023 indicate that Visit Wales communications have already had an influence on their decision to take their 2023 trip. Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, who is responsible for tourism within the Welsh Government, said: “With the Easter holidays fast approaching, we’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our beautiful country. We also want to encourage the people of Wales to discover parts of the country they may have never been to before - there’s something for everyone to see and visit in all parts of Wales. “It’s excellent to see the positive influence Visit Wales marketing campaign are having on those visitors who have engaged with Visit Wales prior to their visit. Our Visit Wales’ marketing campaigns will continue to keep Wales front of mind, especially with the industry reporting a trend in much later bookings aligned to the economic climate.” Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales
Visitors can either attend Pure Indulgence’s salon or the company will visit them in their holiday accommodation in West Wales to provide treatments and services remotely. The team of therapists regularly visit a network of partner locations. As well as a yoga and wellness teacher, the team includes a bespoke chef, childcare professional, cake creator, photographer, nail art technician and beautician. The company can also provide balloons for special occasions. Pure Indulgence's holistic wellness treatments are designed to provide visitors with a unique and relaxing experience that showcases the best of West Wales. Clients receive a consultation and a choice between deep tissue, lymphatic, aromatherapy, Swedish, hot stone or sports massage. Additionally, the company offers facial and hand and foot treatments and waxing services, all using organic and vegan-friendly products. "We are excited about the opportunity to promote Pure Indulgence to visitors throughout the region," said Claire Owen, MWT Cymru’s membership manager. "We believe that Pure Indulgence is an excellent fit for the Mid Wales brand, which places a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing. We are thrilled to have the company as a member of our organisation and look forward to working together." To learn more about Pure Indulgence and its treatments and services, visit https://pure-indulgence.uk/. To make it easy for people to see what the company does, Rhian has created a QR code which could also be used by accommodation businesses wishing to advertise additional guest services on their website. For more information about MWT Cymru and their support for businesses in the tourism industry, visit www.mwtcymru.co.uk Arfon Hughes (centre) with customers on one of his Dyfi Walking Tours. Tours of one of the most beautiful parts of Wales that’s steeped in history, religion and legend are being provided by a professional guide who has a genuine passion for all things Welsh. Arfon Hughes launched Dyfi Walking Tours (Teithiau Cerdded Dyfi) in 2020 to provide a tourist guiding service to the areas around Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy and Machynlleth, straddling the scenic Powys border with Southern Snowdonia. Delving into the rich history of the area, Arfon follows in the footsteps of Owain Glyndwr, the last native Prince of Wales in the 15th century and introduces his customers to the feared Red Bandits of Mawddwy in the 16th century. He’s also an expert on Dr John Davies, the 17th century vicar, translator of the Welsh Bible and architect of three bridges in the wilds of River Dyfi Valley. His fourth tour takes in the village of Dinas Mawddwy. A minimum of four persons paying full price are required for each tour and places must be booked in advance. Bespoke tours for schools and parties can also be organised. Full details of all the tours and how to book can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TeithiauCerddedDYFIWalkingTours/services . Arfon takes visitors to iconic buildings, historical settings and marvellous countryside whilst telling stories of poverty, religion, war, literary achievements, Welsh language place names, nature, farming over the centuries, protest and bandits. “I provide a professional tourist guide service, offering historic and contemporary knowledge of the region,” said Arfon. “My customers are told stories about people and hear songs which mesmerize them. “By walking in the wonderful Welsh landscape and its biodiversity, they get to understand what has made this part of Wales so unique. I aim to make the tours an enjoyable, fun, memorable and interesting experience. “I have a lively interest in and a genuine passion for all things Welsh. My main interests lie in social Welsh history, language, agriculture as well as the arts, media and culture.” A native Welsh speaker with a degree in communications, Arfon is originally from North Wales farming background and has more than 30 years’ experience in community development, Welsh Language history and culture. He was inducted as a member of the Gorsedd of Bards of the National Eisteddfod of Wales for his community development work in Dinas Mawddwy. His Owain Glyndwr and Machynlleth Tour includes the history of Wales’ famous independence fighter, Parliament House and Machynlleth town. Most of the tour, which takes around 90 minutes, is on level ground, starting at Parliament House. Dr John Davies Mallwyd Tour takes more than three hours, with walkers meeting at the Brigands Inn, Mallwyd. The Red Bandits (Gwylliad Cochion) Tour, which includes Mallwyd and Cwm Dugoed, takes more than five hours and includes paths on land and tarmac with gradient. The Dinas Mawddwy Tour lasts 90 minutes, with starting times at 10am and 2pm. Dyfi Walking Tours is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
The annual festival brings together people and businesses with a passion for 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. Nellie and Eve will be launching two yarns that have been spun especially for Wonderwool Wales. One is a Blue Faced Leicester yarn made from fleece selected by Helen from a local farm. The other is a yarn spun from the fleece of a small flock of Shetland sheep from the farm next door to where she lives. “The important things for me are that I am supporting local farms and the footprint of having the yarn produced is as small as possible,” said Helen, who moved to Wales from Somerset with her husband, Simon, 20 years ago. As she was surrounded by sheep, it seemed only natural that she launched a wool-based business, having been taught how to knit and crochet as a child in Surrey. She learnt how to spin in weave in Wales. Helen, who also runs workshops on spinning and plant dyeing wool, says there’s a “lost generation” of people who didn’t get taught the creative skills but are now keen to learn. The colours of the Nellie and Eve’s yarns are inspired by the landscape and changing seasons of a Welsh mountain. Sourced from small, local farms, the entire production of exclusive ‘Limited Edition’ and ‘Single Farm’ collections is kept to within 50 miles of Helen’s studio and spun at a family owned woollen mill, Curlew Weavers at Rhydlewis, Llandysul. Mindful of the environment, yarns are dyed in small batches using water from a natural spring, compostable materials and plastic free packaging. Wonderwool Wales tickets - cost £12 per day or £22 for the weekend - may be purchased online in advance at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk or at the gate. . For more information, visit www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk , like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales and Instagram @wonderwoolwales . Picture caption: Nellie and Eve founder Helen Hickman with some of her yarn. Credit: Nellie and Eve/Helen Hickman. |
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