Maffei ‘Brigadelok’ No.4766 is displayed in the new Museum, Display & Events building in Aberystwyth. Photo: Phil Budd. A new historic locomotive exhibit has been placed on display in The Vale of Rheidol Railway’s Aberystwyth museum, just in time for the summer holidays. The locomotive, known as ‘the Brigadelok’, was built in Germany in 1916 for use in the First World War. Small steam locomotives such as this one worked on lightly laid narrow gauge railways, helping to carry munitions and supplies to the forces on the military front line. The locomotive has an unusual chimney, containing a spark arrestor which avoided sparks giving away the location to British forces when working at night, as well as preventing accidents when pulling train-loads of munitions! The ‘Brigadelok’ will be on display in Aberystwyth throughout the summer. This is the first time the engine, which has been in the railway’s collection since 2002, has been formally put on public display. The museum also houses a very early Dick Kerr petrol-electric locomotive, built in 1918, which was designed to do similar jobs to the Brigadelok. The railway is therefore able to display genuine artefacts from the British and German sides, both of which saw service during the First World War. Unusually, the Brigadelok is being displayed in Aberystwyth with a large tender coupled to it because steam locomotives require water to make them work. On most railways, water is taken from a fixed column, called a water tower, connected to the mains supplies. Military locomotives like the Brigadelok would not have this luxury, however. They were expected to work over lightly laid railway lines, carrying munitions over boggy ground. They would take water by pulling a large auxiliary tender, like a water bowser, thereby increasing the locomotive’s range. The locomotive is therefore displayed in this way, with a tender coupled to the locomotive. The engine was also fitted with a water lifter, like a pump, allowing it to pick up water from streams or rivers if needed. The Brigadelok is displayed in the railway’s new Museum, Display & Events venue at Aberystwyth Station which opened in late March and contains a wide collection of narrow gauge locomotives from across the world. The building is also designed as a flexible space for concerts, recitals and community events. The railway and museum are open daily until November 3. Tickets for the museum cost £5 for adults and £3 for children, or entry is free for those travelling on the train.
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Rachel, who has recently won a Wonderwool Wales bursary, will be weaving on the museum’s loom and talking to visitors. The museum’s special exhibition this year features Sport and Leisure between 1850 and 1914 and tells the story of the development of football in Newtown and popular Sports Days that drew large crowds of people. An exhibit is a rare certificate from 1879 when Newtown White Stars beat Wrexham 1-0 to win the Welsh Cup final. The museum is open free of charge from 12 noon to 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until the end of September. For more information, visit www.newtowntextilemuseum.co.uk . Housed in an original handloom weaving factory, built in the 1830s, the volunteer-run museum aims to bring to life Newtown’s industrial heritage, showing how people lived and worked in the building and the processes involved in turning fleece into flannel. In addition, industries linked to wool - tanning, clog making and drapers’ shops, including the Pryce Jones family who pioneered mail order – are featured. Newtown was the centre for handloom weaving in the 1830s and the museum is the last of 82 such buildings remaining in anything like its original condition. The museum is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Mid Wales is set to celebrate its thriving tourism industry as entries open for the Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25, the first since the Covid pandemic. The awards aim to recognise and showcase the region’s exceptional tourism businesses, organisations, and individuals who drive the sector forward.
With 15 categories available for entry, businesses and individuals have until midnight on August 18 2024 to submit their applications through the awards website, www.midwalestourismawards.co.uk The categories include:
Winners and finalists will have the opportunity to represent Mid Wales at the Wales National Tourism Awards in Spring 2025. The announcement of category finalists will take place in November with winners revealed at a black-tie awards ceremony. Exclusive headline and category sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses a chance to elevate their profile and demonstrate their support for the tourism sector in Mid Wales. The awards are organised by Mid Wales Tourism, known as MWT Cymru, with backing from the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism team. MWT Cymru, a not-for-profit social enterprise, represents and supports over 550 tourism businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion, and Southern Snowdonia. Steve Hughson, Chair of the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, highlighted the importance of the awards: “These awards present an exciting opportunity to showcase the very best of what Mid Wales has to offer to a wider audience and a chance to celebrate excellence and innovation within the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector – the second largest employer in Mid Wales.” MWT Cymru’s Chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans, emphasised the significance of the awards: “The Mid Wales Tourism Awards honour businesses, organisations, and individuals who have shown exceptional achievement and dedication to the tourism industry. This is our chance to promote the unique attractions and businesses that make Mid Wales a remarkable destination. I encourage everyone in the sector to participate, promote, or sponsor.” Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s Chief Executive, added: “The Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25 mark the first post-Covid awards, fittingly launched last week to coincided with Wales Tourism Week (July 15 - 21), an industry led opportunity to showcase the quality of Welsh tourism. The awards are a vital opportunity to champion the resilience and strength of our sector and those delivering outstanding customer service. We look forward to receiving applications.” For more details and to enter, visit www.midwalestourismawards.co.uk The much-anticipated National Tourism Awards for Wales will return in Spring 2025. Hosted by Visit Wales they celebrate the best of the tourism industry throughout the country.
How to enter: winners of the Regional Awards in 2024 will go through to the National (Wales) Awards in March 2025 - so you will need to apply through your county/regional tourism awards to be considered. The categories for the National Tourism Awards 2025 are:
South West Wales:
Go North Wales Awards – The Go North Wales Awards will go live on the 1 August and the closing date for entries will be 7 October 2024.
The Minister heard about the work being undertaken in Mid Wales that is supported through UK Government funding, in particular:
Mid Wales Growth Deal: a long-term investment of £110m from UK and Welsh Governments that leverages significant additional investment. The Minister received updates on both the Sites & Premises and Digital Programmes as well as the nine projects that are currently progressing for funding. UK Shared Prosperity Fund: a £42.4m investment in Mid Wales supporting communities and businesses to prosper and grow. The Minister received updates on current progress and timescales. There was also an opportunity to discuss the work ongoing in Mid Wales around Energy, Transport and Skills – and the importance of joint partnership working across Government and economic sectors in a rural economy such as that of Mid Wales, where collaboration is essential to address the unique challenges and leverage the region's strengths for sustainable development and growth. In a joint statement, Councillor James Gibson-Watt and Councillor Bryan Davies said, “We were pleased to meet the new Minister today and talk about how we unlock the economic potential of Mid Wales. We have a strategy and vision for achieving growth with our key partners. It is vitally important that we continue to work hand in glove with both the UK and Welsh Government to foster collaboration between public and private sectors, working as one team – to boost productivity and drive long-term and sustainable economic growth.” Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP also highlighted the importance of partnership working and the work ongoing in the region. She said: “I was delighted to meet key individuals involved with the Mid Wales Growth Deal. The UK Government is committed to economic growth and we can only do this by working in partnerships, exemplified by the work being undertaken here. By investing in key infrastructure and fostering these partnerships between government and the private sector, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for Mid Wales.” The Royal Welsh Show provided a fitting backdrop for this important discussion, underscoring the vital connection between developments in several economic sectors within a rural economy. From land and agriculture, agri-tech, energy, food & tourism – there remains a strong need for sustained investment in underpinning infrastructure and skills to support the vision for Growing Mid Wales. For those interested in staying updated on the latest developments with the work of Growing Mid Wales, sign up for our monthly newsletter by emailing [email protected] Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones (centre) presents the Cynnig Cymraeg certificate to RWAS Council chair Nicola Davies and RWAS chief executive Aled Rhys Jones The Royal Welsh Show organisers have been recognised for their commitment to the Welsh language by securing the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) approval. Cynnig Cymraeg is given to organisations that have worked with the Welsh Language Commissioner's officers to plan and design Welsh language provision. As the Royal Welsh Show gets underway in Llanelwedd today (Monday), chief executive Aled Rhys Jones said he was delighted to accept Cynnig Cymraeg recognition on behalf of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS). He said farming has a higher percentage of Welsh speakers than any other sector in Wales. “There exists a very real bond between securing the future of the Welsh language and the agriculture industry,” he added. "The Welsh language is core, not only to our work here at the showground, but on a wider level in rural Wales. The language and culture are an integral part of Welsh agricultural life and receiving official recognition for that helps us further promote Welsh with the show’s community in Wales and beyond. “This week is naturally a highlight of the year for us in Wales and receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg makes for a great start.” During a visit to the show, Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones said: "The Cynnig Cymraeg gives organisations the opportunity to raise awareness about what they offer through the Welsh language. By doing so, it is hoped that it will lead to an increase in the use of Welsh services. "The agricultural industry is a vital part of the economy and culture of rural communities in Wales, where Welsh is the everyday natural language. Ensuring the prosperity of the rural and agricultural economy is therefore vital to seeing growth in the number who speak and use Welsh every day. "At the start of one of our most important festivals, I would like to congratulate the show on securing the Cynnig Cymraeg and wish them every success throughout the week." Since the scheme launched in June 2020, Cynnig Cymraeg recognition has been given to more than 120 businesses and charities. The commissioner's office is working with many other organisations on developing their plans. More information on Cynnig Cymraeg, visit https://www.welshlanguagecommissioner.wales/businesses-and-charities/cynnig-cymraeg . Three members of the IMI Wales team (from left) Guy Edwards, project manager, Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru chief executive and Jo Lewis business engagement officer for North Powys. MWT Cymru, the largest membership organisation for tourism businesses in Mid Wales, has launched IMI Wales, an exciting initiative to revitalise town centre shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs across Powys. The IMI Wales project utilises new Web3 technology to create a platform which gives micro businesses across Powys access to features previously attainable only by large corporations. The project brings together businesses seeking to upskill, access exclusive marketing opportunities and find new and innovative ways to thank loyal customers whilst also attracting new ones. There are two dedicated business engagement officers in both North and South Powys to work with each business, ensuring they can maximise this opportunity. Jo Lewis [email protected] covers North Powys and Helen Howarth [email protected] covers South Powys. Corporations use reward-based schemes because they know they work. IMI Wales now offers these same powerful tools to small businesses, including customer rewards systems and significant marketing support. Participating businesses receive free professional photographs for their marketing needs, dedicated support from experienced business engagement officers and the opportunity to take part in exclusive marketing campaigns. MWT Cymru leverages VisitMidWales.co.uk, which attracts more than one million unique visits each year, giving businesses significant visibility. "This initiative isn't just about discounts," explained Zoe Hawkins, MWT Cymru chief executive. "It's about collaboration, added value and trying something new. Our team works closely with businesses to help them determine what will work best for them, their business and their customers." IMI Wales is part of the Revitalising Mid Wales Project which has received £340,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Powys County Council. The initiative will be rolled out to a minimum of six towns throughout Powys, with 12 towns already showing interest. "We understand that local reward schemes have been attempted before, often without the backing of a large-scale marketing campaign," added Zoe. "IMI Wales is different because it links towns and businesses, attracting additional customers through our extensive tourism network. We will work with any active community to ensure the success of this programme. "We urge businesses to consider the bigger picture – what’s good for your business is good for the town and the community.”. A not-for-profit tourism organisation, MWT Cymru’s activities are supported by 600 collaborating, member tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. "We want to use our skills and successful strategies from the tourism sector to support small businesses that may need that extra help," stressed Zoe. For more information about IMI Wales and how to get involved, please contact: www.imi.wales or [email protected] . New landlord Dan Tustain with Palé Hall director Calum Milne outside The Bryntirion Inn. The owners of one of Wales’ leading luxury country house hotels have added a neighbouring country pub to their estate, assuring existing customers that it will remain their ‘local’. Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, from Palé Hall, at Llandderfel, near Bala in April, have now purchased The Bryntirion Inn, which is situated at the bottom of the hotel’s drive. The pub is now closed for refurbishment until late August. Recruited to run the pub is Dan Tustain who discovered by chance that he’s following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John, who was also landlord of The Bryntirion Inn more than 50 years ago. Dan, 49, who has cousins still living in the Dee Valley, has opted for a complete career change, having spent the past two-and-a-half years as a front line Metropolitan Police officer in London. Prior that, he worked as a manager for Pret a Manger in West London and Selfridges food hall and at gastro pubs in Worcestershire, his home county. “It was only after I had been given the job at The Bryntirion Inn that I discovered that my grandfather, John Tustain, was landlord there for a number of years,” explained Dan. “Of all the places to work on the planet, I discover there is family history! “It’s an exciting new chapter in my life, as I have also been helping Tony and Donna with another local investment project. It’s like being on a very fast and exciting rollercoaster because they are moving at high speed in a positive direction.” Dan assured regular customers that The Bryntirion Inn will be updated sympathetically to retain its “local” appeal whilst also appealing to diners in the 70-cover restaurant. “It’s a beautiful, old, Welsh pub that hasn’t had any investment for around 30 years which means that it’s dated,” he explained. “It’s successful with a good, local trade but we need to up the game and bring it into the 21st century to realise its full potential. “I have heard of local concern that we are going to decorate it all grey and make it into pseudo gastro pub which is not the case. It will remain a local, Welsh pub with competitive prices so that locals don’t feel they are being priced out. “We are putting in a new kitchen and upgrading the menu to provide an even better experience for customers.” Having fallen in love with Palé Hall, Mr and Mrs Cooper-Barney are planning to invest in other local ventures to support the community and enhance Bala as a tourist destination. Ceredigion County Council launches summer roadshows with free activities for children and families22/7/2024 This summer, various teams from Ceredigion County Council will provide free summer activities for children, young people, and their families at three locations within Ceredigion with funding support from Cynnal Y Cardi.
Taking place at Plascrug and Cardigan leisure centres as well as Lampeter Wellbeing Centre, the roadshows will utilise Porth Cymorth Cynnar teams, including the Youth Service, Ceredigion Active and Family and Parenting Support, to offer free activities and information. External bodies such as Hywel Dda University Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police will also be on hand to offer information on healthcare. This will offer accessible opportunities to children, young people, and their families, and a sense of community engagement, in addition to advice and information for young people who may not be in education, employment or training. The roadshow also looks to promote the development of Welsh culture and skills. Greg Jones, Ceredigion County Council Corporate Lead Officer for Porth Cymorth Cynnar, said "This is an excellent opportunity to come and find out about the Council services available to families and young people, and at the same time enjoy free activities across the County this summer." Making use of staff expertise and available resources, some of the activities include inflatable games, facepainting and console games. The roadshows will take place on the following dates between 10.00 and 14.00: Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth – Friday 26 July; Cardigan Leisure Centre – Wednesday 14 August; Lampeter Wellbeing Hub – Thursday 22 August. For further information on the roadshows, please email [email protected] Representatives of Afan Cycles and the Vale of Rheidol Railway present the cheque for £875 to West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group. Steam and pedal power were used to good effect in the first ‘Race the Rails: Bike vs Train’ event to raise £875 for West Wales Prostrate Cancer Support Group. A collaboration between Vale of Rheidol Railway and Afan Cycles bike shop, the May event challenged cyclists to race the steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, with a choice of two testing routes. The winning cyclist was Rich Pizzey, who completed the course in 38 minutes, while the steam train took 57 minutes and was crewed by driver Jac Smith, fireman Tom Curtis and guard Barney Rampton. “We were astonished at the support we received,” said Mathew Milican of Afan Cycles. “It was the first event of its kind in Aberystwyth and it’s brilliant that local companies can work together to create such a fun, health-inspiring event in aid of a great local charity. “We look forward to next year and hope to gain more traction and make 'Race the Rails' an annual event for all to enjoy.” Phil Budd, Vale of Rheidol Railway event manager, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to help out. We are really pleased to support local charities in this way, as well as to collaborate with local businesses to raise money in the community around the railway.” The money raised will be donated to the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group, a patient-led group of volunteers working West and South West Wales. The group supports prostate cancer patients and their families and friends, as well as working with other agencies to improve awareness, education, diagnosis therapy and support for men with the disease. Men over the age of 50 are encouraged to seek professional advice and request regular tests from their own GP to identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland. Group chairman c said: “We owe a big thank you to the teams at both Afan Cycles and the Vale of Rheidol Railway for organising the event, as well as to the participants. The money raised will help us continue supporting patients with prostate cancer in the Hywel Dda area.” The race day itself was a huge success, helped by warm sunshine throughout the day. Two Hoots Tea Room provided a welcoming BBQ for cyclists at Devil’s Bridge, whilst live music helped competitors and their families to relax after their efforts. The event will return in 2025 in an enlarged format, with entries available via Afan Cycles in the new year. |
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