Matt Hirst aims for three in a row at the Get Jerky Rally North Wales. The Get Jerky Rally North Wales returns to Welshpool for the second successive year on Saturday [March 16] as some of the most closely fought rally series in the country head for the nearby forests to do battle.
Sponsored once again by the Welshpool-based Get Jerky brand of beef jerky snacks, the popular gravel stage rally, organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club has attracted an impressive entry of over 100 cars. They will tackle world-famous rally stages, such as Dyfnant and Gartheiniog, in an action-packed day of motorsport in the region. A revised format for 2024 sees the Welshpool Livestock Market become the hub of the rally all weekend, with pre-event formalities taking place at the facility on Friday. The location will also host the ceremonial start at 07:30am on Saturday, mid-event service and then the finish celebrations at around 4:45pm. The stages themselves will be alive with top-drawer talent from the Fuchs Lubricants Motorsport UK British Historic Rally Championship and Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship. They will be joined by contenders in the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the MINI Rally Challenge. Top seed in the Historic field is Riponian Rally winner George Lepley and co-driver Dale Bowen in their impressive Mitsubishi Galant VR4. The stunning machine was a fan-favourite in Yorkshire last month and the pairing will undoubtedly be looking to add a second win to their tally this season. Joe Price and Chris Brooks lead the Ford Escort MKII march in their regular Rally North Wales outing. They won the Historic category last year, but only by three seconds in a final stage thriller. They will be chased down by British Historic Rally Championship [BHRC] leaders Matt Robinson and Sam Collis. Nick Elliott and Dave Price resume their BHRC title chase in their stunning FIAT 131 Abarth and have valuable experience of the stages, thanks to being former winners of the event. Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney bring the noise with their raucous Porsche 911, whilst 2021 BHRC champions Ben Friend and Cliffy Simmons return to the series after a year away in their Escort MKII. Whetting the appetite of rally fans across the UK, an exciting name appears inside the top 10 this year in the form of 1996 British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans. The Dolgellau driver will pilot a Ford Escort MKII and hasn’t been on gravel since 2014 but is always an entertaining watch. Having supported son Elfyn in the World Rally Championship for many years, appearances are rare, but the popular driver makes his first appearance in the event since 2010. Dale Furniss will co-drive. If that wasn’t enough, another former British champion turned film stunt driver, Mark Higgins, will make a rare appearance on the stages in a Triumph TR7 V8. The three-time title holder is also the man behind many of the James Bond car scenes but swaps the tux for a Triumph for the weekend, with Carl Williamson on the notes. Back-to-back Rally North Wales winners Matt Hirst and Declan Dear head up the main field and four-wheel drive charge in their Fiesta R5. Trevor Gamble and Phil Kenny are the second seeds in their Rally2 version of the Fiesta whilst Dan O’Brien makes a rare outing in the UK in his Fiesta World Rally Car alongside Mark Glennerster. A wealth of top-flight crews will be fighting for honours in the forests and fans will be able to catch up with the cars and crews at a variety of venues during the day. Welshpool Livestock Market hosts the start, with crews leaving from 7:30am on Saturday. Access is free and offers a chance to view the cars up close. Two excellent viewing areas are available in the forests with Big Ray offering the first opportunity from 9:15am. The stage is accessed from the A487 at Esgairgeliog and is run twice during the day, the second pass at 2:20pm. Dyfnant is also run twice, with the first passing at 10:50am and the second, and final stage of the rally, at 4pm. The test can be found off the B4395, just north of Llangadfan on the A458. Access to each Spectator Stage costs £15 per car, per location and 50 per cent of the car park proceeds are donated to local charitable organisations. Crews will return to Welshpool Livestock Market at 4:45pm for the finish celebrations and once again access is free for all. For more information and to see further details for spectators, visit: www.rallynorthwales.co.uk/spectators .
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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.
From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling. This includes:
Further guidance is available to help you improve your current waste collection and ensure your workplace is fully compliant with the new regulations from April 2024: The Business of Recycling Wales Guidance for all workplaces (wrapcymru.org.uk) In its role as regulator, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will be responsible for overseeing the separation requirements and the bans on waste going to incineration and landfill. The team at NRW is on hand to help workplaces comply with the new regulations and manage their waste in the right way: Natural Resources Wales / Separated waste collections for workplaces 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. On St David's Day, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language launched a Cultural Ambassadors scheme to promote the Welsh language, culture and heritage.
Any person or business can volunteer to become an ambassador by completing short interactive modules on the history of the Welsh language and its position today. Using just a little bit of Cymraeg can make a big difference and offer key benefits to your business. Helo Blod provides a free, fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice service. Find out more on Welcome to Helo Blod | Helo Blod (gov.wales)
Zoe succeeds Val Hawkins, MBE, who retires after 25 years of leadership and more than 40 years working in the tourism sector. Val’s contributions to the organisation and the wider industry were recognised last year when she was awarded an MBE for her services to tourism and the Welsh economy.
“I am deeply honoured to carry on the legacy of Val's exceptional leadership and am dedicated to further building upon the strong foundation she has established,” added Zoe. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, Machynlleth-based MWT Cymru stands as a vital support system for more than 600 independent tourism-related businesses in the Mid Wales region. The organisation aims to serve these businesses by advocating on their behalf at both regional and national levels, ensuring their voices are heard in pivotal discussions affecting the future of tourism and our rural economy. Val expressed confidence in Zoe's leadership. "After 25 years of service to MWT Cymru, I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished together," she said. "I have full faith in Zoe's abilities to lead MWT Cymru into its next chapter, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members for their unwavering support throughout my tenure." Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru Chairman and director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, added: “With her valuable knowledge and experience, Zoe is well placed to continue to support MWT Cymru member in the months and years ahead,” he said. Since joining MWT Cymru in 2010, Zoe has played a pivotal role in various initiatives, joining as a business development officer, digital projects manager and then operations manager in 2019. "Mid Wales is blessed with a vibrant community of independent businesses that not only contribute to our local economy but also serve as a unique draw for our tourism market," added Zoe. "Our region's identity is intricately intertwined with its farming heritage, close-knit communities and family-owned businesses. It's imperative that we collaborate to safeguard and promote these assets." Zoe says MWT Cymru will continue to prioritise collaboration and support among its members, emphasising the importance of working together to bolster the tourism sector and support rural businesses. She also emphasised the organisation's steadfast commitment to representing it member businesses at a regional and national level, as well as serving as a comprehensive resource for them, facilitating growth and promoting Mid Wales as a premier tourism destination.
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. An open day is being held at Garwnant Visitor Centre on the southern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons National Park on March 16, 10am - 4pm, to showcase the events and activities of community interest company Walking the Brecon Beacons. Founded in 2016 by directors Dai Powell, Janine Price and Carl Llewellyn, Walking the Brecon Beacons, also known as WTBB, has a growing Facebook group with over 31k members and was recently filmed to appear on ITV’s Coast and Country. Walking the Brecon Beacons organises a variety of events and activities, such as guided hikes, nature cleanups, educational workshops, and mindfulness sessions which seek to deepen people’s connections with nature and strengthen bonds within the local community. The company works with local outdoor providers such as ROC Outdoor Adventure to provide professionally led activities and supports the four mountain rescue teams within Bannau Brycheiniog via fundraising and collaboration. “Everyone is welcome to attend the open day and there is no need to book in advance,” said Walking the Brecon Beacons Director, Janine Price. “At WTBB we are driven by our passion for the environment, physical and mental health, spending time in the great outdoors and continuing to develop an inclusive community. To that end we have recently formed as a community interest company and our mission is to create a thriving space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to share their love for nature, engage in outdoor activities, and support each other on their personal journeys, both in person and online. Through responsible practices and education, we aim to leave a positive impact on the environment for generations to come. Nature has so much to offer, and we encourage our members to explore and appreciate the wonders of the Brecon Beacons. Whether it’s hiking, wildlife observation, we encourage all forms of outdoor exploration and activities. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone to share their stories, knowledge, and love for the outdoors.” Garwnant Visitor Centre, the base for WTTB and location of the Open Day on March 16, lies within 400 acres of woodland on the northern edge of Llwyn-on reservoir. The centre is the starting point for walking trails, nature trails, mountain biking routes, and a fully accessible trail for wheelchair users and buggies. Walking the Brecon Beacons is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. For more information, visit www.mwtcymru.co.uk
The 120th birthday of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), which continues to play a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural economy, was celebrated by members and guests during an event at the Houses of Parliament. A gathering of influential landowners came together on February 26, 1904 to form the Welsh National Agricultural Society, an organisation that would later become the RWAS. That meeting took place in Committee Room 12 in the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London. Exactly 120 years later, in the same room, the RWAS celebrated the history of the organisation and how it has grown to host the Royal Welsh Show, one of the largest agricultural shows in Europe. Curators from the National Library of Wales presented a selection of archive material including a minute book relating to the first meeting, the first journal, entry forms and catalogue from the first show held in Aberystwyth in 1904. Several archived photographs of the Royal Welsh Show and other historic artefacts, such as balance sheets, council reports, the original membership form, leaflets and pamphlets, were also on display. The event was sponsored by Fay Jones, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, who welcomed guests to the Houses of Parliament on such an ‘auspicious day’. A proud supporter of the Royal Welsh, she has attended the summer show for as long as she can remember. “This is an incredible milestone in the society’s history and, as we look to the future, I could not think of a better time to be talking about the importance of Welsh agriculture and everything the society does for Welsh rural life,” said Fay. “I hope this is not even halfway in your fantastic history. A huge congratulations to the society for all that you have achieved in the last 120 years.” Guests heard from National Library of Wales director of communications, Rhian Gibson and curators from the Department of Archives and Manuscripts and Photographic Collection. “The National Library of Wales is very proud of its partnership with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society,” said Rhian. The library, founded in 1907, is the centre of research into the culture and heritage of Wales and the Celtic nations. It holds a huge amount of collections, including seven million books and newspapers, seven million feet of film, one and a half million maps, 950,000 photographs and 60,000 works of art. It’s the place to view Wales’ treasures. Rhian urged guests to visit the collections and support the national library. “Like all Welsh cultural institutions, the library is currently facing serious challenges, at the same time farming communities are fighting to save their future,” she said. “The Welsh National Library and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, in the decades since their founding, have worked relentlessly to preserve and enrich the land and heritage of Wales, to ensure that it is there for generations to come. We must continue with this invaluable, crucial and important work.” During that first general meeting in 1904, founders and supporters passed a number of rules on the society’s constitution and decreed that its aims should be to improve the breeding of stock and encourage agriculture throughout Wales. Several rules were recorded in the first leather-bound minute book on display during the event. The first being, ‘to hold an annual show, the object of which to get the best of stock from all parts exhibited in Wales.’ The first show was held a few months later in Aberystwyth on August 3 and 4. It is fitting that Ceredigion is the show’s feature county this year to celebrate the 120th anniversary. Today, the RWAS is a national institution loved throughout Wales and beyond, not only by farmers and the rural community but by people from all walks of life, many of whom have come to regard the Royal Welsh Show as the highlight of their year. RWAS officials - chief executive Aled Rhys Jones, chair of council Nicola Davies and chair of board of directors Professor Wynne Jones - spoke about the past, present, and future of the society and plans to develop the permanent 150-acre site in Llanelwedd. “We’ve heard today about the founding objectives of the society and it is striking how relevant they still are today,” said Aled. “The agricultural landscape of Wales has changed enormously and is facing a period of accelerated change. “The role of the Royal Welsh is to be a constant. A constant champion of Welsh farming whilst celebrating our unique culture and heritage. “We see our role as a society bridging the divide between rural and urban communities, engaging with the public, raising awareness of food production, fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the wider value of agriculture and growing public confidence in our industry.” Secretary of State for Wales, David T. C. Davies congratulated the RWAS on its 120th anniversary and thanked the National Library of Wales for the work it is doing to protect the culture and history of Wales. He emphasised the importance of farming, with 80% of the land in Wales currently under the care of farmers. “The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society does such sterling work on behalf of farming and the rural communities in Wales,” he added. “Farming is such a vital sector, employing over 50,000 people in Wales, contributing to our economy and essential, of course, to ensuring that we all have food and drink to sustain us.” Commenting on the success of the day, Aled added: “It was such a special occasion, everyone felt enormously privileged to be in the very room where it all started, soaking up 120 years of history. “We also felt a huge sense of responsibility to protect and enhance this wonderful institution for years to come. We are extremely grateful for the support from the National Library of Wales and that we could hold an event coinciding with Wales in London Week. On to the next 120 years and more!” Images: Crown Copyright, Welsh Lavender Princes and poets; castles and comedy nights: A project which aims to put Powys on the map, by celebrating its culture and heritage, is now underway. Anian Ltd is working with Powys County Council to identify new ways to bring the area's cultural stories to life - to make them more accessible for local people, and relevant to future visitors. The aim is to build interest and pride in Powys’ rich history and contemporary culture. So, if you live or work in Powys, or enjoy visiting the county, the team wants your input! Share your thoughts about the area's outstanding cultural and heritage experiences, and how they can be developed in innovative ways for the benefit of visitors and local communities. You can have your say by completing this short online survey: http://tinyurl.com/anianpowys Or come along to one of the interactive workshops taking place on Wednesday 13 March. Book your free space now: Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, SY17 5SB, 10am – 12pm. BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/847024923347?aff=oddtdtcreator Or Welsh Lavender, Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis, Builth Wells LD2 3HU, 2.30pm – 5pm. BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/847170458647?aff=oddtdtcreator Coffee, cake, and exclusive tours with both business owners are included. Spaces are FREE and open to everyone, but tickets are limited. Visitors to Welsh Lavender are also invited to take a wild swim in the site’s natural pond after the session! For more information on the Powys Cultural Tourism Study, email: tourism@powys.gov.uk The project is funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up). |
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