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.
0 Comments
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 .
There will also be a host of children’s outdoor activities, such as bug hunts, outdoor play, and arts and crafts that children love. For those who simply want to soak up the natural beauty of the area and enjoy being outdoors, there will be a range of delicious catered food and drink options or they can simply bring their own. For tickets and more information, visit www.wellsynergy.wales . Organiser Janine Price said: “There really will be something for everyone and we have deliberately kept ticket prices affordable, as we would love to see lots of families share the weekend. “We have been overwhelmed by the show of support so far. The event is already fostering a real sense of community from those who will be on hand to share their expertise alongside the amazing local businesses offering delicious food, original craft stalls and our mountain rescue heroes. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, share an uplifting weekend and create some memories as we head into autumn.” Chris Thomas, of ROC Outdoor Adventure and joint festival founder, added: "Anything that gets people embracing and enjoying the outdoors in any capacity is a great thing. We have such an outstanding natural resource on our doorstep. “This festival is an amazing opportunity, not only for community building but to also to encourage exploring the benefits of outdoor activity and all nature has to offer, including wellness practices, walking and even relaxation techniques. “It’s a deliberately inclusive event designed for all ages and with family budgets very much mind. We really are aiming for there to be something for everyone" A range of affordable accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is available, ranging from luxury onsite and local accommodation, to a range of on-site camping options, including camper vans allowing ground campfires and barbecues and welcoming well-behaved dogs on leads. ![]() Wellsynergy Festival site. The new Garden Courtyard at the Metropole Hotel and Spa One of leading hotels and event venues in Mid Wales has unveiled an impressive new garden courtyard just in time for the wedding season and summer. The Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells says the outdoor transformation is set to redefine luxury and elegance in the historic spa town. As part of the rejuvenation of the hotel’s outdoor spaces, the courtyard seamlessly extends the renowned Garden Suite and is poised to become a favoured spot for customers and wedding guests alike. "Our new Garden Courtyard is an incredible addition to the Garden Suite function area," said Lauren Bingley, the hotel’s sales manager. "It's a versatile and beautiful space, perfect for wedding ceremonies, drink receptions, conferences, motor clubs, outdoor wellbeing events and more." Lauren’s vision for the Garden Courtyard was brought to life by Nathan Jones and his talented team at Little Shed, a dynamic new landscape company from Newtown. This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the hotel's outdoor areas, including the installation of a solar panel garden and the upcoming creation of a sensory biodiversity garden to support wild habitats. The Garden Courtyard is open as a beer garden throughout the week and available for exclusive hire. To book the space, contact Lauren at [email protected]. President Denley Jenkins’ opening address at the annual meeting “There can be fewer greater privileges in life than being elected president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society,” Denley Jenkins told the annual meeting held in Ceredigion, featured county at this year’s Royal Welsh Show. He thanked the team and committees across Ceredigion for organising fundraising events, making special mention of ambassador Esyllt Griffiths and her family for their support. Held at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, in Mr Jenkins’ home area, the meeting reviewed last year’s achievements and looked forward to this year’s show, to be held at the Llanelwedd showground from July 22-25. Chair of RWAS Council Mrs Nicola Davies thanked Ceredigion on its efforts over the past year. Prof. Wynne Jones, OBE, chair of the RWAS Board of Directors, said there had been “a significant” financial turnaround and he thanked chief executive Aled Rhys Jones for his vision to refresh all the society’s activities. He thanked RWAS sponsors and members whom, he said, will have increased representation on a new membership committee. He praised the RWAS for its media campaign against the Welsh Government’s proposed change of summer school term times and declared the society’s support for rural communities to deal with political challenges. Prof. Wynne noted the successes of last year’s events under Glamorgan feature county and praised the new food village ‘Gwledd’ which had provided a relaxing, safe place for families to enjoy. Last year’s show was opened by three young people who were part of the RWAS’s Rural Leadership Programme, including Esyllt Griffiths, Ceredigion’s Ambassador this year who will represent the county on the RWAS Board. Prof. Jones emphasised the importance of initiatives, such as inviting 3,000 school children to the Winter Fair for free, which connect with young people from non-rural areas. RWAS had a “huge job to do in educating people about food production”, he added RWAS chief executive Mr Jones outlined the exciting programme of events for this year’s show. Horticulture returns along with two competition marquees, a new skills and learning hub called Dysgubor, a sensory garden, micro show gardens, commercial stands and a food and drink court. Poultry is also returning following the lifting of Avian Flu restrictions, the Dancing Diggers will entertain in the main ring and there will be a unique display to mark the RWAS’s 120th anniversary. The forestry area will also be a hive of activity with the much-loved pole climbing competition reintroduced. Visit www.rwas.wales for more information about the RWAS and Royal Welsh Show. People taking part in Beyond Breakout’s ‘Cluetivity’ outdoor escape game. Accommodation and attraction providers and event organisers are being invited to an open day at Newtown escape rooms attraction Beyond Breakout next month to discover the potential for collaboration. Beyond Breakout, based on the fourth floor of the Royal Welsh Building (post code SY16 1BJ) has been open for five years but will be converting to a mobile business from September 1. Preparing for the launch of the mobile business, the company is organising an open day on July 17 at 11am, when accommodation and attraction providers and event organisers will have the opportunity to play an outdoor escape game free of charge. The game takes around two hours and visitors will be treated to refreshments on their return when they will be able to discuss collaboration opportunities with Lorna Morris and Jo Woodall, Beyond Breakout partners. Claire Owen, MWT Cymru’s membership and marketing manager, will also be there to discuss the benefits of becoming a member of the independent organisation which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. “As we move forward and pivot our offering, we thought it would be the perfect timing to hold an open day to share what we have to offer,” explained Lorna. “Far from losing a popular local attraction, this is a chance for accommodation providers to bring an activity to their site, to entertain their guests.” Lorna and Jo, who design all the escape room games themselves, offer outdoor games, events, educational packages for schools and tailored corporate team building activities across Wales. The business organises pop up and outdoor games that are perfectly suited to tourism businesses looking to offer something different to engage and entertain their guests. To book a place at the open day, accommodation providers are asked to email Beyond Breakout at [email protected] saying how many people will be attending. Crossgates Primary School pupils with the new beech tree rounds. Dwr Cymru’s Elan Valley Visitor Centre has recently donated several beech tree rounds to Crossgates Primary School for pupils to use as seats or tables as part of their outdoor learning. “We came up with the idea of donating felled wood on an Outdoor Learning Practitioner training course, when a fellow course mate from Crossgates Primary School mentioned that their existing rounds were rotting and no longer usable,” said Dŵr Cymru Ranger Beth Rees. “As we were felling beech trees the next day, we thought that while the brash could be left as habitat, we could donate some beech rounds for the children to enjoy.” Crossgates learners have been enjoying the new space: “The log area is good for talking to friends and playing,” said pupil Mia, while schoolmate Honor added: “The log area is a lovely place to calm down and relax” and Lowri enjoys “walking round on and acting like their stepping stones.” The large beech tree was felled alongside other beeches near Dol y Mynach Reservoir, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the Celtic Rainforests in the Elan Valley. Beech trees, although native to the UK, are not native to Powys. When they fall, beech leaves cover the ground in leaf litter and smother the mosses and lichens growing on the forest floor. Also, their dense canopy blocks sunlight to lower plants, and only a small number of species that can tolerate high levels of shade can survive. Celtic Rainforest is a very rare habitat, which only exists in mild, damp conditions; often along the Western Seaboard of the UK. These woods thrive in places that receive more than 200 days of rain a year. A mature Atlantic Sessile Oak, a key species in Celtic Rainforests, can support more than 400 species. Aside from felling non-native trees, work to protect the Celtic Rainforests includes controlling invasive species, such as bracken and Rhododendron. Also, halo thinning, the practice of removing smaller saplings and trees beneath a mature tree to reduce competition and increase wildlife, such as wood warblers, pied flycatchers and redstart. Salop Leisure associate director Ed Glover with the Outstanding Customer Service Award Exceptional customer service delivered by Shrewsbury-based caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure has been recognised again – this time by business peers in the company’s home county. Salop Leisure directors and staff are celebrating after winning the Outstanding Customer Service Award at the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards, held at Telford’s International Centre last Friday night. The company is a past winner of the Shropshire Business of the Year. “We are so proud to win this prestigious award which reflects our company’s core values - providing good, old fashioned customer service to the best of our ability every day,” said Salop Leisure associate director Ed Glover. “We never rest on our laurels, as we constantly strive to provide an even better service to our customers. I would like to thank our whole workforce for the enormous contribution they make to the success of the company. “It means a great deal to us to be recognised by business peers here in Shropshire, our home county.” 2024 is turning into another memorable year for Salop Leisure, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026. Already this year, the company has been named the UK’s top supplying dealer of both new and pre-owned touring caravans in The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024 organised by Camping and Caravanning Club members and Practical Caravan magazine readers. Salop Leisure was also named Swift Group’s Best Overall Dealership of the Year. The significance of all these awards is that they are decided by customer surveys, the acid test for any business. Salop Leisure is a one-stop-shop for customers, who can buy, service, repair and store their touring caravans and motorhomes in Shrewsbury. The company was a caravan industry pioneer when opening its workshops for servicing and repairs seven days a week. Selling caravan holiday homes, luxury lodges and glamping accommodation, the company works with caravan parks across the Heart of England and Mid Wales. Salop Leisure’s headquarters has become a tourism destination, housing Love Coffee restaurant and Love Plants, a specialist plants centre. On site facilities include secure caravan and motorhome storage, winner of the CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) platinum award. Adjoining Salop Leisure’s headquarters is the company’s multi-award-winning Love2Stay glamping and touring caravan resort.
The two treasures went to the schools and pupils had the opportunity to take part in workshops by the library’s education service team.
Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, library chief executive, said: “The education team does excellent work in providing experiences that meet the requirements of the curriculum by using the library's treasures. “This is a project at the heart of our mission to inspire future generations to learn and to create by going out into those communities and sharing the wealth of our culture which has deep roots in their locality.” Lois Jones, National Trust senior programming and partnership officer, said the trust is prioritising the inclusion of young people in its work at Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant - birthplace of William Morgan.. “By working with the library on this plan, we have been able to offer a package of experiences to the children which will strengthen the local community’s relationship with Tŷ Mawr and William Morgan’s story.” Elliw Roberts, Ysgol Gynradd Penmachno headteacher, said: “It was a privilege and an unforgettable experience for the pupils, staff and governors of Ysgol Penmachno to welcome the 1588 Bible, together with a portrait of Bishop William Morgan, to the school for a day. “It was an amazing occasion and certainly one that will be treasured here at Ysgol Penmachno for years to come.” On Friday, July 12, both schools will visit the library to see where the two items are kept safe and to learn more about the national collections and how they are preserved for future generations. As part of the project, the children will also visit the birthplace of William Morgan, Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, which is in the care of the National Trust, to learn about how he lived when he was a young child, and what inspired him to learn. In addition, the schools will hold a day of art workshops, during which the artist Eleri Jones will visit the schools to show the pupils how to paint portraits. The library’s work to take masterpieces to schools is part of the strategy to reach out to communities across Wales and support participation in cultural, educational and artistic activities for children and young people.
The Welsh Blonde features In the Welsh Wind Signature Style gin, elderflower cordial, freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice, Lillet Blanc aperitif wine and two shakes of lemon juice. “We’re thrilled to welcome Taylor Swift to Cardiff and wanted to honour her visit in a way that truly represents our local heritage,” said Ellen Wakelam, In the Welsh Wind Distillery co-founder. “Personally, I’m a huge fan and can’t wait to see her show in Cardiff. Our Welsh Blonde cocktail is a celebration of the vibrant flavours of Wales, combined with the elegance of Taylor’s favourite drink. We hope it adds an extra sparkle to her stay and to all her fans enjoying the concert.” Locally distilled In the Welsh Wind Signature Style gin adds a robust, aromatic base to the cocktail, embodying the spirit of Wales. The elderflower cordial brings a fragrant and floral sweetness, capturing the essence of the Welsh countryside in June. Not typically Welsh, red grapefruit offers a zesty and refreshing citrus note, perfectly balancing the drink's sweetness. Staying true to the Welsh Blonde’s roots, French aperitif wine Lillet Blanc adds a touch of sophistication and depth and lemon juice enhances the vibrant flavours of the serve with a subtle tartness. To prepare the Welsh Blonde, shake the ingredients until the cocktail shaker is almost too cold to touch - about 15 to 20 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass or a short tumbler, then garnish with a grapefruit peel for a final touch of elegance. To prepare your own Welsh Blonde: Serves 1 50ml In the Welsh Wind Signature Style gin, 25ml Elderflower cordial 75ml freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice, 25ml Lillet Blanc 2 shakes of lemon juice |
Archives
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
April 2020
March 2020
November 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
January 2018
November 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
Categories |