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Strata Florida Trust will be running 10 brand new courses, along with well-loved favourites, in its 2026 course programme. From spoon carving and leather satchel making, to botanical dyeing techniques, history, literature and photography, there’s a range of skills to discover this year. Strata Florida is a 12th century former Cistercian Abbey near Pontrhydfendigaid which is managed by the trust, an independent charity which purchased the adjoining historic farm of Mynachlog Fawr in 2016. The trust is new restoring and converting the farm buildings and has re-opened the Abbey Visitor Centre. Courses will be delivered by Ceredigion-based experts and crafters. Willow Murton will deliver herbal foraging, Dafydd Wyn Morgan will focus on night photography, David Austin, Dafydd Johnston and resident poet Eurig Salisbury will deliver courses on historic landscape and literature and artist Marian Haf will deliver a printing with packaging workshop. “I am delighted to be running a series of herbal workshops at Strata Florida,” said Willow ,the herbal foraging coursel leader. “Each of the three courses offers seasonal medicine making and learning as we explore the surrounding hedgerows and fields. I hope that 2026 is a year of herbal health for us all.” Susan Barry, of Notch Handmade Tregaron, said: 'My No-Sew satchel workshop is about making something useful and well-crafted, without overcomplicating the process. I'm very much looking forward to running the course in the beautiful setting of Strata Florida.” Carys Aldous-Hughes, Strata Florida Trust operational director, said: “We are delighted to be working with so many Ceredigion-based tutors to deliver our programme in 2026. There is a fantastic range of new skills to try and we look forward to welcoming course participants to Strata Florida.” The programme of courses stretches throughout the year in addition to the trust’s annual summer archaeology field school. A programme of free events, children’s school holiday activity days and bookable guided tours in both English and Welsh are also available. Those who book three courses get 25% off the third course and discounts are available to volunteers. To find out more about the full programme of courses, visit the trust’s website: https://www.strataflorida.org.uk/courses.html or email: [email protected]
 The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth was in the national spotlight, as a vital hub for green skills, climate solutions and STEM education, during a Westminster debate today (Wednesday). Montgomeryshire Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden extolled the pioneering work of CAT during a Westminster Hall debate on the valuable role of Science and Discovery Centres in delivering the UK’s national science and technology priorities. The debate formed part of a national Science Centres For Our Future campaign spearheaded by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC). The campaign calls on the UK Government to provide £19.5m match-funding to address urgent infrastructure risks and secure the future of these centres. The centres, located across the UK, play a unique role in inspiring curiosity, building public trust in new technologies and developing the skills needed for future growth. They reach millions of people each year - including thousands of schoolchildren - and help address the UK’s critical STEM skills shortage, estimated to cost the economy £1.5 billion a year. Supported by an open letter signed by over 3,100 scientists, academics and business leaders, the debate called for Government recognition and investment to secure the future of these centres, which are currently excluded from infrastructure funding available to museums and libraries. CAT has been pioneering sustainability for more than 50 years, combining cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future. Postgraduate degrees and professional training at CAT equip individuals with expertise in renewable energy, sustainable building and environmental science - skills critical to achieving the UK’s net-zero and industrial strategy goals. Mr Witherden spoke about his own personal relationship with CAT and explained why it’s so important for the region. “My connection with science centres - and in particular, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr’s own Centre for Alternative Technology - is deeply personal. It is, in fact, the reason I am here today representing my constituency. “My father was the first in his family to go to university, where he studied Agricultural Economics. After graduating, my parents moved to Montgomeryshire in the 1970s and settled in Machynlleth. They were among the founding members of the CAT, one of the oldest science centres in the UK. CAT is truly the jewel in the crown of Montgomeryshire, a centre that has always been ahead of its time in pioneering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. “For over half a century, CAT has combined cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero -carbon future. It is not just a centre; it is a catalyst for change - locally, nationally and globally.” CAT’s impact reaches far beyond Mid Wales. It trains hundreds of postgraduate students each year and delivers carbon literacy programmes to councils across the UK. It also and inspires thousands of schoolchildren through workshops and STEM engagement initiatives, such as Bold Futures, which empowers young people to imagine and create positive visions for a sustainable future. The debate demonstrated strong cross-party support for science centres and urged ministers to work with the sector on solutions to ensure they can continue inspiring future generations and supporting national priorities in science, technology and sustainability. Open to members of the public, the debate called on the Government to recognise Science and Discovery Centres as vital national assets and to provide the support needed to secure their future. The debate maybe viewed at: https://www.sciencecentres.org.uk/news/mps-to-debate-the-impact-of-science-and-discovery-centres-on-national-science-and-technology-priorities/ . For more information about CAT and its work, visit www.cat.org.uk   The co-owner of an award-winning holiday retreat, which opened its doors in the rolling hills of Mid Wales last year, has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs. Retired geography teacher, Steph MacDonald, established Quabbs Cabin - https://quabbscabin.com/ - on a sheep farm at Rhos y Meirch, Knighton with her builder husband, Paul. Offering guests a chance to unwind in nature while embracing sustainability and wildlife spotting, Quabbs Cabin has achieved a Quality Assured Glamping Site gold award from Visit Wales. Now Steph will be featured alongside other leading female founders from across the country as part of Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, which celebrates UK female entrepreneur talent. The campaign website - https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2026/ - states: “Steph is proof that life’s busiest seasons can also be its most meaningful. Managing the cabin, promoting sustainability, looking after the flock and tending the land with her husband. “Out of this rhythm of resilience and love grew Quabbs Cabin, a sustainable, hand-built retreat crafted from reclaimed materials, designed for peace and seclusion. “Steph’s entrepreneurial spirit lies in weaving beauty and purpose from challenge, offering guests not just a stay but a slower, deeper way of living. Her story shows that with vision, heart, and grit, anything can be built.” Steph discovered the campaign last summer and was invited to write to Small Business Britain. She thought no more about it until she was informed last month that she had been selected in the top 100 female entrepreneurs in 2026, which were announced on Tuesday. “Having had a full-time job for decades, working on my own is very different but I am enjoying running the farm and Quabbs Cabin,” she said. “Although I am surprised, it’s great to be selected in the top 100 female entrepreneurs. “It can only be good to get recognition for women who quite often run a business alongside juggling family life, the school run and everything that goes with it! “I would now love to support other female accommodation businesses by bringing them together for a cup of tea to share their stories.” Sharing a love of nature, conservation and farm diversification, Steph and Paul designed Quabbs Cabin with eco-conscious travellers in mind, using repurposed materials and incorporating off-grid elements to create a rustic yet luxurious escape. The MacDonalds also own a flock of 80 pedigree Zwartbles sheep on their 16-acre farm, which they purchased five years ago. Quabbs Cabin is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent membership organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). The f:Entrepreneur Campaign was launched by Michelle Ovens CBE from Small Business Britain on International Women’s Day 2017 to celebrate dynamic and inspirational businesses led by women in the UK. The campaign aims to increase the number of female-owned businesses from 20% to 30% by 2030. Through events, content and story-telling, f:Entrepreneur showcases role models to help and inspire all small businesses.
 Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse Strata Florida Trust will be running an information and community consultation session at Pantyfedwen Hall, Pontrhydfendigaid about future plans for Mynachlog Fawr Farmhouse at Strata Florida on Thursday, January 22 from 2pm to 6pm. The trust is currently running a project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry our interim repair works to the farmhouse, ahead of future restoration. In addition to the building repair works, the project includes the removal and cataloguing of the remaining contents of the farmhouse and specialist conservation of the iconic painting ‘Choice of Youth’. The event, which is open to all, will provide information about the current interim works project, including the conservation of the painting, along with an opportunity to suggest ideas and discuss options for how Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse will be conserved in future. How people connect to the farmhouse and how the community would like to see the farmhouse conserved are among the questions the trust is keen to gather opinions on to inform future plans. Carys Aldous-Hughes, Strata Florida Trust operations director, said: “The farmhouse is an iconic and well-loved listed building and we are keen to create discussions and hear ideas from the community to help us to develop plans for the future conservation and protection of this beautiful, historic building.” For more information about the trust and its ongoing work and projects visit www.strataflorida.org.uk or contact Carys on 01974 831760 or email: [email protected].
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 Participants at an LPIP Innovation Lab Event held at CAT. Organisations from across Mid and West Wales are coming together in January for a landmark, interactive futures-thinking event, Living the Future.
The event, to be held at the Aberystwyth Bandstand from 10am to 3:30pm on Wednesday, January 21, will celebrate 10 years of inspiring action since the launch of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and renew ambition for the next decade. Innovative projects, enterprises and forward-thinking organisations already putting the act’s seven well-being goals into practice will be showcased. Attendees will take part in participatory activities, exploring the power of imagination, collective visioning and futures methodologies to support a thriving future for the region. Speakers will include Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, alongside local changemakers. This event is a collaboration between the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth, Porthi Aber, Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales, The Welsh Government, The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner, Hwb Dyfodol and Public Health Wales. “Futures thinking and long-term planning are such important tools for shaping decision-making that benefits future generations,” said Petranka Malcheva, policy lead for health, long-term thinking and prevention at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner. Rachel Tuckett, who leads CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain Innovation Lab, explained: “The future isn’t something ‘out there’ waiting for us; it’s something we shape together through the decisions we make and the way we show up every day. “We’ve called this event ‘Living the Future’ because how we live today shapes the future we get tomorrow.” Chris Woodfield, a Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales sustainability trainer and a co-director of Porthi Aber, formerly Aber Food Surplus, said: “There is so much fantastic work already happening in Mid and West Wales to bring about a positive, thriving future. “We want to celebrate that, while making space to imagine bold, beautiful visions of our shared future, to guide our collective action.” Open to all sectors and professions, the event invites participants from across Wales who are striving to create positive, sustainable futures. It’s an opportunity to build cross-sector relationships, share learning and celebrate local achievements, from grassroots community efforts to regional strategic initiatives. Building on a series of 2025 events, including ‘Light Up the Future and the Future Generations Action Summit’, the Aberystwyth event will bring a distinctly local focus, shining a light on Mid and West Wales’ unique strengths and ambitions. The event is free, but registration is essential. To reserve a space, go to https://cynnalcymru.com/21-january-living-the-future/ ..  The JFK 1963 Interactive Theatre Dining Experience. Imagine you can turn back time to November 22,1963, location is Dallas, Texas, President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade is passing and you have a chance to stop his assassination!
That sets the scene for the JFK 1963 Interactive Theatre Dining Experience which is being hosted by The Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells on Saturday, February 28 next year. Tickets are now on sale for what the hotel is describing as a “fully immersive American-themed evening where you become part of history”. Guests will be encouraged to dress in 1960s fashion and work with fellow guests to solve puzzles, decode clues and race against the clock to help the motorcade through Texas. The guests will be greeted by Texan officials who will point them in the direction of their tables which will be named after an American agency. They are there to help with the motorcade through Texas. The performers engage with the guests as if it is 1963. The room is given two hours to complete the task, which is counted down on a projector screen and a prize is given to the agency that finishes first. The evening is split into three parts: Part 1 is designed to get people up on their feet and interact with one another. Part 2 sees agents trying to figure out evidence retrieved from Jacqueline Kennedy’s handbag. Part 3 is the climax of mission. A coding breaking, puzzle piecing, teamwork effort with just 10 minutes left before the motorcade begins. An original soundtrack of ‘60s style music is played throughout the event. Because show ending has very graphic scenes filmed of the president’s assassination, teenagers aged 15 plus must be accompanied by an adult. Histoire Productions, the team behind the hugely successful Titanic: Queen of the Ocean event hosted at the hotel in 2025, will be presenting the “unforgettable” evening. The package includes an overnight stay in stylish en-suite accommodation, an evening three-course American-style set menu, the interactive JFK escape/mystery experience, full Welsh breakfast for two and full access to Rock Spa pool, sauna, steamroom and whirlpool. Packages are from £125 per room with an option to extend the stay at discounted rates on February 27 or March 1. For more information, visit: https://www.metropole.co.uk/offer/jfk-1963-interactive-theatre-dining-experience/ The Metropole Hotel & Spa is a longstanding member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). This year’s Wonderwool Wales £1,000 bursary winner is mature graduate Emma Allin-Thomas who is focused on making naturally dyed, Welsh yarn products that have holistic health benefits. Seeking to develop a career as a natural botanical dyer, weaver and eco-printer, Emma, from Pontardawe, graduated from the Carmarthen School of Art, part of Coleg Sir Gậr, this summer with a Multi-Disciplinary BA (Hons) in Textiles and Fine Art. Her degree was based on ayurvastra, a sustainable textile from India's ancient Ayurveda system where natural fabrics, like wool, cotton and silk, are dyed with medicinal herbs instead of chemicals. The result is healing clothing that supports well-being, addresses skin issues and balances the body's energies as it's absorbed through the skin. It's eco-friendly, uses traditional techniques and offers therapeutic benefits, promoting holistic health. “After my three children left home, I decided to follow my dream and go back to college to do a degree,” explained Emma. “It was something I always wanted to do. “My degree has opened up a whole new world, as so many people don’t know anything about ayurvastra, which has been proven over 5,000 years. Natural, holistic therapies are now in vogue.” Emma uses different healing plants to dye Welsh yarn and weave products including cushions, blankets, wall hangings and eye masks. “We are now in a situation where the world has suffered so much from chemical pollution which is affecting people’s health,” she said. “I stumbled upon ayurvastra during my research into natural dyeing - it makes sense to surround yourself with products in your home that have holistic health properties.” In addition to the £1,000 bursary, Emma will be given a free stand at next year’s 20th anniversary Wonderwool Wales, the UK’s premier wool and natural fibre festival, to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd on April 25 and 26. “I hope to make cushions, blankets and holistic eye mats made from natural fabrics, incorporating lavender and camomile for relaxation, for the show,” added Emma. “The first time I attended Wonderwool Wales with Carmarthen School of Art I couldn’t believe how big it was. It was fantastic to see so many different crafters there and everybody is so encouraging. “In the future, I want to attend well-being shows and start running workshops on natural dyeing and eco-printing.” Responding to the bursary, Emma said: “I am absolutely ecstatic and overwhelmed to have won it. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to show people and talk about what I have learnt and created. I am so grateful to Wonderwool Wales for recognising my skills.” Having spent most of her career in education, providing braille support to visually impaired schoolchildren, she is keen to support people with disabilities and anxiety issues by introducing them to accessible arts and crafts. Emma enjoyed spending this summer as the weaver in residence at Newtown Textile Museum and also showcased her skills, ideas and creations at New Designers in London. “It’s a very exciting time and I’m very lucky not only to win the bursary but also to have had the residency at Newtown Textile Museum,” she added Chrissie Menzies, Wonderwool Wales director, said: “We were very impressed with Emma’s range of work, the lovely colours of her dyed Welsh yarn and her focus on health and wellbeing.” Wonderwool Wales’ annual bursary is awarded to graduates from the BA Textiles course at Carmarthen School of Art.
 MWT Cymru’s directors and staff at the annual meeting held at the Brigands Inn, Mallwyd.
Tourism and hospitality business across Mid Wales have been urged to keep working together to ensure that they and the region thrives during a period of significant change for the industry. The call was made by chairman, Dylan Roberts, at the annual meeting of MWT Cymru, the independent membership organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, “This has been a year of real change for tourism in Mid Wales - rising costs, new policies and shifting visitor behaviour have created pressure for businesses across the region,” Mr Roberts, joint managing director of Salop Leisure, told members at the Brigands Inn, Mallwyd. “Yet throughout, what stands out is the resilience of our independent tourism sector and the determination to keep welcoming visitors while sustaining the communities in which we live and work. “In Mid Wales, we know that tourism is not a ‘nice to have’; it’s the cornerstone of our rural economy, supporting jobs, livelihoods and local services across the region.” He referred to the company’s close working relationship with Visit Wales and challenges, including the Welsh Government’s controversial 182-day occupancy rule for self-catering accommodation and forthcoming registration, licensing and tourism levy proposals. Looking ahead to the next Senedd election next May when 36 Members of the Senedd will be elected, he said there could be a significant shift in Wales’ political landscape. “Change brings uncertainty, but also opportunity and MWT Cymru will be ready to ensure that the importance of the Mid Wales visitor economy is clearly understood by new decision-makers from the outset, so that rural voices are not left behind,” added Mr Roberts. “As we move towards MWT Cymru’s 35th year, I remain confident that, by working together, with businesses, Visit Wales and our wider partners, we can ensure that Mid Wales not only survives but thrives in this new era.” Since taking over as MWT Cymru’s chief executive last year, Zoe Hawkins said she had focused on strengthening the company, refreshing its direction and ensuring it remains “a steady, practical voice for tourism businesses across Mid Wales”. “Throughout the year, we have championed the need for tailored, proportionate approaches that reflect the realities of running a tourism business in rural Wales, while continuing to promote Mid Wales as a must-visit destination to the audiences who value what we offer,” she added., “Advocacy has remained central to our work. Our aim is simple: to safeguard a sustainable visitor economy that supports local jobs, communities and services, and to ensure no business and no area are left behind.” During the year, MWT Cymru introduced refreshed branding, launched a new Members Hub and digital tools on its websites to helps visitors and members. Zoe revealed that MWT Cymru a partnership with the Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) digital platform, which connects tourism businesses with visitors, had resulted in a bookings surge on www.visitmidwales.co.uk . Between January and June 2025, bookings increased by 614% compared with the same period the previous year, with June alone recording a 720% rise. The company’s websites attract more than 700,000 unique users, in excess of 1.3 million page views and more than 85,000 direct referrals to member businesses. “Our purpose remains to champion tourism and the visitor economy in Mid Wales, so that our rural region can not only cope with change, but benefit from it,” she added. “Together, we can continue to support the jobs and livelihoods that tourism sustains in Mid Wales and move into this next chapter with confidence.” Businesses interested in joining MWT Cymru should contact Tel: 01654 702653 or visit www.mwtcymru.co.uk .  The National Library of Wales’ volunteering scheme has been recognised with an Investing in Volunteers achiever award.
Volunteering plays a vital role in the Aberystwyth-based library’s work and is highlighted in the 2025-‘30 Strategic Plan. Receiving the UK’s Investing in Volunteers quality standard for best practice in volunteer management recognises the hard work in building an inclusive, inspiring and well-supported volunteering scheme. Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, library chief executive, said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers accreditation. It is an acknowledgment of the library's outstanding work in this area. “Volunteers are an important part of the library's life and the assessors have seen that volunteering is an activity that is deeply embedded in the library. We greatly benefit from the work done by volunteers, as they contribute to a variety of projects. “In turn, volunteers benefit from their experiences and being part of the library community enriches their lives.” Volunteer Mike Powdrill said: “I started volunteering at The National Library of Wales after struggling with my mental health. The work is enjoyable – and has purpose – and the staff and volunteers are fantastic company. “The volunteering scheme offers me all the essentials for a healthy mind and lifestyle – getting out of the house, an occupation and social interaction. The staff are very supportive.” As well as meeting the overall criteria set by Investing in Volunteers, a number of strengths were identified during the assessment. The library attracts a diverse range of volunteers, in relation to age, nationality, neurodiversity, sexuality and gender, as well as mental and physical health. This diversity brings wider skills, experience and expertise to volunteering, reported the assessment. It was also noted that volunteers feel well and pro-actively supported, giving them confidence and are valued by volunteering team staff.  Businesses connected to the hospitality industry are being urged to support a global culinary event being hosted in Wales next spring which has been described as “a once in a generation opportunity”. The 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, themed ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’, is being is being hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16-19, 2026. CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, says the global event provides an opportunity for businesses to place their products in front of the culinary world. There will be opportunities to engage face to face with some of the most influential chefs from around the globe. “If a business is interested in exporting and finding new markets within Great Britian in the food service sector, then this is the event to attend in 2026,” he stressed. “It’s an opportunity for Wales to take centre stage across Worldchefs’ 110 member countries. More than 800 delegates from around the globe will be in attendance with 60% of the delegates identified as buyers and influencers within their own country.” Benefits
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