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: [email protected]

The project is funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up).

The rooster crows haven’t yet faded, but the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the gentle hum of the engine are my morning symphony. As a driver guide in Wales, every day unfolds like a new chapter in a well-worn storybook, filled with familiar landmarks and unexpected encounters.
 
Today’s adventure begins in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, where mist still clings to the emerald valleys, promising a day brimming with hidden treasures.
My first stop is a quaint B&B nestled amidst the rolling hills. A group of American tourists, their faces etched with anticipation, pile into the car, their chatter a mix of excitement and nervous curiosity. As we wind our way through narrow lanes, I weave tales of ancient Celts, brave dragons and mystical landscapes, transforming the journey into a time machine.
 
Our first destination is Dolbadarn Castle, a formidable sentinel overlooking the glassy expanse of Llyn Padarn. As I share stories of medieval battles and royal intrigues, the tourists become knights and damsels, their imaginations ignited by the castle’s weathered stones. The crisp mountain air carries their laughter, blending seamlessly with the caws of crows circling the battlements.
 
Next, we embark on a scenic drive through the heart of the national park. Jagged peaks pierce the azure sky, while sheep graze peacefully on verdant slopes. I pull over at a hidden viewpoint, allowing the panorama to wash over my passengers. Cameras click, capturing the breathtaking beauty, but the true magic lies in the gasps of awe and the shared silence that speaks volumes.
 
Lunch is a hearty affair at a local pub, where we savour traditional Welsh dishes and soak in the warmth of local hospitality. The owner, a wiry man with a twinkle in his eye, regales us with tales of folklore and hidden waterfalls, adding another layer of enchantment to our day.
 
The afternoon takes us to Portmeirion, an Italian-inspired village nestled on the coast. The tourists marvel at the pastel-coloured houses and manicured gardens, momentarily transported to a Mediterranean dream. As the sun dips towards the horizon, casting the village in a golden glow, I can almost hear the murmur of gondolas on the tranquil waters.
 
Our final stop is a sheepdog demonstration on a working farm. The skilled dogs expertly herd the flock, their movements a mesmerising dance of instinct and training. The tourists erupt in applause, their appreciation echoing the respect for tradition that permeates Welsh culture.
 
As the day draws to a close, and we return to our starting point, a sense of accomplishment washes over me. It’s not just about driving people from place to place; it’s about igniting their curiosity, stoking their imaginations and creating memories that will linger long after they leave these shores.
 
Back at the B&B, as goodbyes are exchanged and promises to return made, I know that tomorrow will bring a new set of faces, new stories to tell and new corners of Wales to explore. For a driver guide, every day is an adventure, a chance to be an ambassador for this beautiful land and its rich tapestry of history, culture and natural wonders. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride, knowing that I play a small part in weaving the magic of Wales into the hearts of those who choose to discover it.
 
And as I settle down with a mug of tea, the day’s stories swirling in my mind, I can’t help but smile because, for me, being a driver guide in Wales is more than just a job; it’s a privilege, a passion and an endless source of inspiration.
 
Sean Westlake is chair of the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association and is based in Aberystwyth. He provides driver guided tours of Wales as well as unique motorcycle and sidecar tours around Mid Wales.
www.midwalestours.co.uk
Tel:07946640709

A popular ‘Dukedog’ locomotive is returning to the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Aberystwyth for the first time in over 60 years.
 
‘Dukedog’ No.9017 will be arriving in the town in late February, for static display in the new Museum & Display Space at the Vale of Rheidol Railway. The 85 year old locomotive is on loan from the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.
 
The locomotive is nicknamed a ‘Dukedog’ because it is a hybrid of two different classes of engine: the underframe of a ‘Duke’ locomotive combined with the boiler of a ‘Bulldog’.
 
‘Dukedog’ locomotives have a long association with Aberystwyth, having been a regular sight working trains between Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Pwllheli in steam days.
 
The last ‘Dukedog’ locomotive left Aberystwyth in May 1960 and one has not returned to the town until now.
 
Llŷr ap Iolo, Vale of Rheidol Railway managing director, said: “We are very excited to announce the loan of this locomotive to go on public display here in Aberystwyth. I am very grateful to the board of the Bluebell Railway for making this loan possible.
 
“As part of the project to construct our new museum, standard gauge track was laid to facilitate this kind of visit: the ‘Dukedog’ seemed the perfect choice to be the first standard gauge locomotive to be put on display.”
 
The locomotive is normally based at the Bluebell Railway, where it has lived for the last 60 years. The locomotive went out of traffic for repairs in 2011 and has been hidden away in undercover storage since then.
 
Neil Glaskin, Bluebell Railway operations and commercial director, said: “We are really pleased to be able to work with The Vale of Rheidol Railway to bring the Dukedog back to Aberystwyth.
 
“Since 2011, the locomotive has been stored undercover but this has meant limited chances for the public to see it. By displaying the loco in the new museum everyone will have the chance to admire this fascinating machine.”
 
The locomotive was built in Swindon Works in 1938 for the Great Western Railway and spent it’s working life in Wales, where it worked over the Cambrian lines to Pwllheli and Aberystwyth. It was light enough to work over Barmouth Bridge, so remained in regular use until the 1950s despite its antiquated appearance.
 
John ‘Abergynolwyn’ Davies, 94, who still lives in Aberystwyth, worked on the ‘Dukedog’ locomotives when they were based in Ceredigion in the 1950s.
 
He said: “I spent a glorious week in the summer of 1955 firing No.9017 with driver Tom Phillips. We worked the 9.55am ‘all stations’ from Aberystwyth to Welshpool each day, where we serviced the engine: our return working was the Cambrian Coast Express, all the way to Aberystwyth. Working with Tom felt like a ‘holiday job’ because of his light handling of the loco.”
 
John recalled: “We were climbing Talerddig bank with No.9017, when Tom said: ‘shall I show you how to get the best out of a Dukedog?’. I stood in the driving position, as he gave me a demonstration of the easiest way to fire it. The loco performed well all week: it was one of the best working weeks of my life.”
 
The ‘Dukedog’ will be on display in the restored 1938 engine shed at Aberystwyth station from March 2024 onwards. This building has recently been transformed into a museum, display and events space as part of a larger project called “Wales to the World”, which is developing the terminus at Park Avenue into a Great Western-style station suitable for the modern tourist.
 
This location is especially significant for No.9017, as it will be displayed in the building where it was based and used to work in the 1950s.
 
The public will be able to view the ‘Dukedog’ at the Vale of Rheidol Railway from March 23 onwards, when the railway opens for the season. The railway and museum are then open daily until the start of November.

The application window for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) Rural Leadership Programme 2024-25 is now open.
 
Aimed at inspiring future leaders in agriculture, the programme provides an action-packed course of training, mentoring, support and guidance over three intense residential sessions, following the candidate selection day in April.
 
Taking part in the programme is an opportunity of a lifetime. A group of up to 12 delegates will have the chance to make contacts with key industry figures and learn new leadership and communication skills to enhance their career and/or business aspirations.
 
Hannah Wright has recently completed the programme and describes the opportunity as an unforgettable experience.
 
“There isn’t one word that can describe the time I have shared with this special cohort,” she said. “It’s been an incredible personal development journey that has broadened my knowledge and understanding of our agricultural industry both locally and internationally.
 
“The vast networks we have encountered have provided so much inspiration and motivation which has ignited more passion and belief within me for an optimistic future. A fascinating experience I’ll never forget.”
 
A fellow delegate of the 2023 cohort, Elen Williams encouraged others to apply for the programme. “Take the opportunity with both hands and embrace the programme whole heartedly,” she said.
 
“You'll learn new perspectives, learn from each other as well as the brilliant speakers and learn a lot about yourself in the process too. I'm so glad I took the opportunity to meet the incredible individuals I have and would encourage anyone interested to get involved with this brilliant programme!”
 
This year, as part of the programme, delegates will have an opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious agricultural conferences in the world. The Commonwealth Agricultural Conference will be held alongside the Royal Highland Show in Scotland in June.
 
If successful, delegates will be given the opportunity to attend the conference and meet emerging leaders from across the Commonwealth countries.
 
The selection day will be held on Wednesday,  April 10, when candidates will attend an introductory session at the Royal Welsh Showground.
 
Successful candidates will be invited to the Royal Welsh Show Awards Ceremony on Monday, July 22, when the RWAS will officially announce those selected for the 2024-2025 programme.
 
Delegates are expected to be fully committed to the programme and are required to attend each three residential sessions, taking place in May, June and October. On completion of the programme, delegates will be invited to the awards ceremony presentation to receive their certificate at the 2025 Royal Welsh Show.
 
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, March 26. Download the application form in English or Welsh. Completed applications should be emailed to: [email protected] .
 
The programme is fully funded thanks to a generous legacy left by the late Mr N. Griffiths and match funded by the Glamorgan County Advisory Committee (2023 RWAS Feature County).

Overseas visitors will be travelling from as far away as Australia, America and Canada to attend this year’s Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres.

The popular two-day event, held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on April 27 and 28, has sold all 220 stands for exhibitors, which has delighted the organisers.

Tickets for the 18th 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.

One of the star attractions this year will be an engaging Flock2Flight display of static and flying wet felted and needle felted birds made by fibre artist Janna Turner and two friends, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer.

Shepton Mallet based Janna, who runs Flocks2Felts, and Alex are no strangers to Wonderwool Wales. Janna was project lead and felting advisor and Alex contributed with others 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’s event will see nine Woolschool afternoon workshops each day which has required the organisers to book extra space on the showground. Some of the Woolschools, which give visitors the chance to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert, are already sold out. Book places online by the Wonderwool Wales website.

The workshops are: An introduction to drop spindles with Marianne Larcombe and Jo Glenn, Improving your spinning with a drop spindle with Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth, Wet felted leaf brooch with Svetlana Lilley, Drum carding with Jill Shepherd, Macrame dream catcher with Alice Thomas, Botanical dyeing and Shibori resist techniques with Siân Lester, Backstrap weaving using rigid heddle with Helen Deighan, Introduction to needle-woven tapestry with Joanna Helm and Needle felted busy Mr Mole with Steffi Stern.

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 2023 Bursary winners Jade Carey Holt, from Aberystwyth and Kay-lee Davies, from Capel Dewi, near Llandysul, will be exhibiting their work on stand C1.

New exhibitors are the Museum of Welsh Textiles from Knighton and Glamorgan Smallholders’ Great Glamorgan Sock Project, which involves members making a pair of socks from each sheep breed in the county.

To tantalise the tastebuds, the organisers have added some new street food caterers to provide a wider menu for show visitors.

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.
For those seeking creative inspiration, there will be demonstrations and have-a-go sessions hosted by some exhibitors. 

“It promises to be another memorable Wonderwool Wales, with all 220 places for exhibitors sold out and another 10 on the waiting list,” said director Chrissie Menzies.
“A group of around 20 people will be jetting in from America and Canada with Rowan Tree Travel and one lady from Australia has arranged that her trip to see family coincides with our event.

“We are encouraging all visitors this year to make their own beanie or hat to engage our supporters and add a little bit of colour and fun.

Find out more about the 2024 show at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk , like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales

This year’s temporary exhibition, titled ‘People of this house’, at The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn will tell the stories of some of the people associated with more than 800 exhibits.
 
With nearly 90 railways represented in the collection, the museum provides a unique and comprehensive record of the 200-year history of narrow gauge railways. Exhibits range from complete locomotives to paperwork, signalling equipment and tickets.
 
Named in the collection are designers and builders of locomotives, those who gave their names to the engines, officers of railways whose names appear on signs and posters, quarry owners and those who worked for them. 
 
The museum also celebrates Talyllyn Railway’s preservation pioneers.
 
Located at Wharf Station, Tywyn, the museum is open every day when trains are running on Talyllyn Railway.  Admission is free although donations are encouraged.  Visit www.ngrm.org.uk or www.talyllyn.co.uk for opening times and more information.

Archaeologists make exciting discovery at Strata Florida Cistercian Abbey

Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery at Strata Florida, the famous 12th century Cistercian abbey in Mid Wales.
 
Radiocarbon dating suggests that there may have been a pre-Cistercian monastery, possibly Celtic, on the site before the abbey was established in the Cambrian Mountains near the village of Pontrhydfendigaid, between Devil’s Bridge and Tregaron.
 
Archaeological excavations on the site began in 2004 and will be continuing this summer at the Strata Florida Trust’s Archaeology Field School which runs from June 17 to July 14.
 
Over the past five years, the archaeology field school’s excavations have focused on the courtyard of Mynachlog Fawr farm buildings which stand next door to the abbey and are being refurbished by the trust. 
 
These excavations have revealed structures and features under the courtyard, including a major aqueduct and medieval buildings which once formed part of the abbey. The remains of one stone building, however, appear to be earlier than the rest.
 
Following last year’s field school, three charcoal samples were collected from the medieval buildings and sent to specialists for radiocarbon dating. The samples provided dates between 1166-1268 AD, 1028-1172 AD and, most intriguingly, 1017-1158 AD.
 
“The last two of these dates are from the earlier building and, given that the Cistercian abbey was not founded on this site until 1184, they seem to suggest that the building is pre-Cistercian in date,” said Carys Aldous-Hughes, trust director.
 
“One of the main focuses of the upcoming 2024 excavations will be the further examination of this building by attempting to find its original floors and any features associated with its earlier use and function. These will offer a glimpse into the history of this site before the Cistercians arrived.
 
“On the basis of certain aspects of its siting and related features, there has long been speculation that there was a pre-Cistercian, or Celtic monastery at Strata Florida on top of which the abbey was founded, perhaps even incorporating parts of the earlier buildings.
 
“Could these recent discoveries and this year’s work provide the evidence which will confirm this?”
 
Anyone seeking information about how they can join this year’s exciting excavations, which could uncover the hidden secret of the site’s history, should visit the trust website at https://www.strataflorida.org.uk/archaeology-field-school.html .
 
Places are available for a choice of one to four week courses and digger day experiences. Bursaries available, including a mental health and wellbeing bursary, to people living in Ceredigion. There is also a bursary for students.
 
Strata Florida Trust is restoring Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse and farm buildings, bringing new economic, social and cultural life to the area, whilst also celebrating Strata Florida’s unique landscape and history. 
 
A free ‘Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition’ is currently being held in a building on the site, giving visitors of all ages a chance to explore the social and agricultural history of the house and the local area.
 
The exhibition also contains an interactive Virtual Histories educational experience, which allows visitors to travel back to see a day in the life of Mynachlog Fawr farm in 1947 and the abbey in 1238.
 
Strata Florida Trust is a member of MWT Cymru, a independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Ceredigion, Powys and Southern Snowdonia. For more information, visit https://www.mwtcymru.co.uk/ .

Montgomery Canal Triathlon is set to bring entries from across Britain on May 18 for the 12th year.

The participants will see sections of the Montgomery Canal that have been restored, others where restoration work continues and the remaining sections which still have to be brought back to life.

The annual triathlon, starting in Newtown and ending in Shropshire, is one of the most popular cross border events and is organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and supported by the canal owners, the Canal & River Trust. Money raised goes towards the canal restoration.

Organisers say the triathlon is an endurance event, not a race and entrants can choose to do the whole course or only one or two sections. It’s a great day out for families with children, groups of friends, experienced triathletes and those who enjoy just a communal bike ride, paddle or walk. 

This triathlon has had several formats over the years and is now a special ‘marathon’ length of about 27 miles to the finish at Schoolhouse Bridge, Crickheath, near Oswestry, the site of a major restoration project of 2023.

Christine Palin, Friends of the Montgomery Canal chairman, said: “The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is one of the biggest events on or near the canal. It is a great event for families as well as the more athletic.

“Over the years, it has been joined by solo entries and families with ages from eight to 80. I am sure this year will see as many joining in again.

“As usual, the event will start in Newtown with a cycling route along the attractive towpath towards Welshpool, followed by the canoe section on the navigable canal through Welshpool which always attracts a lot of attention from passers-by. 

“After the final changeover, participants will jog or hike along a section with a lot of restoration activity to cross into Shropshire at Llanymynech. The final two miles on foot is part of the Shropshire Gap, a derelict section where funds are still needed for restoration.

“A great deal is happening on the canal this year with channel and towpath improvements in Powys under the UK government Levelling-Up Fund. 

“There will be new nature reserves to safeguard the canal’s special flora and fauna and safe towpath routes at some of the remaining road crossings. 

“In Shropshire, volunteer working parties, supported by our Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal, are working to restore the canal north of the triathlon finish which has been dry and derelict for 80 years. 

“The proceeds of the triathlon will support the appeal to provide them with equipment and materials.

“The next few years will see many improvements along the Montgomery Canal, while all the time care will be taken to protect what is special about the canal which will be a great benefit for residents and visitors.”

All entrants who complete a section receive a commemorative medallion made from local slate. Bookings can be made through www.TheMontgomeryCanal.org.uk/friends/montgomery-canal-triathlon/ which will give details of this year’s arrangements which are slightly different from 2023. 

Entries must be booked by April 18, though bookings may close earlier if the event is fully subscribed.

​Two Welsh railways are collaborating on a special hire agreement for the 1864-built steam locomotive ‘Palmerston’.
 
The Vale of Rheidol Railway (VoR) at Aberystwyth has agreed to display and then overhaul “Palmerston” for the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Ff&WHR), based at Porthmadog. Both railways are members of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ consortium.
 
“Palmerston” will arrive in Ceredigion in late February and will spend the first half of the 2024 season on static display in the VoR’s brand new Museum, Display and Events building at Aberystwyth station.
 
The locomotive will then enter the VoR workshops in July for work to return it to traffic in time to feature in steam as the star guest at the line’s ‘Rheidol Steam Festival’ event from August 24-26, when it will be hauling trains to Devil’s Bridge.
 
‘Palmerston’ is one of the original locomotives built for the Ffestiniog Railway, where it worked from the 1860s to the 1930s. During this time, it was hired to the VoR to help with additional traffic generated by the opening of a large Territorial Army camp at Lovesgrove in 1912-’13. It also helped to haul timber in the Rheidol valley to support the war effort.
 
‘Palmerston’ is the oldest surviving engine to have worked on the VoR, which will open its brand new museum on March 23.
 
The Ff&WHR will also be launching their own ‘behind the scenes’ tour at the line’s Boston Lodge Works later in the year.
 
Both railways have worked hard to create a new visitor experience, which means that passengers will have the opportunity to see first-hand and learn more about a wide collection of narrow gauge locomotives up close. Locomotives which are normally hidden away from public view will become accessible.
Llŷr ap Iolo, VoR managing director, said: “We are very grateful to Paul Lewin and the team at the Ff&WHR for agreeing to the loan of ‘Palmerston’ for the 2024 season. We are excited to have it running on the Vale of Rheidol Railway at our event in August.
 
“It has been 10 years since its last visit to Aberystwyth, so it will be great to have it here again for all to experience once more.”
 
Paul Lewin, Ff&WHR general manager, said: “The Ff&WHR are striving to bring our railway alive for our visitors in a new way. We have invested heavily in interpretation and conservation of the historic loco works at Boston Lodge.
 
“Rather than simply catching a fleeting glimpse of our locos and workshops, we will invite our visitors right in to the heart of the place. Similarly, the Rheidol team are making their impressive collection openly available for the first time.
 
“This is all great news for visitors and it makes so much sense for us to work together. For those looking to make the most of precious leisure time, a visit to Wales has never looked more appealing.
 
“As we prepare to celebrate our platinum jubilee, we can only begin to imagine how pleased our founders would be to see us working together, striving to continue to be the best place to see narrow gauge steam.”
 
Visitors to the VoR will be able to see ‘Palmerston’ on public display in the restored 1938 engine shed at Aberystwyth station.
 
This building has recently been transformed into a museum, display and events space as part of a larger project called “Wales to the World”, which is developing the terminus at Park Avenue into a Great Western-style station suitable for the modern tourist.
 
The building will also contain locomotives from the VoR’s collection, as well as engines from elsewhere. In July, ‘Palmerston’ will move into VoR’s workshops at Aberystwyth, which will allow work to be undertaken to return the locomotive to steam.
 
‘Palmerston’ will play a starring role in a three day ‘Rheidol Steam Festival’ event at the railway over the August bank holiday, alongside the home fleet of locomotives. The weekend will include an intensive timetable of trains, with plenty to see and do across all three days of the event.
 
Event organiser Phil Budd said: “It will be an exciting weekend to be in the Rheidol valley, with plenty to enjoy. It will be great to see ‘Palmerston’ in steam, hauling trains alongside our resident locomotives. With the long summer evenings and fantastic Aberystwyth sunsets, it will be a brilliant time to visit Ceredigion”.
 
‘Palmerston’ will then return to Porthmadog in late September, in time to play a starring role in the Ff&WHR’s annual ‘Bygones Weekend’. This annual event celebrates the rich heritage of the Ffestiniog Railway, with historically accurate train formations and costumed characters.