The Silver Mountain Experience visitor attraction, based at a silver-lead mine near Aberystwyth, is preparing for a choc-tastic new event this Easter.
 
Running from March 26 to April 11, this exciting experience will give visitors the chance to meet Mr Balcombe, the mine manager, who is diversifying into chocolate making!
 
The busy and somewhat eccentric businessman is just beginning this new venture and is inviting visitors to help him get his chocolate franchise fully up and running.
 
Included in the visit will be a tour with Mr Balcombe himself, as he explains how he is embarking on the challenge of making chocolate and shows visitors around the mine equipment he is repurposing into chocolate producing machines.
 
Visitors will also be able to undertake their own chocolate challenge, a quest to help Balcombe produce his ‘Balcombe Bar’ and sell it in his sweet shop. To win the reward, visitors will need to find all of the silver tickets to complete the challenge.
 
Rumour has it there will be some scrumptious surprises around too… maybe even a chocolate fountain and marshmallows in the onsite Miner’s Rest Café – a small extra charge applies.

Press release from Growing Mid Wales:

Gigabit broadband is an emerging technology that both families and businesses can greatly benefit from. Current grant-funded projects available could significantly help Mid Wales boost its connectivity infrastructure, but it can be confusing when exploring what options are out there. We want to help clarify that information so that you, as residents and businesses across Ceredigion and Powys, can make informed choices to suit your needs.

Mid Wales is falling behind in terms of coverage compared to the rest of the UK. This digital divide impacts not only our daily lives but also hinders our economic and educational progress.

Gigabit broadband signifies a profound transformation in connectivity, which can offer speeds reaching up to 1000 Mbps. For households, it means faster download speeds, a more reliable connection for home working, and an end to buffering. For businesses, it means enhanced competitiveness, efficient operations, and the ability to innovate.

Broadband providers, Openreach are currently the only providers involved in community broadband projects across Ceredigion and Powys. They are investing in the infrastructure to enable the roll out of this technology but need to know that there is a definite demand for it in areas before they can commit to investing and supplying Gigabit.

To identify if there’s interest in these delivery projects, residents and businesses need to pre-register their interest through the use of free vouchers. Pre-registering does more than just express interest; it is a powerful tool that can influence the allocation of resources and prioritisation of Mid Wales in broadband rollout plans.

Openreach is currently seeking interest from residents in the communities of Berriew, Llanwrtyd Wells, New Radnor, Llyswen and Llanrhaeadr in Powys as wells as Rhydlewis and Tregaron in Ceredigion to take advantage of an ultrafast upgrade.

Openreach are a ‘neutral host.’ This means that they build the infrastructure for the Gigabit broadband which can then be accessed and run by any UK network operator, for example, your current internet provider.

To explore options to pre-register your interest and stay informed about community initiatives within a current catchment area visit: www.openreach.com/connect-my-community.

Councillor Clive Davies, Digital Champion and Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration with responsibility for Growing Mid Wales, Ceredigion County Council said: “The journey to better broadband in Mid Wales is not just about faster internet. It is about connecting communities, empowering businesses, and opening a world of opportunities. It is evident that Gigabit broadband is not a luxury but a vital necessity for futureproofing Ceredigion’s and Powys’ digital infrastructure. We urge our residents in the areas earmarked for an upgrade to register your interest. Your participation is pivotal in bringing this much-needed change to our county.”

For residents seeking to enhance their broadband connectivity but unable to find evidence of upgrades in their area, the Welsh Government's ABC grant scheme, (Access Broadband Cymru) offers a potential solution. This scheme targets residents who are experiencing poor broadband connectivity and offers funding directly to eligible residents to support the installation of improved broadband infrastructure.

This funding can cover the costs associated with upgrading existing connections or installing new infrastructure, such as satellite or wireless broadband solutions. Visit the ABC Grant Scheme webpage for more information: https://www.gov.wales/access-broadband-cymru-grant-scheme.

Hundreds of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Wales will soon be able to apply for Welsh Government funding designed to help them to reduce their running costs.

Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be available to eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

The £20m Future Proofing Fund will help businesses strengthen their future trading position by increasing profitability through investment in renewable energy technology, improvements to the fabric of their premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“The ongoing cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crises continues to present difficulties to businesses across Wales.

“These grants will help micro, small and medium sized businesses from the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to make some significant changes in the way they run their operations so they can adapt for the future.”
Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:

“In tough times, we want to help businesses get their bills down for good. This new fund will help reduce running costs with practical support that aids long term business planning.

“We are also providing a fifth successive year of support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with their rates bills, at a cost of £78m. This builds on the almost £1bn of support provided in rates relief schemes to these sectors since 2020-21.”

The grants will be paid up to 75 per cent of project costs or £10,000, whichever is the lesser amount.  It is expected that the business will contribute the remaining 25 per cent from other sources.

The fund is open to businesses located in Wales (either headquartered or have an operating address in Wales) and which employ people in Wales.

An eligibility checker will open in mid-April 2024 and applications will open in May 2024. 

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

From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling. This includes:

• Hospitality and tourism - restaurants, bars, pubs, bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites and caravan parks, holiday accommodation, and licensed premises
• Showgrounds
• Entertainment and sports venues including leisure centres
• Transport - bus stations, railway stations, seaports, airports, and heliports
• Education - universities, colleges, and schools
• Heritage buildings
• Libraries and museums
• Places of worship
• Outdoor markets and festivals
  
  

The Welsh Government is introducing this law to improve the quality and quantity of how we collect and separate waste: Workplace recycling | GOV.WALES 

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) 
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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

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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)

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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; [email protected] 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.