A search has been launched to find the best apprentices, employers and work-based learning practitioners in Mid Wales.
 
Entries are being sought for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru before the closing date of 12 noon on June 16.
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Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW).
 
Application forms for the awards, which recognise the shining stars of the Welsh Government’s apprenticeship programme, are available to download from gov.wales/apprenticeshipawardscymru .
 
From the applications, finalists will be shortlisted for awards including Foundation Apprentice, Apprentice and Higher Apprentice of the Year, which also includes degree apprentices and Tomorrow’s Talent.
 
Successful businesses are recognised with awards for small, medium, large and macro employers of the year. Work-based Learning Practitioner of the Year recognises those crucially involved in delivering apprenticeships.
 
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “When a business takes on an apprentice, it isn’t just hiring a new member of staff. It is investing not only in its own future, but in the future of our economy.
 
Apprenticeships motivate and diversify a workforce, offering people the chance to gain high-quality vocational skills while supporting themselves financially.
 
“Our investment in apprenticeships not only tackles skills shortages and gaps in priority sectors critical to drive productivity and economic growth, but it also increases opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop transferable skills and improve their lives.
 
“Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, responsible for supporting our country’s vital net zero ambitions alongside the every-day foundational economy and public services we will need to deliver.
 
“I urge everyone involved in our apprenticeship programme to celebrate their achievements. You can inspire others to follow your example by entering this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru and share your success stories.”
 
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund. For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

A series of circular walks is being promoted to mark the 15th anniversary of the official opening of Ceredigion Coast Path.
 
During June and July, Ceredigion County Council’s Public Rights of Way Team will be leading a series of six guided walks, taking in stretches of the Wales Coast Path within the county.
 
These free walks will begin at locations up and down the coast and vary in length, terrain and difficulty, so there should be something for most people. They will be open to anyone who wants to take part, so there is no need to book, just turn up.
 
Nigel Nicholas, Wales Coast Path officer, said: “We know that the coast path is extremely popular amongst visitors to the county and those who live here. With these circular walks, we’re hoping to spread that popularity further inland along the coastal strip.
 
“Walking a circular route also makes logistics so much simpler. Park or catch a bus to your start point and walk a loop to finish your walk back where you began.
 
“By doing the guided walks, we hope to attract new walkers to the path – maybe those who don’t have the confidence to set out across country, those who don’t have a companion to walk with or those who simply need some encouragement to get out and explore.”
 
Launching the guided walk series is a walk in Borth, which will take place on June 21, starting from Ynys Las car park at 6pm. There will be two routes available – a short one to two mile route which is graded ‘easy’ and a longer four to five mile option which will have a leisurely pace.
 
Anyone wishing to take part must arrive 15 minutes before the start of the walk, be wearing sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing, and carry drinking water and food they may need.
 
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic way to see those hidden gems which are often missed when walking the coastal path, to meet new people who share the same interest and improve people’s wellbeing and fitness, all whilst being in the safe hands of our walk leaders.”
 
Walks from Aberystwyth Bandstand on Saturday, July  1 at 1pm include a two-and-a-half mile option taking in Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth Golf Club and Parc Natur Penglais with steep ascents and a variety of surfacing.
 
The second option is a four mile circular including Constitution Hill (Craig Glais), Clarach Bay, Cwm Woods, Aberystwyth Golf Club and Parc Natur Penglais, with fabulous views over Cardigan Bay, some steep ascents and a variety of surfacing including steps.
 
Pwll Cam footbridge at Aberaeron Harbour is the starting point for walks on Wednesday, July 5 at 6pm. Option one is an easy walk of between half a mile and one mile following the River Aeron and returning via the coast path.
 
Second option is a moderate walk of between five and six miles which takes walkers to Llanerchaeron, Aberarth, before returning via the coast path.
 
Public toilets near New Quay harbour are the starting point, on Saturday, July 15 at 1pm, of a moderate, circular walk of seven to eight miles to Cwm Soden and Cwm Tydu and back with many steep inclines, high cliff edges and a variety of terrain and surfacing.
 
Starting at the Urdd Centre at Llangrannog on Wednesday, July 19 at 6pm, there’s a short circular or linear walk with return by bus return, or a five to six mile moderate, circular walk around Llangrannog ,incorporating Ynys Lochtyn.
 
The series ends on Saturday, July 29 at 1pm with a 13-mile, moderate, circular walk from Netpool carpark in Cardigan to Ferwig, Mwnt and back.
 
Walkers will take part at their own risk and leaders reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if they feel this is best for the safety of individuals or the group. All those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and dogs on leads are welcome to join.

As most Rights of Way cross privately owned and farmed land, encounters with livestock are likely on all walks.
 
For more information on the coast path series, visit https://bit.ly/CoastPathCirculars or keep an eye on the council’s social media pages. Follow Ceredigion County Council on Facebook, @CeredigonCC on Twitter and @CaruCeredigion on Instagram.

A regional survey has been launched by public sector partners to seek views from people across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Powys about the experiences they, and others may have, when accessing a range of public services from housing to health.  
 
Feedback will inform work around equality from 2024 until 2028 and how people with protected characteristics are affected or treated when accessing services provided by the sector.    
 
The survey focuses on key areas like education, housing, health, crime, leisure and access to the coast and countryside. It asks people to rate their own experiences of these services and their perceptions of the experience that other people in our society may have.    
 
All public bodies have to produce a Strategic Equality Plan setting out how they will ensure services they provide are accessible to all residents and service users irrespective of their age, gender, sexuality, religion or disability.
  
There are nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. The Equality and Human Rights Commission have published a report called ‘Is Wales Fairer’ (2018) which sets out the state of the nation when looking at the more vulnerable groups in society. The survey uses the key areas listed in the report as a focus.   
 
Each public sector body has a duty to: 

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation 
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not 
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not    

 
Alongside the survey, each region will engage with particular community groups that represent and advocate for some of the less heard groups like LGBTQ or re-settled refugees.  
 
Local authorities along with Powys Teaching Health Board, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park Authority and the Police and Crime commissioner, have collaborated to create the survey. 
 
The online survey is live until 30 July 2023, and is available here: carmarthenshire.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/SEP2023
 
Councillor Catrin M S Davies is the Council Cabinet Member responsible for Equalities. She said: “Everyone should express their opinion and contribute towards this important survey. Your comments will help ensure that equality is at the heart of the Authority’s work. It’s your chance to have your say.”
 
Strategic Equality Plan Survey
 
Paper copies and versions in other formats are available in all Ceredigion libraries and leisure centres, including the mobile library vans. If you need to get in touch with us or need information in other formats, contact us on 01545 570881 or [email protected]. 

Two Mid Wales attractions are combining to offer an exciting adventure package based on the region’s rich lead and silver mining heritage.
 
The package combines the fascinating history of The Silver Mountain Experience, a popular visitor attraction near Ponterwyd – between Llangurig and Aberystwyth – with the ultimate underground adventure into the depths of the Deep Mine Experience, led by specialist tour guide Mid Wales Mine Adventures.
 
Visitors embark on a day of adventure, with a visit at The Silver Mountain Experience to discover how miners lived and worked. They will then spend two-and-a-half hours exploring the depths of Cwmystwyth Mines, entering underground locations left untouched since they closed more than 100 years ago.
 
Explorers will enter the Great Level Fawr at Cwmystwyth Mines, discovering huge chambers, stopes and a labyrinth of meandering passages, as well as original artefacts and relics left since the mine was abandoned.
 
Simon Pickard, The Silver Mountain Experience’s managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the amazing team at Mid Wales Mine Adventures on this exciting new offering.
 
“It really gives visitors a great insight into the incredible history of mining in Wales and will quench the thirst of those looking for an adventure.”
 
This unique package is available to book through the Silver Mountain Experience website: www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk .
 
The Silver Mountain Experience is open every day throughout half term and visitors will be able to enjoy the variety of guided tours, both above and below ground.
 
Families with young adventurers can enjoy ‘A Dragon’s Tale’, where they join a quest to find a friendly, mythical Welsh dragon hiding within the mines.
 
Daring adventurers can brave ‘The Black Chasm’, where Welsh myths and legends come to life in a thrilling actor-led experience.
 
For those who are interested in the history of the mine, the ‘A Miner’s Life’ guided tour provides a glimpse into the past and the gruelling world of mining back in Victorian times.
 
Alongside guided tours, there are a variety of different surface attractions which are included within tickets. Children can run wild in ‘Woo Hoo Woods’, go gem panning, den building, dig for fossils and play for hours in the various play areas.
 
For those wanting to explore the site’s history further, the mining museum and The Miner’s Trail are packed full of fascinating facts and history about the site and Welsh mining. Head to www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk for more information and to pre-book your tickets.
 
The Silver Mountain Experience is also home to Ultimate Xscape, two thrilling 60-minute escape room experiences. Work out the identity of Jack The Ripper or try to steal the world’s biggest diamond in Diamond Heist. Book a slot at www.ultimatexscape.co.uk .

Collaboration by politicians, businesses and local authorities is the best way to promote tourism across Mid Wales, a Wales Tourism Week meeting heard on Friday.
 
MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) organised the meeting at Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth to celebrate the annual tourism week which showcases the quality of the country’s tourism offer to both UK and international tourists.  
 
Ceredigion MP Ben Lake and Ceredigion County Council leader Councillor Bryan Davies met a small group of MWT Cymru leaders and member businesses from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
 
The meeting was hosted by Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park and chairman of MWT Cymru, who said: “As a company, we are always seeking to engage with politicians and we are grateful to Ben Lake and Cllr Bryan Davies for taking the time to listen to our concerns.
 
“If anybody can help us with current and future challenges it’s the politicians who are the decision-makers. This was an opportunity, during Welsh Tourism Week, to promote our industry which is a major part of the Ceredigion and Mid Wales economies.”
 
Issues discussed included Welsh Government taxation of self-catering accommodation, a proposed tourism levy, the impact of the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis, the role of local authorities in promoting tourism, hospitality recruitment and development of the region’s road and rail infrastructure.
 
Mr Lake pledged to follow up a suggested meeting of constituency MPs and Members of the Senedd for Ceredigion, Powys and Southern Snowdonia to discuss tourism and other regional issues.
 
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses to discuss the main challenges facing the sector,” he said. “It is clear that there needs to be closer co-operation between all tiers of government and business, not only to overcome some of the challenges, but also to realise the exciting opportunities that exist.
 
“We discussed how we could work more collaboratively with colleagues in other parts of Mid Wales at a political level and I am looking forward to pursuing that so that we can promote the region’s wonderful tourism offer more effectively.”
 
Cllr Davies welcomed the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with local tourism businesses, MWT Cymru leaders and Mr Lake.
 
“There is concern about the lack of information coming from the Welsh Government on certain issues relating to tourism, which is big part of the Ceredigion economy,” he said. “People are willing to collaborate, as has been shown with the Mid Wales Growth Deal.”

Defending Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally champion Matthew Hirst celebrated a third straight maximum points score of the 2023 season on the Bala-based Plains Rally on Saturday.
 
It was far from straightforward, however, as both he and arch-rival Perry Gardener hit problems in the afternoon, which saw them swap positions on the eighth and final stage.
 
The frontrunning duo were tied for the lead after the opening 2.78 mile test through Alwen South, before Hirst, who was partnered for the first time by Mark Glennerster, took the smallest of leads after the next 6.55 mile stage through Alwen North.
 
With the top cars having to drive non-competitively through the longest 8.78 mile Aberhirnant test - one of the highest stages in Wales - just 0.01 seconds separated them as they came to the final stage of the morning loop, the 3.3 mile blast through Llangower.
 
Hirst and Gennerster, in a Delta Salvage/Witham Group Ford Fiesta R5, set fastest time again to reach midday service in Bala with a slender nine second advantage.
 
All four stages were repeated in the afternoon, which began with Hirst increasing his lead to 12 seconds, only for him to lose 35 seconds and the lead when the power-steering failed.
 
With only two stages remaining, Hirst regained 13 seconds on the penultimate stage after Gardener spun to leave him 10 seconds behind entering the final stage.
 
In his first rally for seven months, Gardener had driven brilliantly and looked set to score a memorable comeback win. But it wasn’t to be, as an alarm on the dashboard came on during the final stage, forcing the Ludlow driver to stop his Davanti Tyres-backed Ford Fiesta R5, turn the engine off, reboot the system, restart the engine and get going again.
 
The delay cost him and co-driver Jack Bowen almost 30 seconds and the Pirelli Welsh top spot, as Hirst – who had to reboot his power-steering system a few road sections before – finished 18 seconds ahead.
 
“I’m very pleased to take home my third set of Pirelli Welsh points in a row, as it’s obviously very good for the championship,” said Hirst.
 
“We started off steadily on the first two stages, as it was the first time that Mark [Glennerster] had co-driven for me. We quickly got into a nice rhythm, before our power-steering issue. Forget lifting weights at the gym, six miles of wrestling an R5 car through Alwen is quite the workout!
 
“We were able to reboot the system on the next road section, as it’s happened before and I know what to do, and we were intent on a big push through the last two stages. It was a good battle with Perry and, whilst it’s a shame he had problems himself in the afternoon, it all came good for us in the end.”
 
Simon Rogers has moved up to second in the overall drivers’ standings after another great run in his MacWhirter Motorsport-prepared Mitsubishi Evo 6 – despite hitting a big rock on stage five and breaking a front wheel.
 
The live streamed coverage from the Plains Rally remains available to view on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and Special Stage TV Facebook pages.
 
Round four of the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship is the Nicky Grist Stages on Saturday, July 8. Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the event is based in Builth Wells and contains 44 stage miles. Further details at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

A one-day Woodland Fair to raise awareness of the Celtic Rainforest Project will be held in the Elan Valley on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, from 10am to 3pm.
 
Various project partners and charities will be available to chat to visitors with updates on the project which is attempting to rid beautiful ancient woodlands of invasive species and encourages improved management by conservation grazing.
 
Visitors will be able to browse craft and food stalls which showcase local producers, artists and crafters, including artist Amanda Skipsey with her whimsical art and jewellery and MAC Chocolates with delicious artisan, handmade chocolates.
 
Lavender Ceramics’ beautiful, bespoke mugs and figures, Jane Abrook’s handmade glass ornaments and jewellery, tea from Morgan’s Brew Tea, pyrography art pictures and gifts from Made by Emma With Love and handmade semi-precious stone jewellery from Pellaf Crafts will also feature.
 
To appreciate the great outdoors and the stunning woodlands, there will be an exclusive ‘Forest Bathing and Yoga’ session taking place at 11am, which must be pre booked at £10 per person via https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/forest-bathing-and-yoga/ .
 
Experience a guided walk with expert Julia Harrison from the RSPB at 2pm when visitors will be led through Cnwch Woods to learn about the wildlife, nature and the ongoing work happening to conserve them.
 
The fair will come to life with live music from Daniel Laws who draws inspiration from Celtic, traditional folk, folk country, blues and Cajun rhythms. Daniel’s music will provide a colourful backdrop to this exciting day.
 
For more information on the Woodland Fair, visit: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/woodland-fair/

Following on from the Woodland Fair is a Dam Open Day on Tuesday, May 30 from 1pm to 4pm. These popular days provide a fascinating insight into the workings of a Victorian dam by going inside Pen y Garreg Dam,. Pre book at https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/dam-open-day/ .
 
Elan Valley’s Celtic Rainforest partners are RSPB Cymru, Snowdonia National Park/Eryri National Park, Woodland Trust Cymru, NRW and Natura 2000.
 
Organisations attending the Woodland Fair are CARAD, Tir Coed, Elan Links, National Trust Wales and Cambrian Mountains.

A fantastic, fun-filled couple of days was enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the Royal Welsh Smallholding and Countryside Festival in Llanelwedd at the weekend.
 
The two-day event was a celebration of rural life, showcasing the diversity of the Welsh countryside, and proved to be a great day out for young families, smallholders and anyone with a love for the great outdoors.
 
With opportunities to benefit from a wide variety of information at the Smallholder’s Centre, smallholding farmers were able to learn about all sorts of interesting activities, including talks on getting started with their farming journey, beekeeping and goat milk demonstrations.
 
Farming Connect Horticulture took over the Members Centre for the Growers Market, giving growers the opportunity to showcase and sell their products.
 
The Smallholding and Countryside Festival is always filled with exciting entertainment and this year was no exception. From woodchopping and forestry competitions to the Medieval Re-enactment Camp, there was a wealth of different rural crafts on display.
 
The Country Life Area was bustling with have-a-go activities, such as the children’s cycling course, circus skills from Panic Family Circus, the Glamorgan Novelty Dog Show and  the Premier Open Dog Show which saw hundreds of dogs competing to qualify for Crufts 2024.
 
Attracting competitors and smallholders from near and far, the livestock and equine competitions had an excellent line-up of animals in all sections. Even Radio Cymru star Ifan Jones Evans was on our sheep judging panel.
 
Several new equine classes were added, the main being the Rising Star qualifiers for the 2023 London International Horse Show. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) also launched brand new Home-Produced classes with the help of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS).
 
Geraint James, honorary festival director, said: “We had a fantastic few days at the Smallholding and Countryside Festival and everyone was excited to be back in Llanelwedd to kick-start the show season.
 
“We were blessed with excellent weather throughout the weekend, which contributed to the positive, feel-good atmosphere around the showground.”
 
After last year’s success, the Wool Zone returned, showcasing the versatility and fabulous creations made from wool with various displays and trade stands. The wool handling and blade shearing competitions attracted many spectators.
 
The festival display ring was jam-packed with entertainment, as crowds gathered to watch the show jumping competitions, the Steve Colley Motorbike Stunt Show, the MAD Aerial Bikes, the Little Nippers Display and a spectacular Welsh Festival of Land Rovers vintage display
 
As well as the Food Hall, which hosted producers showcasing the very best produce from Wales, the popular Street Food Area was bustling throughout the weekend. 
 
RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones said: “A huge number of people and families from across Wales and beyond came to enjoy the animals, the food and the entertainment. It was a cracking weekend, but now it’s time to look forward and the countdown begins…just nine weeks until The Royal Welsh Show!”
 
The top results for the weekend are listed below, a full list of competition results will be available on the website shortly: www.rwas.wales
 
The top results from the weekend:
 
Livestock results
 
Sheep: Supreme champion – North County Cheviot Sheep – Messrs Meakins and Sloyan, reserve supreme champion – Pure Continental Breed – Ben Baker. Group of three supreme champion – Southdown Sheep – Gruff and Lynda Richards, reserve supreme champion – Kerry Hill – Old School Kerry Hills. Best sheep breed trade stand, Rhian Rochford, Black Welsh Mountain Sheep.
 
Pigs: Supreme champion – Gloucester Old Spot - Sharon Barnfield and reserve supreme champion – Durock – A. J. Walton.
 
Angora goat: Supreme champion, T Rogers. Dairy goat, champion, Nick Parr. Pygmy goat champion, Tracy Carter. Pygmy goat pet champion, P. M. Keates. Boer goat champion, Jo Jennings.
 
Cattle: Supreme champion – Beef Shorthorn – Mary Cormack, reserve supreme champion – Longhorn - Bernard and Margaret Llewellyn. Best exhibitor cattle line,
Leslie Cook – Traditional Hereford.
 
Equine Results
 
Veteran Horse Society Area Qualifier 2023. In-hand championship, Holly Harford. Ridden championship, Wendy Harries. CHAPS Welsh Regional Show: In-hand Championship, Michelle Picford. Ridden championship, Sophia Chambers. Armature/ Home-produced ridden/in-hand supreme championship, Michelle Picford.
Ridden and Novice Section – Ponies championship, Emma Edwards with Stoak Teleri, reserve, Chloe Parker with Whalley Red Kite. Heavy horses/shires foreign, world and rare breeds championship, Siedi Shires with Milnerfield Jack, reserve, Alexandra Mason with Jacktons Fanta. Traditional Gypsy Cobs Championship: Quest for a Star (Traditional), champion, Allana Green. Championship – Go for Glory (Part Bred) champion, Allana Green. British Miniature Horse Society Championship,
Champion Joanna Davies with Ribbons Grafftit Smoking Legacy, reserve, Charlotte Leonard with Scotts Easter Boy. Welsh A,B,C,D and Welsh Part Breds: Section A Championship, champion, Peter Jones. Section B Championship, champion, Susan Harries. Section C Championship, champion, R. J Davies. Welsh Part Breds Championship, champion, Eirian Wyn Williams. Welsh Specials: Overall Welsh in-hand Championship, champion, Peter Jones. Shetlands Championship, champion,    Anna Stevens with Toby of Catchpool, reserve, Dawn Hawker with Hawkerbays Empress. Working Hunters: Junior Championship, champion, Laura Rutter with Crossfoot Pippin, reserve, Hayley Smith with Apache Blue Eye. Senior Championship, champion, Grace Hampton with Rock Heart, reserve, Jessica Noonan with Fronarth Gustav. Irish Draughts In-hand Championship, champion,     Allana Green with Greenview Sheer Imagination,  reserve, Happy Hounds & horses with Nos Da Cariad. Ridden Championship, champion, Lynsday John with Ainninn Gealach, reserve, Ceri Simpson with Happenchance Grey Diamond. Mountain and Moorland Championship (excluding Welsh Breeds and Shetlands), champion, Lucinda Dargavel with Strathmore Majestic, reserve, Dafydd Thomas with Simones Firecracker. Open Intermediate Championship, champion, Megan Williams. Retrained Racehorse Championship, champion, Jayne Brace with Royal Craftsman, reserve, Alice Rees with Sawago. Arabs: Ridden Championship, champion and reserve, Lauren Cooper with BA Aniswa. In-hand championship, champion and reserve, Rhodri Jones with Eliana and Song of Nyla respectively. Side saddle Championship, champion, Charlotte Rees with Tooreeny Lad, reserve, Rachael Forkings with Otto Watto.
 
Donkey Breed Society: Donkey Championship, champion and reserve, Hazel James with Freystrop Lily May and Freystrop Crystablelle respectively. Best Local Donkey, champion, Sarah Hodges with Jack.
 
Equine Supreme Championship,  champion, Robert Scrine with Cumano Cassini, reserve, Allana Green with Greenview Sheer Imagination 

Talyllyn Railway general manager Lorraine Simkiss said: “I think that people wanted to do something to mark the occasion rather than just watching it on TV and what better way than to enjoy a steam train ride on the world’s first preserved.”

​When Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1951, it became the first preserved railway to be owned and run by volunteers
 
The railway continues running daily services throughout the summer season.