The owners of one of Wales’ leading luxury country house hotels have added a neighbouring country pub to their estate, assuring existing customers that it will remain their ‘local’.
 
Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, from Palé Hall, at Llandderfel, near Bala in April, have now purchased The Bryntirion Inn, which is situated at the bottom of the hotel’s drive. The pub is now closed for refurbishment until late August.
 
Recruited to run the pub is Dan Tustain who discovered by chance that he’s following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John, who was also landlord of The Bryntirion Inn more than 50 years ago.
 
Dan, 49, who has cousins still living in the Dee Valley, has opted for a complete career change, having spent the past two-and-a-half years as a front line Metropolitan Police officer in London.
 
Prior that, he worked as a manager for Pret a Manger in West London and Selfridges food hall and at gastro pubs in Worcestershire, his home county.
 
“It was only after I had been given the job at The Bryntirion Inn that I discovered that my grandfather, John Tustain, was landlord there for a number of years,” explained Dan. “Of all the places to work on the planet, I discover there is family history!
 
“It’s an exciting new chapter in my life, as I have also been helping Tony and Donna with another local investment project. It’s like being on a very fast and exciting rollercoaster because they are moving at high speed in a positive direction.”
 
Dan assured regular customers that The Bryntirion Inn will be updated sympathetically to retain its “local” appeal whilst also appealing to diners in the 70-cover restaurant.
 
“It’s a beautiful, old, Welsh pub that hasn’t had any investment for around 30 years which means that it’s dated,” he explained. “It’s successful with a good, local trade but we need to up the game and bring it into the 21st century to realise its full potential.
 
“I have heard of local concern that we are going to decorate it all grey and make it into pseudo gastro pub which is not the case. It will remain a local, Welsh pub with competitive prices so that locals don’t feel they are being priced out.
 
“We are putting in a new kitchen and upgrading the menu to provide an even better experience for customers.”
 
Having fallen in love with Palé Hall, Mr and Mrs Cooper-Barney are planning to invest in other local ventures to support the community and enhance Bala as a tourist destination.

This summer, various teams from Ceredigion County Council will provide free summer activities for children, young people, and their families at three locations within Ceredigion with funding support from Cynnal Y Cardi.
 
Taking place at Plascrug and Cardigan leisure centres as well as Lampeter Wellbeing Centre, the roadshows will utilise Porth Cymorth Cynnar teams, including the Youth Service, Ceredigion Active and Family and Parenting Support, to offer free activities and information. External bodies such as Hywel Dda University Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police will also be on hand to offer information on healthcare.
 
This will offer accessible opportunities to children, young people, and their families, and a sense of community engagement, in addition to advice and information for young people who may not be in education, employment or training. The roadshow also looks to promote the development of Welsh culture and skills.
 
Greg Jones, Ceredigion County Council Corporate Lead Officer for Porth Cymorth Cynnar, said "This is an excellent opportunity to come and find out about the Council services available to families and young people, and at the same time enjoy free activities across the County this summer."
 
Making use of staff expertise and available resources, some of the activities include inflatable games, facepainting and console games.
 
The roadshows will take place on the following dates between 10.00 and 14.00:
Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth – Friday 26 July;
Cardigan Leisure Centre – Wednesday 14 August;
Lampeter Wellbeing Hub – Thursday 22 August.
 
For further information on the roadshows, please email [email protected]
​

Steam and pedal power were used to good effect in the first ‘Race the Rails: Bike vs Train’ event to raise £875 for West Wales Prostrate Cancer Support Group.
 
A collaboration between Vale of Rheidol Railway and Afan Cycles bike shop, the May event challenged cyclists to race the steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, with a choice of two testing routes.
 
The winning cyclist was Rich Pizzey, who completed the course in 38 minutes, while the steam train took 57 minutes and was crewed by driver Jac Smith, fireman Tom Curtis and guard Barney Rampton.
 
“We were astonished at the support we received,” said Mathew Milican of Afan Cycles. “It was the first event of its kind in Aberystwyth and it’s brilliant that local companies can work together to create such a fun, health-inspiring event in aid of a great local charity.
 
“We look forward to next year and hope to gain more traction and make 'Race the Rails' an annual event for all to enjoy.”
 
Phil Budd, Vale of Rheidol Railway event manager, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to help out. We are really pleased to support local charities in this way, as well as to collaborate with local businesses to raise money in the community around the railway.”
 
The money raised will be donated to the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group, a patient-led group of volunteers working West and South West Wales.
 
The group supports prostate cancer patients and their families and friends, as well as working with other agencies to improve awareness, education, diagnosis therapy and support for men with the disease.
 
Men over the age of 50 are encouraged to seek professional advice and request regular tests from their own GP to identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
 
Group chairman c said: “We owe a big thank you to the teams at both Afan Cycles and the Vale of Rheidol Railway for organising the event, as well as to the participants. The money raised will help us continue supporting patients with prostate cancer in the Hywel Dda area.”
 
The race day itself was a huge success, helped by warm sunshine throughout the day. Two Hoots Tea Room provided a welcoming BBQ for cyclists at Devil’s Bridge, whilst live music helped competitors and their families to relax after their efforts.
 
The event will return in 2025 in an enlarged format, with entries available via Afan Cycles in the new year.
 

Main ring displays include The JCB Dancing Diggers, a celebration of 120 Years of the Royal Welsh, specially commissioned by this year’s feature county, Ceredigion, a
heavy horse display, Meirion Owen & the Quack Pack, Tristar Carriage Driving, the RAF Falcons Parachute Team, Black Mountain Falconry Display and a grand parade of prize-winning animals.
 
The show welcomes back the poultry section, pole climbing and the opening of a new Horticultural Village.
 
Harlow White, the UK’s top equine influencer, will be performing with her pony, Popcorn, in the Horse Ring at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm on Monday.
 
For more information about what’s in store at the show, visit https://rwas.wales/royal-welsh/. Advance tickets are available online at https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/events/ .

Elan Valley Visitor Centre near Rhayader hosted the first meeting between the Growing Mid Wales Economic Advisory Group (EAG) and leaders of Ceredigion and Powys County Councils
 
The meeting was held to discuss the Mid Wales Growth Deal’s strategic initiatives and collaboration on advancing regional economic growth.
 
Elan Valley Lakes Project is the first Mid Wales project advancing to the final stage of business case development to unlock growth deal funding. Representatives of Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru, project developers, outlined the proposals before leading a tour around the site.
 
The £21.7 million project includes plans to redevelop and expand Elan Valley Visitor Centre overlooking Caban Coch Dam, a hub for water sports and events, new tourism accommodation, including glamping pods, upgrading footpaths and bike trails, woodland conservation management and green energy supply links from a hydro mains ring.
 
The EAG, an independent body for Growing Mid Wales Board, comprises business leaders with expertise relevant to the region. The growth deal is a capital funding programme investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to support regional economic growth.
 
Steve Lesbirel, EAG chair, said: “We now have a full group consisting of entrepreneurial industry leaders and we look forward together with a passion to help drive the Mid Wales economy forward.
 
“Our group plays a key role in providing a strategic and constructive challenge to strengthen proposals and advise on new opportunities for the Growing Mid Wales Board to consider.”
 
Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council leader and Councillor Bryan Davies, Ceredigion County Council leader, are co-chairs of Growing Mid Wales Board.
 
“We are delighted to work closely with regional business leaders to provide a voice for their sector and share strategic and constructive responses for the Mid Wales Growth Deal,” they said.
 
"The growth deal is entering an exciting stage of development which sees programmes and projects moving into the delivery phase. We therefore need to ensure business representatives help us to strengthen and challenge the portfolio to have maximum impact on the Mid Wales economy."
 
For more information about EAG members visit: www.growingmid.wales/EAG .

There will also be a host of children’s outdoor activities, such as bug hunts, outdoor play, and arts and crafts that children love.
 
For those who simply want to soak up the natural beauty of the area and enjoy being outdoors, there will be a range of delicious catered food and drink options or they can simply bring their own.
 
For tickets and more information, visit www.wellsynergy.wales .
 
Organiser Janine Price said: “There really will be something for everyone and we have deliberately kept ticket prices affordable, as we would love to see lots of families share the weekend.
 
“We have been overwhelmed by the show of support so far. The event is already fostering a real sense of community from those who will be on hand to share their expertise alongside the amazing local businesses offering delicious food, original craft stalls and our mountain rescue heroes.
 
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, share an uplifting weekend and create some memories as we head into autumn.”
 
Chris Thomas, of ROC Outdoor Adventure and joint festival founder, added: "Anything that gets people embracing and enjoying the outdoors in any capacity is a great thing. We have such an outstanding natural resource on our doorstep.
 
“This festival is an amazing opportunity, not only for community building but to also to encourage exploring the benefits of outdoor activity and all nature has to offer, including wellness practices, walking and even relaxation techniques.
 
“It’s a deliberately inclusive event designed for all ages and with family budgets very much mind. We really are aiming for there to be something for everyone"
 
A range of affordable accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is available, ranging from luxury onsite and local accommodation, to a range of on-site camping options, including camper vans allowing ground campfires and barbecues and welcoming well-behaved dogs on leads. 

​Managing a workforce of 45, Calum has vacancies for a full-time events manager and six housekeeping and restaurant staff. He is willing to offer flexible hours for working mothers and keen to promote apprenticeship opportunities at the hotel to develop and enhance hospitality skills.
 
Stressing that the Palé Estate is committed to playing an active and supportive role in the local community, Calum revealed that the owners have a number of exciting investment plans in the pipeline.
 
Projects include developing a sculpture trail in the impressive gardens, which are being redesigned by noted New Zealand-born landscape designer Anthony Paul.
 
Exclusive chauffeur driven Rolls Royce guided tour packages will also be provided, reflecting the hotel owners’ passion for luxury cars.
 
Palé Hall is a member of Relais & Chateaux, Pride of Britain Hotels and Celebrated Experiences.
 
When he walked into the hotel last week, it was a déjà vu moment for Calum, as he had visited a couple of times 12 years ago to consider when he passed up the chance to buy the property for a previous employer.
 
He is delighted that Mr and Mrs Cooper-Barney have given him a chance to return to the grand property to become director, having been impressed by their enthusiasm for the new project.
 
It’s his first major hospitality post since becoming deaf, following illness, five years ago. With the dedicated help of his parents back in Scotland, Calum has learned to lipread and a telephone app instantly converts verbal conversation into text.
 
He feels that his return to Wales and Palé Estate were preordained. Wealthy Scottish railway engineer and entrepreneur Henry Robertson bought the estate in 1868 and took three years to build Palé Hall.
 
“There are so many coincidences about me being here that it was obviously meant to be,” said Calum. “Palé Hall was built by a Scotsman in the style of a Scottish baronial castle, and now another Scotsman is back running it.
 
“Palé Hall and the surrounding area are stunningly beautiful and the new owners share my passion and enthusiasm for the hospitality industry.
 
“I have been fortunate to live in Wales for 15 years and I know how special the country is in terms of the fantastic scenery and places to visit.
 
“Here at Palé Hall, we are just 90 minutes from Manchester Airport which makes it a very attractive destination for visitors from American and other countries. I plan to tour of the United States with Celebrated Experiences and will be working closely with Visit Wales to promote the hotel and this part of Wales.
 
“I shall also be entering the hotel for awards to showcase our green credentials. We already produce 65% of our own energy through hydro power and are introducing new measure to save water.
 
“The owners have some very exciting plans in the pipeline to support the local community and attract more visitors to Bala, so watch this space. We are determined to be good neighbours and to support the community in any way possible.”

One of leading hotels and event venues in Mid Wales has unveiled an impressive new garden courtyard just in time for the wedding season and summer.
 
The Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells says the outdoor transformation is set to redefine luxury and elegance in the historic spa town.
 
As part of the rejuvenation of the hotel’s outdoor spaces, the courtyard seamlessly extends the renowned Garden Suite and is poised to become a favoured spot for customers and wedding guests alike.
 
"Our new Garden Courtyard is an incredible addition to the Garden Suite function area," said Lauren Bingley, the hotel’s sales manager. "It's a versatile and beautiful space, perfect for wedding ceremonies, drink receptions, conferences, motor clubs, outdoor wellbeing events and more."
 
Lauren’s vision for the Garden Courtyard was brought to life by Nathan Jones and his talented team at Little Shed, a dynamic new landscape company from Newtown.
 
This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the hotel's outdoor areas, including the installation of a solar panel garden and the upcoming creation of a sensory biodiversity garden to support wild habitats.
 
The Garden Courtyard is open as a beer garden throughout the week and available for exclusive hire. To book the space, contact Lauren at [email protected].

“There can be fewer greater privileges in life than being elected president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society,” Denley Jenkins told the annual meeting held in Ceredigion, featured county at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
 
He thanked the team and committees across Ceredigion for organising fundraising events, making special mention of ambassador Esyllt Griffiths and her family for their support.
 
Held at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, in Mr Jenkins’ home area, the meeting reviewed last year’s achievements and looked forward to this year’s show, to be held at the Llanelwedd showground from July 22-25.
 
Chair of RWAS Council Mrs Nicola Davies thanked Ceredigion on its efforts over the past year.
 
Prof. Wynne Jones, OBE, chair of the RWAS Board of Directors, said there had been “a significant” financial turnaround and he thanked chief executive Aled Rhys Jones for his vision to refresh all the society’s activities.
 
He thanked RWAS sponsors and members whom, he said, will have increased representation on a new membership committee.
 
He praised the RWAS for its media campaign against the Welsh Government’s proposed change of summer school term times and declared the society’s support for rural communities to deal with political challenges.
 
Prof. Wynne noted the successes of last year’s events under Glamorgan feature county and praised the new food village ‘Gwledd’ which had provided a relaxing, safe place for families to enjoy.
 
Last year’s show was opened by three young people who were part of the RWAS’s Rural Leadership Programme, including Esyllt Griffiths, Ceredigion’s Ambassador this year who will represent the county on the RWAS Board.
 
Prof. Jones emphasised the importance of initiatives, such as inviting 3,000 school children to the Winter Fair for free, which connect with young people from non-rural areas. RWAS had a “huge job to do in educating people about food production”, he added
 
RWAS chief executive Mr Jones outlined the exciting programme of events for this year’s show. Horticulture returns along with two competition marquees, a new skills and learning hub called Dysgubor, a sensory garden, micro show gardens, commercial stands and a food and drink court.
 
Poultry is also returning following the lifting of Avian Flu restrictions, the Dancing Diggers will entertain in the main ring and there will be a unique display to mark the RWAS’s 120th anniversary. The forestry area will also be a hive of activity with the much-loved pole climbing competition reintroduced.
 
Visit www.rwas.wales for more information about the RWAS and Royal Welsh Show.

A community open day is being held by The Strata Florida Trust on Saturday, July 13 when visitors can talk to archaeologists, tour excavations and see the latest finds from the site in the Cambrian Mountains.
 
The trust’s annual archaeology field school at Strata Florida, a former Cistercian abbey at Ystrad Meurig, near Pontrhydfendigaid, ends at the weekend. Archaeologists are excited to have uncovered more of the courtyard following last year’s early radiocarbon dating results.
 
There’s still plenty of ways for people to get involved over the last week of the excavations, including the open day, from 11am to 3pm.
 
In addition to tours of the excavations, there will also be a range of children’s activities, homemade cakes and refreshments and a performance by Choirs for Good at 1.30pm. No booking is required.
 
Each year, the field school is run as a training dig, with participants travelling from across the world to learn excavation skills at the significant and iconic site. This year, participants have travelled from as far as Australia, the United States and Sweden.
 
Over the past five years, the 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.
 
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 it is pre-Cistercian in date,” said Carys Aldous-Hughes, trust director.
 
Jennifer Guthrie from Kentucky, a field school participant, said: “ I came here to learn skills and my expectations have been so far surpassed. Wales has been amazing and everyone has been so kind and helpful.”
 
Strata Florida Trust is restoring Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse and farm buildings, bringing new economic, social and cultural life to the area, whilst also celebrating abbey’s unique landscape and history. 
 
A free ‘Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition’ is 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.
 
The trust is a member of MWT Cymru, an 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/ .