 Following on from the hugely successful ‘She Can Start’ conference in February 2021, which saw over 100 people hear the inspirational journeys that women have taken to launch their business, Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub is pleased to announce ‘She Can Start 2’.
The conference will run on 10 September 2021 from 10:00 – 16:00 and will feature award-winning speakers including: founder of The Bug Farm, Dr Sarah Beynon, Hannah Hoskins owner of Not Your Grandma’s, TEDx speaker, trainer and bestselling author, Bernie Davies, and Elinor Davies-Farn, founder of Olew Hair. Finally, Ceri Gillet, founder of Mubo, will be closing out the conference with a talk on building a successful crowdfunding campaign, as well her experience of setting up her own business. Holly Jones, Hub Manager at Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub said: “After seeing the success of February’s successful celebration of women, attracting over 100 sign-ups, we’ve created part two to continue on the journey of empowering more women in Wales to take charge of their future and start-up. Get ready for another super inspirational day with some of the UK’s finest examples of women in business.” The aim of the event is to stimulate fresh ideas, create genuine collaboration and a focus on the practical ways in which we can all work together. Dr Sarah Beynon, founder of The Bug Farm commented: “We are living in the middle of a biodiversity mass extinction and a climate emergency. There has never been a more important time to innovate for a more sustainable future. I am thrilled to be involved with the BeTheSpark campaign to discuss how we can deliver real change via interdisciplinary, collaborative, innovation-driven entrepreneurship in Wales.” TEDx speaker, trainer and bestselling author, Bernie Davies, added: “I am very pleased to be taking part in ‘She Can Start 2’, particularly at such a time when we are coming out of the most unprecedented times this world and our region has seen. It therefore means we are in a time of hope and new beginnings and a time for women to come into their own and make dreams a reality, establish that vision and start again. I look forward to sharing my experience to inspire and educate.” You can register for this excellent virtual conference by searching ‘She Can Start 2’ on Eventbrite. The Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub is an innovative space to incubate and accelerate new, and growing businesses based at Royal Welsh Warehouse, Newtown, Powys. Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub is funded by the Welsh Government.
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 British sporting heroes, Tokyo 2020 medallists, world champions and former stage and jersey winners will all feature in this year’s famous Tour of Britain cycling race which is heading to Mid Wales next week. The coastal resort of Aberaeron hosts the start of the fourth stage of the race on September 8, with cyclists heading to Aberystwyth, Borth and Machynlleth before continuing to head north through Corris, Dolgellau, Barmouth, Harlech, Talsarnau, finishing at the Great Orme in Llandudno. The race, which will see the world’s top cyclists compete in iconic locations across the UK, is an opportunity to showcase the beautiful scenery of Mid Wales. Although spectators will not be allowed at the start of the fourth stage in Aberaeron for safety reasons, they can support the event along the route whilst being mindful of social distancing and road safety. Alternatively, fans can also watch the event from the comfort of their own home as it will be televised live and in full on ITV4, as well as in over 150 countries around the world. Cyclists are expected to be travelling through the different places along the route at the following times: Aberaeron 10.30am, Aberystwyth 11.15am, Borth 11.30am, Machynlleth 12 noon, Dolgellau 12.30pm and Harlech 12.55pm. Information guides and maps are available on the Tour of Britain website, www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-four .  Among the cyclists competing are:
Deceuninck-Quick-Step, the most successful team in modern Tour of Britain history, will be led by fan favourites Cavendish and Alaphilippe. The Manxman won the last three of his 10 stage victories in the race riding for the Belgian team in the 2013 edition. He returns to Britain after a spectacular Tour de France in which he won four stages and the points jersey. Frenchman Alaphilippe, who will be easily distinguishable to roadside spectators owing to his world champion’s rainbow jersey, has been tipped by many to repeat the overall victory he achieved in the 2018 race. Van Aert, winner of three Tour de France stages in July and silver medallist in the Olympic road race, spearheads Jumbo-Visma’s team. Alongside Kiwi climber and Grand Tour top-10 finisher George Bennett, Norwegian road race champion Tobias Foss and Australian all-rounder Chris Harper, van Aert is one of four riders in their squad who will make their Tour of Britain debuts in 2021. INEOS Grenadiers, the world’s number one team, have once again named a strong team for the Tour of Britain, led by Londoner, Tokyo 2020 silver medallist and recent Tour of Norway winner Ethan Hayter. Polish rider Michal Kwiatkowski and Welshman Owain Doull are both former Tour of Britain podium finishers; Kwiatkowski and Australian Rohan Dennis have also previously won stages of the UK’s biggest bike race. Richie Porte, third overall at the 2020 Tour de France, returns to the event for the first time since his 2010 debut. Three Tour of Britain stage winners – André Greipel, Matthias Brändle and Briton Alex Dowsett – feature in Israel Start-Up Nation’s powerful line-up. The tour will be one of the final races of Greipel’s prestigious 16-year career, during which time he has claimed over 150 victories. The German sprinter has remarkably won at least one stage in each of his four visits to the Tour of Britain, amassing seven victories in total. He is also one of only five men in modern race history to have won stages in England, Scotland and Wales. Other stars competing include trailblazer Nic Dlamini (Team Qhubeka NextHash), who became the first black South African to compete in the Tour de France in 2021, renowned stage race talent Marc Soler (Movistar Team) and 2018 British road race champion Connor Swift (Team Arkéa-Samsic). In addition to INEOS Grenadiers, six other home squads will be in action at the 2021 Tour of Britain: Canyon dhb SunGod, Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling, Saint Piran, SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling, TRINITY Racing and a GB national team. Cavendish said: “It is always an honour to race on the home roads of the Tour of Britain. It has already been a special year for me and riding the Tour of Britain will be a great way to see so many of the people who have supported me throughout.” Picture captions: Some of the star cyclists who will be competing in the Tour of Britain that comes to Mid Wales next week. Tour of Britain cyclists.  Continuing our spotlight on some of Mid Wales Tourism's longest standing members, in celebration of our 30th year, we're delighted to publish this piece from Alison Gallagher at Nannerth Country Holidays; quality self catering cottages on a working farm near Rhayader and The Elan Valley. Thank you, Alison. "We bought the 200 acre farm by sealed tender 33 years ago when it was in a derelict state. An old fashioned and very beautiful farm, Nannerth Fawr had no modern buildings and the farmhouse was without a bathroom, had no hot water and ancient wiring. Likewise the farm had collapsing fences and gates. Over a few years we converted several of the stone and slate built farm buildings into three self catering properties and have been operating as a 4 star farm tourism business since about 1991. Our guests include families, couples and larger groups. Many guests return every year and have become friends. We think 27 years is the longest period a family has been coming here. We aim to make improvements to the cottages and the outdoor areas every year, so for example have added hot tubs to the properties in previous years. These are very popular but require a lot of work keeping them clean and in good condition. Our guests love being on a traditional farm with sheep, goats and poultry outdoors and free and with farm activities such as shearing and haymaking occurring throughout the year. Children very much enjoy being able to feed and handle animals and they look forward to seeing our two friendly working cocker spaniels every year. Many guests spent much of their time exploring the farm and don’t need to go out in the car. We are linked to many cycle routes and are finding that cycling, mountain biking and other outdoor activities are increasingly popular. We have maintained and increased the wilder areas on the farm and have our own private nature reserve. Wetlands, riverside, ancient woodlands and traditional hay meadows mean that we have a very biodiverse environment with many species of birds and animals. Dragonflies on the ponds are stunning and the woodlands are full of birds especially in May and June. To further improve the environment we have put up over 100 bird boxes and planted over 10,000 trees. A treehouse above a large badger sett provides a hide for badger watching.
Overall I would say that ‘too much to do and not enough time’ is our greatest challenge to running the business and this continues throughout most of the year. Keeping up with repairs and building work is an ever present challenge. Historically the biggest challenge has been Foot and Mouth in 2001 which affected the tourism business and the farm, causing a large loss of income and a loss of some of our sheep flock. Currently Covid 19 is still a challenge, but we are busy with lots of bookings while maintaining precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible. The time spent doing routine sanitising and cleaning is very substantial. Likewise the admin for refunds, rebookings and vouchers has also been time consuming. Like everyone involved in hospitality we hope that staying in the UK and coming to Mid Wales will continue to be much more popular and we can all contribute to making our guests have a great time when they are here. We feel it is crucial for trade bodies and Welsh Government to use the opportunity we now have to support and promote tourism in our area. Being a member of MWT is important to keep up to date with developments and promotions. We have found that there is always a helpful and friendly response to queries and an awareness of what is going on at policy making level. Guests are usually lovely and a joy to get to know. Seeing longstanding guests and getting to know new ones is one of the best things about running our business. Chatting about farming and country life is also enjoyable and we find that most people are incredibly interested in how farming life and the community in our area works. We like to hear about their lifestyles as well!" Self Catering Country Cottages Mid Wales, Holidays Powys | Nannerth Country Holidays Before & After Photos
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Visitors to a narrow gauge railway in Mid Wales on the weekend of September 4 and 5 will get a chance to ride on a train pulled by a steam engine that is celebrating its centenary.
Due to the pandemic, Corris Railway’s Annual Gala Weekend is later this year and will not have the usual mixture of trains and differing steam and diesel locomotives in action.
The undoubted highlight is a chance to ride behind a steam engine that last worked passenger trains on the railway in 1930 and is celebrating its 100th birthday.
The locomotive is Corris Railway number 4, built in Stoke on Trent in 1921. It worked on the line from Machynlleth to Corris and Aberllefenni until it was closed by British Railways in August 1948 and seemed destined for scrapping.
However, it was kept under wraps and protected from prying eyes by Machynlleth stationmaster Campbell Thomas and was eventually purchased by volunteers who took over Talyllyn Railway and began the heritage railways movement.
Since the early 1950s, number 4 has been a mainstay of Talyllyn Railway’s services and has been named Edward Thomas, although it also appears sometimes as Peter Sam, the character created by the late Rev Wilbert Awdry in his railway books for small children.
The locomotive has returned to the revived section of Corris Railway, between the station in Corris itself and Maespoeth Junction, once before when it headed demonstration freight trains.
In 2005, construction work was completed on a new steam engine for the Corris which is a 21st century version of number 4.
These two steam engines will be heading passenger trains throughout the gala weekend, leaving Corris station on the hour between 11am and 4pm. Tickets can be purchased at the station on the day of travel.
Passengers will travel in carriages built by volunteers to the original Edwardian layout of those hauled by number 4 in the 1920s. The original passenger services ceased in 1930.
The museum and sales area at Corris station will be open and visitors may be able to visit the carriage shed at Maespoeth Junction if enough Corris Railway Society volunteers are available. There may also be an opportunity to see work on the southern extension of the line.
Another new steam engine is now being built, based on a trio constructed for the railway in Loughborough in 1878. It should enter service in autumn 2022, dependent on fundraising.
To help fundraising, there will be a sale of railway books, priced £2 each. Stock has been donated by supporters of the Corris revival and is augmented by donations of duplicated items from the library of the Historical Model Railway Society.
Picture caption:
Corris Railway’s locomotive number 4, now renamed Edward Thomas by Talyllyn Railway, is set to return to its original line in its centenary year.
The locomotive back in 1952 following its move to Talyllyn Railway.
Due to the pandemic, Corris Railway’s Annual Gala Weekend is later this year and will not have the usual mixture of trains and differing steam and diesel locomotives in action.
The undoubted highlight is a chance to ride behind a steam engine that last worked passenger trains on the railway in 1930 and is celebrating its 100th birthday.
The locomotive is Corris Railway number 4, built in Stoke on Trent in 1921. It worked on the line from Machynlleth to Corris and Aberllefenni until it was closed by British Railways in August 1948 and seemed destined for scrapping.
However, it was kept under wraps and protected from prying eyes by Machynlleth stationmaster Campbell Thomas and was eventually purchased by volunteers who took over Talyllyn Railway and began the heritage railways movement.
Since the early 1950s, number 4 has been a mainstay of Talyllyn Railway’s services and has been named Edward Thomas, although it also appears sometimes as Peter Sam, the character created by the late Rev Wilbert Awdry in his railway books for small children.
The locomotive has returned to the revived section of Corris Railway, between the station in Corris itself and Maespoeth Junction, once before when it headed demonstration freight trains.
In 2005, construction work was completed on a new steam engine for the Corris which is a 21st century version of number 4.
These two steam engines will be heading passenger trains throughout the gala weekend, leaving Corris station on the hour between 11am and 4pm. Tickets can be purchased at the station on the day of travel.
Passengers will travel in carriages built by volunteers to the original Edwardian layout of those hauled by number 4 in the 1920s. The original passenger services ceased in 1930.
The museum and sales area at Corris station will be open and visitors may be able to visit the carriage shed at Maespoeth Junction if enough Corris Railway Society volunteers are available. There may also be an opportunity to see work on the southern extension of the line.
Another new steam engine is now being built, based on a trio constructed for the railway in Loughborough in 1878. It should enter service in autumn 2022, dependent on fundraising.
To help fundraising, there will be a sale of railway books, priced £2 each. Stock has been donated by supporters of the Corris revival and is augmented by donations of duplicated items from the library of the Historical Model Railway Society.
Picture caption:
Corris Railway’s locomotive number 4, now renamed Edward Thomas by Talyllyn Railway, is set to return to its original line in its centenary year.
The locomotive back in 1952 following its move to Talyllyn Railway.
A popular Mid Wales attraction which invites visitors to explore the underground world of a former slate mine has won a 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best Attraction award.
Corris Mine Explorers, located at Corris, near Machynlleth, is said to have stood out by continuously delighting its explorers. The award celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months.
The attraction allows visitors to explore and discover the virtually untouched and disused workings of the old Braich Goch slate mine. The mine was worked from 1836 to 1870 when it was abandoned, the door creaked shut and everything was left in place.
Mark Waite, head mine guide at Corris Mine Explorers, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this Travellers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor. Not only does it recognise the quality of our explorers’ reviews, but it places Corris Mine Explorers in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
“This is a real achievement. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to write us a review following their trip. It really means a lot.”
Kanika Soni, TripAdvisor’s chief commercial officer, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards. I know the past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses.
“What has impressed me is how businesses adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines and utilising technology to prioritize guest safety.
“The Travelers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent - delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working.
“Based on a full year of reviews from customers, this award speaks to the great service and experience you provided guests in the midst of a pandemic.”
To see traveller reviews and information about Corris Mine Explorers visit the attraction’s TripAdvisor review page.
Picture caption:
Visitors exploring the former slate mine at Corris.
Corris Mine Explorers, located at Corris, near Machynlleth, is said to have stood out by continuously delighting its explorers. The award celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months.
The attraction allows visitors to explore and discover the virtually untouched and disused workings of the old Braich Goch slate mine. The mine was worked from 1836 to 1870 when it was abandoned, the door creaked shut and everything was left in place.
Mark Waite, head mine guide at Corris Mine Explorers, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this Travellers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor. Not only does it recognise the quality of our explorers’ reviews, but it places Corris Mine Explorers in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
“This is a real achievement. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to write us a review following their trip. It really means a lot.”
Kanika Soni, TripAdvisor’s chief commercial officer, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards. I know the past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses.
“What has impressed me is how businesses adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines and utilising technology to prioritize guest safety.
“The Travelers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent - delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working.
“Based on a full year of reviews from customers, this award speaks to the great service and experience you provided guests in the midst of a pandemic.”
To see traveller reviews and information about Corris Mine Explorers visit the attraction’s TripAdvisor review page.
Picture caption:
Visitors exploring the former slate mine at Corris.
The National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells has announced that it will be open daily from August 21 to 31.
A must for cycle enthusiasts, the museum will be taking part in a vintage cycle parade on August 25, starting at 10.30am from the Automobile Palace, as part of the Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival from August 24-30.
The museum will be open on weekdays from 10am to 4pm and at weekends from 10am to 2pm.
Picture caption:
The National Cycle Museum.
A must for cycle enthusiasts, the museum will be taking part in a vintage cycle parade on August 25, starting at 10.30am from the Automobile Palace, as part of the Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival from August 24-30.
The museum will be open on weekdays from 10am to 4pm and at weekends from 10am to 2pm.
Picture caption:
The National Cycle Museum.
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Tywyn-based Talyllyn Railway has enjoyed what general manager Stuart Williams described as the busiest weekend for five years, following the easing of Covid restrictions in Wales.
The railway continues to be careful in minimising risks in the continuing pandemic with trains divided into separated compartments. Tickets for each whole compartment are sold in advance to families or to those in a social bubble.
Billed as the ‘Awdry Extravaganza’, the weekend programme for August 14 and 15 was based around a celebration of the ‘Railway Series’ of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awry, creator of the famous Thomas the Tank Engine.
The Rev Awdry was an Anglican priest and railway enthusiast who became an enthusiastic member and volunteer guard on the Talyllyn Railway in 1952, just a year after it had become the world’s first preserved heritage railway.
His experiences on the Talyllyn inspired him to create the fictitious Skarloey Railway which became the subject of an additional series of children’s books within his ‘Railway Series’.
Skarloey Railway shared with the Talyllyn and its near neighbour the Corris Railway the distinction of being the only railways to run in the UK on a gauge of 2ft 3ins.
The Narrow Gauge Museum, housed at Tywyn Wharf Station, already has a reproduction exhibit of Awdry’s study where he wrote all of his famous ‘Railway Series’, with the original furniture and contents donated by his family.
The weekend included a once in a lifetime exhibition of the Rev. Awdry’s work including original artwork from the ‘Railway Series’. His own model railway layouts, called Ffarquhar Branch and Ulfstead Road, were displayed together for the first time in more than 20 years, along with some of the Rev Awdry’s own models of ‘Thomas’ and other locomotives that he used to illustrate his talks.
The exhibition was opened by the Bishop of Bangor, the Right Rev Andrew John, a frequent and very supportive visitor to the railway since taking up his post in 2008.
He then met other Talyllyn staff, volunteers and members of the public before joining one of the timetabled trains, running behind engines named for the occasion as Skarloey, Rhenas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam.
A special guest at several of the weekend events was popular TV presenter and railway historian Tim Dunn, who conducted interviews with staff and volunteers which were livestreamed over the Talyllyn Railway’s Facebook page.
Tim presented a reading of the Rev Awdry’s original ‘History of Sodor’ to a packed audience which was livestreamed to more than 200 people who had bought a virtual ticket, many of them being overseas.
Trains were all filled to the capacity allowed by social distancing. Adult visitors also enjoyed a three-day Beer, Cider and Gin Festival at Wharf Station featuring products from several local Welsh breweries and distilleries.
Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society chairman Jonathan Mann said: “The Awdry connection is something we are very proud of, and it takes us right back to our roots.
“We are very fortunate to have Wilbert Awdry’s study and many model railway items in the museum. The displays and layouts were viewed eagerly not just by members of the public, but also by members of the family whom we were delighted to welcome to the railway.
“After a very difficult period, it was really encouraging to see so many visitors enjoying themselves again in a more normal, but still careful, manner.”
Talyllyn Railway continues to operate following Covid guidelines issued by the Welsh Government. Pre-booking is advised as numbers are limited and only compartments may be booked for families or social bubbles.
Seats on the train are only available as ‘round trips’ and will all start and finish at Wharf Station. Masks continue to be required to be worn in indoor areas.
Picture captions:
General manager Stuart Williams (left) with TV presenter Tim Dunn interviewing the event’s main organiser and ‘Awdry’ expert, Luke Ryan.
Photo Nathan Spence.
Bishop of Bangor, the Right Rev Andrew John in the permanent ‘Awdry Study’ exhibition.
Photo Jonathan Mann
Tywyn Wharf during the Awdry Extravaganza weekend.
Photo Karen Willans.
The railway continues to be careful in minimising risks in the continuing pandemic with trains divided into separated compartments. Tickets for each whole compartment are sold in advance to families or to those in a social bubble.
Billed as the ‘Awdry Extravaganza’, the weekend programme for August 14 and 15 was based around a celebration of the ‘Railway Series’ of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awry, creator of the famous Thomas the Tank Engine.
The Rev Awdry was an Anglican priest and railway enthusiast who became an enthusiastic member and volunteer guard on the Talyllyn Railway in 1952, just a year after it had become the world’s first preserved heritage railway.
His experiences on the Talyllyn inspired him to create the fictitious Skarloey Railway which became the subject of an additional series of children’s books within his ‘Railway Series’.
Skarloey Railway shared with the Talyllyn and its near neighbour the Corris Railway the distinction of being the only railways to run in the UK on a gauge of 2ft 3ins.
The Narrow Gauge Museum, housed at Tywyn Wharf Station, already has a reproduction exhibit of Awdry’s study where he wrote all of his famous ‘Railway Series’, with the original furniture and contents donated by his family.
The weekend included a once in a lifetime exhibition of the Rev. Awdry’s work including original artwork from the ‘Railway Series’. His own model railway layouts, called Ffarquhar Branch and Ulfstead Road, were displayed together for the first time in more than 20 years, along with some of the Rev Awdry’s own models of ‘Thomas’ and other locomotives that he used to illustrate his talks.
The exhibition was opened by the Bishop of Bangor, the Right Rev Andrew John, a frequent and very supportive visitor to the railway since taking up his post in 2008.
He then met other Talyllyn staff, volunteers and members of the public before joining one of the timetabled trains, running behind engines named for the occasion as Skarloey, Rhenas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam.
A special guest at several of the weekend events was popular TV presenter and railway historian Tim Dunn, who conducted interviews with staff and volunteers which were livestreamed over the Talyllyn Railway’s Facebook page.
Tim presented a reading of the Rev Awdry’s original ‘History of Sodor’ to a packed audience which was livestreamed to more than 200 people who had bought a virtual ticket, many of them being overseas.
Trains were all filled to the capacity allowed by social distancing. Adult visitors also enjoyed a three-day Beer, Cider and Gin Festival at Wharf Station featuring products from several local Welsh breweries and distilleries.
Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society chairman Jonathan Mann said: “The Awdry connection is something we are very proud of, and it takes us right back to our roots.
“We are very fortunate to have Wilbert Awdry’s study and many model railway items in the museum. The displays and layouts were viewed eagerly not just by members of the public, but also by members of the family whom we were delighted to welcome to the railway.
“After a very difficult period, it was really encouraging to see so many visitors enjoying themselves again in a more normal, but still careful, manner.”
Talyllyn Railway continues to operate following Covid guidelines issued by the Welsh Government. Pre-booking is advised as numbers are limited and only compartments may be booked for families or social bubbles.
Seats on the train are only available as ‘round trips’ and will all start and finish at Wharf Station. Masks continue to be required to be worn in indoor areas.
Picture captions:
General manager Stuart Williams (left) with TV presenter Tim Dunn interviewing the event’s main organiser and ‘Awdry’ expert, Luke Ryan.
Photo Nathan Spence.
Bishop of Bangor, the Right Rev Andrew John in the permanent ‘Awdry Study’ exhibition.
Photo Jonathan Mann
Tywyn Wharf during the Awdry Extravaganza weekend.
Photo Karen Willans.
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Radiate Arts, a community interest company which is based near Llanidloes, has received nearly £10,000 to continue its work which supports ex-service personnel in Mid Wales.
The not-for-profit organisation received £9,973 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its project ‘Working With The Hard Stuff’. The stone carving course provides a space for ex-army veterans to experience fellowship and supports their positive mental wellbeing.
The course is led by local artists Glenn Morris and Nick Lloyd in the Creative Hub at the Llyn Clywedog Visitor Centre.
Russell George, MS for Montgomeryshire, joined Radiate Arts to celebrate the funding and visited the ex-army personnel who are taking part in the course to experience first-hand the impact of the creative workshop.
Mr George said: “It was fantastic to see the positive impact Radiate Arts is having in the community and how art plays an important role for physical and mental wellbeing.
“The not-for-profit organisation delivers very welcome experiences for many in the local area of Llanidloes and beyond. It was clear to see how the creative and focused process helps with mindfulness and it is the perfect way to stay in the moment.
“I’m pleased to hear that they have secured funding to carry on with their work supporting the community here in Mid Wales and what a peaceful and inspirational spot overlooking the Clywedog Reservoir.”
Radiate Arts directors Pam Gordon and Ian Bellingham said they were thrilled to receive funding from The Lottery Community Fund to support creative workshops which generate positive impact within the community.
“With this fund, we can continue to run our weekly sessions and carry on delivering this service to those who need it,” they added. “It was great to have a conversation with Russell George around our vision and ways to promote wider leisure and tourism at the ‘Source of the River Severn’ here in Mid Wales.
“We are excited to continue ‘Working With The Hard Stuff’ as we continue to support the needs of those in our community.”
The resident artist at the Creative Hub, Amy Sterly, presented one of her prints depicting Clywedog Dam to Mr George.
Picture captions:
Montgomeryshire MS Russell George looks at stone carving by Mark from the Working With The Hard Stuff project watched by Radiate Arts director Ian Bellingham.
Montgomeryshire MS Russell George receives a print of Clywedog Dam from Creative Hub resident artist Amy Sterly during his visit to Radiate Arts.
The not-for-profit organisation received £9,973 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its project ‘Working With The Hard Stuff’. The stone carving course provides a space for ex-army veterans to experience fellowship and supports their positive mental wellbeing.
The course is led by local artists Glenn Morris and Nick Lloyd in the Creative Hub at the Llyn Clywedog Visitor Centre.
Russell George, MS for Montgomeryshire, joined Radiate Arts to celebrate the funding and visited the ex-army personnel who are taking part in the course to experience first-hand the impact of the creative workshop.
Mr George said: “It was fantastic to see the positive impact Radiate Arts is having in the community and how art plays an important role for physical and mental wellbeing.
“The not-for-profit organisation delivers very welcome experiences for many in the local area of Llanidloes and beyond. It was clear to see how the creative and focused process helps with mindfulness and it is the perfect way to stay in the moment.
“I’m pleased to hear that they have secured funding to carry on with their work supporting the community here in Mid Wales and what a peaceful and inspirational spot overlooking the Clywedog Reservoir.”
Radiate Arts directors Pam Gordon and Ian Bellingham said they were thrilled to receive funding from The Lottery Community Fund to support creative workshops which generate positive impact within the community.
“With this fund, we can continue to run our weekly sessions and carry on delivering this service to those who need it,” they added. “It was great to have a conversation with Russell George around our vision and ways to promote wider leisure and tourism at the ‘Source of the River Severn’ here in Mid Wales.
“We are excited to continue ‘Working With The Hard Stuff’ as we continue to support the needs of those in our community.”
The resident artist at the Creative Hub, Amy Sterly, presented one of her prints depicting Clywedog Dam to Mr George.
Picture captions:
Montgomeryshire MS Russell George looks at stone carving by Mark from the Working With The Hard Stuff project watched by Radiate Arts director Ian Bellingham.
Montgomeryshire MS Russell George receives a print of Clywedog Dam from Creative Hub resident artist Amy Sterly during his visit to Radiate Arts.
A Mid Wales steam locomotive begins its centenary year celebrations by returning to its original railway on August 28 to head a passenger train from Corris station for the first time since 1930.
Marking another landmark in the revival of Corris Railway, steam locomotive number 4, ‘Edward Thomas’, will set off from the station at 11am followed by further trips at 1pm and 3pm. Tickets must be pre-booked via www.corris.co.uk
By 1921, the railway’s original trio of steam locomotives had been working for four decades in the Dulas Valley, north of Machynlleth and were becoming time expired.
To deal with the problem, a new engine was ordered from Kerr Stuart Limited, Stoke-on-Trent whilst the best parts of the original trio were combined by Albert Hulme, the railway’s engineer, to produce a single locomotive.
This retained number 3 and the new engine became number 4, a Modified Tattoo class locomotive, a design dating from 1904. The remains of numbers 1 and 2 were scrapped, whilst 3 and 4 worked passenger, slate and general goods traffic between Machynlleth and Aberllefenni.
In 1930, the Great Western Railway took over Corris Railway and, at the end of the year, passenger traffic ceased to run. Freight continued, although services were eventually reduced to three days a week and the narrow gauge line became part of British Railways in 1948.
In August of that year, the railway was closed as the River Dyfi was threatening to breach the track bed near Machynlleth.
Corris Railway was built to the unusual gauge of 2 feet 3 inches and the pair of engines looked destined to be cut up. However, Campbell Thomas, Machynlleth stationmaster, hoped that they might find new life on the neighbouring Talyllyn Railway which shared the gauge. The locomotives were kept sheeted over and, as far as possible, out of sight.
In 1948, Talyllyn Railway was being kept alive by its owner Sir Henry Haydn Jones who unable to purchase either. However, after Sir Henry’s death, enthusiasts took over the railway and it became the world’s first heritage railway in 1951.
With only one working engine of their own, the Talyllyn Railway pioneers purchased the Corris locos from British Railways in Swindon. After overhaul by the Hunslet Company in Leeds, number 4 entered Talyllyn service in 1952 and has been a major part of train operations there since.
The loco has returned to Corris once before, in 1996, when the revival of railway had not reached a point where it could carry passengers.
Instead, on that occasion, number 4 worked demonstration freight trains which lifted the railway’s profile and was part of a successful appeal to build a new locomotive based on the Tattoo design. Number 7 began to work in the Dulas Valley in 2005.
After its first trains on the railway on August 28, number 4 will work alongside number 7 during a Gala Event that will see them operating passenger trains between Corris and Maespoeth Junction on September 4 and 5. Details of the gala and booking arrangements will appear at www.corris.co.uk .
Over the following weekend, September 11 and 12, both number 4 and number 7 will be in action on Talyllyn Railway.
Corris Railway, which is run and maintained entirely by Corris Railway Society volunteers, is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality business across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Picture caption:
Locomotive number 4, ‘Edward Thomas’.
Marking another landmark in the revival of Corris Railway, steam locomotive number 4, ‘Edward Thomas’, will set off from the station at 11am followed by further trips at 1pm and 3pm. Tickets must be pre-booked via www.corris.co.uk
By 1921, the railway’s original trio of steam locomotives had been working for four decades in the Dulas Valley, north of Machynlleth and were becoming time expired.
To deal with the problem, a new engine was ordered from Kerr Stuart Limited, Stoke-on-Trent whilst the best parts of the original trio were combined by Albert Hulme, the railway’s engineer, to produce a single locomotive.
This retained number 3 and the new engine became number 4, a Modified Tattoo class locomotive, a design dating from 1904. The remains of numbers 1 and 2 were scrapped, whilst 3 and 4 worked passenger, slate and general goods traffic between Machynlleth and Aberllefenni.
In 1930, the Great Western Railway took over Corris Railway and, at the end of the year, passenger traffic ceased to run. Freight continued, although services were eventually reduced to three days a week and the narrow gauge line became part of British Railways in 1948.
In August of that year, the railway was closed as the River Dyfi was threatening to breach the track bed near Machynlleth.
Corris Railway was built to the unusual gauge of 2 feet 3 inches and the pair of engines looked destined to be cut up. However, Campbell Thomas, Machynlleth stationmaster, hoped that they might find new life on the neighbouring Talyllyn Railway which shared the gauge. The locomotives were kept sheeted over and, as far as possible, out of sight.
In 1948, Talyllyn Railway was being kept alive by its owner Sir Henry Haydn Jones who unable to purchase either. However, after Sir Henry’s death, enthusiasts took over the railway and it became the world’s first heritage railway in 1951.
With only one working engine of their own, the Talyllyn Railway pioneers purchased the Corris locos from British Railways in Swindon. After overhaul by the Hunslet Company in Leeds, number 4 entered Talyllyn service in 1952 and has been a major part of train operations there since.
The loco has returned to Corris once before, in 1996, when the revival of railway had not reached a point where it could carry passengers.
Instead, on that occasion, number 4 worked demonstration freight trains which lifted the railway’s profile and was part of a successful appeal to build a new locomotive based on the Tattoo design. Number 7 began to work in the Dulas Valley in 2005.
After its first trains on the railway on August 28, number 4 will work alongside number 7 during a Gala Event that will see them operating passenger trains between Corris and Maespoeth Junction on September 4 and 5. Details of the gala and booking arrangements will appear at www.corris.co.uk .
Over the following weekend, September 11 and 12, both number 4 and number 7 will be in action on Talyllyn Railway.
Corris Railway, which is run and maintained entirely by Corris Railway Society volunteers, is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality business across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Picture caption:
Locomotive number 4, ‘Edward Thomas’.
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