Welsh comedian and presenter Tudur Owen and Spanish and Welsh comedian, Ignacio Lopez were filmed at The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways for an episode of S4C’s ‘Iaith ar Daith’ (Language on Tour) series, which was screened last night (Sunday).
 
Each episode in the popular TV series follows a Welsh first language celebrity - this time Tudur - and a non-Welsh speaking celebrity as they try to ‘Dysgu Cymraeg’ (learn Welsh) in the programme.
 
For this episode, Ignacio, a regular on shows such as ‘Live at the Apollo’ and ‘Have I got News for You’, joined Tudur at the railway to spend a day stewarding on the Mountain Spirit Service from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
 
The pair were in the capable hands of staff member 18-year-old Mackenzie Diggons, in his second season on the staff at the railway. Mackenzie, who lives in nearby Criccieth, is first language Welsh and works and volunteers at the railway part time while studying engineering.
 
The celebrities were tasked with working with Mackenzie and speaking to passengers in Welsh, as they served customers from the trolley service in the first class Pullman carriage.
 
Mackenzie said: “The two stars were really energetic and ready to get on with the job of stewarding. It was the first time for them trying to serve drinks on a moving train so that was quite funny.
 
“Ignacio got on very well speaking Welsh, it was like he was a pro at it. There were a few words he didn’t understand but easily enough he asked how to pronounce things. Otherwise he was very good at speaking Welsh and serving the customers!
 
“People pay a lot of money to go and see these comedians and today on the train I was paid to see them…here at work!”
 
This episode was aired on S4C on Sunday and is available on the S4C Clic app on catch up.
 
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

​Focus Futures is a service delivered by Business in Focus in partnership with Powys County Council, which aims to support local communities by providing a mixture of advice, guidance and opportunity around self-employment and enterprise.

This service is fully funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund via the UK Government, and free for businesses in Powys to access until December 2024.

Focus Futures pride themselves on offering a true person-centred approach, allowing you to guide the pace and intensity of your journey, utilising support from partner organisations to make the experience as well rounded and beneficial as possible.

For those who may have aspirations to start your own business but are unsure where to begin, Focus Futures provides a safe space to explore what self-employment is via a mixture of workshops, peer-to-peer learning and access to a personal Business Mentor to support them from start to finish.

For existing businesses looking to grow or upskill, they offer free diagnostics from a series of Business Experts who can support with all areas of development, whether it be the launch of a new product, help to access finance and funding opportunities or to support in accessing new commercial opportunities. They also afford access to sector and industry specific learning modules and ask the expert opportunities for their post-start cohort to ensure a comprehensive offering.
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Delivered via a mixture of community based and online learning to ensure access for everyone, no idea or request is too big or too small for the Focus Futures Team!

Contact Focus Futures - Business In Focus 

Kerry Vale Vineyard on the Shropshire border with Powys has announced a series of creative workshops this autumn.
 
The workshops will offer unique opportunities for art enthusiasts and beginners alike to explore their artistic talents in the beautiful surroundings of the vineyard near Montgomery.
 
The series begins with a lino cutting workshop on October 11. Participants will have the chance to learn the art of designing and carving their own lino prints with all materials provided and no prior experience necessary.
 
“Lino cutting is a fantastic way to express creativity,” says workshop tutor Billie Ireland. “I look forward to guiding participants through the process and seeing their unique designs come to life.”
 
A handmade silver pendant workshop with Sorrel Sevier follows on November 8. Sorrel is a renowned local jeweller known for her intricate and elegant designs.
 
Attendees will create their own beautiful silver pendant under Sorrel’s expert guidance. This workshop includes all materials and tools needed to craft a unique piece of jewellery.
 
“Working with silver is a wonderfully rewarding experience,” says Sorrel. “I’m excited to help participants create something truly special that they can cherish forever.”
 
Finally, on November 29, Nicola Knapton will host a needle felting workshop. Nicola is an accomplished textile artist with a passion for creating beautiful and detailed felted pieces.
 
This workshop will teach participants the basics of needle felting, allowing them to create their own felted creations. All materials are included.

“Needle felting is a delightful and relaxing craft,” says Nicola. “I can’t wait to share this enjoyable and therapeutic activity with everyone.”
 
Included within the ticket price is a homemade lunch and tea or coffee during the workshop and all materials. Pre-booking is essential for all workshops either online at www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk/events or by calling Tel: 01588 620627.
 
Established in 2010, family-run Kerry Vale Vineyard is located in the borderlands and offers a tranquil escape with stunning views, rich history and exceptional wines.
 
The vineyard is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

Chefs who have what it takes to become a Welsh champion are being encouraged to enter prestigious competitions at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) 2025 without delay.
 
The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), which is organising the three-day Welsh talent and food and drink showcase event ICC Wales, Newport from January 20-22, is urging chefs to showcase their skills.
 
All chefs who intend to enter the National and Junior Chef of Wales 2025 competitions must pre-register by October 7 to attend a mandatory virtual briefing session in advance of submitting their menu by November 15, 2024.
 
Finalists will be selected for each competition from the menus they submit. Application forms at: https://www.culinaryassociation.wales/competitions/ .
 
For the National Chef of Wales contest, chefs must cook a three course dinner for 12 diners featuring Welsh ingredients and Cygnet Gin, a headline sponsor. Competitors must be aged 24 or over on February 1, 2025.
 
The menu must include a plant-based starter suitable for a vegan diet, a main course featuring two different cuts of GI Welsh Beef and a dessert featuring hot, cold and chocolate elements and a biscuit or tuille.
 
Junior Chef of Wales competitors must cook a three course pescatarian meal for six diners with a plant-based starter suitable for a vegan diet, main course featuring Chirk Farm Trout and a dessert including one hot and one chocolate element.
 
Chefs must be at least aged 16 and not be older than 23 on February 1, 2025 and the winner will be automatically seeded into the UK semi-final of the Young National Chef of the Year.
 
In the Vegan Chef of the Year contest, which is sponsored by Cygnet Gin, chefs must be aged 17 or over on February 1, 2025. They are challenged to cook a three course menu for six people free of all animal products. Closing date for entries if November 15.
 
The appetiser must have 50% warm components, the main course must have a minimum of three components, including Microgreens and the dessert must include chocolate, tea and two fruit puree products.
 
For all three competitions, chefs must be of Welsh descent or working or studying for a catering qualification in a college or establishment in Wales.
 
With Wales winning the bid to host the Worldchefs Congress and Expo from May 16-19, 2026, the country has secured a golden ticket for the Global Vegan Chef Challenge Final.
 
CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, said: “We are searching for chef to showcase their knowledge, culinary ability and innovation to be considered to represent Wales I the Global Chef Challenge Finals here in Wales in 2026.”
 
The National Chef of Wales final will be held on January 20 and the other two finals on January 22. Winners of all these competitions will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony to close the championships on the evening of January 22.
 
Diners can reserve tickets to experience the dishes cooked by the chefs in the three finals at: [email protected] and details of how to book tables for the Gala dinner can found in the WICC essential guide: https://www.culinaryassociation.wales/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WICC-Schedule-25-4.pdf
 
Open competitions for apprentices, students and experienced chefs include the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef Challenge, Cygnet Gin Cocktail Mixology, Terry’s Patisserie Ltd Modern Cold Desserts and others using GI Welsh Beef, GI Welsh Lamb, Willo Game meat, glazed grilled fish, The Omelette Challenge, Butchery and Cooking Sauté Chicken Challenge and fruit and vegetables knife skills.
 
There will also be an award for the college gaining most points over the three days, with Coleg y Cymoedd the defending champions.
 
Featuring a Welsh Food and Drink Expo, the WICC will also host the Wales Hospitality Finals of Skills Wales /SgiliauCymru . Safe food working practices will be rewarded with prizes from Ecolab who will be monitoring competitions.
 
Sponsors of the Welsh International Culinary Championships are Food and Drink Wales, Kentaur, Roller Grill UK, MCS Technical Products, Cambrian Training Company, Castell Howell, Cygnet Gin, Capital Cuisine, City & Guilds UK, Essential Cuisine, Ecolab, Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, Terry’s Patisserie Ltd, Willo Game, Fresh & Tasty Microgreens and Friedr Dick GmbH & Co.

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A special audio tour in the Welsh language has been unveiled by an award-winning Powys visitor attraction this autumn.
 
The new way of exploring the Victorian world of The Judge’s Lodging museum in Presteigne - www.judgeslodging.org.uk - allows Welsh speakers to listen to the Victorian inhabitants of the building tell their own stories.
 
The inhabitants range from Mary, the hardworking maid, to Richard Lister Venables, chairman of the magistrates and employer of famous Victorian diarist, Francis Kilvert.
 
The cast is led by comedian and presenter Tudur Owen, who takes the role of Richard Lister Venables, portrayed in the English-language tour by the late actor Robert Hardy.
 
Tudur is well-known to Welsh speakers through his work on television and radio. His stand-up comedy is presented in both Welsh and English and for those who want to see him in action, he also stars in BBC Wales’ Tourist Trap as the perhaps less than helpful tourist information officer, Gwilym.
 
Staff at the museum were delighted when Tudur agreed to tackle the role, as he is no stranger to The Judge’s Lodging. In 2010, they spent a happy year with him visiting for the filming of Byw yn ôl y Llyfr (Living by the Book).
 
The series was based on a Welsh language Victorian self-help manual – Llyfr Pawb ar Bob Peth (“Everyone’s Book on Everything“) published around 1870.
 
The series followed Tudur and author Bethan Gwanas as they donned period clothing and tried to follow the book’s advice on all manner of things, ranging from DIY to social etiquette and from a parrot learning to talk and leeches in jars, to testing fire-retardant nightdresses in the garden and boiling a sheep’s head.
 
The new Welsh audio guide also features a supporting cast of singers from Mid Wales Opera, who lent their talents by recording the roles of the Victorian servants during the Covid pandemic, when they were unable to perform publicly.
 
Museum staff will be happy to show fluent Welsh speakers and learners how the audio guide can be flipped between the two languages to test their skills.
 
Museum manager, Gaby Rivers said: “When Tudur filmed with us, every day was hilarious and we just knew he would breathe real life into our chairman of the magistrates character. Tudur’s performance is wonderful and we think that Welsh speakers will really enjoy the experience.”
 
The Judge’s Lodging is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

Television presenter, author, nature advocate and charity campaigner Julia Bradbury and Shropshire celebrity chef Marcus Bean are two of the stars lined up for West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show in Shrewsbury later this month.
 
Bradbury, former Camping and Caravan Club president, will be teaming up with Bean to give cooking demonstrations on Saturday, October 5.
 
They will be using equipment which can be purchased in Salop Leisure’s accessories shop from suppliers such as Cadac.
 
Visitors to the free show, which is being hosted by award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership, Salop Leisure at Emstrey from September 28 to October 6, will be able to meet both stars.
 
Bradbury will also be signing copies of her book, 'Walk yourself happy'. Bean, who formerly ran Brompton Cookery School, near Shrewsbury, has also launched his own book this year, ‘The Good Chicken Cookbook’. He’s a regular chef on ITV’s ‘This Morning’.
 
New 2025 touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and luxury lodges will be promoted at the show where visitors will also be able to take advantage of great savings on remaining 2024 models.
 
The UK’s largest free caravan and motorhome show will feature models from Swift, ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Willerby and Coachman. More than 200 new and pre-owned models will be showcased and there will be a 10% discount on all awnings and accessories purchased at the event.
 
New holiday home models to look out for include the ABI Coworth Deluxe, Atlas Avanti, Carnaby Lakehouse Lodge, Swift Morlaix and Willerby Malton Elite.
 
To create extra interest for visitors, historic Swift caravans dating to the 1950s will be displayed between 2025 models to demonstrate the evolution of designs, equipment, furnishings and comfort over the years.
 
Visitors who register for tickets at www.salopleisure.co.uk will qualify for a free ice cream served from Shropshire Ice Cream Caravan.
 
A packed programme of family activities includes a children’s bouncy castle and fairground organ on both weekends and a fun dog competition organised by Sophie Cox will be held on Sunday, October 6 with people encouraged to enter their pets.
 
Outdoor Revolution will be showcasing awnings on Sunday, September 29 and experts will be available from Willerby on September 30, Swift on October 1, Carnaby on October 2, Atlas and Yuasa Batteries on October 4 and Isabella awnings on October 5.
 
Salop Leisure’s holiday park finder service will help customers to identify their ideal location, with more than 250 parks to choose from in Mid Wales and the Heart of England.
 
Park representatives will be on hand in the Holiday Home Village throughout the show. They include Derwen Mill, Guilsfield; Foggy Bottom, Churchstoke; Gellidywyll, Llandinam; Maes yr Afon, Berriew; Hidden Valley, Guilsfield; Trederwen, Llansantffraid; Glendower, Llangynog; Ranch / Fernwood, Ellesmere; Sunnyside Farm, Shrewsbury; Salop Caravan Sites, Wigmore Lakes, Wattlesborough; Bala Caravan Park and Pen y Garth, Bala, River Meadow, Llangadfan, Meadow Springs, Trefeglwys, Palé Wood, Bala and Henstent, Llangynog, Dolgead Hall, Llanfair Caereinion, Clywedog and Red Kite Lodge Park, Llanidloes and Morris Leisure.
 
Experts will also be available to guide first time buyers through the complete process of owning a touring caravan, motorhome, or caravan holiday home or lodge.
 
Mike Harris, Salop Leisure’s joint managing director, said: “This annual show is a fantastic opportunity to see new 2025 caravan and motorhome models for the first time right here in Shropshire and there will be some great deals on offer on 2024 models.
 
“It’s a great family day out and chance to check out all the smart ideas, innovations and fresh designs on display.

“It’s a stunning location,” said Chris, whilst surveying the 50-acre estate. “I am just thankful for being part of the Palé Hall team and having an opportunity to bring my set of high standards to the hotel.
 
“The hotel owners want to raise the standards even higher and I am more than happy to be part of the progression to the next level.
 
“I have been in the UK for five years and I am a foodie who loves British history and the countryside. I love exploring new places, meeting new people and expanding my knowledge to keep improving.”
 
An AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux destination luxury country house hotel, Palé Hall has an acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant.
 
The hotel was purchased in April by Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney who immediately fell with the property and surrounding area the first time they visited.

The couple are investing in the hotel, estate and other local ventures to support the community and enhance Bala as a tourist destination.
 
The hotel has Royal connections. Queen Victoria stayed at Palé Hall for 10 days in August 1889 and the bedroom where she stayed has been named the Victoria room.

The livestock competitions schedule for the 2024 Royal Welsh Winter Fair is now available online.
 
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is inviting farmers, breeders and exhibitors to visit the official website - https://rwas.wales/winter-fair/competitions/ -  to view the full competition details, entry requirements and key dates.

This year’s winter fair, scheduled for November 25 and 26, promises to showcase the best livestock from across the country in a festive celebration.

An action-packed weekend of  family fun is in store at this year’s Mid Wales Autumn Fayre which will have a series of exciting new attractions.
 
The National and Junior Chefs of Wales, Josh Morris and Sam Everton, respectively, are two of the Welsh culinary stars lined up to cook in the live kitchen theatre in the Food Hall.
 
The weekend of chef and butchery demos, organised by the Culinary Association of Wales, will showcase the wide range of artisan food and drink from across Wales.
 
The two-day event, which is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on October 5 and 6, will for the first time have live music on the Saturday night featuring local bands New Rivals, Rock Ewes and soloist Rebecca Strickland.
 
There will also be affordable Grab & Go street food and a bar with a range of beer, lager and drinks over the weekend.
 
Live new displays will include The Welsh Axemen, Quack Pack, Thomas Chainsaw Carving, Paul Melton Hawks and mobile escape rooms from Beyond Breakout.
 
A new Kid's Autumn Zone will include Will's Petting Farm, pedal tractors, a face painter, pumpkin picking and painting, a graffiti artist and workshops. There’s also a new kids sports activities zone.
 
Builth Wells rally driver Jason Pritchard will be there with his GR Yaris Rally2 car and the Love2Stay Relaxation Zone with massages is another exciting new attraction.
 
The organisers, who have introduced the event to extend the tourism season into the autumn, say this year’s fayre will showcase all that’s special about Wales.
 
Top chefs and butchers from across Wales will be showcasing their skills and highlighting Wales’ hospitality sector and award-winning Welsh food and drink, which will be on sale.
 
There will also be a wide range of arts and crafts stalls and workshops. Crafters at the fayre are happy to take commissions, so visitors can make a start on their Christmas shopping with gifts that they won’t find on the high street.
 
For the green fingered, a local nursery will be selling plants. Throughout the weekend, there will be entertaining displays of Welsh rural life and skills.
 
The Mid Wales Autumn Fayre & Truck Feast is also expecting more than 100 trucks and truckers from across Wales. This year, there will be a much bigger and better RC Truckers Showcase with opportunities for audience participation. There will also be a display of vintage vehicles featuring tractors, bikes and cars.
 
Entries are still being accepted for food and drink and arts and crafts stalls, trucks and vintage vehicles that will be showcased under cover.
 
Free car parking is provided and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Children under the age of 16 have free admission and discounted, early bird tickets and spaces for weekend caravans and motorhomes can be bought and booked online  www.midwalesautumnfayre.co.uk .
 
The organisers have launched  an exciting free-to-enter social media competition in conjunction with Love2Stay to win a two-night family stay on October 4 and 5 in a luxury lodge and weekend family tickets to enjoy the autumn fayre. Check out Mid Wales Autumn Fayre Facebook and Instagram socials to enter the competition.
 
Arwyn Watkins, OBE, Mid Wales Fayres executive chairman, said: “The concept of the Mid Wales Autumn Fayre is to hold an exciting, affordable family event that extends the tourism season by attracting thousands of visitors to the region.
 
“We also hold the event to promote quality Welsh food and drink products, arts and crafts and the fantastic culinary and butchery skills that we have in the region and across Wales. This year’s event will be the best yet, with a series of new attractions, including live music.

At a Ceredigion Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 03 September 2024, the Cabinet agreed to support the undertaking of a consultation process on the proposals for charging for parking along parts of Aberystwyth promenade.
 
The scheme is designed to better manage parking demand within Aberystwyth and encourage use of the Council’s off-street car parks for parking demand that would be more appropriately met through off-street car park provision. This will be achieved by a balance of adjusting existing parking policy in respect of the location, availability and relative cost of parking between on street and off-street provision through reduced cost seasonal off-street options.
 
The introduction of on-street parking charges will sustain the costs of operation of the proposed scheme. Should any surplus income be achieved, it would be used to support funding of other essential public services provided by Ceredigion County Council which fall within the scope of what is permitted under Section 55 of the RTRA 1984.
 
It is considered that sufficient spare parking capacity exists within Ceredigion County Council and private off-street car parks (including those to be developed) and other regulated on street locations and the displacement of parking is therefore not anticipated as a potential negative outcome of this scheme.
 
Some of the benefits from the scheme are:

• Increased on-street parking turnover

• Anticipated increased trade
• Greater use of public transport and interchange between travel modes
• Reduction in traffic congestion and improved traffic flow around traffic sensitive areas of the town
• Promote greater levels of active travel Under the proposed scheme

 
Blue Badge holders would be exempt from charges and any time restrictions when parking in a charged for space subject to them displaying their Blue Badge in the prescribed manner. This exemption already applies in respect of limited waiting bays and therefore there would be no effective change or detrimental impact from the scheme in relation to on-street parking for blue badge holders.
 
Councillor Keith Henson, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said: “Aberystwyth promenade is a valuable location at the centre of the town. The purpose of the scheme is to create a turnover of traffic to enable more cars to come and go without negatively affecting the county's economy. Soon, the consultation process on the proposals put forward will begin so please make sure you respond to the consultation.”
 
A consultation process on the proposals put forward will commence shortly and as part of this there will be an opportunity for stakeholders, including residents, businesses/staff, and visitors to share their views. Further details will be provided in due course.
 
Findings of the consultation will be reported to Cabinet prior to any decision in relation to the implementation of the proposal.