Their adviser was a man called Hugh Blaker who was the brother of the sisters’ governess. Gwen was also a talented musician and music was very important to both sisters. They converted the Billiard Room in their home into a Music Room which continues to host concerts including a free programme of chamber music on Saturday mornings. Now Gregynog is looking beyond its traditional classical remit and to host contemporary interpretations of traditional music. Gregynog Hall’s Autumn 2024 Folk Series concludes on Sunday, November 24 with a performance by Sam and his band. Lee’s most recent album ‘Songdreaming’ was a Mojo Album of the Month earlier this year and is the recipient of five-star reviews. With a lyrical focus on the perilous state of the natural world that has informed Sam’s work since his debut, ‘Songdreaming’ represents his most expansive and fully realised album to date. “I wanted to sing a vision of what a conversation between us and the land could be, to restore and inspire a practice of songful immersion in nature that brings with it healing, something we need now more than ever,” he said. Gregynog Hall offers a range of accommodation which allows visitors to make a weekend of it and explore the estate’s amazing 750-acre estate. Gregynog Hall’s woodland is part of Wales’ national forest with miles of paths to explore so pack your boots as well! Early tickets cost £22.50 including booking fee (£27.50 full price). Details are available at www.gregynog.org and you can book accommodation by calling the Hall on 01686 650224 or email [email protected].
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An award-winning green tourism pioneer and owner of an eco holiday cottage in Snowdonia (Eryri) is among the first in the country to be recognised by a national sustainability programme for small businesses. John Whitehead, of Bryn Elltyd, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, has been awarded a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the BT Sustainability for Small Business Programme. “This excellent programme examined most aspects of how a business and individuals interact with sustainable local and planetwide objectives,” he said. “Bryn Elltyd is a little ahead of the curve, as the business has run totally on renewable energy since 2013 and had the first Tesla destination electric car charge points in Wales, pioneering sustainability.” Bryn Elltyd has harnessed solar power since 2005 and it has just completed a second full carbon audit to retain its rating as a gold standard carbon negative company. John, an ex-aerospace engineer and technology teacher, did much of the engineering work himself, which he says highlights that even small businesses and individuals can make a difference. “Linked to this recognition of real sustainability knowledge will be a function at House of Lords on November 6 which I shall be travelling to from Snowdonia by train, as it’s the greenest form of transport and least damaging to the environment,” he added. Bryn Elltyd, previously an eco guest house, has collected a string of awards since 2013 when it won the Considerate Small Accommodation Provider of the Year Award. The business was described by judges as “a beacon of sustainability at the foot of Snowdon” and went on to win the accolade again in 2014. Bryn Elltyd has also achieved gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme consistently. The sustainability story began when John and his wife, Ceilia, visited the Centre for Alternative Technology, near Machynlleth in 1982 and were amazed to see working solar panels in a slate quarry. John left his aerospace career, fitted solar panels on their suburban semi-detached home in Coventry and devoted the next 20 or so years to teaching technology. The chance came in 2007 to change careers and create a green guesthouse, 700ft up a mountain in Snowdonia National Park. Bryn Elltyd is an 1883 granite building, which was a challenge for energy efficiency. John has sensitively developed the property with massive insulation and turf roofed buildings, lined with sheep’s wool, solar panels, hot air extraction from conservatories, rainwater loo flushing and biological sewerage into a reed bed and duckpond. The property was one of the early adopters of a boiler that turns local wood to gas and burns it at 900C. The boiler is computer integrated with a massive solar array. Bryn Elltyd is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri). Elan Valley is gearing up for an action-packed October half term with a range of activities designed to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages. Nestled in the picturesque heart of Wales, Elan Valley is offering a variety of events from Halloween-themed adventures to a local food, drink, and craft fair, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Kick off the festivities with the Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink, and Craft Fair on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 4pm. After a successful debut in 2021, this year’s fair returns with more local flavour and creativity. As part of the Menter y Mynydd project, funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund and facilitated by Powys County Council, the fair features renowned local producers like Radnor Preserves, MAC Chocolates and Da Mhile Distillery. Visitors can also enjoy cooking sessions by TV chef and author Nerys Howell and live music from local artists Toby Hay and Gareth Bonello. With new items arriving weekly, the Elan Valley shop will be well-stocked with Cambrian Mountains products. For those seeking outdoor thrills, the Autumn Adventure Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, offers adrenaline-pumping activities and hands-on crafts for all ages. Presented by Powys County Council events team, this weekend promises to thrill and inspire visitors with a range of exciting challenges and creative opportunities. For more information and to book activities: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/autumn-adventure-weekend/ Experience a unique slice of history with the Dam Open Day on October 27, from 12pm to 2pm. For just £5 per adult and £1 per child under 18, visitors can explore Pen y Garreg Dam and chat to one of Elan Valley's knowledgeable rangers. Booking ahead is recommended for this rare chance to learn about the engineering marvels of Elan Valley, while enjoying breathtaking views from the central tower. Half the proceeds from this event will support Wateraid. For a Halloween twist, test your bravery during the Spooky Dam Open Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30, from 1pm to 3.30pm. With entry priced at £5 per adult and £1.50 per child, visitors can embark on a thrilling adventure inside Pen y Garreg Dam, emerging to claim a Halloween reward and continuing through the woods. Families can get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin carving on Wednesday, October 30, from 10am to 12pm. At just £5 per child, this activity offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season. Elan Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of walking and cycling trails, wildlife watching opportunities and group guided tours of the historic dams and reservoirs. The visitor centre, complete with a café and shop, provides a perfect starting point for exploring all that Elan Valley has to offer. To book or find out more information about the October half term activities and other events at Elan Valley, visit https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/ . Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open form Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Parking is free for 60 mins or £3 all day. For more information, please contact Emily Fearn, marketing officer, at [email protected] . Producers at the first Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink and Craft Fair.
“This is not only a significant moment for the Culinary Association of Wales and ICC Wales, but also our nation as we showcase the rich culinary heritage and innovation to Wales,” he told delegates “We understand the importance of this prestigious event bringing together chefs, culinary experts and industry leaders from across the globe to share knowledge, experience and passion for culinary arts. “In Wales, we are inspired by our traditions but also fuelled by forward thinking vision. The next Worldchefs Congress & Expo will be a blend of these two forces. Expect to see the finest expressions of Welsh cuisine and global flavours, trends and innovations that will inspire future generations of chefs. “We are committed to celebrating an event that not only celebrates our culinary diversity, but also addresses the pressing issues of sustainability, education and the future of our industry. “Wales will open its arms to welcome each of you to our beautiful country, where you will experience our hospitality, breathtaking landscapes and, of course, world class food. “We are deeply grateful for the trust bestowed upon us and we promise to make the next Worldchefs Congress & Expo a truly unforgettable experience for everyone. We look forward to working with Worldchefs and all of its members to ensure the success of this great event.” Mr Watkins was accompanied by Peter Fuchs, group culinary director of The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales, Danielle Bounds, ICC Wales sales director, Vicky Watkins, CAW office manager and Stephanie Belcher, CAW young chef ambassador. Danielle said: “Arwyn has worked tirelessly over the last six years to bid for this event to come to Wales. It has been a pleasure supporting him and, having learned so much here in Singapore, I am more excited than ever to welcome this international event to ICC Wales in 2026 where our conference theme will be Pasture, Passion, Plate. “We cannot wait to showcase the very best of Welsh hospitality on such a prestigious global stage.” Worldchefs Congress & Expo brings together chef delegates and professionals from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The event programme delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the industry, the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the Global Chefs Challenge culinary competitions, an international trade exhibition and diverse networking activities.
Tickets cannot be bought for church performances but buying a Music Trail wristband will automatically enter bookers into a draw to win tickets. Church performances will be live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan The performances will be later broadcast on TV and on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player via media partners BBC Wales and RTÉ. The event is presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens. “It’s a huge honour for us to welcome James Dean Bradfield to Cardigan,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producer of Other Voices Cardigan. “He’s one of the greatest artists of contemporary Welsh music and his performance in the church captures what is so magical about Other Voices; bringing incredible performers to Aberteifi.” Other Voices Cardigan takes place between October 31 and November 2 and will feature an more than 100 performances and conversations taking place across the town. Wristbands are just £50 and are available from www.othevoices.ie and via Mwldan’s box office. Other Voices Cardigan festival is formed of three core strands. A three-day Music Trail programme around the town showcasing the best of emerging Welsh and Irish talent. Three days of inspiring discussion as part of the Clebran Sessions and new for 2024, Clebran on the Trail, conversations with the musicians playing the festival. Two nights of intimate live headline performances in St Mary’s Church from some of the music’s brightest voices, hosted by Huw Stephens and broadcast live online and later on TV. The full festival schedule is now available to view on the festival App for iPhone and Android, available to download via Apple and Google Play (search ‘Other Voices’). St Mary’s Church line-up includes Charlotte Day Wilson, James Dean Bradfield, Nadine Shah, Victor Ray, Fionn Regan, Bill Ryder-Jones, Fabiana Palladino, Georgia Ruth and Melys. The Music Trail line-up: ADJUA, Big Sleep, Chubby Cat, Cynefin, David Kitt, Don Leisure, DUG, em koko, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Fears, Filmore!, Gillie, girlfriend., Lila Zing, Lleuwen, Megan Nic Ruairí, Melin Melyn, M(h)aol, Minas, Morgana, Mohammad Syfkhan, Mr Phormula, New Jackson, Niamh Bury, Niques, OLIVE HATAKE, Otto Aday, PARCS, People & Other Diseases, Phil Kieran, Po Griff, Rona Mac, Sage Todz, Search Results, Skunkadelic, Slate, Tara Bandito, The Family Battenberg, The Fully Automatic Model, The Gentle Good, Tiny Leaves and Virgins. Clebran speakers: Billy Mag Fhloinn, Carwyn Graves, Carys Eleri, Christopher Kissane, Darren Chetty, Delyth Jewell, Edwina Guckian, James Dovey, Laura McAllister, Lowri Cunnington Wynn, Makeba Nicholls, Marianne Kennedy, Max Zanga, Noel Mooney, Philip King, Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost, Séan McCabe, The Dingle Druid, Julí Ní Mhaoileóin and Tumi Williams. Clebran on The Trail speakers: Amy O'Brien, Constance Keane (Fears / M(h)aol), David Peregrine, Archdeacon Eileen Davies, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Gareth Bonello (The Gentle Good), Gareth Stewart, Georgia Ruth, Lleuwen and Phil Keiran. Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund. The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council. Other Voices Cardigan will be filmed for future television broadcast on BBC Wales and RTÉ, and on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player. Visit www.othervoices.ie for more information and to book tickets.
“These three eras beg the overall question: can governments comprehensively steer and sustain a path towards racial justice?” Rob Phillips, from the Welsh Political Archive, said: "We are very proud to be able to welcome Professor Charlotte Williams to deliver this year's lecture at such a vital time in Welsh politics. “The lecture is the pinnacle of the Political Archive's calendar and will be an opportunity to look forward to future developments while we celebrate the great political collections in the library, preserved for the benefit of the people. " A graduate of Bangor University and now Emeritus Professor in the School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences there, Professor Williams retired recently. She was Professor of Social Work and Deputy Dean at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Melbourne, Australia. She holds Honorary Fellow appointments at Wrexham University and the University of South Wales. Alongside her academic career here and in Australia, Professor Williams is known for her ground breaking text, ‘A Tolerant Nation?’. This text explores ethnic diversity in Wales and her award-winning memoir of growing up mixed race in Wales, ‘Sugar and Slate’, won Wales Book of the Year 2003. The Welsh Political Archive was established in 1983 to co-ordinate the collection of documentary evidence of all kinds about politics in Wales. It collects records and papers of political parties, politicians, semi-political organisations, campaigns and pressure groups, leaflets, pamphlets and other printed ephemera, posters and photographs and websites and tapes of radio and television programmes. Its work is not limited to a specific section of the library. The archive's annual lecture was first held in 1987 and a number of academics, journalists, historians and politicians have had the opportunity to speak. Previous lecturers include Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos, Lord Roberts of Conwy, John Davies, Lord Bourne, Jeremy Bowen and Professor Angela John. Tickets for the event and for the online stream can be ordered free of charge on the library website: https://www.library.wales/ . Following the event the full lecture text will be available on https://www.library.wales/welshpoliticalarchive . Lisa and John Brant, owners of La Crisalida Wellness at Maesmawr Hall. A picturesque Mid Wales hotel has been transformed into a health and wellness centre, offering retreats to customers in the tranquil Upper Severn Valley. Lisa and John Brant purchased the 20-bedroomed Maesmawr Hall Hotel, set in four acres of grounds at Caersws, near Newtown, in February and ran it as a traditional hotel until August to honour existing bookings. Now the couple are calling on 12 years’ experience of running La Crisalida Retreats, a hugely popular health and wellbeing retreat near Alicante in Spain, to bring the same successful concept to Mid Wales. Managers from La Crisalida Wellness at Maesmawr Hall, the hotel’s new name, have been on a learning visit to the Spanish retreat. The new retreat, which is open all year round, has a team of 20 staff and began welcoming guests last month. Guests choose their own arrival and departure dates, and the retreat also offers a limited number of day passes. Activities include yoga, rebounding, meditation, a range of workshops, creativity and exercise classes and guided walks, and a range of treatments is also available. The daily programme runs from 8am to 9pm and guests are served a plant based food and juices menu. Tailored packages are available for those suffering from burnout, in need of an immune system boost or looking for a health reset. To help promote the business, La Crisalida Wellness has joined MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri). Explorers in the field of lifestyle change and wellbeing, Lisa and John quit busy jobs in London, feeling unfulfilled and burnt out, to travel the world for six months. This time out helped them to dramatically change direction and transform their lives. Lisa has worked in the health sector for more than 25 years, most recently as an epidemiologist, after studying at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She also worked for the Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England) and NHS Blood and Transplant where she published scientific articles on infectious blood-borne diseases. She now follows a more alternative health route, integrating science, nutrition and other health options, teaching therapeutic hatha, yin yoga and mindfulness meditation. Lisa overcame health challenges related to endometriosis, pain management and the mental scars it leaves through the holistic health and wellbeing approach. A former actuary, John is an author, speaker and transformational coach. Passionate about helping others to find their own inspired path, he leads life makeover and mindset workshops, meditation and guided walks. A master trainer of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), he’s qualified in hypnosis, life coaching and the Demartini Method. The couple were all set to buy a property in North Wales to establish their first Welsh retreat, before the Covid pandemic scuppered their plans in 2020. “In 2023, we started to look again and came across Maesmawr Hall Hotel,” she said. “The location and venue work really well for a retreat. “Having done a degree in Archaeology and Geography, I love old buildings and that’s why we chose this beautiful, Grade II Listed property. Everything that we do here will respect and take care of this hall, the oldest part of which dates to 1535. “We believe that the programme we provide at La Crisalida Wellness offers people the opportunity to create optimal health and wellbeing. Some people will come for yoga and detox, some for a health reset, while others may be going through life change, such as redundancy, career move or divorce. “We offer a place where they can come and take time out from their busy lives -quietness provides clarity. People coming from London or other big cities are struck by how green and peaceful it is here. “Hopefully, bringing people in from a wider area will have a positive knock on effect to the local area and other local businesses which is what happened in Spain. We always try to work with local businesses. “We want not only our guests but also our staff to experience learning growth and development as part of our programme. We are proud that in Spain many of our staff have been promoted from junior to managerial positions in the past decade.” Historical Mid Wales attraction Strata Florida has enjoyed a wide range of courses and events during 2024, with only a few opportunities left this year to get involved with something new in a truly unique and spiritual setting. The former Cistercian abbey at Pontrhydfendigaid, near Tregaron, isn’t just a site of historical significance and importance, it’s also a place to visit to try new things and develop skills. On Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 4pm, Professor Dafydd Johnston will be sharing his in-depth work on Welsh poetry connected to Strata Florida, with particular focus on Gruffudd Gryg, Dafydd Nanmor, Hedd Wyn and T. Gwynn Jones, to name a few. The course, which costs £50, will be suitable for Welsh speakers or for advanced level learners. Including a guided tour of the Abbey and Graveyard of St Mary’s Church, the course will be a unique opportunity to discover literature within the landscape. On November 1 and 2, Dafydd Wyn Morgan’s Night Photography: An Introduction, returns following positive feedback. Only one place remains on this course, but more sessions are planned in 2025 with a cost of £60 for two evenings of instruction. On Saturday, November 23, Jaqcueline Yallop returns to lead a course , costing £40, specifically for creative writing about the darkness and its place in our lives. Rich with writing inspiration, Strata Florida is the ideal location to explore the theme of darkness due to its low light pollution and being less than a mile away from a Dark Skies Discovery Site. To end the year, there will be a free Carol Concert n St Mary’s Church on Wednesday, December 4 at 6pm the second year running, with the Choirs For Good Aberystwyth leading the songs. The evening will be open to all who wish to celebrate through music and singing together. Donations will be welcome to The Strata Florida Trust to continue vital work of preserving and restoring buildings. To find out more about the courses, visit https://www.strataflorida.org.uk or email [email protected] . The trust is restoring Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse and farm buildings, bringing new economic, social and cultural life to the area, whilst also celebrating Strata Florida’s unique landscape and history. A free ‘Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition’ is currently 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. Strata Florida Trust is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Ceredigion, Powys and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri). For more information, visit https://www.mwtcymru.co.uk/ . One of the photographs taken on a previous night photography course.
At the Clip Corners launch are (from left) Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, National Library of Wales chief executive, Professor Urfan Khaliq, pro vice-chancellor and head of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Gareth Owen, deputy university librarian and assistant director and Dr Owain Roberts, director of collections and digital services. The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth has played a key role in giving people living in Cardiff access to hundreds of thousands of radio and television programmes from the archives of BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales and S4C. Clip Corners, which have computer terminals in comfortable places where anyone can see and listen to the variety of programmes available, have opened in Cardiff University’s Arts and Social Sciences Library as well as Glamorgan Archives. The Welsh Broadcast Archive is the first of its kind in the UK, tracing almost a century of broadcasting. It draws together material from the screen and sound collections of BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales, S4C and the National Library. By preserving, cataloguing and digitising this material and presenting it on a fully searchable website, the National Library is committed to making this extraordinary collection accessible to everyone. The establishment of Clip Corners will ensure that communities beyond the National Library will be able to see the entire archive in their local area. As part of this project, a diverse collection of 1,500 clips will also be curated and made available for anyone to view online and on social media. The Welsh Broadcasting Archive project was funded with £4.7 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £1m from the Welsh Government and £1m from the National Library’s private funds. Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, National Library chief executive, said: "“As a library, we are dedicated to creating a closer link with the communities of Wales and to give people access to our collections in innovative ways. “This Clip Corner will mean that we will build on the engagement work that has already been taking place with local groups in Cardiff in order to bring people closer to their radio and television heritage." Andrew White, director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: "Broadcasting has played an important role in documenting the history of modern Wales. "It has also enabled us to look back and learn about our heritage through programmes such as The Dragon Has Two Tongues: A History of the Welsh in 1985 and has put Wales on the map with popular series such as Doctor Who, Keeping Faith and Hinterland . "It’s our privilege to support this important and progressive project which will protect and share the broadcasting heritage of Wales so that today's and future generations can appreciate, enjoy and learn from it for years to come." The new recipe Black Batch Rum. Award-winning Welsh Distillery, In the Welsh Wind, has launched a new recipe Black Batch Rum in its Eccentric Spirits range. Available in striking, redesigned bottles, the distillery has worked on a new, improved recipe, which is available at a special introductory price of £24 per bottle. “We’re really excited about the new look and reimagined liquid for Black Batch Rum,” said Ellen Wakelam, In the Welsh Wind Distillery co-founder. “It represents the start of a new chapter for the Eccentric Spirits brand, however the inspiration for the rum remains the same: tales of storms and shipwrecks from the Welsh coast. “We will be moving forward with the new look for the other spirits in the range over the coming year.” Black Batch Rum is already available direct to customers through a growing number of independent Welsh stockists, from the distillery shop at Tanygroes, near Cardigan and online through the website https://eccentricspirits.com/ . The spiced rum is also available to trade customers through wholesalers. Black Batch Rum is lightly spiced with orange, cinnamon and cloves. Rich caramel aromas intertwine with the bright zest of orange peel and a hint of burnt brown sugar, adding depth to the bouquet. Silky-smooth on the palate and bursting with molasses and soft toffee, the rum delivers sweet spice and a surprising yet harmonious sesame umami quality. The overall experience is rounded and full-bodied, with a lingering, gentle warmth suggesting refinement and balance. In the Welsh Wind is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. |
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