Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, is planning to return in style in 2022 following a pandemic enforced absence of two years.
 
Buoyed by support from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund, the organisers are pressing ahead with plans to hold the 16th show on April 23 and 24 next year at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, subject to any restrictions at the time.
 
Tickets for the show, which traditionally attracts more than 6,000 visitors, must be purchased online in advance at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk and will be available mid-December. Tickets will cost £12 per day or £22 for the weekend.
 
Two stunning and unique exhibitions – a collection of knitted and crocheted maps of seven different places around the UK and a zany, handcrafted interpretation of Alice in Wonderwool – will feature in Hall 3 at the show.
 
Both exhibitions, which were originally planned for the 2020 event, will be raising money for Wales Air Ambulance. 
 
With several new exhibitors already confirmed, there will be plenty for visitors to see and do at Wonderwool Wales, which was judged best event in Mid Wales at the inaugural Mid Wales Tourism Awards in 2019.
 
The event was also highly commended in the Best Loved Knitting Show or Event category in last year’s British Knitting & Crochet Awards.
 
The December 31 closing date is fast approaching for exhibitors to apply for a place at the event. The organisers are aiming for 210 exhibitors to fill the halls with beautiful, hand dyed yarns and fibre, along with equipment and quality finished products, giving visitors an opportunity to stock up on supplies.
 
For those seeking creative inspiration, there will be demonstrations and have-a-go sessions hosted by some exhibitors. When the shopping is done, there will be plenty of tea and coffee stops and a tempting selection of refreshments from Street Food vendors. 
 
Chrissie Menzies, a director of Wonderwool Wales, said whilst it had been very disappointing to cancel the last two shows due to the pandemic, the directors were encouraged by the many positive messages received from supporters.
 
“We are very grateful for grant support from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund which has enabled us to press ahead with plans for Wonderwool Wales in April next year,” she added. “Tickets for the show are being sold online so that we know exactly how many people are coming.”
 
Developed to promote the market for Welsh wool and natural fibres, Wonderwool Wales was first held in 2006 and has grown in scale and popularity alongside a knitting, crochet, felting and textile craft making boom.
 
Find out more about the 2022 show at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk or like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales
 
Picture captions:
 
Rainy Williamson busy at work spinning.
 
Teeswater sheep.
 
Photographs by John Teale Photography.

If your business is looking to reach new markets, you may be interested in Impala; a new way to generate bookings for your property. There are no long term contracts, and you only pay commission on successful bookings.
 
We spoke to Roman Solyanyk at Impala (who some of you may remember from Expedia). “Before now, businesses have had two options to sell their rooms. Indirect supply offers the volume of bookings, but you don’t know who’s selling or where you’re being sold. On the other hand, direct contracting gives you more control but requires a lot of effort to get set-up. 

Impala is rebuilding travels infrastructure, providing direct connections between properties and room sellers. No intermediaries and middleware, just a simple approach to help you sell more rooms.”

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• No effort required– There’s no upfront cost, no tech integration and on-boarding is handled for you at record speed.
• Better commercials – and the ability to negotiate with room sellers in a few clicks.
• Ultimate transparency – you see where your rooms/property is sold and maintain rate integrity.
• Content that converts – we’re not another channel you need to populate, we source your rates, availability and content from public sources.
  
  

If you would like to join the Impala platform, or simply want to find out more, click here to register your interest and they will be in touch as soon as possible.

Guest Blog from Arwen Watkins, Cambrian Training Company
 
Thank you for the positive feedback to my speech at the Mid Wales Tourism and Hospitality Conference at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells on November 9.
 
Your responses have underlined how urgently the compulsory education system in Wales must change. It’s quite simply unsustainable to keep sending the most talented young people in Wales off to universities across the UK without reference to the skills needed by employers now and in the future to underpin our economy.
 
We must direct our young people to the sectors where their skills are urgently needed. There has been a disconnect between schools and employers, education and training for far too long. Hopefully, the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, which aims to govern all post-16 education and training, will helo to provide a remedy.
 
I was delighted to read a reply by Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, to a question by North Wales MS Sam Rowlands in the Senedd  last week. He said the new Commission aims to make parity of esteem between apprenticeships and degrees a reality.
 
Sixth forms will be brought within the control of the new Commission and the Minister says it will change the relationship between schools and post-16 providers. “It will provide opportunities, I think, for learners at all parts of their journey to have in mind throughout the equal weight that they should be giving to vocational routes post 16,” he said. This is music to my ears.
 
The bill to create the Commission is expected to become law next summer. I think the new body will be in a much better position to respond to national and regional learning priorities based on evidence to fit the actual needs of the economy
 
From the feedback to my speech, it is clear that many tourism and hospitality businesses don’t fully understand apprenticeships. There was surprise that apprenticeships are open to people aged from 16 to 65 and that an apprentice doesn’t have to be unemployed when you recruit him or her; they can already be employed in your business.
 
The Apprenticeship Programme aims to provide apprentices with the skills, knowledge and experience in the workplace to improve themselves and their employer’s business.
 
Now is the time to act if you are interested in either recruiting apprentice or upskilling an existing  member of staff aged between 16 and 24 years. The Welsh Government has relaxed the rules that apply to Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeships until the end of the year, so there is no time to waste.
 
Please contact the team at Cambrian Training who will talk you through the process. The contact email is: [email protected]
 
The Welsh Government is offering apprenticeship incentives until February 28 next year, which include up to £4,000 for an apprentice aged 16 to 24 and up to £2,000 for an apprentice aged 25 and over. Payments are restricted to 10 learners per business and the incentives do not apply to degree apprenticeships.
 
There is an additional incentive payment for employing disabled people, with £1,500 for each new apprentice recruited.
 
Independent research has proven that apprenticeships:

• reduce your recruitment costs
• build a skilled and motivated workforce tailored to your business
• expand your business
• fill any skills gaps
• future-proof your business
• increase productivity

 
For those of you who were unable attend the conference, I’ll do a quick recap of the topics I covered:
I asked all delegates to stand up and remain standing if they currently employ or have in the past employed an apprentice. Only six delegates remained standing, which shows we need to do to better job at informing you about the benefits of apprenticeships.
 
Businesses across Mid Wales are having to reduce their operational hours not because of a shortage of staff rather than a shortage of customers
 
I asked businesses to put pressure on politicians at all levels to challenge the compulsory education system and to develop innovative ways of engaging with primary and secondary schools to make children aware of exciting career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sector.
 
I said it would be great to see governing bodies, school leaders, teachers and career advisors giving the same support to students to complete an apprenticeship application as they do to completing a UCAS form.
 
I challenged employers to create apprenticeship opportunities at the same time as students are considering their school options.
 
I expressed concern about how much longer businesses can operate with a staff shortage before they become unsustainable.
 
Significant investment in Powys and Ceredigion planned over the next decade
has the potential to be a regional economic “gamechanger”, with projects likely to impact positively on the visitor economy which will require a highly skilled workforce
 
Cambrian Training Company has a minimum of £1.8 million available annually for the next five to seven years to deliver apprenticeships within Powys and Ceredigion.
I pledged to secure additional funding for the tourism, the most economically important sector in Mid Wales, if there is demand from you, as businesses, to make the Apprenticeship Programme one of the solutions to your skills and staffing crisis.
 
To be at its best, the tourism and hospitality sector needs higher level skilled individuals and teams.
 
Anthony Rosser, operations director at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, endorsed the value of apprenticeships, saying: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for employees to receive structured training, very beneficial for recruitment, staff retention and progression, helps to drive up standards within your business and is easy to organise and administer.”
 
Anthony employs 13 apprentices aged from 17 to mid-40s. Why not follow his example and either recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee to grow your business? The next step is up to you.
 

​Ffestiniog Railway is providing visitors with the opportunity to meet Santa in his Christmas Carriage Grotto at Porthmadog Harbour Station. Visitors book an hour slot within which they can visit at any time. Tickets cost between £4 or £5.
 
Tickets for both the Welsh Highland Santa Specials and Christmas Carriage Grotto can be booked online at https://www.festrail.co.uk/christmas/ or by calling the booking office on 01766 516024.
 

A popular hotel on the Mid Wales coast has released its top five reasons to stay in Southern Snowdonia this winter.
 
The 59-bedroom Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdyfi also has three self-catering properties and late season breaks are available. Anne-Marie Catling-Hughes, from the Trefeddian, encourages visitors to venture to the coast and experience all the wonders Aberdyfi has to offer in the quieter months.
 
Top five ‘wonderful things to do’ include an bracing walk along the four miles of sandy beaches that stretch out in front of the Trefeddian and a visit to Dolgoch Falls to experience the thunderous sounds of the water as it cascades down the mountainside.
 
Also in the top five, watch the waves whilst treating yourself to a delicious homemade afternoon tea, or wrap up warm and head off to Bwlch Nant yr Arian for the day.  Stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains can be seen along the woodland trails. 

“An astonishing 150 red kites swoop down at feeding time, so be sure to plan your visit to spectate this magnificent sight,” said Mrs Catling-Hughes.

Last but not least, the Trefeddian is encouraging potential visitors to put on their winter woollies and “feel like you’re five again” whilst kicking the autumn leaves when you explore Ynysmaengwyn. 
 
“Meander through breathtaking and beautiful woodlands to the delightful River Dysynni.  Pass tumbled down remains of the once grand estate and the tranquil walled garden, always warm whatever the weather.” 

The hotel is offering 15% off all stays until December 12, after which it will be closed for Christmas and re-opens on January 16, 2022.
 
The Trefeddian offers a variety of gift vouchers which can be found on their website; https://trefeddian.giftvoucherbrilliance.co.uk/
 
Seascape are The Trefeddian’s two, five-star luxury, self-catering properties built in the hotel grounds. These fantastic properties have everything needed for a Christmas or New Year getaway on the coast. Guests at Seascape will have full access to the hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool, tennis court and putting green.

The Trefeddian Hotel is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
 
Picture captions:
 
Aberdyfi boardwalk in winter.
 
Seascape self-catering.
​

One of Wales’ iconic and historic country houses is holding two open days on the first weekend of December.
 
Gregynog Hall in Tregynon, near Newtown is inviting visitors on December 4 and 5 to explore and relax in the ground floor library, senior common room and front hall sitting room to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
 
Selected items from the hall’s collection and archive that celebrate the winter months will be on display
 
The Open House days will be from 12pm to 5pm and admission is free, although a donation is requested. Visitors will also be allowed to bring their well behaved dogs on both days. Booking not required and parking costs £2.50 or free for Friends of Gregynog.
 
Gregynog Hall will also be serving Festive Afternoon Teas on both days in the beautifully decorated Blayney and Music Rooms. The tea costs £13.95 per person or £16 with a glass of mulled wine.
 
For Festive Afternoon Teas, pre-booking is required at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/212382360357 , or email [email protected] or call 01686 650224. All Gregynog Hall’s winter events will be posted on its Facebook page.
 
The Christmas spirit continues on Saturday, December 18 throughout the day, beginning with a matinee screening of the seasonal classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in the hall’s elegant Music Room.
 
The film lasts 90 minutes and costs £5 for adults and £3 for children under 14.
To book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-a-wonderful-life-screening-tickets-211767340817 or email [email protected] or call 01686 650224
​
At 6pm, Quindici Chamber Choir will be performing in the Music Room followed by Christmas carols at 8pm in front of the hall if weather permits. This performance is free but a donation is requested.

​Mince pies and mulled wine will be for sale throughout the day along with soft drinks and snacks. The Cambrian Coffee Company will also be visiting on December 18.
 
Following Government guidelines, people booking tickets to watch the film or attending the choir performance will require a Covid Pass to show their vaccination status or proof of negative test.
 
Gregynog Hall’s grounds, woods and walks are open all year round free of charge, subject of a parking fee, and are ideal for families who are being invited to help re-build dens in the former Forest School near ‘The Warren’.
 
Car parking costs £2.50 for all events but is free for Friends of Gregynog.
 
The hall’s café is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter months from 10am-4pm. As café opening times differ over the Christmas period, check http://www.gregynog.org/ for details.
 
Picture caption:
 
A warm and unique welcome awaits at Gregynog Hall.
 
Gregynog Hall in the snow.

​“The industry is bouncing back and this summer has been one of the best, if not the best ever, for a large number of us,” said Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, who organised the conference.
 
Speaking about the winter campaign, Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, said: “The staycation trend has been a much-needed boost for the industry over the past few months and we would like to see that continue into winter.
 
“It’s important that people recognise Mid Wales as a year-round destination. We have fantastic member businesses offering accommodation, food and drink, festive experiences and events, and of course Christmas gifts. It’s also a great time to book new year breaks and holidays in Mid Wales.”
 
MWT Cymru has released guidance on what content they’re looking for, including wintery images, cosy accommodation, warming pubs and winter wildlife spectacles.
Businesses who would like to participate in the campaign should contact MWT Cymru, [email protected]  or Tel 01654 702653 as soon as possible.
 
Businesses that have the facility to provide gift vouchers for overnight stays, places to eat, activities, attractions, experiences, are also encouraged to get in touch.
 
“We’ve had a great response from businesses so far,” said Mrs Hawkins. “The Talyllyn Railway is just one example. During December, they are running their 'Tinsel & Turkey' services where passengers can combine a steam train ride with a full Christmas roast dinner or festive hamper.
 
“On December 18, they will also be hosting their popular Carol Train, and Sion Corn comes to the railway from December 22-24 for Santa Specials.”

The National Library of Wales’ new five-year strategic plan, which was launched  this last week, aims to “unlock social and economic wealth for the people of Wales”.
 
Launched by Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, in an online event, the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan - A Library for Wales and the World sets out four strategic and well-being objectives.
 
The library, based in Aberystwyth, aims to foster and care for the nation’s memory, lay the foundation for a knowledge economy, be at the heart of national life and empower learning and research.
 
The Deputy Minister said: "I am delighted to see that the new strategic plan positions the national library as an aspirational, influential, positive and, most important of all, a relevant organisation.
 
“Being relevant to the day-to-day lives of the people of Wales is a great achievement and a privilege. I wish the team well as they move to adopt and implement the new vision while sharing and celebrating our nation’s memory with communities across Wales and the world."
 
Ashok Ahir, the library’s interim president, said the library was opening a new chapter with a determination and desire to achieve even more.
 
“Our plan aims for a future where we will continue to use our unique range of skills and expertise to nurture and care for the nation’s memory, lay the foundation for a knowledge economy, empower research and learning, and be central to the life of the nation," he added.
 
"Our new strategic plan will unlock social and economic wealth for the people of Wales by ensuring that all can benefit from our extensive collections and range of professional services and support.
 
“The National Library of Wales is keen to continue to play a central role as a library for Wales and the world, working with the Welsh Government and strategic partners to provide services that benefit the well-being of individuals and benefit communities across Wales."
 
The library aims to contribute positively towards global well-being and will integrate the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 with its planning and delivery.
 
Pedr ap Llwyd, chief executive and librarian, said: "More than ever, Wales needs a dynamic and relevant national library, which promotes diversity and one that truly believes in the potential of knowledge and culture to transform lives.
 
“It is ready to play its part and fulfil its unique role in the nation’s recovery and renewal in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
“We continue to develop, transforming our ways of working and sharing our experience and expertise with others as well as increasing opportunities to engage with our collections and services.
 
“We will be committed to being an open, progressive and innovative organisation. This is the only way we will create a library for Wales and the world."
 
Picture caption:
 
The National Library for Wales – strategy aims to create a library for Wales and the world.

​>> National Library of Wales

For those that prefer to just hire the car, there are half and full day packages available, starting at £195 - http://morgandrivingexperience.co.uk/ .
 
Ian began offering the Morgan Driving Experience packages five years ago and they run from March until the end of October. This year, he received 40 bookings with most guests keen to explore Wales and the Marches in style at the wheel of the Morgan Plus 4 which cost £65,000.
 
The Plus 4, which was purchased this year, is the second Morgan he has owned. The Morgan Driving Experience idea was prompted when he booked a similar package for his father-in-law in another part of the country.
 
“When he came back and told me about his experience, I thought that we could do something similar to allow our guests to explore Wales,” he said. “It has proved very popular here.”
 
The driving experience is a successful side line to The Old Hand & Diamond Inn, which has been providing refreshments and accommodation for travellers since the 17th century.
 
The inn makes an excellent base at the gateway to Wales and within 10 miles of Shrewsbury, Shropshire’s pretty county town.
 
It has a bar, 100-seat restaurant which serves local produce wherever possible and seven en-suite bedrooms, decorated in a traditional country style with exposed beams and rustic features.
 
To help promote both businesses, Ian has become a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
 
“We joined MWT Cymru primarily to promote our accommodation and hopefully attract more guests from Wales,” explained Ian “We are based right on the Welsh border and tend to pull a lot of business from England.”
 
The Morgan Plus 4 is just one of a collection of vehicles owned by Ian, a self-confessed “petrol head”. His collection extends from sports cars to Second World War vehicles including a 1943 Willis Jeep that was used on D Day and a 1943 Dodge Truck.
 
For more information about joining MWT Cymru contact Tel: 01654 702653 or email [email protected].

>> Morgan Diving Experience at The Old Hand & Diamond
 
Picture caption:
 
Ian Morris with his Morgan Plus 4 outside the Old Hand & Diamond Inn.