 The Royal Welsh Showground. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is taking over the management of the SV Arena, formerly known as the Young People’s Village, at the Royal Welsh Show, following the recent death of a young entrepreneur.
The late Aled Woosnam, founder of Severn Valley Events, played a pivotal role in establishing and operating the SV Arena, which was established at Court Farm, Builth Wells in 2023. Aled Rhys Jones, RWAS chief executive, paid tribute to Mr Woosnam, saying he had ensured that young people and families who visited the Royal Welsh Show had a safe and welcoming campsite and entertainment area. “Aled will be sorely missed and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” he said. Following Mr Woosnam’s death and Severn Valley Events’ decision to close the SV Arena, the RWAS says it recognises that young people and families will continue to need a safe, welcoming and enjoyable camping venue during the show. Ther RWAS has reached agreement with the Kinsey family, owners of Court Farm, to manage this area for the 2026 show. “We will be working with experienced partners to deliver the campsite and entertainment complex,” added Mr Jones. “We respect that this development has occurred due to tragic circumstances. It is our intention to build on the good work of the past and safeguard the future.” Bookings of all those who had registered and paid for camping pitches prior to the announcement of SV Arena’s closure will be honoured. Everyone who has made a booking will be contacted in the coming weeks. Further details on how to secure a pitch for the show will also be shared. Until then, anyone interested in securing a caravan or camping pitch, should contact the RWAS. The RWAS is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion, Meirionydd and the Welsh Marches.  Part of the new ‘Our Railway Adventure’ at the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn. The theme of this year’s temporary exhibition at the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn is ‘Our Railway Adventure’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Talyllyn Railway being run by volunteer.
The exhibition takes its cue from Tom Rolt’s classic book ‘Railway Adventure’ which charts the creation of Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society in October 1950 and the first two years of operation of the railway by volunteers in 1951-’52 - becoming the world’s first, successful, volunteer operated, heritage railway. The exhibition tells the stories of railway preservation pioneers, so far as possible in their own words. But memory is fallible and this approach reveals some inconsistencies in their recollections. For example, the Trinder family states that membership number 1 was allocated to the society’s first chairman, Bill Trinder, whereas Patrick Garland asserts that this honour was given to the Poet Laureate John Betjeman. Another question is how many attended the inaugural meeting in Birmingham in October 1950? These preservation pioneers met and overcame the many challenges in taking over a dilapidated railway and making it fit for purpose. They took the first steps in the worldwide heritage railway movement and towards making Talyllyn Railway what it is today, with an inclusive and diverse preservation society with its “heart of gold”. Steve Oates, Heritage Railway Association chief executive, says: “This new exhibition is an opportunity to learn about some of those volunteering stories – showcasing how volunteering at a heritage railway can make an impact, change lives and protect our history. Perhaps it will inspire you to get involved and begin your own volunteering story!” The exhibition also celebrates other anniversaries falling in 2026 - the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum; the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Nant Gwernol ‘extension’ and the 30th anniversary of Talyllyn Tracksiders, working parties that allow families with children to work together on the railway. The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum has more than 800 items on display, from complete locomotives to smaller pieces, such as paperwork, signalling equipment and tickets. With nearly 90 railways represented in the museum’s collection, it provides a unique and comprehensive record of more than 200 years of narrow gauge railway history. Each year, this collection is supplemented by a themed temporary exhibition. The museum, located at Tywyn Wharf Station, is open daily from March 29 to November 1 inclusive, when trains are running on Talyllyn Railway. Admission is free although donations are encouraged. Visit www.ngrm.org.uk and www.talyllyn.co.uk to check opening times and for more information.  Brad Carr with his book ‘Finding Light’. Mid Wales based photographer and writer Brad Carr has announced the pre-order launch of his debut photobook, Finding Light.
The book is a deeply personal meditation on healing, belonging and the transformative power of nature and the art of photography. It weaves together more than 100 atmospheric photographs, primarily of Welsh landscapes, with more than 20 creative essays, short stories and poetry. Finding Light charts Carr’s seven-year journey from a childhood marked by fear and fragmentation towards liberation, wholeness and the evolution of a profound creative purpose. The book draws its soul from the ancient woodlands, mountain lakes and morning mists of Eryri (Snowdonia) and Mid Wales - landscapes that Carr describes not as mere backdrops, but as characters in their own right: teachers, healers and sentient companions on a powerful inner journey. “These are not landscape photographs in the conventional sense,” explained Carr. “They are self-portraits. Each one is a window into an emotional and spiritual state, captured in a moment of profound connection with the natural world. “I wanted to create a book that shines a light into the darkness of what it means to be a human being, to offer a sense of hope to anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong and to pay my respect and reverence to nature as humanity’s greatest guide and teacher.” Carr’s work has been published internationally in magazines including On Landscape, Outdoor Photography and International Therapist. His foundational exhibition of the same name - Finding Light - was exhibited at the prestigious Plas Glyn y Weddw gallery on the Llŷn Peninsula, where it was seen by an estimated 20,000 visitors. The photobook extends that exhibition’s spirit into print for the first time, accompanied by the full breadth of the artist’s writing voice. Having lived in Wales for 26 years, he has spent almost a decade exploring the country’s most sacred wild places with camera in hand - from the gnarled, ancient oak woodlands of Meirionydd to the mist-clad mountain lakes of Eryri. The Welsh landscape, he believes, possesses a quality of stillness and spiritual depth that is uniquely healing. “The ancient Welsh landscape has been my greatest healer, guide and teacher,” he said. “Every time I step into these sacred places, my soul is cleansed and my spirit restored. “I vulnerably share my photographs, words and my heart’s deepest truths in the hope that others will be inspired to go out in search of nature’s medicine at a time when the collective of humanity is in desperate need of healing and reconnection.” Alongside his work as a fine art photographer, Carr is an internationally recognised creative mentor and tutor who works with photographers seeking to move beyond technical mastery towards authentic self-expression and personal transformation. He runs workshops and retreats throughout the UK and is available for private tuition. His teaching philosophy, which underpins Finding Light, positions the camera as a tool for connection, emotional healing and spiritual development, not merely image-making or documentation. The luxury hardback book features a foreword by Professor David Watkins and is available in Standard Edition and a Collector’s Edition, which is signed and includes a signed, limited edition fine art print from the artist’s fine art print gallery. Finding Light is available for pre-order from £45. UK customers qualify for free shipping using the code FREEUKSHIPPING at checkout. The first 100 Standard Editions will be individually signed. Pre-orders can be placed at: www.bradwcarr.com/books-zines/p/finding-light-photobook .  Open Energy’s recent Spring Sharefest at Hope Church. Open Energy is teaming up with Platform 1 at Newtown Train Station for a joint SwapShop and Repair Café on Saturday, March 7. A project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Open Energy helps the community save energy, reduce expense and adopt a circular economy approach. Repair cafés serve as free meeting places where visitors can have items fixed at no cost, thus prolonging their lives and preventing landfill waste. A small SwapShop will exchange books and craft materials and access free repair services for clothes and textiles, soft toys, tool sharpening and small electricals, including a PAT testing service. The event runs from 10am until 2pm and includes children's craft workshops and refreshments, all free of charge. A variety of sustainable activities was hosted at Open Energy’s recent Spring Sharefest at Hope Church, Newtown on February 17, held in collaboration with Cultivate. Highlights included a seed swap, swap shop for clothes, books and toys, indoor gardening crafts and tool sharpening. Wales Seed Hub also gave advice and tips ahead of spring. Open Energy is a three-year initiative dedicated to boosting the circular economy through reuse and repair regimes as well as helping residents save energy and money through education and energy audits. The project is run by Open Newtown, a not-for-profit social enterprise and community land trust, registered as Going Green for a Living Community Land Trust Ltd. Founded in 2017, Open Newtown is dedicated to the sustainable management of approximately 130 acres of public green space in Newtown. Its mission is to create opportunities for people and enterprises through nature, ensuring environmental, social, and economic benefits for the community.  Mid Wales Tourism is encouraging tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd to consider entering the Wales Business Awards 2026.
Organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, the Wales Business Awards celebrate the very best of Welsh business. The awards shine a spotlight on innovation, resilience, growth and community impact across a wide range of sectors, including tourism and hospitality. For many rural businesses, it can be easy to assume these awards are for larger organisations. They are not. They are about recognising the strength, determination and success of businesses of all sizes across Wales. For Mid Wales tourism businesses, entering can:
Even reaching finalist stage can generate valuable publicity and recognition. As a not for profit membership organisation, MWT Cymru exists to support and represent independent tourism businesses. We know how hard you work, often behind the scenes, and how rarely you stop to recognise what you have achieved. Awards like these provide an opportunity to step back and showcase the difference your business makes to the local economy and community. Taking part is also a powerful reminder that Mid Wales is home to ambitious, innovative businesses that deserve to be seen and heard on a national stage. If you are thinking about entering and would value a sounding board or some guidance, our team is here to help. Sometimes an outside perspective can make the process feel far more manageable. You can find full details of categories, criteria and deadlines on the Wales Business Awards website: https://cw-seswm.com/events/wales-business-awards-2026/ If you are a member and would like support with your application, get in touch with the MWT team. If you are not yet part of our network, now is a good time to join a community that champions your business and helps you make the most of opportunities like this. Together, we can ensure Mid Wales businesses are recognised for the quality, resilience and contribution they bring to Wales.  Mid Wales Tourism, MWT Cymru, is proud to shine a light on the prestigious GTO of the Year Award, part of the nationally recognised Group Leisure and Travel Awards.
The award celebrates the vital work of Group Travel Organisers across the UK. These are the people who plan, promote and champion destinations to coach groups, clubs and societies. Their role is often behind the scenes, but their impact on rural tourism economies is significant. For tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, group travel remains an important and valuable market. Midweek bookings, shoulder season trade and repeat visits are often driven by trusted group organisers who build long term relationships with destinations. Recognition like the GTO of the Year Award highlights the professionalism and influence of this sector. It also reinforces why it matters that Mid Wales continues to build strong connections with group travel buyers and organisers at a national level. As an independent, not for profit membership organisation, MWT Cymru works to ensure Mid Wales is visible, represented and well positioned within key travel trade networks. From attending trade events to building relationships with organisers and promoting member businesses through Visit Mid Wales, our focus is simple. We want rural Mid Wales businesses to benefit from every appropriate opportunity. Group travel is about trust, planning ahead and confidence in the destination. That is where a strong, united voice makes a difference. When we promote Mid Wales collectively, we make it easier for organisers to see the full picture. Quality accommodation, visitor attractions, hospitality, experiences and warm Welsh welcome. Not isolated businesses, but a connected destination that is easy to work with. Awards such as GTO of the Year also remind us of the importance of partnership. Tourism works best when destinations, organisers and businesses support one another. If you are a tourism business in Mid Wales and want to strengthen your visibility within group travel and wider marketing activity, we would love to work with you. As a member of MWT Cymru, you are part of a supportive network that promotes, represents and connects our industry locally and nationally. Find out more about membership and how we help you be seen, stay informed and feel supported at www.mwtcymru.co.uk. Together, we keep Mid Wales visible, valued and thriving.  Karl Jones Hughes (left) and Colin Gray (right), vice-president of Culinary Association of Wales, with competitors in the Skills Competition Wales Patisserie and Confectionary competition. Hospitality industry professionals from across Wales joined the judging panel to cast their eyes over the next generation of culinary talent at Skills Competition Wales competitions. Cambrian Training Company, the leading independent provider of apprenticeships to the hospitality industry in Wales, called on the judges for hospitality competitions held at NPTC Group of Colleges’ Newtown and Neath campuses and Coleg Cambria’s Yale campus. A celebration event will be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 18 at the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl where medallists will be announced. Winners of the culinary arts and restaurant services competitions will be invited to represent Wales at the WorldSkills UK finals and, possibly, the WorldSkills finals. The Culinary Association of Wales provided president Arwyn Watkins, OBE and Nick Davies, Powys County Council’s principal catering manager, to judge the culinary arts competitions and vice president Colin Gray, of Capital Cuisine, Caerphilly and Karl Jones-Hughes, of Stopio, Narberth, to judge the patisserie and confectionary competitions. Rob Hookham, head of service excellence at The Celtic Collection, Newport, Linda Thomas former Inspiring Skills Champion for health & hospitality sector, Marnie Gaskell, from Pontio Lounge, Chepstow and Yuliia Batrak from the George Hotel, Llandudno judged the restaurant services. Cambrian Training Company officers Melanie Canning, Nora Jones, Joanna Davies and Gemma Wilkins judged the inclusive food preparation and inclusive restaurant services competitions. “Cambrian Training is proud to run the Skills Competition Wales Hospitality competitions,” said Faith O’Brien, managing director. “These competitions give apprentices the chance to showcase their talent, build confidence and test their skills against industry benchmarks and play an important role in raising standards and inspiring excellence across the sector. “We would like to extend our thanks to our team of experienced professional judges that work closely with Cambrian Training. They all are experts in the sectors they were assessing, ensuring high standards and providing valuable, real-world feedback to support apprentices’ development.” It’s a big year for the hospitality and food industries in Wales which is hosting the Worldchefs Congress & Expo at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16-19. Around 800 chefs from around the globe will be attending the event, which is themed ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’ and is hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales. It’s the first time in 98 years that Worldchefs Congress & Expo to be held in the UK. Matthew Watts, skills champion for Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, organisers of Skills Competition Wales, said: “Once again, the standard on display at Skills Competition Wales has been excellent. “Each year we are impressed by the level of professionalism, creativity and technical ability shown by competitors, and 2026 is no exception. “The hospitality sector in Wales has a very bright future and competitions like these play a vital role in challenging learners, raising standards and giving them the confidence to progress to national and international stages. It’s inspiring to see so much talent coming through.” Ready to test your skills and compete among the best in Wales? Find out more about Skills Competition Wales and how to sign up for next year’s competition by visiting: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/skills-competition-wales" Picture captions: Rob Hookham, head of service excellence at The Celtic Collection, judging the Skills Competition Wales Restaurant Services competition. Arwyn Watkins OBE, Culinary Association of Wales president, judging the Skills Competition Wales Culinary Arts competition Karl Jones Hughes (left) and Colin Gray (right), vice-president of Culinary Association of Wales, with competitors in the Skills Competition Wales Patisserie and Confectionary competition. Beirniaid yn archwilio talent y diwydiant lletygarwch yng Nghystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru Ymunodd gweithwyr proffesiynol o’r diwydiant lletygarwch o bob cwr o Gymru â phanel beirniaid i fwrw golwg dros y genhedlaeth nesaf o dalent goginio yng nghystadlaethau Cystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru. Galwodd Cwmni Hyfforddiant Cambrian, y prif ddarparwr annibynnol o brentisiaethau yn y diwydiant lletygarwch yng Nghymru, ar y beirniaid ar gyfer cystadlaethau lletygarwch a gynhaliwyd ar gampws y Drenewydd a Chastell-nedd Grŵp Colegau NPTC a Champws Iâl Coleg Cambria. Bydd y digwyddiad dathlu yn cael ei gynnal ar nos Fercher 18fed Mawrth 2026 yn Theatr y Pafiliwn, Y Rhyl, lle bydd enillwyr medalau yn cael eu cyhoeddi. Bydd enillwyr y cystadlaethau celfyddydau coginio a gwasanaethau bwyty yn cael eu gwahodd i gynrychioli Cymru yn rowndiau terfynol WorldSkills UK ac, o bosibl, rowndiau terfynol WorldSkills. Darparodd Cymdeithas Goginiol Cymru llywydd Arwyn Watkins, OBE, a Nick Davies, prif reolwr arlwyo Cyngor Sir Powys, i feirniadu’r cystadlaethau celfyddydau coginio ac is-lywydd Colin Gray, Capital Cuisine, Caerffili, a Karl Jones-Hughes, Stopio, Arberth, i feirniadu’r cystadlaethau patisserie a melysion. Rob Hookham, pennaeth rhagoriaeth gwasanaeth yn y Celtic Collection, Casnewydd, Linda Thomas, Hyrwyddwr Ysbrydoli Rhagoriaeth Sgiliau ar gyfer sector iechyd a lletygarwch blaenorol, Marnie Gaskell, Pontio Lounge, Cas-gwent, a Yuliia Batrak, Gwesty George, Llandudno, oedd yn beirniadu’r gystadleuaeth gwasanaethau bwyty. Swyddogion Cwmni Hyfforddiant Cambrian Melanie Canning, Nora Jones, Joanna Davies, a Gemma Wilkins oedd yn beirniadu’r cystadlaethau paratoi bwyd cynhwysol a gwasanaethau bwyty cynhwysol. “Mae Hyfforddiant Cambrian yn falch o gynnal cystadlaethau lletygarwch Cystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru.,” meddai Faith O’Brien, rheolwr gyfarwyddwr. “Mae’r cystadlaethau hyn yn rhoi cyfle i brentisiaid arddangos eu talent, magu hyder, a phrofi eu sgiliau yn erbyn meincnodau diwydiant a chwarae rhan bwysig wrth wella safonau ac ysbrydoli rhagoriaeth ar draws y sector. “Hoffem estyn ein diolch i’n tîm o feirniaid proffesiynol profiadol sy’n gweithio’n agos gyda Hyfforddiant Cambrian. Mae pob un ohonynt yn arbenigwyr yn y sectorau yr oeddent yn asesu, gan sicrhau safonau uchel a darparu adborth gwerthfawr, y byd go iawn i gefnogi datblygiad prentisiaid.” Mae’n flwyddyn fawr i’r diwydiannau lletygarwch a bwyd yng Nghrymu sy’n cynnal Cyngres ac Expo WorldChefs yn ICC Cymru, Casnewydd, rhwng 16-19 Mai. Bydd tua 800 o gogyddion o bob cwr o’r byd yn mynychu’r digwyddiad, sydd ar y thema: ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’ sy’n cael ei gynnal gan Gymdeithas Goginiol Cymru. Dyma’r tro cyntaf mewn 98 mlynedd i Gyngres ac Expo WorldChefs gael ei gynnal yn y DU. Dywedodd Matthew Watts, Hyrwyddwr Sgiliau ar gyfer Ysbrydoli Rhagoriaeth Sgiliau yng Nghrymu, trefnwyr Cystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru: “Unwaith eto, mae’r safon sy’n cael ei harddangos yng Nghystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru wedi bod yn ardderchog. “Pob blwyddyn mae lefel proffesiynoldeb, creadigrwydd, a’r gallu technegol a ddangosir gan gystadleuwyr yn creu argraff arnom, ac nid yw 2026 yn eithriad. “Mae gan y sector lletygarwch yng Nghymru ddyfodol lewyrchus iawn, ac mae cystadlaethau fel y rhain yn chwarae rhan hanfodol wrth herio dysgwyr, gwella safonau, a rhoi’r hyder iddynt symud ymlaen i lwyfannau cenedlaethol a rhyngwladol. Mae’n ysbrydoledig gweld cymaint o dalent yn dod drwodd.” Ydych chi’n barod i brofi eich sgiliau a chystadlu yn erbyn y goreuon yng Nghymru? Darganfyddwch fwy am Gystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru a sut i gofrestru ar gyfer y gystadleuaeth y flwyddyn nesaf trwy fynd i: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/skills-competition-wales Pennawd Llun: Rob Hookham, Pennaeth Rhagoriaeth Gwasanaeth yn y Celtic Collection, yn prif feirniad cystadleuaeth Gwasanaethau Bwyty yng Nghystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru. Arwyn Watkins, OBE, Llywydd Cymdeithas Goginiol Cymru, yn beirniadu cystadleuaeth Celfyddydau Coginio yng Nghystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru Karl Jones Hughes (ar y chwith) a Colin Gray, is-lywydd Cymdeithas Goginiol Cymru (ar y dde), beirniaid cystadleuaeth Patisserie a Melysion yng Nghystadleuaeth Sgiliau Cymru gyda chystadleuwyr lletygarwch.
 The Gifts of Wales shop in Welshpool. Award-winning retailer Gifts of Wales is relocating to a newly refurbished retail space on Church Street, Welshpool, just two doors away from its current shop, next month. The existing store will close on February 26 and the brand-new location will officially open its doors on March 9. The move marks an exciting new chapter for the independent Welsh retailer, providing customers with a refreshed shopping environment while remaining firmly rooted in the heart of Welshpool. The new space has been fully refurbished and will allow Gifts of Wales to expand its much-loved product ranges. In addition to its popular selection of Welsh gifts and crafts, the new shop will introduce a range of fresh, Welsh food, celebrating the very best of local produce. Customers are being encouraged to keep an eye out for further announcements, as the business prepares to unveil an additional offering soon — one that promises to be a very tasty treat! Although the shop will be closed during the move, the Gifts of Wales online shop will remain open at www.giftsofwales.co.uk . The company is looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors to its new home in March. Gifts of Wales is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion, Meirionnydd and the Welsh Marches.  Win a dream wedding at Pen y Garreg Dam in the beautiful Elan Valley. Image: Ann L. Seymour. Couples dreaming of a wedding that breaks the mould can now win a ceremony in one of Wales’s most unique locations. Dwr Cymru’s Elan Valley and The Metropole Hotel & Spa have joined forces to offer a stunning prize - a wedding package worth £4,000, featuring a ceremony held inside the historic Pen y Garreg Dam. One lucky couple can exchange vows surrounded by the magnificent Victorian engineering of the Elan Valley and capture once-in-a-lifetime wedding photos in this extraordinary venue, usually closed to the public. After saying "I do" next to the Victorian Tower of Pen y Garreg Dam, the celebration continues just a 25 minute drive away at The Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells, where grand Victorian elegance meets award-winning service. The prize consists of exclusive use of Pen y Garreg Dam for 30 guests, including transport from Elan Valley Visitor Centre, elegant decorations along with a welcome drink. The wedding reception includes a three-course wedding breakfast for up to 30 guests at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, with room hire included. The newlyweds will also enjoy complimentary overnight accommodation on their wedding night. Even those who don't scoop the top prize won't walk away empty-handed, as all entrants will receive a 10% discount on any 2026 wedding ceremony booking at Pen y Garreg Dam. “Pen y Garreg isn't just a venue; it's a piece of Welsh history,” said Vikki Hadnett, Elan Valley deputy manager and wedding co-ordinator. “It's incredibly rare for couples to have the opportunity to celebrate their marriage inside one of the UK's few dams open to the public, making this an unforgettable experience. “Combining that with The Metropole Hotel & Spa creates a day that has rustic charm and refined luxury. Many couples are seeking distinctive venues, especially those surrounded by nature, and this partnership delivers something different.” Couples can enter the competition by visiting the official Elan Valley wedding page: elan-valley.co.uk/elan-valley-wedding-venue-mid-wales/ . The competition closes on March 15, 2026.
Talyllyn Railway has secured grants in excess of £500,000 towards a multi-million pound redevelopment project in its 75th year as the world’s first preserved railway. The Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded £200,000 from towards match funding the redevelopment costs, while the National Lottery Community Fund has given £323,707 towards a community engagement programme associated with the project. These grants follow a £3,697,911 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. When added to donations approaching £375,000 to the railway’s 75 Appeal, Gift Aid and other funding, the railway has now secured just over £5 million towards the £5.53m redevelopment cost. The redevelopment project comprises a new engineering works at Tywyn Pendre, new carriage maintenance facilities and paintshop, additional volunteer accommodation, a community training hub, a community engagement programme, restoration of the original station building and workshop and a new visitor facility at Pendre. Sophia Weston, of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “I am delighted to confirm that the trustees have agreed a grant of £200,000 towards improving our engineering and commercial facilities at the Talyllyn Railway. We look forward to hearing how your important work progresses.” Rachel Richards, the National Lottery Community Fund’s funding manager, added: “We really liked the railway’s application for National Lottery funding and we are happy to support ‘Preserving our Past, Building our Future’ with £323,707 over five years to help the community.” Talyllyn Railway Company chairman, David Ventry, thanked both organisations for the grants, saying: “In the year when we celebrate 75 years as the world’s first preserved railway, this is excellent news. It’s a further recognition of the urgent need for this project. “The programme of community engagement is also vital for the future of the railway. However, it is now essential that our 75 Appeal reaches its £750,000 target to ensure we have sufficient financial resources to move forwards with making our plans a reality.” Ian Drummond, the railway’s fundraising officer, added: “This generous support from both the Garfield Weston Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund is another huge boost for our fundraising efforts. “Athough we have just over £500,000 still to find, it’s heartening that some £180,000 of this is already covered by pledges of regular donations from members of our 75 club of donors. “However, this still leaves us with over £300,000 to raise but, with the continued backing of our members and donors, I have no doubt we will reach our target.” Further details about the redevelopment and the associated appeal can be found at: www.talyllyn.co.uk/75appeal .
|
