Images: Crown Copyright, Welsh Lavender Princes and poets; castles and comedy nights: A project which aims to put Powys on the map, by celebrating its culture and heritage, is now underway. Anian Ltd is working with Powys County Council to identify new ways to bring the area's cultural stories to life - to make them more accessible for local people, and relevant to future visitors. The aim is to build interest and pride in Powys’ rich history and contemporary culture. So, if you live or work in Powys, or enjoy visiting the county, the team wants your input! Share your thoughts about the area's outstanding cultural and heritage experiences, and how they can be developed in innovative ways for the benefit of visitors and local communities. You can have your say by completing this short online survey: http://tinyurl.com/anianpowys Or come along to one of the interactive workshops taking place on Wednesday 13 March. Book your free space now: Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, SY17 5SB, 10am – 12pm. BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/847024923347?aff=oddtdtcreator Or Welsh Lavender, Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis, Builth Wells LD2 3HU, 2.30pm – 5pm. BOOK NOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/847170458647?aff=oddtdtcreator Coffee, cake, and exclusive tours with both business owners are included. Spaces are FREE and open to everyone, but tickets are limited. Visitors to Welsh Lavender are also invited to take a wild swim in the site’s natural pond after the session! For more information on the Powys Cultural Tourism Study, email: tourism@powys.gov.uk The project is funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up).
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Completion of the last highway blockage on the Montgomery Canal in Shropshire was marked by a procession of historic vehicles crossing the new Schoolhouse Bridge days before the road was formally opened to traffic. Councillor Vince Hunt, chairman of Shropshire Council, formally cut the tape to allow the vehicles to cross. He noted that the old bridge had been levelled by the highway authority around 60 years ago. He congratulated the volunteer team who had spent years on the construction and the contractors Beaver Bridges of Shrewsbury, whose work was tested by a traction engine crossing the bridge. The event was attended by a 1931 Sentinel Steam waggon, 1910 Burrell Traction engine, 1954 Citroen, 2008 Morgan 4/4 Sport and 1979 Lomax three-wheel kit car. Michael Limbrey, Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal chairman, explained that Schoolhouse Bridge was the biggest obstruction in the Shropshire Gap, the remaining dry section of the canal in Shropshire. “The bridge was always going to be a challenge to the restoration and it was difficult to see how the Canal & River Trust or the council would rebuild it for many years,” he said. “So, the local canal charities got together to raise the funds for what, in the end, turned out to be a £1 million project funded entirely from private sources.” The appeal was supported by TV canal personalities Timothy West and Prunella Scales and donations were received from far and wide, including from charitable trusts like the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, Inland Waterways Association and the Walker Trust. Mr Limbrey thanked them all. The canal’s volunteer team arranged the engineering design and legal documentation and the project was supported by Shropshire Council and the Canal & River Trust. “Other volunteers have helped on site, some coming many miles to do so and they will be back in the coming weeks and months to clear and landscape the site,” added Nr Limbrey. “First, they will finish a few last-minute modifications required by regulators so the highway can be reopened to traffic. “Our canal groups are very proud of Schoolhouse Bridge, the biggest volunteer-led project in the years of restoration and a vital step in opening up the canal to the Shropshire border. “Government funding is helping to revitalise the canal in Powys and our challenge is now to reopen the canal through Schoolhouse Bridge to the border at Llanymynech. “After the success of the appeal for the bridge, our Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal is now raising funds so that volunteers can continue restoring the canal channel from Crickheath where it was reopened last year.” Donations are welcomed at https://www.localgiving.org/appeal/montgomerycanal . “The restored Montgomery Canal will be a great asset for the borderland area,” Mr Limbrey continued. “It is already part of popular towpath routes joining market towns and historic locations and has a remarkable collection of canal-age locks bridges and other structures. “At the same time, as a byway of the national canal network, it has a valuable ecology with rare and protected species which are safeguarded as part of the restoration strategy. “Many revived canals across the country provide recreation and amenity, visitor attractions, protected wildlife and built heritage. The restored Montgomery Canal will bring these social, economic and environmental benefits to the Mid Wales borders.” Business leaders and economic experts are being sought to support the development and delivery of the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
The Mid Wales Growth Deal is a capital funding programme investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to support the economic growth of the region. The Growing Mid Wales Board is expanding its independent body, the Economic Advisory Group, to help advise on the strengths or weaknesses of projects being developed as part of the Mid Wales Growth Deal portfolio as it enters an exciting stage of development with programmes and projects moving into the delivery. Whilst the final decisions relating to the programmes and projects rest with the Mid Wales Growth Deal Board, the Economic Advisory Group has a key role in providing a strategic and constructive challenge to strengthen proposals and advise on new opportunities for the Board to consider as appropriate. The EAG will be directly represented at the GMW Board as a non-voting and advisory member by the Chair of the EAG. Applicants for the advisory group will need to: • Be Industry Leaders, particularly from the sectors identified in the Portfolio Business Case • Be able to demonstrate strategic thinking • Have significant direct business leadership experience • Have an entrepreneurial background • Be able to work as part of a team • Have a strong interest and commitment to the interests of the region. Together, Leader of Powys County Council, Councillor James Gibson-Watt and Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Bryan Davies who are co-chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Partnership and the Growing Mid Wales Board, said: “At a recent meeting with the Economic Advisory Group, it was agreed that its membership needed to be expanded. This is a great opportunity for regional business leaders to provide a voice for their sector and share strategic and constructive responses for the Mid Wales Growth Deal. “The Growth Deal is entering an exciting stage of development which sees programmes and projects moving into the delivery phase, and we therefore need to ensure business representatives help us to strengthen and challenge the Portfolio to have maximum impact on the Mid Wales Economy.” For further information please contact: Carwyn Jones Evans, Joint Strategic Lead, Mid Wales Growth Deal Carwyn.Jones-Evans@ceredigion.gov.uk or Nicola Williams, Joint Strategic Lead, Mid Wales Growth Deal nicola.williams@powys.gov.uk, 01597 826024. www.growingmid.wales The 2024 CARAS Cymru conference, held at the Royal Welsh Showground. The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) Cymru annual conference delivered a rousing plea to the Welsh Government to ensure that the Sustainable Farming Scheme safeguards the next generation. Seeing the Wood from the Trees delivered an analysis of the Welsh Government’s proposals, including the 10% planting of trees requirement. The conference, held at the Royal Welsh Showground, took up Welsh Government director of rural affairs, Gian Marco Currado’s request for feedback on the scheme. CARAS Cymru vice chair, Mansel Raymond, summed up the mood by stressing that the Sustainable Farming Scheme is critical for the future of Welsh agriculture. He said young people needed to be encouraged to grow food that is in world demand. It was important not to curtail what Welsh farmers have done over the years. Income foregone was not an option when the scheme is demanding that farmers do more. “There seems, all of a sudden, to be a massive disconnect between the farming fraternity and our masters,” said Mr Raymond. “That is something we have to change. This industry cannot afford to fall. “If we lose production, if we lose that mass, the whole fabric of the industry will be lost and we’ll have to start from the bottom. The future of food production in Wales is important.” The conference was chaired by past Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) president and former NFU Cymru president, John R. Davies who said: “The key things we’ve got to do as a nation are to protect and feed ourselves. “As farmers there is food production running through each and every one of us. It’s an absolutely crucial time for the future of Welsh agriculture and I’m incredibly pleased to have the panel we have here today. “We’ve always been keen on having policy made in Wales, for Wales by Wales.” Dr Nick Fenwick, formerly FUW head of policy, suggested there was an array of solutions to climate change, rather than a blanket 10% tree cover target. Around 30% of Welsh emissions come from energy production, about double the footprint for agriculture. It is estimated that, over the next 25 years, the amount of energy needed in Wales would increase five-fold. He stressed that farming is part of the solution, as the biggest contributor to green energy production which reduces agriculture’s carbon footprint. He illustrated his point by explaining that a 330 meters square area of solar panels would reduce carbon emissions by the same amount as a hectare of trees, as would a 10 kw water turbine or a 15 kw wind turbine. Dr Fenwick urged: “Basically, solar panels are between 30 and 50 times more effective per unit area than tree planting in terms of reducing carbon emissions. “So we have something that could complement tree planting, negate the need for tree planting on valuable farm land and form part of a far bigger equation, whereby we’re reducing Wales’s carbon footprint. But we’re not doing it by an arbitrary 10% tree cover target, resulting in vast areas of agricultural land. “Nor should we start plastering Wales with solar panels. Basically, you’re talking about maybe the roof of a couple of farm sheds having the same impact as two or three hectares of trees.” NFU Cymru deputy president, Abi Reader, warned of the catastrophic changes the scheme could bring to farming businesses. Referring to the ADAS Impact Report, she added: “You have 5,000 jobs that will be lost. We’ve got our 122,000 grazing livestock that are going to be removed from Wales if we have 100% uptake under the scheme. “So, over 5,000 jobs coupled with the loss of nearly £200 million of farm incomes throughout Wales. What is that going to do Welsh agriculture, what will that do to our communities?” Mr Currado and Bangor University senior lecturer in environmental management, Dr Prysor Williams each delivered their perspective on sustainable farming and the new scheme proposals. Mr Currado said the Welsh Government was committed to the whole farm approach and looking for a collaborative approach to the Sustainable Farm Scheme consultation. He encouraged farmers to feed in their views and offer alternative solutions. Arwyn Watkins, OBE, - “embrace Welshness in our culinary creations”. Hospitality businesses across Wales are losing sales and customers if they don’t use Welsh food and drink products on their menu. That’s the wake-up call from Arwyn Watkins, OBE, president of the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), an organisation representing chefs and butchers across Wales. He highlights market research undertaken by the Welsh Government Food and Drink Insight Programme, which has been exploring the attitudes of customers towards Welshness since 2017. “The pivotal question asked is: Does Welshness matter? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’,” Mr Watkins told the Welsh International Culinary Championships Awards Dinner at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport. “Latest research for 2023 speaks volumes about the value of our heritage in every dish we serve. The preference for dishes made with Welsh ingredients rose from eight in 10 in 2017 to an astounding nine in 10 last year. “This is not just a trend; it’s a call for authenticity and quality that only Welsh ingredients can provide. However, a concerning gap has emerged - only two thirds of businesses recognise the significance of offering Welsh food and drink. “This disconnect between what businesses think their guests want and what they actually want is a wake-up call. We must bridge this gap, for Welsh food and drink is far more important than many businesses realise. “More than half our guests would like more local or Welsh items on the menu and four in 10 would willingly pay a premium for dishes with Welsh ingredients. This isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a golden ticket for us to showcase our Welsh produce whilst maximising our revenues.” The research also revealed that six in 10 visitors were more likely to visit a venue with Welsh products on the menu, with a quarter admitting that an absence of these options was a deterrent. Nine in 10 believed that venues should promote their use of Welsh food and drink. “This is a stark reminder that we’re not embracing Welshness and we’re not just missing an opportunity, we’re losing customers,” he stressed. “Welshness matters. It’s not just a badge of identity, it’s a powerful catalyst for sales and profit. Let us be proud of our heritage, embrace Welshness in our culinary creations and proudly promote this in every dish we serve. “In doing so, we not only pay homage to our rich culture, but also pave the way for a thriving, prosperous future in the Welsh culinary scene.” View the research results at https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/welsh-food-drink-performance/value-welshness Royal Welsh Show could lose more than £1 million if schools are open during event The Royal Welsh Show could lose more than £1 million if the Welsh Government shortens the school summer holiday in Wales by one week. That’s the stark warning from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) which is strongly opposed to a new plan to amend school term dates in Wales. The RWAS is urging the public to respond to the Welsh Government’s consultation before the February 12 deadline at https://www.gov.wales/structure-school-year . Under the proposal, schools would be open during the Royal Welsh Show, which traditionally takes place during the first week of children’s summer break. The RWAS has raised the issue with Minister for Education, Jeremy Miles MS, and is collating evidence to support its objection. The show, one of Wales’ major cultural festivals, is a highlight for many families and young people across Wales. Almost 250,000 people visit the largest agricultural event of its kind in Europe. The show pumps more than £40 million into the rural economy and visitors spend around £10 million over the four days. The RWAS says it’s not against the principle of modifying the school year but urges the Welsh Government to reconsider the dates. It wants to ensure that the show is always held during the school summer holiday. “We are extremely concerned about the impact these changes will have, including taking away the ability for young people, families, teachers and school staff to attend the show, which represents a large proportion of our visitors,” said a spokesman. “Thousands of children compete at the Royal Welsh Show each year, in both young farmer competitions and young handler and junior classes. The proposed change would remove the opportunity for them to compete at the show and to learn and showcase their skills. “Preliminary calculations show that the change would lead to a loss of income in excess of £1 million from reduced gate sales, membership and camping revenue. The changes would also lead to reduced attendance, affecting the trade for our exhibitors and catering vendors, not to mention the wider economic impact on the several businesses who benefit from the event both regionally and nationally.” The RWAS is also concerned the change would impact families, volunteers, the Welsh language and culture and the show’s park and ride service which uses school buses out of term time. Plans unveiled for statutory registration and licensing scheme for visitor accommodation in Wales9/1/2024 Plans to introduce a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales have been announced by the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden today (Tuesday, January 9) with legislation expected to be introduced to the Senedd before the end of the year.
In a statement from Welsh Government: The registration and licensing scheme is intended to deliver a register of visitor accommodation types and to enable providers to demonstrate compliance with safety and quality requirements. It is intended to enhance the visitor experience and visitor safety expectations in Wales by ensuring anyone who lets out visitor accommodation meets a relevant set of standards. This follows a public consultation, extensive engagement with the sector, as well as a recently published survey that found 89% of visitors considered it important the accommodation they stay in is operating safely. Many parts of the world have already adopted licensing, certification or registration schemes across their visitor accommodation sectors and the Welsh Government has been considering best practice to design one that is simple and easy to use for accommodation providers in Wales. Across the UK, Northern Ireland has had a certification scheme established for all visitor accommodation since 1992, with Scotland having recently introduced a licensing scheme for short term lets. The UK Government is also pursuing a registration approach for short term lets. In Wales, the first phase will be a statutory registration scheme for all accommodation providers, which will – for the first time – provide a register on the broad range of visitor accommodation available across the country and will include details on who is operating in the sector, where they are operating, and how they are operating. Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said: “Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life so this information will be crucial in helping us better understand the sector, as well as helping to inform future policy decisions at a local and national level. “The visitor economy is changing rapidly, and while the growth of online booking platforms has brought many benefits, there are concerns around compliance with existing requirements and the impact of short-term lets on housing stock and our communities. “I’d like to thank businesses across the visitor economy for the enormous resilience they’ve shown through the unprecedented challenges of recent years. The input from the sector, visitors and communities has been invaluable to our work so far. We will continue this engagement as we develop the scheme.” Once a registration scheme is fully established, the intention is to follow with a licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation. This will initially focus on confirming compliance with safety requirements visitor accommodation providers should already be meeting, before looking at introducing quality standards at a later stage. The Welsh Government’s Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru commits to a statutory licensing scheme for holiday lets as part of a package of measures to address the negative impact second homes and short-term holiday lets can have on the availability and affordability of housing for local people in communities. Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “Our plans for a statutory registration and licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales will help ensure the safety of visitors and seek to enhance the visitor experience. “The plans will also create a more sustainable tourism offer – delivered in line with the needs and concerns of communities, particularly around housing. “This will result in strengthened controls on residential properties operating as short-term holiday lets, leading to greater fair play for all.” The importance of tourism industry collaboration and unity was emphasised by speakers at the annual meeting of an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality business across Mid Wales. The impact of Welsh Government legislation on the industry was one of the main discussion points at a members’ forum which followed the annual meeting of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) held at Hafan yr Afon, Newtown on Tuesday. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, chief executive Val Hawkins, MBE, and Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies all stressed the need for tourism and hospitality businesses to stay united. Addressing her final annual meeting before retiring next year, Mrs Hawkins outlined MWT Cymru’s role and work, emphasising: “We are here to sell Mid Wales region as a must-visit destination. “We are experienced at working at the interface of the private and public sectors and it’s extremely important that we build on that collaborative approach.” She is keen to expand seasonal and themed offers to attract more visitors during 2024 when MWT Cymru will be rolling out a rewards and incentives project, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, to support towns and communities in Powys. Mrs Hawkins encouraged businesses to collaborate with MWT Cymru and Visit Wales to attract more international visitors to Mid Wales by offering unique experiences and to focus sharply on customer service and repeat business. “In these uncertain times, the unity and resilience of our business community are more critical than ever,” she added. “Together, we will navigate these challenges and ensure that Mid Wales continues to shine as a leading destination.” Mrs Davies said there were positive signs that the Welsh Government is beginning to listen to the WTA and other industry leaders’ concerns about the cumulative impact of new legislation. The cited examples of how the WTA and others were trying to influence new legislation for the statutory regulation of accommodation providers, a proposed tourism tax and a reduction in the school summer holiday in Wales. “We need to stand together with a united voice and avoid any sense of isolation when representing the tourism industry,” added Mrs Davies, who heads an alliance representing around 6,000 businesses in all sectors of tourism industry across Wales. “What we are doing collectively is working.” Mr Rees-Evans thanked the WTA for its work on behalf of the tourism industry and MWT Cymru staff for keeping members “ahead of the curve” with information about Welsh Government legislation. “Without MWT Cymru, tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales would not have a voice,” he said. “We punch way above our weight in terms of the work we do on behalf of the industry and it’s really important that tourism businesses become members if they want to have an influence.” MWT Cymru re-elected Greg Loweth, business development manager at The Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells as a Powys trade director. He was joined on the board by Shane Logan, general manager of Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool. MWT Cymru represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality operators across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Businesses wishing to join the not for profit, membership organisation are asked to contact Tel: 01654 702653 or email: info@mwtcymru.co.uk . Rowland Rees-Evans, Mid Wales Tourism’s chairman. Members of the independent tourism organisation for Mid Wales are being urged to attend the annual meeting next week when updates will be given on Welsh Government legislation for the industry. Changes to the tax criteria for self-catering accommodation, a proposed tourism tax and statutory registration of all visitor accommodation in Wales will all be on the agenda at Mid Wales Tourism’s annual meeting at Hafan yr Afon, Newtown on Tuesday, December 5, at 11am. Earlier this year, the Welsh Government changed the tax criteria which allows self-catering accommodation to qualify for business rates instead of council tax. A self-catering property must now be let for a minimum of 182 days to qualify for business rates. Local authorities have the power to triple the council tax premium for accommodation that doesn’t meet the new criteria. The Welsh Government is still consulting about introducing a tourism tax and the registration of all visitor accommodation. Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Suzy Davies will give the latest update on the regulations while Val Hawkins, MBE, Mid Wales Tourism’s chief executive and chairman Rowland Rees-Evans will review the past year and reveal plans for 2024 at a members’ forum which follows the formal annual meeting. “I hope that as many members as possible are able to attend the annual meeting to hear important updates, give their views and help shape the direction of Mid Wales Tourism in the coming year,” she Mrs Hawkins Mid Wales Tourism, also known as MWT Cymru, represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality operators across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Businesses wishing to join the not for profit, membership organisation are asked to contact Tel: 01654 702653 or email: info@mwtcymru.co.uk . Speakers at the Mid Wales Tourism Conference. Tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales are being encouraged to work with Visit Wales to bring more international visitors to the region. A sell-out Mid Wales Tourism Conference, held at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells, heard that international tour operators are keen to bring visitors to the region. Recognised for its culture, adventure, landscape, history and heritage, Mid Wales is being marketed by Visit Wales to countries France, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Ireland. “Tour operators need accommodation partners and bookable attractions and experiences in Mid Wales, which have an opportunity to grow international business,” said Val Hawkins, MBE, chief executive of MWT Cymru, which organised the conference. She also encouraged businesses to use the digital platform Tourism Exchange Great Britain and engage with travel media to attract domestic and international visitors. Following the conference, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden said: “Mid Wales Tourism’s Annual Conference followed a series of four well attended Visit Wales Industry Roadshows where we heard from businesses and organisations across Wales. “We see a real opportunity to grow international business to Mid Wales. We know the role that tour operators, tourism media and Tourism Exchange Great Britain can play in generating more potential business, especially internationally, which fits our tourism strategy to support seasonality, spread and spend. “We urge interested Mid Wales providers of accommodation, attractions and experiences to work with Visit Wales and Wales-based operators to attract more international visitors.” Steve Hughson, chairman of both the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, highlighted the value of events to the Welsh economy, the tourism and hospitality sectors and local communities. In a rallying call to Mid Wales tourism businesses, he added: “We have a hugely successful offer here, so let’s ensure that we build a strong partnership between tourism, hospitality and rural affairs that makes a positive impact on Mid Wales.” The strong link between tourism and farming, and their importance to the Mid Wales economy and local communities, was also emphasised by Mrs Hawkins. She revealed that MWT Cymru, a not for profit company which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, has secured funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for an innovative digital project that is at its infancy. The community-focussed project will seek to incentivise shopping in small, independent, town centre businesses across Powys. Partner towns are now being sought for the pilot project. “There is a strong link between tourism and farming in Mid Wales and if one of these sectors struggles, then it impacts local communities,” said Mrs Hawkins. “The visitor economy is very much linked to local economy and we have looked at how we can better support our local communities to become more sustainable. “MWT Cymru has developed a reputation for being ahead of the game in terms of technology and I would like to think we are doing the same again with this new project which will help not just the tourism industry but small, independent businesses in local towns as well.” Other speakers at the conference, themed ‘Embracing Tomorrow's Tourism: Communities, Innovation and Business’, included Guy Edwards, manager of MWT Cymru’s new project and Charles Symons, co-founder of Buzzmint, who spoke about the opportunities for empowering connected communities and circular economies using Web 3.0. In a section titled ‘Empowering businesses with practical solutions’, Rhys Mullan from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, spoke about fire safety law, Ruth Partridge, WRAP Cymru project manager, spoke about recycling and waste management law changes and Gareth Jones, chartered accountant, spoke about revenue management with some cost saving advice. MWT Cymru chairman Rowland Rees-Evans congratulated Mrs Hawkins on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours and thanked her for her hard work for the company over the past 24 years. |
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