Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country houses and former home of art collectors and music lovers Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, is to host two music and dance events next week. The picturesque venue, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, welcomes virtuoso violinist Ezo Sarici and her fellow Menuhin School graduate, guitarist Finlay Hay, on Monday, April 29 with tickets available for £15 at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/616557/ . The brilliant musicians will perform ‘Two to Tango’, a programme including pieces by Astor Piazzola and Ana Carla Maza, a selection of tango and folk inspired music. Ezo and Finlay requested to perform and generously donate the proceeds to Gregynog’s roof appeal in exchange for a night's accommodation. Next day, Tuesday, Jones the Dance will take centre stage when they perform ‘Y Dewis’, a combined live and film experience, with tickets costing £12 or £9 for students and children at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/611055/ . Jones the Dance used to be known as Gwyn Emberton Dance, named after Gwyn, an internationally acclaimed choreographer who grew up in Montgomery. One hour before each 7pm show, Gregynog will run a short, fun dance workshop to give participants of all ages and abilities a chance to test their choreography skills. A duo as schoolmates, Ezo and Finlay have reunited to share their musical heritage and passion. Together again for a brief series, they blend traditional melodies from their homelands with the sultry rhythms of tango, coming together for a harmonious celebration of a shared joy in music. For more information about Gregynog, visit https://gregynog.org/ .
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Aerial view of the Royal Welsh Show. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is to hold a business breakfast on May 3 to promote opportunities for Ceredigion based businesses and organisations at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show. This event at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter will be an opportunity for businesses in and around Ceredigion to make new connections with partners, suppliers and potential clients. The breakfast will also be a chance to learn more about how businesses can get involved and work with the RWAS during Ceredigion’s year as the show’s feature county. Attendees will hear from key RWAS officeholders, including chief executive Aled Rhys Jones, about the upcoming show, the charitable aims and objectives of the RWAS and the various sponsorship packages and retail opportunities available. The event is free to attend and will take place in the Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter Campus, from 9am to midday. Light breakfast refreshments will be included. To register an interest and dietary requirements, businesses are asked to email sponsorship@rwas.co.uk . Booking is first come, first served. Craig Goch dam and reservoir in the Elan Valley. Image: © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales. A project which aims to enhance visitor experience, increase revenue and sustain the natural beauty and environment of the Elan Valley has reached the final stage of its bid for Mid Wales Growth Deal funding. The Elan Valley Lakes project, which aims to deliver a ‘flagship destination’ for the region, has had the green light from the Growing Mid Wales Board to advance a comprehensive full business case, the crucial final step required to secure funding. Elan Valley Lakes project’s outline business case was approved by the board last Friday. However, the board cautioned that the decision to proceed at this stage does not guarantee that growth deal funding will be awarded. The project comprises six main components: Visitor Centre redevelopment and expansion; Sawmill development as a hub for water sports and events; high-quality accommodation, including glamping pods; upgrading footpaths and bike trails; woodland conservation management and green energy supply through connections to the hydro mains ring. Martin Driscoll, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s director of business services and people who is leading the Elan Valley Lakes project, said: "We are pleased that the project has reached such an important stage as we aspire to deliver a flagship destination in Mid Wales. “We believe it will be key to achieving the growth deal's ‘strengthened tourism offer’ priority area. This project aims to enhance visitor experience, increase revenue and sustain the natural beauty and environment of the Elan Valley. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Mid Wales Growth Deal team to make this happen." A spokesperson for the Growing Mid Wales Board said: "We were pleased to approve the outline business case for this project. It’s an exciting milestone to be the first project to reach this step with the Mid Wales Growth Deal so far. “There is a lot of work to do with Dŵr Cymru on the project, but we will do what we can to see the growth deal investment leveraged to its full potential and attract investment into the region to enhance and improve our tourism offer. "Mid Wales is already on the map in terms of outdoor adventure. However, this investment could drive further improvements to the sector while keeping conservation and sustainability as key priorities. “The creation of new facilities and assets will help draw in more varied visitors to Mid Wales, creating jobs directly. In the wider visitor economy, it will give people more reasons to visit and stay in Mid Wales, supporting a greater variety of jobs in the region’s leisure, retail and hospitality industry." At full business case stage, the Elan Valley Lakes project will demonstrate that it is ready to enter into the procurement phase. This comes after thorough negotiations with potential service providers and suppliers, preceding the formal contract signings and procurement of goods and services. Final approval at this stage is essential for the release of growth deal funding. The Rural Leadership Programme 2024 cohort. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has announced the new Rural Leadership Programme cohort of 12 for 2024-‘25. Aimed at inspiring future agricultural leaders, the programme provides an action-packed course of training, mentoring, support and guidance over three intense sessions. As part of the 2024-‘25 programme, delegates will have an opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious agricultural events in the world, the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference. The 12 candidates are: Clare Brown, Cowbridge, agriculture and learning co-ordinator at Cenin Renewables; Lauren Evans, Bridgend, director of Fablas Ice Cream; Catrin Elin Hughes, Lampeter, receptionist and administrative assistant at Steffan Vets; Carwyn James, Pembrokeshire, general manager of Bibby Agriculture; Cennydd Owen Jones, Ceredigion, lecturer in agricultural grassland management at Aberystwyth University; William Nixon, Builth Wells, projects officer for Stonegate Farmers Ltd; Alys Probert, Herefordshire, agricultural lecturer at Holme Lacy College; Liz Rees, Brecon, regional manager of Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI); Fflur Roberts, Welshpool, agricultural lecturer at Hereford, Ludlow & North Shropshire College; Edward Swan, Mold, farm and butchery manager at Swans Farm Shop; Teleri Haf Thomas, Brecon, social media lead at Farming Connect Menter a Busnes and Carys Annwylyd Thomas, Llandeilo, county organiser for Carmarthenshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. The Rural Leadership Programme is fully funded thanks to a generous legacy left by the late Mr N. Griffiths, match funded by the Glamorgan County Advisory Committee (2023 RWAS feature county). A previous ASAO Conference at the Royal Welsh Showground. Up to 80 show and event organisers from across Wales and influential speakers are due to attend a conference in Mid Wales next week. The Agricultural Shows Conference of Wales will be held at the International Pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on Friday, April 26. Supported by the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), the conference brings together representatives from Welsh agricultural, horticultural, equine and countryside events. They work together to share best practice between agricultural societies and related organisations. The conference is a great opportunity for ASAO members to meet and discuss upcoming agricultural shows in Wales. RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones will welcome delegates before Amy Smith from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), gives an update in a session chaired by Dafydd, RWAS vet. Other morning speakers are Hannah Thomas, ITV Wales rural affairs correspondent, who will deliver a media session on protests, politics and the media, ASAO secretary Paul Hooper, who will provide an update. The afternoon will see addresses from Caroline Westwood, senior lecturer in events management at Sheffield Hallam University and Dr Greg Langridge-Thomas, of Builth Wells Event Safety Group, who will speak about the changing roles and expectations of agricultural shows. Jon Williams, Powys County Council’s economy projects support officer, will talk about grant funding opportunities in session chaired by Wales YFC chief executive Mared Rand Jones, followed by an open forum, chaired by Geraint James, RWAS Festival honorary director and closing remarks from Rachel Powell, RWAS head of operations. The conference is sponsored by Event Operations Specialists (EOS), TICKETsrv, Fingers & Forks, Orion Print, Entrymaster and DCRS Radios. Entrymaster offers online competition, event and registration solutions with bespoke software branded with your logo, to seamlessly connect with your website. DCRS services include the hire and sale of voice and data radio communication systems, bodycams and applications. Register attendance for free at https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/ASAO2024 . To view the full event programme please go to the RWAS website: https://rwas.wales/whats-on/asao-agricultural-shows-conference-of-wales/ . For further information, contact Helen Evans at helen@rwas.co.uk. Matt and Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel, Russell Cooke, Kerry Vale Vineyard owners and Page Eades and Sam Parker from Marrington Escapes. A vineyard on the Shropshire border with Wales is hoping to join forces with a number of local businesses in an effort to boost local tourism and promote the area. Last Friday, Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery, invited a group of local businesses to a wine tasting afternoon to sample wine and discuss ways of working together to boost rural tourism and ensure sustainable economic growth. The award-winning local wine producer has taken a significant step towards fostering community spirit and economic growth by hosting the successful trade tasting event. The event achieved its aim of bringing together local hospitality providers, offering them a chance to sample exquisite wines with the hope of featuring them in their establishments. The afternoon gathering was more than just a wine tasting - it was a collaborative effort to strengthen rural tourism and promote sustainable economic growth. Passionate advocates for the local area, vineyard owners Russell and Janet Cooke are committed to showcasing the Shropshire/Powys borderlands as an enticing holiday destination. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for rural communities,” said Russell. “By uniting with local businesses, we all stand to gain which in turn bolsters business opportunities for all.” The event saw participation from a diverse group of local businesses, including a wine merchant, various accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and even a private travel firm interested in conducting local tours. This initiative is a testament to the community’s shared vision of promoting regional attractions and ensuring visitors have memorable experiences. Paige Eades from Marrington Escapes said: “Kerry Vale Vineyard is a charming local attraction that our guests will undoubtedly enjoy when visiting Shropshire and beyond. The afternoon was a fantastic opportunity to foster local connections and spark collaborative ideas for future partnerships.” Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel added: “We came away so excited about the prospect of building Kerry Vale Vineyard into our new tour adventure. We’re optimistic that this marks the start of long-term partnerships that will mutually enhance our businesses.” The vineyard is nestled in picturesque landscape on the Shropshire/Powys border. With a commitment to quality and community, the vineyard has become a beacon for local tourism and a symbol of collaborative economic development, attracting more than 1,000 visitors a year for its popular tour programme. Any business that missed the event but is interested in working with the vineyard is asked to call Nadine Roach on Tel: 01588 620627 or email nadine@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk to arrange a bespoke wine tasting and tour. Kerry Vale Vineyard is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that supports more than 600 independent tourism-related businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Award-winning Ceredigion distillery, In the Welsh Wind, is releasing its first whisky at a celebration day later this month.
Only 680 bottles are available of this limited edition and the company is extending an open invitation to join in the launch celebration at the distillery, near Cardigan, on April 26. Whisky enthusiasts and those curious to know what all the fuss is about are invited to join the In the Welsh Wind team for a day of discovery. Crafted with care and dedication, the company’s inaugural single malt whisky release is a tribute to Welsh craftsmanship and heritage with an ‘In the Welsh Wind’ twist. Distilled in a state-of-the-art iStill, each bottle promises a distinctive flavour profile that captures the spirit of Welsh whisky. "We are incredibly excited to share our first whisky with the world," said Ellen Wakelam, founder and director of In the Welsh Wind Distillery. "This release marks a significant milestone for us as we make our mark on the Welsh whisky industry. “We invite whisky enthusiasts and curious minds alike to join us on April 26 for a day of celebration and camaraderie. Come and experience the beauty of West Wales, taste the essence of Welsh craftsmanship and raise a glass to the future of Welsh whisky-making." The release event, held at the flagship distillery, offers attendees a unique opportunity to be part of Welsh whisky history. Guests will have the chance to take a free tour of the distillery, meet the passionate individuals behind In the Welsh Wind and learn about the business’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Visitors can also taste and purchase this first edition whisky, while stocks last. The distillery will be open from 8am until 6pm on April 26. To book a tour, please visit the website: https://inthewelshwind.co.uk/products/whisky-launch-day-tours. For those who prefer not to indulge in whisky, coffee and cake will be available from local coffee truck Tarten. For those unable to visit the distillery, some bottles may be available online after the launch event. Town criers from across the globe will converge on the ancient Mid Wales border town of Montgomery this autumn to put their vocal chords to the test in a prestigious annual competition. Montgomery Town Crier for the past 22 years, Sue Blower, has secured The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers (AHGTC) Guild Championships for her home town on from September 13-15, with support from the town council. Around 40 town criers are expected to arrive in the pretty former county town, which is overlooked by a castle, on Friday, September 13 for a reception in the Town Hall, followed by the competition next day and a church parade on the Sunday. Sue is now busy trying to raise the £5,000 she needs to stage the competition and is looking for sponsors to join Montgomery Town Council which has already pledged £1,000. Potential sponsors can contact her on Tel: 07939 128286 or email: susieblowermtc@hotmail.co.uk . “It’s a huge honour and a real coup for Montgomery and Wales to have been approached to host the Guild Championships which attracts competitors from across the world to compete for the stunning silver George Carpenter trophy,” she explained. “It’s also an exciting personal challenge because I have to raise £5,000 to stage the event. I hope local businesses will recognise the value of sponsoring an event that will generate worldwide interest and attract many visitors to the town and surrounding area. “Town criers from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will be competing against their counterparts from the UK in my home town. I just wish my parents were alive to see the competition which will be a fantastic spectacle not only for Montgomery but for the whole of Wales.” Sue is receiving widespread support, including from Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Services and a regional MS for Mid and West Wales, Eluned Morgan, who has agreed to join the competition judging panel, which will also include the Earl of Powis. The international town criers will be asked to deliver two cries in the championships – the home cry and a set cry on a particular topic - with each cry not exceeding 140 words. The competition will take place in the Town Square, with Broad Street closed to traffic for the day. An area of the street will be closed off for food and drink vendors to add to the occasion. “It’s not the first time Montgomery has hosted a competition for town criers, having twice held previous contests over the past decade, but this will certainly be the biggest and most prestigious,” added Sue. She has already booked places for the visiting town criers and their partners at the Dragon Hotel and with other local accommodation providers and says many of the visitors plan to stay in the town for a few extra days. One of these is Daniel Laflèche, from Canada, official provincial crier of Ontario since 1984 and the official town crier for the National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau since 1981. He holds the title of The Most Elegant Crier in the World. An actor and former history teacher, Daniel is also a storyteller and has agreed to visit local primary schools in Montgomery and surrounding villages to share his stories during his 10-day stay. Montgomery Town Crier Sue Blower – excited about bringing international town criers championships to her home town.
Golden sunlight burning through fog in the Great Wood at Gregynog. Image: Bradley Carr. ‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme at Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country estates, has been awarded £246,966 through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund. The funding supports nature recovery and encourages more public access to some of Wales’ most special natural environments. Gregynog’s project is one of 17 in Wales set to benefit from Welsh Government conservation funding totalling £3.78 million. The investment in the National Nature Reserve and two areas of Special Scientific Interest at Gregynog, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, will make a huge difference. Gregynog’s Great Wood, an internationally significant ancient oak woodland, is home to rare lichens and to birds such as pied flycatcher, willow tits and wood warblers. The grounds at Gregynog are open every day and lots of people regularly visit to enjoy a walk in the woods and a coffee in the Courtyard café. However, rutted tracks make access difficult for both visitors with mobility issues and those with young children and the woodland walks can be muddy for much of the year. The Nature Network Fund support will allow Gregynog to repair and top dress both the drives to Bwlch y Ffridd, improve drainage and fill all pot holes. A new, accessible path around the lily pond will be created and the pond will be restored to create an accessible 360 degree bird hide on the island, accessed by a new bridge. Invasive plants will also be cleared from the pond over two years. All walks on the estate will have new signage and pathways and mapping will be improved while 50 bird boxes will be installed with help from Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, which will also run public events for the next two years and monitor wildlife on the estate. A children’s playground and covered picnic benches for adults and children using sustainable materials will be installed together with a bike rack for visitors and staff at the Courtyard entrance. Meadow flowers and flowering specimen trees will be planted along the drives and work will continue to restore the walled gardens. The Nature Networks Fund is delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales. Gregynog’s chair Carole-Anne Davies said: “We are very proud of our team and their work on the ‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme. The project allows us to enhance and broaden visitor access and experience, as well as protect and nurture our richly biodiverse reserve as a haven for nature. “It also helps consolidate our partnerships, opening up further potential for collaboration and helping us to reveal and share Gregynog’s magic with more people than ever – exploring the joy that comes with integrating nature, science and creativity.” Ruth Jenkins, head of natural resource management policy at Natural Resources Wales, said: “We are delighted to see these projects, each driving forward the practical action needed to address what is one of the most urgent challenges of our times. “These projects will seek to recover species and habitats through collaboration among a wide range of land owners and organisations. They are all superb and diverse examples of the exciting restoration and community engagement that is a critically needed step to bring about the recovery of nature in Wales.”
“Families and couples are always looking for something to do during Bank Holiday weekends and school half term holidays, especially when it’s raining, which seems likely this Easter,” said Lorna Morris who established the attraction with business partner Jo Woodall four years ago. “As an Easter treat, we have decided to give customers a 20% discount for Good Friday and Saturday, so that they can enjoy the immersive, fun experience indoors here at Beyond Breakout. “‘Shaken Not Purred’ stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and delivering unforgettable adventures for players of all ages. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning players." Lorna and Jo have worked hard to establish the business within the interactive entertainment industry. Next week, the attraction will be open as usual from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information about Beyond Breakout Ltd and its escape room games or to book online, visit www.beyondbreakout.co.uk . Beyond Breakout’s partners Lorna Morris and Jo Woodall.
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