CAREW CASTLE is thrilled to invite families and visitors of all ages to experience Glow – a magical event illuminating the season every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 15 December, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a stunning display of lights throughout the Walled Garden, creating an enchanting atmosphere that leads into the heart of the festivities. At Nest Tearoom, visitors can indulge in seasonal treats, adding warmth and flavour to the experience.

This year’s event brings new areas and captivating displays, transforming the Castle into a Christmas wonderland with fresh elements designed especially for the 2024 season. Children are invited to join Santa’s Workshop Trail, an interactive adventure where they can hunt for clues hidden around the Castle, with a special treat awarded upon completion. Entry to the trail costs £2 per child.

Committed to sustainability, Glow’s impressive display uses only the most energy-efficient LED lights, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising visual impact. The lighting setup uses approximately 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and can even operate from a single household socket.

Visitors will notice that all lighting is focused on the Castle’s east face and east range, illuminating beautifully preserved rooms such as the Lesser Hall, undercroft, chapel and kitchen, all decorated for the season and open to explore. To safeguard the resident bats, who have their own spaces within the Castle and are cherished members of the Carew community, lighting and access to certain areas are limited at night.

Adding to the festive spirit, local choirs and musical groups will fill the Lesser Hall with seasonal melodies each weekend, bringing an extra touch of holiday magic to the experience.

Due to high demand, visitors must pre-book arrival slots to secure entry. Tickets are available online, priced at £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 4-16 years. This nominal fee helps maintain and enhance Glow each year, ensuring it remains affordable for the community.

Free entry is offered to holders of annual passes, Carew parish residents, wheelchair users, and accompanying carers, though these visitors must also book online and present proof of eligibility.

Visitors purchasing tickets for daytime admission to the Castle and Grotto are welcome to attend Glow on the same evening without further booking.

For a full schedule of live performances, and for Castle and Nest Tearoom opening hours through November and December, please visit www.carewcastle.com

THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The weather has caused major disruptions, including the closure of 130 schools, road closures, and the issuing of weather warnings for snow and ice.

On Monday night (Nov 18), part of the A55 was closed at Caerwys due to what Traffic Wales described as a “collision and heavy snow.” The snow has continued to cause problems on the roads, with the A44 in Powys closed on Tuesday morning between the A470 at Llangurig and the B4343 at Dyffryn Castell due to snow accumulation. Drivers are advised to avoid travel in these areas unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the week.

In the south of Wales, heavy rain has led to flood warnings being issued by Natural Resources Wales, particularly along the River Ely. The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have created additional risks for drivers, particularly those using rural or coastal roads.

School closures across Wales
The heavy snow has forced the closure of around 130 schools across Powys, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Wrexham. Schools have been forced to close for the day as a result of unsafe conditions for students and staff. In some areas, like Llanfair-Dyffryn-Clwyd in Denbighshire, snow has blanketed farms and rural areas, making it difficult for buses and staff to reach schools.

For those needing information about school closures, local authorities are providing up-to-date lists, and parents are urged to stay informed about the situation in their area.

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across the UK, including a yellow alert for snow and ice that will last until Wednesday. The snow, combined with icy conditions, is expected to cause disruption in parts of Wales, particularly in the north, and could lead to delays for drivers, train services, and other transport routes. The warnings are in place for areas including Powys, Wrexham, and Denbighshire, as well as parts of northern England and Scotland.

Dan Suri, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that the disruption was caused by a low-pressure system that moved eastwards on Monday night. This system brought a mixture of cold air and wintry conditions, which has resulted in widespread snow and ice. The system is expected to continue affecting the UK through the week, with additional updates to the warnings likely as conditions change.

The forecast for Tuesday predicts cold temperatures with occasional wintry showers, though some areas will experience breaks of sunshine in the afternoon. However, conditions are expected to remain cold, with a widespread frost likely overnight, especially in rural areas. Drivers are warned that icy patches are likely to form on untreated roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Tips for navigating winter conditions
With snow and ice continuing to affect travel in Wales, it is important for motorists and residents to take precautions:

1. Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winter-ready with properly inflated tyres, a full windscreen washer reservoir, and working lights.
2. Stay Updated: Regularly check weather updates and traffic reports for your area. Follow Traffig Cymru and Traffic Wales for real-time information on road closures and conditions.
3. Drive Safely: Reduce your speed and increase the distance between vehicles. Avoid sharp turns, sudden acceleration, or harsh braking, as these can cause skidding on icy surfaces.
4. Emergency Kit: Carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a phone charger, in case you get stranded.

With these winter conditions expected to persist, it’s crucial for residents and travelers in Wales to stay informed and prioritize safety when navigating the roads.

A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”