Community

Fancy a seaweed gin?

Published

11 years ago

March 10, 2014

Dà MHìLE Distillery outside Llandysul in Ceredigion has just launched its first batch of organic Welsh Seaweed Gin. Located at Glynhynod Farm, the home of the renowned Caws Teifi Cheese, it has taken more than a year to get the gin ready for the market.

The brainchild of John Savage-Onstwedder who also makes a Caws Teifi Seaweed cheese the new seaweed gin is ready to be launched on 1st March 2014, St. David’s Day. Asked about this new product John comments:

“As with Caws Teifi Cheese the pursuit of excellence is written into our DNA and every product we make at Dà Mhìle Distillery has to be of the highest quality and unique. One cannot survive in rural Wales by producing mediocrity. We must outwit and outsmart any potential competition, but at an honest price. Small-batch distilling is an art, but it is also about skill and craftsmanship. This brand new seaweed gin is a natural addition to the small batch botanical gin we launched last year which has been enthusiastically embraced by ginologists up and down the country”.

The seaweed is gathered from the beach at New Quay in Ceredigion and is made in small batches here at the distillery. Depending on the season there will be a variation in colour and flavour of the seaweed which makes every batch unique. A number of bottles have been sent out to some top Welsh chefs and initial trials indicate that this new seaweed gin is an excellent complement to seafood – especially mussels and oysters.

We asked celebrity Welsh chef Dudley Newbery what he thinks of the new gin: “I Love A G&T. In a market place that’s now offering a complex selection of flavours to create a new line, and something for all tastes, the selection of Gin’s available is immense, it has to be said that some succeed more than others. But creating any new brand needs good research and development, and you can guarantee that has taken place in this case. John Savage has enjoyed much success with his Cheese Making over the years, but people will not be aware that he is also a proven distiller, having worked with many in Scotland perfecting some top end Whiskeys, this expertise has been passed on to his sons, and they are now striving to create a Gin which will accompany Fish and Seafood, this seaweed Gin has very individual characteristics, and can be used in cooking and also served as an Iced shot with Menai Oysters and Mussels, and Penclawdd Cockles, if you really want to splash the cash, it will also compliment a few grams of Caviar! But we don’t produce this in Wales – “Yet”! Something new for John to think about ”

Small batch craft gins are gaining a wider reputation. This is a growth market, because more and more people are becoming bored with the major, mass-produced brands which are becoming increasingly insipid. People are looking for new, more interesting flavours and Dà Mhìle seaweed gin fits. the bill perfectly.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”