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.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.