News
Safety training for fishermen
SEAFISH, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, has announced two new approved offshore training providers in Wales, bringing the number of training providers in the region up to three. They provide a range of safety and skills course for commercial fishermen, with funding secured by Seafish, making many of the courses free for fishermen.
The approved training provider (ATPs) in our area is the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. The WFA has also been approved and the Association’s Safety and Training Officer and approved instructor, Trevor Jones, is currently delivering courses for Coleg Llandrillo while WFA gets up to speed.
The endorsement of these new training providers means that there will be more opportunities for commercial fishermen in Wales to access mandatory training and take advantage of additional voluntary training. Seafish has secured funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with additional funding provided by the Welsh Government and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
This funding allows new entrants and experienced fishermen who are fully compliant with basic safety training requirements to undertake a wide range of courses free of charge.
The funding is allocated on a first-come-first serve basis and must be distributed before the deadline of 30 September 2019, so fishermen are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.
Lee Haigh, Wales Fishing Safety Officer said: “Improving fishing industry safety is a key part of Seafish Wales Priority work, so we’re very pleased at the announcement of two additional Seafish Approved Training Providers within Wales. The increase in local training provision will enable more Welsh commercial fishermen to access important training opportunities and we strongly urge them to take advantage of the latest round of funding and book free places while they are available.”
Andy White of Coleg Llandrillo said: “The approval of two new training providers in Wales is very welcome as it creates a robust training network across the country. With a recent increase in demand, there has never been a better time to get in touch and take advantage of the full range of training opportunities we offer.”
Ian Spice of Sea Sense Surveying said: “Sea Sense Surveying Ltd is extremely pleased to have been appointed as one of the new Seafish Approved Training Providers in Wales. No matter what stage of their career they are at, fishermen deserve access to the best possible training so that they have the skills and knowledge to work safely and come back home safe.
It is our mission to provide this training for fishermen when and where they need it with our experienced instructors, delivering quality courses in engaging environments. We strongly urge that all fishermen review their training to ensure they have all five of the required mandatory courses and talk to us if they are unsure. For those that have, now is the time to check for eligibility for funding to undertake refresher training to update those all-important skills and knowledge.”
To find out more call 01472 252302.
News
Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall
DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between Aberystwyth and Llangurig due to it being impassable due to heavy snowfall.
In a warning issued at 4am on their social media accounts the police said: “Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.”
Meanwhile, last night The Nags Head in Lampeter uploaded pictures of the snowy scenes in the area, and were encouraging customers to come in and sit next to their ‘nice warm fire’.
News
Egg and farm shop to open at award-winning west Wales farm
A SCHEME for a self-serve egg and farm shop at an award-winning 32,000-chicken Ceredigion farm, to allow it to receive a UK Shared Prosperity fund grant, has been approved by county planners.
Ben Edkins, of Edkins Eggs, Coed Farm, Cilcennin sought permission to site a self-serve farm shop on an existing yard area at the site.
A supporting letter submitted through agent Morgan & Flynn Architectural Services described it as “a more advanced version of an egg stand, with honesty box, which has been a staple for people producing eggs for centuries”.
It added: “This method of selling eggs has already proven to be a hit with communities in Ceredigion, given the success of the already established egg dispenser located in Aberystwyth town centre.”
Family-owned Edkins Eggs, which supplies multiple businesses across the area with eggs, including Aberaeron’s Y Seler, Hive, Harbourmaster, and Costcutters, has been awarded a grant to cover the cost of part of the proposal, on the condition that planning approval is granted, the statement added.
“The grant, which is a UK shared prosperity fund for the Mid Wales region as part of the ‘Cynnal Y Cardi Fund’ provided by Ceredigion County Council was granted in December 2023.
“For this grant to be claimed, it is required that planning permission is granted, the construction is completed and also the egg dispensers are implemented by December 2024. This gives the applicants a 12-month window from the point of the grant awarded to completion of proposal.”
The building itself will include a solar panel array providing the power for the egg dispensing unit and lighting, and it is hoped to create one extra job at 227-acre Coed Farm, home to 32,000 chickens producing free range eggs, 90 beef cattle and 200 sheep.
A green infrastructure statement by the agent added: “The creation of this building to house the self-serve farm shop to enhance the established family-owned business ‘Edkins Eggs’, which also has provisions to allow for other local companies producing items such as vegetables and honey to sell their products, will provide a facility for the local community to purchase locally produced goods directly from the supplier.
“This will not only provide an enhanced shopping experience in terms of being able to purchase directly from the farm, which could act as an educational benefit especially for children, but also provide the additional facility of a small-scale shop to the local area, whereas currently the community would either have to travel to the service centres of either Aberaeron or Felinfach.”
The application was conditionally approved under delegated powers.
Entertainment
John Singer Sargent’s ‘Fashion & Swagger’ to light up the Torch
IN an unparalleled celebration of one of the late 19th century’s most revered portrait artists, the Torch Theatre is set to host “John Singer Sargent – Fashion & Swagger” on Tuesday, 16 April, at 7:30 pm. This innovative exhibition, brought to life by Exhibition on Screen, delves into the remarkable artistry of John Singer Sargent, whose portraits are celebrated for their intricate depiction of his subjects’ persona, attire, and the subtleties of their presentation.
The event promises an insightful exploration of Sargent’s influence on modern art, culture, and fashion, featuring interviews with a diverse group of curators, contemporary fashion icons, and style influencers. Filmed at prestigious venues like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Tate Britain in London, the exhibition unveils Sargent’s extraordinary ability to capture the essence of his subjects’ identities, social standings, and the complexities of gender through his art during a pivotal time of cultural transformation.
Phil Grabsky, one of the producers behind this compelling film, shared his enthusiasm for spotlighting Sargent’s genius, stating, “As filmmakers, both director David Bickerstaff and I have been thrilled to make this film about Sargent, someone I consider a truly astounding artist.” Grabsky further reflected on the curious case of Sargent’s fading recognition despite his once-celebrated status and affirmed Exhibition on Screen’s commitment to revitalizing interest in artists who deserve renewed attention.
The exhibition promises a fascinating juxtaposition of over 50 of Sargent’s paintings with authentic items of clothing and accessories donned by his subjects, offering audiences a unique passage into the artist’s creative realm. It underscores how Sargent’s subjects, often hailing from affluent backgrounds, entrusted him with their public images — a theme that resonates with the ongoing dialogue around the construction of identity in the public eye.
Tickets for “John Singer Sargent – Fashion & Swagger” are available for £13. Those interested can secure their spots by visiting www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contacting the Box Office at 01646 695267.
For further details and imagery, or to arrange press inquiries, please reach out to Anwen Francis (Marketing, Press & Communications) via email at [email protected] or phone at 07854 772640.
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