News
Weatherman Walking TV series visits Pembrokeshire
DEREK BROCKWAY is back exploring Wales’ coast and in the second episode of the new series of Weatherman Walking: The Welsh Coast – airing on Friday, April 16 at 7.35pm on BBC One Wales – he is in north Pembrokeshire.
Embarking on a 10-mile route from Newport to Fishguard, Derek is joined by archaeologist Dr Erin Lloyd-Jones and Onkar Singh Purewal (The Wedding Guru) as the trio explore all the stretch has to offer.
Speaking in the programme, Derek said; “The Welsh coastline is spectacular stretching for nearly 900 miles and there’s a coast path the entire length of it. Round each bay and each bend is a site to behold. I’ve walked hundreds of miles around Wales but there are still corners of the Welsh coast I’ve never seen. The Welsh coast is full of contrasts; wild and rugged bays, popular beaches and just breath-taking views. There’s so much to explore, I can’t wait to get out there.”
Erin explores a megalithic quarry in the Preseli mountains where she is digging up the past looking to unearth the origins of Stonehenge’s famous bluestones. She says; “I’m delighted to be back with the team for another series, discovering more historical delights along Wales’ coastline. This year, we are all in need of a bit of escapism, and this series of Weatherman Walking brings just that, from the comfort of your living room.
“In this episode, two of my favourite things come together – Wales and stone circles. And not just any stone circle – arguably, the most famous stone circle in the world, Stonehenge. I have really fond memories of many visits to the World Heritage Site throughout my life, and feel so proud of its links with Wales. The monument is still shrouded in mystery, but this is an extremely exciting time as experts uncover hidden origins of the stones using the latest technology.”
Meanwhile, Derek’s journey starts in Newport’s harbour where discovers the area’s smuggling past before making his way through Cwm yr Eglwys to a nearby beach for a spot of kayaking. He takes in the panoramic views of the harbour from Fishguard Fort before finishing in the quay.
Elsewhere, Onkar visits the Cilwendeg Shell House, a 100-year-old ornamental pavilion decorated with shells from the nearby shoreline.
Also featured in the series is a seven mile walk in south Pembrokeshire from Dale to West Dale that sees Derek meet a local driftwood sculptor and join the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team to help with a practice drill.
The eight episode series will air every Friday on BBC One Wales from this Friday, April 9.
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.
ENDS
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