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Powerful new exhibition examines the impact of second homes

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A MYTHICAL island and thought-provoking questions about the future of rural Wales serve as the inspiration for a major new exhibition at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre by local artist Ben Lloyd.

Opening on Saturday 3 July in the St Davids Room, Gwales explores the themes of forgetting, oblivion, escapism and the gentrification of the wild through sculpture, film and sound.

Drawing upon the artist’s own experience of growing up on the St Davids peninsula, along with Osi Rhys Osmond’s concept of ‘Cultural Alzheimer’s’ – used to explain the forgetting of Welsh identity – Gwales looks at the impact of second home ownership on local populations.

The exhibition combines humble materials and objects from farm buildings, which may seem easy to abandon, but prompt viewers to consider the families, communities, heritage and local spirit that they represent.

Ben Lloyd said: “The title of the exhibition is taken from the story of “The Assembly of the Wondrous Head” in the Mabinogion, where a group of companions live for 80 carefree years in a marble palace, oblivious to the outside world, until a forbidden door is opened and harsh realities return.

“In a contemporary context, the opening of the forbidden door of Gwales is the realisation that, in the words of Welsh poet Mererid Hopwood, ‘we cannot live in oblivion and pretend that all is well, but must look and see and act’.”

Ben Lloyd studied at art schools in Carmarthen, Liverpool, and Cardiff, before returning to live and work in Pembrokeshire in 2004. He has exhibited widely in group and solo exhibitions, including the British Museum, Liverpool Biennial, and Cardiff’s g39 and Chapter. His previous work has focussed on utopian colonies, such as the hopes of a far paradise in the US for Quakers fleeing persecution in West Wales (The Road to New York, 2015), and the establishment of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and its Krio culture (Empire Kiosk, 2010).

Gwales has been supported by the Arts Council of Wales and will be on display until Sunday 2 August 2021.

Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre is owned and run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and is the home of Amgueddfa Cymru–National Museum Wales in Pembrokeshire.

For more information on Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre please visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

PICTURED: Opening on Saturday 3 July in the St Davids Room, Gwales explores the themes of forgetting, oblivion, escapism and the gentrification of the wild through sculpture, film and sound.

Business

Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery 

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TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.

Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.

The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.

Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.

“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.

“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”

Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.

Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:

“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.

“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.

“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.

“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.” 

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Business

Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’

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BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.

The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.

This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.

“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”

This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.

The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.

Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.

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News

Multi-agency exercise at South Hook LNG Terminal

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A MULTI-AGENCY exercise is scheduled to take place at the South Hook LNG Terminal tomorrow (Sunday), between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

Local residents in the vicinity of the terminal have already been informed about the event. However, authorities wish to reassure the wider public that an increase in traffic and activity near the terminal is part of this pre-planned exercise.

The exercise is a routine collaboration among emergency services and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for potential scenarios.

Residents and commuters are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.

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