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Discover a Summer of fun and adventure with National Trust Cymru

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NATIONAL TRUST CYMRU is inviting families to explore a wealth of exciting events and activities this summer, promising unforgettable experiences amidst the picturesque landscapes of Wales.

This season, families can embark on a journey through magnificent Welsh castles, participate in the Summer of Play activities, or revel in the joy of natural play areas provided by National Trust Cymru. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Starling Bank, some locations will even feature new and exhilarating activities.

Chirk Castle: Enchanting Adventures Await

Nestled in the heart of north Wales, Chirk Castle invites families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of a giant straw bale castle. Children can navigate their way through this impressive structure, building their own forts along the way. Let their imaginations run wild as they create their own magical tales within the castle’s walls.

Dyffryn Gardens: A Symphony of Play

In the serene setting of Dyffryn Gardens in Cardiff, families will discover a garden transformed into a realm of music. Inspired by the Cory family’s deep appreciation for music, children can explore the wonders of outdoor musical sound, play unconventional percussion instruments, and engage in musical games. They can even don costumes and star in their own captivating theatrical performance in the Theater Garden. For those seeking quieter moments, designated areas offer the perfect space to appreciate the melodious sounds of nature.

Tredegar House: Endless Playtime

At Tredegar House in Newport, there is an abundance of activities to keep families entertained this summer. Engage in croquet and badminton matches on the picturesque gardens every Thursday and Saturday. Borrow cricket bats, frisbees, and more to fully enjoy the lazy afternoons in the parkland throughout the summer holidays. The Loose Parts play, Nature Play, and Performance Play provide endless opportunities for children to unleash their creativity. Additionally, in collaboration with Dyffryn Community Link, National Play Day sessions will be available free of charge.

Dinefwr: Rain or Shine, Adventure Awaits

No matter the weather, Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire offers an array of experiences for everyone. Test your skills on the newly built tennis court in front of the house or indulge in wet weather activities to keep the whole family entertained. Witness the majestic White Park Cattle and their adorable calves as they graze the front fields. Join the Tractor Tours on August 16th for a closer encounter with these legendary creatures. Explore the parkland at your own pace, spotting deer, ancient oak trees, and even a secret fairy village. The ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities ensure there’s never a dull moment at Dinefwr.

Dolaucothi: Golden Adventures

Uncover a golden experience at Dolaucothi in Carmarthenshire. The newly accessible gold panning area and rill beckon visitors to try their hand at finding hidden treasures. Equipped with pans and boundless curiosity, families can discover what lies beneath the surface. Dolaucothi Estate boasts 25 kilometers of footpaths teeming with nature and wildlife, perfect for delightful summer strolls. Explore the only known Roman goldmine in Britain with three different guided underground tours. Delve into the fascinating history of the site or participate in the Festival of Archaeology events from July 16th to 30th.

Colby Woodland Garden: Nature’s Playground

Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire provides an idyllic setting for families to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Embark on a bug safari, join an art workshop, or follow a self-led trail through the enchanting woodlands. Every Wednesday from July 26th to August 30th, archery sessions offer an exciting opportunity to channel your inner Robin Hood. Don’t forget to pick up the “50 things to do before you’re 11¾” leaflet, inspiring children to explore, discover, and create unforgettable memories. Unwind in the wildflower meadow, observing its abundant flora and fauna while enjoying a delightful picnic.

Stackpole: Adventure Awaits Every Step of the Way

Stackpole in Pembrokeshire guarantees a summer filled with playfulness. Participate in archery sessions every Wednesday from July 26th to August 30th at Stackpole Court. As dusk falls on July 27th and August 4th, embark on a captivating guided ranger walk to witness the rare resident lesser and greater horseshoe bats in their natural habitat (booking essential). Traverse the network of footpaths leading to Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Quay, Bosherston Lily Ponds, and Broad Haven South Beach. Experience the thrill of the new orienteering trail at Lodge Park woods, where maps can be obtained from the Visitor Reception.

Powis Castle and Garden: Sporting Extravaganza

Enjoy a summer brimming with traditional sports and games at Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool. Gather your family and friends for friendly competitions on the Great Lawn, featuring hurdles, badminton, volleyball, football, and croquet. Celebrate the launch of the Festival of Archaeology on July 15th with a free day of exploration and creativity. Engage in live archaeological excavations, embark on historical tours, and indulge in hobby horse racing, storytelling, and more.

Llanerchaeron: A Summer of Play

Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion beckons families to take part in the Summer of Play. Wander through the woodlands, whiz around the trails on balance bikes, and enjoy games on the lawn. Let children delight in the water and sand pit, ensuring an extra set of clothes is on hand. Every Wednesday, join Forest School for woodland activities that inspire curiosity and a love for nature. Don’t miss a visit to the farm, where Llanwenog sheep, pigs, and Welsh cobs reside, and explore the captivating Geler Jones collection.

For more information about these exciting family days out and to plan your visit, please head to the National Trust Cymru website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/family-friendly

About National Trust Cymru

National Trust Cymru is a leading conservation charity dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Wales. Through its commitment to providing engaging activities and events, National Trust Cymru invites families to discover and connect with the rich history and stunning landscapes of Wales. Become a National Trust member today and enjoy free access to these remarkable locations.

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Community

Council Chairman in Haverfordwest Fire Station visit

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IN one of his final duties as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Thomas Baden Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station yesterday, accompanied by Fire Authority Member Councillor John Davies. The visit included a comprehensive briefing on the services provided by the Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

During their visit, the Council Chairman and Councillor Davies were presented with an in-depth demonstration of the station’s firefighting equipment, focusing on the capabilities of the turntable ladder callsign 31A1. “It was a privilege to see our dedicated firefighters in action and to learn about the sophisticated equipment they use to keep our community safe,” Mr. Tudor remarked.

The engagement highlights the ongoing commitment of Pembrokeshire County Council to support the vital services provided by the fire and rescue teams across the region. This visit also served as an opportunity for council members to see firsthand the challenges and advancements in local firefighting efforts.

Mr. Tudor’s term as Chairman has been marked by his active involvement in community safety and support for emergency services. As he prepares to step down from his role, this visit stands as a testament to his dedication and the strong collaboration between the council and the fire services.

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Community

Emergency response drill scheduled at Pembroke Oil Refinery

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VALERO ENERGY has announced plans to conduct an emergency response drill at the Pembroke Oil Refinery on May 16. Residents in the vicinity are advised that the exercise will involve active participation from local emergency services and will include the use of sirens.

The drill is a routine safety exercise intended to ensure preparedness in the event of an actual emergency. Valero Energy officials have emphasised that there is no cause for concern and that the activities are purely simulation.

Community members can expect to see emergency personnel and hear sirens periodically throughout the day as part of the drill. The company urges residents to remain informed and calm, and to communicate with neighbors, particularly those who may not have received the announcement, to prevent any undue alarm.

Local officials and emergency services are coordinating closely with Valero Energy to facilitate a smooth execution of the drill and to minimize any disruption to the community. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards at the facility and to ensure effective response capabilities in emergency situations.

Residents seeking more information about the drill or with specific concerns can contact Valero Energy’s community relations department or visit their website. The company thanks everyone in advance for their cooperation and understanding as they continue to prioritise safety in the Pembroke area.

Valero says on it’s website: “Training plays an important part in developing and maintaining the skills required to respond effectively to emergency situations.

“We are committed to providing each member of the Emergency Response Team the opportunity to attend training necessary for developing and maintaining the skills and knowledge required to be an ERT member.

“During training, ERT members prepare for a variety of scenarios, expand their skills, share information from experience and mentor new members. At each site, the ERT maintains strong relationships with local community response personnel by participating in joint drills and assessments. 

“Frequent ERT training exercises promote excellent response readiness.”

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News

Aurora Alert: Another chance to see the Northern Lights tonight

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THE UK was treated to a spectacular display of the Northern Lights on Friday night, courtesy of one of the most intense geomagnetic storms in recent years. With reports of visible auroras across the nation, many are now hopeful for a repeat performance tonight.

The celestial display was made possible by a G4 geomagnetic storm, the second highest warning level, which the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued for the weekend. This is the first such warning since 2005, highlighting the rarity and intensity of the current solar activity. According to The Guardian, the sun unleashed a series of strong solar flares starting Wednesday, leading to multiple plasma outbursts that have the potential to disrupt satellites and power grids.

These solar flares, originating from what are known as coronal mass ejections, were the catalysts for Friday’s stunning aurora borealis. As the charged particles from the sun struck the Earth’s magnetic field, they created the awe-inspiring colours that lit up the night sky.

Looking ahead to tonight, the Met Office’s space weather manager, Krista Hammond, indicated that the Northern Lights might still be visible, though likely on a smaller scale. “Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night, with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential,” Hammond stated.

Residents in the south of England, who were fortunate enough to witness the phenomenon last night, may find their chances diminished this evening. Historically, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the northern regions of England are more favoured for viewing the Northern Lights during such geomagnetic events.

The clear skies on Friday played a crucial role in the visibility of the aurora, as reported by BBC News. Those eager to catch another glimpse of the Northern Lights are advised to seek spots away from city lights and hope for similar weather conditions tonight.

As the solar storm continues to influence our planet, the UK remains on alert for more breathtaking views of one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.

What you need to know about the Northern Lights

Unravelling the Mysteries of the Aurora

Every now and then, the skies above the polar regions are lit up with a dazzling display of colours, creating what is perhaps one of nature’s most splendid spectacles: the aurora. In the northern latitudes, it is known as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, while in the southern latitudes, it is referred to as the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights. This celestial phenomenon has captivated humans for millennia, inspiring folklore and scientific inquiry alike. But what causes these breathtaking light shows?

A Cosmic Dance of Solar Wind and Earth’s Magnetosphere

The story of the aurora begins with the sun, the life-giving star at the centre of our solar system. The sun is constantly emitting a flow of charged particles known as the solar wind. This stream of particles is mostly composed of electrons and protons ejected from the sun’s atmosphere due to the intense heat at its core.

When these charged particles travel towards Earth, they encounter the Earth’s magnetosphere, an invisible magnetic field that surrounds our planet. This magnetic shield protects us from the solar wind. However, the magnetic field is weaker at the poles, and here, the charged particles can enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

As the particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they transfer their energy to atoms and molecules of oxygen and nitrogen, exciting them into higher energy states. When these atoms and molecules return to their normal energy state, they release light — a process called radiative recombination. The colour of the light depends on the type of gas and the altitude of the interaction. Oxygen typically emits greenish-yellow or red light, while nitrogen can give off blue or purplish-red light.

The Influence of Geomagnetic Activity

The intensity and frequency of auroral displays are significantly affected by the geomagnetic activity around Earth. This activity is often heightened during solar maxima — periods of intense solar activity marked by an increased number of sunspots and solar flares. These events enhance the flow of solar wind, making the auroras more frequent and vivid.

Geomagnetic storms, another key influencer, can dramatically increase the brightness and extent of auroral activity. These storms occur when a large explosion on the sun, such as a coronal mass ejection, sends a huge cloud of magnetic plasma toward Earth, disrupting the magnetosphere and enhancing the flow of charged particles into the upper atmosphere.

Viewing the Aurora

Witnessing an aurora is a bucket-list experience for many. The best times to view the Northern Lights are typically during the winter months in the Arctic regions such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, where the nights are long and dark. Similarly, the Southern Lights can be best observed from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, and more accessible locations like Tasmania and New Zealand, during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter.

The aurora is a reminder of our planet’s dynamic nature and its intimate connection with the cosmic forces of the solar system. As we continue to study this magnificent phenomenon, we not only learn more about our own planet but also gain insights into the workings of our solar system and beyond, illustrating once again the wonders of the universe we inhabit.

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