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The Narberth culinary spectacle: A glimpse at Pembrokeshire’s Ffinest

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NARBERTH is preparing to be the epicentre of a gastronomic delight. In a month’s time, the Narberth Food Festival will exhibit some of Pembrokeshire’s most renowned culinary artisans.

The fertile county of Pembrokeshire, brimming with pioneering restaurants, historic pubs, and award-winning producers, has long been celebrated for its culinary prowess. The forthcoming festival, slated for the 23rd and 24th of September at the Town Moor in Narberth, promises to be no exception.

In an exciting rendezvous, the festival is privileged to host food broadcaster, esteemed chef, and festival patron Angela Gray. Gray will be joined by a cadre of culinary luminaries from the county and further afield.

Among the local chefs gracing the stage will be Michelle Evans from Paternoster Farm, near Pembroke. Her establishment recently earned a commendable mention amongst the Good Food Guide’s ‘100 Best Local Restaurants of 2023’. Another noteworthy mention is ‘The Angel’ in Narberth, led by Haverfordwest native, Chef Michael Inker. The illustrious 18th-century coaching inn is in the running for another accolade, being shortlisted for the 2024 Good Food Award.

Inker, reflecting on his culinary journey remarked, “Starting my tenure in 2013 in the hospitality sector, it was clear my destiny was the kitchen. Pembrokeshire has been instrumental in my growth, having trained under its finest chefs. Today, I revel in serving the best at The Angel, with Narberth’s abundant local produce at my disposal.”

Orsola Muscia, affectionately known as ‘The Tailor Made Chef’, with her illustrious 19-year stint at Eton College, will also be a pivotal figure at the event. Muscia, now settled near Narberth, has been instrumental in empowering communities with healthy cooking techniques.

Seafood and seaweed enthusiasts will be intrigued by Jonathan Williams, the visionary behind the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and The Old Point House in Angle. His establishment’s innovative approach to marine delicacies is noteworthy, boasting of being the “first pub with its own secret sea garden”.

Festival committee chairman Colin Russell encapsulated the excitement, stating, “Pembrokeshire proudly houses some of Welsh’s finest culinary offerings. The Narberth Food Festival is a testament to that. We are thrilled to present a stage for our local talents to enthral and educate.”

The Narberth Food Festival, commencing on Saturday, September 23 and concluding on Sunday, September 24, 2023, is poised to be a haven for gastronomes. Attendees can look forward to chef demonstrations, scintillating talks, delectable tastings, live musical renditions, and a plethora of food stalls. Entry is priced at a modest £5 per day, with children under 16 granted complimentary access.

For more details, visit www.narberthfoodfestival.com.

Business

Greenlink energy link goes live, connecting Pembrokeshire to Ireland

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Interconnector brings power boost and green energy potential to Wales and Ireland

A MAJOR new electricity interconnector linking Pembrokeshire and Ireland has gone live, with power now flowing between the two countries for the first time via the Greenlink project.

The 504-megawatt (MW) Greenlink Interconnector connects National Grid’s 400kV substation at Pembroke with EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford. The link spans 200km, including 160km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable laid beneath the Irish Sea.

The interconnector is expected to improve energy security, increase grid resilience, and support the growth of renewable energy by allowing surplus electricity to be shared between Wales and Ireland.

Greenlink is one of the first privately funded energy infrastructure projects of its kind in Europe. It is owned by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and operated by EirGrid.

At the Welsh end of the link, National Grid carried out a series of upgrades to its Pembroke substation, including the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside the existing air-insulated facility. The hybrid solution was designed to be space- and cost-efficient, and it uses a greener insulating gas instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), in line with National Grid’s target to halve SF6 emissions by 2030.

James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, described the go-live as a “significant milestone.”

He said: “This is one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.”

John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said connecting Greenlink to the network at Pembroke allows both countries to “benefit from that boost in capacity and resilience.”

He said: “As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening the security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit renewable power produced across borders.”

The converter stations at each end of the interconnector transform electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) for use on the respective national grids.

Michael Kelly, interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said the project was “a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security.”

He added: “EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland’s grid renewable ready. This latest connection was made possible through collaboration with our UK colleagues and the Greenlink team.”

The interconnector is now fully operational, with electricity flowing across the Irish Sea in both directions.

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Business

Boost your start-up idea with popular Business Bootcamp

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.

Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.

Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.

Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.

There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.

“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”

The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3rd and 10th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.

To find out more please contact Alex on [email protected] or 07584642534.

Ends

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Business

Business leader takes on 414-mile Easter cycling challenge

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A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.

Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.

The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.

The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.

“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.

“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”

Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.

The pair’s route is as follows:

  • Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
  • Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
  • Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
  • Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
  • Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
  • Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”

She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”

Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.

To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don

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