Get Wild in St Davids!

Britain's smallest city goes wet as well as wild in July, when its annual celebration of the great outdoors stages its own water-themed games to mark the Olympics, making a great addition to any family holiday.
Now in its eighth year, The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival in St Davids has become renowned for its friendly atmosphere, food and drink, wacky entertainment and hands-on madness for every member of this family.

And as the opening day of the two-day event, on July 27th, coincides with the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the festival will be splashing out with the Really Wild Eaulimpic Games. Teams will be challenged to take part in a crazy contest to collect as much water as possible to win the coveted Geauld medal.

If you'd like to stay dry but still have fun, why not try your hand at Bowling with Veg and wellie-wanging, or cheer on the racing pigs and ferrets?

It's all about the festival's theme of championing rural life, said festival founder Julia Horton-Powdrill. "It's all about what goes into the countryside, what comes out of it, and how we can benefit from what nature offers us," she said.

Over 80 exhibitors and producers will be showcasing what Pembrokeshire and Wales does best, whether it's serving up delicious tastes or offering a chance to try traditional rural crafts.

An Eye for Wales!

Beaumaris is gearing itself up to offer Anglesonians and visitors to the Island on a UK holiday a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world from a different perspective with the “Beaumaris Eye” which comes to town from Saturday 26 May to Saturday 9 June.

The Giant Wheel, which at 35 metres high and with 24 gondolas each taking six passengers, will open up everyone’s eyes with views across the Island, down the Menai Strait, over to Caernarfon and Llandudno as well as the Snowdonia Mountain Range and National Park.

The Wheel, which received permission from Beaumaris Town Council to be sited on The Green at the Council’s recent meeting, is being made possible by eight business people having the foresight to join together to underwrite the hiring cost knowing that the “Eye” will draw in visitors from near and far and firmly put the town on the map.

Robert Macaulay, chair of Beaumaris Chamber of Trade and Tourism said; “The Beaumaris Eye is a such a coup for the town and one that we are all very excited about as the view from the top will be truly spectacular. This really is a one off opportunity and it will be operational on the day of the Olympic Torch being in town, during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations as well as over the school half-term so yes we’re confident it will be a massive hit.”

The Wheel will be open for Rides from 10am most mornings to 7.00pm at night and will cost £5 per person.

RSPCA Cymru rescues a near-dozen ducklings!

The RSPCA Cymru has recently rescued 11 three-week-old mallard ducklings from a lake at Stryt Las Country Park in Johnstown, Wrexham (21.05.12).

RSPCA involvement came following a call to the helpline by a member of the public who had been monitoring the duck and ducklings' progress for the last 3 weeks.

The caller had become concerned, however, when the mother seemed to have disappeared on Sunday (20.05.12) leaving the ducklings alone to fend for themselves.

It is uncertain at present as to what has happened to the mother but it is likely she would have returned to her ducklings if she could.

The caller was able to stay and monitor the ducklings until the RSPCA arrived and with the help of park ranger Lindsy Bryan from Wrexham Council and her work experience student Andrew, Inspector Thomas was able to catch all 11 ducklings.

The ducklings are now in RSPCA care at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Says RSPCA inspector Kia Thomas: "Ducklings are not fed by their mothers but do need protection from predators and so we did have to step in here.

"We will also be keeping an eye out for the duck and if anyone has any information relevant to this incident, please ring us on 0300 1234 999."

A celebration of wild food and woodland is on the menu in the Welsh Black Mountains

Wild Garlic Festival

Two captivating forests in the Black Mountains near Abergavenny, Wales, are to host a celebration of woodland and wild food in April as part of Britain’s ONLY Wild Garlic Festival. What a great idea for a family day out!
This unique gathering is set to take place in Llwyn Franc and Arcadia Wood on the weekend of Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15, thanks to funding from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this spring’s Wild Garlic Festival promises to be even better with foraging, wild forest cooking, expert speakers and a relaxing atmosphere all on the menu.

Day one, at Llwyn Franc on the slopes of the Skirrid Mountain, will see guides taking foragers up to the woodland to pick their own wild garlic, before heading back to the farm for wild garlic and nettle soup. After lunch, Emily Stokes will talk about the work of the Woodland Trust, while Brigit Strawbridge will tell festival goers about wild bees.

The following day’s activities will kick off with experts providing guided tours of Arcadia Wood in the nearby hamlet of Pantycelli, followed by a series of cooking demonstrations by Franco Taruschio – the man who made Abergavenny’s Walnut Tree Inn famous for fine dining. Day two will also see talks by TV wild food expert and forager Raoul Van der Bourke, aquaculture specialist Lawrence Hutchinson and herbalist, writer and lecturer Christopher Robbins.

With space at the two venues limited for this year’s Wild Garlic Festival tickets, priced at £5, are selling fast so advanced booking is advised. To reserve your place or for more information visit www.communityforestfarm.co.uk.

Stay in Style on the New Wales Coastal Path

Walkers exploring the new Wales coastal path can choose from eco-cabins, yurts and boutique B & B on the beautiful Mawddach Estuary near Barmouth’s iconic bridge to stay as part of their UK short break.

New for 2012, Graig Wen, in Snowdonia National Park, is adding an inventive portable eco-shelter: the Caban in the Glade. Dreamt up and home-grown in North Wales, this prototype Caban is inspired by yurt design and a desire to "tread lightly" on the land.

The attractive shelter for two is crafted from sustainably sourced birch/spruce plywood and Douglas Fir, and makes a great place to stay. Snug and fully insulated, visitors can cosy up with the wood-burning stove or open the glazed window panels to gaze at the stunning Snowdonia mountain scenery surrounding Graig Wen.

Sited in a private silver birch glade, The Caban is furnished with a wood-burning stove, warm Welsh blankets, bed linen for the futon and simple cooking facilities. For breakfast visitors can order freshly baked croissant or a hamper of local produce. Washing facilities are provided a short walk away on the campsite, which has newly refurbished showers for this season.

The Caban joins Graig Wen’s two yurts and touring campsite as featured in Cool Camping and winner of a Green Snowdonia Award. Stylish four star B & B is also available on site at The Slate Shed for those walking the coastal path and just looking for one night’s stay. The Caban, yurts and also holiday cottages are available for short breaks.

The Caban at Graig Wen near Dolgellau is a prototype designed and built by small Snowdonia based company, Vistacraft. “We are proud to be hosting one of the first ever Cabans at Graig Wen and supporting Vistacraft as they go into production.” says Graig Wen co-owner Sarah Heyworth.

To book call 01341 250482 or visit www.graigwen.co.uk. Prices for the Caban in The Glade range from £250 - £320 for short breaks with B & B from £80 a night, yurts from £210 and camping from £7 a night.

UK exclusives and Wales débuts at Gregynog Festival 2012

Gregynog, the oldest extant classical music festival in Wales and an excellent UK day out, is curated annually on a theme drawn from its unique heritage. The 2012 season takes Venezia as its inspiration to mark 100 years since Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, the last private owners of Gregynog Hall and the founders of the Festival, began purchasing their paintings of Venice by Monet, Sickert and Whistler.

These iconic images used to hang in the historic Music Room at Gregynog, the Festival’s principal performance space, and now form part of the core collection at National Museum Wales in Cardiff.

In a landmark year, Gregynog Festival has entered into a new three-year funding agreement with the Arts Council of Wales as well as securing enhanced support from other major sponsors. Artistic Director Dr Rhian Davies has seized the moment by inviting some of the world’s leading exponents of Venetian repertoire to interpret seven centuries of music associated with the city. “After three years’ planning,” Rhian said, “we have been fortunate to assemble an outstanding roster of international artists whom we believe would grace any festival worldwide. As ever, Gregynog Festival audiences will also enjoy the real privilege of hearing these star musicians perform in some of the most intimate and beautiful venues in rural Mid Wales.“

Gregynog Festival 2012: Venezia includes six Wales débuts and six UK season exclusive appearances. International ensembles include Jordi Savall, the doyen of the early music movement, with his group Hespèrion XXI who trace Ottoman and Sephardic influences on the medieval music of Venice (29 June, 7.30pm); La Venexiana, the specialist madrigal group renowned as the finest in the world, which performs the music of Claudio Monteverdi (17 June, 2.30pm); and Accademia Bizantina, the superb Ravenna-based and Grammy-nominated ensemble, which presents rare Venetian masterworks of the 17th and 18th centuries, directed from the keyboard by harpsichord virtuoso Ottavio Dantone (23 June, 7.30pm). Dantone gives a solo harpsichord recital the same afternoon, inspired by the legendary occasion when the young Handel gave a recital in Venice in maschera and was successfully unmasked because of the sheer quality of his playing by Domenico Scarlatti (23 June, 2.30pm).

Other major international soloists include Giuliano Carmignola, ‘a prince among Baroque violinists’ (Gramophone), who plays with the leading Venetian chamber ensemble, Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca (24 June, 2.30pm); Xuefei Yang, the remarkable Chinese guitarist who takes us on a musical journey in the footsteps of Marco Polo from Venice to her native land (22 June, 7.30pm); Alessandro Taverna, the Venetian pianist who was bronze medallist at the 2009 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and who presents a recital evoking his City of Water (16 June, 7.30pm); and Marta Rodrigo and Andreas Martin, the Catalan mezzo-soprano and German lutenist who perform works by the pioneering 17th-century Venetian woman composer, Barbara Strozzi (16 June, 2.30pm).

Art Exhibition

During the last weekend in April a prestigious art event will be taking place in Llanrhaeadr ym Mochant.

10 Professional artists have been invited to exhibit their paintings in order to raise funds for  the Tanant Theatre, with matched charity funding available for the new Llanrhaeadr hall.

Local artist Mary Cunnah is organising the cultural event and she hopes that it will become a regular feature in Llanrhaeadr, will generate much interest and bring people into the beautiful rural area.

The exhibition will be an opportunity to view and buy high quality art works in an interesting old Victorian building and raise funds for two worthy local charities.

The Art Exhibition will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April.

From 10am until 6pm at The Tanat Theatre Green School, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochant, Powys

Happy 60th birthday Pembrokeshire Coast!

The UK’s only mainly coastal National Park is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Designated on February 29th 1952, primarily for the breathtaking beauty of its coastline, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park remains a spectacular place 60 years on, is fast becoming one of the most talked about places on the planet.

Accolades for the landscape – and in particular the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail – continue to roll in, and the duty of the National Park Authority in caring for the Park amid its ever-increasing popularity is as challenging as ever.

The Park was hailed the second best coastal destination in the world by National Geographic Traveller magazine in 2010, while the Coast Path was ranked alongside the Inca Trail and Mount Kilimanjaro as among the top ten hiking trails in the world by online travel adviser Cheapflights in 2011.

National Park Authority Chairman Cllr Tony Brinsden said: “Over the years, the public face of the National Park will have meant different things to different people.

“Our visitors may have met a Warden or a Ranger while out walking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or chatted to an artist at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids. You might have had a holiday in a listed building, submitted a planning application or seen ponies grazing on the coastal slopes under the Park Authority’s Conserving the Park project. Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed a guided seal walk or a visit to Carew Castle or Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort.

“In short, we are a small public authority with a wide-ranging remit and we are challenged to be many things to many people. As we celebrate our 60thanniversary this year, we will continue to meet these challenges – by conserving the Park’s outstanding features and ensuring that the special qualities which we all value about it can be enjoyed by everyone, now and in the future.”

The Authority is hosting events throughout the year to celebrate the diamond anniversary, beginning with a charity concert on March 20th in Pembroke Dock where the Authority is based. Tickets for the concert, featuring Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, which also celebrates its 60th birthday this year, and The Band of the Welsh Guards, are now sold out.

Vale resort in Wales in the running for industry Oscar

Wales’ largest spa has become the only spa in the country to be shortlisted for a national beauty industry accolade at this year’s Professional Beauty Awards, making it the perfect destination.

The Vale Spa, at the Vale Resort near Hensol, has gone through a rigorous inspection and mystery shopper experience in order to be in the running to win the title of Elemis Residential Spa of the Year (11 rooms or more) at a glittering award ceremony in the London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair, on 4 March.

It now faces competition from the most luxurious spa venues across the UK, including The Spa at Rockliffe Hall, in Darlington, County Durham, Oceo Spa at Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel, in Gorey, County Wexford, The Spa at Oulton Hall, in Leeds and Kallima Spa at London Syon Park, Brentford.

This recognition comes hot on the heels of its £250,000 refurbishment, which saw the Vale Resort become the only spa in Wales to achieve a five-bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide, the highest rating of its kind.

The quarter-of-a-million pound refresh enabled the Vale Spa to launch a number of exclusive new features, such as its four relaxation zones, which are designed specifically to extend the spa experience to make treatments more beneficial and create a stress-free environment, all perfect for a relaxing Welsh break.

Stephen Leeke, managing director of the Vale Resort, said: “We’re delighted to have come this far in the Professional Beauty Awards, and are thrilled to be up against some of the biggest names in the spa industry.

Medicines in May at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

A month long festival of plants and health at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses. But how relevant are they to 21st century medicine? The National Botanic Garden of Wales will help you decide. To do this, they are hosting a series of talks, courses, exhibitions and fun activities throughout May 2012.

Every Wednesday visitors will get the chance to make their own herbal concoction and hear a fascinating lecture about plant-derived medicines. Weekend visitors will get the chance to learn about healthy food and ask a pirate what spices from his ship will protect them from the plague.

But come any day in May, and you’ll discover some extraordinary images about the medieval Physicians of Myddfai in our Art Gallery whilst in our Great Glasshouse, you can use your smartphone to locate some of the world’s most amazing medicinal plants.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) is situated near Llanarthney in the Towy Valley, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The garden is both a visitor attraction and a centre for botanical research and conservation, and features the world's largest single-span glasshouse measuring 110 m (360 ft) long by 60 m (200 ft) wide.

Best in Wales, best in UK

South Wales venue retains Gold at Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards as The Celtic Manor Resort scoops another top prize of the UK’s Best Hotel.

The five-star resort in South Wales, which hosted golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010, retained the Gold Award by beating off strong competition from Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle (Silver) and Chewton Glen in the New Forest (Bronze).

The award cements Celtic Manor’s position as the leading destination for events in the UK. In October, it was voted the UK’s Top Conference Hotel for the fifth year running by Conference & Incentive Travel magazine.

The latest prestigious accolade, voted for by readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, came at a gala dinner on the eve of this month’s International Confex, the UK’s leading exhibition for event organisers where Celtic Manor caught the eye with its prominent stand.

Celtic Manor Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award again, confirming our position as the best hotel in the UK for staging business events and incentive travel.

“Eighteen months on from hosting a Ryder Cup described as the greatest ever, it is very pleasing to keep getting this recognition and know that we remain in the public eye for staging wonderful events and exceeding our clients’ expectations.”

With 400 bedrooms in two hotels, an additional country inn, a large and versatile convention centre, three championship golf courses, six restaurants, two luxurious spas and health clubs, The Celtic Manor Resort occupies a unique position in the marketplace.

In 2011 the resort created a new Monmouth Lounge break-out area for lunch and refreshments, installed digital signage throughout the convention centre and placed flat screens in meeting rooms. New team building attractions were also added in the shape of adventure mini-golf courses and a treetop high ropes course.

Set in 1,400 acres of beautiful Usk Valley parkland and ideally located on the M4 motorway just two hours from London, Celtic Manor also offers an abundance of leisure incentives including three championship golf courses and the luxurious Forum Spa.

Meirionnydd - a world-class outdoor activity destination

Plans to develop Meirionnydd as a world-class centre of excellence for adventure tourism will be highlighted in April as part of a £4 million project to support the area’s economy, businesses and communities. This will make Meirionydd a great destination.

Businesses from Snowdonia are being invited to a series of events to launch the ‘Snowdonia - one big adventure’ project where they will be able to learn how they can directly benefit.

The EU-backed project will develop the area’s outdoor adventure sector with the aim of spreading economic and social opportunities to surrounding businesses and communities through enhanced facilities and business opportunities.

The four key sites taking part in the project are Antur Stiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog; Forestry Commission Wales Coed-y-Brenin, Dolgellau; Prysor Angling Association, Trawsfynydd; and Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn, Bala.

During March businesses – from accommodation providers to retailers - will be able to visit each site to learn about new projects being launched as part of the project and understand how they can add value to their own businesses.UK activity holidays.

“It is a great opportunity for businesses to see how they can tap into the opportunities and develop,” said Councillor John Wynn Jones who is Economy and Community Portfolio Leader for Gwynedd Council, one of the partners involved in the project.

“We want businesses from the area - from accommodation providers to local retailers - to attend one or all of the events to see what is happening on their doorsteps and understand how they can tap into this exciting new venture.”

He added: “Tourists and day visitors are always looking for ways to enhance their experience, and if local businesses can provide that then it’s a win for all involved.

“It could be anything from providing facilities for mountain bikers to clean and repair their bikes at a bed and breakfast after a day out, to offering special packages and deals in tandem with the main project centres taking part. There are a huge range of opportunities that can bring new economic opportunities.”

Chance to be part of the Wales Coast Path opening celebrations

Following the announcement by Environment Minister, John Griffiths AM; Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Flint are preparing to host three events to mark the official opening of the Wales Coast Path.

Each celebration will showcase the very best of the Welsh coast – giving visitors on their UK short break and local people an opportunity to explore what’s on offer along the stunning coastline of Wales.

The organisers of the events, which take place in Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, Aberystwyth Promenade and Flint Castle, are calling local businesses, food producers, community groups and volunteers to come forward and take part in these public events.

Local dance groups, poets, choirs, entertainers and community groups are all encouraged to come along to an event closest to them, to perform and be a part of this special day. Members of the public are also being urged to volunteer and lend their support to their local event.

Local food and drink producers from across the country can take a stand in the events’ marquees to provide samples of their produce, sell local goods and give visitors a real ‘Taste of the Coast'.

Also present at each event will be a special ‘Coast Showcase’ - an opportunity for the groups and organisations that provide services and facilities along the Wales Coast Path to highlight their work, without many of whom the project to complete the Wales Coast Path may not have been possible.

People who are interested in getting involved in their local event are invited to contact event organisers Stephanie Francis or Rhiannon Jenkins at Quadrant: 02920 694888 or get in touch via email stephanie.francis@quadrant.co and rhiannon.jenkins@quadrant.co

Prints back at Gregynog Hall

A set of prints from valuable art works owned by famous sisters Margaret and Gwendoline Davies has returned to its former home at Gregynog Hall, near Newtown and Mid Wales.

The 23 prints of works by artists, including Rembrandt, Durer, Whistler and Augustus John, have been lent by the National Library of Wales and will be displayed on the refurbished third floor at Gregynog Hall together information on the collection’s history. The original works remain safely in the National Library.

The historic conference and event venue, which nestles in glorious parkland, already has a fine collection of art, some of which is on loan from the National Museum of Wales, where the main Davies Collection is housed.

To support its bid for museum accreditation, Gregynog Hall has installed a state of the art, museum quality, intruder alarm system together with UV filters on windows and environmental monitoring equipment, which measures temperature and humidity. All this plus the amazing art on show makes for part of a very good holiday indeed!

“We are very grateful for the support of the National Library of Wales and hope in the future to pursue further such loans,” said Karen Armstrong, Gregynog Hall’s director.

The Davies sisters, granddaughters of Victorian tycoon David Davies of Llandinam, were passionate collectors of art from around 1908 onwards. By 1924, they had amassed the largest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works in Britain.

Between 1951 and 1963, the sisters bequeathed 260 works to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, completely transforming its art collection with works such as famous Renoir's famous Blue Lady, Monet's Rouen Cathedral and Rodin's The Kiss.

Last November, a collectors’ presentation set - ‘An Artist’s Life in Wales’ - including a book based on the journals of late Welsh artist Jonah Jones during his year as Gregynog Arts Fellow in 1981-’82, was also presented to Gregynog Hall by his family.

Water lot of fun in the countryside at St Davids

Britain's smallest city goes wet as well as wild in July, when its annual celebration of the great outdoors stages its own water-themed games to mark the Olympics, so why not pop along as part of your Welsh holiday.

Now in its eighth year, The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival in St Davids has become renowned for its friendly atmosphere, food and drink, wacky entertainment and hands-on madness for every member of this family.

And as the opening day of the two-day event, on July 27th, coincides with the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the festival will be splashing out with the Really Wild Eaulimpic Games.

Teams will be challenged to take part in a crazy contest to collect as much water as possible to win the coveted Geauld medal.

If you'd like to stay dry but still have fun, then why not try your hand at Bowling with Veg and wellie-wanging, or cheer on the racing pigs and ferrets?

It's all about the festival's theme of championing rural life, said festival founder Julia Horton-Powdrill. "It's all about what goes into the countryside, what comes out of it, and how we can benefit from what nature offers us," she said.

More than 80 exhibitors and producers will be showcasing what Pembrokeshire and Wales does best, whether it's serving up delicious tastes or offering a chance to try traditional rural crafts. A great addition to your holiday.

Chefs - including Anthony Evans and Fraser Christian - will be cooking up a storm with locally-foraged ingredients, while new this year will be the Really Wild Welsh Bake-Off to challenge the more amateur culinary talents.

So if you fancy spending a wild couple of days, head for Festival Fields, Whitesands Road, St Davids between 10am and 5pm on Friday July 27th and Saturday July 28th.

Wales’ past and present, a new exhibition

New exhibition of photographs depicting Cardiff’s past and present comes to Wales Millennium Centre this April, making a great Welsh day out for the whole family.

A vibrant selection of photographs depicting Cardiff’s history will be on display at Wales Millennium Centre from 5 April 2012. The new exhibition, titled Cardiff Before Cardiff, promises a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the city’s residents past and present.

Cardiff-based freelance photographer Jon Pountney discovered more than a thousand photography negatives and three hundred prints whilst renovating Warwick Hall in Gabalfa, Cardiff in late 2010. They were taken by Cardiff photographer Keith S. Robertson during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and predominantly depict the city’s areas of Splott, Butetown and Adamsdown. Although only 30 years old, the scenes in Keith’s photographs seem a world away from the Cardiff that we know today.

Unaware of who Keith was, or why the photographs had been left in the building, Jon launched an internet campaign through social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr to find the names of the people and places in the photographs. He received an overwhelming response, and since has been re-photographing as many of the subjects and locations as possible.

Jon speaks of just one of the heart-warming and melancholic stories that he has uncovered since beginning the project: “One man contacted me to say he had seen one of the pictures and that the woman in it was him mum. He had never seen the picture – it was hidden away for 25 years. Now she has Alzheimer’s and it reminded him of a happier time.”

Jon has since found Keith and re-united him with his lost work; Jon says: “I feel very privileged to have finally met the man behind the photographs, and someone who has been such a great inspiration for my own work. To have Keith’s approval for the project is brilliant, and really makes all of the hard work seem worthwhile”.

The exhibition comprises of nearly 100 photographs, and Keith’s unseen pictures will be displayed alongside Jon’s pictures of Cardiff today, giving the viewer an insight into how the city has changed over the past 30 years and making a great day out. To stay true to Keith’s work,

That's Green: Relief at plans to shelve badger cull in Wales in ...

That's Green: Relief at plans to shelve badger cull in Wales in ...: The RSPCA is delighted and relieved that the Welsh Government has decided not to proceed with plans put forward by the previous government f...

Welsh Government Announces Radical Reform Of Social Services

New proposals to reform social services, including giving people more control over the care they receive and increased rights to assessments of their needs, were today announced by the Welsh Government.

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children, launched a public consultation on the Social Services (Wales) Bill, a major piece of legislation that is set to transform the delivery of social services in Wales.

The proposed Bill aims to give people greater freedom to decide which services they need while offering consistent, high-quality services across the country.

The proposed legislation would:
allow Welsh Ministers to consider extending the range of services available by direct payments, meaning people will have more control over the services they use;
introduce national eligibility criteria and ensure people are assessed on what they need, rather than just on what services are available locally;
introduce portable assessments, which means people will be entitled to similar services if they move from one part of Wales to another without having their needs re-assessed if they haven't changed;
require local authorities to provide information to carers on their rights and the services available to them in their local areas;
create a national adoption service to improve the outcomes of child placements.

Steps will also be taken to reinforce the role of the Public Services Ombudsman to complement the changes already announced to modernise the social services complaints system.

The Deputy Minister made the announcement during a visit to Dewis Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in Pontypridd, a voluntary organisation which supports disabled people's rights to develop their own independent lifestyle. Like the provisions in the new Bill, their services aim to support people to achieve the outcomes they want.

The Deputy Minister said: "This Bill is an excellent example of how we are using the new powers of the National Assembly to make a real difference to the lives of the people of Wales.

"This Bill is about giving people a stronger voice and real control over the social care services they use, and to help meet their changing needs.

"We are not prepared to sit by as fewer and fewer people receive the support they need. The Bill will drive the development of new models of service that maintain and improve the wellbeing of people in need.

"There will be a stronger focus through the Bill on preventative and early intervention services, based on greater partnership working and integration of services between local authorities and partners.

"Service users and their carers must be involved. This means assessments must be about the outcomes that are important to them, not just about eligibility for a particular service.

"This Bill will help us all tackle the many challenges facing social services in Wales but will also allow us all to seize the opportunities before us".

The consultation will last for three months, running from the 12 March to the 1 June 2012.

Lansio gweledigaeth ynni Cymru

Rhyddhau’r ynni yn ein moroedd, gwneud yn siwr bod y biliynau rydyn ni’n ei fuddsoddi yn creu swyddi, helpu busnesau i wneud y mwyaf o gyfleoedd a gofalu bod cymunedau yn elwa ar ddatblygiadau ynni. Dyma rai o’r ymrwymiadau yng ngweledigaeth ynni Llywodraeth Cymru.
Dydd Mercher 14 Mawrth 2012

Wrth lansio ‘Ynni Cymru’, dywedodd Carwyn Jones, Prif Weinidog Cymru, y gallai maes ynni fod yn gyfle euraid i Gymru.

Ymhlith yr ymrwymiadau mae:

Gweithio i wneud i bob punt a fuddsoddir mewn ynni gyfrannu at economi a chyfoeth hirdymor Cymru.
Gwella’r gyfundrefn cynllunio a chydsynio.
Gweithio i sefydlu gwell seilwaith ynni.
Canolbwyntio ar gael y gwerth mwyaf posibl o’r prosiectau ynni mwyaf proffidiol megis effeithlonrwydd ynni a rhaglen Ynys Ynni Môn, sy’n cynnwys yr orsaf pŵer niwclear newydd.
Helpu busnesau Cymru i allu cystadlu am gontractau ynni i sicrhau’r nifer mwyaf o swyddi a’r manteision economaidd mwyaf.
Datblygu gweithlu Cymru i ddiwallu angenion y diwydiant drwy fynediad i brentisiaethau o ansawdd uchel, rhaglenni Sgiliau Twf Cymru a Twf Swyddi Cymru a thrwy wyddoniaeth, technoleg, peirianneg a mathemateg yn ein hysgolion.
Sicrhau y gall cymunedau gael gafael ar gyngor, arbenigedd ac arian er mwyn iddynt ddefnyddio ynni adnewyddadwy.
Tynnu ynghyd yr arbenigedd sylweddol yng Nghymru i sicrhau bod Cymru ar flaen y gad o ran gweithgarwch arloesi, ymchwil a datblygu i ryddhau’r ynni yn ein moroedd ac arwain y ffordd at fyw’n ddoeth.

Dywedodd y Prif Weinidog: "Mae ynni yn faes sy’n diffinio ein cenhedlaeth; mae’n faes yr wyf am inni arwain arno fel Llywodraeth. Ein nod yw creu economi carbon isel sy’n ein harwain i ddyfodol llewyrchus yng Nghymru. Ar bob cam o’r ffordd, mae’n rhaid inni ofalu bod Cymru yn manteisio i’r eithaf ar y potensial o ran swyddi a datblygiadau economaidd hirdymor. Mae hwn yn amcan arbennig o bwysig yn yr hinsawdd economaidd bresennol.

"Does dim dwywaith bod newid hinsawdd a diogelu ffynonellau ynni yn mynd i fod yn her. Ond mae’r heriau hyn hefyd yn gyfle euraid i Gymru i arwain y ffordd i greu economi carbon isel a gosod y sylfeini ar gyfer dyfodol gwell a gwneud y gorau o’r manteision hirdymor i Gymru bob cam o’r ffordd.

"Y llynedd, roedd y sectorau ynni adnewyddadwy a charbon isel yn cynnal 29,000 o swyddi yng Nghymru. Dw i am weld y ffigur hwn yn cynyddu a gweld cymaint â phosibl o’r 250,000 o swyddi ychwanegol sy’n cael eu rhagweld yn sector ynni’r DU yn dod i Gymru yn y blynyddoedd nesaf. Mae busnes yn hanfodol i’n hynni ac i’n dyfodol economaidd. Ein nod fydd adeiladu ar enw da Cymru – a gweithio mewn partneriaeth â diwydiant – i sicrhau ein bod nid yn unig yn croesawu cydweithio, ond ein bod yn cael ein cydnabod unwaith yn rhagor fel canolfan ynni fyd-eang. Rydyn ni’n gwybod bod yn rhaid inni greu amgylchedd sefydlog ar gyfer buddsoddiad hirdymor yn ogystal â helpu ein diwydiannau ynni-ddwys hanfodol yn y cyfnod hwn o newid."

Dywedodd John Griffiths, Gweinidog yr Amgylchedd: "Mae Cymru, fel gweddill y byd, yn gweithio’n galed i gymryd y cam tuag at ynni carbon isel, mwy cynaliadwy. Mae’n hanfodol ein bod ni’n gwneud hyn mewn ffordd sy’n sensitif i anghenion ein cymunedau, yn creu swyddi lleol a chynaliadwy, ac yn cefnogi economi ehangach Cymru. Fel llywodraeth rydyn ni wedi ymrwymo i weithio mewn partneriaeth – gyda sectorau preifat, cyhoeddus a chymdeithasol – i wneud hyn yn realiti."

Minister Visits Medical Device Testing Centre Of Excellence

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths yesterday (Wednesday 14 March) visited a Welsh Government-funded laboratory in Bridgend which is unique in the UK.

The Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory (SMTL), based at the Princess of Wales Hospital, tests a range of medical devices for the Welsh NHS, which includes checking the performance of wound dressings, testing gloves for holes, and providing technical advice to Welsh NHS staff about these devices.

The SMTL not only tests and investigates defective devices brought to its attention by the Welsh NHS, but carries out random checks on devices in use to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: "The Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory (SMTL) has an international reputation for its expertise in testing disposable medical devices, and is the only NHS facility of its kind in the UK, working hand in hand with procurement to ensure devices bought for the Wales NHS meet patient and clinician's requirements and offer value for money.

"While the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates the safety, quality and performance of medical devices at the point they are first placed on the UK market, there is little formal proactive testing of devices beyond what is done in Bridgend for the Wales NHS.

"I have called on the UK government to address this shortfall in regulation of products, so patient safety can be assured.

"The important role of testing medical devices was highlighted most recently during discussions about PIP breast implants. I wrote to the Secretary of State for Health earlier this year, drawing attention to the excellent work being done here at the laboratory in Bridgend. I suggested the UK government, along with other Devolved Administrations, might wish to provide funding to enhance and use the services of the SMTL and thereby take a more proactive approach to the issue of patient safety."

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Welsh Government Announces Radical Reform Of Social Services

New proposals to reform social services, including giving people more control over the care they receive and increased rights to assessments of their needs, were today announced by the Welsh Government.

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children, launched a public consultation on the Social Services (Wales) Bill, a major piece of legislation that is set to transform the delivery of social services in Wales.

The proposed Bill aims to give people greater freedom to decide which services they need while offering consistent, high-quality services across the country.

The proposed legislation would:
allow Welsh Ministers to consider extending the range of services available by direct payments, meaning people will have more control over the services they use;
introduce national eligibility criteria and ensure people are assessed on what they need, rather than just on what services are available locally;
introduce portable assessments, which means people will be entitled to similar services if they move from one part of Wales to another without having their needs re-assessed if they haven't changed;
require local authorities to provide information to carers on their rights and the services available to them in their local areas;
create a national adoption service to improve the outcomes of child placements.

Steps will also be taken to reinforce the role of the Public Services Ombudsman to complement the changes already announced to modernise the social services complaints system.

The Deputy Minister made the announcement during a visit to Dewis Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in Pontypridd, a voluntary organisation which supports disabled people's rights to develop their own independent lifestyle. Like the provisions in the new Bill, their services aim to support people to achieve the outcomes they want.

The Deputy Minister said: "This Bill is an excellent example of how we are using the new powers of the National Assembly to make a real difference to the lives of the people of Wales.

"This Bill is about giving people a stronger voice and real control over the social care services they use, and to help meet their changing needs.

"We are not prepared to sit by as fewer and fewer people receive the support they need. The Bill will drive the development of new models of service that maintain and improve the wellbeing of people in need.

"There will be a stronger focus through the Bill on preventative and early intervention services, based on greater partnership working and integration of services between local authorities and partners.

"Service users and their carers must be involved. This means assessments must be about the outcomes that are important to them, not just about eligibility for a particular service.

"This Bill will help us all tackle the many challenges facing social services in Wales but will also allow us all to seize the opportunities before us".

The consultation will last for three months, running from the 12 March to the 1 June 2012.

The consultation will be available on the Welsh Government website from Monday morning: http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/?lang=en

The Bill will implement the programme of change outlined in the White Paper, 'Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action' and simplify the current legislation in areas where no new powers are required.

During the consultation period there will be three events to discuss the proposals: Cardiff (22 March), Llanelli (27 March) and Llandudno (29 March).

DEWIS website: www.dewiscil.org.uk/

Nominet cadarnhau i wneud cais am dot dot CYMRU & CYMRU

Nominet cadarnhau i wneud cais am dot dot CYMRU & CYMRU
Dydd Mercher, 22 Chwefror, 2012

Cyfle Newydd i Gymru i osod ar y llwyfan byd-eang

Mae wedi cael ei gadarnhau heddiw y bydd Nominet, 'r registry nid-er-elw gyfrifol am y rheolaeth yr. Namespace rhyngrwyd DU, bwrw ymlaen â'r cais am Parth Lefel Uchaf (TLD) ar gyfer Cymru.

Bydd y cais yn cael ei wneud i'r Gorfforaeth Rhyngrwyd ar gyfer Enwau a Rhifau a Neilltuir (ICANN), y corff sy'n gyfrifol am werthuso ceisiadau amrywiaeth eang o gymunedau, dinasoedd a brandiau sydd am eu meysydd eu hunain ar y rhyngrwyd i ymuno â'r bobl fel. Com a . co.uk.

Yn seiliedig ar ganlyniadau'r arolwg a deialog rhanddeiliaid, Nominet yn gwneud cais am ddau TLDs - dot CYMRU a dot CYMRU. Bydd hyn yn darparu parth sy'n cynnwys y gymuned gyfan, gan ddod â manteision economaidd a diwylliannol ac annog mwy o ddefnydd o'r iaith Gymraeg ar-lein.

Nominet yn un o gofrestrfeydd mwyaf blaenllaw y byd, gyda hanes llwyddiannus o reoli 'r registry DU -. Y mwyaf yn bedwerydd yn y byd - ar gyfer y 15 mlynedd diwethaf.

Y Gweinidog dros Fusnes, Menter, Technoleg a Gwyddoniaeth - Mrs Edwina Hart AC MBE OStJ - wedi nodi heddiw mewn datganiad bod y Llywodraeth Cymru yn fodlon i'r Nominet i fynd â'r achos ar gyfer y TLDs Cymru yn ei blaen.

Dywedodd Glenn Hayward Cyfarwyddwr Cyllid a Datblygu Busnes o Nominet: "Mae hwn yn gyfle mawr i Cymru / Wales i ddiffinio ei le ar y rhyngrwyd ac yn gwneud y gorau o hunaniaeth arbennig o'r wlad yn y ddwy iaith - felly byddwn yn gwneud cais am y ddau Dot CYMRU a Dot CYMRU barthau.

"Rydym yn hyderus y bydd ein model arfaethedig bod Cymru ar flaen y gad yn y byd digidol, gan greu parthau o ansawdd uchel sy'n ymddiried yn darparu arwydd clir i bob agwedd o gymdeithas Cymru. Bydd yn darparu defnyddwyr a busnesau gyda chyfle i fynegi eu hunaniaeth a balchder trwy ofod pwrpasol ar-lein.

"Nominet yn credu bod cais cyfuno ar gyfer dot CYMRU ac dot CYMRU yn cynnig y manteision mwyaf, ac mae hyn wedi cael cefnogaeth lawn y Llywodraeth Cymru."

Dywedodd Ieuan Evans MBE, sy'n cadeirio'r Cymru Nominet Grŵp Cynghori,: "Nominet yn sefydliad nid er elw ac yn un o gofrestrfeydd y byd mwyaf profiadol ac uchel ei barch. Maent wedi ymrwymo i gyflwyno cais hwn i ICANN.

Ychwanegodd "Nominet yn amlwg wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi mwy o ddefnydd o'r iaith Gymraeg ar y rhyngrwyd ac wedi cynghori eisoes ar sut y gellir cyflawni hyn mewn perthynas â enwau parth polisi. Nawr yw'r amser i bawb yng Nghymru i gefnogi cais hwn ac i weld Cymru'n cael ei chynrychioli pellach ar y llwyfan rhyngwladol. "

Bydd Nominet yn awr yn gwneud cais ffurfiol i ICANN (Rhyngrwyd Gorfforaeth ar gyfer Enwau a Rhifau a Neilltuir) ar gyfer dot ac dot CYMRU CYMRU i gael ei sefydlu. Bydd Nominet yn gweithio gyda Llywodraeth Cymru ac yn ystyried anghenion busnesau Cymru a defnyddwyr, a'r ystod o gymunedau daearyddol, diwylliannol ac ieithyddol sydd eisiau â rhan yn y prosiect.

Dywedodd Alex Blowers, a fydd yn cymryd yr awenau gyda'r ymgyrch symud ymlaen ac yn gweithio'n agos gyda Grwp Ymgynghorol Cymru,: "Byddwn yn ymgysylltu'n eang ac yn agored i ddatblygu arferion polisi a gweithredol a fydd yn gwneud y parthau newydd mewn gwirionedd cyflawni dros Gymru. Rydym yn croesawu deialog â Llywodraeth Cymru a'r gymuned fusnes ar faterion polisi a llywodraethu.

"Mae gennym Grŵp Cynghori profiadol yng Nghymru sydd wedi bod yn allweddol wrth baratoi'r cais hwn a bydd yn parhau i helpu ni wrth i ni symud ymlaen i'r cyfnod cnawd cais ac allan ein polisïau."

Grwp Ymgynghorol Cymru yn cynnwys Ieuan Evans (Cadeirydd); Lisa Francis, Andrew Davies; Clive Grace (Nominet Aelod o'r Bwrdd Gweithredol Heb); ac Aled Eirug.

Nominet yn credu eu bod mewn sefyllfa unigryw i wneud y gorau o'r llwyddiant y fenter hon mwyaf cyffrous ar gyfer Cymru:

• Nominet bod yn llwyddiant ysgubol yn y rōl fel gwarcheidwad. DU. Parth Lefel Uchaf (TLD) dros y 15 mlynedd diwethaf.
• Nominet yn sefydliad aelodaeth Nominet yn gweithredu yn ôl y safonau uchaf o lywodraethu corfforaethol y DU, tryloywder yn ein harferion busnes, a chyfrifoldeb cymdeithasol corfforaethol. Nominet yn chwarae rhan blaenllaw yn y DU ac yn rhyngwladol rhyngrwyd llywodraethu a'r gymuned ICANN ac maent mewn sefyllfa dda i hyrwyddo buddiannau Cymru gorau mewn dadl yn y dyfodol a datblygu polisi.
• Nominet yn enwog am safon uchel a rhagoriaeth dechnegol o weithrediad registry. Bydd Nominet yn fwy na gofynion ICANN a darparu gwasanaeth cadarn a dibynadwy ar gyfer Cymru.
• Bydd Nominet yn gymwys arbenigedd gwasanaeth cwsmeriaid a buddsoddi yn natblygiad o staff a leolir yng Nghymru gan gynnwys y ddarpariaeth o gymorth i gwsmeriaid dwyieithog.

Mae ymchwil diweddar a gomisiynwyd gan Nominet amlygu manteision economaidd sylweddol a fydd yn cael ei ddarparu gan gyflwyno parthau a reolir yn dda ar gyfer Cymru. Ymchwil penodol a dadansoddi, a gynhaliwyd gan LE Wales. Gall y prif ganfyddiadau'r astudiaeth LE Wales eu crynhoi fel a ganlyn:

• Cefnogaeth gref oddi wrth fusnesau a defnyddwyr ar gyfer TLD newydd i Gymru.
• cyfleoedd arbennig o gryf i ddefnyddio'r TLD newydd ymhlith busnesau i 'Cymru' brand i'r byd. Manteision o ran cryfhau'r gwelededd a defnydd o'r iaith Gymraeg ar y rhyngrwyd o ganlyniad i gael parth sy'n siarad Cymraeg.

Galw gan y gymuned fusnes yn debygol o adlewyrchu eu marchnadoedd dewis:

• Bydd y buddiannau ar gyfer busnesau mwy o alinio gyda'r brand Cymru yn deillio o farchnata Cymru, cynhyrchion a gwasanaethau o Gymru Gymraeg o fewn a thu allan i'r wlad. Cyfleoedd arbennig o arwyddocaol wedi cael eu nodi mewn perthynas â thwristiaeth, diwydiannau diwylliannol a chreadigol, a fferm yn cynhyrchu / bwyd. Mae wedi cael ei rhoi i ni fod Cymru 'brand' yn llai amlwg nag y gallai fod mewn marchnadoedd tramor ac y gallai TLD Cymru yn helpu i fynd i'r afael â hyn. O ystyried y gydnabyddiaeth uwch o Gymru dros Cymru dramor, gall hyn hefyd yn esbonio pam dod o hyd LE Wales yn well ganddynt busnes o bwys ar gyfer dot dot CYMRU dros CYMRU.

• Ar gyfer busnesau lleol llai, bydd ffocws y farchnad leol yn cael ei gwasanaethu'n dda gan estyniad parth lleol. Lefelau masnachu ar gyfer y busnesau hyn yn debygol o gynyddu, o ystyried y ddadl defnyddiwr dewis lleol. Efallai hefyd y bydd manteision o fod yn berchen ill dau CYMRU dot ac dot enw parth CYMRU.

Nid fel cwmni di-elw, gwargedion Nominet yn cael eu dosbarthu at ddibenion elusennol gan ymddiriedolaeth elusennol annibynnol, yr Ymddiriedolaeth Nominet. Ers 2008 Nominet wedi rhoi £ 20 miliwn i Ymddiriedolaeth. Bydd Nominet sefydlu mecanwaith i sicrhau bod gwargedau a gynhyrchwyd gan dot CYMRU ac dot CYMRU yn cael eu dychwelyd i gymunedau Cymru. Mae'r gweithgareddau yn cynnwys cynnal y gofrestr. Enwau parth DU, a darparu'r dechnoleg sy'n galluogi penderfyniad. Wefannau DU a chyfeiriadau e-bost

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