Pembrokeshire Tourism

Cuffern Manor Music Festival

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Business After Hours

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Calling All Tourist Attractions

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Calling all tourist attractions in Wales to register on WAVA's new website - it's free!

The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions WAVA's website is now live at http://www.wava.org.uk

All types of tourist attractions across Wales are being asked to register on the new website. Get your voice heard.

* Join in the forum discussion on hot topics
* Join in the survey to help us collect valuable data from all attractions to help us in our future planning by establishing the true trading conditions we are facing
* Join in by adding to our regular series of news items that affect the industry

WAVA welcomes your input. Let us know how you would like to see the website developed to make it even more useful to members.
Send your comments to Steve Bristow GreenWood Forest Park near Caernarfon.sbristow@greenwoodforestpark.co.uk

April courses at Providence Training

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

April courses at Providence Training

First Aid at Work Requalification Course

Date: 18^th & 19^TH April 2013

Venue: Providence Training, Neyland

Cost: £140+VAT per person

Description: This requalification course is for those whose First Aid at Work qualification is about to expire or, or has expired no later than the 28 days prior to the 19^th April. The course is accredited by Highfield (HABC).

Personal Licence Holder

Date: 22nd April 2013

Venue: Providence Training, Neyland

Cost: £120+VAT per person

Description: This course is a statutory requirement for anyone wishing to apply for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol and forms part of the application process . The course is accredited by Highfield (HABC).

For more information or booking please contact us on 01646 600062

Personal Licence Holder

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Personal Licence Holder

Date: 22nd April 2013

Venue: Providence Training, Neyland

Cost: £120+VAT per person

For more information or booking please contact us on 01646 600062

Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards Shortlist

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

and the shortlist is......................................

Best Serviced:

Plas Farmhouse

Elm Grove

Fields Lodge

Best Marketing:

Hammet House

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Tenby Museum

Best Customer Service Individual:

Cleopatra Browne – Celtic Quest Coasteering

Amy Cross – Hammet House

Kate Rogers - Pembrokeshire Foods

Exciting New Business or Owner:

The Teddy Workshop

The Voucher Collection

Wild About Pembrokeshire

Best Access for the Disabled Visitor:

Clynfyw

Hampton Court Holiday Park

Narberth Food Festival

Sustainable Tourism:

TYF

Clynfyw

Preseli Venture

Best Day Out:

Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

Dragon Activity Guides

Heatherton

Best Breakfast:

Argo Villa

Elm Grove

Fields Lodge

Best Non-Serviced Accommodation:

Clydey Cottages

Asheston Eco Barns

East Jordeston Cottages

Best Team:

Saundersfoot Chamber of Tourism

Hammet House

Celtic Camping and Bunkhouse

Best Holiday Park:

Celtic Camping and Bunkhouse

Swallowtree Gardens

Neyland Yacht Haven

Best Event:

West Wales Wool – PLANED

Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

Narberth Food Festival

Best Supplier:

Outsource Me

Landsker Business Solutions

West Wales Holiday Cottages

Best Eating Out Experience:

Hammet House

Blue Ball

Stackpole Inn

For further details of the Awards click HERE

To purchase tickets to attend please ring Pembrokeshire Tourism 01646 622228

Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards Shortlist

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

and the shortlist is......................................

Best Serviced:

Plas Farmhouse

Elm Grove

Fields Lodge

Best Marketing:

Hammet House

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Tenby Museum

Best Customer Service Individual:

Cleopatra Browne – Celtic Quest Coasteering

Amy Cross – Hammet House

Kate Rogers - Pembrokeshire Foods

Exciting New Business or Owner:

The Teddy Workshop

The Voucher Collection

Wild About Pembrokeshire

Best Access for the Disabled Visitor:

Clynfyw

Hampton Court Holiday Park

Narberth Food Festival

Sustainable Tourism:

TYF

Clynfyw

Preseli Venture

Best Day Out:

Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

Dragon Activity Guides

Heatherton

Best Breakfast:

Argo Villa

Elm Grove

Fields Lodge

Best Non-Serviced Accommodation:

Clydey Cottages

Asheston Eco Barns

East Jordeston Cottages

Best Team:

Saundersfoot Chamber of Tourism

Hammet House

Celtic Camping and Bunkhouse

Best Holiday Park:

Celtic Camping and Bunkhouse

Swallowtree Gardens

Neyland Yacht Haven

Best Event:

West Wales Wool – PLANED

Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

Narberth Food Festival

Best Supplier:

Outsource Me

Landsker Business Solutions

West Wales Holiday Cottages

Best Eating Out Experience:

Hammet House

Blue Ball

Stackpole Inn

For further details of the Awards click HERE

To purchase tickets to attend please ring Pembrokeshire Tourism 01646 622228

CAWL ON SAUNDERSFOOT FOR SAINT’S DAY FEAST

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The village of Saundersfoot will have a spring in its step on the first week of March as its annual St David’s Food and Craft Festival takes place on the seafront.

Alongside undercover stalls, music and celebrity chef cookery demonstrations, the event features the Cawl Cooking Championships of the World….and Elsewhere, which is judged on the taste-test of visitors.

Buying a commemorative keepsake cawl bowl is the ticket to ‘cwm cawling’ on the Saturday lunchtime at local eating establishments who have entered the contest.

There, visitors can fill it up with the tasty Welsh delicacy before casting their vote for the most delicious dish.

The Saundersfoot St David’s Food and Craft Festival is organised by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism and takes place on Saturday March 2^nd from 10am to 6pm and Sunday March 4^th from 10am to 5pm.

Unlimited admission to the marquee is £2 (under 14s free), which can be included in the £5 cawl trail price.

For more information, contact Ruth Davies

01834 844112

ruth.tenby@tiscali.co.uk

Facebook and One-to-one training.

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Facebook in the morning, three 121 sessions in the afternoon to fine tune your Facebook or other social media.

Click here to book and for more information.

Newgale YMCA Newsletter 2

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Click here for the newsletter

2013 TOUR OF PEMBROKESHIRE

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

2013 Tour of Pembrokeshire

The 2013 Tour of Pembrokeshire is set to build on last year's event, with some minor route changes to make even more of the hills and views on offer in the north of Pembrokeshire for the 50, 75 and 100 mile routes. The 2013 Tour is to be held on the 27th of April 2013, once again on a Saturday giving riders a chance to make a weekend of the event with the family ride on the Sunday the 28th of April 2013.

This year Sabbath are very kindly donating one of their titanium bikes as a prize for the Tour of Pembrokeshire rider who raises the most sponsorship money for charity at the event, which will start and finish from the wonderful Oriel y Parc venue in St David’s. The Tour of Pembrokeshire is fast becoming one of the must‐ride events in the sportive calendar, with a range of difficulty to suit both novice and seasoned sportive rider, coupled with the beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park it’s set to grow in popularity for years to come.

For more information, or to download a sponsor form, visit www.tourofpembrokeshire.co.uk

First Aid at Work

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

New members Arcswood are running HSE Refresher First Aid at Work – 4 & 5 February – two day course – Location: TBC. Spaces available.

For more information, call

Rob

Training Manager

Arcswood CIC

admin@arcswood.org.uk

www.arcswood.org.uk

01646 686804

07771681402

Coastal Bus Services Consultation

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In 2000 only one third of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail was accessible by public transport. Since then 5 coastal bus services have been introduced in order to help reduce car usage and improve accessibility to our coast. In 2009 the services were further enhanced through Rural Development Plan funding, with the arrival of six new low floor accessible buses.

Unfortunately, as the consequence of a reduction in its funding from the UK Government, the Welsh Government has reduced the amount of local transport service grant funding that it provides to each Local Authority by 27% for the next financial year. Due to this, Pembrokeshire County Council has to reconfigure bus services, including the Coastal Bus Services.

In order to identify the best way forward we need your feedback regarding the possible options.

We'd be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete the following questionnaire:

Proposed Changes to Pembrokeshire Coastal Bus Service

Proposed Changes to Coastal Bus Service

New Basic on-line Food Hygiene Tool Launched

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new basic on-line training tool for first level workers handling food – Food Hygiene Training for All – has been launched and is accessible via the British Hospitality Association website with a link to the page with different language versions represented by flags.

The tool, which is principally aimed at the food and service management sector but is applicable to every catering establishment, has been produced by EFFAT (European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions) and FERCO (European Federation of Contract Catering Organisations)and is available free of charge. It meets the requirements of EU legislation, focusing on the tasks performed by first-level food handlers across Europe, and their level of responsibility.

Cocoms Limited, on behalf of EFFAT and FERCO, drafted the technical content and developed the tool with the support of social partners in several Member States. It is available in seven languages.

John Dyson, director of Cocoms and food and technical adviser to the BHA, said that the main objective was to offer an innovative food hygiene training opportunity to first level food handlers.

“But it should also contribute to the development of in-house training in SMEs in the hospitality sector across Europe,” he said.

It covers a wide range of topics, including an introduction to HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), personal hygiene safe food handling, and health and safety at work. The tool follows a step-by-step approach and is divided in different modules, focusing on the tasks usually performed by first- level food handlers and on the main critical points they go through while preparing/serving food. The tool also includes multi-choice questions to establish the knowledge of those who have taken the training; there is an option for trainees to obtain a certificate.

“We believe this will be a valuable tool to help operators in the catering sector and beyond meet stringent food hygiene standards. It will be particularly beneficial for SMEs,” Mr Dyson emphasises.

Take a look at the Food Hygiene Training for All here for free

For further information contact:

John Dyson

John.dyson@bha.co.uk

01904 488209

St Davids Cathedral Advent and Christmas

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

AGM AND TOURISM SUMMIT. Bridge Innovation Centre

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

AGM and TOURISM SUMMIT at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock.

Pembrokeshire Tourism has put together a fantastic summit for you to look at addressing customer service, to meet with other colleagues within the tourism trade & for you to use the opportunity to put your questions to a panel of experts.

Click here to book and read more about the Tourism Summit.

Pembrokeshire Tourism 11th AGM on the 22nd January 2013

by Pembrokeshire Tourism on 12-Dec-2012

CLICK HERE for Printable version

PEMBROKESHIRE TOURISM 11^th AGM 2013

As a member please attend the 11^th Annual General Meeting of Pembrokeshire Tourism to be held at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock at 11.00am on Tuesday 22^nd January 2013

A number of Directorships have become vacant during the year:

Activities / Attractions Sector

Arts & Crafts Sector
Self Catering Sector

Nominations for the positions of Directorship are invited from members in these categories. If numerous nominations are received only members enrolled in this category can cast a vote. Directors hold office for three years

Completed nominations will be accepted up to seven days prior to the meeting. All nominations require the signature of the nominated person and the signature of a proposer and seconder, all of whom must be paid-up members of the company.

In addition, Directors who must stand for either confirmation or re-election are:

Tim Brace retires and seeks re-election in the General sector

Gaye Williams retires and seeks re-election in the Farmhouse B&B sector

Jason Tomlin, General sector – co-opted during 2012

Members to vote to confirm these appointments.

Remaining directors’ service is as follows:

Name	Category	Date Elected
Chris Osborne	General	Jan 2012
Trevor Collins	Supplier	Jan 2012
Julia Horton-Powdrill	Events	Jan 2012
Charles Davies	General	Jan 2011
Huw Pendleton	General	Jan 2011
Jim Canton	Caravan & Camping	Jan 2011
David Pryse Lloyd	General	Jan 2011
Brian Farmer	Pubs & Restaurants	Jan 2012
Malcolm Brace	Hotels & Guesthouses	Jan 2012

We look forward to meeting you at the AGM.

Please book by 15^th January 2013

Pembrokeshire Tourism, 1^st & 2^nd Floor, 55 Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4DA

NOMINATION FORM

This form to be completed and returned not less than seven days before the 11th AGM of Pembrokeshire Tourism on Tuesday 22nd January 2013. Please note that the Nominee, Proposer and Seconder must all be paid-up members of Pembrokeshire Tourism and their membership category must be that of the Directorship in question (unless the nominee is standing for a ‘General’ directorship, in which case sectorial issues do not apply.)

Section A – to be completed by member wishing to stand for election as a Director:

I, _________________________________________ declare my intention to stand as a Director of Pembrokeshire Tourism to represent members in the ____________________________________________ category.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Business _________________________________________________________________________

Signed __________________________________ Date ____________________________________

Section B – to be completed by member proposing this nomination:

I hereby propose the nomination of the above named member.

Name of Proposer__________________________________________________________________

Business _________________________________________________________________________

Signed: __________________________________ Date _____ ______________________________

Section C – to be completed by member seconding this nomination:

I hereby second the nomination of the above named member.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Business _________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________ Date ________________________________________

For Office Use Only:

Confirm the above three businesses are fully paid up members of Pembrokeshire Tourism and all belong to the category in question.

Nominee Membership Number __________

Proposer Membership Number __________

Seconder Membership Number _________

Signed for Pembrokeshire Tourism ______________________________________________________________________

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Business After Hours

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

More info to follow.

Milford Christmas Cracker

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Core Skills for Team Leaders

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Tudor Lodge, Tenby. Up to 70% Funding Available, prices start from just £84 per person

Click here for more information

This programme challenges you to consider how effective you are in managing people.

Who should attend:

All Team Leaders who are new to this role, or Team Leaders requiring the core skills of management.

Programme Objectives:

To enable delegates to develop greater awareness of their own style of interacting with others.
To encourage delegates to critically analyse how they manage people and the overall effect this has within the organisation.

Day One

Roles and Responsibilities

Clarify the responsibilities and authorities for the Team Leader. Look at the different aspects of the role and identify the individuals’ strengths and development areas

Introduction to Leadership and Team-working.

Understand your own leadership style and the different models of leadership. Look at how different team members are influenced in different ways
This module includes a practical exercise to highlight leadership actions and to develop a checklist of essential parts of the job
Effective team working and utilisation of people’s strengths

Day Two

Review of Communication Systems

Identify your own organisations systems and methods of communicating.
Understand how communication flows and overcoming misunderstandings
How to pass on information to aid efficiency and effectiveness
How to managing Meetings effectively

Motivation

To discuss established theories of motivation and job satisfaction, and also look at ways of improving within your team

Health and Safety

Gain an understanding of what your responsibilities are as a Team Leader under Health and Safety Law

Business After Hours; Haven Court Timeshare 6.30.All welcome.

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wales Tourism Alliance Conference Round Up

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Minister for Business, Enterprise Technology and Science, Edwina Hart has urged tourism leaders and businesses across Wales to show more confidence in promoting the nation positively to visitors.

Mrs Hart was speaking at the annual conference of the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), ‘Working Together’, at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells earlier this week, where she revealed a mission to create a new brand for Wales and her aversion to red tape hindering business development.

“We have to be a much more confident nation in what we do in terms of tourism,” she said. “The vast majority of visitors that come to Wales have an excellent experience. We have an awful lot to offer in Wales at any time of the year, yet we talk far too much about the weather.”

She urged tourism marketers to compile an A-Z alphabet of exciting things to do in Wales throughout the year.

She declared an aversion to red tape from the UK Government and Europe and said the Welsh Government was looking to make it easier for businesses in Wales to succeed.

“We need to understand the issues that you face when developing your businesses,” she added, inviting feedback from businesses across Wales. “We do live in difficult economic times but there is a market out there that can still afford to do things and we need your feedback on where we need to focus our attention.”

She said she was aware of planning issues faced by businesses in National Parks and some local authority areas. “Protecting the environment is important but at the same time we now live in a different century and we must move on,” she added.

She also revealed that the Welsh Government was awaiting state aid approval from Europe to roll out a programme across Wales to improve broadband and mobile phone reception, which would help tourism businesses.

On the branding of Wales, she said: “I hope to have a report fairly shortly on the branding issue. We are looking for an identifiable brand for the whole of Wales and how we sell ourselves across the globe.”

WTA chair Chris Osborne said the Alliance was delighted to welcome Mrs Hart to the conference for the first time and stressed the continuing importance of tourism to the Welsh economy.

The Alliance, in consultation with the industry, had recently devised a policy, which outlined how it would like to see the industry evolve between now and 2020, he said.

The other high profile speakers from Wales, England and Scotland included Martin Couchman, British Hospitality Association’s deputy chief executive, David Bishop, Visit Britain’s head of tourism affairs, Stephen Leckie, Scottish Tourism Association’s chair, Dan Clayton Jones, Welsh Government Tourism Sector Panel chair, broadcaster Trevor Fishlock and Ieuan Evans, of Nominet and Adrian Greason-Walker, WTA executive director.

Mr Bishop said, by 2020, Visit Britain was aiming to attract 40 million overseas visitors a year who would spend £31.5 billion - an increase of £9 billion on current spending - creating 131,000 jobs. The USA and Germany remained the largest markets for Britain but were shrinking, whereas visitors from Norway, Australia, Italy, Holland, China and Saudi Arabia were increasing.

The conference, attended by 120 delegates, was sponsored by Nominet and Bibendum.

Google Juice Bar Event

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Milford Haven Port and Pembrokeshire Tourism have secured a second Google event for Pembrokeshire by announcing an opportunity for businesses to attend a free Google Workshop at the Port’s business park in Cedar Court, Milford Haven on Thursday 22 November.
The Google Workshop is an opportunity for established businesses to find out more about Google tools available and show them how to optimise their online presence. The event will begin with an overview of the digital landscape and other topics covered will include Google+ and Google AdWords. There will also be plenty of time for you to chat with official Google Partners - Spindogs, about your online presence and use of Google tools. The event will be an interactive, informal and friendly way to ask as many questions as you like, without a sales pitch attached.
Milford Haven Port is committed to increasing the number of visitors and boosting economic prosperity in Milford Haven and believes a good online presence is an essential element of this. Corporate Affairs Director for the Port, Mark Andrews, commented:
“Having realised the value of our websites in bringing new investment to Pembrokeshire we wanted to provide other local businesses with an opportunity to improve their own online presence”.
Maudie Hughes of Pembrokeshire Tourism, said: “Business owners are often aware that there are ways to improve and support their online presence but can feel unsure about where to start. Workshops such as this help to demystify the internet whilst equipping businesses with the skills and tools they need to maximise the benefits of their websites.”
The Google Workshop takes place on 22nd November from 10am until 1pm at Suite 4A, Cedar Court, Milford Haven. Spaces are limited. Book online now at www.milfordmarina.com/event/22/11/2012/google-workshop/

Promoting Pembrokeshire ... On The Move!

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Stackpole Centre was the venue for the latest in the Promoting Pembrokeshire events series with the focus for this one being on Sustainable Transport.

The event was funded as part of the Sustainable and Coastal Tourism Centre of Excellence projects which are part-funded by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through Visit Wales and the Welsh Government.

Following an introduction by Mike May of The Stackpole Centre, Gwyn Evans, European Manager at Pembrokeshire County Council set the scene as to why Sustainable Transport is so important. A non driver himself, he has been able to demonstrate that it is possible to move around the county using public transport, and by taking part in car sharing initiatives.

Jayne Cornelius from SWWITCH, went on to explain more about the role of SWWITCH, and to encourage those present to consider formulating a Sustainable Travel Plan for Pembrokeshire, by working together with each other and Pembrokeshire Tourism. There was certainly a great deal of information in her presentation along with a number of interesting facts and figures on how much money can be saved by taking part in car sharing schemes and similar initiatives.

Owen Roberts, Greenways Officer and Simon Rees, Public Transport Manager, explained how the Greenways project has grown over the last ten years, and gave further information on the popularity and reach of the Coastal Bus Service.

After a further presentation by Jayne Cornelius and Jo Foxall, of Traveline Cymru, in which attendees were introduced to the Traveline Cymru app, website and Journey Planner widget, there was an opportunity for questions from the floor to the speakers. Summarising the morning's talks, Maudie Hughes of Pembrokeshire Tourism highlighted once again the importance of working together in partnership to achieve greater results. Questions raised covered topics such as proposed changes to the Coastal Bus Service timetable, how could the service accommodate those with bikes or surf boards, and how could issues relating to link ups between rail and bus services be addressed.

Following a superb lunch provided by the catering team at The Stackpole Centre, attendees were able to experience four workshops. Jayne Cornelius presented a session on how Travel Training can be organised free of charge for your business whilst Argo Villa B&B, Walkalongway and Preseli Venture joined forces to present case studies on how they already provide sustainable transport options. Trips on the Coastal Bus were also built in, allowing visitors to the day to see how easy the service is to use, and to round up the sessions, a tour of The Stackpole Estate Grounds was provided showing some of the new developments that have taken place as part of the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Centre.

The day was informative and interesting, and the Pembrokeshire Tourism team will be conducting a series of workshops to follow up on the event. Details of the presentations shown can be found on the Tourism Help pages under the Promoting Pembrokeshire Events folder - click here to view.

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Course. Bloomfield Centre

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Course to be held at Bloomfield Centre £35.00. Phone 0800 977 6788 for more details.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Event

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Taste Local Two Day Conference

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Taste Local is an innovative new project aimed at improving South West Wales’ food tourism offer through shared learning and exploring how partners across the EU develop their local food culture.

The free two day conference held on the 28th and 29th November 2012 will offer food, drink and hospitality providers within the RDP areas of South West Wales the opportunity to build on food tourism through sector skills development, sharing of best practice and international learning journey bursaries.

Storytelling at your venue

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Christmas storytelling

Our Pembrokeshire storyteller Andrew Dugmore is ready to enchant listeners of all ages during the festive period. He has prepared a special selection of Christmas stories in the authentic oral tradition which can be told at any location.

The stories include Grandfather Frost, The Snowman and the Little Fir Tree.

Please get in touch with Andrew to check on his availability this festive season.

Promote Pembrokeshire...On the Move!

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

To book a ticket click HERE

Suzy Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Welsh Language, Culture and Tourism to visit Pembrokeshire Tourism

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Suzy Davies, AM, Shadow Minister for Welsh Language, Culture and Tourism will be visiting the Pembrokeshire Tourism offices on Friday 28th September. Having approached the team here, a meeting has been arranged to discuss the issues facing the trade at present, and feedback is welcome from members and the trade to contribute to the meeting. If you would like to raise a particular question, or have an issue or concern to raise, please contact Maudie in the office by the end of business on Wednesday 26th September.

Medieval fun and frolics at the Bluestone Celtic Ale Festival weekend

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Extend summer that little bit longer with a family-fun packed weekend of medieval fun and frolics at the Celtic Ale Festival at Bluestone National Park Resort near Narberth on 29-30 September – with FREE admission.

Set on Bluestone’s magnificent Tournament Field, activities throughout the weekend include clay shooting, long bow, catapult and crossbows and a large selection of ales and ciders, including Tomos Watkins, Felinfoel, Newmans and Beacons.

There will also be demonstrations on hand weaving, a blacksmith, woodturning, jewellery making and wood crafting.

Other activities will include Castle and Celts mini rangers, pony rides, the Great Flight of the Red Kite, falconry, a Knight’s School and Knight’s Templar giving demonstrations.

During the Saturday evening there will also be a hog roast with live music and dancing in a unique atmosphere.

It will be a great weekend of fun and frolics as well as a great selection of local and regional ales and ciders.

And with free admission it’ll be a great place to bring the family to enjoy some time together with the great entertainment that Bluestone’s laying on at its inaugural Celtic Ale Festival.

To let us know that you want to come jut reserve your place at www.bluestonewales.com/tellus

Hammet House features in the BBC Summer in Wales Series

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Enjoy the new series from BBC Wales - featuring real life stories from around the country, including Pembrokeshire. Phillipa and Owen welcomed the cameras into Hammet House during the summer, so if you've missed the first episode, catch up here on iPlayer!

Calling Young Chefs

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Young chefs are invited to show off the fruits of their culinary talents to a top panel of judges later this month.

Narberth Food Festival’s Young Chefs competition is calling for a starter or dessert using seasonal fruit to be created by kitchen wizards aged from 17 to 26.

Entrants to the contest must be in work or training to be a chef within 30 miles of Narberth.

Last year’s inaugural competition proved to be a great success, and was won by Chris Walker from Bluestone Resort’s Carreg Las.

The judges will include Stephen Terry of The Hardwick, Abergavenny, who is amongst the line-up of top chefs at the two-day festival, which takes place on September 22nd and 23rd.

Entries for the Young Chefs competition should be submitted by September 21st. For more information and an entry form, visitwww.narberthfoodfestival.com.

Pembrokeshire Produce Awards celebrate local Food & Drink

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Some of the most innovative, imaginative, and original food and drink in Pembrokeshire was being celebrated at this year’s Pembrokeshire County Show.

The Pembrokeshire Produce Mark Awards were presented on Wednesday, 15th Augustby Councillor Arwyn Williams, Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council which introduced the Mark over 12 years ago.

The Awards recognise county businesses which excel in providing or sourcing local food and drink.

The Pembrokeshire Produce Mark scheme has more than 300 members, which are verified to ensure that the product they sell or use is made in Pembrokeshire.

The scheme includes food and drink producers, artists and craftspeople, hospitality establishments which use Pembrokeshire food and drink in their menus; and retail outlets which sell locally-made items.

Members display a unique logo which helps customers to identify that the product is local.

There were joint winners for the Best New Pembrokeshire Product of the Year in Capestone Poultry Farm at Walwyn’s Castle and the Merlins Bridge-based sweets company, Just Fudge and A Little Bit of Candy.

Capestone is a small family business run by Justin Scale – the fifth generation of the Scale family farming at Capestone.

They win for their Pembrokeshire Poussin which was launched at this year’s County Show.

“The Pembrokeshire Poussin is unique” explained Justin. “It is the only British-produced poussin and each one is suitable for individual portions. They are ideal for easy cooking.”

As well as supplying Harrods, Selfridges and the Haverfordwest store of Marks & Spencer, the Pembrokeshire Poussin is now available to the general public through the online co-operative, Pembrokeshire Produce Direct.

It is also available, together with Capestone’s Marinated Spatchcock Poussin through various catering and wholesale outlets throughout South West Wales, including Castell Howell Foods, Carmarthen.

These products can be seen in a selection of Brains Pubs, including the new Tenby south Beach Bar Grill, and its popularity is continuing to grow throughout the region.

Justin employs 65 full time staff at Capestone which helps him cope with the orders.

Every week they supply M&S with over 8,000 organic chickens and up to 60,000 turkeys at Christmas. They currently have weekly orders for 4,500 poussins.

“We are a fully integrated company” he added, “growing, producing and processing all poultry on site.”

Just Fudge and A Little Bit of Candy is a new company started by 19-year-old Candy Evans at the beginning of the year.

Working out of Freeman’s View in Merlins Bridge with her partner, Adam Williams, Candy makes a wide range of home-made old fashioned sweets and fudge using locally-sourced ingredients such as butter, milk and eggs.

“My mum is in the food business making home-made jams and preserves and I have been helping her for as long as can remember,” said Candy, a former pupil of Sir Thomas Picton School in Haverfordwest.

“Having grown up attending farmers’ markets, I have a real passion for cooking and local produce and I’ve always wanted to run my own business.”

Her extensive range of products varies from cinder toffee and peanut brittle to nougat and rum and raisin fudge.

Candy went on: “All the products are homemade using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible to give you that great taste of Pembrokeshire. The attention to detail and traditional methods are what give you the taste of your childhood.

“We sell direct at festivals and markets but we are looking to enter more retail outlets as well as going into providing wedding favours and corporate gifts.”

Candy was supported in setting up her business by Small Steps to Enterprise - a Pembrokeshire County Council project providing support and mentoring for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.

“Candy was determined to succeed and it’s inspiring to see young people who are struggling to find a job, successfully creating a job!” said Wendy Harris, Youth Enterprise Officer.

“With the support of Small Steps to Enterprise, she has proved that starting your own business is achievable.”

There were joint winners too for Best Use of Pembrokeshire Produce.

They were Crundale House bed and breakfast establishment and The Moorings restaurant in Dale.

Crundale House proprietor, Mrs Veronica Woosnam, is passionate about what she serves at breakfast in her 5-star graded accommodation – Pembrokeshire-sourced produce to offer an authentic county experience for her guests.

A typical breakfast can include Coedcanlas Pembrokeshire honey, sausages and thick back bacon from Bethesda Home Farm near Narberth, and mature Cerwyn cheese from Pant Mawr Farmhouse near Rosebush.

Said Pembrokeshire County Council food development manager, Kate Morgan: “What tipped the balance for Mrs Woosnam is that her menus also tell the story of her breakfasts by providing background information on each product and the food producer it came from.

“It’s a very impressive marketing move and adds a personal touch to enhance the stay of her guests.”

“All this is complimented by Crundale House’s stunning décor with touches of locally bought furnishings, such as rugs and throws, to add a nice finishing touch.”

Sailors with healthy appetites, along with the general public, are well catered for at The Moorings restaurant and Deli bar at Dale Yacht Club.

Award-winning chef Adam Birch and restaurant manager Cerianne Jones opened for business in April and were keen to reflect the produce of Pembrokeshire and the Dale peninsula in particular.

Along with a regularly changing tapas menu, Adam has been busy showcasing the county’s finest produce including Welsh Black beef, Pembrokeshire rare breed pork and new season lamb.

The seafood on the menu is caught and selected daily from the local waters while vegetables are grown and picked on nearby farms.

Sailing club members play their part by dropping in Pembrokeshire potatoes and locally-grown vegetables and herbs.

Said Kate Morgan: “The ethos is definitely local and seasonal and the daily changing menu allows them to make the most of the fresh produce on their doorstep.

“The current menu is tailored to the summer trade with a bistro style, but chef is hoping to extend the lease through the winter when he will be upping his game to a more fine dining experience.”

The winner of the Pembrokeshire Choice Award - sponsored by Tesco and Pembrokeshire County Council – was Fred Hughes and Sons Butchers in Dew Street, Haverfordwest.

Given for the fifth time, the award allows customers to vote for any food or drink they like as long as it is produced or grown in Pembrokeshire.

The award was given to the popular family butchers for their home-produced sausages.

“Fred Hughes and Sons Butchers are really worthy winners of this award,” said Kate Morgan. “They have wonderful products, an immaculate and welcoming shop and consistently happy customers – who all leave with a smile on their face!”

Fred Hughes has run the butchers shop at Dew Street for nearly 50 years – starting on June 1st 1965 at the age of 21.

A true family business, his wife Val handles all the finances and paperwork, and his son Phillip has worked alongside him in the shop since leaving school.

Phillip’s wife Lynne also works in the shop on the homemade products and ready meals, and they also normally employ two full-time members of staff.

Phillip said the dedication of their customers was one of the reasons why the business is still going strong despite increased competition from bigger companies.

“We have a very, very good counter trade – most of our business is over the counter, and we make a big effort to present ourselves and our products as we would like to see them ourselves.”

He said they also pride themselves on their excellent food hygiene standards over many years, and were delighted to have received the top hygiene rating of 5 from the Food Standards Agency.

As well as the award, Fred Hughes and Sons Butchers also received £100 worth of Tesco vouchers.

All those who voted in the Pembrokeshire Choice Award were entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of Tan y Castell Welsh cakes and Bara Brith. The winner was Lucy Thomas of Wallis, Ambleston.

Visit us at the County Show 2012!

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pembrokeshire County Show is here again! Pembrokeshire Tourism will be there this year, and our stand can be found on Band Avenue at location A28 and we want you to come and see us!

We will have laptops and wifi on site, so if you need a hand with your directory listing, or some pointers on how to boost your Facebook page, we can help with that. We also have our colleagues from Visit Wales joining us, so if you have questions on grading, or want to know more about the Digital Tourism Business Project, come and ask the experts.

Perhaps more importantly though, we want to talk to YOU! Whilst we don't want to give too much away, we've been having a good look at our membership structure and offering, and we've got some ideas on it all that we would like YOUR feedback on. It is very important to us that we deliver what you want from us, so please do come in and tell us what that means for you. We will have coffee and biscuits on site too, so please do pop in and join us. As an extra incentive, every member that pops in and fills in our very short survey will be entered in to a draw to win their membership free for a year!

Additionally for every business that signs up as a new member at the show, we will run a second prize draw, so one lucky new member will also benefit from a year of free membership. So if you know someone who you think should join, bring them along, and you could both be winners.

We are really looking forward to seeing you so please do come along and say hello!

Ecology Courses at The Stackpole Centre

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

St Dogmaels Visitor Centre Calendar

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Click here to see the calendar

Enter the Narberth Food Festival Pudding Competition!

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The excellence of Pembrokeshire produce will be proved when judges savour the local tastes cooked up for a forthcoming pudding competition.

The contest, taking place at September’s Narberth Food Festival, is being run in conjunction with TransitioNarberth, which is spearheading the planting of native fruit and nut trees in and around the town.

“Our aim is to find a dessert pudding recipe which best reflects the aims of the festival and TransitioNarberth - the promotion of locally-produced food which is good to eat,” said festival chairman Lynne Crompton.

The Narberth Pudding Competition is open to everyone, and ingredients must include native fruit and/or nuts. The contest is sponsored by the Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby and there’s a hand-decorated commemorative plate as the prize.

The entry fee of £2.50 gives the competitor free entry to the Sunday of the festival, when the contest will be judged by some of the chefs lined up to give demonstrations and master classes at the event.

Narberth Food Festival takes place on Saturday September 22nd and Sunday September 23rd. For more details, and a competition entry form, visit www.narberthfoodfestival.com

Tenby Male Choir Concert 10th July. St Marys Church

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

St Mary's Church, Tenby. Everybody is welcome to come and experience the fantastic Tenby Male Choir, only £6.0 a ticket for an evening's great entertainment, proceeds to go to the Tudor Merchant's House, Tenby.

Oriel Y Parc July Newsletter

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

From bat walks to the Cultural Olympiad "Cauldrons and Furnaces", read here to find out what's happening at Oriel Y Parc, St Davids.

Crug-Glas Award Winners

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Janet and Perkin for getting the AA Accommodation of the Year in Wales 2012 Award. It's a great achievement for one of Pembrokeshire's finest hotels, and richly deserved.

July Newsletter from Oriel Y Parc

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

For a round up of July's events at Oriel Y Parc, and to read the latest newsletter, click here

Inspiration For Active Meetings

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline, superb local produce and welcoming venues are all adding up to provide a top-class environment to the growing conference market.

From business breakfasts to corporate dining; team-building exercises to seminars, the county is continuing to promote its offer to firms and organisations both in Pembrokeshire and beyond, with Smith Glaxo, Tesco, Admiral Insurance, the NHS and the Ministry of Defence amongst recent corporate visitors.

Conference Pembrokeshire is one of the branches of Pembrokeshire Tourism, the organisation which works to support everyone providing the county’s valuable holiday product, and its membership gives access to important business trade leads and enquiries.

Said Pembrokeshire Tourism’s chief executive, Maudie Hughes: “Conferences don’t have to be tedious and‘stuffy’. We have a unique collection of businesses to create a conference with a difference.

“High quality accommodation, excellent facilities and activities that will stretch,challenge and develop corporate teams, combined with the warm Pembrokeshire welcome, will create conferences that inspire; bringing a breath of fresh air and a unique experience for all.”

Added Conference Pembrokeshire’s chairman, Chris Osborne: “It’s all about using the strengths of our local tourism businesses, including outdoor action along Europe’s best coastline, enjoying food and drink from a stunning variety of local producers, and a diverse range of accommodation and venues. Put simply - great places to eat, sleep and do inspirational brainwork.”

Adventure sports such as coasteering are proving increasingly popular with the corporate market, while Heatherton World of Activities, near Tenby, has just started to market itself as a one-stop conference destination.

Said Heatherton’s Simon Hilling: “The park offers numerous packages to combine with our brand-new conference centre, allowing us to tailor-make a group’s day out.”

For more information on Conference Pembrokeshire - which brings together activity providers, conference venues of all sizes and accommodation providers for a conference and team-building offering billed as‘refreshingly different ‘ - www.conferencepembrokeshire.co.uk or call Pembrokeshire Tourism on 01646 622228.

Pembrokeshire Creations Open day

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Open day July 6th Pembrokeshire Creations are Opening a stunning Craft Shop at Nant y Coy Mill. Llinos will give 10% discount to Pembrokeshire Tourism members on this day only, so come along, bring a friend, and see what's on offer!

Wanted! Volunteers for Ironman Wales

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pendyffryn Tea on the Terrace

Sun, 27 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Wheeling out a Welcome for Ironman Wales

Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Going the extra mile to tempt Ironman Wales athletes to their guest house has unlocked a door to extra trade for Bob and Ruth Keys.
Offering healthy food options, space for cycle storage, drying space for wetsuits and an early race-day breakfast are just a few of the ways in which the couple are gearing up to greet contestants taking part in the ultimate triathlon challenge.
When Ironman Wales 2012 comes to south Pembrokeshire on September 16th, Bob and Ruth will be drawing on their experience in hosting athletes in last year's inaugural contest to ensure they serve up the warmest of welcomes.
"We could see it was important for us to get involved from the outset, and we were lucky enough to have five athletes and their wives and girlfriends staying with us for the event week," said Bob, of Whitehall Lodge B&B, East Williamston. "They came from as far afield as Spain, Sweden, Gran Canaria, Belgium and Scotland. Fortunately, the universal language was English, and by the end of the week, the atmosphere was more like a house party.
"We were in touch with the athletes in the weeks ahead of their arrival to make sure of their requirements. They were very specific, and we were delighted to provide for them, including a huge bowl of fruit and home-made granola bars that they could help themselves to, as well as breakfast at 4.30am on the race day."
While Bob and Ruth didn't quite roll out the red carpet for their visitors, they even bought in extra flooring for the guesthouse bedrooms in case the athletes wanted to keep their expensive bikes close at hand!
Bob is now sharing his tips with other accommodation providers in Pembrokeshire at information seminars staged by Ironman Wales in the county.
He added: "We're really looking forward to the excitement of the Ironman Wales event week - there is great satisfaction in being able to provide for the athletes' needs and really getting involved in the whole concept."

Wales Tourism Alliance news Roundup

Mon, 07 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

To view the WTA news click here

British Hospitality Association News

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Click here for news

Tea on the Terrace, Pendyffryn Little Haven, Thursday 7th June.

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Click here for more details

Pembrokeshire Paths Newsletter

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Click here to read Pembrokeshire Paths newsletter.