05/07/2017 - Take Me To Wales

Tynrhyd hits right note with touring orchestra

Music and history will combine when a Belgian orchestra makes its debut visit to Wales this week.

The Speelschare Orchestra from Diksmuide arrives in Mid Wales on 6 July for a week-long tour and taking in some of the most poignant stories of the First World War, and concert venues ranging from a village hall to the Senedd.

The 45-strong orchestra, which is made up of young musicians, will perform a number of concerts in Wales including a special performance at the Senedd in Cardiff on July 11th, sponsored by Elin Jones AM, the National Assembly’s Presiding Officer.

Founded in 1980 by Gino Malfait – who at the time was a teacher at the Saint-Aloysius High School in Diksmuide – the orchestra describes itself as a ‘musical youth movement’ performing a varied repertoire from pop and rock music, to classical inspired works as well as jazz arrangements.

During its tour the orchestra will base itself at Tynrhyd Retreat in Devil’s Bridge – a former working farm turned-5 star luxury retreat owned by Gareth and Sian Price, whose family farmed its land for generations.

Said Sian, “We are delighted to host Speelschare Flemish orchestra to Tynrhyd Retreat, it’s the first orchestra to stay in our new accommodation in Mid Wales. Our location serves as a perfect base for the orchestra members to tour the whole of Wales while exploring our beautiful country. We were able to advise and guide them too as they organized their concert venues and tour activities.”

A very musically talented family, Sian and her mother Delyth Evans are renowned harpists. They along with Sian’s nine-year-old harpist daughter Alaw and cornet playing sons – Dafydd (11) and Tomos (9) – have been invited to perform with the orchestra during its tour.

The orchestra’s visit coincides with the centenary of the death of Welsh poet Hedd Wyn who was killed during the First World War at the Battle of Passchendaele. Among the venues where the orchestra will perform is the hall in Trawsfynydd – Hedd Wyn’s home village. Said the orchestra’s conductor, Gino Malfait, “The connection with Hedd Wyn is very important to our area. He died in 1917 in Boezinge, a small village near Ypres and which is only a few kilometres from Diksmuide.

About Hedd Wyn

Hedd Wyn was the bardic name of Ellis Humphrey Evans who was born in Trawsfynydd, Meirionydd on 13 January 1887 and was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele on 31 July1917.

He was posthumously awarded the bard’s chair at the 1917 National Eisteddfod for his ode ‘Yr Arwr’ (The Hero).

“Therefore, with it being his centenary we are very interested to learn more about Hedd Wyn and we are looking forward to seeing the exhibition at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth and his farm and museum at Trawsfynydd.”

Said Sian Price, “The tour coincides perfectly with the centenary of Hedd Wyn and we have developed a close connection with Gino who lives a mere five minutes from the cemetery where Hedd Wyn lies.”

The orchestra will also highlight another connection between Belgium and Wales when it visits Llanwenog and performs at the village’s church. During the First World War, Belgian artist and sculptor Joseph Reubens lived in the Llanwenog area.

See them here:

During its tour, the orchestra will perform at Aberystwyth Band Stand 7 July, Trawsfynydd Village Hall 8 July, Llanwenog Church 9 July, and the Senedd 11 July.

Explained Gino, “He was asked to make a wooden sculpture for the church so it’s a special place for us to play.”

The concert at the Senedd will be the final performance of the Speelschare Orchestra’s tour.

Said Elin Jones AM, “I am delighted to be sponsoring the Speelschare Orchestra’s performance at the Senedd. Music is a wonderful way to bring people together from across the world, and I am sure the orchestra’s visit will create many new friendships between Wales and Belgium.”

Gino added, “It is an honour to play at the Senedd. It gives us the sign that music is the most important international language. Music is the most wonderful medication for people.”

While this will be the orchestra’s first visit to Wales, it is no stranger to playing overseas, having performed in a number of countries including, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Sicily, Portugal and Ireland.

The group will also take in sights such as Cardiff Castle and Pen Pumlumon Fawr, the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains, and visit the Red Kite feeding centre at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian, visit the Silver Mountain Experience, and go dolphin spotting in New Quay.

 


 

22/06/2017 - Tynrhyd - Why on earth would you go for a holiday in Hell?

Hell is a tourist village on Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean.  Apparently years ago a Dignitary from another country visited the Island and noticed the strange-looking lava rock formations and said they looked like Hell and so the name stuck!
Place names are always an interesting topic! Many places around the world take on similar names for towns and cities such as Bangor in North Wales, Ireland and France.  From the weird to the wonderful you do wonder sometimes how on earth they’ve been named! From Puddle in Cornwall, UK to Prickly Bottom in Tasmania, Australia- Devil's Bridge seems much more exciting and interesting!

Devil’s Bridge is a term applied to dozens of ancient bridges, found primarily in Europe. Most of these bridges are stone or masonry arch bridges.  They represent massive technological achievement and each of the Devil's Bridges has a corresponding Devil-related myth or folktale.
The Ceredigion Devil's Bridge, Pontarfynach, in Welsh, literally means "The bridge on the Mynach" which refers to the river Mynach. On the edge of the village you'll see the unusual road bridge from which the village gets its English name.  The original bridge was constructed by the monks of Strata Florida, at what time is unknown, but legend says it was built by the devil.  The bridge has been thrown across a chasm 114 feet above the first fall and 324 feet above the bottom of the cataract.  So, what about the myth?
Well, it goes like this..
Old Megan Llandunach, of Pont-ar-Fynach
Had lost her only cow;
Across the ravine the cow was seen,
But to get it she could not tell how.
In this dilemma, the Evil One appeared to her cowled as a monk.  He offered to cast a bridge across the chasm if she would promise him the first living being that should pass over it when complete. To this she gladly consented. The bridge was thrown across the ravine and the Evil One stood beyond bowing and beckoning to the old woman to come over and try it but she was too clever for him.  She noticed instead of a foot he had a hoof.
In her pocket she fumbled, a crust out tumbled,
She called her little black cur;
The crust over she threw, the dog after it flew,
Says she, "The dog's yours, crafty sir!"

If you are looking for a break with a difference Tynrhyd Retreat is the place for you!
Are YOU counting down the weeks until October half term?
Are you running from those constant dates in your diary?
Come and stay at Tynrhyd Retreat, luxury accommodation and forget about all your stress!
Book it now and line up a beautiful holiday with your besties for a real escape and give yourself and the beauties in your life a relaxing break from it all.  Who wouldn’t want a peaceful retreat where you can catch up while you soak into the hot tub?  Whatever you chose to do, this will be well spent quality and fun time at your home-away-from-home!

Email: holidays@tynrhyd.com to book now!

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 20/06/2017 – Tynrhyd Retreat - Flanders Orchestra 

On the 6th of July we will be welcoming an orchestra from Flanders, Belgium to stay with us for a week whilst they go around Wales playing their instruments.

They will be travelling to the North and South whilst they are over playing at the Welsh Assembly on one day. They will also be playing for the local community of Aberystwyth up at the National Library of Wales.

They will be playing one piece of music which will be in remembrance of Hedd Wyn who was killed at war.

This orchestra was founded back in 1980 by Gino Malfait who was a music teacher at the Sint-Aloysius High School in Diksmuide where the orchestra was founded.

The key motive of the orchestra is to give the youngsters the opportunity to experience the unique feeling of making music together.

As a musical youth movement, the Speelschare can’t be defined as a brass band or a band as all instruments get a chance. There are a number of violinists within the orchestra, but unlike your traditional orchestra you can also find a number of guitarists. 

Throughout the year they will have several various performances in Belgium, but the crowning event of the year is their annual concert trip at the beginning of their summer holidays. They have already visited Germany, England, The Netherlands, Austria, France, Denmark, The Czech Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Sicily, Portugal and Ireland. This year will be their first time in Wales and they have chosen to stay in the heart of the country.

We can’t wait to welcome them and have Sian, her mother and her three children also take part in the orchestra as they travel and play in different locations in Wales.

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 17/05/2017 - TYNRHYD RETREAT - GET ON YOUR BIKE

The week before half term is the week of Aber Cycle Fest. There are many different events being held from the Downhill Mountain Biking down Constitution Hill, the Hill Climb up Cefn Llan in Llanbadarn to the Ystwyth 10 Mile Time Trial in Cwm Rheidol and the Mountain Biking Social Ride at Nant yr Arian.

Friday the 26th is the day of the most popular event which takes place along the seafront. This event allows individuals from the age of 8 years old to take part. The first race starts at 13:30 which is for Year 3 boys which is then followed by other school years throughout the day. The last school age race is the girls road bike race for years 7 through to 10.

The Funicular railway which provides access to Constitution Hill if you don’t wish to walk it will be running as normal so if you fancy spending a few hours up there looking down over Aberystwyth then it is possible to do so. The morning of the 27th will be used by some of the UK’s best downhillers to practice and then compete in the afternoon.

If you enjoy watching downhill mountain biking then this is the perfect event for you to spectate. The finish line of this race course will be situated on North Promenade where you will also be able to find the pit lanes. This will allow you to see the team mechanics working on machines and the partners of Aber Cycle Fest displaying their stalls.

On the 28th you can take part in the Sportive events (registration online before the day). There are four routes to choose from when registering. Y Cawr (The Giant), Y Mynach (The Monk), Y Diafol (The Devil) and Y Corach (The Dwarf). Each of these routes set off between 8:00am and 9:30am. 

Are you brave enough to attempt Y Cawr, which is 105.8 miles (thought we'd let you know), or would you rather just do Y Corrach which is only 28.2 miles, slightly easier than the first. Those of you who believe that they will be able to complete Y Cawr, Y Mynach and Y Diafol will be glad to know that there is a feedzone in Devil's Bridge at the Hafod Hotel. 

In association with Aberystwyth  Cycle Festival, 21-30th May, 2017, we are offering to donate 10% of your booking back to Aber Cycle Fest 2017. Just use the Code: CycleTR.

This offer applies during May 1-31, 2017 and is subject to our Terms & Conditions and availability. Call us 01970 890 213 www.tynrhyd.com

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04/05/2017 - TYNRHYD RETREAT – JUST A WALK AWAY

Nestling between the mountains and the sea, Tynrhyd Retreat is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Mid Wales.

The former working farm, now a 5 star luxury retreat, is literally just a walk away from majestic mountains and captivating coastlines.

The area is already popular with walkers, and in May 2017 Tynrhyd will host Ramblers Cymru’s Big Walk.

On May 6th, 2017 hundreds of walkers of all ages are expected to don their boots and take to the footpaths in this stunning part of Wales.

“Known as the Red Kite country we are surrounded with wonderful wildlife and a wealth of outdoor activities, Tynrhyd Retreat is an ideal holiday location in Mid Wales for groups such as families, friends, corporate or social societies.  Tynrhyd Retreat is a walkers’ cyclists’ paradise as many trails start from our surrounding fields and also we are only a stone's throw from Bwlch Nant yr Arian forest centre with its various trails, picnic areas, visitor's centre and shop.”

Tynrhyd’s location in the village of Devil’s Bridge in the Ystwyth Valley is a favourite with visitors attracted by the wealth of opportunities to delve into the nature and history of the area or enjoy the thrills and spills of outdoor pursuits.

Visitors have been drawn to the Devil’s Bridge area for hundreds of years – its mixture of legend and stunning scenery in particular entranced the Victorians.

Today the spectacular waterfalls created by the River Mynach falling 300 feet into the River Rheidol have proved a sought-after location with filmmakers, and the surrounding area is the setting for the award-winning BBC Wales detective drama ‘Hinterland’.

The brooding mountains and dramatic coastline are the ideal backdrop for the hit bi-lingual drama, which is now in its third series. Such as been the public’s interest in Hinterland a series of themed walks has been devised with Tynrhyd chosen as the location for the enterprises’ launch in March 2015.

Tynrhyd is only 10 miles away from Aberystwyth and the Ceredigion coast, which forms part of the Wales Coast Path with breath-taking views across Cardigan Bay.

Head east from Tynrhyd and you’re into the Cambrian Mountains, the rugged backbone of Wales. Just 20 miles from Tynrhyd is the Elan Valley with walks for all abilities from challenging hikes to a leisurely stroll.

Tynrhyd has been Sian’s family home for generations, and the couple have lovingly restored and improved the farmhouse and barns to create the ideal event venue for family holidays, reunions, special occasions, and residential courses.

The couple has crafted luxury self-catering accommodation that can sleep more than 20 guests in three separate suites.

High tech kitchens and beautiful bathrooms have been installed, and Welsh oak beams crown the contemporary and cosy sitting rooms and bedrooms.

Facilities include a games room, hot tub and even a football pitch as well as ample parking for cars and coaches.

Tynrhyd Retreat is the perfect location to rest and relax after a long walk or an adrenalin-rushed activity.

The tranquillity and peacefulness along with a well-deserved soak in the hot tub after a long walk and feet up in front the fire makes a 

“Our guests love spending time here away from life’s bustling pace and want to discover the wild tranquillity of the Cambrian Mountains.  They are wowed by the spaciousness and high quality as they enter our heavenly secluded holiday property where they can enjoy a soak in our large hot tub after a long walk and put up their feet in front of a roaring fire.”

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Wedi cael penwythnos lysh. Diolch o galon

Tynrhyd, Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 4QX

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