The Library and Learning Resources department at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has launched a new special collections exhibition both on campus and online to kick start the University’s bicentenary celebrations.
Bishop Thomas Burgess and his vision for a Welsh College
The bicentenary commemorates the establishment of St David’s College, Lampeter on 12 August 1822 through the laying the foundation stone which marks the beginning of higher education in Wales. From the seeds sown in Lampeter over two centuries ago and the development of our campuses, we have grown into a multi-campus, dual-sector University providing vocationally relevant programmes in partnership with employers.
The exhibition ‘Bishop Thomas Burgess and his vision for a Welsh College’ looks back at Bishop Burgess’s vision to create a higher education institution in west Wales. He established St David’s College, Lampeter to provide local Welsh-speaking men who wanted to join the priesthood an education.
The first half of the exhibition describes Burgess’ vision for a college in West Wales and how for over twenty years Bishop Burgess was committed to the vision. The archives hold a large number of letters and documents that reveal the tremendous work he undertook to achieve the vision.
The second half of the exhibition talks about Bishop Burgess’ own sizeable collection of books which he bequeathed to Lampeter. The collection includes a magnificent 1279 manuscript of the Vulgate, and a copy of The Golden Legend, describing the lives of saints, printed by Williams Caxton’s successor Wynkyn de Worde.
Alison Harding, Executive Head of Library and Learning Resources said: “I’d like to welcome everyone to our first Special Collections and Archives exhibition of 2022. Bishop Thomas Burgess was committed in his vision to create a higher education institution in west Wales, so it is fitting that we celebrate here the life and work of Bishop Burgess as the university enters its bicentenary year.
“The University Archives hold a large number of letters and documents which reveal the tremendous work he undertook to achieve this vision. They tell a story of a man dedicated to his role as Bishop of St David’s, who was also committed to the provision of educational opportunities in his diocese. Through this exhibition we can be inspired by this remarkable individual and be motivated to continue to build on his legacy to transform education and transform lives.”
The exhibition will be on show from January 4th until the end of the month at the Lampeter campus Library, and in the Fforwm Library on the Swansea Waterfront campus. The exhibition also will be available to view online too.
City centre shoppers are enjoying a sociable and relaxing new experience in Swansea Market.
Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Mary Jones at the launch of Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden
The iconic venue has just become yet more welcoming.
The Market Garden – a new area at the heart of the venue – is a new place where people can eat, work and enjoy themselves. They take food and drink there having bought it from nearby market stalls.
Its launch was welcomed on Saturday, December 4, with a visit by Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Mary Jones.
Ailie Kenna at the launch of Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden
Gwaun Cae Gurwen Brass Band helped usher in the new era, there was more music from singer-songwriter Ailie Kenna and there was fun with festive characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, The Grinch and Elf on the Shelf.
Elf on the Shelf at the launch of Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden
The market’s Christmas-themed best dressed stall competition was won by Janet’s Café, with Arlene’s Sweetie Jar and Nonna’s running the winner close.
The green-themed Market Garden, developed by Swansea Council, features more than 170 plants together with an assortment of comfortable, garden-style tables and chairs for visitors to enjoy food and drink bought from a wide variety of market stalls.
The new young plants will grow to make the space more green, any plants struggling to bed in will be replaced and seasonal flowers will also be added at appropriate times.
The new attraction’s name celebrates a previous era when the centre of the venue was traditionally home to a flower market.
Operated in line with latest Covid guidelines, it has power charging facilities, recycling bins and a water station to refill water bottles. Free public Wi-Fi is planned.
Highchairs are available to those with young children. There are warmers for baby bottles and food – and there’s a toddlers’ play table.
For the first time, dog lovers can take their well-behaved pets to the market. Dogs can enjoy a bowl of water at Swansea Jack’s kennel – as long as they follow the market’s new “doggie rules.”
Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden eating, meeting and greeting area
Bakery stallholder Jan Evans said: “The Market Garden is a fantastic addition to the market in an area that was previously not very heavily used.
“Visually, it’s a huge improvement and it’s wonderful to see our customers enjoying using this new facility already.
“I’m really looking forward to having new events there and I’m sure it’ll prove to be of benefit to everyone in the market.”
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The market will play a key role in Swansea’s great future, being led by our £1bn regeneration scheme.
“Its Market Garden is part of a £440,000 improvement programme at this wonderful venue. It’s accessible, inclusive, well managed and will bring new footfall for traders to benefit.
“It’s designed for the benefit and enjoyment of all customers – for meeting friends and family, catching up on work and enjoying the fantastic range of food available from the market.
“It’s set to become a popular destination and is a flexible space that can also host events and exhibitions which will help attract a broader audience.”
Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden eating, meeting and greeting area
The market, run by the council, attracts more than four million shoppers a year in non-pandemic times and is the permanent home to more than 100 businesses.
The Market Garden, which is close to the famous cockle stalls, is visible from every direction due to its 7.5m-high pergola, the shape of which mirrors the market’s monumental domed roof.
The new attraction’s design and name were decided by the public as part of a consultation exercise this year. Traders had an input too.
Key for the traders was maintaining sight lines across the market. This was achieved by designing an open pergola without any walls but onto which decorative features can be hung to add greenery and create atmosphere.
The Market Garden stands on a formerly under-used and relatively unattractive space in the centre of the market. It previously had tables rented by the day by casual traders.
They have ceased trading in that area but will remain in the market, hiring other space. They have the option of using a smart new area a few yards away, next to the world-famous stalls that sell cockles, laver-bread and other delicacies.
Swansea’s Market’s new Market Garden eating, meeting and greeting area
People are being given the chance to help shape the revamp of Carmarthen town centre’s bus station.
Carmarthenshire County Council, working with transport engineering group Atkins, has secured funding to improve and enhance the bus station in Blue Street.
Feedback from investigations and user surveys show that the existing bus shelters are too small and do not provide sufficient shelter for waiting passengers.
These are being replaced with two new continuous shelters to provide better weather protection and ‘green-roof’ canopies to help capture carbon and attract bees and butterflies.
A small number of hornbeam trees that are constrained by the current shelters will need to be removed, however a larger range of new trees and ornamental shrubbery will be planted to compensate and add more greenery to the Blue Street area.
Further improvements will include the widening of the central reserve and enhanced landscaping of the area to bring people closer to nearby shops and businesses.
The council and Atkins are now seeking public views to help them shape final design proposals.
Members of the public, town centre businesses and stakeholders, public transport operators and users, and anyone else with an interest in the scheme, is being invited to provide feedback on the plans and ask questions about the scheme.
Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Encouraging people to use public transport and sustainable travel options is a key priority for the council.
“These improvements will not only enhance the bus station but also support our commitment to tackling climate change by introducing more green infrastructure, helping capture carbon emissions and attract a diversity of wildlife.
“The work ties in with other town centre improvements to encourage people into town and provide more safe space for people and businesses as part of our post Covid-19 economic recovery plan.
“A few small trees that are currently constrained will need to be removed as part of these works, but we look forward to bringing the county’s first green roof bus shelters to Carmarthen and planting more trees than we are removing to capture more carbon emissions than the current bus station can.”
Construction is due to start in January and will take around three months to complete.
The council and Atkins will work with local businesses to ensure minimal disruption around delivery times and peak periods, with parking and loading bays maintained throughout the works.
Signage and information will be posted in advance and during the works to redirect buses and passengers to temporary stops just around the corner in Lammas Street, near the Rose and Crown.
The historic turbine house located in Margam Country Park has been restored to once again provide electricity for the Margam Estate.
Turbine House, Margam Country Park (Image: NPT Council)
The Turbine house was built in 1891 for Emily Charlotte Talbot, who commissioned the development of a hydro-electric scheme powered by a nearby fishpond. The original turbine generated enough electricity to power 400 lamps. It is thought Margam Castle was the second domestic dwelling to have electricity in Britain at that time.
During the 1950s, the original turbine was removed and taken to South Africa. The replacement turbine has now been fully restored after being neglected for many years.
The restored turbine can now produce approximately 25KW of renewable energy which will be used to power the buildings on the Margam Estate, including the prestigious on-site wedding venue, The Orangery.
The hydro-electric scheme creates no emissions while in service and any unspent energy will be fed back to the National Grid. The project will bring savings to the operation of the country park, reduce the carbon footprint and provide an educational resource for local residents, visitors and schools.
Cllr Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “This project neatly combines part of Margam’s history with the council’s modern day Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy (DARE) strategy and I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this valuable renewable energy source back to life.”
The turbine restoration project was overseen by Neath Port Talbot Council, with support from Cadw and the Friends of Margam Country Park who worked closely with Heidra, the company responsible for restoring the ancient turbine.
Steve Ritchie from Heidra said: “Heidra was delighted to be asked by Neath Port Talbot Council to refurbish the 1920s hydro-electric system at Margam Country Park. The turbine, which originally powered the castle electrics before the National Grid existed, has now been upgraded with a modern control and efficient electric generator to supply both heat and clean green electricity to power the Park.”
In addition to housing the turbine, the building will also be used as a workshop and exhibition space for the Friends of Margam Park.
The turbine is open to the public to view, which will help promote and give an insight into the important development of modern-day renewable energy generators.
Fishpond, Margam Country Park (Image: NPT Council)
The people of an historic Swansea area are to take a big step forward this weekend – by taking a colourful step back.
Morriston Tabernacle – a Victorian gem at the heart of the community
Residents and businesses of Morriston are being encouraged to take part in a Victorian-themed Christmas event.
Shops are being invited to dress their windows in period style, entertainment is planned for Woodfield Street, the main shopping street – and residents will be asked to shop locally.
Business staff are being urged to dress like the Victorians – anything from the landed gentry to miners and copper workers.
The Christmas event – this Saturday, November 27 – is being organised by Swansea Council which already has a regeneration project focused on the celebrated Victorian landmark Morriston Tabernacle.
Peter Taunton – a town crier set to appear at Morriston Victorian Day
Those playing part in the fun will include Peter Taunton – a town crier, Ceri Phillips – a storyteller, Susan – a vintage barrel organ, and Pontarddulais Town Band.
Other attractions will include a circus skills workshop hosted by Swansea-based Circus Eruption, an appearance by the Mari Lwyd figure – and 11am and 3pm screenings of Morriston Tabernacle short film Towards the Light at the chapel.
Susan the barrel organ – set to appear at Morriston Victorian Day
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Morriston has great heritage and we all want it to have a great future.
“The Victorian Christmas event – the day after Morriston’s annual Christmas lights switch-on and parade – will help focus attention on shopping locally. It will bring more people to town – and more business.
“We hope that local businesses, groups and individuals will throw their support behind the initiative. It should be a fun and colourful day!”
Pontarddulais Town Band – set to appear at Morriston Victorian Day
Fliers have been distributed to shops on Woodfield Street – and businesses are being encouraged to run special offers on the day.
The plans include food and drink stalls, children’s entertainment, music and heritage exhibitions.
Roads will remain open as activities and performances take place. The Glantawe Lions will sponsor a competition for the best shop window displays.
Funding for the event is from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Town Centre Business Fund.
Morriston Victorian Day 10am-6pm, Saturday November 27
Ceri Phillips – a storyteller set to appear at Morriston Victorian Day
Three eye-catching road rainbows will add colour and further vibrancy to Wind Street, Swansea’s emerging new all-day destination.
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
The multi-coloured designs will span a newly-laid road being installed as part of the street’s Swansea Council-driven regeneration.
One has already been installed – two more will follow.
The 20mph one-way road – which will be accessible only to business traffic (and only then from 7-11am every day) – will also feature three informal pedestrian crossings complete with tactile kerbsides for those with a disability.
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Elliott King, the council’s LGBTQ+ champion, said: “Swansea is a welcoming and diverse city. Wind Street will further add to its appeal – and our colourful areas of rainbow road will strengthen this message.
“They will reflect the positive messages associated with designs used by those celebrating LGBTQ+ life.”
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Businesses are eager for the ‘new’ Wind Street to open; we’ve already been working with them to make it a welcoming day-time destination with restaurants opening out onto the street for families and visitors.
“The main work is on track to be practically completed by the end of this month so that the Christmas season should be a good one for Wind Street businesses.
“Our rainbow-coloured artworks will celebrate and promote Swansea’s diversity. Wind Street will be an inclusive environment; we want everybody to be free to enjoy it with friends and family without fear of intimidation, intolerance or hatred.”
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Wind Street will play a key role in the city centre’s wider £1bn regeneration story.
Work on the street’s £3m upgrade began early this year after businesses and residents had given their views on the area’s future. Council engagement with local groups, traders and residents continues.
The street will be at one level so that is disability- and pedestrian-friendly.
The upgrade will help bring new enjoyment for the public and more business for those trading there.
Currently at the heart of the city’s night-time economy, Wind Street will become an all-day destination with more opportunities for family fun, eating and meeting for coffee.
Restaurants, bars and cafes have already started offering opportunities to meet and socialise on outside areas as well as inside.
Lighting is being improved, there will be new trees and planted areas, more places to sit and relax, and more natural light allowed into the street so people can better enjoy this conservation area’s special buildings. Biodiversity will be improved.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The ultimate aim is a welcoming, safe and enjoyable family destination for visitors and businesses while also recognising the needs and wishes of residents of all abilities.
“There’ll be more emphasis on pedestrian priority, more footway space all at one level, new public lighting and street furniture and more seated areas to create a more family-friendly environment.”
