Latest news with #Cadw
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
Caerphilly Castle reopens after two-year renovation
Wales' biggest castle has reopened after two years of renovations aimed at "reconnecting communities with their heritage".The £8m worth of upgrades to Caerphilly Castle include a reconstruction of the Great Hall to how it appeared in its "medieval heyday", as well as new digital exhibits and accessibility improvements."The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years and… we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come," said Jayne Bryant MS, housing and local government 13th Century structure was built by Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, as a fortress against Welsh resistance. The castle – the second biggest in the UK, behind Windsor - reopened on Saturday to include new interactive exhibitions that tell stories of the castle, including "power struggles, betrayals and liaisons with people who built and fought over the castle", according to Welsh heritage body is also an exhibit on John Crichton-Stuart, the fourth Marquis of Bute, who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.A medieval passageway connected to the Great Hall has been opened for public access, while there have also been repairs to a major gatehouse. New paths and ramps, as well as a wildflower garden, have been for Culture Jack Sargeant, said the renovation has "made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone"."The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations," he Bryant said, the upgrades were "about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies".
Rhyl Journal
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Cadw unveils summer of family events at North Wales castles
The programme, running through July and August, invites people of all ages to take part in a variety of historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities. The events are set in castles, abbeys, and ancient landmarks across the country. Caerphilly Castle, Wales' largest castle, will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 19, after two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment. Visitors can look forward to exploring newly enhanced areas. Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said: "Our summer events are all about making history fun and engaging for families. "From meeting medieval characters and witnessing dramatic falconry displays to discovering the secrets of ancient ruins and enjoying fairytale picnics, there's something to capture every imagination. "Plus, with free entry for children under adult memberships, it's a fantastic way to experience Wales' heritage together." With more than 60 events scheduled over the school holidays, some of the standout moments from this summer's programme include: North Wales Fairy Tale Picnic (Denbigh Castle) - Saturday, July 19, 10am - 4pm. Pack a picnic for Denbigh Castle's annual Fairy Tale Picnic, a magical day of music, stories, and imagination. Medieval Festival (Beaumaris Castle) - Saturday, August 23 to Monday, August 25, 10am - 5pm. The castle will be alive with knights, lords and ladies, jesters, musicians, and craftspeople. Medieval Merriment (Castell Caernarfon) - Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 11am - 4pm. Discover a world of medieval marvels as the castle comes alive with the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages. Conwy Jester Days (Castell Conwy) - Every Wednesday between July 23 and August 27, 10am – 4pm. Entertainment by Conwy's longest-serving jester, Erwyd le Fol, for a day packed with medieval mischief, juggling, and comedy. Tales of Wales (Castell Cricieth) - Thursday, July 24, 10.30am - 4pm. Step into the world of ancient Welsh legends at Castell Cricieth, where stories older than the castle itself come to life. Dragon Days (Castell Harlech) - Wednesday, July 30, and Thursday, July 31, 11am - 4pm. Meet the mighty dragon guardian of Castell Harlech and uncover the legends that surround this fire-breathing protector. Additional events across North Wales include: Medieval Re-enactment Weekend (Denbigh Castle), Friday, August 22, to Monday, August 25, 10am - 4pm. The Water Maid (Castell Cricieth), Sunday, August 24, and Monday, August 25, 11am – 3.30pm. Castell Harlech: Medieval Life Skills, Every Tuesday between July 22 and August 19, 11am - 4pm. Storytelling, Myths and Legends, various dates. Medieval Barber Surgeon, Wednesday, August 13, and Thursday, August 14, 11am – 4pm. Ardudwy Knights, Saturday, August 23, to Monday, August 25, 11am – 4pm. Castell Caernarfon: Medieval Mini Museum, Tuesday, August 19, to Saturday, August 23, 10am - 4pm. Badge Making Days, various dates. Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers, various dates. Cannon Capers, various dates. Plas Mawr: It's Party Time, Wednesday, July 30, and Saturday, August 9, 10am – 4pm. Meet the Household, Saturday, July 26, 11am - 4pm. Anne Boleyn, Saturday, August 30, 7pm – 8.30pm. Cadw is also hosting a programme of falconry events and expanded guided tours at selected locations across Wales. Cadw is encouraging visitors to book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. A Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships.
Western Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Cadw announces packed summer programme at Laugharne
Cadw has announced a packed programme of family-friendly events across Wales, including west Wales, with activities taking place at historic sites throughout July and August. The summer line-up features immersive experiences, interactive workshops and live re-enactments designed to bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: "Our summer events are all about making history fun and engaging for families. "From meeting medieval characters and witnessing dramatic falconry displays to discovering the secrets of ancient ruins and enjoying fairytale picnics, there's something to capture every imagination. "Plus, with free entry for children under adult memberships, it's a fantastic way to experience Wales' heritage together." More than 60 events are planned, with standout activities in west Wales. Laugharne Castle will host a Living History Weekend on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27. Guests can explore a medieval village, watch Civil War weapon demonstrations and take part in a mock archaeological dig. On August 2 and 3, the castle will transform into a scene of Victorian elegance with the Queen Victoria Afternoon Tea Experience, featuring period costumes and a glimpse into 19th-century refinement. Other events at Laugharne Castle include a Naval Living History Weekend on August 9 and 10, and a Willow Weaving Workshop on August 17. Cadw is offering an expanded programme of guided tours at select sites across Wales, including Oxwich Castle, with limited spaces available. Due to high demand, visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance. For those looking to explore even more, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 historic sites across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, providing an affordable way for families to enjoy Wales' heritage throughout the summer. Full event details and ticket bookings are available on the Cadw website.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Concerns over building firm hired to work on beloved Welsh attraction
Concerns over building firm hired to work on beloved Welsh attraction A whistleblower fears the project could 'turn into an absolute farce' Castell Coch in Tongwynlais, Cardiff (Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty ) Concerns have been raised over the choice of subcontractor for a key conservation project at a beloved Welsh tourist attraction. SSH Conservation Ltd – which last month changed its name to AAT (2025) Ltd – recently fell into administration owing more than £1.25m. A new company, led by one of the same directors, has taken on the SSH Conservation Ltd name and landed a major contract to work on Castell Coch, a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle in Tongwynlais, north Cardiff. The older firm's debts include £956,576 owed to the taxman but the Welsh Government says it has been assured "all necessary due diligence" was carried out in the tender. The Grade I-listed landmark is controlled by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, which has contracted a £2.52m conservation job involving the castle's well and kitchen towers to John Weaver Contractors Ltd – which in turn has now subcontracted a portion of the upcoming work to SSH. A source close to the project claimed to WalesOnline that the value of the work contracted to SSH is around £500,000. Companies House paperwork lists the older company's debts as totalling £1,256,834 to some 86 creditors including various small businesses and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). "Employees" are listed as unsecured creditors owed £44,188. Article continues below "The company had 21 employees," the administrators wrote last month. "However as a result of the administration they have all been made redundant." The new SSH was registered on Companies House in January as 'Abacus Building Conservation' before adopting its current name last month. It has yet to file accounts. The sole director is 51-year-old Jacob Motley, who is one of the three directors of the older business. Our source voiced concern the project could "turn into an absolute farce" if the new firm encounters difficulties. A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: "Following a rigid procurement and appointment process Cadw contracted John Weavers Contractors (JWC) as the main contractors in 2024 to carry out conservation work to the well and kitchen towers of Castell Coch. "Subsequent tender processes for domestic subcontractors were managed internally by JWC and one of the appointed subcontractors is SSH Conservation, who this year will be undertaking repointing, masonry repairs, and dismantling and rebuilding chimneys on both towers and have the necessary skills to undertake this specialist work." She added: "JWC have provided full assurances to Cadw that all necessary due diligence had been carried out." In a statement last month AAT's administrators, FRP Advisory, wrote that they did not believe the company could be rescued as a "going concern" due to "the level of historic debt". They went on: "In this administration it is proposed that the administrators will take the necessary steps to dissolve the company as it is not anticipated there will be any funds available for distribution to unsecured creditors." Why did the firm fall into administration? In a summary of AAT's struggles its administrators wrote last month: "The company was acquired by the current director in 2022 by way of management buyout and shortly thereafter began experiencing financial difficulties when it fell into arrears with HMRC and entered into a time-to-pay arrangement. "Escalating costs together with losses on some projects caused the company to reach a point where it breached the arrangement. "Its financial statements show that in the year ended March 31, 2024, it had a turnover of some £7.2m but reported a loss of £466,000. The directors sought advice from insolvency practitioners at FRP Advisory but owing to its insurmountable liabilities the company was placed into administration on April 22, 2025." Sally Strachey Historic Conservation Ltd was formed in Somerset in 2010 and shortened its name to SSH Conservation last year before changing its name to AAT last month. The SSH website says: "We undertake the repair and conservation of historic fabric across a range of projects that incorporate architectural stonework, archaeological sites, museum pieces, church monuments, historic plaster and render, sculpture, polychrome, and decorative surfaces." The conservation project is anticipated to take two years from when it began in April 2024. "Very damp conditions" in the well tower had been "damaging the fabric of the building", says Cadw. SSH and JWC declined to respond to questions. Article continues below If you know of a story we should be investigating email us at
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Historic Grade II-listed Welsh chapel set to be converted into flats
Historic Grade II-listed Welsh chapel set to be converted into flats The late 19th century chapel is located in a village at the heart of the Rhondda Valleys The Ainon Welsh Baptist Chapel was built in Ynyshir in 1886 (Image: WalesOnline ) A historic Grade II-listed chapel in the heart of a Welsh village could be converted into flats. A planning application is being considered to change the use of the Ainon Welsh Baptist Chapel in Ynyshir in the Rhondda into a "mixed-use facility" consisting of four residential apartments as well as lettable spaces for small business development. The chapel, located on Ffordd y Eisteddfod/South Street, was built in 1886 and is recognised by Cadw as a "good example" of a late nineteenth century valleys chapel with a largely unaltered design. However, the planning applicants state that the need to preserve chapels for their intended religious purpose has diminished to almost "no demand." The application, submitted by George and Co. Surveyors on behalf of a client, states that the applicant wants to create "much needed residential apartments" for the local community. It sets out to do so in a way that will "least affect" the heritage of the building. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here The plans propose the creation four two-bed residential flats on the ground floor of the chapel. Article continues below The second floor of the chapel, which currently consists of a three sided raked gallery with decorative vertically bowed cast iron fronts, would be converted to house small commercial units for local businesses. The second floor of the building would be used to create small lettable spaces for local businesses, while the four flats would be located on the ground floor (Image: George & Co./Rhondda Cynon Taf Council ) One of the planning documents states: "The proposal will help retain the existing fabric and a restored exterior will be retained for future generations to enjoy. "The implementation of the commercial spaces and gallery display area will also allow for future generations to enjoy the interior space and to be able to understand its layout and expression of design through the retention of a full height section of the building above the baptistry area. "The residential units will be located in areas of the building that will least affect the most prominent heritage fabric of the property, where as the small commercial units will help celebrate the iron work railings and baptistry of the chapel. This will help preserve the feel of the building and its historical function whilst allowing for the provision and development of much needed facilities within the area." All of the proposed changes are to the inside of the building. According to the application, the building is in "sound structural condition". Article continues below The applicants do not wish to "greatly affect" its external fabric beyond much needed repair and maintenance. One of the documents submitted to RCT council concludes: "We believe the proposal will retain the character and intrinsic nature of the property, but give it a new life."
