The Welsh Government’s decision to shelve any move to shorten the school summer holidays to five weeks instead of six at least until the next Senedd term has been welcomed by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

It’s not yet clear if the Welsh Government will re-consult on the structure of the school year or implement changes during the next Senedd term.

The RWAS objected to any proposal to shorten the school summer holiday that would prevent children and families from attending the Royal Welsh Show in July.

There was a fear that the show’s future could be jeopardised if it was held whilst schools were still open.

Welcoming the Welsh Government’s decision, RWAS chief executive Aled Rhys Jones said: “If our show had been forced to happen whilst Welsh children were still at school, its future viability would be in question. It’s the biggest event of its kind in Europe and contributes massively to Welsh culture and the economy.

“With pupils now free to attend the show, we can continue to provide them with the same valuable extra-curricular experiences and opportunities which we have always done. We can continue to be partners in educating our young people.”

RWAS Council chair Nicola Davies added: “We are extremely grateful to all our members for voicing their objection to the Government’s consultation.

“Their response proved that our festival is one that is appreciated by town and country residents alike. No-one will now be deprived the opportunity to attend the show, and the show will not be deprived its part in developing a prosperous Wales.

“But should the show’s existence be questioned again in the future, we’re confident that our loyal members would mount a further protection campaign.”

The Royal Welsh Show will be held from July 22-25 at the showground in Llanelwedd.

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR) is reaping the benefits of knowledge and skills transfer between its most senior volunteers and youngest employees.

Take Bob Smith, 81, an experienced pattern maker and former apprentice Adam Livingstone, now 27, for example.

The railway welcomed Bob to its Boston Lodge Works in Porthmadog as a volunteer in his early 70s after a career in engineering with Rover Cars in Leicester. He had retired to Penrhydeudraeth, with his wife, Lesley but word of his skillset soon reached the nearby FfWHR.

Because heavy work was becoming a challenge, Bob was paired with Adam who had just completed an apprenticeship in woodwork and was employed in the Carriage Works.

“When we began working together, Adam could see I knew my stuff and we got on like a house on fire,” explained Bob, who was 76 when he began volunteering. “We didn’t have a cross word in our years working together and I was able to pass on my skills, too. 

“Pattern making involves wood turning and sand casting to make a pattern to go to the foundry to turn out engineering parts. There was a lot for Adam to get his head around, like making patterns in contraction and taper, getting the angles right!”

Adam now runs his own business, Livingston Joinery, and is a contractor to FfWHR. “I had completed my apprenticeship and then went on to learn pattern making from Bob, skills I now use in my business.

“We already had the basics of hand tooling from the FfWHR apprenticeship and the concept of pattern making came when Bob joined as a volunteer. Having different generations working together is something the FfWHR does well.

“I am always surprised by the number of volunteers that come in later in life who, like Bob, want to carry on teaching people and passing on their skills as well as learning themselves.

“Without the railway to keep skills alive, trades like bench joinery will be lost with most people now working on site, not on traditional bench work.”

Bob said he is happy to retire now and enjoys relaxing in Spooners at the FfWHR Harbour Station. After finishing his apprenticeship at 21 and making patterns until April 2023, he clocked up over 50 years in the trade.

His volunteering is a legacy contribution to the skills at the world leading Boston Lodge Works. 

Caption: Adam Kingston and Bob Smith reminisce about making a complex pattern for a Kerr Stuart loco fuel pump.

An innovative Mid Wales business which is making waves in the luxury yacht market impressed a Welsh Government minister when he paid a visit yesterday (Wednesday).

Economy, Energy and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles was shown the design and manufacturing capabilities at Custom Marine Developments (CMD), based at Abermule Business Park, near Newtown.

Part of the £11.5 million turnover Makefast Group, based in Newtown, CMD specialises in bespoke engineering solutions for clients at the high end of the luxury marine market.

CMD’s design team works with many of the world’s leading superyacht builders, design houses and management services to provide innovative solutions for new build and retro fit projects.

The company’s installation team travels around the world to install products on superyachts and tenders, which are often a mini replica of the ‘mothership’.

Launched in 2020 with five staff, CMD now employs 17, with plans to take on more apprentices and specialist staff as business continues to grow.

Managing director Jack Miller told the minister that CMD has enjoyed 30% annual growth since it was launched and is on course to match that figure again this year.

He revealed that the company is already supplying 95% of the world’s tender builders and is now securing orders from superyacht builders, which he hopes to increase.

Chris Brown, Makefast Group’s chief executive, said: “CMD has built a reputation for its ability to provide bespoke products needed by boat builders. It’s a specialist  company operating in a niche market that has developed out of Makefast. There is great synergy and collaboration between the two companies.”

Mr Miles said: “I was delighted to visit CMD – part of the Makefast Group – at their unit in Abermule to see first-hand the company’s operations. It is a niche business which is growing and thriving here in Mid Wales and I wish it continued success.

“Building a more dynamic and productive Welsh economy is one of my top priorities and SMEs like Makefast and CMD have a critical role to play in making that a reality.“

Jack said: “We were delighted to welcome the minister and enjoyed showing him the prestigious products that we produce here. He was definitely interested in our business, particularly as we are making products for the high end marine market here in rural Mid Wales.

“He was keen to hear about the export support we have received from the Welsh Government and how effective it was.”