Super new members – say hello
Check out the following businesses that have just joined the Association – Tweet, Facebook and LinkedIn with your network, and don’t forget to say hello.
- The Coach House, self-catering at Staunton
- Canoe the Wye, an activity at Symonds Yat West
Existing members have the following addtional listings
- The Lodge Rooms, B&B in Coleford
- Puzzlewood Cottages, self-catering in Coleford
Dates for your diary
Our next two meetings are being held at attractions we have not visited before.
- On Wednesday 20 April we are holding an evening meeting at Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens, St Arvans, starting at 18.00. The meeting will be held in the ballroom but come early and explore the lovely gardens and see the latest sculpture exhibition.
- We will be holding our AGM and a general meeting at The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth on Wednesday 25 May starting at 11.00. As well as the formal business there will be an opportunity to learn about one of Monmouth’s hidden gems and one of the oldest working theatres in Wales.
- On Wednesday 15 June thee Birds of Prey Centre, Newent, will be hosting an evening social even. Come along for drinks and nibbles and to watch a flying demonstration.
Do try to attend – we look forward to seeing you there.
Tourism Forum
Over 100 people attended our annual tourism forum, held at Hartpury College on Friday 11 March. As well as an update from the Association we had presentations from Visit Britain, Creative England, South West Tourism Growth Fund and FreetoBook. More locally we heard from Gloucestershire First LEP and local MP, Mark Harper. We were also fortunate that the Rt Hon David Evennett MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, found time to visit the Forest during English Tourism Week and he gave a lively keynote speech and Q&A session. A good day out! Read the full report.
The Wye Valley River Festival
It’s not long now to the River Festival, 29 April to 15 May – read their latest newsletter to find out how you can be involved. A guide to the event and a map are available from a range of outlets or from the AONB Office in Monmouth and further information is on the festival website.
Can you help?
Traverse16, the UK’s biggest weekend travel blogging conference, will be held in Cardiff in conjunction with Visit Wales over the weekend of 8 – 10 April 2016. The Association will have a stand there on Saturday 9 April and it would be great if one or two people were able to assist. If you can help, please contact Fiona Wilton, fionawilton@btopenworld.com.
Support the National Eisteddfod
Held during the first week of August every year, the National Eisteddfod is a celebration of the culture and language in Wales. This year it is being held in Abergavenny from 29 July to 6 August and will attract over 150,000 people. A charity race evening in support of the Eisteddfod is being held at Chepstow Racecourse on Tuesday 10 May and is an opportunity to give your support via the hospitality and sponsorship programme. Further details.
South West ‘How’s Business?’ Survey
We are now collecting data for the FEBRUARY 2016 South West ‘How’s Business?’ Survey and it would be helpful if you could enter your data. As a thank you for taking part, participants will be re-directed to the full report for the previous month. The latest survey link for circulation is as follows:
http://tswrcresearch.hbfeb16.sgizmo.com/s3/
The deadline for completions is Monday 4TH April 2016.
Congratulations
Well done to the following members.
- Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens shortlisted for ‘The Cultural Attraction Award’ at The Regional Awards! Sponsored by ‘It’s on Cardiff’. They are up against some major attractions including The Roman Baths and the SS Great Britain. Give them your support by voting for them here.
- Hanley Farm Shop have won the award for Small Farm Shop of the Year 2016. Further details.
This and That
- News and events from The Growth Hub, supporting Gloucestershire businesses
- Are you ready for the new season? A recent newsletter from VisitWales has a few tips on ensuring you have the basics right. It’s relevant to all and worth a quick read.
Our latest Blogs
- The UK Small Farm Shop of the Year 2016 is on our doorstep
- Great Moos for Local Cow Artist
- Volley of voices along the valley
- Reasons to Visit the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean This Week
- New sculptures arriving at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
- Reasons to Visit the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean This Week
- Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens is shortlisted in The Regional Awards
- Reasons to Visit the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean this week
- Tour of Britain coming to #DeanWye in 2016
- Tourist Information Centre on track for opening
Members’ Newsletters and Blogs
- vlog from Great British Flowers
- A new shop in St Briavels from Wyedean Deli
- Mary Rose Young Pottery
