Evan-Evans Top Welsh Brewer - Cwrw top Welsh Brand at British Beer Festival

Award winning Brewer Evan-Evans was voted the top Welsh drink at the True Taste of Wales Awards at Abergavenny last night (Nov 19). The award is the second major prize for the company’s brands in the last 12 months.The company was voted the third best brewer in the UK in the Best Bitter Category at the Great British Beer Festival, the UK’s leading consumer Beer Festival. Chief executive Simon Buckley said: “This year my family celebrate 240 years of family brewing in Wales. “We have had a record year for winning awards. Cwrw has been voted the best beer in Wales for draught beer, and now for the bottled version. I am extremely proud to win this award in this very special year for us as a family. I am also very proud to be carrying on the tradition of brewing great beers. We hope that Cwrw will now become the National Ale of Wales. This award is a huge credit to our brewing team in Llandeilo, and they are now unquestionably the best brewing team in the specialist market in Wales. We are now brewing for some of the biggest national and regional brewers in the UK, and hope to launch a series of new cask ale brands in the early spring. There is little question that the market is difficult and likely to get worse, but there is no doubt that winning these awards will keep us at the very top of Welsh brewing.” The brewery is based in Llandeilo West Wales. Some Facts About Cwrw Cwrw is Welsh for beer. Evan-Evans is owned by Simon Buckley, 51, whose family have brewed in Wales since 1767, Evan-Evans has a reputation for brewing the highest quality cask-conditioned beers. Evan-Evans is Wales’s largest specialist brewer of cask ale. The company started brewing in 2004 to produce specialist cask ales for the Welsh and national guest ale market. A few words about the Buckley brewing tradition The brewing heritage of the Buckley family stretches back to the early 19th century after the Rev James Buckley married the eldest daughter of Henry Child who had founded Childs Brewery in Llanelli. It was set up to slake the thirst of the town’s tinworkers, who were rapidly increasing in numbers. The clergyman’s 18-year-old namesake James Buckley is today part of the seventh generation and each one before him has been directly involved in the industry. His father, Simon, was the last Buckley to brew at Llanelli before moving to London in 1984. Buckleys Brewery had the distinction of being the only Welsh brewer to hold a royal warrant. In 1991 it became Crown Buckley when it was taken over by a subsidiary of Guinness. It was sold to Brains in 1997 and the Llanelli Brewery closed a year later. Evan-Evans was actually founded in Llandeilo in 2003 and began brewing in 2004. It is named after William Evan-Evans who married into the family four generations ago. This summer Mr Buckley acquired the remains of Archers of Swindon for an undisclosed sum. Archers, which until March this year brewed in Swindon, went into administration following a period of difficult trading. The brewery has been acquired by the Buckley family to extend its Welsh brewing operation, and to give it access to new markets in the South West along the M4 corridor into London. In July, Mr Buckley opened a new traditional pub in Cardiff - the first traditional pub to be built in the city for 25 years. The £1million development in the former RAFA club in Cathedral Road represented a significant investment in the capital city for West Wales-based Welsh Estates Ltd and the Evan-Evans Brewery. Mr Buckley was responsible for the development of the Cayo Arms in Cardiff in 2000. The pub was voted one of the top 50 pubs in the UK after its launch. The new pub in Cathedral Road is called Y Cadno (The Fox).

COAST-2-COAST USA DAILY UPDATE: 28 MARCH 2009

Today's exciting trip news (reproduced with permission) from the Coast-2-Coast USA team - a bunch of brave dads/uncles/brothers/friends of children from the UK, cycling across the southern continental United States from Oceanside, California to St. Augustine, Florida to raise donations for the Children's Hospital for Wales and the Noah's Ark Appeal. Show them your support with pledges and, if you're on their route - especially at the end in St Augustine, Florida - turn out and welcome them, put them up or feed them or just buy them a beer! Previous days entries here:- March 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th , 28th Interview with Americymru member and Coast2Coast rider Gareth Evans:- here. Listen to Coast-2-Coast USA's Richard Belcher on Radio Glamorgan with Peter Cox!

Facts of Taos

On Wednesday 25, at 1300 hrs, the Coast 2 Coast charity cycle ride team met up with cyclists from Taos Cycle Club, New Mexico. We met a Randy, who was sent out as a scouting party at the Rio Grande bridge. He took a Welsh flag on to Taos main plaza where it was to be flown alongside the new Mexican flag. At 1330 hrs, at the KTAO parking lot in Taos, Rose Bauhs and Matthew Foster from the Taos cycle Club met us and welcomed the group. A police car then escorted us into downtown Taos stopping the traffic as the 25-30 cyclists were given the privilege of driving through red lights. At 1400 hrs, after a few miles we turned into the plaza where we were met by Zorro on his horse. The horse danced and twirled in front of us as we did three ‘laps of honour’ around the plaza. Circling the main gazebo/bandstand in the plaza the Taos High School Mariachi Band played and the whole welcome scenario overwhelmed us. Getting of our bikes we were invited to listen to the band whilst they went through some Spanish numbers with individuals and duets taking it in turn to take the lead vocal.

The Mayor made a welcome speech and we swapped gifts from Carmarthen’s mayor, Anthony Jenkins. Next up was Billy Archeleta, a local recording artist, who sang and played guitar on his own composition which was followed by La Bamba. Next up were Paul and Grace Jones who played their own beautifully composed music and finished with a number entitled, ‘Spanish Love’. Andy was asked to make a small speech and Marilyn, a Taos resident and a lady who was born in Wales and feels incredibly Welsh even though she hasn’t been home for many years MC’d the whole event. I was then presented by Lucy, a local Taos herbalist, with a concoction of local herbs to stave off the affect of altitude whilst cycling.

Marilyn and Randy showed the boys around the town, and took us to Dean Johnson’s Souvenir shop where presents were given and presents received.

We returned to the Alta Mount Ranch where we were hosted for the evening by the lovely Phyllis and Jan. After a long hot tub session we adjourned to the barn for an American style BBQ with all the friends who had welcomed us in the afternoon attending. Some more relaxing peace pipe music from Paul, delicious food, sponsored beer and wine gave everyone the chance to relax and reflect on their past experiences. With more giving of presents and speeches by Andy and hugs and kisses from Mervyn we tried to sing a few Welsh songs along with the National Anthem. Phil then provided some singalongs and the Barn party finally broke up after the group photos and goodbyes.

The next morning we were invited to take breakfast with Jan and Phyllis. An outstanding fare was provided with fresh strawberry smoothies and blackberry surprises followed by Blueberry pancakes, sausages and fresh coffee. We left with yet more presents and finally said our goodbyes at the Church of St Francis. An incredible day of welcome and hospitality – what are we - but memories.

Clovis to Sweetwater

New Mexico to Texas. It was only to take us 5 minutes to get into the next state but heavy snow and high winds meant the morning cycling was abandoned.

A visit to Wal Mart in Clovis, a cafe stop in Anton and interviews all round for the camera crew create a sense of under achievement. The weather subsides and as we move south we are met by tail winds that push us along at over 26 mph average. Time is made up and we arrive in Sweetwater along with the dusk of a bitterly cold Texan evening.

Austin tomorrow and everyone is up for an early start at 6 a.m. and the 240 miles that lay ahead!

COAST-2-COAST USA, 23 MARCH 2009

Today's exciting trip news from the Coast-2-Coast USA team - a bunch of brave dads/uncles/brothers/friends of children from the UK, cycling across the southern continental United States from Oceanside, California to St. Augustine, Florida to raise donations for the Children's Hospital for Wales and the Noah's Ark Appeal. Show them your support with pledges and, if you're on their route - especially at the end in St Augustine, Florida - turn out and welcome them, put them up or feed them or just buy them a beer! Yesterday they reached the Grand Canyon, can you spot them in the picture below?

Reproduced with permission from Coast-2-Coast USA Blog

Another Ode from Aus

The Grand Canyon was empty as a blizzard took its toll, we struggled riding through it and had to reach our goal, the bear remarked I thought that it was dry and full of sand? But looks to me more like an Irish heat wave in Lapland.

On arrival at our Hotel the porter he did say, the wind had knocked out all the lights, no food for us today, But Porth he had a cunning plan to erase the doom and gloom, and ushered all the women under 30 to their room.

Then Mervin asked a question the reply we didn’t know? The difference between a man and wife that were made out of snow? We sat around and pondered then Gareth he recalls, it’s easy really if you think the man has got snow balls

Steve Stone

Wodonga, Victoria, Australia

Spirit's High

After getting to the Grand Canyon Merv remarks that it was like going to Lapland and there being a heatwave. But nevermind!

Gar's #4

A frustrating day today, as the wind and snow have caused havoc. It all started so promisingly on good ol' 66, but by the time we got to Tusayan it had turned to the pits. The first leg for Rich and myself was ideal, a nice 5 mile descent to allow some freshness back in the legs. Having passed two freight trains, both with 100+ carrages attached, the rolling roads soon flew by. Similar terrain on the next stint, but a fierce wind, would could have come from stoney's hind end, continuing to blow us across the road. Had there been no wind, 25mph would have ben a breeze, but until good old tom tom pulled up in his trusty toyota, we were taking a good ok bashin. (just like the England pack...regardless what Rich says).

Opportunity followed to buy some gifts, and $100 lighter, we travelled to Williams, a town founded by good old Dai Williams from Tregaron. Probably not true, but it could be.

Our final leg of the day was probably the most dangerous experience I've had on two wheels. With ludicrous gusts of wind cutting across our path to our final destination, seeing rich and myself having to stop on several occasions to straighten up and get back on the road, TM stone calls safety first, it's it's all aboard for the last ten miles. So strong was the wind, that when they returned, ian looked more like Casper the ghost, as the prevailing winds almost blew them into the oncoming traffic.

We arrive at our hotel, only to find that the lovely breeze we had justcycled through, had cut off the power to the whole village. No power, no pool, no food...panic not, porth ha his wind up torch, a he offers to usher all females under the age of 30 to their rooms!!!

When this trip was a dream 2 years ago, we literally sat in front of a map and plotted famous landmarks that we'd love to visit...the most obvious being the grand canyon. Finally, we had arrived. Unfortunately for us, the Derek Brockway of Radio 66 mentined nothing of the winds, or the blizzard that it would bring. I know stand over the south ridge ofthe grand canyon, where the temperature has droped from 80 to freezing, it's tippin it with snow, and the visibility is nil!! Guess I'll have to come ban with leri and gwenno fach again. 3 down, however many left to go, I make it 20% done.

The one shining light of the day was news filtering from I'm that rafa's boys had smashed villa. 3 massive wins on the bounce...momentum is increasing. God willing by the time I get back to the uk, they'll be a little higher. Goosgog, bradders, keep looking over your shoulder.

10-4. Pops


News from Taos

www.taoscycleclub.com

On Wednesday 25, the Welsh team will meet up with local cyclists, 1:30 pm, at the KTAO parking lot. Rose Bauhs and Matthew Foster will be there to ride and to assist with the co-ordination. (Many thanks to you both). We will have a motorcycle police escort.

We're aiming for a non-stop turn around which means that there won't be much time for meeting and greeting at that location. We're aiming to get the team to the Plaza for 2:00 pm. The Taos High School Mariachi Band will start up as soon as the team arrives there, and the Mayor will make a welcome speech. So we're going to do our best not to keep them waiting.

For those who are interested, the riders blog is:

If you want to keep up with the team as they head this way, here is their blog. Ahh, the world of international bike riding. http://walescoast2coastusa.blogspot.com

And I just received this link to a BBC article. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7943054.stm. It gives an informative, brief summary of the hospital fund raising and the ride. And Taos gets its very first mention! Lots more after the visit I know.

I'll be on Breakfast with Nancy, KTAO, tomorrow (Monday) morning at 9.15 to talk about the ride.

I do hope to see as many of you out there as can make it.

My best regards, Marilyn


Rich's #6

We started off back on route 66 and our first 20 mile stint went like a dream. Then sat in the van ready to do the next 20 we were looking at miles of gradual descending roads and eager to get on the bang. That is right until Stoney opened the door and the wind sent it flying. What ensued was an hour and a half of struggling to remain upright as we faced the cyclists biggest enemy - the crosswind.



So it was less kapow and more gulp as my hands, wrists, arms and shoulders gave my legs a rest as I hung on for dear life. The winds remained all day and as we approached our destination of Tusayan brought with it snow. Amazing the contrast in weather between today and the previous few as sun cream was replaced with extra layers of clothes. Tusayan is right on the edge of the Grand Canyon so we all went down to the viewing platforms to see absolutely nothing as visibility is so poor. Let's hope we can see more in the morning as we're cycling through the park.


Just a Short One

We leave Kingman travel out on Route 66 with mighty cross winds that people estimate between 45 and 60 mph - eventually arrive in the Grand Canyon to heavy snow and freezing conditions. Tomorrow it will be sunny and on we go to Mexican Hat and Monument Valley. Spirits are high!!


Twentynine Palms, CA – Kingman, AZ

In sporting terms, personally, today can be classed as a ‘s**t sandwich’, two great legs to start, two great stints to finish…an hour of pain in-between.

The day began with Rich and myself taking over from the bear and the Kitten, with a gradual, constant climb. Thankfully, the legs seemed great following yesterdays’ final ling…where a bonk was almost imminent (not that sort of bonk!!), and although the sun was starting to cook, the electrolytes, skins and a large supreme thin base from Pizza hut seemed to have done the job.

First leg down, second coming up, and as it mirrored the first, the words ‘relentless’, ‘constant’ and ‘never-ending’ were regularly delivered from Keanu Belcher. Again, constant gradual climbing, no relief for the legs whatsoever, and the sun again…cooking. The difference compared to back home, the straight roads. Not even a kink in the road could offer the relief of even thinking that a plateau was imminent. Constant, relentless, never ending climbing.

More so, when sitting in the van, it seemed that every time we swapped, we seemed to miss a descent. We can't complain, I’m sure this was my tired mind playing tricks on me, but if not, it was payback for yesterday’s stunning descent into Palm Dessert.

The third leg began with a downhill…relief, but the hills had taken their toll, and with very short recovery periods, the legs again felt empty, not a ‘bonk’ empty, just unable to get them going. Again, I must apologise to rich…who was like a dog on heat just trying to pull me along…but to no avail.

By now, the other group had set, and a change of tact brought increased periods of recovery. An hour in the van, some more ‘Go’ juice and a few slices of leftover pizza hut special, and there seemed to be a bit of ‘hwyl’. Another constant climb, but a shorter stint felt great, and the worry that yesterdays tiredness had already set-in were put to rest, with eagles flying above, and a bit of ‘ipod’ relief, we were back on the road. By now also, the Belcher had a grin from ear-to-ear…as Martin Johnson’s men leapfrog the Welsh in the 6Nations. “You must be s**t if you’re behind England, says the Gillingham fan (who lost 3-0 today).

Increased recovery seemed to bring a second wind to the whole group and the Bear, the Belcher and Phillipousis complete their legs, into a wind. By now, good time has been made, and Kingman doesn’t seem that far away. My penultimate leg leads to a 5mile climb, again, not the steepest, but continuous, and the theme for the day seems to have been set…then comes 10mile descent down to Davis Dam, which seemed great, but had to be carefully taken due to high crosswinds and regular gravel traps.

We end in style, as a four, reaching our destination as the sun sets over the Arizona dessert, on good ol’ Route 66. This route is the only one I believe to go the length of the states, and as Rich and myself covered a good 10miles earlier in the day, it seemed strange that we had rejoined 7 hours later. Why don’t we stick on this road??? The answer will be evident tomorrow.

Highlights of the day has to be the little rant by TM Stone, as he steered HMS Hwyl for the first time this morning. Almost ready to digest the Sat-Nav, the silhouette of the Bear on the horizon saved the sat nav in the nick of time. The fact the crew still don’t have a map is great, and as we’re almost there, is there any point in buying one now??

The vistas of the Mojave were spectacular, the salt beds, the Joshua trees, the deserted towns spread across the plains, that were obviously once thriving hubs, now more a scene of a Hollywood Horror flick. News also of victories for Fulham and Spurs bring a cheer…Rafa’s boys must complete the job tomorrow.

Boston British Consulate Looking for Welsh Ex-patriots, Welsh Americans, and People with a Love for Wales

The Welsh National Assembly and the British Consulate of Boston are looking to connect with the Welsh presence in New England. March 1st, 2009 is Saint David's Day. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales, and on the days surrounding March 1st the Boston British Consulate and the Boston Cymrodorion Society will be organizing and sponsoring a number of Saint David's Day events. A classic Welsh hymn sing called a Gymanfa Ganu will be held in Salem, MA. Lectures on Welsh history, a Saint David's Day polar bear plunge, and a Saint David's Day feast will be celebrated. To cap off the events Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of Wales will be joining us at the British Consulate at 1 Memorial Drive in Cambridge, MA for a celebration on Monday, March 2nd.

If you are from Wales, of Welsh ancestry, or simply have a love for all things Celtic contact Phil Wyman the Boston Saint David's Day representative for the British Consulate and the Welsh National Assembly at 978-578-1785, on the internet at http://www.freewebs.com/cymrodorion/, or by e-mail at BostonWelsh@gmail.com.

Crafting the Spoon

I have been working on the spoon bowls and have roughed them out to almost their final look. The first pic shows the front view and the second shows the back.

I am a firm believer that a good lovespoon must have a really well carved bowl. My research through the museums of Wales has shown me that in the olden days, a great deal of effort was put into the bowls, no matter how adept or crude the carver. When you stop to consider the rather meager tools that many of these young men would have had access to, some of their work borders on miraculous.

Many of the spoons I see for sale on the 'gift shop' type lovespoon sites suffer from extremely poorly designed and carved bowls. In many it appears the bowl was just an afterthought which was only grudgingly included so that the piece of wood is recognizable as a spoon. I think this is a great shame as the bowl lends a quiet dignity to the proceedings. Lovespoons are busy and vibrant things with the handles often being a veritable riot of activity. An elegant bowl acts as a real visual anchor and can have a quieting effect on the overall design. It also is a real measure of a carver's skill to get it even and fair with the right 'look'. I spend a good deal of time fussing with the bowl and I honestly believe that the effort I put in on an easily overlooked detail pays big dividends at the end of the job.

But that is enough sermonizing (is that a word?...it is now) for one day. I just hope that you'll agree with me that so far this double bowl has a very romantic feel to it and that it is doing a good job symbolizing 'union'.

Thank you for dropping by to see how things are progressing! I hope that you will be inspired to join our efforts to initiate an Eisteddfod in Portland and I look forward to reading your comments.