Telling the Story
Members of the Machstablau team have been telling people about the plans for the stables. They have been at Machynlleth Wednesday markets, and there is a display in the foyer of Plas Machynlleth.
Old Stables… New Life
Striking banners designed by Liz Fenwick are based on ideas from pupils of Year Five Ysgol Gynradd Bro Hyddgen.
“The pupils were delighted to take part in the project. They will appreciate the chance to work together again.”
Nia Wyn, Headmistress, Ysgol Gynradd Bro Hyddgen
Metal Detector Finds!
Metal detecting in the stables yard has given some exciting finds that are clues to its history.
This button made by J. Mann of Birmingham (1805-1843), may have been sewn onto the livery jacket of a groom or huntsman. Similar J. Mann buttons have been found at American Civil War sites.
A Dog Called Jim
When Year Five pupils made a visit to the stables, they found a stone dedicated to one of the Londonderry hounds back in 1938, a dog called Jim.
The stables building is often known locally as the Kennels. At one time, the Londonderry pack of foxhounds was kennelled on the site.
New Home for Bats
The Stables building has been home to several species of bats. These include the lesser and greater horseshoe bats, which are quite special. Following an expert bat survey, it was decided to include a space or void that will be a suitable roost space. This is in the new structure that will primarily be a cycle shed and drying space.
Support from the Press
An online Cambrian News article (14.10.24) told the story behind the Machstablau project and a video takes us inside to have a look at the horse stalls that will become sleeping accommodation for visitors.
“Machynlleth’s Old Stables/ Hen Stablau renovation is to capture historic discoveries as ground breaks on the renovation works.
The Hen Stablau team are working with people aged nine to 90 to document the works and capture the oral history of the 1840s building, once a stables and kennels for the Londonderry family who lived at the nearby Y Plas Georgian mansion.”
Debbie Luxon, Cambrian News
Celebrating with Murals
Five groups in Machynlleth are creating murals to remind people about the past story or the Old Stables and why they are important today. The murals on panels will be installed on the walls of the redundant toilet block in the Plas gardens this summer.
The groups taking part are Ysgol Gynradd Bro Hyddgen, Ieuenctid Machynlleth Youth, the Machynlleth Home Education Group, the Explorer Scouts, and residents at Cartref Dyfi.
Learning Something New!
As well as building a new home for bats in the Old Stables courtyard the community programme is making people aware of their important place in the ecosystem.
The Home Education Group started their mural project with a bat educational session led by Caroline de Carle. It is hoped that there will be more educational opportunities as the Stables project proceeds.
These might include an archaeological activity, and links to gardening with Gerddi Bro Ddyfi.
A Record on Film
As part of the process of telling the story of the Stables, locally known as the Kennels, Anne Marie Carty is recording the restoration of the building and she is also interviewing people in the community who have memories of the Stables and of Plas Machynlleth.
She is taking this opportunity to introduce some of the young people in the community project to the skills of video filming.