Today the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, was welcomed by Fay Jones MP of Brecon and Radnorshire to visit the Fedw Equestrian Centre.
Fedw Equestrian Centre, is a working family farm situated at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The hill farm is owned by the Workman family, Sam, Will, Rhodri, Geraint and Gwilym. The farm has a prize-winning flock of Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and over the years, has diversified to include an Equestrian Centre, an Equine Retirement Home and a Memorial Garden.
The Workman family have looked beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic to lay the groundwork for keeping their family farm alive, enabled by a UK Government Bounce Back Loan.
Throughout Brecon and Radnorshire, the UK Government has provided an unprecedented package of support for individuals and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 7,300 jobs have been protected by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme.
• £12,900,000 has been provided to 4,300 self-employed people as part of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
• £31,843,951 has been provided to small companies as Bounce Back Loans
The Prime Minister began his visit by laying an engraved plaque at the base of a birch tree in the Memorial Garden, followed by an inspection of the award-winning flock of Fedw Black Welsh mountain sheep.
The Prime Minister then assisted Rhodri Workman shoe one of the many horses kept on the farm, before touring the indoor menage. In the menage the Prime Minister was treated to a local Pony Club demonstration by the children led by Ruth Gladman overseen by local vet, Liz Davies. . This was followed by a show jumping demonstration in the outdoor arena by Ffion Hemmings. (partner of Rhodri Workman)
Local Member of Parliament, Fay Jones MP said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister to Brecon and Radnorshire to see the positive impact UK Government support has had on local, rural businesses such as the Fedw Equestrian Centre. As we recover from COVID-19, it is vital that the rural economy is not left behind.
“Fedw Equestrian Centre has had a rough ride over the past few months, with the Welsh Government not allowing them to reopen the indoor menage. Support from the UK Government has been a lifeline – allowing them not only to stay afloat, but to plan and invest in the future of their business.
“I am impressed with the social distancing measures in place at Fedw Equestrian Centre and delighted that they have now been allowed to reopen. I would encourage visitors and locals alike to visit and support the centre safely, and I very much hope they enjoy the excellent facilities as much as the Prime Minister has today.”
