Talgarth Mill has made it to the finals of the World Responsible Tourism Awards in London and will share the World Global stage at London’s Excel Exhibition Centre with exotic destinations such as Coral Cay Conservation, Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge and Shangri La Vilingli Spa in the Maldives.

Julian Francis, founder of the World Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market in London said the finalists were “the shining stars of responsible tourism”. Chair of the judging panel, Professor Harold Goodwin, said: “Being a finalist for one of these awards is not easy… the organisations go through a rigorous process”

Felin Talgarth Mill is nominated as a finalist in the category “Best for Engaging People and Culture” in 2015. The Mill will be represented at the awards by Gez and Sue Richards. Gez has recently retired from managing the Mill but is delighted to now hold the banner for the Mill as a volunteer.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the mill has come this close to winning a world award – particularly for responsible tourism. It is just desserts for all the hard work put in by our magnificent team of volunteers at the Mill who have really done their bit in helping to put the little town of Talgarth firmly back on the map as a tourist destination. We can’t wait to see if we win.”

While the Bakers’ Table café carried off a Silver at the World Bread Awards this year, the mill itself has been no stranger to awards with no fewer than three Great Taste Awards for its flour this year. It also won the Silver Green Tourism Business Award in 2014:

“The Mill really is a ‘green’ business with water power at its heart. Nearly all the grain we mill is sourced locally and as well as using renewably sourced energy we use recycled paper and card, Fairtrade ingredients and environmentally responsible cleaning materials. What’s more, people never fail to receive a friendly welcome at the Mill – we receive wonderful feedback on how much people enjoy their visits,” Gez said.

The final judging for the Awards takes place on Wednesday (November 4). The day after, Gez and Sue take on a different world event – joining the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s World Sail event, crossing the Atlantic on the Tall Ship SS Tenacious – the first leg of the ship’s round the world voyage.