Preparations almost complete for Llan Fringe

Preparations are almost complete for this year’s Fringe festival.   There is a huge variety of events this year and it’s all about participation.    Organisers have put together eleven nights of superb entertainment with the blend of music and spoken word.   Stand-up comedy is back; World music; Welsh contemporary music with Gulp; Nostalgia with The Blockheads; Evenings with Alexi Sayle and Andrew Motion; Chartered Jazz Train on the Llangollen Steam Railway; Magical finale at Valle Crucis Abbey; Friday and Saturday dancing with The Dub Pistols, Alejandro and the Tombolinos and Yaaba Funk; and tickets are selling fast.         This year’s printed programme is twice the size of last year’s.   Organisers say it reflects the increasing number of events and activities that are happening in Fringe week.   Workshop sessions are really taking off, withs something for (almost) everyone to enjoy.   Online tickets – If you have bought tickets online, you won’t get them through the post. In an effort to save you money, Fringe staff ask that you bring a copy of the receipt (or identification) and you go straight in.   Festival Tickets – If you have bought a festival ticket, you will receive your pass when you attend your first event. If you haven’t, they are just £60.   Organisers say: "If you think that you may be able to help us during the festival this year, then please let us know. "You could help by distributing programmes to places of interest or community venues near where you live, stewarding or helping out at the workshops or concerts, or just generally giving us ideas of how to publicise the events to a wider audience. Please get in touch if you are able to help."   Bryn Fon will be playing with his band on Saturday 14th July in Llangollen Town Hall. The concert is being jointly staged by the Fringe and the International Eisteddfod. Doors open 7.30pm £12.50. (This event is not included in the Festival ticket).   PROGRAMME UPDATE Yaaba Funk (World Music from Ghanaian/London band) will replace Osibisa on Saturday 20th July. (Ticket price now down to £10).   Alun Cochrane will replace Paul Sinha on 18th July. Silkie of “Kill for a Seat” + special guest will be a great night of the best stand-up around.     The Festival Ticket is available to buy at our website: Tel: 0800 1455 779 or visit: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Team serving delicious strawberry teas

* The strawberry teas team at the Memorial Hall this afternoon.

llanblogger took these pictures earlier this afternoon (Saturday) of the team serving delicious strawberry teas, in aid of Llangollen Methodist Church funds, at the Memorial Hall in Market, opposite the car park.

We've just tried one and can recommend them.

They'll be serving teas until around 4pm today.

Scheme is on the lookout for young artists

Following the success of the art master class programme held for children Denbighshire Council’s Criw Celf is looking for young artists to enrol in the class of 2013.

The aim of the Criw Celf scheme is to allow children who have shown artistic promise and interest to practice and develop their skills, with master classes led by local professional artists.

There is room for up to 25 children, and the county’s primary schools and individuals are invited to nominate year 6 pupils who have shown artistic talent.

 Jo McGregor, Criw Celf Coordinator said: “The Criw Celf master class sessions have proved very popular, and they have proved to be real success, the professional artists who led the courses saw a real development in the skill and passion of these young artists.”
 
“We’re now looking for children in Year 6, who will be in Year 7 in September to become part of the 2013 Criw Celf class, so if you know a child who dreams of becoming an artist, then why not put their name forward?”
 
Members of the 2013 Criw Celf will attend a series of one-day master classes in the company of professional artists who specialize in various art genres.

A total of six days training will be on offer; as well as an art exhibition of their work. Each member will also receive an art pack containing various quality art materials so that they can practice drawing at home.
 
Sian Fitzgerald, Community Arts Development Officer at Denbighshire County Council added:
“I am delighted that Denbighshire’s children will again this year be able to make the most of the pioneering Criw Celf project, it is a great opportunity for children interested in art to develop their skills.”
  
Every applicant will need to send the following for assessment to the Ruthin Craft Centre by Friday, 12 July:
 
• A 2D self-portrait, created using any art material or combination of art materials. (No more than A3 sized paper)

• A drawing of the view from any window in their home, created using any art material or combination of art materials. (No more than A3 sized paper) or a 2D/3D artwork inspired by the theme of ‘Dream’ (if the work is big photographs accepted)

• A short paragraph explaining why they would like to join Criw Celf. (No more than 50 words).
 
Please ensure that all submissions include name, age, school, home address and home telephone number on the back of each piece of work. Post the entries to:
Criw Celf, Ruthin Craft Centre, Park Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1BB.
 
For more information, or if you wish to nominate a child for the 2013 Criw Celf, contact Jo McGregor, Criw Celf Coordinator on  jo.mcgregor@hotmail.co.uk and 01745 730209 / 07973931097 or Sian Fitzgerald, Denbighshire County Council’s Community Arts Development Officer on: sian.fitzgerald@denbighshire.gov.uk

Facebook – ‘Criw Celf’

*Criw Celf Denbighshire  is funded by Denbighshire County Council  and the Arts Council for Wales.

Health shake-up consultation should be done again, says AM

NORTH Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for the controversial consultation on the future of health services in North Wales to be revisited following the recent identified management failings in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

 

Mr Isherwood raised the matter during an urgent question in the Assembly Chamber this week.

 

He also called for a reassessment of the Welsh Government’s decision in the last Assembly to scrap the Independent Review that formed the second stage of the complaints procedure for patients and relatives, and asked for assurances  of ‘no expensive pay offs’ to senior figures standing down.

 

He said: “As you will be aware, the report identified management failings contributing to significant risks with hospital infections, operations being delayed and waiting lists allowed to grow.

 

"Given that matters such as these have been populating my casework inbox, and, I am sure, those of many other North Wales Members, for many years, will you revisit the Welsh Government’s decision in the last Assembly to scrap the independent review that formed the second stage of the complaints procedure and ensured that complaints could be scrutinised properly?

 

"Will you revisit the recent consultation that campaigners described as a ‘sham’?

 

"In Flint, they said that the figures being picked were those that the health board wanted. Will you assure us that there will not be expensive pay-offs to senior persons who may have to stand down as a consequence of this report?”

 

Health Minister Mark Drakeford told Mr Isherwood that “the report does not lead in any way to a re-opening of those matters that were agreed last year between the health board and the community health council. I have no intention of revisiting those matters on the basis of a report that did not address them." 

* In another story, responding to the Welsh Labour Health Minister’s praise for local health boards for breaking even at the end of the financial year, Aled Roberts, North Wales Welsh Liberal Democrat AM said: “This praise of local health boards meeting their financial requirements is a slap in the face for many patients in North Wales.

 

"Just last week, a controversial report made it clear that the only way Betsi Cadwaladr was able to make it to the end of the financial year was by allowing waiting lists to grow and cancelling routine operations.

 

“The Welsh Labour Government cannot see the people and the suffering behind meeting targets. Cancelling operations and allowing waiting lists to grow is not an acceptable way to run a health service.”

Strawberry teas now serving at Memorial Hall

Traditional strawberry cream teas ware being served at Llangollen Memorial Hall, opposite the car park in Market Street, today (Saturday), from 9.30am to around 4.30pm.
 
On offer are coffee, tea, scones, cakes and other gastronomic delights - all served to the accompaniment of music from the 1950s.

One of the organisers of the event said: "Whether you wish to partake simply of coffee or tea with cakes or a full afternoon tea with sandwiches, cream scones with strawberries and home–made cakes we guarantee you will have a wonderful experience."

Historic bus stops off at classic vehicle event

 

 

 

A former Chester City Transport bus is making a journey into Wales this weekend, July 6/7, from its base at the North West Museum of Road Transport in St Helens, Merseyside.

The Guy Arab double decker was new to the Chester in June 1953, Coronation year, and sported the No.1 in the bus fleet.

 

In celebrating its 60th anniversary it will be joining other examples of classic transport for the rally organised by the museum at the field near the railway station in Glyndyfrdwy.

 Organiser Matt Davie said: "The field at Glyndyfrdwy offers a splendid location for a gathering in association with the heritage railway.

 

"Based on our experience of previous events, we will again be offering visitors to the rally the chance to sample a free ride on the vintage buses when they make demonstration road runs between Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen on Saturday and Sunday.

 

"Those travelling along the A5 road will have the opportunity to see the work on the railway's extension west of Carrog and be able to view the location of the temporary platform to be sited at Corwen East.

"As well as the road transport vehicles attending, we are also expecting members of the Jowett Car Owners Club to be gathering at Glyndyfrdwy with examples of this iconic British automobile, on this the 90th anniversary of the club's formation."

In support of the classic transport rally, Llangollen Railway will be operating a half hourly train service on the heritage line in the Dee Valley with a mixture of steam and diesel locomotives and diesel railcars to add the variety of transport items from a bygone era.

The Jowett Car Club celebrates the classic British cars made in Bradford from 1906 to 1954, including the Jupiter, Javelin, Bradford, Jason, Black Prince, Curlew, Kestrel, Weasel, Flying Fox, Falcon, Long Four, Focus, Blackbird, Kingfisher, Black Prince, Wren, Grey Knight, Silverdale, Chummy, 7cwt Van and Short Two.

Police issue warm weather warning

North Wales Police are advising residents and car owners across the region to remain vigilant as weather forecasters predict a forthcoming hot spell.

 

“It is very tempting, particularly during warm spells to leave windows and doors open and so by simply checking all doors and windows are secure before going out or to bed we can deter any would-be thieves.   Days out to the beach or countryside can also bring about an air of complacency and so we are asking that all valuables are removed from cars or at the very least locked securely out of sight.”

 

“Together with our partners and local communities we have all worked hard and seen a significant reduction in crimes relating to burglaries and theft from vehicles.  It’s important that we remain on course to improve this even further and so I’d ask we all take some simple steps to secure our property, remain vigilant and report immediately any suspicious behaviour.

 

"These types of crime are often opportunistic targeting insecure homes or vehicles. By taking some basic steps we can reduce the opportunity for thieves and thereby prevent the loss of valuables and the associated inconvenience that follows.  Always ensure that your homes and vehicles are locked and that no valuable items are left on display and if you require further information about crime prevention visit http://www.north-wales.police.uk/advice__support1.aspx

 

If you see any suspicious behaviour or activity contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

AM's concerns over north east Wales tourism promotion

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood  is concerned that north east Wales is losing out on thousands of potential visitors every year because it is not being marketed effectively by the Welsh Government.

 

Speaking in today’s Assembly Debate on the Rural Economy, Mr Isherwood noted that an estimated 50% of all UK visitors to Wales visit the countryside, yet the word rural is mentioned just once in the Welsh Government’s new Tourism Strategy document.

 

He criticised the Welsh Government for not effectively promoting the Pontcysyllte world heritage site as a tourist attraction.

 

He said: “During the last Assembly, the then Minister developed the north-east Wales cultural action plan, designed, among other things, to establish a programme for the Pontcysyllte world heritage site as an attractor, and the basis for tourism, cultural and wider development projects.

 

“ However, only this week, key stakeholders have raised questions with me over whether the Pontcysyllte aqueduct as a regeneration site and tourism area has high enough profile and expressed concern that there wasn’t a clear coordinated group championing the aqueduct, that there wasn’t a named person associated with the aqueduct and that there was a lack of progress with all parties engaged in the aqueduct and Trevor Basin in moving the regeneration opportunities forward.

 

“The North Wales Economic Ambition Board stated in April that there seem to be good working relationships developing with officials from Welsh Government, but added that at a recent meeting of lead members from across Wales in Cardiff, there was concern as to lack of commitment and understanding from Welsh Government when it comes to the regional boards.”

 

Mr Isherwood also stressed that disability groups have said that tourism can be increased if Wales is seen by overseas and domestic visitors as an accessible, welcoming holiday destination - but that Arfon Access Group, which has been carrying out a review of the Visit Wales website and local authority marketing materials regarding appropriate information for disabled people to be able to plan visits to places of interest around Wales, advises that even before they have completed the work, it is becoming clear that little such information has been incorporated.

Campaigners demand probe into new health centre plan

A CAMPAIGN group has written to members of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) asking for an inquiry into the way the plans for the proposed £5.5 million new Llangollen health centre have been progressed.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, spokesperson for Keep Llangollen Health Services (KLHS), says in a letter which he has sent to board members: “We are concerned that the people of Llangollen and the Dee Valley have been misled on several occasions and were not involved in any meaningful consultation during the development phase of the proposed health centre.”

KLHS is questioning:  

·        Why BCUHB did not include Llangollen and Dee Valley service users in its stakeholder meetings as it claims they would be “crucial” to any proposed health centre development.

·        Why BCUHB “misled” the main campaign group about their involvement in any meetings.

·         Why BCUHB did not carry out research beforehand to ensure that the service promised in the proposal document could be provided after the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

The way the whole issue has been handled gives its members “no confidence” in the board’s proposals for the town, says KLHS.

And the group's letter tells board members: “We urge you to conduct an inquiry into these failings before continuing with your proposals.”

KLHS’s call for an inquiry follows last week’s damning joint report by the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, which identified significant failings in the way BCUHB  is being run.

This has led to the resignation of board chief executive Mary Burrows, chairman Professor Merfyn Jones and vice-chairman Dr Lindon Miles.

Mabon ap Gwynfor has revealed that KLHS is also seeking an urgent meeting with Sarah Rochira, the Older People's Commissioner for Wales, to discuss our concerns about services in Llangollen.

Post Office opens at Stan's on July 22

Following a successful public consultation exercise, Llangollen Post Office will move to nearby Stan's supermarket on Monday, July 22.

 

The move, first announced some months ago, is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

 

The new branch will be located 50 meters from its current site at 41 Castle Street, Llangollen LL20 8RU.

 

Post Office Regional Network Manager for Wales, Adrian Wales, said: “We understand how important having access to high quality Post Office service is to residents in Llangollen and we are confident that this new modern branch will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

 

"This is an exciting time for the Post Office. This move is part of a three-year investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office, that will see around 6000 branches (about half the Post Office network) converting to new-style branches. This investment marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

The new Llangollen Post Office will have a mixture of open plan and traditional screened counter positions - a new way of delivering Post Office services with Post Office products and services available alongside retail transactions during shop opening hours.

 

Post Office customers in Llangollen will benefit from opening hours being extended by an extra 23 hours a week as selected Post Office products and services will be available during shop opening hours, 08:30 – 19:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00 – 16:00 on Sunday. 

Organ donation change voted through by AMs

A change in the law to bring in an opt-out organ donation system has been voted through by Welsh assembly members.

See BBC report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-23143236

Watch transplantation debate live ...

Watch the transplantation bill debate in the Welsh Assembly live on http://www.senedd.tv/liveplayer.jsf

Health board vice-chair resigns, says BBC

The BBC is reporting this evening that vice-chair Dr Lyndon Miles has become the third senior figure to resign from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board following a damning report on its "significant management failings".

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23153307

AM calls for action to save landmark column

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called for urgent action to save one of the most iconic landmarks in North Wales.

 

Wynnstay Column, a Grade 2 listed feature of the former Wynnstay Park, was built in 1790 by architect John Wyatt as a memorial to the fourth baronet of the Williams-Wynn family. 

 

It reaches a height of 100ft and is a major landmark on the edge of the A483 and the village of Ruabon.

 

But in recent weeks residents living near the column have noticed the copper urn that sits atop the column suffering a prominent lean.

 

If left unattended, it is feared the urn could fall from the column.

 

Wrexham Council has now written to the owners of the landmark to take action to protect the column which is included on the council’s statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

 

Mr Skates said: “The Wynnstay Column is one of the most recognisable landmarks in North Wales and seen by thousands of motorists every year from the A483.

 

“It is essential that such important components of our local heritage are retained and properly maintained. In recent months Wrexham has lost important historic treasures such as the Pontfadog Oak and I do not wish to see the Wynnstay Column lose its centrepiece urn.

 

“I am delighted Wrexham Council officers have been so swift in calling on the owners of the column to take action and I am pleased they have entered into productive talks with heritage experts.

 

“I hope we will soon see the urn corrected and this great feature restored.”

Health centre seems safe despite board's problems

* An artist's impression of the planned Llangollen health centre.

Last week’s damning report on the way the region’s health board was being run and shock resignation of its two top figures does not seem to have affected plans for a £5.5 million health centre in Llangollen.

That is the message from a press spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

A joint report by the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, identified significant failings and major challenges for the board.

As a result, chairman Professor Merfyn Jones and chief executive Mary Burrows both announced their resignation.

In the wake of these developments, a number of people in Llangollen began to question whether the town’s new health centre, costing an estimated £.5.5 million will now go ahead.

Only a few weeks ago board officials took over the Town Hall to present an exhibition of plans for the centre, which is to be built on the site of the derelict former River Lodge in Mill Street to replace Llangollen Cottage Hospital which was closed by the board earlier this year.

But a spokesperson for the board has now told llanblogger: “As far as we are aware, there is no change to the plan.”

Last week, the group Keep Llangollen Health Services said in a statement that the joint report on BCUHB raised “serious questions” about the legitimacy of the downgrading process which led to the axing of Llangollen Hospital.

The statement added: "If the Health Minister wants to avoid a potential catastrophe he must, as a matter of urgency, step in and suspend the current downgrading and centralisation programme. 

"These plans were nodded through without any challenge by the board members in January. Their failure to scrutinise was glaring even to lay members like us.”

Llangollen Silver Band hosts successful Party in the Garden

* Solo guitarist Jack Found delights the audience.

* Singing Ensemble Sentimental Journey present their part of the programme.

* Soloist Elizabeth Mwale sings a beautiful Welsh song.

* Llangollen Silver Band opens proceedings.

LLANGOLLEN had its own version of the Glastonbury Festival on Sunday evening.

Rather than the Stones topping the bill, it was the town’s own Silver Band and instead of acts like Example there were two excellent soloists and a singing ensemble to delight the crowd.

Over 150 people brought along deck-chairs, picnic baskets and the odd bottle of wine to enjoy Party in the Garden organised by Llangollen Silver Band in the marvellous setting of Plas Newydd, the famous home of the Ladies of Llangollen.

Rain began to fall not long after the outdoor entertainment began but it failed the dampen the enthusiasm of those who had turned up to enjoy the varied programme of music on offer.

They just put their umbrellas and kept on listening.

The band opened up proceedings with a selection of numbers from the world of movies and TV such as Spartacus from the 1970s series The Onedin Line and Aces High from the film Battle of Britain.

Llangollen Youth Band were next with a package of classics including Tonight and Lay All Your Love on Me.

First soloist of the evening was young band member and Urdd Eisteddfod star Elizabeth Mwale who presented the beautiful Welsh song SuoGan.

Llangollen Training Band followed with two numbers, Tango and Blues.

Second half of the evening’s programme began with a collection of songs from the local group Sentimental Journey.

Favourites they chose included Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and selections from the hit musicals Sound of Music and Carousel.

Another Silver Band youngster Jack Found, whose talent on the acoustic guitar has just landed him a place at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, was the next soloist on the bill, presenting two numbers, Misty and How About You?

The senior members of the band came back to round off the two-and-a-half hour programme with a stirring selection of more big film music including everything from Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines to Oklahoma!

Musical director brings touch of magic to the Eisteddfod

* Music magic: Eilir Owen Griffiths.

The man responsible for this year’s stellar line-up at the Llangollen International  Musical Eisteddfod is used to pulling rabbits out of hats – he’s a member of the Magic Circle.

Musical Director of the Eisteddfod Eilir Owen Griffiths is not just an acclaimed choral conductor and composer – he is also magic at getting some of the biggest stars to sign up for the world-renowned event.

The enduring appeal of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is the calibre of artists it attracts – names like Pavarotti, Menuhin, Bryn Terfel and Lulu - and this year is no exception.

Jools Holland, Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan and opera singers Noah Stewart and Claire Rutter are signed up and that’s down to the Llangollen factor and the pulling power of the Eisteddfod’s young Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Cardiff, teaches in Carmarthen but is born and bred in North Wales, has helped turn the event round within 18 months of his appointment.

In that time Eilir has proved himself not just an acclaimed choral conductor and composer but also magic at getting some of music’s biggest stars to sign up for the world-renowned event.

Last year Lesley Garrett, Alfie Boe and Go Compare TV ad icon Wynne Evans helped the Eisteddfod make a profit for the first time in five years.

This year Eilir has signed up another stellar lineup which also includes Cuban maestros the Buena Vista Social Club, Olympic choir Only Men Aloud and percussionist extraordinare Evelyn Glennie.

Not bad for a kid from St Asaph who cut his musical teeth performing for Women’s Institutes and chapels as part of the family ensemble headed by his father, Welsh Presbyterian minister the Rev Robert Owen Griffiths and his mum, Rhiannon.

Also on the strength were brothers Peredur, Hedd and Eilir and little sister Hannah with the young Eilir adding variety to the entertainment with a magic show.

He said: “We were a sort of Von Trapp family on the chapel circuit in North Wales for about ten years. I played the piano and violin and sang – and did magic tricks.

“My mum was a librarian and we had to go to the library after school to wait for her to finish work before she took us home. I hated reading so I headed for the crafts and hobbies section and picked up a magic book and was fascinated.

“I learned how to do tricks and I actually became a member of the North Wales branch of the Magic Circle.”


Eilir, who lives in Taffs Well, near Cardiff, with his wife, Leah, son Aaron, three, and just-born Gwenni, had a wandering childhood as his father’s ministry took to Denbigh, Pumpsaint, in Carmarthenshire, Moelfre on Anglesey, and Lixwm, near Holywell.

He was head boy of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph, before going to study Theatre, Music and Media at Trinity College, Carmarthen, where he now teaches, before taking a Masters in Music.

His specialism now is composing and conducting choirs and his record is outstanding including the Worshipful Company of Musicians Award (2005) and in 2008 the Main Composers Prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales Cardiff.

He has released a CD of his work, titled Y Gair, while as a conductor he has won many major prizes with his choirs, Côr Aelwyd CF1, Côr Godre’r Garth, Côr y Drindod and The Blues Choir.

He became established as a conductor-composer on a year’s exchange study in the USA at Central College Pella, in Iowa, when he conducted a piece he had composed in a church there.

He has composed a Reqiuem performed by superstar Bryn Terfel, Wynne Evans and a massed choir but also works in musical theatre with students at Trinity College so his taste is varied.

The religious connection is important and he said: “A lot of my choral music is very religious and although I don’t have strong religious views I do find that I can transfer the message in religious text into music.”

He regards being Musical Director of Llangollen as a pinnacle though, because of its standing internationally and he said: “When the job came up there were two reasons I wanted to go for it – the challenge and because everyone refers to me as Eilir Owen Griffiths Caerdydd because that’s where I live but my North Wales connection is important to me.

“I also respect Llangollen more than anything else because over the years they have managed to make more of an impact than any other eisteddfod and it was an exciting thing to be part of.

“Last year the main thing was that it happened and made a profit after five years of losses which was even more remarkable because the weather was so terrible.

“Now in 2013 we’re in a much stronger position and it fills me with pride that we have turned it round in 18 months.

“Basically, I’m responsible for everything artistic in the Eisteddfod – it’s a hell of a challenge and a very difficult balancing act but from the feedback we’re getting about the concert programme is that even though it’s diverse it’s been very, very well received.

“It’s got something for everyone and it maintains the International Eisteddfod’s reputation for excellence.

“We wanted a jazz pianist and we’ve got Jools Holland, you couldn’t get better. We have James and Ola Jordan from Strictly Come Dancing and they’re performing to the music of the Buena Vista Social Club from Havana and without musicians like them there just wouldn’t be this tradition of Latin American dance.

“If you want choral music than we’ve got the best choral competition with the best choirs, certainly in the UK, probably in Europe but I won’t say the world because there is the Choir Olympics.

“But the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy is the best and most high profile competition on the choral circuit and the connection with Luciano Pavarotti is very important.

“The best of the best are still coming to Llangollen and you just would not hear choirs of this standard anywhere else in Britain.

“It’s important that it’s in Wales but what’s important is that it’s an Eisteddfod, it’s what our tradition is based on, the idea of competition, whether at Urdd level, National Eisteddfod level or International level.

“This strong tradition for our little country has become a tradition for the world because of Llangollen.”

Eilir, himself, has wide ranging tastes and is looking forward to the concerts though he expects to be too busy to catch more than snippets of them: “If I could only listen to one it would probably be Jools Holland but then I would like to take elements of them all.

“I’d take something from Evelyn Glennie, something from the Buena Vistas, something from the Verdi Requiem.

“I don’t just like classical music, I like avant garde and I like jazz and every night of the concerts should have its own USP and you can’t see what we’re putting on or the combination of artists anywhere else.

“The National Eisteddfod has the same artists every year – I don’t want that for Llangollen. I want something different and unique every year but the reality is that I won’t get to sit through any of them – except one and that’s Choir of the World

“I chair the panel of judges for that and when I was interviewed for the job one of the first questions I asked was would I be the person who actually gets to say who wins Choir of the World – and I do.

“Last year one of my highlights was announcing on the stage who had won and I’ll get to do it again this year and that’s a thrill, it’s magic.”

For more details on this year’s event go to the website at www.internationaleisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Late notice ... try a picnic in the park this evening

The weather is looking good, an evening of music and song from stage, screen and television featuring Llangollen Silver Band (senior and youth), and the choir Sentimental Journey plus other musical guests.

Bring your picnic rug and something to eat and drink and enjoy the fabulous setting.

The event starts at 6pm and will last for about two hours with breaks, if wet we will be under cover.

Tickets are available from Honeypots, the town clerks office and band/ choir members. They are £5 and under 7's are free.

Corwen station plan gets further down the line

 

* An artist's impression of how the new station

will eventually look.

* Representatives of the Corwen business community, Llangollen Railway Trust and Denbighshire County Council on site.  

 

* The site of the station.

 

Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT) has been awarded a £59,074.00 Cyfenter grant for the provision of the phase 1 station at Corwen.

Cyfenter is a project administered by Mentor Môn, financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Denbighshire County Council, that provides financial investment for social enterprise in north west Wales.
 

Announcing the outcome of the successful application for funds to Corwen community and business leaders, LRT chairman Jim Ritchie said the award will allow the railway to go out to tender for work for the installation of concrete foundations for the platform at the phase 1 station site, to be known by a bi-lingual name as Dwyrain Corwen East.

The platform timber sections will be constructed in the railway’s own workshops and will be delivered to the station site for erection once track is in place later this year.

Looking at the prospects for further track extensions, Mr Ritchie said that the rail head would shortly be extended to the location at Bonwm Bends.

 

There after, once base ballasting is complete, the track will extend towards over-bridge 28 near Plas Derwen.

 

Repairs to the brick arch of the over bridge will be undertaken by contractors.

 

It was envisaged that track laying will continue beyond the bridge into the station site during the autumn of 2013.

However, Mr Ritchie also noted that there were potential impediments to this schedule.

 

In particular, the need to rebuild under bridge 29 to allow pedestrian access to the site of a nature reserve on the north side of the Dwyrain Corwen East site and, also, for under-bridge 30 to be incorporated into Denbighshire County Council’s Corwen Flood Relief scheme, at the western end of the station site.

 

Completion of both of these schemes was a priority need if work on the station was to proceed to schedule. 

Llangollen Railway Trust still needs to raise funds to complete the Phase 1 project.

 

Thanks to the grant aid, some recent generous donations and other fund raising activities, the current need is to raise an estimated £78,000, much of which would be needed to ballast the extended track before trains can operate.

 

Subject to these needs being met, Mr Ritchie announced that the first train for invited guests and supporters would arrive at Dwyrain Corwen East on March 1, 2014, which is appropriately St David’s Day.

Mr Ritchie said: “The Railway is delighted to be awarded the European Regional Development Fund Cyfenter grant aid that will allow the construction of Dwyrain Corwen East station in the next few months.

"This phase 1 station is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and we look forward to bringing visitors to the town next year. We will also be offering subsidised transport for local residents between Corwen and Llangollen for those who wish to take advantage of the extended railway.

"Whilst recent donations and this grant reduce the total amount of money needed to complete the extension, we continue to appeal for more financial support to reach Corwen by the St David Day’s target next year.”

Denbighshire County Councillor Huw L Jones said: “I am pleased and grateful that the grant aid application by Llangollen Railway Trust has been successful.

 

"The availability of this financial assistance will help secure the completion of Phase 1 of the railway project. The return of trains to the town is eagerly anticipated by the residents and businesses.

 

"The expected spin-off in visitors numbers attracted to Corwen by the railway will boost recognition of the town as an important centre for tourism and we must be ready to cater for them.”

For the Corwen Business Association, Norman Jones said: “The news of the grant aid from Cyfenter for the building of the Dwyrain Corwen East station is very welcome in assisting towards completion of the railway line.

"Corwen was a railway town of some importance to North Wales prior to the Dr Beeching cuts to the railway network in 1965, but since then it has been in slow decline.

“The return of trains, especially from an established heritage railway, will be an important step forward in the future regeneration of Corwen.

 

"Already we have businesses set up in town, or expected to move in, on the strength of the Llangollen Railway’s extension to Corwen and we can confidently expect economic growth and job opportunities to flow from the railway’s arrival.

"This benefit has happened elsewhere when heritage railways have extended their lines and similar advantages will accrue here from increased tourist numbers. We must be prepared to grasp the new business opportunities which will arise when Corwen is recognised as the new terminus for the extended heritage line in the heart of the Dee Valley now set within a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.”

 
Plans of the Dwyrain Corwen East station and photographs will be displayed in the promotional caravan to be sited in the Corwen town car park during the Llangollen Railway’s forthcoming classic transport weekend on July 5/6.

It is planned that vintage buses will operate between Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen bus interchange to bring visitors to see work on the line’s extension.

Wild man of rock heads for eisteddfod stage

 

 

* Bryn Fon will appear during eisteddfod week. 

 

Wild man of Welsh rock Bryn Fon will bring his electrifying stage show to Llangollen for International Eisteddfod week.

 

The grizzled rocker will explode onto the stage at Llangollen Town Hall on the Saturday night of Eisteddfod week.

 

He will be backed by his regular band as he aims to show the next generation of Welsh rock and pop bands that there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.

 

Bryn, who started out in music in the 1970s, is still rocking all over Wales but this man of many talents also acts and farms too, on his smallholding near Llanllyfni, in Gwynedd.

He’s fresh from a tour of North Wales with the show ‘Gwyn’ - ‘White’ – a two-hander which played to 4,000 children at several venues from Colwyn Bay to Anglesey while his other acting credits include the hit S4C series C’mon Midffild.

 

It’s as a singer that the 58-year-old is best known though and which gives him his biggest buzz: “We still play two or three gigs a month,” he said: “The band has been together for about 15 years now.

 

“We played a recent show and didn’t go on until nearly midnight which is a bit late for me these days but I’m not ready for the cocoa and slippers just yet.

 

“We just want to get things happening and the phone keeps ringing and we keep saying yes.

 

“Some of the young bands get a bit jealous but there’s a lot of fresh young talent around and some really good up and coming bands on the Welsh music scene.”

 

Bryn knows the feeling after joining his first band back in 1976: “It was at the National Eisteddfod and I jumped up on stage at an open mic event and sang with some lads who had been in a band in Llanrwst.

 

“One of them, Ithel Jones, the bass player, sent me a postcard and asked if I wanted to be their singer and together we formed Crysbas.”

 

Bryn also got into acting and was even ‘Hunk of the Month’ in She magazine in the 1980s though his music career has been uneven but enduring with Sobin a'r Smaeliaid formed after he and friends were asked to be the support band to another Welsh rock stalwart, Geraint Lovegreen, in 1988.

 

Bryn cites his biggest musical inspirations to American singer-songwriters Leonard Cohen and Neil Young and also attributes some of his stage presence to the king himself, Elvis.

He even has his own record label these days, laBelaBel, and his first album released on it, Abacus, sold 5,000 copies in its first week: “If it had been in the high street stores like HMV rather than in little Welsh bookshops I’m told it would have made the charts,” he said.

 

Bryn and wife Anna – they have two children - live on their smallholding near Llanllyfni where they keep sheep and Bryn admits that has been tougher and with more late nights even than being a rock singer.

 

He said: “This last winter I lambed myself and I was up every hour of the day and night. The weather was so bad it was really hard work.

 

“I don’t like to claim any grants because I would be taking money from real farmers but it was a desperate winter and it cost me a lot in food for the sheep.”

 

Bryn will be hitting the stage at Llangollen Town Hall as part of the Llangollen After Dark collaboration between the Eisteddfod and the Llangollen Fringe Festival and he said: “We do have some new songs we’re working on although I don’t know if they’ll be ready for Llangollen but we are really looking forward to it.

 

“We haven’t played in that area for a long time and to be associated with the International Eisteddfod is a big thrill.

 

“I’ve been in the past and I’ve been looking at the promotional material and what hits you is the colour and spectacle of it. It’s a fantastic event.”

 

Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “Anyone who has grown up in Wales in the last 40 years and been interested in music will have heard of Bryn Fon – he’s one of the seminal figures of Welsh rock.

 

“He’s got a real stage presence and a tight band and we’re delighted to have him playing at the Town Hall on Eisteddfod weekend – his set will be well worth catching.

 

“It will really set the scene for a fantastic Sunday as well when Llanfest brings a host of local bands onto the Eisteddfod field and it provides a real musical link between the Eisteddfod and the town.”

 

Bryn’s band is Graham Land on drums, John Williams, keyboards, Rhys Parry, guitars, and Neil “Maffia” Williams, bass.

 

They will be supported by Africa Entsha, a slick a cappella quintet from Soweto who blend pop and male vocal harmonies with physical humour and South African song-and-dance numbers.

 

Llangollen After Dark, with the Bryn Fon Band and Africa Entsha, is at the Town Hall, Llangollen, on Saturday, July 13, doors open at 7.30pm and tickets, priced at £12.50, are available from the Eisteddfod website www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

The 67^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod takes place this year from Tuesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 14, at the Royal International Pavilion site and boasts a star-studded lineup of concerts and competitions.

Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan are part of a stunning lineup at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July.

 

The glamorous couple will perform with Cuban maestros Buena Vista Social Club and other top attractions are Jools Holland, harpist Claire Jones, tenor Noah Stewart, percussionist Evelyn Glennie and a 200^th anniversary performance of Verdi’s Requiem.

 

The Eisteddfod runs from Tuesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 14, at the Royal International Pavilion site and as well as star-studded concerts there are top class music and dance competitions.

 

For more information go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or www.facebook.com/llangollen

Area gets involved in the Big Dee Day Invasion

 * Organisers of Big Dee Day – The Invasion at Ty Mawr Country Park in Cefn Mawr.

Organisations and enthusiastic volunteers across North Wales and Cheshire are currently taking part in Big Dee Day – The Invasion.

The event follows on from the success of the annual Big Dee Day river clean-up which this year takes place on 20 and 21 September.

Organisers are keen to gather together as many volunteers as possible across the region, to help eradicate non-native species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Chinese mitten crab from the River Dee and its tributaries.

These alien species are brought to the UK either accidentally or intentionally and can cause big problems for our native wildlife, as well as having other effects such as making river banks more prone to erosion, which can lead to flooding.

Local authority Countryside Services, Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural Resources Wales, Wildlife Trusts, the Welsh Dee Trust, Cofnod, Record and Chester Zoo are among the many organisations involved in this major event.

During the two day event, which started yesterday, there will also be an exhibition with stands and information boards at Ty Mawr Country Park in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham to explain more about these non-native species and the importance of eradicating them.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas, Chairman of Flintshire County Council and Chairman of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, said: “Big Dee Day – the Invasion is a fantastic opportunity for us all to make a really positive impact on the River Dee and our local environment. This is about direct action, on both sides of the border, so we are encouraging everyone to pull on their wellies and get bashing that balsam! To get involved on either or both days please visit www.bionetwales.co.uk or contact your local biodiversity officer.”

Big Dee Day – The Invasion also has a Facebook page –www.facebook.com/BigDeeDayTheInvasion