Musketeers swashbuckle into Plas Newydd

A Theatre company are busy sharpening their rapiers, practising lunges and flirting outrageously in preparation for this summer's touring production of The Musketeers, which comes to Llagollen's Plas Newydd tomorrow (Friday).

Off the Ground Theatre says will be overwhelming amounts of swash and buckle as the, now slightly older, heroes with a little help from Athos’ son and D’Artagnan’s daughter, charm women  - and some men - quaff wine and fight off Spanish and Dutch spies- all in the name of France.  

This new story, written especially for the company by Daniel Cambridge, brings the Musketeers back together after they first met 20 years earlier.

And this time, the whole future of Europe is at stake as mysterious powers aim to topple the most powerful people throughout the continent. 

With full-blooded and fanciful fighting, live music and a 15-strong cast this promises to be a real summer spectacle.

Off the Ground Theatre started working on the Wirral 19 years ago and have produced over a hundred shows, featuring young talent from across Merseyside and the Northwest. 

This will be the company’s twentieth summer tour. 

The Musketeers is being directed by Chris Tomlinson and OTG’s artistic director, Dan Meigh.

Chris, who recently directed Until They Kick Us Out and assisted on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, both at The Everyman, said: “The OTG summer tour is always so much fun. 

"There is always such an exciting mix of tour troopers who have done it before and new faces who have no idea what to expect. 

"But by the time we open the first show we’re a proper company, partly due to the hard work we have to put in – there’s going to be a lot of sword play and fancy footwork we’re going to have to learn this year – and partly because we all want to put on a great show. 

"The big cast, the story and the great routines should mark this out as a bit special.”

One of the main aims of Off the Ground Theatre is to encourage talent from its native North West of England and this year’s cast recent graduates from OTG and YEP as well as university graduates gaining their first professional experience.

Booking Details:
By Phone: 0151-625-2929 | Mon from 2pm, Tue to Sat from 1pm
In Person: all venues on the night of performance
Online: www.offtheground.co.uk | Easy and secure online booking
Tickets £11, £8  (concessions), £5 (U21s)

New boards promote town trails

Preparations are being made to install a new set of information boards promoting town trails across Denbighshire, including Llangollen.

Continuing Denbighshire County Council’s commitment to meeting the needs of visitors and local residents and businesses alike, the Destination, Marketing and Communication Unit have redesigned their  suite of Town Trails in Llangollen, Corwen, Ruthin, Denbigh, St Asaph, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan, including a  brand new one produced for Rhyl.

These leaflets are being complemented by the information boards which will be placed in prominent locations within the main towns in the county shortly.

The Boards are being funded by the Welsh Government through the Regional Tourism Engagement Fund.

Councillor Huw Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Community Development,  said: “We have received a really positive response  from the tourism industry and local businesses to the new town trails leaflets.

“We now want to make sure that as many people as possible can access the information and placing the Town Trails boards in prominent locations will be a visual reminder to visitors and residents about the wealth of history, architecture and fascinating stories in our main towns."

The free leaflets will be available from the Tourist Information Centres and libraries in Denbighshire. For further information or a free copy of any of the towns please contact Denbighshire’s Destination, Marketing and Communications Unit on 01824 706072.

Appeal for information on stolen quad bike

North Wales Police are appealing for information following the theft of a quad bike from secure lock up in Bryn Eglwys, Corwen.

Sometime between 16.00 on 21/07/2015 and 14.00 on 24/07/2015 unknown offender(s) cut a padlock of a secure steel shipping container and stole a Yamaha 550 grizzly quad bike, 4x4, green in colour, 2012/2013 model.

If you have information, contact North Wales Police by dialling 101 quoting reference RC15111113.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.

North Wales Police urge residents to always report suspicious activity to them at the earliest opportunity.

New health centre previews tomorrow

 

NEW LLANGOLLEN HEALTH CENTRE OPEN AFTERNOON 

 

Thursday 30 July 2015, 3 – 6 pm 

 

Canolfan Iechyd Llangollen Health Centre 

Bishops Walk 

Llangollen 

LL20 8RZ 

 

 

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Dr A D Evans & Partners are hosting an open afternoon at the new Health Centre situated next to Bishops Walk in Llangollen. 

 

This will be an informal opportunity for people to familiarise themselves with the new building, and find out more about the services that it will offer, before it opens on 24 August. 

 

If you require any further information please contact the Health Centre on 01978 860625.

County to consult public over care proposals

Denbighshire’s Cabinet has agreed to consult the public on proposals for the Council’s in-house care services.

In March 2014, the Council’s Performance Scrutiny Committee agreed that a Task and Finish Group be set up to examine options for delivering high quality social care services in the county.

Discussions have already taken place with individuals and their families, resulting in the options considered.

At its meeting at County Hall, Ruthin today (Tuesday), the Cabinet agreed to consult the wider public on the following preferred options, but to also include the option for the public to put forward suggestions of their own.

A council statement says:

"Awelon, Ruthin: The Council wishes to emphasise that no resident in Awelon currently will need to move, the reason being that the assessment for the majority of residents states clearly they are too frail and elderly to be moved.

"At a future agreed date, we would stop new admissions and work with the individuals and their families at their own pace to explore, wherever appropriate, suitable alternatives as appropriate and enter into a partnership with the owner of Llys Awelon to develop additional Extra Care apartments on the site. The aspiration is for the site to have 50 extra care flats and a new community facility for wider use but it may take several years.

"Cysgod y Gaer, Corwen: To enter into a partnership with relevant stakeholders (including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the third sector) to develop the site into a ‘support hub’, offering both residential and extra care type facilities, as well as an outreach domiciliary care and support service to the tenants of local Sheltered Housing Schemes and the wider population of Edeyrnion and the surrounding area.

"This would ensure that the individuals living in Cysgod y Gaer currently can continue doing so through retaining beds at the location, but also develops services that support independence and improved outcomes for others in the local area.

"Extra Care Schemes: The suggestion for all three schemes is to tender for a social care provider for each of them and enter into formal consultation with the staff involved regarding transfer of employment. This does not require a formal public consultation as it involves only a change in provider, not the service."

Cabinet also  agreed two additional recommendations:

• that any future provision must recognise the importance of delivering care services through the medium of Welsh for those older people who require it and maintain the capability to do so.
• that the Council engages with Welsh Government Ministers, officials and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in order to urge greater collaboration and partnership working between the Council and BCUHB in the provision of services relating to the care of older people.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Social Care, said: “People’s expectations about how they want to live their lives as they get older is changing.  People rightly want (and demand) control over their own lives and the freedom to choose how to live it. 

"Most people tell us that they do not want to live in a residential care home or go to a day care centre when they get older.  They say that they would prefer to live in their own home and be supported to be as independent as possible for as long as possible.

“That is why we have carried out a review of our in-house care provision, in response to the changing needs of the public.

“We also recognise the need to consult widely on the proposals and Cabinet’s decision gives us the green light to do so”.

Over the coming weeks, the Council says it will inform residents of how they can contribute to the consultation. Detailed will be posted on the Council’s website and social media sites, as well as through the media. The consultation is expected to begin in September.

Bikefest bosses reassure residents

A member of the team running this weekend’s big biking event in the town has written to residents reassuring them steps are being taken to minimise any disruption caused by the event.

LlanBikeFest 15 will be staged at the pavilion this Saturday and Sunday and is expected to attract bikers from all parts of the UK to see the range of attractions it is offering.

 

In his letter, John Hutchinson of the BikeFest team says: “As you may know, several motorcycle shows have been hosted by the site in recent years, but this a new event, organised by a group of enthusiasts, headed by Llangollen businessman Harry Edwards and supported by the Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club.

“We want to make this an annual, family-friendly festival which will be enjoyed by local people as much as the motorcycling fraternity, and bring real benefits to the Llangollen community.

“We are very much aware of our responsibility to minimise any disruption to local residents and businesses, so noise on site will be strictly controlled and we will be actively urging motorcycling visitors to ride respectfully and responsibly, especially along Abbey Road and through the town.”

Details of attractions and activities at the festival can be found at www.llanbikefest.co.uk and on Facebook, but here’s a summary of what’s happening on site:

Date	Time	Activity
Friday, July 31st	10.30am >	Some activity on site as exhibitors, clubs and traders arrive to set up.
Saturday, August 1st	9.00am – 6.00pm	First day of show. 11.00am official opening by Mayor of Llangollen and celebrity guests. Trials riding and stunt displays throughout the day. Some live music inside the Pavilion. Commentaries over PA system.
Saturday, August 1st	7.30pm – 12.00	Main showground closed. Live music inside the Pavilion only.
Sunday, August 2nd	9.00am – 5.00pm	Second day of show, including trials riding and stunt displays throughout the day. 11.00am – 2.00pm: Pre-65 trials bikes visit and leave site. Some live music inside the Pavilion. Commentaries over PA system.
Sunday, August 2nd	5.00pm – 10.30pm	Exhibitors, clubs and traders leave site.

Organisers say all vehicles will use the main entrance and the town end entrance will be pedestrian only.

AM wants young people to apply for bus scheme

Ken Skates AM is encouraging young people in his constituency to register for a new Welsh Government scheme which will give them a third off bus travel from September.

The Welsh Young Persons Discounted Travel (WYPDT) programme will help people aged 16-18 cut the cost of accessing education, training and work, as well as all other journeys.

Bus users are being encouraged to register for the scheme via gov.wales/mytravelpass (English) or llyw.cymru/fyngherdynteithio (Welsh), which will enable them to receive discounted fares on all local services and TrawsCymru journeys throughout Wales.

Mr Skates, the Welsh Labour AM for Clwyd South, said: “This is great news for -16 to 18-year-olds and shows the importance the Welsh Government places on helping young people to access opportunities such as training and employment.

 

“Travel costs can be a real barrier for young people and sometimes stop them getting a job or gaining the skills they need to find work. This scheme will help change that by making it cheaper and easier for them to get about.

 

“I would encourage all eligible teenagers in Clwyd South to register.”

Mr Skates added: “This is yet another Welsh Labour policy aimed at helping young people. We’re helping them find work through Jobs Growth Wales and we’re helping them study through the continuation of the Independent Living Fund – which the Tories have axed in England – and capping tuition fees, and now we’re helping them save money on travel.”

Search is on for young heroes

A top children's TV producer is spearheading a search for young heroes.

 

Nia Ceidiog is fronting the campaign launched by the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham to find Summer Stars who deserve a big pat on the back.

 

The winners will be honoured with their names being inscribed at a Hollywood-style Walk of Fame at the shopping centre.

 

BAFTA winner Nia, who was brought up in Coedpoeth and went to Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, wrote the original Fireman Sam stories in English and Welsh and has a long list of credits including the popular series, Something Special, for CBeebies.

 

Nia was delighted to back the Summer Stars initiative that's being organised to coincided with the children's activities at Eagles Meadow over the summer holidays.

 

The activities will include visits by popular television characters like Paddington on August 4, Shaun the Sheep on August 11, Spongebob Squarepants on August 18 and The Gruffalo on August 25.

 

The winning  Summer Hero will receive a £25 voucher from The Entertainer toy shop, a family tickets for Tenpin and the Odeon and a voucher for a family meal at Frankie and Benny's worth £50 and a voucher worth up to £30 from Nando's. Meanwhile, the runner up will receive family tickets for the Odeon and Tenpin along with a voucher for a family meal at Frankie and Benny's worth £50.

 

Nia explained they qualities the judges would be looking for.

 

She said: "Maybe they look out for an elderly neighbour or play an important role in their local church, community centre or youth club. Or maybe they are a rising sports star.

"Whatever their shining example to their peer group is, we want to hear about it."

 

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths is also backing the idea.

 

She said: “I think the search for Summer Stars is a great idea and could help give some local youngsters the boost they need.

 

"There's bags of talent among the youngsters of Wrexham and I feel sure there will be some very worthy nominees.

 

"I would urge everyone to have a good think about the young people in their communities who deserve a pat on the back either for the work they do, the troubles they have overcome or for simply being a good example to their peers and get nominating now."

 

Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “It may be that the young person you know raises money for charity on a regular basis or volunteers to help people in their neighbourhood.

 

“Perhaps they play an active part in their local church or youth centre. Or maybe they are a rising sports star who is dedicated beyond their years to their training.

 

“Perhaps they have battled illness with bravery and good humour. Whatever their shining example to their peer group is, we want to hear about it.”

 

* To enter a young person you know, aged 11 and under, please email a short description of the nominee along with your contact details, including a daytime telephone number, to ceidiog@ceidiog.com Entries should be received by Friday, July 31.

Weather forces Fringe finale into Town Hall

Due to the grim weather forecast the Fringe Finale with Claudia Aurora this evening (Sunday) will now take place in Llangollen Town Hall.

A Fringe spokesperson said: "The persistent rain will make it impossible to set up the event  - and miserable to watch it - at the Valle Crucis Abbey.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Pavilion hosts toy and train sale

Llangollen Pavilion is to host the next  annual Toy & Train Sale on Saturday August 15, between 10.30am and 3pm.

According to organiser Chris Dyer, this is the only event of this type at the venue  in 2015, although he says arrangements are well in hand  for another similar show next year.

Mr Dyer said: "The Pavilion at Llangollen has always proved a big hit with the public in recent years and the unique atmosphere helps to create a special day alongside all of the many attractions on offer at this fine inland resort.


* Llangollen Pavilion.

"The venue boasts an excellent in-house cafe and the nearby Llangollen Railway station is within easy walking distance along Abbey Road and  will  be operating a good service throughout the day.

"A trip on this line should not be missed under any circumstance and therRailway has recently been extended to Corwen. 

"There is ample free parking at the venue and access is level and easy whilst a footpath links the Toyfair with the station and the town."

He added: "Llangollen  attracts a great range of traders from  all over Wales and England and a wonderful array of stock is always available  from all the big names such as Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, EFE, Tri-ang, Hornby, Lima, Wrenn, Bachmann etc.

"In the current economic climate, prices have never been keener and it is an ideal time to build up collections at budget prices. Traders are also very keen to buy and to exchange so do raid your attics and  bring along any of your surplus items."

A sister event,  the Oswestry Toy & Train Sale, will be taking place at the Show-ground, Oswestry,  on Saturday October 17. 

* For more information, call 01643702757 or 07966 694579, or go to the website www.chrisdyerfairs.co.uk 

Yetis to gather in Llan

* Yeti cycles have a cult following.

Riders from the UK are expected to attend a gathering for owners of Yeti cycles to be held in Llangollen on August 8 and 9.

The race-bred brand has a cult like following and the yearly 'tribe' gathering continues to attract Yeti fans from a wide area who travel to take part in the meet each year.

The 2015 gathering is set to take place on the trails around both Llangollen and Llandegla, with two days of riding available on both natural and trail centre tracks.

Based at the Abbey Farm caravan site, Saturday will see riders have the option of participating in either one or two guided rides taking place throughout the day.

Both rides will head out around the natural trails of Llangollen taking in some of the best local singletrack on offer in the area.

After the ride tribe members will gather at the campsite's main bar area where a selection of Yeti retro bikes will be on display as well as the chance to discuss the day's riding.

Sunday sees the tribe meeting located up the road at One Planet Adventure, Llandegla where riders will have the chance to sample the network of way-marked trails available at their own pace as well as visit the onsite shop and café.

On display will also be a selection of new and retro Yeti bikes as well as Yeti Cycles UK staff.

* For further information, see: Facebook.com/yeticyclesuk

Bikers heading for big Llan show

The Mayor of Llangollen and town crier will welcome thousands of bikers to the Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival - LlanBikeFest 15 (www.llanbikefest.co.uk) – on August 1 and 2.

Mayor Mike Adams, who rides a Harley-Davidson Sportster, and town crier Austin ‘Chem’ Cheminais (pictured with LlanBikeFest team members Debbie Rogers and Jimmy Aspinall), will officiate at the opening of the show by seven-times TT winner Mick Grant and Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty MBE, the most successful World Superbike (WSB) racer of all time, at 11.00am on Saturday, August 1 .

Mike said: “LlanBikeFest promises to be an excellent opportunity to attract new visitors to the town – and a great weekend for local people and businesses. We would love to see it develop into an annual festival with even closer links the community.”

Llangollen businessman and show organiser Harry Edwards said: “The level of support for the event in the area and from the biking fraternity is fantastic. We are determined that everyone will have a good time – and we have assured the Mayor that we will be strongly urging visitors to ride sensibly and with respect for local residents and road users.”

The On The Edge Trials Stunt Display Team will be performing amazing feats of skill on both days.

 

Billed as the world’s best stunt riders, the team is led by Jack Challoner and Martin Crosswaite, who between them have won multiple British, European and world trials championships.

 

On Sunday, August 2, more than 100 classic trials machines will compete in a stage of the Northern British Bike Pre-65 Trials Championship (NBBC), as part of a championship round hosted by Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club.

Other attractions will include a TT race bike simulator, live bands, a Saturday night party,  vintage funfair, face-painting for kids of all ages by Glitterbugz and the opportunity to meet and handle some beautiful birds of prey with Rockcliffe Raptors. 

The Llangollen site has previously hosted successful bike shows – the last in 2011 – but LlanBikeFest 15 is being organised by a new team of local motorcycle enthusiasts, led by Harry.

Follow the event on Twitter at @llanbikefest and Facebook at Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival.

Book tickets and stands online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk or contact the festival office at 07960 693398 or office@llanbikefest.co.uk.

Bike event organisers reassure residents

Organisers of a major motorbike event to be staged in the town next weekend have written to residents assuring them it will do all it can to minimise any disruption it may cause.

LlanBikeFest 15 will be staged at the Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2 and is expected to attract thousands of biking enthusiasts from across the UK.

John Hutchinson, from the organising team, says in his letter to residents: “As you may know, several motorcycle shows have been hosted by the site in recent years, but this a new event, organised by a group of enthusiasts, headed by Llangollen businessman Harry Edwards and supported by the Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club.

“We want to make this an annual, family-friendly festival which will be enjoyed by local people as much as the motorcycling fraternity, and bring real benefits to the Llangollen community.
“We are very much aware of our responsibility to minimise any disruption to local residents and businesses, so noise on site will be strictly controlled and we will be actively urging motorcycling visitors to ride respectfully and responsibly, especially along Abbey Road and through the town.”

Details of attractions and activities at the festival can be found at www.llanbikefest.co.uk and on Facebook, but here’s a summary of what’s happening on site:

Date	Time	Activity
Friday, July 31st	10.30am >	Some activity on site as exhibitors, clubs and traders arrive to set up.
Saturday, August 1st	9.00am – 6.00pm	First day of show. 11.00am official opening by Mayor of Llangollen and celebrity guests. Trials riding and stunt displays throughout the day. Some live music inside the Pavilion. Commentaries over PA system.
Saturday, August 1st	7.30pm – 12.00	Main showground closed. Live music inside the Pavilion only.
Sunday, August 2nd	9.00am – 5.00pm	Second day of show, including trials riding and stunt displays throughout the day. 11.00am – 2.00pm: Pre-65 trials bikes visit and leave site. Some live music inside the Pavilion. Commentaries over PA system.
Sunday, August 2nd	5.00pm – 10.30pm	Exhibitors, clubs and traders leave site.

 

Operatic's Young 'Uns to perform Honk! next year

* Members of The Young 'Uns during their performance in the RAFA Club. 

LLANGOLLEN Operatic Society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, has announced that its next show will be the musical Honk!

With music by George Stiles and book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, it is based on the story of The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson.

The recipient of an Olivier Musical Award, this heart- warming show was first performed by The Young ‘Uns 13 years ago and members are now excited about reprising it with a new cast and crew. 

Producer Pamela Williams said: “We are all really looking forward to getting started with this show.

“It’s incredibly funny and is guaranteed to charm all who come to see it.

“We are actively looking for children aged 11-18 who would like to join in the fun, particularly boys, as some of previous members have now left us to move on to university.

“We currently have a waiting list for 6-10 year olds but anyone wishing to join should please still get in touch so we have your contact details for the future. 

“Similarly, we would love to hear from anyone, of any age, who might be interested in getting involved on the production side, designing and building the set, organising and making costumes or helping in some other capacity. It’s always great to get new faces on board.” 

Honk! will be performed at Llangollen Town Hall from February 4-6 next year.

Over the past five weeks, members of The Young ‘Uns production team, assisted by friends of the society, have run a series of workshops for children aged 6 to 11 years, with the aim of developing performance skills and building confidence.

The workshops included drama games, group story telling through mime, character development and singing and culminated with a performance of songs and more for family and friends on the evening of Monday July 13 at Llangollen RAFA Club. 

Every child was rewarded with a certificate for their teamwork and commitment.

The team involved in the workshops and performance included Pamela Williams, Dee Smith, Helen Belton and Alison Jarvis.

Adventure centre marks 10th anniversary

New buses out of Llan launched

The Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Young Person’s Concessionary Bus Fare scheme for 16, 17 and 18 year olds will be launched in September 2015, it has been announced today at the same time as new T3 buses linking Llangollen and Corwen to Barmouth are launched – a route saved by local campaigners.

 

From September nearly 3,500 young people in Denbighshire will receive a one-third discount on all of their journeys by bus, including the TrawsCymru network of longer-distance services.

 

In September 2014 the Welsh Liberal Democrats agreed to allow the Welsh Government’s annual budget to pass in exchange for funding for a range of key Welsh Liberal Democrat policies, including almost £15m for a Young Person’s Concessionary Bus Fare scheme.  The scheme will be available to 112,000 16-18 year olds in Wales.

 

North Wales’ Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Aled Roberts said: “We used our influence in the National Assembly to ensure young people will have their very own bus pass. 

 

"Because of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, people aged 16-18 will now have the help they need to take advantage of work and training opportunities on offer.

 

“In North Wales 24,363 16-18 year olds will be able to travel using discounted fares. Once again we have shown that a vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats is a vote for Lib Dem polices to be put into practice.

 

“As always, we see today a Welsh Labour Government trying to claim credit for a policy they have been forced to implement. 

 

"Let us be in no doubt, this excellent scheme is only becoming a reality because of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”

 

He added: “I would also like to welcome the new T3 buses – a route that was only saved as result of local campaigners collecting signatures for an Assembly petition when Arriva Buses had proposed that it be cut – a campaign that was supported by myself.”