Business lending drops after bank closures

* Plaid Cymru's Mabon ap Gwynfor with a defunct cash machine.

Bank lending to local businesses in the Ceiriog Valley has dropped by 30% in just two years after it lost its last bank, according to Plaid Cymru research.

The collapse in lending is mirrored in other communities that have lost local bank branches, according to a new report published by campaigning group Move Your Money UK.

Move Your Money UK’s report shows that bank branch closures dampens lending growth among small and medium-sized businesses by 63% on average. This figure becomes 104% when the last bank in town closes.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Clwyd South, Mabon ap Gwynfor, who has been campaigning against the closure of numerous bank branches in the constituency, said that while branch closures might make sense for the banks themselves, they were having a " devastating" impact on local communities and businesses, adding to the " slow death" of High Streets across Wales.

He added: “Many of the bank closures have happened relatively recently here, so we do not know the full impact yet.

"But the Ceiriog Valley lost its last bank back in 2011 and lending to medium and small businesses for the LL20 7 postcode area shows a significant year-on-year fall in lending with £14,700,000 being lent in the second quarter of 2013 falling to £10,800,000 by the final quarter of last year. That’s a 30% drop in lending to SMEs in the area.

"The LL14 area, which covers Rhosllanerchrugog, Penycae, Cefn, Ruabon and surrounding areas has also seen a drop in lending to SMEs from £14,000,000 in the final quarter of 2013 to £12,300,000 in the final quarter of last year, and has also seen banks close in Rhos and Cefn Mawr, but the area is yet to feel the full impact of the closure of HSBC in Ruabon.

“These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they represent economic confidence in an area, they represent investment, direct and indirect employment, they show a significant loss to the local economy and community.

“While the Government have come up with a banking protocol, which is toothless and frankly not worth the paper it’s written on, they must  enforce the Banking sector to make a full community Impact Assessment before any closure, and if that assessment proves negative than they should remain open."


LL20 7 is the postcode area for the Ceiriog Valley and southern parts of Llangollen, Trevor, and Froncysyllte.

Both the Ceiriog Valley and Cefn Mawr lost their last banks in 2011, and Llangollen has also seen several banks close in the last two years.

Llangollen, Pentredwr and Eglwyseg, LL20 8, records a £1m fall in lending to SME's between early 2013 and late 2015, lending £10.4m in the second quarter of 2013 and £9.5m in the final quarter of 2015.

Mr ap Gwynfor said, "This is bad news for businesses in Llangollen and the area, who are now finding it harder to invest and grow their businesses."

Clwyd South only has one bank branch left - Barclays in Llangollen.

Renowned poet appears at Fringe this Saturday

Levi Tafari, who appears in the Llangollen Fringe Festival this weekend, is the author of three poetry collections: Duboetry (1987), Liverpool Experience (1989) and Rhyme Don't Pay (1998).

His new collection, From the Page to the Stage, is forthcoming.

His plays have been performed at the Unity Theatre and the Playhouse in Liverpool, as well as at the Blackheath Theatre in Stafford.

He has also worked on educational projects running creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons and libraries.

And it is from this work that he will be most familiar to a generation of people, not just in Llangollen, but also across Denbighshire and North Wales as Levi has been a regular visitor to schools in the area over the past 15 years, offering workshops and experience in poetry and creative writing in the classrooms of morth east Wales.

He returns to Llangollen to host two very special events this Saturday - a poetry workshop and poetry slam, both at The Bridge End Hotel, Mill Street.

Budding poets are invited to sign up to join in on the slam on the day of the performance or via the form on the Llangollen Fringe website: http://llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/festival-2016/festival-2017/other-events-calendar/levi-tafari-poetry-slam 

The rest of the festival week continues with world music pioneer JAH WOBBLE, TS ELIOT poetry prize winner SARAH HOWE, U.S. reggae legends EASY STAR ALL-STARS, Welsh music Prize winner GWENNO (who’s band features ex FLAMING LIPS DRUMMER KLIPH SCURLOCK) and Belfast’s DUKE SPECIAL.

The closing weekend packs just as much of a punch, with headline slots from post punk legends GANG OF FOUR, dance floor fillers DREADZONE and a finale outdoor concert with the Spain’s ULTRA HIGH FLAMENCO, in the breath taking surroundings of VALLE CRUCIS ABBEY.

There are also numerous workshops, themed concerts on the Steam Railway and Canal Boats and family activities throughout the festival.

The poetry workshop with Levi Tafari takes place at 2pm followed by the poetry slam at 7pm on Saturday July 16 at The Bridge End Hotel, Mill Street, Llangollen. Tickets for both events are £5.00 each.

* Festival tickets, poetry workshop and slam tickets and full listings are available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling the Fringe box office:  0800 1455 779.

County issues statement on GHA school buses

Latest ...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-36793520

* See updates at foot of story

Denbighshire County Council has announced that it received notification yesterday (Wednesday) from GHA Coaches that it was to cease trading as of last night.

The council said it was using its contingency plans to try and ensure that as many former services as possible run by GHA were able to continue to operate by other suppliers on a temporary basis.

A council statement says: "Not all routes will be covered immediately and there will be some gaps in service, as it will take a few days to arrange the necessary vehicles from other suppliers.

"Other bus services will need to operate on a reduced emergency timetable. 

"This information will be updated by the council, as soon as information becomes known.

"As part of its contingency response, the council is giving urgent priority to school pupils who are eligible for free school transport.

"The following arrangements are confirmed as at Tuesday evening:

Ysgol Dinas Brân

* Clawdd Poncen and Corwen: Williams Bala

* Llandrillo/Cynwyd: Williams Bala

* Trevor/Garth: E Jones & Son

* Chirk/Black Park area: Llew Jones Coaches

The council statement adds: "On Thursday 14th July, as at the time of publication, except for school journeys, there will be no former GHA bus services operating.

"We will update information on other services when available."

* See the BBC story on this issue at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-36790290

Denbighshire County Council has announced this morning that the following bus services previously operated by GHA Coaches  WILL operate today (Thursday) ...

X50

Ruthin to Denbigh –

Market Street Dept – 0915,1015,1115,1315,1415

Rhewl (Drovers Arms) – 0920,1020,1120,1320,1420

Llanrhaeadr Church – 0926,1026,1126,1326,1426

Brookhouse – 0929,1029,1129,1329,1429

Denbigh arr – 0935,1035,1135,1335,1435

X50

Denbigh to Ruthin

Denbigh, Lenton Pool, dept – 0950,1050,1150,1350,1450

Brookhouse – 0956,1056,1156,1356,1456

Llanrhaeadr Church, 0959,1056,1159,1359,1459

Rhewl (Drovers Arms) 1005,1105,1205,1405,1505

Ruthin arr – 1010,1110,1210,1410,1510

55 Ruthin to Corwen

Ruthin (Wynnstay Rd) 0845,0945,1145,1345

Llanfair DC – 0849,0949,1149,1349

Pwllglas – 0852,0952,1152,1352

Pandy’r Capel 0900,1000,1200,1400

Bryn SM 0902,1002,1202,1402

Gwyddelwern 0905,1005,1205,1405

Clawdd Poncen 0910,1010,1210,1410

Maes Afallen 0911,1011,1211,1411

Corwen arr, 0913,1013,1213,1413

55 Corwen to Ruthin

Corwen (carpark) dep – 0915,1015,1215,1430

Maes Afallen – 1917,1017,1202,1432

Clawdd Poncen – 0918,1018,1203,1433

Gwyddelwern – 0922,1022,1207,1437

Bryn SM – 0925,1025,1210,1440

Pandy’r Capel – 0927,1027,1212,1442

Pwllglas – 0935,1035,1220,1450

Llanfair DC – 0938,1038,1223,1453

Ruthin(Market Street) Arr – 0942,1042,1227,1457

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies says he is shocked to hear about the sudden closure of GHA coaches.

He told llanblogger: "This has an enormous impact on the town with people struggling to get to work in Wrexham and the surrounding areas.

"DCC has no powers regarding service bus routes, these were taken off Ccuncils years ago. However, dedicated DCC officers have been working through the evening to try and get a skeleton service up and running.

"They have been successful in getting the T2 service up, now being run by Lloyds, a big thank you to them.

"Also the X5 service is nearly there as well and hopefully should be running tomorrow."

He added: "My thoughts go to the staff who have been suddenly made jobless. The school Bbs services should be running as per DCC press releases.

"I am also calling on the Welsh Government to reinstate the subsidies that were taken off us over the last couple of years. Creating jobs is no good if people cannot get to them!"

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “The news of GHA’s problems is a bitter blow for our area, and our primary concern must be for those whose jobs are now at risk.

"I will help them in any way I can. The Welsh Government is working closely with local councils including Wrexham and Denbighshire to help those who rely on the services GHA is now unable to provide.”

MP Susan Elan Jones added: “Many of my constituents have been left stranded as result of this, and for a lot of people these buses are how they get to and from Wrexham Maelor Hospital. While our local councils are acting to provide alternatives, I offer my full support to the affected employees at such a difficult, uncertain time.”

Eisteddfod is first to be presented with new peace award

* From left, Eve Conway, President Rotary International for

Great Britain and Ireland, Rhys Davies, Chair of the

Llangollen International Music Festival and Molly Youd, Rotary International District Governor.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been honoured for its contribution to world peace.

The iconic festival was presented with a Rotary International Peace Award by the organisation’s 1180 District during a special ceremony on the pavilion stage.

And the leading Rotarian whose brainchild the accolade is says that she couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient than the festival itself, which is this year celebrating 70 years of furthering peace and harmony across the world through music and the arts.

The festival was founded in 1947 in the aftermath of World War Two to bring peace and harmony to a world riven by conflict.

Ever since, the picturesque town in the Dee Valley is the place where once a year Wales meets the world in a melting pot of culture and colour.

Molly Youd was only recently appointed governor of the huge 1180 Rotary district, which covers an area stretching from Southport in the north to Mid Wales in the south and from Angelsey in the west to Crewe and Nantwich in the east, and is the first woman to hold the position.

Molly, who lives in Rhostyllen near Wrexham, said: “I love the Eisteddfod and for the past 15 years have been in charge of the Rotary tent on the festival field.

“That’s how I came up with the idea of the peace prize together because we share the same ideals of peace and international understanding.

“As this year has seen the 70th Eisteddfod we thought it was most appropriate to make the award to the festival, which has done so much in the cause of peace over all those years.”

The award – a handsome 1ft tall glass trophy – was officially handed over by Eve Conway, President of Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland, to Eisteddfod Chairman Dr Rhys Davies and President Terry Waite during the festival’s Friday evening concert, Heart of Llangollen, which featured a Caribbean carnival extravaganza, dance championships and the International Young Musician competition.

Molly added: “Apart from being in charge of the Rotary stand I’ve also had the honour of being an official Llangollen Ambassador for the past six years, and I thought about the award a while ago.

“Watching the presentation of the first one to the Eisteddfod during the concert was such an honour and also very fitting in a number of ways because, apart from being the 70^th festival, this year is also the centenary of the Rotary Foundation, which is our own charity, the 30^th anniversary of women members in Rotary and the 10^th anniversary of the Rotary Young Citizen’s Award, which is also presented annually.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Dr Rhys Davies was grateful to Rotary International for the award.

He said: “Rotary International is a truly wonderful organisation and the partnership between the Eisteddfod and Rotary is the perfect match because we have in common the work we do to promote world peace and understanding.

“I felt proud and very privileged to accept the award on behalf of the Eisteddfod and I'm sure our partnership will go from strength to the strength in future years.”    

Tickets selling fast for New Dot's Fringe special

* Liza Minnelli stars in Cabaret.

Pretzels and beer steins at the ready, it's nearly time for New Dot Cinema's summer spectacular, which this time is set in 1930's Berlin.

Think Marlene Dietrich, top hats and exotic stage antics this Wednesday July 13 as Llangollen Town Hall is transformed into a vintage cinema.

* The New Dot team behind the show.

Taking place back up in the main town hall again, after a brief period in the smaller council chamber as 'Micro Dot', the New Dot volunteer team have risen to the challenge of putting on a big show and ticket sales have responded well.

New Dot chair, Jen Sandiford explained: "We really wanted to have some fun again and include all the special touches that make our gala film nights so enjoyable and memorable.

"We enjoy thinking of all the themed details and hope that the audience appreciates them. We've got one or two surprises on Wednesday that we're really excited about."

The event is being held as part of Llangollen Fringe Festival that runs over two weekends from July 14-24.

Timed slightly before the start, the cinema night acts as an unofficial curtain raiser to the popular festival and last year, was completely sold out.

At time of press, tickets are still available at Baileys Deli of Llangollen, Maxine's Cafe & Books on Castle Street, Llangollen and at http://www.skiddle.com/e/12771455 priced at £8 (£5 concessions). This time, entry is restricted to those over 15 years old due to the film certificate and doors open at 7:30pm.

Eisteddfod on course to break even, says chairman

* Colourful Indian dancers at this year's festival. 

This year’s smash-hit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is well on course to break even financially.

Three near sell-out evening concerts sent ticket sales soaring significantly over last year and higher visitor attendances than in 2015 have added to the bright financial outlook.

Dr Rhys Davies, who has just completed his first successful year as Eisteddfod Chairman, said: “In contrast to recent years when the picture hasn’t looked too good financially, we know we’re definitely on course to break even this time.

“What’s helped most are three concerts which enjoyed almost full houses – Tuesday’s Carmen starring opera headliners Kate Aldrich and Noah Stewart, Thursday’s featuring Bryn Terfel and Joseph Calleja, and the Sunday show with Jools Holland.

“Everyone in the team is also reporting that visitor footfall is up on last year, which helps put us in a very healthy financial position.”

Outlining some highlights from the week-long festival, Dr Davies said: “The Carmen evening concert was absolutely splendid and Kate, who stepped into the role almost at the last minute when Kathleen Jenkins had to drop out due to a virus, absolutely embodied the title role. She was sexy and vibrant and sang magnificently.

“We were extremely lucky to get such a world-class opera singer and the audience adored her as could be seen from the standing ovation at the end.

“The performances by Bryn Terfel and Joseph Calleja on Thursday night were also truly memorable and it was a pleasure to see one of my personal favourites, Jools Holland, returning to the Eisteddfod stage for a brilliant Sunday concert.

“The standard of the competitions was once again extremely high and it was good to see that the number of overseas people taking part – this year from 22 countries – continues to rise.”

He added: “I feel our decision to move the traditional Eisteddfod parade from Tuesday to Friday to allow more overseas competitors to take part was justified by the fact that over 1,000 took part, watched by an enormous crowd which must have been one of the largest in years.

“This year’s festival was generally much bigger and more colourful than ever and had a better vibe about it.

“But we can’t afford to rest on our laurels and we have to continue building on our story of success.”  

    

Eisteddfod Music Director Eilir Owen Griffiths was also delighted with the way the festival had gone.

He said: “It’s been an interesting year with some drastic changes to the structure of the festival.

“Having the parade on the Friday was a massive success. The crowds were out in force and in excess of 1,000 competitors took part.

“Apart from some rain at the weekend, the weather also stayed with us.

“Children’s Day was absolutely wonderful as was the Inclusion project supported by the ScottishPower Foundation.

“The evening concerts had an amazing opening with Carmen and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra was truly brilliant.

“To think that the stars and production team had only three days of rehearsals is something I’ll remember for a long time.

“Kerry Ellis did a marvellous job with the Wednesday evening concert and having two operatic greats in Bryn Terfel and Joseph Calleja on the Thursday night was just magic.”

“Having the orchestra perform the anthem, Fanfare for Peace, I wrote especially for this year’s 70^th Eisteddfod at the Gala Concert was fantastic for me.”

He added: “Our competitions have been excellent, with some spectacular dance groups and some phenomenal performances by the choirs.

“The event is an awful lot of hard work but I consider myself a very lucky man to have the opportunity of working so closely with so many outstanding volunteers, staff, competitors and guest artists.”    

New national poet heading or Llan

* Ifor ap Glyn, the new National Poet of Wales.

Ifor ap Glyn, the new National Poet of Wales, will visit Llangollen Library next week to give a talk as part of the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

In his talk titled “‘Poetry is what gets lost in translation’ Right? Wrong!”,  he will explore the role of the poet in today's Wales and the importance (and occasional perils) of translation.

The presentation in English will include the reading of some poems with translation.

Ifor ap Glyn was born in London. He has twice won the crown at the National Eisteddfod and recently succeeded Gillian Clarke as National Poet of Wales.

He has just published his first novel, about growing up in London 'Tra Bo Dau' (While there are two). He lives in Caernarfon and works as a television producer and presenter.

The evening will be on Monday July 18^th at 7.30pm in Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen LL20 8NU.

Tickets are £5 and available from Llangollen Library on 01978 869600. The event is supported by Literature Wales.

Councils join forces on trader approval scheme

Six of North Wales’ Trading Standards services have come together in an effort to work collaboratively to deliver the Buy With Confidence (BWC) scheme.

The project is eager to attract more of the region’s businesses in particular those in the home maintenance and gardening sectors, domestic cleaners and general skilled tradesmen.

This nationally recognised trader approval programme was originally  designed to ensure businesses operate in a legal, honest and fair way, and tackle the issue of  ‘rogue traders’. It also provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly.

Kevin Jones, Chair of the North Wales Heads of Trading Standards Group, said “This important scheme enables Trading Standards in North Wales to showcase reliable businesses we are proud to recommend, which allows consumers to make educated choices and avoid getting ripped off. “

The scheme is open to any manner of businesses wishing to apply to advertise themselves as “Trading Standards  Approved”, and must take part in a series of detailed checks by Trading Standards which will then be continually  monitored for their quality of service.

Membership of the scheme is not given lightly , and in order to become a BWC member a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and pass a set of tailored background checks.

Amongst other checks, each applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit from Trading Standards. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme’s code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law.

If you are confident of your business and want to apply to advertise yourselves as approved traders by Trading Standards please visit the BWC webpage at, buywithconfidence.gov.uk, or follow the Facebook page,  tinyurl.com/northwalesBWC.

Community encouraged to help tackle mobile not-spots

Assembly Member Ken Skates is encouraging community groups to apply for help to tackle mobile phone ‘not-spots’ in Clwyd South.

The Welsh Labour AM has been pushing the UK’s major mobile operators for a commitment to improving coverage in his constituency, and is backing a new Vodafone scheme to give indoor mobile coverage to up to 100 rural hubs.

Mr Skates (pictured) said: “I am continuing to campaign for better mobile phone coverage in Wrexham and the Dee Valley and have repeatedly raised concerns with companies about signal loss in our communities. I’ve also lobbied the UK Government, who are responsible for enforcing operators' obligations.”

The Vodafone programme will see pubs, village halls and shops in areas with weak and unreliable signals get better connected to their communities.

The company’s senior government affairs advisor, Graham Dunn, said: “The Community Indoor Sure Signal (CISS) programme is designed to provide reliable indoor 3G voice and data coverage and will be open to 100 rural community hubs. The scheme compliments our expected investment of £2bn over the next three years on improving our network and services across the UK.

“Following a successful pilot, we’re now calling for applications from rural community centres such as independent or community-run pubs and shops, village halls, Scout huts and doctors’ surgeries that do not currently have reliable mobile coverage.”

Mr Skates added: “We have some way to go in improving mobile reception in Clwyd South, and I will continue to press the UK Government to act. I’m also in the process of arranging meetings with operators to see what more can be done, and continue to campaign for improved broadband for our rural communities.

“In the meantime, I would certainly urge community groups to find out more about this Vodafone scheme and get their applications in.”

Successful applicants, who must be the broadband bill payer, will need an unlimited broadband package with download speeds of at least 4Mbps and upload speeds of 2Mbps and a domestic plug-in power point. The CISS unit plugs into a standard broadband router to provide mobile coverage throughout a building.

It's all aboard for the Orange Blossom Special

* Sara Roberts, the longest serving director of Llangollen Fringe Festival, on the footplate at Llangollen Steam Railway.

Following last year’s hugely successful Rock and Roll Train, Llangollen Fringe presents  The Orange Blossom Special, a country and western music themed steam train, on Sunday July 17 at 5.45pm (£20).

There's music on the platform before departure and on return to Llangollen from Darren Eedens and a band and also on the train each way and on the station platform at Carrog.

All travellers receive a complimentary glass of wine.

  

Last year saw the first appearance of a newly renovated coach incorporating a dance floor and bar. It is hoped that the same carriage will form part of the train this year.

Wales still has international outlook despite Brexit says Economy Secretary

* Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, at the Eisteddfod. 

DESPITE Britain’s exit from Europe, Wales is a still a welcoming and internationalist country.

That was the message from the Welsh Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, when he visited the 70^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod yesterday (Thursday).

Mr Skates, who represents the Clwyd South constituency in which the Eisteddfod is based, is a long-time visitor to the festival and serves as one of its Vice Presidents.

After around two years as Wales’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, he took on his new much wider ministerial responsibilities following the recent Welsh Assembly elections.

After touring the Eisteddfod site, he said: “As someone who is from the area, I’ve been a regular visitor to the Eisteddfod at Llangollen for so many years I can hardly remember how long but it’s got to be at least 20.

“In terms of my new portfolio the Eisteddfod has clear economic benefits for the region and especially the Dee Valley as well as significant cultural benefits.

“This year’s festival is particularly important given the need for us to convey the clear message that, in spite of Brexit, Wales is still a welcoming and truly internationalist country.”

Talking about his latest Eisteddfod visit, he added: “After walking around the field I’ve been impressed with the subtle changes which have been made and considerably improved the visitor experience.

“For example, I have noted the repositioning of certain marquees and better branding, which all contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Eisteddfod field.

“It’s a pleasure to be here again.”

Mr Skates then praised the quality of this years’ festival programme, which has included hugely successful evening concert appearances by opera stars Bryn Terfel, Noah Stewart and Kate Aldrich, along with popular music headliners Jules Holland and Collabro plus a host of world-class music and cultural competitions. 

He said: “This year’s line-up of performers and competitors is second to none.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies said: “It’s always a pleasure to have Ken Skates here at Llangollen.

“He has always been a staunch supporter of the festival and of our aims to be  a truly international event where Wales welcomes the world.”

Bryn harmonises with kids at music workshop

* Bryn Terfel and Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft

with children from Mario’s old primary school in Trefnant.

Opera superstar Bryn Terfel harmonised with youngsters having fun with music at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Taking a break from rehearsals for the 70^th Gala Classical Concert, Bryn paid a whistle-stop visit to the tent where the award-winning Pendine Park care organisation was hosting a morning of musical workshops as part of the festival’s Children’s Day activities.

Youngsters from a host of visiting schools joined 15 residents from the Pendine Park care home in Wrexham in warm-up movement exercises and a sing-along, clapping and swaying in time to the music and beating out the rhythm using maracas and tambourines.

Leading the sessions were Jenny Pearson, a freelance singer and tutor, and pianist Annette Bryn Parri, who have both worked with the Welsh National Opera. 

The workshops were of Pendine’s pioneering enrichment programme, which enhances the experience of residents and also plays a key role in personal training and staff development.

Around 20 Pendine staff were on hand to make sure that the morning ran smoothly.

Midway through one of the sessions Bryn and his girlfriend, former Royal harpist Hannah Stone, slipped quietly into the back of the tent.

But, along with Pendine proprietor Mario Kreft, Bryn quickly entered into the spirit of things by joining in the exercises and at one stage added his rich bass-baritone to the singing of the Banana Song.

Mario was also thrilled to see pupils from his old school, Ysgol Trefnant in Denbigh, being ushered into the tent to join the session.

Later, Bryn said: “Usually when I come to the Eisteddfod I don’t have much time to see what’s happening around the field but as my concert rehearsal doesn’t start until a little later I thought I’d pop into the tent and see what was going on.

“I’m glad that I did because workshops like this are such an important corner of musical therapy.

“My mother worked at a special school in Caernarfon, so this sort of environment has always been part of my life.”

Among those enjoying the session was one of the Pendine Park residents, 72-year-old Christine Jones, who clapped and sang along enthusiastically with the music.

She said: “I’ve been to these workshops in previous years and I really look forward to them.

“They’re so much fun and I love being here with the children as I have a grandson and a grand-daughter of my own.”

Also loving every minute of the session was fellow Pendine Park resident, 91-year-old Bill Evans, a veteran of the World War Two Normandy campaign.

He said: “I love watching the kids having fun and singing along with them.

“I used to live just up the road in Trevor so I came to the Eisteddfod quite often, including the time when Prince Charles and Princess Diana came.”

At the other end of the age range, eight-year-old Megan Grace from Ysgol Trefnant, was also lapping up every minute of it.

Megan, from Denbigh, said: “I’ve been joining in with the singing and the movements and having lots of fun.

“I’ve never been to the Eisteddfod before so I’m looking forward to going around the field to see the other things happening later.”

Visiting from Meadows Primary School in Oswestry was nine-year-old Lewis Jennings who said: “I came here last year and it was really good, so I wanted to come back again.

“It’s great to join in the singing and exercises with the other children and I’m really enjoying it.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park’s artist in residence who helped organise the workshops, said: “There’s always a huge amount of interest both from the schools and the residents who tell me how much they enjoy them.

“There’s a full programme of activities going on in the Pendine tent throughout the week as part of our enrichment programme, including our pop-up health and beauty salon and pop-up pub serving Pendine Punch and mocktails.

“We’ll also have a recital by harpist Nia Davies Williams.

“It’s lovely to see the way the children and older people interact.”

Mario Kreft said: “A key element in what we do at Pendine Park is bringing together older people with dementia and children.

“The workshops are about raising awareness that old age is nothing to be frightened of and understanding how the arts and music can help change people’s lives for the better.

“We love to be involved with the Eisteddfod because of its ethos of peace and understanding and these sessions are an extension of that.”

Eisteddfod loves saying it with flowers

* Flower Power – Floral Committee volunteers.

IT started with just a few blooms in jam jars to hide the tent poles but over the past 70 years the tradition of beautifying Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod with flowers has become as well rooted as the iconic festival itself.

Marjorie Pierce, a keen gardener, and also something of a folk dancer, began the tradition at the first Eisteddfod and over her 35 years as chairwoman she led her “ladies” from being a minor off-shoot of the Grounds Committee to a 50-strong independent Floral Committee. 

Since her time there have only been two other chairwomen – Jean Walker, who reigned over her floral empire for about 15 years, and the current incumbent Sandy Attenburrow who has so far done a similar stint.

She said: “The Eisteddfod main stage has grown in size dramatically over the years and so has the challenge to create new and exciting floral decorations each year.

“The work starts with the cutting and collecting of lorry loads of greenery, known as thuja. The superstructures of the displays then have to be erected.

“Filling the containers with water takes days as does the wiring in of the thuja. 

“At the last possible moment the flower arrangers feverishly set to work on their designated patches.”

The majority of the flowers are brought in fresh from the growing fields of Holland a few days before the festival begins, while others come from the gardens of committee members.

As the weather dictates the colours and varieties that are available, pre-planning is limited, the skill is in their creative improvisation. 

Sandy added: “We look at the weather and then work out a colour scheme. We then freshen things up every day as extra flowers come in.

“All this is pretty labour intensive, so our team of 30 volunteers – mostly ladies but with just one man – are kept busy throughout the week.

“The main display we do is the one in front of the main stage, which consists of literally thousands of individual flowers.

“This year that includes roses, lilies, gladioli, delphiniums and foxgloves, although this time around we’ve had a bit of a problem getting everything we need because the weather in the Netherlands has been so bad.

“That has also had an effect on the price. Last year, for instance, we spent a total of about £2,000 but this time it’s around £2,500.

“However, we break even on our costings every year and that will still be the case.”

As well as the consistently breath-taking floral display in front of the main stage, Sandy and her dedicated team also provide the arrangements placed right across the festival site.

They also lovingly create the posies and baskets traditionally presented to star acts at the evening concerts.

Floral Committee volunteers come from Llangollen and places further afield such as Leicester, Chester and Shrewsbury as well as Denbigh and Ruthin.

Some have been volunteering for many years and a couple of the ladies are playing the generation game, following in the flower strewn footsteps of their mothers who were also part of the committee.

Sandy said: “The flowers are an Eisteddfod tradition, following on from the flowers in jam jars of the very earliest days and becoming more ambitious every year.

“I think our displays are important because they bring in the smell of summer, brighten things up and take away the gloom.

“I think they’re very special for all our competitors and performers and also, of course, our visitors.

“On the last day of the festival, the Sunday, another tradition is to let whoever wants them take away all the flowers in exchange for a donation.

“This helps to pay for the displays and also brightens up the whole town when they take them home.”

Fringe boasts stellar list of acts

* The Easy Star All-Stars.

Llangollen Fringe Festival will return for its 19th edition this year, from July 14-24.

It will see over 5,000 people visit the town over 11 days of music, theatre, dance, literature and more.

The Fringe has become renowned for the famous names it is able to attract to the small corner of North East Wales in the Dee Valley and this year is no exception as the festival boasts a stellar list of main attractions.

* Duke Special.

This includes Ska Legends The Selecter, Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey’s new band Vangoffey - also featuring members of Babyshambles and other well-known bands - World/Reggae fusion pioneer Jah Wobble and TS Eliot poetry prize winner Sarah Howe who open the first weekend.

The party carries on through the week with US reggae heavyweights The Easy Star All-Stars, famous for their inspired reggae tribute albums such as Dub Side of the Moon and Radiodread which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Welsh music prize winner Gwenno and Belfast’s Duke Special round off the week.

The closing weekend packs just as much of a punch, with headline slots from post punk legends Gang of Four, dance floor fillers Dreadzone and a finale outdoor concert with the Spain’s Ultra High Flamenco, in the breathtaking surroundings of Valle Crucis Abbey.

There are also numerous workshops, themed concerts on the Steam Railway and Canal Boats and family activities throughout the festival.

* Gwenno.

This year’s edition has a sad note, in that it marks the passing of one of the founders of the event, Dave Lee, who sadly died this year.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We’re really sad to hear that Dave has passed, he was one of the founders of the festival back in 1997 and brought many great bands, performers and public figures to Llangollen. We’d like to dedicate this year’s event to his memory.”

Tickets for the whole festival are on sale now. Priced at £85, the festival ticket allows access to all of the main events across the 11 days.

* Festival tickets and full listings are available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk, or by calling the Fringe box office on 0800 1455 779.