AM "seriously concerned" over regional prosperity figures

* See response from Wales's Economy Secretary Ken Skates at the foot of the story ...

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood says he is seriously concerned that the publication of new economic prosperity figures show North Wales is trailing even further behind the rest of the UK. 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published regional gross value added (GVA) figures for 2015, which measure the value of the goods and services per head of population produced in an economy.

They show that at £16,059, West Wales and the Valleys, including four North Wales counties, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire, still has the lowest GVA of all UK sub regions, down again to just 63.3% of the UK average.

West Wales and The Valleys has had the lowest GVA per head of all UK sub-regions in each of the years1997 to 2015, moving relatively further away from the UK average since the start of the time period.

Anglesey still has the lowest GVA amongst all UK local areas at £13,411, down again to just 52.9% of the UK average.

Even GVA per head in Wrexham and Flintshire, which stood at 99.3 per cent of the UK average in 1999, has fallen again to just 84% of the UK average.

At £18,002, Wales continues to have the lowest GVA per head amongst the 12 UK nations and regions, standing at only 71% of the UK average.

Mr Isherwood (pictured) said: “With Labour Welsh Government in charge of economic development in Wales since 1999, this record of failure is a betrayal of North Wales, demanding a change of direction.

“The UK Government announced in its March 2016 Budget that it was ‘opening the door’ to a Growth Deal for North Wales and that it would be looking for the next Welsh Government to devolve powers down and invest in the region as part of any future deal.

“Proposals detailed in "A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales", developed by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board in partnership with the Mersey Dee Alliance and the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, went to both the UK and Welsh Government’s last summer.

“The UK Treasury responded by asking the Ambition Board to detail their strategic priorities and prioritise projects, and the Chancellor’s  Autumn Statement in November 2016 confirmed that the UK Government continued to be open to discussing options for a Growth Deal with North Wales.

“However, the Welsh Government has dodged my questions about how and whether it has responded to the call in the North Wales Growth Vision document for the devolution of powers by the Welsh Government over employment, taxes, skills and transport, which it states ‘would boost the economy, jobs and productivity, create at least 120,000 jobs, and boost the value of the local economy from £12.8 billion to £20 billion by 2035’.

“After almost 18 years of Labour excuses, the time has come to enable North Wales to become a beacon of prosperity, vision and ambition.”

The Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said:  “Latest GVA figures show an improving  picture for Wales, with 2015’s total  GVA for Wales  standing at £55.8 billion, an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year and rising faster than the UK average.

“The figures also show  that GVA per head  increased by  2.8 per cent on 2014 figures in Wales compared to an increase of 2.1 per cent for the UK,  and last year stood at £18,002.

“Latest  figures mean Wales’ increase in GVA per head was the third highest of UK countries and regions.

“We recognise there is  more to do  and we will keep working hard to grow Wales’ economy. Developments  such as our  Valleys Taskforce, Wylfa Newydd and our plans for the Third Menai Crossing will all help to drive up GVA in some of Wales’ less prosperous communities.

“There is absolutely no room for complacency but these figures  do show that our pro-business approach is driving growth and  making a real difference to the lives of ordinary people  across Wales.”

Local author plans to kickstart new novel

Local author David Ebsworth is taking pre-orders this month for his new Spanish Civil War thriller, Until the Curtain Falls, through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.


The novel comes highly recommended, and if anyone wants to pre-order a copy it will help him to get the book launched successfully.


Until the Curtain Falls is the sequel to his 2013 Spanish Civil War novel, The Assassin’s Mark.


The novel starts off in October 1938 as a British foreign correspondent is on the run in northern Spain, hunted by three different and deadly enemies determined to kill him before he can reach the Mediterranean coast and freedom.


It’s already picked up some literary plaudits including:


“A cracking, finely paced story of civil war, betrayal, fear and bravery. It is also remarkable for its robust and honest characterisation and its terrific detail.” - Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author of Consider the Lily, I Can’t Begin to Tell You and The New Mrs Clifton.


“A pacy thriller set in the murky world of civil war Spain where nothing is quite what it seems. Until the Curtain Falls confirms Dave Ebsworth’s reputation as a first-rate story teller with a sharp eye for historical detail.” - Dr David Mathieson, Spanish Civil War historian and tour guide, author of Frontline Madrid.


It’s planned to publish the novel in both in English and Spanish and make it available for pre-order through a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign which allows the author to test whether there’s a market for Until the Curtain Falls.


Dave said: “If enough people pre-order, then we go ahead and readers have helped bring the story to life. They become part of the story itself. Part of the team. If we don’t get enough pre-orders, of course, we don’t publish. Then it costs nothing.”


* Here's a link to the Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/527857657/until-the-curtain-falls-hasta-que-caiga-el-telon?ref=category.

Guest loco for railway's spring gala unveiled

* Ex-LMS 8F No. 48624 will take pride of place in the Spring Steam Gala. 

Llangollen Railway has announced details of the guest locomotive which will star at its first Spring Steam Gala from March 3-5.

Ex-LMS 8F No. 48624 will take pride of place in the event which is entitled Along Birkenhead Lines. 

The 8Fs were one of the most successful locomotive designs of all time and were devised by William Stanier for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.

The design was chosen by the War Department for large scale production in the Second World War and eventually 852 members of the class were built.

The 8Fs were no strangers around the Wirral and North-East Wales during the 1950s and 1960s, including hauling heavy goods train up the notoriously steep climb to Brymbo steelworks.  

In 1967 a now long-scrapped member of the class, No.48697, hauled the final passenger train through Llangollen on an enthusiasts' rail tour.

No. 48624 is unique in preservation in that it is the only surviving example built at Southern Railway built example, being completed as part of the War Effort in 1943 at Ashford Works.

The locomotive is normally based on the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire.

Llangollen Railway says it will be making further locomotive announcements soon.

Christmas tree recycling ideas

Denbighshire County Council are encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees this New Year, with a number of ecological options available.

Subscribers to the garden waste service can place suitably trimmed/ chopped up trees in their green bins or sacks for collection.

Trees can also be taken to one of the three staffed Recycling Parks or taken to the Saturday morning services provided at Corwen and Llangollen.

Alternatively, there is a scheme to have old Christmas trees placed within the sand dunes of Barkby beach, Prestatyn and at Talacre beach, Flintshire.

For a donation, St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph is offering to collect discarded Christmas trees on behalf of Denbighshire County Council and Flintshire County Council.

Christmas Trees will be placed on the sand dunes to help future flood defences and reconstruct the sand dunes.

To get involved in this scheme you need to register your details on the website www.charityxmastreecollection.com or over the phone on (01745) 536022 with the charity’s Fundraising Office, telling them where to pick the tree up and make your donation pledge.

The charity Christmas tree collection website closes Sunday 8^th and collection of trees will take place on 13^th, 14^th and 15^th of January. The drivers are all volunteers who have donated their time to the charity.

Tweed and Prosecco trek is Walking Festival highlight

* Organiser Mike Smart, left, and Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar get ready for the Tweed and Prosecco Walk on May 1. 

PEOPLE taking part in a special Tweed and Prosecco Walk in Llangollen are being invited to dress for the occasion.

The event, which is part of the town’s annual Walking Festival, takes place on May 1 and trekkers involved are invited to get into the spirit of things by donning tweeds and other vintage attire.   

The Tweed Walk starts in Llangollen's riverside restaurant, The Corn Mill, with tea or coffee and locally made Welsh cakes.

Then there’s a short walk to Llangollen Railway Station where people can enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride along the River Dee.

The guided walk visits historic locations in the company of a friendly tweed-clad guide who will gently lead and share his knowledge of local history, folk tales and legends ranging from ruthless giants, fighting monks and fairy kings to a demon barber and the holy grail.

The day ends at Gales Wine Bar with prosecco and canapés.

Organiser Mike Smart said: “Certificates will be presented and there will be a special prize for the best dressed vintage rambler.

“Also on offer during the walking festival are the Offa's Dyke Path 18-mile challenge walk with free beer, a 15-mile wilderness walk with a steam train ride also with free beer and two eight-mile meanders, one also with a steam train ride.

“You can also try a free Nordic walking taster session for beginners, enjoy walking the local landscape and see the horse-drawn canal boats with an experienced Blue Badge Guide in the UNESCO World Heritage site.

“All the festival walks are within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Mike added: “This year’s Llangollen Walking Festival is on April 29 and 30 and May 1 and I’d advise people to book early as places are limited on all the walks.

“Like us on Facebook.com/LlangollenWalkingFestival and follow us on Twitter #LlanWALKfest.”

“You can book on line at http://www.llangollenwalkingfestival.co.uk/”

No change in summer opening date for new supermarket

Despite the on-site activity some llanblogger readers are reporting, Llangollen's new supermarket is not due to open until the summer.

That's the latest word from Aldi who will be running the superstore alongside fellow discount chain Home Bargains.

A number of our readers have been in touch to say they have seen work going on inside the Berwyn Street building, leading to speculation that the twin businesses might have an earlier opening date than originally announced.

But a spokesperson for Aldi told llanblogger earlier said today (Wednesday): "We've just got summer 2017 as the scheduled opening currently."

However he assured that the blog would be "kept in the loop" if there was any change to the situation. 

The new Aldi will create up to 30 jobs, says the company.

The discount grocery chain also says it aims to encourage links with other local traders.

A statement issued soon after the development received planning permission from the county council last year said: "We are really pleased to be opening a new store in Llangollen. We understand that there is a strong local interest in the future of the Berwyn Street site, so we are pleased to announce that we will be taking it on and bringing it into productive use.

“Not only will the new store deliver a multi-million-pound investment in the local area and create up to 30 much-needed new jobs, it will also provide greater shopping choice for local people and help them save money on their weekly grocery shop.”

The statement adds: "Unlike other retailers, Aldi has a unique offering and does not act as a one-stop shop.

"Aldi stores do not have a butcher, fishmonger or bakery, nor do they provide childcare facilities or sell tobacco.

"Instead, Aldi is known for encouraging linked trips between its stores and other local businesses, encouraging residents to complete their shopping at other local shops, adding to the vitality and viability of the local area.

"Recruitment will start during construction: anyone interested in jobs at the store should register their details on www.aldirecruitment.co.uk"

MP urges people to speak out on driving offences

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones is urging local residents to take part in a UK-wide Government consultation on driving offences related to causing death or serious injury.

Ms Jones, who introduced a bill to Parliament calling for tougher sentencing for driving offences, is a past recipient of the Parliamentarian of the Year award from road safety charity Brake.

She is currently campaigning for greater road safety on the A5 and A483 on both sides of the Welsh border between Oswestry and Wrexham. 

Ms Jones (pictured) has repeatedly questioned Government Ministers on road safety.

She recently led a debate in Parliament on sentencing policy, calling for the Government to review sentencing relating to road safety offences - something Ministers finally agreed to do at the end of last year.

Now she is calling on local residents to respond to the Government consultation in large numbers.

She said: "The law on driving offences in this country is totally inadequate. A previous generation changed our laws and culture to tackle the scandal of drink driving.

"We need to do the same in tackling sentences for those who kill or seriously injure people on our roads today."

* The Government's consultation can be found at  https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/driving-offences-causing-death-or-serious-injury/

Members of the public have until 1st February 2017 to respond.

Community aims to run village businesses

Members of the community in a village not far from Llangollen have embarked on an ambitious project to buy the village shop and Post Office.

The Cynwyd shop has been on the market for several years and the current owners will close the business if they don't get a buyer.

* Chair: Mabon ap Gwynfor.

Several members of the community agreed that losing the shop and Post Office would be detrimental to the village and organised a public meeting to see if the community could take the place over.

Over 65 people are now involved, and have formed the Siop Ni Cynwyd community enterprise.

Delyth Thomas of Siop Ni Cynwyd said: "The shop is right at the heart of the community. Not only does it provide an all-important service, ensuring that we all have access to some of our daily essentials, but it also acts as a community hub, with friends and neighbours having time to catch up on local issues and bind the community together.

"It would be dreadful if we were to lose the place, so we are exploring all possible avenues to see what can be done to keep it in the community."

The new group have so far received advice from the Wales Co-op Centre, Grwp Cynefin and Cadwyn Clwyd, and are in the process of applying for funding to complete a feasibility study to explore the best options available.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Chair of Siop Ni Cynwyd, said: "A lot of people have come forward willing to assist in this venture. This is a true community enterprise with everybody offering their services and chipping in.

"There is certainly a lot of good will. Grwp Cynefin, Cadwyn Clwyd and the Wales Co-op Centre have been brilliant, and we look forward to working with them to see this project to full fruition."

Cynwyd resident Alwenna Joyce said: "Keeping the shop and the Post Office in Cynwyd is vitally important, especially as we've lost the banks from every town in this region.

"We've got nowhere to pay in or take money out without having to travel some distance, and we don't have many buses here in Cynwyd. The shop sells everything and is indispensable to local residents."

Happy New Year from llanblogger

Wild Pheasant's new lease of life

The Leader is reporting that Llangollen's Wild Pheasant hotel has re-opened after a major facelift.

For the full story, see:

http://leaderlive.co.uk/news/170806/wild-pheasant-hotel-in-llangollen-is-back-in-business.aspx

Railway gala steams in next March

Llangollen Railway’s Along Birkenhead Lines Gala will take place over three days from Friday-Sunday, March 3-5.

Featuring an intensive timetable of both passenger and mixed traffic trains, a great collection of historic steam locomotives and special attractions taking place along the line, the event has something for all railway enthusiasts and families alike, according the organisers.

The weekend marks the 50th anniversary of two significant events - the last steam-hauled Cambrian Coast Express and 50 years since the last through working from London Paddington to Birkenhead (Woodside).

Work is in hand to make this gala one of the most historically accurate and authentic steam events yet achieved.

Expect to see cameos, displays, recreations and all the appropriate paper ephemera.

In addition to the railway’s home fleet, the gala will feature a number of special visiting steam locomotives – details of which will be announced very soon! 

* Download our FREE Advanced Information booklet (first edition attached) for all the latest news on the gala from:

http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/spring-steam-gala-3rd-march/ 

Merry Christmas from llanblogger!

llanblogger is now taking a short break and will be back just after Christmas.

Meanwhile, we wish all our readers the best of the festive season!

Silver Band's successful Christmas Gala

* The Youth Band on stage.

Llangollen Silver Band held their annual Christmas Gala at the Town Hall recently.

The festive event, now in it's 8th year, featured performances from the Training, Youth and Senior Bands, carols and smaller musical ensembles.

Conductor Trevor Williams also announced the winner of the band's 'Young Player of the Year' award, which this year went to 14-year-old euphonium player, Elizabeth Mwale (pictured right.

Trevor said: "Elizabeth is a talented young musician who has achieved great success this year. She is also one of the first to offer to lend a helping hand with other jobs, such as helping younger players and decorating the band room."

The grand finale of the gala saw the packed audience singing and swaying along to the senior band's renditions of Christmas classics such as 'Merry Christmas Everyone' and 'Jingle Bell Rock'.

Band Spokesman, Robert Stock, said 'Our thanks go out to all players, parents and supporters of the band for attending this event. On behalf of the band I hope you all have a merry Christmas and to see you at one one of our events in the new year.'

Santa's quiz raises £353 for Air Ambulance

* The winning team with Santa.

Santa has thanked everyone who joined him at the Ponsonby for Santa's Magical Christmas Quiz.

The evening raised a staggering £353.83 with a pledge for a further £25 making a grand total of £378.83 raised for North Wales Air Ambulance.

Santa said: "Thanks to Paul and Lisa at the Ponsonby for their hospitality and John for his hard work behind the bar. The food and beer were brilliant.

"The declared winners, after a stewards enquiry, were Anon and On and On. A fantastic evening!"

County gives recycling and refuse advice

With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, it happens that recycling and refuse collections in Denbighshire  can take place on the normal day of the week throughout the festive period.

Residents who normally have a collection on a Monday will receive their collections as normal on Monday, 26^th December and Monday, 2^nd January despite these days being Bank Holidays.

Subscribers to the garden waste collection service are reminded that collections will take place over the holiday period.

Full details of collection days are on the calendars which were delivered during October and November or are available on the Council’s website at: -https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/bins-and-recycling/bin-collection-dates.aspx

Recycling parks:  Recycling Park facilities at Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin, will be open to the public as normal every day except 25 December, 26 December and 1 January. Winter opening hours are:

DENBIGH and RUTHIN: Mon – Fri 10am - 4pm. Weekend 9am - 4pm.

Recycling – Llangollen and Corwen:  Saturday recycling services at the Highways Depot, Corwen will take place as normal on Saturday 19 December. However, there will be no service at the Pavilion Car Park, Llangollen on Saturday 26 December or at Corwen on Saturday 2 January 2017.

Saturday recycling services will recommence as normal at Corwen on 7 January between 9 - 11am and at Llangollen on 14 January between 9 - 11am.

Commercial recycling and refuse collections:  Businesses services from Denbighshire County Council will follow the same unaltered pattern as the household services .

Have your say on dog fouling plan

Denbighshire County Council wants to hear your views on a proposed order controlling dogs in public spaces in the county.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is being proposed in direct response to complaints and feedback received by the public relating to dog fouling and associated issues.

The Order, which would come into effect in March 2017,  would formalise the Council’s approach to dealing with dog fouling. The main requirement would be for all dog owners to pick up their animals’ mess.

Dogs would also not be allowed:

·        In enclosed children’s play areas

·        On specific beaches at Rhyl and Prestatyn between 1 May and 30 September (these will be signposted)

·        Specific permanently marked and maintained sports pitches (these will be signposted)

·        Cemeteries

·        All education property

·        Leisure centres

·        Bowling greens

·        Fenced multi-activity areas.

The Order would also require dogs to be kept on leads in specific locations and require dog owners to have the means to clear up after their animals.

A fixed penalty notice of £100 may be issued to offenders. The Order will be enforced by Kingdom local authority support officers, police community support officers and any other person authorised by the Council.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “The vast majority of dog owners are accountable and caring; however a small minority do not always behave responsibly. Complaints and feedback from Denbighshire residents has consistently raised the issue of dog fouling and nuisance behaviour from dogs that are not under proper control.

“The adoption of this proposed Order would make it easier for the Council to deal with the small minority of dog owners who behave irresponsibly. It will also assist us in our efforts to achieve clean and tidy streets in Denbighshire through creating safer areas to play sport and for use by the public.

“Crucially it will reduce the risk posed to the health and well-being of individuals. Coming into direct contact with dog mess can have all kinds of implications on health.

“We hope that people will support this Order. We believe it’s a major step in the right direction and we want people to have their say. We will consider the responses before the final decision is made."

To have your say, go to:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/your-council/consultations/Current-consultations.aspx  *

More fairy tales from Llan author Adrian

* Llangollen author Adrian Farrel's two books of fairy tales.

As his second book of fairy tales is published Llangollen resident Adrian Farrel says he just can't stop writing as new stories keep popping into his head.

Adrian's latest collection, More Tales from the Wood, contains another 18 original tales.

"Just as in my first collection, these are fairy tales with the same smell and sound of the ones with which we grew up, but they all have a twist or a satisfying ending," he says.

In this collection you can meet the Fisherman who stubbornly refuses to be in debt to the wizard, you can enter the Chocolate Shop that is only sometimes there, and you can see inside the world of The Shapeshifter.

You can also learn the difference between a gnome and pixie, and why you should never confuse either of them for a faerie.

Some stories, like The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes, give a new slant on familiar tales, but most of the stories just seem to be familiar because the essence of a good fairy tale is so deeply ingrained in all of us.

Adrian adds: "These stories are like those by the Grimm brothers or Hans Christian Andersen, but a whole lot more fun.

"We don't need sanctimonious or pious tales in today's world. What we need are stories that reflect how life is or how it should be. That is what I have tried to achieve, although sometimes you may have to sit back and let the subliminal message sink in."

And Adrian, whose day-job is with telecommunications companies standardising how the Internet works, is continuing to write.

He says: "I seem to be at my most creative when I am travelling for work. On a recent trip to Korea I managed to complete three new tales, so it looks like I am well on the way to book three!"

"Tales from the Wood and More Tales from the Wood are available in Llangollen from the Courtyard Bookshop and from Zingiber.

They can also be bought online from Amazon or direct from the publisher at http://www.feedaread.com/

Christmas carol concert staged at the Town Hall

* Llangollen Silver Band provides musical accompaniment for the carol concert.

Churches in Llangollen came together for their annual Christmas carol concert at the Town Hall this evening (Sunday).

Favourite carols, including Once in Royal David's City and Come All Ye Faithful, were interspersed with seasonal songs and readings.

Providing musical accompaniment was Llangollen Silver Band and there were selections from the newly-formed Youth Choir and the singing group Stage to Stage accompanied by a three-piece band.

The evening came to a rousing finale with I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday and Merry Christmas Everybody.

A collection was taken on behalf of the charity Embrace the Middle East.

Police boss slams report into North Wales force

* North Wales PCC Arfon Jones.

The latest inspection into North Wales Police has been blasted as "inaccurate, wasteful and stressful" by the man elected to hold the Force to account.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, a former police inspector, claims the report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary fails to recognise the work done by the Force to improve.

The report, by HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams, follows one last year which rated North Wales Police as ‘good’ but this time says it ‘requires improvement.’

But Arfon Jones doesn’t believe the headlines of the report are supported by its findings and content.

He adds that seemingly continuous inspections are actually getting in the way of North Wales Police doing their job and requires a team of three including two police officers to work on them full-time and diverts others from their duties.

According to Mr Jones, HMIC take no account of the priorities which saw him overwhelmingly elected as Commissioner earlier this year.

It is the second such report in two years and for the first time included an assessment of how well Forces tackle the problem of abuse of authority for sexual gain by members of its workforce.

This year’s report found that North Wales Police was good at treating the people it serves with fairness and respect but has limited capacity to seek out and assess intelligence about potential corruption and could do more to recognise the signs of ill health involving mental health issues, including stress at work.

Arfon Jones said he was pleased that HMIC had recognised that NWP is good at treating people it serves with fairness and respect and had acknowledged and commended the significant efforts of North Wales Police officers and staff.

But he added: “I don’t believe the ‘requires improvement’ judgement reflects the tremendous work carried out across North Wales on a daily basis to keep our communities safe and they should not be disheartened by this report.

“North Wales Police is the most improved Force in England and Wales in terms of victim satisfaction and I don’t believe the headlines of the report are supported by its findings and content.

“The reference to a ‘drop in performance’ since 2015 is inaccurate as it is not comparing like for like – the subject areas of the 2015 inspection were not a part of the inspection this time round.”

He was also critical of the number of inspections being carried out, their expense and their focus and he said: “The Force is having to make a significant amount of investment of both time and resources just to respond to the inspection regime.

“The public of North Wales would be surprised by the sheer volume of inspections and the level of resources being diverted from the front line just to prepare for these inspections.

“HMIC continue to highlight areas they believe require investment without any apparent appreciation of the competing pressures, including financial pressures, that we face.

“The irony is not lost on me that they express concerns on the area of stress at work with no apparent awareness of the stress caused by their inspection regime.

“It’s particularly frustrating that the Police budget is being top sliced to fund HMIC’s significant growth in resources.

“But they fail to give any consideration to the priorities that I set out in my Police and Crime Plan.

“The legislation is clear. I hold the Chief Constable to account and HMIC should let him get on with delivering an efficient and effective police service that the people of North Wales deserve.

“I appreciate that it is important to have a system of rigorous appraisal of the Force but it should not be to the detriment of our vital frontline services.”

Viennese gala is prelude to New Year

An orchestra is joining forces with global operatic star Anne Williams King (pictured) to launch the New Year with a sensational Viennese gala concert in the heart of Wrexham.

It is the first ever collaboration between NEW Sinfonia orchestra and the North Wales Opera Studio, founded by international soprano Anne and her husband, professional tenor David Bartleet.

The glittering event, at St Giles Church at 3pm on January 2, will showcase arias from classic operas including La Boheme, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus and Turandot.

NEW Sinfonia conductor Robert Guy promises ‘a perfect partnership’ of the most talented young instrumentalists and singers arising out of North Wales today. He said: “It’s an exciting coming together of two organisations which each have the potential to make musical history.”

Anne’s career has taken her all around the world from South Africa to Japan, Australia, the USA, Canada and South America.

She has wowed audiences in key roles with The Royal Opera Covent Garden, Glyndebourne, Deutsche Oper am Rhein and Niedersächsische Staatsoper Hannover, Germany, and at Teatro Verdi Trieste, Italy.

She said: “NEW Sinfonia and North Wales Opera Studio are of like minds. We both champion outstanding new talent.

“When Rob asked me about doing a joint concert I had no hesitation. It is the ideal fit for us. NEW Sinfonia is highly acclaimed and my students feel honoured at the chance to perform with such quality musicians.”

Having been based in London for a large part of her career, Anne is originally from Pen-y-cae and moved back to North Wales a few years ago to be closer to her elderly mum.

She launched the non-profit making North Wales Opera Studio in Llangollen in 2015 to provide  enhanced training for aspiring opera singers.

She said: “We offer intensive courses, not just in singing but in the stage craft which is so much a part of opera. We run each course over a period of days, building up to a live performance of a scene from one of the great iconic operas, which we perform at the end of each course.

“The performances usually take place at the English Methodist Church, Llangollen, where we rehearse,  but in summer my students also had the honour of performing at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and now they are very much looking forward to the gala performance with NEW Sinfonia.”

While Anne won’t be performing herself at the Viennese gala, she will be there on the day  supervising her students through every step of the way.

She said: “We have some exceptional talent in North Wales and it is a privilege to help it shine. I can get very emotional when I see my students perform as I know all the hard work they have put in and their unstinting commitment to furthering their music.”

* NEW Symphonia in concert.  

The Viennese gala has become a winter tradition for NEW Sinfonia with the last one so popular that the historic St Giles Church was packed to the rafters, and extra seats had to be put out when the audience topped 400.

“We’re hoping for another big turn out on January 2, 2017,” said Wrexham-born Robert.

He and his brother, clarinetist, Jonathan Guy, founded NEW Sinfonia in 2011 to develop an exciting flagship orchestra for North Wales.

In five years it has grown from obscurity to secure major appointments such as becoming resident orchestra for the 2016 North Wales International Music Festival.

It has worked alongside classical music big names including piano virtuoso Llŷr Williams and composer Paul Mealor who was commissioned to create his motet Ubi Caritas et Amor for the Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Earlier this year the orchestra was invited to undertake a music residency at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, supported by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and the Arts Council of Wales.

“Now, collaborating with Anne is another significant coup for us. She has a wealth of experience to pass on, having performed at the world’s great opera houses including with the Welsh, Scottish and English National Operas,” said Robert.

“We’re looking forward to warming up a January afternoon with Viennese favourites like the Blue Danube March and the much loved Die Fledermaus operetta by Johann Strauss. The opera singers will also be giving a spectacular rendition of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, a real grandstander.”

Talented pianist and NEW Sinfonia harpist, Bethan Griffiths, of Treuddyn, has recently been brought on board by Robert and Jonathan to help run the orchestra.

She said the gala concert is a favourite with all its members, many of whom are based in other parts of the UK but return especially to take part.

She said: “It’s so good to be playing together after the Christmas festivities. It makes a rousing start to the new year ahead and gives us all a heartening, warm glow. This year, with the addition of the opera element, it will be extra special.”

Bethan, 21, is in her final year of a performance based course at the Royal College of Music, London, and has agreed to take on some more organisational tasks with NEW Sinfonia.

She said: “I’ve known Robert for a few years as I used to sing with the Cantorion Rhos Mixed Choir of which he is musical director. He’s also choral conductor and tutor in choral conducting at the University of Manchester, and principal conductor to the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra, so he has a lot of commitments. That’s why I’m happy to help out him and Jonathan with any of the admin and organisational challenges I can for NEW Sinfonia. Our programme is already looking busy for 2017 so the gala will mark the start of what is looking like an eventful year for us.

“The orchestra is such a great asset to musicians from North Wales. I’ve played with it for about four years and I always enjoy our concerts. It’s great to be able to get together to perform with other local music makers on our home turf.

“Before NEW Sinfonia there were very few opportunities for us to do that as most musicians are forced to go out of the area if they want to further their careers. To have a flagship orchestra for our own region is a dream come true.”

Trumpet player Gwyn Owen, 23, of Bangor, agreed. After studying at London’s Royal Academy of Music, he is now based in the city carving out a career as a professional freelance trumpet player.

But he said the NEW Sinfonia Viennese gala concert remains a permanent fixture on his calendar, adding: “I always make sure to be home for that, no matter what. It’s a great occasion. Performing with NewSinfonia is so rewarding and I’m also looking forward to working with North Wales Opera Studio for the first time. I’m sure it will be an exceptional and memorable occasion.”

* NEW Sinfonia Viennese gala concert, St Giles Church, Wrexham, January 2, 3pm. For tickets visit www.newsinfonia.org.uk or  go the Tourist Information Centre in Wrexham.

North Wales Opera Studio’s next opera workshops will be held at the English Methodist Church, Princes Street, Llangollen, from December 15-22.