Eisteddfod is family affair for mum and daughter

* Helen Hayward and Betty Jones.

Mother-daughter duo Helen Hayward and Betty Jones will be celebrating a life-long devotion to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year.

They'll be performing in the Celebration Chorus on Wednesday July 5 – the first time they have appeared together.

They will both be in Calling All Nations with renowned international composer Christopher Tin, which will mark Betty’s 71st festival.

The song-cycle, sung in 12 different languages, sees Grammy award-winning composer Christopher Tin conduct soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the Celebration Chorus in a spectacular international choral and orchestral performance, compared by Classic FM’s Andrew Collins.

Betty said: “My involvement with the Llangollen Eisteddfod began at an early age. My mother and father hosted competitors at our home in Froncysyllte for the first Eisteddfod, you could say that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to the festival.

“When I married Arnold, he was told that if he wasn’t involved with the International Eisteddfod, he wouldn’t see me for the first week in July every year. Needless to say he signed up. For me, this spirit of togetherness is truly what the Eisteddfod stands for.”

The passion for the festival became a family affair when Helen began volunteering at the Llangollen Eisteddfod and then later introducing her husband Neil, who is currently the Chief Steward, and their children, confirming three generations' love for the International Eisteddfod.

“I’ve only ever missed two festivals and even made it to the 1988 festival 10 days after the birth of my son – the ‘Eisteddfod blues’ were just too much to handle,” said Helen.

“This year, not only attending the Llangollen Eisteddfod but performing next to my mum will be truly amazing.”

Betty continued: “I just love the Llangollen Eisteddfod and this is my second time performing on the International Pavilion stage. In 1952 I performed as part of the choir from Llangollen Grammar School – now Ysgol Dinas Bran – and we claimed second place in the children’s competition. This was an incredibly special experience for me and really confirmed my love of singing.

“However, I think this year will be even more special as performing alongside my daughter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll both treasure forever.”

Speaking of their favourite moments from the collective 120 visits, Helen said: “For me, being in the same room as José Carreras and watching him perform was just incredible. I can’t put into words how honoured I was to see him live. The International Eisteddfod does truly bring world-class talent to Llangollen, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.” 

Betty added: “In 1955 I hosted the Modena Male Voice Choir, one of whom was a young Pavarotti. I later saw him perform as a soloist. Both of these are experiences I wouldn’t have had without the International Eisteddfod. For that I will be forever grateful.”

To purchase tickets to see the Celebration Chorus perform Christopher Tin’s Calling All Nations with Elin Manahan Thomas and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, please visit: www.Llangollen.net

Enterprising Dinas Bran students off to Cardiff

* Team Odyssey from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Two enterprising teams of students are heading to Cardiff for a national business final.

Pupils from Llangollen’s Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Rhuddlan’s Cambrian Pengwern College will be taking part in the Young Enterprise Wales final on June 15.

The students entered the competition after a series of business courses run by the Young Enterprise charity, with funding provided by Denbighshire County Council for sessions at five schools in the county.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran’s Team Odyssey, made up of six pupils aged 16 and 17, reached the final after winning a host of categories, including best overall company and best presentation, at the North Wales final for work around their hand-made vegan scented soap.

Pengwern Planters, made up of 13 students aged 18 to 22, won the best team prize, as well as the best report and best marketing awards, for their social enterprise work planting flowers in towns including Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

The courses help students set up their own companies and run them for an academic year, under the guidance of business mentors.

To take part in the competition students prepared and presented a detailed company report, set up a trade stand and made a presentation about their business to a panel of judges.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran teacher Rachel Allen, said: “Team Odyssey were absolutely delighted to have won so many awards in the North Wales final. They worked so well as a team, and put a great amount of effort in.

“They are excited for the trip to Cardiff and are really looking forward to representing North Wales. They really want to win it for North Wales.”

Funding was provided by the council’s Economic and Community Ambition Programme which aims to support local businesses and ensure the county has a skilled workforce equipped to benefit from jobs and opportunities that arise.

Selwyn Griffith, North Wales’ Young Enterprise manager, said: “I want to congratulate students from Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Pengwern College for their excellent standard of work. The sessions provide a great platform for students to develop skills such as teamwork, resilience and to interact with their local business community.

“I would like to thank Denbighshire County Council for providing the funding to deliver these courses in the county.”

Crowds flock to enjoy Plas Newydd fete

* An historical battle re-enactment was a popular attraction.

* The plant stalls attract plenty of attention.

* A singer provides musical backing for the fete. 

* Aiming for a bullseye on the darts stand. 

* Youngsters have fun on a giant inflatable.

* Valley Girls WI do a roaring trade with their summer drinks and scones stall.

* The magic show draws a crowd.

* A couple of fete-goers shelter from a short rain shower.

Only occasional light rain interrupted the sunshine for the annual Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete at  Plas Newydd yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

Hundreds came out to enjoy the usual range of attractions including bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy and magic show and a host of stalls and sideshows.

A popular feature for the first time this year was an historical re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings period including realistic-looking sword fights and an encampment.

Raffle tickets were selling well with people aiming to grab the first prize of £500 worth of portrait photography donated by Neil Barrett plus other goodies.

Proceeds of the raffle will go to Hope House whilst the rest of the fete profits are donated to local good causes.    

Llan Silver Band players make it to Urdd finals

* Elizabeth Mwale, left, and Taya Castley of Llangollen Silver

Band reached the Urdd Eisteddfod finals. 

Two talented young members of Llangollen Silver Band won through to the national finals of this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod in Bridgend.  


Taya Castley, 14, on Bb cornet and representing Ysgol Dinas Bran in the brass soloist year 7 to 9 category, took third place playing an Air Varie on the tune Carnival of Venice arranged by  H. Round.  

Elizabeth Mwale, 15, on Bb euphonium and representing Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in the brass soloist year 10 to under 19 category, reached the prelim stage playing an Air Varie on the tune The Beautiful Colorado arranged by De Luca.

Silver Band conductor Trevor Williams said: “I’d like to congratulate both Taya and Elizabeth for their latest successes and also thank them for the huge amount of work and commitment they give to both our youth and senior bands.

“At the Urdd both the girls were accompanied on piano by Owen Roberts of Trevor.”

Garden Fete starts at 2pm tomorrow

The traditional Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Plas Newydd.

Organisers say it starts, as it always does, at 2pm and not 4pm as has been circulated on some social media sites.

There will be all the usual attractions - bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy and magic show plus musical entertainment.

The Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs have been busy  preparing the stalls and sideshows and various  charity organizations in the town will also have stalls.

A new feature this year is a historical enactment with an encampment and examples of fighting strategies.

Raffle tickets have been selling well but if you have not had a chance to purchase one yet there will be an opportunity to buy them on the field.

First prize is £500 worth of portrait photography generously donated by Neil Barrett and there are many other valuable prizes.

Proceeds of the raffle will go to Hope House whilst the rest of the fete profits being donated to local good causes.    

Wilko Johnson headlines at the Fringe

"I’m supposed to be dead!"

So said Wilko (pictured) in a recent interview, having been diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer.

But despite the doctors’ worst predictions he continued to perform and present himself with vigour and a new zest for life.

And in July he headlines at this year's Llangollen Fringe.

In 2013, Wilko announced that, thanks to a second opinion and subsequent life-saving surgery, he was cancer-free.

“Man, there’s nothing like being told you’re dying to make you feel alive.”

Having established himself, during his time with DR FEELGOOD as the strutting no-nonsense style R&B guitar hero of the 1970s.

All through the ’80s, ’90s and into the new millennium he continued to gig in the UK, Europe and Japan. But it was when Julien Temple’s award winning Oil City Confidential came out in 2009, with Wilko emerging as the film’s star, that the world once again sat up and paid attention to his extraordinary talent.

From here on Wilko’s journey became even more fascinating, from taking a significant acting role in the world wide TV phenomenon GAME OF THRONES (playing the silent assassin ‘Ser llyn Payne”) up to his tragic diagnosis with terminal cancer.

This period also marked one of Wilko’s most creative, seeing him star in a second bio pic from Julien Temple as well as recording the hit album ‘Going Back Home’ with THE WHO’S ROGER DALTREY.

This period of course was crowned with the miraculous news of Wilko’s full recovery from cancer and he is truly back bigger, bouncier and hungrier than ever.

WILKO JOHNSON and long time collaborator NORMAN WATT-ROY, from the nucleus of The Wilko Johnson Band, who will perform a headline set at Llangollen Pavilion, Abbey Road, Llangollen as part of 20th anniversary edition of the Llangollen Fringe Festival on Wednesday 19th July. With support from The Delta Radio Band. #

The full line up for the Llangollen Fringe is announced and promises to be the biggest yet to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday.

* TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling 0800 1455 779.

The Llangollen Fringe 20th Anniversary Festival takes place from Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd of July 2017.

Former Plaid leader urges support for Labour candidate

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas has urged the party’s supporters in Clwyd South to switch their allegiance to Welsh Labour’s Susan Elan Jones (pictured right).

Lord Elis-Thomas says anyone who doesn’t want a Tory MP should vote tactically re-elect Ms Jones, who has been the area’s MP since 2010.

In a letter to residents, serving AM Lord Elis-Thomas, whose Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency borders Clwyd South to the west, said: “As a former Member of Parliament for Meirionnydd, which included substantial communities in Clwyd South, I urge supporters of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats to seriously consider voting tactically in the election for Westminster in order to prevent the Tories from taking the seat.”
 
Lord Elis-Thomas says he is also worried about the Tory UK Government’s shift towards a hard Brexit.

He said: “I think there is a real threat to the powers of the National Assembly when the UK leaves the EU.  We need a strong team of progressive MPs from Wales to ensure that powers over agriculture, fisheries, the environment and the economy come from the EU to Wales rather than to Westminster, as appears to be the UK Government’s current policy.”

Lord Elis-Thomas (pictured left) added: “Susan Elan Jones has proven herself to be fully committed to the area she represents and is one who shares your progressive values.”

Former leader of Corwen Town Council, David Jones, said: “Susan has been a superb MP and we need to keep her. She is from our area so she knows and understands our communities. I would urge everyone who doesn’t want a Conservative MP to unite behind Susan. It’s vital that we retain a strong local voice in Westminster.”

Ms Jones herself said: “Put simply, I am the only candidate in Clwyd South who can stop Theresa May’s Tories securing a landslide General Election victory.

“Her cynical U-turn in calling this snap election – after categorically stating that she wouldn’t – leaves the people of Clwyd South with a stark choice. It’s a straight two-horse race between Welsh Labour and the Tories, and a vote for Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dems, UKIP or any other party will simply help the Tories sneak in and strengthen their grip on the UK.”

Operatic picks up another amateur stage "Oscar"

* From left, James Barber, sound engineer, Elen Mair Roberts, musical director, Tracey Rawlinson, producer, Michael Jones, stage manager, Bill Cheshire, cast member, Susan Cheshire, chairman,
Colin Roberts, friend of the society, and Louisa Jones, Best Performer nominee.

Llangollen Operatic has scored another success in the amateur stage "Oscars". 

Following their success last year with two wins for the 2015 production of Sister Act, a group of eight society representatives headed off to Hereford on Sunday afternoon for the Wales and Ireland Regional Annual NODA Awards ceremony.

They had been nominated in three categories of the awards for their 2016 production of The Producers - Best Production, Best Technical/Stage Management and Best Performer, Louisa Jones for her role as Swedish blonde secretary Ulla.

The ceremony is a popular event for am dram societies and was attended by around 150 people.

Tracey Rawlinson, producer, was thrilled to step up and receive the award for district winner of Best Show.

Unfortunately, the director Nia Pickering was unable to attend having recently given birth to a baby girl just three weeks earlier.

Tracey said: "We are absolutely over the moon and so very proud to be receiving another award this year for what was a truly memorable show. This is very much for all involved both on and off stage and was another fantastic team effort "

20mph speed limit proposed for Pengwern

Denbighshire County Council is proposing a 20mph speed limit on Pengwern in Llangollen.

The council has made an order under road traffic legislation to cut vehicle speed around the area in a bid to improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.

The proposal would apply to:

* Pengwern, from a point 10 metres south east of its junction with the A5 for its entire length.

* Horseshoe Pass View, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Min y Coed, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Maes Pengwern, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Trem y Gwernant, from its junction with Maes Pengwern for its entire length

* Tan y Coed, from its junction with Maes Pengwern for its entire length

* Trem y Ysgol, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Erw Deg, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

_{The newly elected Labour county councillor for Llangollen, Graham Timms (pictured), expressed his delight at the order.}

_{He said: "Reducing the speed of traffic on Pengwern has been a genuine concern of everyone for a long time.}

_{“This reduction in speed can't come soon enough. It provides the legal basis for a safer neighbourhood for residents and children.}

_{"When the new speed limits are introduced I'll be working closely alongside those living on Pengwern and the local police to make sure that motorists respects the new limits."}

_{A copy of the proposals can be inspected at Llangollen Library, and anyone objecting to the new limit has until June 21 to register their concern and their reasons with the county council.} 

Choir concert planned for June 7

llanblogger has been asked to publicise the event below on June 7 ...

Police postpone open day after Manchester attack

The North Wales Police Open day, planned for Saturday, June 3, has been postponed until September so that officers can continue to provide an increased presence across the region and support the counter terrorism effort in other parts of the country.

Chief Constable Mark Polin said: “Since the truly horrific attack in Manchester, and the raising of the national threat level to critical, members of the public will have seen increased patrols, including by armed officers,  across North Wales.

“Our Open Day is one of the highlights of the calendar for us and, based on past attendance levels, is for our local communities too. A great deal of planning involving ourselves and partners goes into it, so to postpone the event was not a decision that was taken lightly and I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“The event is supported by a great many police officers, special constabulary members, volunteers, specialist teams - including firearms and dogs – and many colleagues from partner organisations many of whom under the current circumstances are needed out and about across North Wales providing a reassuring presence and security to members of the public. Officers from North Wales are also currently working alongside colleagues in Greater Manchester, and we have officers deployed in the city.

"I am confident that the public would expect me to put all available resources into keeping our communities safe rather than planning for, and holding the open day, in spite of the importance of the occasion. Even if the critical threat level is reduced before the event, it would be difficult to ensure that we have the resources available to guarantee a successful day, and we have left the decision as late as possible under the circumstances.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and those who were injured in Monday’s senseless attack.

“North Wales Police will stand together as a team with all UK forces and other agencies in the face of the current national threat, to do everything that we can to keep people safe and to provide reassurance.

“We continue to work with our Policing and Counter Terrorism partners in both investigating the Manchester attack and gathering intelligence to prevent further attacks.   We are also working closely with the other emergency services, local authority partners and our  local communities.

“The sad events of this week reinforce the need for us all to remain vigilant. Our advice remains the same, please stay alert but not alarmed and report any suspicious incidents immediately.”

The decision to postpone until September 16th was made to avoid clashes with other North Wales weekend events over the summer.

* Report anything suspicious to the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.  In an emergency always call 999.

Event planned for tomorrow

Friends of Llangollen Museum have asked llanblogger to publicise the event below ...

Buzz over to Plas Newydd this Saturday

Saturday 27 May  11.00  -  16.00

LLANGOLLEN BUZZ FAMILY FUN DAY

at Plas Newydd, Llangollen

Join Friends of the Earth at Llangollen Bee Friendly.

Help Chester Zoo Nature Rangers discover bumble bees, join the North Wales Wildlife Trust in their outdoor lab, join in the North East Wales Dance workshops and follow the busy bee trail.

There will be honey tasting, face painting, plant sales, pollinator themed arts and crafts and a prize for the best pollinator fancy dress!  Entries for our children's art and creative writing competition will be on display and winners judged.

Lavish festival of gardens set to open

* Eirlys Jones, left, and Clare Britton, from North

Wales Tourism and Tony Russell, the consultant

who has helped put the festival together

and is based at Plas Tan y Bwlch.

Thousands of green fingered tourists will be heading to North Wales for a spectacular 16-day festival of gardens.

A packed programme of events, ranging from behind the scenes guided tours and photography competitions to a squirrel watch and a vintage car rally will be staged as part of the Festival of Gardens North Wales.

The festival, which is being supported by the Welsh Government, is being organised by North Wales Tourism.

It will be officially opened at the beautiful Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens near Maentwrog in Gwynedd by Gardener’s Question Time chairman and former TV weatherman Peter Gibbs tomorrow, Saturday, May 27.

Last year’s inaugural Festival of Gardens North Wales brought almost 44,000 visitors flocking to the beauty spots involved and it's expected to plough up to £2 million into the region this summer.

This year for the first time there will be a Friends of the Festival Discount Card costing £5 which will include offers such as free tea/coffee and discounted admission.

According to Peter Gibbs, the festival will uncover some hidden gems of the garden world.

Peter, who was also a BBC national TV weatherman until last year, said: “A lot of people, including gardeners, don’t realise how many different gardens there are in North Wales.

“Apart from the large, well known National Trust ones there are also lots of fantastic smaller gardens and without this sort of festival they wouldn’t get noticed by the kind of people who would really enjoy them.

Peter added: “It’s a great honour to be invited to open the festival and I’m really looking forward to what should be a memorable occasion in a wonderful part of the world.

“From a weather point of view North Wales is very interesting. It has a relatively mild climate and because of the Gulf Stream doesn’t get a lot of particularly cold weather. There’s also the effect of the mountains which gives you so many different micro-climates."

Peter, who’s had his key role on Gardeners’ Question Time for over 10 years, describes himself a `very keen gardener’ and admits this puts him in a fortunate position when it comes to getting the best advice.

“I’m very lucky to have all those experts on tap and if I do have problems in my own garden I know exactly who to call on for help,” he said.

“This year the programme, which I feel very fortunate to be involved in, celebrates its 70^th anniversary which will be marked by a number of special features looking back over the years and forward to hopefully the next 70.”        

North Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones said: “North Wales has some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK and this event is all about showing them off to as many people as possible.”  

 

More than 100 unique events are planned over the 16 days of the festival at gardens taking part including musical performances, orienteering sessions, treasure hunts, bug hunts, gardening lectures, family treasure hunts, children’s trails and plant sales.

The festival dates have been arranged to coincide with late-spring flowering displays, which will include rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, tulips and flowering cherries, making this one of the best times of the year to visit the great gardens of North Wales.

Jim Jones added: “This is the second year of the festival and it’s going from strength to strength.

“It’s an excellent example of what can be achieved when North Wales gets together for a particular offer – in this case its wonderful gardens.

“We have some of the most beautiful in the UK, including some real hidden gems, and this is about showing them off to as many people as possible.

“You can see our gardens separately but being able to visit them all together during the festival is amazing and the event is the perfect showcase for one of our best assets.

“The festival has been extensively marketed and we expect to attract thousands of visitors not just from around the gardens but also from a much wider area including other parts of Wales as well as the North West and Midlands of England.

“Last year’s inaugural festival was a major success and brought over 43,000 people through the gates of the gardens involved.

“Welsh Government figures show that the average spend per day visit to Wales was £39 last year, which means the festival had the potential to bring a total of over £1.7 million into the local economy. 

“This year that figure could be even higher with the festival lasting longer and involving more gardens, which is great news for North Wales.”

He added: “We have an exciting, fascinating and entertaining programme of events and activities lined up, which means that every morning, afternoon and evening there will be at least one special event happening in or more of the gardens.

“We are also very lucky to have Peter Gibbs, who hosts the iconic Gardener’s Question Time on BBC Radio, to open the festival at Plas Tan y Bwlch on Saturday May 27, which should be a brilliant occasion.”   

Special advisor to the festival once again is gardens guru Tony Russell, renowned as one of Britain’s leading experts on trees and shrubs who also makes regular appearances on the BBC’s Gardener’s Question Time.

He said: “Having launched the festival in 2016, I am delighted to see it develop and grow into such an exciting event.

“For 2017 there are even more gardens involved and between them they will be running in excess of 100 special events.

“Having worked in horticulture for over 30 years, I can honestly say there is nothing quite like the festival held in any other part of Britain.

“North Wales has some of the finest gardens in the UK and the festival is a way of telling the world all about them.”

Gardens taking part in the festival from the county of Gwynedd are: Plas Yn Rhiw at Pwllheli, Caerau Uchaf in Bala, Treborth Botanic Garden in Bangor, Crug Farm Plants in Caernarfon, Parc Glynllifon in Caernarfon, Aber Arto Hall in Llanbedr, Plas Glyn y Weddw in Llanbedrog, Plan Tan y Blwch near Maentwrog, Portmeirion in Penrhyndeudraeth, Plas Brondanw at Penrhyndeudraeth, Nanhoron in Pwllheli and the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. 

In the county of Anglesey it’s Plas Newydd in Llanfairpwll and Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens in Menai Bridge.

In the county of Denbighshire it’s Plas Newydd in Llangollen, Bodrhyddan Hall Gardens in Rhyl, Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin and Dibleys Nuseries near Ruthin.

In the county of Powys there’s Powis Castle and Gardens near Welshpool, the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth and The Dingle Garden near Welshpool.

Taking part from the county of Wrexham are Chirk Castle near Chirk and National Trust Erddig near Wrexham.   

Gardens from the county of Conwy involved in include Bodnant Garden at Tal y Cafn and Gwrych Castle in Abergele which will be open on May 27, 28 and 29.

Highlights of the Festival of Gardens North Wales:

• In Wrexham, throughout the festival the National Trust is holding Big Bug Hunt where visitors can look for big cuddly bugs in the house and cast their eyes over some creepy carvings outdoors by international chainsaw artist Simon O’Rourke. Both parts of the hunt take place daily from 10am to 5pm in the garden and 12.30pm to 3.30pm in the house.
• In Anglesey there is a Red Squirrel Walk at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens in Menai Bridge on June 4, starting at 2pm.
• In Powys there is the Dig a little Deeper event at Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth. Running each day from May 27 to June 4 between 10am and 5pm, it includes tours, activities, trails and workshops. The festival coincides with school holidays so there will be lots of garden inspired activities for kids and families.
• Among the highlights in Conwy is the Dawn Chorus Walk at Bodnant Garden near Colwyn Bay on May 29, starting early from 5.30-7.30am at a cost of £20. It includes a magical tour of the garden at dawn, including an exclusive viewing of the Laburnum Arch and expert birdwatching advice. A full Welsh breakfast will be available afterwards at a cost of £5.
• In Gwynedd there is a vintage car rally at Parc Glynllifon, Caernarfon from 10am-5pm on Sunday June 11.
• Highlight in Denbighshire comes on Sunday June 11 with the annual plant fayre at Bodrhyddan Hall.  

This year for the first time there will be a Friends of the Festival Discount Card costing £5 which will include offers such as free tea/coffee and discounted admission. For more information about the festival go to www.gardensnorthwales.co.uk

Battle of Britain legends to fly over Llan

A Spitfire and Hurricane (pictured) from the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will honour the Llangollen Motorcycle Festival - LlanBikeFest - with a fly past on Sunday, August 6.

RAF officials have confirmed the flight is expected on Sunday morning, with the actual time to be agreed nearer to the event.

“The spectacle will be amazing and the sound of two Merlin engines echoing around the Dee Valley will be music to the ears. We are especially honoured as 2017 is the 60th anniversary of the flight being formed,” said LlanBikeFest’s John Hutchinson.

“Wales has chosen 2017 as the Year of Legends – which is exactly what these aircraft and the crews who flew them are.

“Fingers crossed for great flying conditions. We will keep people posted with the time the flight expected over Llangollen on Facebook and Twitter.”

* Learn more about the Battle Britain Memorial Flight on its Facebook and website pages. Follow LlanBikeFest on Facebook at Llangollen Motorcycle Festival and Twitter at @llanbikefest.

LlanBikeFest is sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance, with day tickets £10 on the gate or online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk, and children 15 and under free. Or contact the Festival office at 07960 693398, office@llanbikefest.co.uk. Club stands and exhibitor bookings are free.

UKIP supplies Clwyd South candidate's details

Details of the UKIP candidate for Clwyd South in the general election have now been supplied.

Jeanette Bassford-Barton (pictured) spent her early years in Gresford and now lives in Bwlchgwyn.

A qualified transport manager, social care manager and now a psychotherapist/hypnotherapist, she gained degrees in Liverpool and Manchester and post-graduate degrees in Liverpool and Chester.

She says she has always had an interest in politics, history and current affairs and in earlier years supported her late husband in local elections in Liverpool.

She has stood as a candidate for UKIP in a council by-election in Llay in July 2015 and was a Welsh Assembly candidate for Wrexham in May 2016.

She has served as secretary/treasurer for UKIP's Wrexham and Clwyd South Branch and is now treasurer of the same branch.

She believes there is a `north/south divide' in Wales and says: "So much is given in funding to South Wales and North Wales, by comparison, is the poor relative.  

"Public transport is a major concern for me. There is restricted access during the day, some buses not starting service until 9.30am. There is no access to public transport in the evenings or at night. This can affect shift workers and people working unsocial hours or people wishing to go out in the evenings. Taxis are very expensive."

Ms Bassford-Barton added: "Communities, health, social care and education are of prime importance and there needs to be more cohesion in these areas.  

"Youth  and the elderly are also of major concern to me and there is very little to offer young people by way of youth clubs and after-school activities in the villages and small towns of Clwyd South and I feel that more funding and training of volunteers should be found to ease and help this situation.

"Our elderly should be looked after and respected, they have worked hard and contributed to the economy in their working lives and now deserve to have some relief in their twilight and sometimes sick, disabled and pain ridden years and this is where our health service can help."  

She says she also believes in the UKIP policy that farming subsidies should stay in place after Brexit, with special consideration being given to hill farmers.

Operatic gets its timing right with 9 to 5

* A scene from 9 to 5 at the Town Hall.

llanblogger review

Llangollen Operatic Society has once again got their timing right with their latest production, the Dolly Parton-penned comedy musical 9 to 5.

Yesterday’s first night audience at the Town Hall lapped up every second of the show which tells the hilarious tale of how a bunch of office worms turn to eventually take over the running of their company – and would easily have come back for seconds.

It’s 1979 and the staff of US-based Consolidated Industries, especially the females amongst them, are being ground down by their chauvinistic boss, Franklin Hart Jnr - until inexperienced new employee Judy Burnley turns up.

Her arrival in the typing pool is the spark for revolution when she teams up with efficient manager Violet Newstead and the voluptuous Doralee Rhodes, the Dolly Parton character who everyone suspects of having an affair with Hart.

Their various strategies ultimately give the good guys control of the place – but only after a great number of laughs are generated.

A terrific trio has been cast to take on the three key roles of the piece which adds some very catchy tunes to dear Dolly’s original words that were filmed for the big screen back in the eighties.

The reserved but gutsy Judy is played to perfection by society stalwart Louisa Jones, while another Llangollen stage favourite Helen Belton shines as Violet. Rising star Louise Cielecki makes a bustling, brilliant Doralee.

Apart from fitting their characters like custom-made cowboy boots each of them can also belt out a mean tune of which there’s a fair spattering throughout the lively two-acter.

Relative newcomer Brett Jones is seedier than an explosion in a tomato canning factory as Hart and, as intended, has the audience hating him right from the start.

Backing up the leads is an impressive supporting team spearheaded by Tessa Orton Jones who stepped in at virtually the last minute to take on the role of Roz Keith, who’d do anything to please the awful boss, after the lady with whom she was originally part-sharing, Justine Bradey, had an accident in rehearsals.

The script demands quite a bit of set-piece show dancing and singing. And that’s admirably provided by a strong ensemble cast.

Smooth musical backing was provided for all this by a six-piece band under the baton of musical director Elen Mair Roberts.

Settings are masterfully created by the back-stage crew and costumes, lighting and sound are up to the society’s usual high standard.

This is an inspired co-production by Alix Rawlinson and Robin Crowley which ranks as another hit for the talented Llangollen team.

To reflect the day’s dreadful news from Manchester, the show was prefaced by one minute’s silence.

9 to 5 is on again tonight (Wednesday) and also Thursday and Friday with two shows on Saturday. Tickets, I understand, are in high demand.

County lifts computer restrictions

Denbighshire County Council has announced that restrictions imposed on access to webmail addresses from public access computers in the county’s libraries have now been lifted.

The precautionary measures were introduced following the recent cyber issues, to mitigate any potential risks to Denbighshire’s systems. No security breaches had been reported with the Council’s systems.

Whilst access to all webmail is now enabled for libraries (public access) and schools,   the Council is urging people to remain vigilant. Suspicious e-mails should not be opened and should be deleted immediately. People should also avoid opening links sent via an e-mail and should not open any suspicious attachments.

All new incoming e-mails from hotmail.com, hotmail.co.uk, outlook.com, gmail.com, NHS.net, NHS.co.uk and NHS.uk will now be allowed through the system.

 

Trading Standards issues telephone fraud warning

Denbighshire Trading Standards Section are warning residents to be on their guard after they received a report of a telephone fraud from a resident of the county.

The consumer had received a call from a male stating that he was from a Claims Advisory Group and that a £2860 PPI refund was due.

Unusually, the consumer was advised that they would have to pay a release fee in ‘iTunes vouchers’ .

These would be collected by a representative of the company called ‘Craig White’ who would attend their home later that day to drop off the cheque. 

The calls were received from a Manchester telephone number beginning with 0161. Luckily, the consumer realised this was a scam and hung up on the caller.

Denbighshire Public Protection Manager,  Emlyn Jones, said: “This is one of a number of telephone scams we are receiving calls about at the moment.

“In this case we have identified that a further telephone call is received and the ‘I Tunes’ voucher codes are requested over the telephone and then no delivery is made and no money is received.

“We are urging residents to be extremely wary of any unsolicited phone calls and never give out personal or banking details.”
 

Trading Standards is issuing the following consumer safety advice:

• Consider making your phone number ex-directory.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service
• Don’t give out any personal information unless you are the one who made the call and you are certain of the identity of the person you are speaking to.
• Don’t give out your credit card or bank card details to strangers on the telephone.
• NEVER tell somebody your bank PIN number, even if they claim to be the bank or police. If the caller is genuine they will never ask for this information.
• Don’t give out information which may infer that you live alone, are older or vulnerable.
• Never send money to anyone who claims to have a prize or refund for you.

Please remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

* If you have received such calls and need further advice or guidance or have been a victim of such a call, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 for the Welsh language line please ring 03454 040505, or alternatively you can report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Plas Newydd news for June

Saturday 3^rd June

Llangollen Rotary Club Garden Fete

Plas Newydd is again host this year to the popular Rotary Club Garden Fete.  Come along for a fun afternoon out with the family with many stalls and entertainment. 

Monday 12^th June    18.30  -  20.30

Myths & Legends Talk Part 2 with Gill Smith

The Myths and Legends  talk with Gill Smith on Wed 26th April was very well attended  and very informative.  As a result a second was requested and this is now arranged for Monday 12^th  June.  This date was chosen as it is the special day of the Warrior Princess Gwenllian. 

Wednesday  14^th June   14.00  -  16.00

Give Bowling a go

Meet at Plas Newydd.  Come and try your hand at bowling in the magnificent setting of Plas Newydd with the Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley and the AONB Officer. 

Friday 16^th  June   10.00  -  12.00

Meet the Gardener Tour

Meet Plas Newydd.  Find out the secrets of the gardens at Plas Newydd with a tour of the grounds with the gardener.

Strong male voice choir line-up for eisteddfod opener

* Colne Valley Male Voice Choir return to sing at this year's 70th eisteddfod. 

A male voice choir that performed at the first ever Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 1947 will sing alongside two of Wales’ most prolific male voice choirs at the event’s 70th anniversary opening concert on Monday July 3.

Colne Valley Male Voice Choir will join Froncysyllte (Fron) and Rhosllanerchrugog (Rhos) male voice choirs, to perform with the Canoldir Male Voice Chior, Cory Brass Band, conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, euphonium soloist David Childs and Voice of the Future 2015 winner Meinir Wyn Roberts.

Including operatic choruses, classical favourites and some of Wales’ best known hymns, the show is jointly sponsored by Denbighshire County Council and Hamper Llangollen.

Fron Male Voice Choir, like the Eisteddfod, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Formed in 1947, inspired by the inaugural International Eisteddfod, its history reflects that of the festival with many of its members coming together after returning from war.

Remarkably, two of its original members still sing with the choir.

Joining the Fron is Rhos Male Voice Choir, one of the most successful in Wales and 2015 winners of the male voice choir section at the International Eisteddfod.

The Rhos has also enjoyed a unique hat trick of wins when it took first place in the male voice choir competitions in The Llangollen Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod and S4C’s Côr Cymru in 2013.

Colne Valley was the first male voice choir to take the stage at the 1947 event and they remain one of the festival’s most prolific competitors.

The choir boasts six wins – including a hat trick in 1960, 1961 and 1962 - five second and two third prizes, in 23 competitive visits.

Canoldir, a Birmingham-based male choir that was formed on St David’s Day in 1966 by a group of Welsh exiles and some English friends, completes the opening concert’s male voice line-up.

The impressive line up will perform under the baton of Owain Arwel Hughes who has conducted and recorded with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

Eilir Owen Griffiths, Music Director of the International Eisteddfod, said: “The line up for our Monday night opening concert is simply phenomenal and perfectly combines the Eisteddfod’s history and heritage with world class musical talent." 

Bob Jaques, from the organising committee of concert co-sponsor Hamper Llangollen, said: “What a fitting start to the International Eisteddfod’s 70th Anniversary concert schedule. We are looking forward to an evening of rousing classical music and powerful Welsh hymns to get us in the mood for the rest of the week.”

* For more information or to purchase tickets for the 70th anniversary Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, including Llanfest, go to: www.Llangollen.net

David looks back at a dangerous age in new book

Local author invites llanblogger to review his latest novel

David Ebsworth has produced a new all-action novel which manages to deliver a fascinating history lesson into the bargain.

Despite the rising popularity of books with a military history theme, works about the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s are still not all that common.

And consequently our knowledge of this episode of blood-letting which presaged the Second World War tends to be perhaps a little sparse.

But Until the Curtain Falls by Ebsworth, who already has a handful of historical fiction novels covering periods from the Dark Ages to the Zulu War to his credit, goes a long way to correct this imbalance.

* Author David Ebsworth.

While displaying all the nail-biting drama and plot twists of a classic spy or detective story, it also tells us much about the epic battle of fascism v socialism which is its backcloth.

The book is actually a sequel to the author’s earlier novel, The Assassin’s Mark, which placed left-wing journalist Jack Telford right in the heart of the conflict leading to the rise to power of the dictator Franco who went on to rule Spain with an iron hand until his death in 1975.

In the first novel Telford finds himself in plenty of trouble when a press facility trip to the war-torn country designed to show Franco’s Nationalists in the best possible light takes some seriously sinister turns.

Until the Curtain Falls, set in the closing stage of the war in the autumn of 1938,  takes the plot on from there and places Telford in some even more perilous predicaments.

But he’s no plastic James Bond figure and doesn’t always manage to escape unscathed. Although Telford must at times turn into a killer it’s a reluctant one and in one stomach-churning episode in which he is tortured by a fascist henchman he ends up with a life-changing injury.

The plot roars its way across a Spain where both the landscape and the people are  deeply scarred by civil war – always the most wounding of conflicts – and, thanks to some meticulous research, every step of the way the detail against which Ebsworth sets the action is little short of superb, right down to the correct-for-the-period price of the tickets when Telford spends a night at the theatre.

Every key character is magnificently drawn and the dialogue entirely believable.    

The book pulls no punches either when it comes to its references to Britain’s less than glorious influence on the war which was a dress rehearsal for the much larger conflict destined to erupt in September 1939.

In every sense this book is a cracking read and also an absorbing backward glance at a very dangerous age.

* Until the Curtain Falls is published by Silverwood Books at £10.99. For more information, go to: http://www.davidebsworth.com/until-curtain-falls