Soloists sought to bid for glittering eisteddfod prize

* Sian Dicker receives her Pendine International Voice of the Future award from Mario Kreft at last year's eisteddfod.

A “sensational” soprano who won one of the main prizes at an international festival is urging young soloists from around the world to enter this year’s competition to launch their career on the global stage.

According to Sian Dicker, 27, being crowned the Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been a boost to her career aspirations to become a leading opera singer.

Organisers say entries are already flooding in for the prestigious competition, which will see some of the world’s best young singers compete for the Pendine Trophy and a first prize of £6,000, along with two runner-up prizes of £2,000.

Every year the picturesque town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley welcomes around 4,000 international performers and as many as 50,000 visitors to the week-long festival of music and dance.

Among the highlights of the week is the prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which showcases young talent alongside other gifted global performers.

Once again this year the arts-loving care organisation Pendine Park is contributing  £5,000 to the prize fund, with the balance coming from Sir Bryn’s Terfel’s foundation and Llangollen Eisteddfod

Following her experience last year, Sian, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, is urging other young soloists not to miss the March 2nd deadline.

Sian said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is the perfect platform for aspiring soloists to launch or accelerate their musical careers.

“Whilst the money has been incredibly beneficial, the real value is the unique experience of taking part alongside world-class competitors, learning from one another and making connections with other artistes.

“The International Eisteddfod is so welcoming and inclusive to performers from all backgrounds. I would urge any singer to enter and absorb everything that this special international-standard musical performance offers them.”

Since her winning performance wowed the adjudicators, leading soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and composer Gareth Jones, Sian has used the prize money to fund the final year of her Masters at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She is also collaborating with pianist Stephen Rose, who was the accompanist in last year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, recently established the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which supports more than 20 arts organisations, including the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Mario said: “The standard of competition last year was exceptional and Sian’s sensational performance was truly worthy of winning the title.

“Our aim in supporting the competition in conjunction with Sir Bryn Terfel is to provide a springboard for brilliant young singers from around the world to achieve their dreams of establishing a career on the global stage.

“Sir Bryn is living proof that supreme talent can take you a long way and we are delighted to doing our bit to help gifted young singers attain new heights.

“The competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park because the arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”

The final of this year’s competition will take place on Wednesday July 4 as part of The Classical Collection evening concert which will see the festival’s music director, Vicky Yannoula, who is also an accomplished pianist, performing on the iconic pavilion stage for the first time.

She will be joining forces with another distinguished pianist, Peter Jablonski, to perform a “dynamic and moving musical collaboration”.

Vicky said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition grows in prestige each year and the calibre of entrants so far has been exceptional. I am looking forward to sharing a stage with the talented finalists in a celebration of two powerful instruments, voice and piano.”

The competition will span two days of the 2018 festival, with the preliminary round requiring competitors to perform a contrasting programme of up to eight minutes of music - Oratorio/Opera/Lieder/Song - to be sung in the original language. For the final this year, selected competitors will take to the Royal International Pavilion stage where they will be required to perform up to 11 minutes of music.

* The competition is open to anyone over 19 and under the age of 28 on the day of the competition. Entries for the 2018 competition will close on Friday, 2nd March, and hopefuls can apply on the Eisteddfod participants’ website http://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/.

Tickets for The Classical Collection and all other evening concerts are available from http://llangollen.net or phone the Box Office on 01978 862001.

Time to challenge mental health stigma, say AMs

* From left, Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, ABF trustee Phillip Jones, chief officer Lorrisa Roberts, engagement officer Hannah Murphy, mental health lifestyle coach Tracey Jones and Clwyd South AM Ken Skates.

Two Assembly Members have spoken about the importance of challenging stigma after visiting a Wrexham-based mental health charity. 

Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates were invited to Advance Brighter Futures last Friday to coincide with Time to Talk Day earlier this month.

Mr Skates said: “Mental health is an issue which is very important to me and Time to Talk Day offers a timely reminder that we all need to be more open about it.

"The fact that it’s often difficult to talk about can make things even harder. Talking and listening can change people’s lives – and that’s the key message of Time to Talk Day.”

Advance Brighter Futures was established in Wrexham in 1992. Its services offer people a confidential space to build emotional wellbeing and resilience, helping them get on track to where they want to be after a difficult periods of their life. 

Mrs Griffiths said: “Advance Brighter Futures is an established local organisation which supports people with mild, moderate and severe mental illness and has been raising awareness and supporting people experiencing mental health problems for over 25 years.

“Mental health issues are common, with one in four people being affected at any one time. People in and around Wrexham are fortunate that charities like ABF are on hand to listen, promote wellbeing and ultimately help work towards recovery.” 

Hannah Murphy coordinates the BYW project which supports people currently in acute and secondary mental health care services. She said: “The third sector have become key in mental health services and not just an optional extra. Our intervention is now often the difference between life and death.”

Mr Skates added: “I would like to thank Hannah for inviting us to meet with the ABF Team and for their warm welcome. They are doing an incredible job supporting local people, and Lesley and I will do whatever we can to help them.”

Witness plea following serious collision

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Chirk on Friday evening (February 9).

Shortly before 6.15pm a collision occurred on Colliery Road, Chirk when a woman, who was walking her dog, was struck by a vehicle.

An ambulance was called and the 57-year-old was taken to the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham with serious leg injuries. She has since been transferred to hospital in Stoke. The woman’s dog died at the scene.

PC Robert Williams of the Roads Policing Unit said: “I am appealing for anybody who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

“Equally, if anybody has any dashcam footage from their vehicle, or if anybody who lives in the vicinity that has private CCTV that may assist our investigation I would urge them to contact us immediately.”

* Anybody with information is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101, or via the live web chat quoting reference number W016411.

Councillors support move against Universal Credit

The UK Government should pause the roll-out of Universal Credit and powers over the scheme should be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, according to Denbighshire Council.

A motion calling on the UK Government to pause the roll-out of Universal Credit, and for the Welsh Government to demand devolution powers to vary how Universal Credit is paid in Wales, similar to the powers devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland, was put forward by the Plaid Cymru group and supported by the majority of Denbighshire councillors at the full council meeting

Cllr Rhys Thomas, Lower Denbigh, who proposed the motion on behalf of Plaid Cymru, said: “Universal Credit has already been partially rolled out in the south of Denbighshire and will be partially rolled out in the north of the county in April.

"Evidence from across the country shows that it is having a devastating impact on the recipients and their families, causing serious financial difficulties for a great many people.

“Not only is the system complicated, but accessing it is dependent on recipients having a bank account and having access to the internet. We all know the difficulties in accessing broadband for many across the county, as well as the lack of community banks that we have.

"It will be paid in arrears and the housing benefit element will be paid directly to the recipient and not the landlord. This will cause particular trouble especially for those who have very low income and are already in arrears.

"We’re concerned that more people could get into financial difficulties and become homeless as a result. It is also paid per household not per individual, for no reason other than ideology on behalf of the Tory Government.

"This is a disgrace and could well lead to perpetuating the controlling behaviour of some people, and humiliating some very vulnerable people. Finally, it’s paid five weeks in arrears. For anybody on the bread line this delay will just push them more into debt and financial difficulties.

“Denbighshire Council agreed that the roll-out must be paused until the Government have resolved the problems surrounding its implementation at the very least.”

Cllr Thomas explained how benefit claimants in Scotland had greater flexibility: “The 2016 Scotland Act gave the Scottish Government powers to vary how Universal Credit is paid in Scotland. People living in Scotland making a new Universal Credit claim can opt to be paid monthly or twice monthly and have the relevant housing costs in the Universal Credit award paid to themselves or to their landlord.

"This will make things a lot easier for people in Scotland and will likely push less people into poverty and financial difficulties there. This is why we are calling on the Welsh Government to demand similar powers for Wales.”

County to launch dog lead campaign

Final preparations are taking place to launch a campaign urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads in the Denbighshire countryside, ahead of the main lambing season.

The Take the Lead campaign, now entering its second year,  is being managed by Denbighshire Countryside Services and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This campaign is aimed at dog owners of all ages and has been set up to support efforts by North Wales Police to educate and raise awareness of the issue and encourage dog owners to think and act responsibly when they visit the countryside.

It is illegal to allow dogs to worry sheep when they are off the lead.  This can be a specific problem during lambing season where sheep may be frightened by dogs and could put their unborn lambs at risk.

The consequences of allowing dogs to worry sheep could include a fine and potentially a destruction order if the matter is taken before the courts.

The campaign will focus predominantly through social media and the local press, with support and input from a number of partner organisations and local landowners.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “Last year’s campaign was successful, with many more people heeding the message and keeping their dogs on leads.  We would like to thank them for their co-operation and their efforts to protect the well-being of grazing sheep in our countryside.

“The problem is caused by a minority who either wilfully ignore the law and our appeals, or who simply don’t understand what they are doing is wrong.

“This year’s campaign will build on last year’s activity and we will take the opportunity to drive home the message”.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Joint Committee, said: “Our countryside is deemed to be amongst the best in the whole country and we fully understand why people would want to bring their dogs to such idyllic surroundings.

“We are proud of our countryside and want everyone to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, whilst respecting the fact that they will be crossing land used for grazing purposes.

“It’s all about reminding people of their responsibility to follow the Countryside Code and to keep their dogs under control at all times”.

The full campaign will be launched ahead of the Spring.

New pharmacy set to open in next few weeks

* Work goes ahead on shopfitting the new pharmacy next to the health centre.

The health board has confirmed that work is in hand to prepare for the opening of Llangollen's new pharmacy.

For the past week or so shopfitters have been seen working in the building next to the new health centre.

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said yesterday: "Work has begun on fitting out the new pharmacy, and the intention is that it will open in the next few weeks.

"We understand that the existing pharmacy will close once the new site opens."

* The new pharmacy is housed in the building to the left of the health centre.

   

Snow falls on Llan

Surprise snowfall in Llangollen this morning ...

Third Llangollen Round Challenge planned for June

The third annual Llangollen Round Challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK will be staged over the weekend of June 2 and 3.

The Challenge is to walk 35 miles over either one or two days.  But since that 35 miles takes in every summit around the Vale of Llangollen, this is definitely no stroll in the park.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "On the positive side, we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goal. 

"The route is very well marked out, there will be lots of marshals on the course, with five checkpoints in the hills carrying water and refreshments, and a medal, certificate, and more food waiting for you at the end.  

"When we last held the Challenge in 2015 we had around 400 walkers who raised a total of £45,000 for Cancer Research UK.  Our aim this time is to have 500 walkers (and entries so far are looking that way) and raise £50,000. 

  

"The Challenge may be tough but with so many taking part, it’s also fun.  We have walkers from all over the country (Dorset to East Anglia – so far no-one from Scotland!), but it would be very good to see Llangollen well-represented. 

"So if you are thinking about it – why not go ahead now?  You will get fit (try Llangollen Leisure Centre’s special ‘Challenge Course’), see some splendid local scenery you never knew existed, and earn some money for a more-than-worthwhile cause.  S

"So the gauntlet has been thrown down!  The very best of luck to all those who dare pick it up and enter this prestigious event."  

* For all the information you might need, including an entry form, go to www.thellangollenround.info  

Railway's season starts on Saturday

* Great Western Pannier tank No.6430 at Berwyn Station.

Llangollen Railway resumes train services from Saturday 10th February.

This coming weekend, 10-11 February, the steam train will operate from Llangollen to Dwyrain Corwen East with three service trains a day.

The locomotive will be the Great Western Pannier tank No.6430, which will be operating steam services at weekends through to Easter.

Trains will depart Llangollen at 1040, 1300 and 1510 or, for complete return trips, from Corwen at 1120 and 1340.

From Monday 12 February, half term week, the off-peak service will be provided with the heritage diesel railcar.

This offers best views of the line in wintertime with the opportunity to see the way ahead when sitting behind the driver or the ‘where-you-have-been’ view in the rear coach.

After plenty of trackside vegetation clearance work by volunteers during the closed season, the train will offer improved views of the Welsh countryside along the ten mile route through the Dee Valley as it gets ready to wake up for springtime.

The railcar service will continue on weekdays through to 23 March and is popular with groups of walkers keen to access the countryside at one or more of the intermediate stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy or Carrog.

School parties can also be accommodated as an introduction to a journey by train for the younger generation who may not accustomed to rail travel.

Llangollen Railway’s Commercial Manager Liz McGuinness said: “We have an exciting season ahead of us at Llangollen Railway with some great new events planned, along with our regular events. A couple of great family events are visits by Paddington Bear and Peppa Pig to Llangollen Railway and a fab new Cocktail event for the adults.”

The events leading up to the end of April are:

* 11th February Valentine’s Special

* w/c 12th February Half Term Special, children ride for £1 with a fare paying adult

* 11th March Mother’s Day special

* 24th & 25th March Peppa Pig Visits Llangollen

* 31st March Real Ale Train

* 6th-8th  April Thomas visits Llangollen

* 13th -15th April Spring Steam gala – three days of intensive steam train services

Once again a trip on the Llangollen-Corwen train will provide the sedate way to see the lovely countryside in south Denbighshire and experience rail travel as it used to be. Full details can be found on the website at www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Food event planned at Pavilion

A Blas Lleol – Meet the Producers event will be held on Tuesday March 13 at Llangollen International Pavilion, from 9am – 1pm.

It is aimed at food users such as retailers, chefs, accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants. 

An organiser said: "Whether you run an established business regularly using local ingredients on your menus, or are just starting out – come along to be inspired.

"We will have the best local food producers in Denbighshire and across North East Wales, as well as a range of relevant exhibitors keen to help strengthen and grow your business.

"Through product tasting, chef demos and ‘huddles’ with producers and exhibitors, we aim to showcase regional food and drink and inspire you with ideas for your business, whether big or small. A huddle is a programmed time when producers and exhibitors will present their product, message or story."

Attendance is free, but those planning to go will need to register at: Book a place

Food producers wanting a stand at the event should contact DeeValley.GoodGrubClub@gmail.com

Young 'Uns dazzle with Joseph and his Dreamcoat

* The cast of Joseph take the stage.

* An emotional moment for Cassius Hackforth in the title role.

* The entire ensemble get in on the action.

Show preview by llanblogger
Pictures by Jon Haddy

The current production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat by Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns is every bit as dazzling as the fabulous garment of the title.

Almost 40 raring-to-go youngsters take to the Town Hall stage to deliver their interpretion of the classic Lloyd Webber and Rice musical which has had audiences flocking to see it for the past 50 years.

And ensuring that their vitality and talent have the perfect launch-pad is a small behind-the-scenes army who have built some wonderful stage sets and created dozens of clever, colourful costumes.

Add to that a powerful eight-piece band and a thoughtful direction/production team and it was hard to go wrong.

The show gives a modern slant to the biblical tale of Joseph’s coat of many colours from the book of Genesis.

The hero starts off as the favourite son of Jacob back in old Israel and is so adored that his doting dad hands him a splendid multi-coloured coat.

But when he’s beaten up and the coat ripped to shreds by his jealous siblings he ends up as an outcast eventually fetching up in neighbouring Egypt.

There his talent wins him favour with the Pharaoh which ensures a rapid rise to power and fame and his elevated status puts him in a position to turn the tables on his envious brothers.

The multi-talented Cassius Hackforth takes the title role which he handles, as usual, with supreme style displayed in both the acting and singing departments.

Shea Ferron, another of the Young ‘Uns rising stars, is the Pharoah interpreted nicely as an enormously-quiffed and hip-swivelling Elvis.     
     
Aled Morris doubles delightfully as old Joseph and Potiphar, while other principals who handle their parts with aplomb are Erin Roberts and Celyn Orton-Jones as the two narrators, Sophie Roberts as Mrs Potiphar, James Reardon as the Butler and  Luke Reardon as the Baker.     

Backing them all the way – an essential as it’s an all-sung show – is an enormous chorus who dazzle and shine at every opportunity.

Joseph must be one of the most testing shows that the Young ‘Uns have staged but the amazing back-up brigade have risen remarkably to the challenge. They're spearheaded by Pam Williams as producer, Julian Cattley as musical director and Jo Lloyd as artistic director.

The stage sets are amazing, the costumes fabulous and the music magnificent.

The show starts this Thursday and runs through until Saturday and go and see it if you want a little colour in your life on a drab winter day.       

* Tickets are still available from Bailey's, jades, Gwyn the butchers or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

MP tells Europe about Welsh-medium schools

* Susan Elan Jones MP speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Susan Elan Jones MP has described the role of Welsh-medium schools and broadcasting outlets S4C and Radio Cymru at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The Clwyd South MP outlined how the Welsh language was barred as an official language in the sixteenth century and Welsh children were banned from speaking it in school when universal education began.

However, speaking on behalf of the Socialist Group of democratic socialist and social democrat parties across Europe, Ms Jones made the point that nowadays it was not just Welsh-speakers who sent their children to Welsh-medium schools.

After her speech, she said: "The subject of regional and minority languages was debated following a very thoughtful report by a Hungarian Christian Democrat MP.

"In my contribution, I wanted to make the point that although  language differences across some parts of Europe can trigger division and in some cases, full-blown ethnic discord, it doesn't have to be like that. Minority and regional languages can and should be a source of great strength. I was pleased to share my experience as a Welsh MP."

Ms Jones was recently elected by the UK Parliament to be one of the Labour representatives on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - a body that meets a couple of times a year in Strasbourg. 

Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe has 47 member states, covering approximately 820 million people, making it far bigger than the 28-nation European Union. 

The Council of Europe does not make laws, but does have the power to enforce select international agreements reached by European states on various vital concerns including the prevention of torture and human trafficking.