Llan Co-op to be facelifted this autumn

* The Co-op in Regent Street is due to be upgraded this autumn. 

A major facelift of the Co-op store in Llangollen will be carried out this autumn.

That is the word from a spokesman for the food store chain which has just announced details of a big expansion plan.

This will see the Co-op open 20 new stores across Wales over the next 18 months, including Prestatyn and Rhos-on-Sea.

The group says it will also be revamping six of its existing stores in North Wales, including Llangollen, Denbigh and Llandudno Junction.

Asked by llanblogger for further details of what is planned for the local store in Regent Street, a Co-op spokesman said: “It is a little too early to confirm further detail, it is scheduled for major investment this autumn - enabling the store to better serve its community.

“We expect the works to be carried out by mid-October.”

The move has been welcomed by Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms, who said: “I am delighted that the Co-op has announced that they will be investing in the Llangollen store on Regent Street.

“When Aldi and Home Bargains opened in the town a year ago, many thought that it would lead to the closure of the Co-op.

“New investment in the store indicates the confidence that the company has in giving the Co-op a future in Llangollen.

“Many customers who rely on the Co-op for their shopping would have found it difficult to travel to alternative shops in Llangollen. 

Tina Mitchell, Co-op’s managing director for Wales, recently told the Daily Post: “Since our troubles a few years ago we have reconnected with our customers.

“We have focused on what we do well and also innovated.

“We have focused on being local and on being relevant to customers.

“The shops have got better, our service has got better and we have worked with more local suppliers and our offer is better.

“Co-op now work with hundreds of local suppliers in Wales and they provide 500 products for stores – we are very proud of that.”

She added: “Convenience and online have been the growth areas and we have been well placed to take advantage of that.

“While some supermarkets have tried to make this part of their offer, providing convenience stores in people’s communities is what we are all about.

“The gap in prices (to supermarkets) has narrowed. We have invested £50m in prices to make many items cheaper. While it is not all about price, we have invested here to remain competitive.”

On the future plans in North Wales, she said: “The brand has always resonated in Wales and Co-op is looking at areas where we think people are under-serviced – this is a big opportunity for us.

“We want to open 20 new stores in Wales over the next 18 months.

“This will see seven or eight in the second half of 2018 and 12 or 13 in 2019. This will create a lot of local jobs in North Wales.

“We are also looking ahead and can see future potential in Wales for the considerable future. This will not end at the end of 2019.”

Consultants probe town's traffic problems

Consultants have carried out traffic surveys around Llangollen town centre to get a better idea about congestion and traffic flow through the town.

Arcadis (Consulting) is currently looking at traffic issues in the area with financial support from Cadwyn Clwyd, the Welsh Government, the European Union Rural Development Fund, Denbighshire County Council, Llangollen Town Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

* The leaflet for Tuesday's drop-in session.

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms said that on Friday and Saturday Arcadis carried out a survey at three major junctions - Castle Street/Abbey Road, Castle Street/A5 Regent Street and Market Street/A5 Berwyn Road.   

He added: “The video evidence will be analysed by Arcadis using computer modelling to help them to better understand the issues with congestion and traffic flow through the town.

“We're expecting a further consultation in the late summer on the ideas that Arcadis put forward. A final report will be produced for the end of September 2018.”

He went on: “The Llangollen 2020 working group wants to ensure that everyone can take part before the planning phase begins.

“Arcadis are in the process of speaking to residents, businesses and visitors before they start to draw up their suggestions to make the town better for all.

“There will be a drop-in session from 3pm until 7pm on Tuesday July 17 in Llangollen Town Hall. 

“The event will give the opportunity for everyone to voice their opinions on problems in the centre of the town and how they might be improved.”

Musical journeys on offer at the Fringe

* Fringe entertainment at Llangollen Station.

This year’s Llangollen Fringe Festival offers musical journeys on both the town's steam railway and the famous Pontycysyllte Aqueduct Canal. 

On Sunday July 22 you can enjoy a fun-filled 10 miles travelling through the Dee Valley with live disco music on the steam train, a dancing carriage, and a fully licensed bar on board.

There will be a BBQ and live music before heading off from Llangollen station and a special surprise on arrival in Carrog before travelling back to Llangollen.

You’re invited to don your best disco gear and dance the afternoon away. 

Keep the good vibes going after the disco train when you pop on your headphones and dance noiselessly to your choice of two live DJ’s or some chill music  at a specially organised ‘silent’ disco in Llangollen Town Hall.

On Saturday July 28 there's a chance to cruise along the canal and over the aqueduct with musical accompaniment from The Sinatra Two.

Sit back, sing and swing along and enjoy the cruise with a complimentary glass of wine, and a fully licensed bar on board.

Your journey will take you between Llangollen and Froncysyllte via Telford’s Pontcysyllte aqueduct on a narrowboat, and the journey is made complete by a transfer between Froncysyllte basin and Llangollen on a vintage bus. 

Due to popular demand, there will be two departure times for the narrowboat cruise - 5.45pm - departing from Llangollen Wharf, and returning by vintage bus from Trevor Basin, and 7.30pm – departing on our glamorous vintage bus from Parade Street, Llangollen. 

Tickets for the Disco Train and the Narrowboat Cruise are on sale now at www.llangollenfringe.co.uk 

Also at the fringe: LEE SCRATCH PERRY, ELIZA CARTHY AND THE WAYWARD BAND, CRAIG CHARLES, MARK RADCLIFFE’s GALLEON BLAST, LAURA CORTESE & THE DANCE CARDS, LINTON KWESI JOHNSON, LLOYD LANGFORD.  Plus the return of BAND FOR A DAY, the music themed STEAM TRAIN and AQUEDUCT BOAT trips, and many other fringe events.

The festival rounds off with its now legendary closing concert in the stunning surrounds of VALLE CRUCIS ABBEY featuring the ethereal sound of GOLDEN FABLE and THE NEW SINFONIA ORCHESTRA.

Tickets for all other Llangollen Fringe performances are also available from the website, or by calling the Fringe box office on 0800 1455 779.

Twenty Club prepares for its next production

The Twenty Club Amateur Players of Llangollen are performing The Flint Street Nativity from November 22-24.

It's an hilarious comedy written by Tim Firth of Calendar Girls fame.

The club are holding pre-audition workshops at Trevor Community Centre on Tuesday July 24, from 7-9pm, and on Sunday July 29, from 3.30-5.30pm.

Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on September 4 at a venue in Llangollen yet to be confirmed.

You will be invited to join the Facebook page once you have expressed an interest, and the production team will keep you updated on the auditions, workshops and casting of the play.

There are seven male and five female characters, all ideally aged 25 – 55.

Director John Clifford said: "The performances promise to be of an excellent standard, as expected from The Twenty Club, but also of great importance, rehearsals and the production should be great fun.

"We are also looking for new members who may be interested in helping with other areas of the production too. Please get in touch."

* For more information about The Flint Street Nativity, click this link https://www.samuelfrench.co.uk/p/11564/the-flint-street-nativity

Not too late to nominate local sporting stars

The deadline is looming for nominations for this year’s Denbighshire Community Sports Awards.

They recognise individuals, teams, schools and clubs for their dedication to local community grass roots sport in the county.

* Winners at a previous county sports awards evening.

To date, 70 individuals or groups have been honoured.  There are also elite level athletes representing Wales and Team GB in their chosen sport from the local area, which will continue to be rewarded.

All of the award finalists will be forwarded to the Sport Wales and BBC Wales sport personality awards held nationally in Cardiff, where Denbighshire will be looking to add to the success of eight finalists and six national winners over the last six years.

Nominees must reside in Denbighshire, or be affiliated to a Denbighshire club relevant to their nomination and achieved their success in the last 12 months up to the application closing date which is Friday July 20.

This year’s categories include sports performer, junior sports performer, coach of the year, team of the year, volunteer of the year, disability sport award, young inspiration award, lifetime achievement award and the Sport in School award.

Nominations can be made online: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/sportsawards

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said:  “The Denbighshire community sport awards has helped recognise and share some amazing stories over the last few years.

“This proves to us that the quality of sport in Denbighshire is very high and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to return to playing sport or to try a new sport as a beginner.

“As a service through our partnership with Alliance Leisure we have continued to invest in our leisure facilities, offering residents a high quality service, and an environment for them to thrive.

Denbighshire Leisure services are also looking for suitable organisations that would like to link to their brand to the community sport awards as a category sponsor and a ‘sponsorship package’ can be sent for more information.

* For more information on the awards please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/sportsawards or contact Sian Bennett, Health and Wellbeing Manager sian.bennett@denbighshire.gov.uk 01824 712710. 

Singers and Musicians Night in Llandegla

For all you football starved supporters, LLandegla All Styles will be offering its own unique penalty shoot out at its

SINGERS AND MUSICIANS NIGHT

MONDAY 16th. JULY at 8pm.

in THE MEMORIAL HALL LLANDEGLA

Admission £1                    Raffle

Come and perform or just listen.  Either way bring your own refreshments.  Tea/Coffee on sale

Council considers byelaw to control use of square

* Terry Waite declares open the new Centenary Square watched by Town Mayor Jon Haddy and Deputy Mayor Issy Richards.

Llangollen Town Council is to look at using a byelaw to protect the new Centenary Square from abuse.

The move follows public outrage over a motorbike being parked in the newly-opened square on Tuesday evening just days after its official opening.

The town council has discovered that the bike was left there by its rider for a short time during the late evening while he checked into a local hotel.

He is said to have been highly apologetic when it was pointed out to him that leaving the machine in the public facility, which contains two war memorials, had led to a storm of protest on social media.

As a result of the incident town council representatives had an urgent meeting with the local policing team this morning (Wednesday).

Afterwards Town Clerk Gareth Thomas said: “We are disappointed that the square was misused in this way.

“The proper use of any new facility takes some time to be established and Centenary Square is no different.

“However, we are considering the use of a byelaw to control the use of the square and this will be enforced with fixed penalty notices.”

He added: “I would like the public to be our eyes and ears. If they see any abuse of the square taking place I would be grateful if they would take details and report it to me.     

“I can be contacted by phone on 01978 861345, or by email at: townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk”

The five-year project to create the square came to fruition last Sunday morning when it was officially opened by Terry Waite CBE, president of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

During the course of last week it was used by a steady stream of performers from the eisteddfod, including choral and dance groups from across the world.      

* Byelaws are local laws made by a local council under an enabling power contained in a public general act or a local act requiring something to be done – or not done – in a specified area. They are accompanied by some sanction or penalty for their non-observance.


Byelaws are enforced by the local authority through the magistrates’ court and contravening a byelaw can result in a fine upon successful conviction.

Person hit by train on Chirk line

The Oswestry Advertizer is reporting that a person was hit by a train on the line between Chirk and Gobowen this morning, causing delays.

For the full story, see: http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/16346553.person-hit-by-train-between-chirk-and-gobowen/

Natural food firm unveils eco-friendly food wrapping

* Carol Allen with one of her goats.

A former teacher who runs a company making skincare products from goats' milk is launching a new eco-friendly food wrapping made from cotton coated with beeswax.

Carol Allen, 60, who set up Llanvalley Natural Products eight years ago, will officially unveil the innovative wrapping at this year’s Llangollen Food Festival which has helped propel her business to success, putting her in the right place at the right time to secure new customers.

According to Carol, she was inspired to develop the new wrapping out of a desire to eliminate plastic waste from the environment.

The anti-bacterial qualities of beeswax make it ideal for food and the wrappings are reusable because they can be washed in warm water.

She is looking forward to showing them at Llangollen Food Festival that’s being held at the iconic international eisteddfod pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14.

The event has now acknowledged as on one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK.
Carol will also be selling her range of other products which include soaps, shampoo bars, various balms and bath soaks.

She makes them makes from Welsh goats’ milk produced at her smallholding in nearby Froncysyllte and supplies local B&Bs, gift shops and specialist beauty outlets based in the North West and North Wales.   She also has regular customers in Switzerland, Holland and Australia.

The food wrapping is a new departure for Carol who explained: “The idea is to save using cling film and to get away from using other plastics that are so harmful to the environment.

 “Llangollen is my favourite food festival and it is there I’m going to officially launch what is basically a new product.

“They are produced from natural 100% cotton that I coat in beeswax, there is nothing else added so the wrappings will break down naturally over time, unlike plastic.”

Mother-of-four Carol sources her cotton cloth from a supplier in Oswestry and her beeswax from local bee keepers.

She said: “I make the food wrappings by first washing and ironing the patterned cotton before cutting it into squares and rectangles from as template using crimping sheers so it doesn’t fray.

“The cloth is then put into sets and placed in what is basically an oven tray and sprinkled with beeswax.

“The tray is then placed in a warm, not too hot, oven. When I take them out I brush the cloth, both the warp and weft, to make sure the beeswax has soaked right through. They are then hung on a rack until cool and I can then pack them into sets.”  

“Anything we do that will reduce the amount of waste plastic in the environment has to be a good thing.

“Food wrapped in beeswax wrappings stays really fresh; it’s all natural ingredients so makes for a really safe and environmentally friendly wrapping. And it can be used again and again.”

Carol only uses natural ingredients in her soaps, balms and moisturisers which are safety tested.

She added: “Basically my fresh honey and goat’s milk is saponified with oils and some are embellished with home grown dried flower petals or herbs or wild flowers from around the small holding.

“I strive to make sure all my Llanvalley Natural Products do what they are supposed to do without harming people, animals or the environment. I use only natural ingredients and don’t use palm oil.

Llangollen Food Festival committee member Phil Davies was delighted Carol has decided to launch her beeswax food wrappings at the festival.

He said: “This is what the Llangollen Food Festival is all about, new interesting and innovative ideas. Carol’s LLanvalley Natural Products beeswax food wraps are such a simple and amazing idea that will go a long way to reducing plastic waste.

“Plastic pollution is such a big issue and the fact these beeswax wrappings are completely biodegradable as well as being antibacterial they really are a great way to keep food fresh while protecting our precious environment at the same time.

“I’m just so glad she has chosen to officially launch this innovative new product at the festival. Carol has been alonmg time supporter of the festival and has exhibited her goat’s milk soaps, balms and other products for many years now.”

* To find out more about the Llangollen Food Festival please visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com and to find out more about Llanvalley products please visit www.llanvalley.co.uk

Lorry crashes into bridge in Ruabon

A lorry has crashed into the bridge over the road in Ruabon this afternoon.

For the full story, see Wrexham.com at http://www.wrexham.com/news/road-blocked-after-lorry-crashes-into-bridge-in-ruabon-152686.html

County chiefs visit Llan to meet traffic group

* County Councillors Melvyn Mile, Tony Thomas, Graham Timms and Brian Jones in Castle Street. 

At the invitation of Llangollen county councillors Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile two Denbighshire Cabinet Members visited the town to meet with the Llangollen 2020 working group.

The aim was to find out about the plans to develop the town centre.

The group aims to improve the centre of Llangollen, making it more pedestrian friendly for visitors and residents. They are also looking at improvements to traffic flow and parking.

According to Cllr Timms, the project has recently received a promise of £500,000 from Denbighshire which it is hoped will encourage other organisations to support the scheme which he says early estimates suggest will cost between £2-3 million. 

Both cabinet members who visited are Conservative councillors for Rhyl, Cllr Brian Jones (Cabinet Member for Highways, Planning and Sustainable Travel) and Cllr Tony Thomas (Cabinet Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment).

They spoke with the group for over an hour, discussing progress and other ideas to raise the money needed.

Further meetings with other organisations are planned to continue to raise the profile of the group and to gain support for the town.

Cllr Timms said: "Both cabinet members were impressed by the determination of the group to bring about changes that will make the centre of Llangollen become a more vibrant place in the Dee Valley and the heart of the AONB.

“The next few weeks will see a really important consultation taking place where everyone is invited to discuss the problems and possible solutions to Llangollen’s Castle Street.

"We need comments and ideas from all section of Llangollen's community. It's important to also include the opinions of visitors too.”

Cllr Mile added: “The feasibility study team will be carrying out traffic flow surveys over next weekend to enable them to understand some of the difficulties we have. They will be using the results to develop suggestions as to how the town can work better.”

* Cllr Timms said  a public consultation will be in Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday July 17, from 3-7pm. Arcadis (Consultations) Group are carrying out the survey and everyone is invited to meet them to contribute their thoughts and ideas, he added. 

Thanks a million from llanblogger

Today llanblogger celebrates six years since its launch during which time it has notched up just over one million page views.

The blog has reported - many times exclusively - on everything from Sainsburys not wishing to go ahead with opening the town's new supermarket to major road accidents and from a rooftop siege to the planning battle over a new housing estate.

llanblogger also carries special reports on local events such as the annual Christmas Festival, the Plas Newydd Garden Fete, Remembrance Day and the Eistedfodd.

Our day-by-day 2018 Eisteddfod coverage, which included separate stories, attracted around 11,000 page views.

Then there are regular reports on plays, shows an concerts by our local groups.

We also try to bring a flavour of what's happening in politics both locally and nationally as it affects Llangollen.

While the bulk of our readers are in the UK we also have devotees of the blog in the United States, Norway, Russia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Canada and Jordan.

So it's a big thank you to all our readers both regular and occasional over the past six years.

And we hope you'll keep on reading llanblogger.

Here's to the next million!

* Phil Robinson, blog editor

Former Lllan shop owner serenaded by Indian choir

* Nancy Povey  with members of the Aroha Choir.

A former Llangollen souvenir shop owner who made it her mission to visit the town’s International Musical Eisteddfod every year was over the moon when one of the most colourful and melodic acts from this year’s event gave a concert at the care home where she now lives.

Nancy Povey, 90, a talented pianist and music lover, said she was delighted to listen to the Aroha Junior Choir perform for residents at Hillbury House Care Home, Wrexham.

The choir hail from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya province in north east India and this year is their first visit to the annual festival at Llangollen which attracts competitors from all over the world and promotes the message of peace and friendship through music and dance.

Chatting to the choir members while posing for a photograph with them Nancy told them after their performance that from now on there would always be a welcome in Wales for the Aroha choir.

She said: “This year is the first year I haven’t been able to get to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. I would always go every year. I love it listening to musicians from all around the globe.

“I had been feeling a little sad that I wouldn’t get to go there anymore, but having the choir here was just like having the Eisteddfod brought to us. It was as if I was there in the main pavilion again, listening to all the beautiful music.”

The Aroha choir were in turn thrilled to be asked to deliver an afternoon performance for residents of Hillbury House, which is part of  Pendine Park Care Organisation, a key sponsor of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Pendine Park Artist in Residence, Sarah Edwards, said: “The choir’s performance was amazing. It was a privilege for us all to get the chance to meet them and listen to them sing at such close quarters. Their voices are outstanding.”

The choir comprises young people aged from 11 to 19. About 20 choir members, leaders and some of their parents made the trip after a long fundraising campaign to pay for the journey to Wales. 

Among the parents who came from India were Toony Gill, whose daughter Denise, 15, is a choir member, and AJ Lynrah, whose son Aryan, 14, sings in the choir.

AJ said: “It has been wonderful for us all making this first visit to the Eisteddfod. It is a hugely inspiring festival and we feel honoured that the choir was also invited to come to Hillbury to meet the residents and sing for them.”

Choir director and conductor Pauline Warjri said they had rehearsed for many months for their visit.

She said: “It has been a wonderful experience and everyone has been exceptionally friendly towards us.”

Pauline and choir member Venetia K Warshong, 16, went out of their way to deliver an extra special rendition of Amazing Grace for the Hillbury residents.

It is not normally on the choir’s repertoire but when one of the residents, Dianne Morris, 69, asked for it, Pauline and Venetia performed an impromptu duet of the classic hymn.

Dianne, a former choir singer herself, said: “It was truly entrancing. Venetia’s voice is angelic. I even think she hit a top C. Wonderful.”

The choir, dressed in vibrant red and gold costumes, performed traditional folk and spiritual songs a capella including Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, a medley of Disney musical favourites, which featured Let’s Go Fly a Kite and hymns including I Need Thee Every Hour.

Their performance brought tears to the eyes of care assistant Ellen Griffiths, who said the young singers had some of most beautiful voices she had heard.

She said: “It was so moving, I never expected it to be so emotional, but I could feel my eyes welling up.”

Hillbury residents gave the choir a rousing cheer at the end of their concert and spent time chatting with some of the choir members about their musical heritage. They also had photographs taken as a memento of the occasion.

One resident, Margaret Newell, 96, delighted in having a selfie photo taken with choir member Mason Mario.

She said: “The boys and girls in the choir are all lovely. They look so bright and cheerful in their traditional costumes and they sing so beautifully. I wish them lots of success at the Eisteddfod and for the future.”

Time Train rolls into Llan and TV stardom

* The Time Train hauled by 80072 returning to Llangollen. Photo: Liz Gill. 

Channel 4 TV screened the fifth and final episode of its Great Rail Restorations series on Saturday eveningy when the action shifted to operating the Time Train on the Llangollen Railway.

In the off-peak period of late October 2017, Llangollen Railway made the station facilities and the railway available to the Channel 4 production team for three days to film the Time Train in action.

The programme showed how three of the carriages, a four wheeler, a Royal Saloon and a Pullman car, spanning 100 years of railway operations, were brought by low loader from their restoration bases at Isle of Wight, Embsay and Tyseley to join the Great Northern coach at Llangollen.

This unique formation of four carriages was then filmed operating on the Dee Valley line between Llangollen and Carrog with members of each restoration team on board to sample and compare the results of all their hard work.

They enjoyed lunch served in the Pullman coach as a celebration of a remarkable effort to meet the challenge set by the TV producers.

Speaking about the restoration of the Great Northern coach at Llangollen the owner, Peter Lund, said: “The restoration of this 1912 teak bodied coach was a gargantuan task. At every stage more work than had been anticipated was revealed to rebuild the interior.

"It is only thanks to the strenuous efforts of all the team from Llangollen Railway’s Carriage & Wagon works that the challenge to restore it was met in time for the filming schedule.”

The train was taken down the line by the Standard Tank No.80072 with presenter Peter Snow in the driver’s seat, as he lived the dream of a lifetime driving a steam engine.

He was under the careful supervision of Llangollen Railway driver Paul Reynolds from Chester and fireman Graham Hoyland from Abergele.

If there is a second star in the programme, it is the No.80072 as it is seen steaming past Berwyn and through the autumnal scenes along the railway line to Carrog.

Liz McGuinness, Llangollen Railway chairman, said: “Llangollen Railway members are brimming with pride after the final part of the Great Rail Restorations project.

"The stunning views of the river Dee at Llangollen and the Dee Valley are amazing and a great promotional opportunity for the region. 

“The volunteers and employees are thrilled with the programme and the promotion it offered for the railway's setting, its ability to operate the heritage train and the efforts of all those involved. 

“It was great invitation for visitors to come and ride our wonder railway and enjoy the atmosphere along the line in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They can see the restored Great Northern carriage with their own eyes on static display at Carrog station.” 

Berwyn resident Martin Gill, who saw the train go past during the filming, said: “It was amazing to see four generations of railway carriages in one train.  I suppose you would describe it as living history.” 

* The Great Northern coach.

* The Royal Saloon.

* The Isle of Wight four-wheeler.

* The Pullman coach Eagle.

Terry Waite officially opens new Centenary Square

* Terry Waite unveils the commemorative plaque watched by Deputy Town Mayor Issy Richard and Mayor Jon Haddy.

Eisteddfod president Terry Waite officially opened Llangollen’s new Centenary Square in a moving ceremony this morning (Sunday).

A large number of civic dignitaries, representatives of various organisations who contributed to the project and a large crowd of onlookers stood in the hot sun to watch the proceedings.

Town Mayor Cllr Jon Haddy welcomed people to the event and gave a run-down of how the project to transform the former Memorial Gardens was first envisaged in 2012 and was developed over the following six years by town councillors and Town Clerk Gareth Thomas.

There was then a moving reading in Welsh by Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Issy Richards of a peace poem by poet and national eisteddfod bard Hedd Wynn who was killed in the First World War.  

Terry Waite spoke on the theme of peace and said it was fitting that the new square was being officially opened exactly 95 years after the First World War memorial was unveiled.

He paid special tribute to the 441 Hz Chamber Choir from Gdansk in Poland who sang at the ceremony, saying this country owed their country a great deal of gratitude for the service they armed forces gave during the Second World War.

Mr Waite congratulated the Town Council and the people of Llangollen for the contribution they had made to making Centenary Square possible.

Over 70 years ago the people of the town, he said, had made a similar contribution to creating the Eisteddfod to which people from all over the world came to promote peace through the language of music.

To loud applause he then unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of the square before the choir sang.

The two national anthems were sung to round off the ceremony.

Later, invited guests at the Town Hall were shown a time-delay film of how the construction project unfolded over a number of months before the square opened in time to be used by a series of popular outreach events at which Eisteddfod competitors performed for the pubic throughout the week.    

* Terry Waite speaks on the theme of peace.

* Terry Waite and other special guests at the ceremony.

* The Polish folk choir sings.

* Deputy Town Mayor Issy Richards recites a moving poem.

* Part of the time-delay film showed at the Town Hall.

Van Morrison captivates Pavilion crowd

* Van Morrison on stage at the Eisteddfod last night.

One of the most prolific recording artists and live performers in music history, Sir Van Morrison, took to the iconic Royal International Pavilion stage last night, captivating the crowd with a selection of Irish folk, jazz, blues and country music.

Morrison opened the sellout show with a beautiful rendition of ‘Astral Weeks’, then launched straight into ‘Sweet Thing.’

Both songs were released from the album of the same name 50 years ago in 1968, yet still resonate perfectly today and brought the audience to their feet.

Joined by his eight-piece band, including his musical director Paul Moran, Morrison barely drew breath for the following 90 minutes. 

This was his first appearance at the  International Eisteddfod and he enchanted the audience with his largely improvised set, featuring favourites including ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’, ‘Days Like This’ and ‘Have I Told You Lately’.

Morrison brought the show to a close and the audience to their feet with an exhilarating rendition of cult classic ‘Brown Eyed Girl’.

Eisteddfod music director Vicky Yannoula, said: “The audience was completely enthralled by Van’s unparalleled vocals and songwriting talent, and by the support of his exquisite band. It was such a mesmerising performance and a wonderful start to our weekend.”

This weekend included a performance-packed family funday on Saturday, celebrating those community groups that strive to create a sense of togetherness though music and dance on its outside stages.

Sunday is Llanfest 2018, the festival’s finale party, with outdoor stages hosting live bands throughout the afternoon and multi-platinum English indie pop-legends, Kaiser Chiefs headlining on the main stage in the evening.

MP shown Rotary's life-saving project

* Rotarian Molly Youd shows Susan Elan Jones MP

the ShelterBox display at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones met with top Rotarian Molly Youd at the Eisteddfod and learned about Shelterbox - a project that saves lives and helps people stranded in global disaster zones.

Rhostyllen resident Molly Youd was the first female District Governor for Rotary District 1180 - an area that covers North Wales and much of the North West of England. She now holds another senior role - promoting Rotary’s People of Action message.

Ms Jones said: “ShelterBox is an amazing project. Every green box sent out contains a home for ten people and while the contents vary according to climate, many provide solar lights, water storage, tools, blankets and cooking utensils.

"The boxes can be sent out at very short notice and because Rotary is an international organisation with 1.2 million members in 200 countries, relief can be provide where it’s most needed right across the world.

“This is one of many tremendous projects that Rotary members are engaged with and it was great to meet with my constituent Molly Youd to learn all about it."

* Further information about the work of Rotary International can be found at rotarygbi.org

Peace Awards presented to two good causes

* Dr Waheed Arian receiving award from John Clifford,

Managing Director of Westminster Stone

and evening sponsor.

A charity that uses volunteer doctors from the UK and US to advise its colleagues in war zones and low resource countries using encrypted social media has won the Rotary International Peace Award.

Dr Waheed Arian and the Arian Teleheal charity was awarded the accolade, which is sponsored by Typhoo Tea, during the International Celebration concert at the Eisteddfod on Thursday.

Dr Arian was acknowledged for his pioneering charity, which connects doctors in the UK, US and other countries with their peers using their smart phones and Skype or WhatsApp, enabling real-time discussions on the best available care for patients. 

Arian Teleheal was set up by in 2015 by Dr Arian, a 34-year-old NHS doctor, who developed the scheme while he was working at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool.

He has recruited over 100 specialists since its launch and the charity has already been credited with saving dozens of lives in Afghanistan and Syria. 

Pilot schemes in conjunction with Health Education England are to start in rural areas of Uganda and South Africa and schemes in more African and Asian countries are also planned.

Born and brought up in Afghanistan, Dr Arian’s family later moved to Pakistan where they spent three years living in a refugee camp.

Aged 15, Dr Arian came to London alone and with limited English. Four years later he was in Cambridge reading medicine. In September he received a UNESCO award for his work.

The Rotary National Peace Award, supported by Westminster Stone, was also presented at the ceremony. Former social worker, Sara Rowbotham, who was unable to attend the presentation, was acknowledged for her work with the Rochdale Crisis Intervention Team for the NHS.

As a front line sexual health worker and lead for the crisis team she fought to ensure that the voices of vulnerable young people in her care were heard. Her work played a key role in exposing the Rochdale child sex abuse ring and helped to bring the perpetrators to court. 

The presentation of the prestigious awards celebrated the third year of the partnership between the International Eisteddfod and Rotary International, one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world. The award recognises individuals or organisations responsible for the furtherance of peace though their work.

The partnership is an extension of the aims of both organisations, in particular those fostered by the unique foundations of the International Eisteddfod, which was established to promote peace and harmony between nations. 

Dr Arian said: “I founded Arian Teleheal so that people in terrible conditions around the world could benefit from world-class healthcare through using everyday technology. Our aim is to help local doctors give their patients the best possible care.

“However, by doing this we are also bringing communities together who would otherwise never meet – an off-duty doctor in the UK using her smartphone to help save the life of a young boy in Kabul. They’ll never meet, but his parents know how she has helped, building a connection between these communities which will last forever.

“In addition to our clinical advice, we are increasing our educational sessions for doctors overseas, strengthening the links between people. Our volunteer doctors thoroughly deserve this International Peace Award, which is for all of them, and all the doctors in the countries they help.”

Speaking after being named the winner of the national tier of the award Sara Rowbotham said: “I’d like to thank all at Rotary International for honouring me in such a way. It’s very humbling to know that so many people both support me and recognise the needs of vulnerable young people after being isolated and unheard of for such a long period of time. I’m thrilled to accept this award – thank you.” 

The adjudicating panel was chaired by Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Rotary Peace Centre; who was joined by United Nations peace honouree 2017 and founder of The Peace Project, Jean Best, as a judge. 

As peace initiatives take many different forms, the judging panel considered the public benefit of each project, the profile and longevity of each organisation or individual and the impact of their work.

Richard said: “So many of this year’s nominees adhered to simple motto of The Rotary Foundation – do good in the world but both Dr Arian and Sara Rowbotham’s contributions stood out.

“Dr. Waheed Arian showed remarkable determination in his journey from refugee camp to highly respected medical practitioner. His imagination and innovation led him to set up a scheme whereby doctors and surgeons working in war-torn areas can consult with colleagues in the UK about individual cases using their smart phones and Skype or WhatsApp, saving lives and improving care for patients across the globe.

“Sara Rowbotham also demonstrated great courage and commitment in her fight to ensure that the voices of vulnerable young people in her community were heard.”

Eisteddfod President Terry Waite CBE said: “Once again we were presented with a truly outstanding shortlist for this wonderful award, which made the task of selecting our two winners an incredibly tough job for the adjudicating panel.

“However, it also gave us incredible hope and joy to see just how many people are working towards the very same goal as the International Eisteddfod and Rotary International – the furtherance peace and goodwill in our fragile world.

Past District Governor for Rotary International Molly Youd, added: “This year’s awards really did build on the success of the past two years. Each and every one of the organisations nominated deserve recognition for their tireless work promoting peace and understanding here in the UK and worldwide, in particular our two winners.

“The International Eisteddfod’s message of global friendship now more relevant than ever and we are delighted that our partnership with the festival has once again allowed us to recognise on a global platform these two remarkable individuals, who are working towards making our world a better, more peaceful place.”

* For more information about Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net and for more information about Rotary visit http www.rotary-ribi.org