Llangollen formally welcomes its new vicar

* Father Lee Taylor, left, with the Bishop of St Asaph at

yesterday's licensing service. 

* The new vicar greets the congregation at the service.

The communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio and Trevor welcomed the Rev Lee Taylor as their new vicar yesterday (Sunday).

The Bishop of St Asaph and the new Archdeacon of Montgomery, the Ven Dr Barry Wilson, led the special service of licensing and welcome at St Collen’s Church.

Lee Taylor comes to Llangollen from Croydon Minster where he had been serving as Associate Vicar, establishing partnerships with various organisations, businesses and charities around Croydon.

"Working with the community is at the heart of my priestly ministry’, said Lee Taylor, "as I believe that the work of God thrives and flourishes in community. I am greatly looking forward to my move to Llangollen – the festival capital of Wales – and to serving all sections of this wonderful and vibrant community."

Lee was born and brought up in Bolton, Lancashire. He studied theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter, where he was also organ scholar and choirmaster.

Following university, Lee worked at a busy call centre for the gas and electricity supplier Norweb Energy before working as Deputy-Head Verger at Southwark Cathedral for eight years.

In 2010 Lee left London to train for ordination at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, before serving his curacy in Leigh-on-Sea.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt. Revd Gregory Cameron, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Lee to ministry in Llangollen and the Valle Crucis Mission Area. Lee is a creative and talented priest, who will bring vitality and enthusiasm to his role."

In his leisure time Lee enjoys playing and composing music, ballroom dancing, the arts, hiking, and keeping fit.

He is a member of the British Music Hall Society, is publicity officer for London’s Players’ Theatre, and performs Music Hall turns with The Mary Ward Players.

Eisteddfod hosts Christmas carol concert

* Elan Catrin Parry will appear in the Eisteddfod concert on December 16.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host a festive carol concert to celebrate the launch of the 2019 concert series line-up.

The concert on Sunday 16^th December will be filled with young local talent with performances from Welsh singing sensation and finalist of the 2018 Vocal Solo competition, Elan Catrin Parry, who will be showcasing songs from her debut album, “Angel” alongside other special guests pianist Julian Gonzales, Llangollen Operatic Young ‘Uns’, Ysgol Dinas Brân Band and Wrexham County Youth Choir.

Guests will be greeted with a traditional mince pie and merry glass of mulled wine to warm up their own vocal cords in time to join in with the cheerful Christmas carols, in the comfort of the main internal hall in the pavilion.

The Eisteddfod is also offering visitors the chance to win a selection of raffle prizes, with all proceeds from the event going towards their bursary fund, which supports international competitors in their visit to Llangollen.

Llangollen Eisteddfod Chairman, Dr Rhys Davies said: “It’s been an exhilarating few weeks in Llangollen, completing final preparations for the 2019 Llangollen Eisteddfod concert launch, which will showcase musical excellence and offers something for everyone.

“We’re really proud of this year’s festival line-up and our Christmas concert will bring people together in a musical celebration, which is what the Eisteddfod is all about. It promises to be a delightful evening and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming the exceptionally talented Elan Catrin Parry back to Llangollen."  

Music Director of the Festival, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry said: “It’s an extremely exciting time of year here at the Eisteddfod, from announcing the 2019 line-up to getting full-swing into the holiday season.

“The Christmas concert will help to raise vital funds for the bursary fund ensuring that we can welcome as many international competitors to Llangollen in July as possible. It is great to see such talented young local performers giving their time to support this cause.

“It is definitely going to be a Christmas concert not to be missed and most certainly the perfect excuse to enter into the festive spirit.”

* Tickets for the Christmas concert are available from the Eisteddfod Ticket Office by calling 01978 862000 and Llangollen Tourist Information. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £8.00 for concessions, £5.00 for children with under 5’s free. For further information please visit www.llangollen.net.

After the highly anticipated announcement of the 2019 concert series last week, priority tickets to the seven-day event went on sale for Festival Pass holders and Friends of the Eisteddfod. To become a Friend of the Eisteddfod and access priority booking, please telephone 01978 862001 or visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-friend.

Tickets for the 2019 concert strand will be on sale to the general public from 9.00am on Wednesday 12^th December.

For regular news and updates about the Festival follow us on Twitter @llangollen_Eist , like our Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod or follow us on Instagram @llangollen_eisteddfod. 

Incident involving railway's Santa Special

A spokesman for Llangollen Railway has given details of a “highly regrettable” incident on Sunday afternoon in which at least one hound from the local hunt was hit by a Santa Special steam train after straying on to the track.

Liz McGuinness, business manager of the popular heritage railway, said: “Our Santa Special was on its way back from Carrog station to Llangollen when the incident occurred at around 4pm today near the Deeside loop just after Glyndyfrdwy .

“From what I understand members of the local hunt were somewhere in the vicinity of the line when at least one of the hounds ended up running up the tracks towards the oncoming train which was carrying a large number of passengers – many of them young children – enjoying a festive day out.

“I understand that the train hit at least one of the dogs. I am not certain at this stage how badly the animal was injured but members of the hunt turned up to take the animal or animals away from the scene.”

She added: “No-one aboard the train, either on the footplate or in the passenger coaches, were hurt but the driver and crew were obviously badly shaken by this highly regrettable incident.

“The train eventually made its way back to Llangollen.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone on the Santa Special for what should have been an enjoyable afternoon ending in this way.

“Can I make it clear that the hunt does not have permission to be on Llangollen Railway property at any time.

“A full investigation into the incident will now be carried out by railway management.”

AM hears concerns of Ysgol y Gwernant pupils

* Assembly Member Llyr Gruffydd with pupils of Ysgol y Gwernant.

Plastic waste and traffic congestion in Llangollen were high on the agenda when pupils of Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen, met with regional Assembly Member Llyr Gruffydd this week.

Members of the School Council, Eco Council, Road Safety Group and Welsh Language Charter group invited Mr Gruffydd for a meeting to discuss their concerns.

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM, gave a brief presentation of his work as an Assembly Member before listening to the pupils.

Llyr Gruffydd said: “The pupils of Ysgol y Gwernant were intelligent and eloquent, with a real concern about current affairs and issues. The waste and damage caused by Single-Use Plastics was a real worry for them.

“They were interested to hear that Plaid Cymru on Denbighshire Council are running a campaign to make the county a Single-Use Plastic-Free Council and there’s a strong local campaign in Llangollen as well.

“We agreed to write to the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council expressing their concerns. They also had concerns about the congestion and safety on Castle Street.

"This has been an ongoing concern for some time and it’s obvious that it impacts on the quality of life of people of all ages in the town. I know that the Town Council has an initiative to try to tackle this and the County Council has allocated some funds to this end, but it’s obvious that the children in the area feel that something should be done soon.

“It’s always a pleasure to talk to children about the issues that affect them. Far too often adults carry a lot of baggage with them and can make matters unnecessarily complicated. It was refreshing to hear the views of the younger generation. Even though they aren’t eligible to vote yet, I’m there to represent them as much as everybody else in the area.

“Ysgol y Gwernant is an excellent school and they obviously take their responsibilities seriously. There was a lovely environment there and it was a real pleasure to visit.”

* The AM chats to the children about a range of topics.

A5 roadworks to start on Monday

Work is due to start on Monday (December 10) to inspect and maintain the rock face on the westbound A5 to the east of Llangollen.  

Being undertaken by contractors on behalf of The North & Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, the work is due to be completed by next Friday (December 14).

A westbound lane closure on the A5 is required in order to carry out the works.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place during daylight hours in addition to a 10mph temporary speed restriction and convoy working. Traffic signals only will be in place overnight.

The duration of the work may increase following inspection of rock face.

Traffic Wales has apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused by the work.

Bryn Collen's Christmas play was a real cracker

Everyone who saw yesterday afternoon's Christmas play by the children of Bryn Collen's primary school said it was excellent.

This picture was kindly supplied to llanblogger by Cllr Karen Edwards.

Llan celebrates its plastic-free achievements

* Mair Davies, second from left, with representatives of some of the businesses who have become official Plastic-Free Champions and civic leaders at the presentation ceremony in the Town Hall.

Llangollen has joined a network of communities across the UK which are leading the way on tackling

throw-away plastics.

The town has been awarded Plastic Free Community status by Surfers Against Sewage in recognition of the work it has done to start reducing the impact of throwaway plastics.

And, to celebrate, 10 local businesses have been honoured as Plastic-free Champions.

During a ceremony at the Town Hall this week Courtyard Café, Pro Adventure, Taylors Catering (Llangollen Railway), Oak Street Coffee Shop, Manor House, Llan Valley Natural Products, Zingiber Wholefoods, Porter's Deli, Pretty Vintage Tearoom and M'Eating Point each received special awards from Mair Davies who co-ordinates Llangollen's drive to reduce plastic waste.

Mair, from Friends of the Earth Llangollen, launched the campaign earlier this year after starting her own journey to reduce plastic waste.

Registering with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement, she pulled together key players and businesses in the town to put in place a five-point plan to start reducing the impact of plastics on the local environment.

The objectives include setting up a community led steering group, instigating the Plastic Free Schools education programme, getting local council commitment and working with local businesses, organisations and community groups to minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use.

 “The whole campaign has been a very positive experience, it has been a joy to see the community come together with a shared wish to do their bit,” said Mair. 

“There has been a wide variety of ways that businesses have pledged to do to reduce plastic use, from Ditching the Straw, changing to paper bags, bulk buying, refilling containers, removing single serve items, ditching plastic cutlery and removal of plastic packaging.”

“She added: "There have been a wide variety of events in Llangollen to help reduce plastic in the town, from coffee mornings to litter picks and group talks to help empower people to make the change.

“It has been so nice to see how unifying this issue has been and how it affects all areas within the town, from The Town Council, Cittislow Llangollen, Chamber of Trade, the local Schools and the numerous community groups in the area.

“We couldn’t be more elated at getting Plastic Free Status for the town and being the first town in Denbighshire to get this award. Together we have made great strides to help safeguard nature and the beauty within this beautiful town, but more can be done.

"Of course Llangollen isn’t completely plastic free, but this is recognition of the steps that the community has already made to help reduce the negative impact of plastic.” 

The Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Community network aims to free the places where we live from single-use.

The marine conservation charity, based in St Agnes in Cornwall, says it wants to unite communities to tackle avoidable plastic, from the beach all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it. It says it is not about removing all plastic from our lives, but kicking our addiction to throwaway plastic and changing the system that produces it.

Rachel Yates, Plastic Free Communities Project Officer at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “It’s great to see the work that Llangollen has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse.

“We now have almost 400 communities across the UK working to reduce single use plastic and the impact it has on our environment. E

"Every step those communities and the individuals in them take is a step to tackle the problem at source, challenging our throwaway culture and encouraging the habit changes we need to see.”

Town centre 2020 traffic blueperint gets £20,000 boost

* The draft 2020 plan shown to the public earlier this year. 

The Llangollen 2020 working group has heard from the Welsh Labour Government that it has received a grant of £20,000 towards its £2.5 million town centre facelift scheme. 

The cash has been specifically allocated for the Active Travel aspects of the scheme which aim to encourage walking and cycling within the town centre. 

The 2020 group has been working to ease parking problems and traffic flow, two of the most difficult problems in the town.

It plans to make the area a more pedestrian friendly environment and to provide a more attractive, pleasant and prosperous town centre. 

Llangollen 2020 is one of only two schemes in Denbighshire to receive funding from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport scheme following successful applications submitted by the county earlier this year.

The grant comes after the working group held showcase events at council offices in Ruthin and Denbigh to promote the scheme and attract funding towards its estimated £2.5 million cost. 

Graham Timms, chair of Llangollen 2020 and Welsh Labour county councillor for the area, said: “We were delighted with the interest and enthusiasm for the scheme that was shown by county councillors, cabinet member and officers of Denbighshire County Council and they were pleased to hear that the scheme has widespread support amongst the community. The awarding of a £20,000 grant from Welsh Government too is a great encouragement.”

Town councillors Robyn Lovelock and Tony Baker joined Llangollen’s county councillors Melvyn Mile and Graham Timms on the promotion “roadshow”.

Cllr Lovelock, who is also a member pf the 2020 working group, said: “The final report from a professional consultancy, Arcadis Consultants, is expected to be published in the next few weeks but it is already predicted that the proposals will lead to a 20% increase in the economy of the town.

"It also shows that more than 100 new full-time jobs for local people will be created."

The Welsh Government's Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: “I’m delighted that a host of transport projects across Wales will be allocated funding from the Local Transport Fund.

“These schemes have the potential to make a massive difference to people’s everyday lives, with improvements to transport networks, infrastructure and cycle lanes making it easier to choose active and sustainable travel.

“These projects support our ambitions to provide a modern and connected transport infrastructure, whilst further boosting our efforts to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.

“This funding could also prove a shot in the arm to the Welsh economy by making it easier for people to travel for both business and leisure.”

County cited as example of good education practice

Denbighshire County Council has been highlighted as an example of good practice in Estyn’s annual report.

Denbighshire was one of only two authorities to receive excellence for leadership in the last round of inspections and is the first to be awarded an excellent rating for leadership under a new inspection framework introduced across Wales.

One of the other main findings highlighted the recent merger of education and children’s services in the county as having a “positive impact” on services for children, young people and their families.  

The inspection also highlighted  that “the authority has a strong moral purpose that underpins its education services, focusing on an ambition to maximise the life chances of every learner.”

The annual  report published by Estyn states: “In Denbighshire County Council, outcomes and the quality of education services are good and leadership is excellent. The authority’s political and strategic leadership is successful in managing change.

"For example, the restructure of education and children’s services has resulted in a coherent, blended service that is better able to meet the needs of children and young people. The connections between these services help the authority to respond quickly to the needs of families and pupils and help officers to implement intervention and support at an early stage.

"The authority knows its schools very well and has clear policies, strategies and processes for school improvement work. It has a suitable range of appropriate provision for vulnerable pupils, which is generally effective in meeting their needs. Performance across the secondary schools has been variable over the last three years, but standards at key stage 4 in nearly all key indicators broadly compare well over time with those in similar authorities across Wales, and with national outcomes.”

The Council has also provided a best practice case study to Estyn that has been shared with councils across Wales.

Councillor Huw Hilditch- Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “The opportunities for our children and young people are at the heart of everything that we do. We want them to have the best education possible and have plenty of opportunity to thrive and develop as individuals.  We are delighted that this has been reflected in the annual Estyn report in such a comprehensive way.

“The original inspection report itself made very positive reading and we must pay tribute  to the tremendous amount of work that goes on in the local authority to support schools and ensure that all children receive the best than can with the resources available .  

"The approach to working with our partners in the public sector is also a key factor in this success.  We are all working together with a common goal:  to improve education and opportunities for our children and young people.

“Education in Denbighshire has been a priority for a number of years and this is paying dividends. We have also made a further commitment to improving education over the coming years and our vision for the best possible education for our children and young people has not changed."

Ceramic artists champion shop local campaign

* Charmain Poole, left, and Jacqui Atkin of Gwalia Ceramics in Llangollen.

Ceramic artists inspired by the rich and varied wildlife of North East Wales are championing a new campaign to persuade people to shop locally this Christmas.

Shelves at Gwalia Ceramics in Llangollen’s Oak Street are a testimony to the way the region’s flora and fauna are motivating these artists in clay.

The shop and gallery is run by two potters, Charmain Poole and Jacqui Atkin, who teamed up after meeting at a North Wales ceramicists group and 18 months ago they opened Gwalia Ceramics.

Charmain, from Cynwyd, near Corwen, and Jacqui, who lives in St Martin’s, near Oswestry, take turns to run the business, a week on and a week off, giving them time to work on their vibrantly coloured designs at their workshops at home.

Their business is the kind of unique shop Denbighshire County Council’s #LoveLiveLocal campaign promotes as part of the diverse and vibrant shopping experience available on the county’s high streets.

The project is centred on the busy run-up to Christmas and Charmain and Jacqui and other retailers across the county are featured on a series of videos on social media telling shoppers about the variety of shops in Denbighshire.

As part of the #LoveLiveLocal campaign shoppers can support local independent businesses by using the hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to share good experiences they’ve had as well as promote products and services locally they have ‘loved’.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “Llangollen is a great example of the high-quality, unique shopping offer evident in high streets across Denbighshire.

“Small businesses like Gwalia Ceramics provide great customer service, going that extra mile to help their customers. As well the fantastic range of goods available in the county, shopping locally helps support Denbighshire’s economy.”

Jacqui’s work often features birds while that of Charmain, who spent a few years sailing the Mediterranean with her late husband, makes use of fish but other artists they sell have also been inspired by the natural world.

The foxes of Anna-Mercedes Wear, who died recently from cancer, feature prominently and so do the hares and weasels by Julie Shaw, part of a colourful and ever-changing display in the gallery.

Charmain said: “Llangollen is such a lovely town with so many interesting shops and lots of visitors and it’s midway between our homes so it’s been ideal.

“Our business model is very simple – we welcome ceramic artists whose work we like and appreciate.

“It’s nice to deal with good people and we like to promote them and particularly those who live and work in the area.”

Jacqui, the editor of ceramics magazine Clay Craft and the author of several books on pottery-making, has taught ceramics and worked in the NHS using ceramics as therapy for mental health patients.

She said: “My inspiration is drawn from many sources including a recent visit to Australia to see my daughter but the view from my studio window which looks out over my garden and the woodland beyond has the most enduring influence, changing with the seasons, a rich palette of colour and shape.

“None of what we have here in the shop is mass-produced, it is all individually made by artists in their studios and much of it is made locally.”

Gwalia Ceramics is part of the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council and are featured on one of a series of short video clips to highlight what the county has to offer shoppers.

The Council is offering more support to local businesses with free car parking in all Denbighshire County Council town centre car parks after 3pm between November 21 and December 31.

* For more on #lovelivelocal go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support-and-advice/love-live-local-caru-busnesau-lleol.aspx as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

* For more information on Gwalia Ceramics go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/showcasemakers/

Ysgol y Gwernant children visit Rhug Estate

Rhug Estate welcomed pupils from years one and two at Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen, to the farm recently.

The group of 38 children and four staff were eager to learn about all the different types of animals on the farm.

Whilst visiting the Rhug, the pupils aged between 5 and 7 years old, were given a tour of the farm by Gareth Jones, Rhug Farm Manager.

On their way round the farm they got to see the farm’s turkeys, geese, bison, Aberdeen angus cows and chickens. The group completed their visit in the Rhug playground.

Mrs Diane Davies, the class teacher, who accompanied the children on the visit, said: “We were very grateful to the staff at Rhug for accommodating our visit. We often forget what wonderful resources we have on our doorstep.

"All the children were absolutely fascinated by all the different types of animals they saw during our tour. We were even lucky enough to see a chick close up. It is of vital importance that this young generation understand where their food comes from.”

The Rhug Estate encourages groups to arrange a tour of the farm to learn more about how organic food is produced in a sustainable way. Educational groups are especially welcome.

Lord Newborough said: “I believe it is part of our job as custodians of this land to impart the knowledge we have to the next generation. I feel it is vitally important to spread the word about how important organic farming is to providing a better, more sustainable and healthy future for the next generation.

"I am horrified by newspaper articles that state children do not know where their food comes from. I want our future generation of consumers to make an educated choice when it comes to where they buy from.”

llanblogger launches regular car reviews

llanblogger is delighted to launch a new regular series of car reviews by STEVE ROGERS, one of the most respected motoring writers in the business and who is based in North Wales. We get into gear with his appraisal of the new Suzuki Jimny. 

* The new Suzuki Jimny.

* The Jimny boot space.

Launch report by Steve Rogers

MEET the new Suzuki Jimny, a car almost as rare as a nine bob note.

Anyone wanting the funky off roader is in for a long wait because Suzuki has only got 600 and they have been snapped up even before the car goes on sale in January.

Even with a new 1.5 litre petrol engine Suzuki is struggling to get emissions down to the required level so the most we will get is 1,200 a year from 2020.

And that's a great shame because this Jimny is like nothing that has gone before.

It has been around for almost half a century and it is exactly 20 years since the last major facelift. That is too long to wait but those lucky enough to get their hands on the new Jimny will not be disappointed.

It is light years ahead of the old model and is, dare I say, reasonably comfortable. Anyone acquainted with Jimny will know it has a ride like a bucking bronko but has always been a car that doesn't mind taking knocks and is fantastic off road.

And that key strength is still there. The new car retains the good old ladder framed chassis but this time it is much more rigid which has gone some way to improving Jimny's road manners.

Has the 20 year wait for a serious upgrade been worth it? Absolutely. The new squared off shape - am I the only one who thinks it has a bit of Jeep Wrangler about it - retains the Jimny's funkyness (have I just created a new word) as well as providing a little more space in a car that is a little shorter.

Overall it is roomier gaining 53 litres more storage space with the back seats flat. With both in place there is only room for a couple of bags of shopping, but that's not what it is here for.

Jimny has a great following in rural Wales because of its ability to go anywhere, as well as its longevity.

I went off roading in Jimny at Stoneleigh Park, the National Agricultural Centre, and was staggered how easily it coped with the most demanding circuit I have experienced. It dropped down and climbed some horribly steep gullies, made mincemeat of 'quick sand' mud and easily traversed scary looking tracks thanks to its generous ground clearance.

This Jimny really has gone all sophisticated with its Allgrip Pro four wheel drive system. It has hill descent control and dual sensor brake support, but is still an authentic off roader  - it even has the old fashioned gear stick for low range transfer.

Inside has been spruced up but it is not too flash maintaining the hardwearing easy clean plastic facings. A few more creature comforts have been thrown in - air conditioning, Bluetooth connections, digital radio, cruise control on SZ4, and on the top end SZ5, navigation, Smartphone link and heated front seats.

The biggest change will be felt on the open road. Jimny still rolls on bends and roundabouts, and the ride certainly isn't smooth but it is a lot more settled so the kids are unlikely to be reaching for the sick bags on a trip to the supermarket.

The new 1.5 litre petrol engine is a bit noisy and would benefit from a sixth gear to lower the din at motorway speeds but has decent pick up in fourth and fifth gears. There is also a four speed automatic option. Prices: SZ4 £15,499; SZ5 £17,999 with an extra £1,000 for the automatic.

So Jimny has come of age at last, practical, eye catching, and a demon off road. It would sell here in its thousands if only Suzuki had thousands to sell.

*There is more good news. The excellent Vitara has been freshened up with soft touch dashboard trim (hooray!).

It gets a few other bits and bobs, blindside alert to help with overtaking, rear cross traffic alert, sunroof, centre armrest and storage box.

More significantly the 1-litre Boosterjet engine has been added to the range and it works a treat.

I had my doubts about such a small engine carrying a mid sized SUV but it does, and with ease.

Suzuki's petrol engines can hold their own against anyone and the 110bhp three-cylinder is up there with the best providing remarkable performance, economy and low emissions.

Anyone wanting more should go for the 1.4 litre Boosterjet which is another cracker.

Prices start at £16,999.

Santas paddle for pounds on the canal

Colourfully-costumed Santas were out in force on the canal yesterday.

They were taking part in a standup paddle-boarding event in aid of Wales Air Ambulance organised by Stand-Up Paddleboard UK.

Pictures courtesy of Allan Potts.

Town carol service is on December 16

Quiz aims to benefit Cancer Research UK

For the twelfth year there will be a Christmas Quiz on behalf of Cancer Research UK. 

Organisers say it should be fun for all the family and they suggest people could even consider including it in Christmas cards to friends. 

Copies (£1) are obtainable from the Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street. 

Santa Specials now departing from Llan Railway

This year's annual Santa Specials have started steaming away from Llangollen Railway.

Aboard a specially decorated steam train seasonal travellers will be transported in style from Llangollen Station to Carrog  - renamed Lapland for Santa’s visit.

The grand old man will give each good boy and girl a special gift on the journey and the adults on-board receive a mince pie plus a tipple from Santa’s Little Helpers.

Museum hosts Myths and Legends evening

* A scene from the Owain Glyndwr puppet show.

* The puppeteers who put on the show take a bow. 

* The rest of the puppetry team come out from behind the scenes. 

* The team which shot the film St Collen receive their Best Overall Peformance award.

A sophisticated puppet show opened an evening of Myths and Legends hosted by Llangollen Museum at the Town Hall last night (Friday).

Guest puppeteers received only two sessions of training before putting on the novel entertainment which told the story of the legendary rise to fame then mystery demise of Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr.

The large audience was held spellbound as the ancient tale unfolded on a specially constructed stage as members of the group – all recruited from the local community – operated a host of key characters overseen by a small number of experts.

After the break it was time for the showing of six short films also illustrating the evening’s theme.

Shot on mobile phone cameras by local people who were not professional film-makers the three-minute movies included topics ranging from the town’s patron saint of St Collen to the big bareknuckle fight between two local men which took place in Cefn Mawr in 1861 and ended in tragedy.

After their showing the films were judged both by the audience and a panel of judges.

The one entitled St Collen was crowned by the judges and Ladies of Llangollen was chosen as the audiences favourite.

The Myths and Legends project launched by the museum was made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and will also include an exhibition of children’s art based on the theme which will run at the museum.         

Eisteddfod star to hit top note in St Giles opera

* Soprano Rachel Marsh.

* Professional opera singer and tutor Anne Williams-King.

A star from last year's Llangollen Eisteddfod will be performing alongside an international cast on her home ground in Wrexham.

Soprano Rachel Marsh will be starring in two one-act operas at St Giles’ Church on Saturday, December 22, in a spectacular showcase for pupils of the North Wales Opera Studio.

She will be taking the lead role in Puccini’s Sour Angelica during an evening sponsored by the Pendine Park care organisation via their Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT).

It’s particularly appropriate because earlier this year Rachel was in the top three in the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which was also supported by PACT.

The second opera being performed on the night is another classic, Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, with soprano Zena O’May, of Queensferry, in the lead role of the peasant girl, Santuzza.

Rachel and Zena are both pupils of the North Wales Studio which is run by Anne Williams-King, from Penycae, who is a top soprano in her own right having performed at opera houses around Europe, Australia, Japan, and the United States and across South America.

Anne said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for my students; these are two amazing one act operas. However, we couldn’t put this performance together without the support and sponsorship of Pendine Arts and Community Trust.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for two of my best students. They will be performing alongside soprano Millicent Setshedi who is coming over to Wales from South Africa specifically for the production as well as tenor Adam Margulies from Berlin and Norwegian mezzo soprano Maria Ejderos Sveinungsen. It’s going to be a truly international production.

“Sour Angelica is a really tragic tale of a young woman who is forced to live in a convent by her family after having an illegitimate child.

“She spends years waiting to hear news of her child only to find out he died of a fever. She concocts a poison potion to kill herself and, after taking it, remembers suicide is a sin so she won’t go to heaven to be with her child.

“However, she has a vision of the Virgin Mary with her child and realises her sin is forgiven. It’s a truly moving story and quite sad.”

She added: “Cavalleria Rusticana is a tale of love, rejection and revenge set in Sicily and is a wonderful one act opera. It will give Zena O’May a wonderful opportunity to show just what she can do.

“I’m looking forward to what will be a wonderful evening of music featuring some of my most talented students. The idea is to give both young and more mature singers the chance to perform and prove themselves.

“We will be working non-stop for a fortnight before the performance rehearsing and polishing the performance. We will be specifically working on language as both operas are sung in Italian and vocal performance.

“It’s very exciting to be working with such amazing international talent as well as our excellent local performers. And I’m delighted to have Marco Belluzzi from Bologna, in Italy as our accompanist.”

Rachel, 26, said: “It’s been an exciting year. This will be my first lead role and I’m very excited.

“Sister Angelica is a wonderful and incredible role in what is a very touching and tragic story.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting and singing with some incredible international talent. I have a real burning desire to succeed in opera. This will be the perfect start to Christmas!”

Zena O’May, 55, said “I sang in the chorus of the English National Opera as a mezzo soprano. However, my voice has changed a little and I’m busy learning the soprano repertoire under Anne’s expert guidance.”

She added: “I’m so looking forward to the opera event at St Giles Church, it’s going to be amazing especially as there is a real international cast.

“I’ve just performed at St James, Piccadilly where I performed Elgar’s Sea Pictures alongside my accompanist, Marco Belluzzi who will also be playing at the St Giles concert.

“It’s an exciting opportunity, I have always dreamed of playing a lead operatic role and this is a wonderful chance for me to really shine and show what I can do.”   

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft says the operatic event at St Giles is a perfect illustration of why he and his wife, Gill, set up the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.

He said: “Music and the arts in general play an important role in the care we provide for our residents and all our staff receive bespoke training in how to enrich our residents’ lives with the arts.

“I have no doubt that this will be a wonderful evening of high-quality opera and I’m sure opera lovers across North Wales will be keen to support the event. I know Gill and I are very much looking forward to what will be an amazing evening.”

Llan's new vicar gets to know his parish

* Father Lee Taylor is getting to know his new parish.

The town’s new vicar is ready to officially start work in just over a week's time.

Since moving from his previous church in Croydon two weeks ago Father Lee Taylor has been busy getting to know his new parish of Llangollen, Llantysilio and Trevor before his licensing by the Bishop of St Asaph takes place at St Collen’s on Sunday December 9.

Since his arrival most of his time has been taken up with moving into the newly-refurbished vicarage on Abbey Road but he says he’s had a very warm welcome and enjoyed meeting a wide range of local people – both parishioners and otherwise.

Keen on keeping fit he’s already joined the leisure centre and the running club and had a rapid installation as a member of one of the Eisteddfod committees.

And he’s now looking forward to getting to know as many other groups and organisations as possible.

Born and brought up in Bolton, Lancashire, he studied theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter where he was also organ scholar and choirmaster. 

After leaving university he worked at a busy call centre for the gas and electricity supplier Norweb Energi. At weekends he worked evenings at a local Working Men’s Club playing the organ before the main bingo session. 

Father Lee moved to London in 2002 to take up the post of Deputy-Head Verger at Southwark Cathedral. During his time in London he also worked as a volunteer chaplaincy assistant at Guy’s & St Thomas’ hospitals.  

In 2010 he left London to train for ordained ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, serving his curacy in Leigh-on-Sea. 

His last position was as Associate Vicar of Croydon Minster.

During his time there he worked hard at establishing partnerships with various organisations, business and charities around the town.

And he now aims to do the same sort of thing in Llangollen.

He said: “Since I arrived here a couple of weeks ago I’ve met a large number of people and had lots of invitations for coffee.

“I want to maintain the relationships the church already has with the community and also start up some new ones. It’s just a question of getting to know as many local groups as possible and working out who's who.

“I’ve had already accepted an invitation to join the music and staging committee at the Eisteddfod, which was very nice and I’m looking forward to playing a part in that.”

In his spare time Father Lee is passionate about and is a regular performer in old time music hall. He will retain his role as publicity officer for the Music Hall Society, which is based in London.

Apart from performing he also enjoys playing and composing music, ballroom dancing and the arts.

In fact, he says Llangollen’s very active arts scene was one of things that drew him to his new appointment.

“Music and performance is an intrinsic part of my priesthood,” he explained.

Father Lee also likes to keep himself fit and along with his two dogs, a Labrador and a Border Collie, he has sampled some of the country walks his new parish has to offer including those around Llantysilio and up to Dinas Bran Castle. Next, he reckons, is possibly a walking trip down the canal to the Aqueduct.

No stranger to the world of pubs since his mother ran two of them in Wigan, where he served behind the bar and played piano, he used this background to create what he reckons was one of his most exciting community ventures down in Croydon.

That’s when he organised and officiated at a beer blessing ceremony at the local Dog & Bull pub which hit the national headlines.

He recalled: “The event not only brought together a wide section of the community but it also signalled the open and welcoming face of the church in the heart of the community.”

And he promised: “Something similar is certainly on the cards for Llangollen – it’s just a question of which pub or hotel we do it in and at what time of the year. Eisteddfod week might be a good time because that’s when the town is full of people from around the world.

“I think we can look forward to lots of quirky things, ideas and initiatives, so watch this space.”

Before he starts on the beer blessing trail Father Lee has his own licensing by Bishop Gregory of St Asaph as part of the morning worship at St Collen’s on December 9.

“It will be a time when all the church family and those from the other churches in the area can gather together. Everyone is welcome and I’m told there will be a bit of a do in the parish rooms afterwards,” he said.