Global appeal launched for Eisteddfod

 

* The Eisteddfod attracts competitors and visitors from across the world.

 

An urgent global appeal is being launched secure the future of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

Organisers are hoping to raise £70,000 because this year's event is heading for a financial loss as a result of disappointing ticket sales.

 

With the 70th anniversary on the horizon, they are confident the event has a bright long-term future but say they need the cash to get over their short-term difficulties.

 

Supporters wishing to make a donation will be able to do so online via the Eisteddfod's website or by using Gift Aid envelopes that will be available at all the concerts during the week.

 

This year will be the 69th year the festival will have been held consecutively since it was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War to promote peace and harmony.

 

The iconic event has now grown into one of Europe's premier music and dance events, where "Wales meets the world" and the town of Llangollen is turned into a cultural melting pot.

 

Over the years it has attracted cultural icons like Luciano Pavarotti, who first took to the Eisteddfod stage as part of his father's choir from Modena in Italy in 1955 before making a triumphant return in 1995 when he was a global superstar.

 

This year competitors are expected from as far afield as Ghana, China, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Morocco, Nepal, Slovakia and Holland as well as from across the UK and Ireland.

 

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be there tomorrow (Tuesday) when they will meet competitors taking part in the colourful Parade of Nations.

 

The appeal was announced by long-serving Eisteddfod chairman Gethin Davies who first attended the event as a young boy in 1951.

 

He said: "The Eisteddfod is an expensive festival to put on, and, like many other festivals, we have been walking a financial tight-rope for some time.

 

"By making swingeing economies in our expenditure, we managed a small surplus in 2014. 

 

"Sadly, although the economies set in motion in 2014 have continued in 2015, the disappointing sale of tickets for the concerts of this year’s Eisteddfod means that we are looking at a deficit of around £70,000 for 2015. 

 

"We are working with the Welsh Government regarding short-term assistance, but as yet they can give us no assurance of help. 

 

"Their advice was to make strenuous efforts to raise funds from our supporters in order to meet what is essentially a short-term problem. 

 

"The Eisteddfod board has submitted a three-year business plan to the Arts Council of Wales and is confident that if we can weather the present difficulties we can move into profit. 

 

"The Music Director has set out an extremely attractive concert programme for 2016 - including a household name - which we are confident will attract larger audiences, and the preliminary budget for 2016 shows a reasonable surplus.

 

Mr Davies added: "The International Eisteddfod has been a very important part of my life since 1951, when, as a small boy, I sold programmes for the Eisteddfod. 

 

"Over that period of 65 years, I have built up a treasury of happy memories of the wonderful competitors I have seen, the amazing concerts I have attended, and the incredible warmth, knowledgeability, friendliness and good will of the audience. 

 

"My children have also shared many of those experiences, and I would like my grandchildren, likewise to be able to enjoy this unique festival, and I am confident they will have that opportunity."

 

People who wish to make a donation can do so via the Llangollen International Eisteddfod's website: www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Artist recreates Plas Newydd in fabric

 
 
 
Llangollen-based artist Jan Wallis currently has a novel exhibition of her work at the Willow Gallery in Oswestry.

Entitled Quilt Built, it’s a representation of some of the internal features at Plas Newydd – home of the Ladies of Llangollen – including wooden wall carvings and even a four poster bed, entirely in fabric and thread.

 

Memorial Hall refreshments

Members of Llangollen Methodist Church are inviting people to join them for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea at the Memorial Hall, opposite the car park in Market Street, between 10am and 4pm, from July 6-11.

The hall will be open until 5.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and closed on Wednesday.

Llan scientist appears in government film

* Dr Davies as she appears in the film.

A Llangollen woman features in a film promoting the importance of science in Wales.

Science For Wales, produced by the Welsh Government, promotes the country's scientific achievements.

In one sequence there's an appearance by Dr Charlotte Eve Davies, who was educated at Ysgol Bryn Collen and then Ysgol Dinas Bran before earning a PhD in biology from Swansea University at the age of 24.

The daughter of Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies, she has had six papers published and has travelled extensively around the world giving speeches on her speciality which involves lobsters.

In the film she is seen aboard a boat holding up a lobster.

Cllr Davies said: "I'd like to thank all the people from Denbighshire County Council who were involved in her education and helped to make this happen.

"As can be seen from the film, we deliver a world class education system."

An example of Dr Davies’ work can be seen at: http://theconversation.com/competitive-lobsters-are-fighting-it-out-in-uks-first-marine-park-35830

Methodist Church's festival of praise

Llangollen Methodist Church is hosting a Festival of Praise on Monday, July 6, starting at 7.30pm.

It includes favourite hymns by guest performers and will be led by the Rev Philip Poole.

A collection will be held in aid of Llangollen Cancer Research UK.

Real flap outside the Town Hall this morning

LLANGOLLEN town centre was in a real flap this morning (Saturday) when a trio of 1920s style  dancers went through a hectic routine on the Town Hall steps.

The flappers were there to promote the launch of the New Dot community cinema project, which will show its first film, the modern silent classic The Artist, at the Town Hall on July 15.

* Tickets are available NOW!
£8 (£5 concessions)
Buy in person from our two official outlets:
Bailey’s Fine Foods
Town Hall Stores
Castle Street
Llangollen
LL20 8NU
www.baileysfinefoods.com
Gales of Llangollen
18 Bridge Street
Llangollen
LL20 8PF
www.galesofllangollen.co.uk
Or buy online from our friends at Llangollen Fringe:
www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

* See llanblogger's film of the dancers at YouTube on: http://youtu.be/4MBnTi4wbNY

Time again for Llan to meet the world

* Bollywood on the Dee – Indian dancers on one of the outside stages.

Thousands of people from around the world - as well as a Royal couple - will descend on Llangollen next week as it celebrates the 69^th annual International Musical Eisteddfod.

The visit of the Prince of Wales on Tuesday afternoon, will make this a special occasion as he and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive in time for one of the event highlights, the Parade of Nations.

Prince Charles will be meeting Eisteddfod officials and chatting to competitors taking part in the parade which will again be led by the Eisteddfod’s President, Terry Waite CBE.

It is the fifth visit he has made to the festival, he came with Princess Diana in 1985 and with the Duchess of Cornwall in 2006, and also on his own as a Day President in 1996 and in 2003 to a special concert in aid of the Prince’s Trust.

Over the years the event which began as a festival of peace in the aftermath of the Second World War has grown into one of Europe’s premier music and dance events.

It has attracted cultural icons like Dylan Thomas and the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who began his international career as a member of a choir from Modena at Llangollen in 1955.

In recent years artists of the stature of Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Kiri Te Kanawa, James Galway, Montserrat Caballe and Jools Holland have performed at the Sunday Evening Gala Concert and last year veteran rockers Status Quo brought the curtain and the house down at the finale.

Most importantly the competitors have continued to come from all over the world – this year they will be here from Canada and China, Ghana, Hungary, India and Indonesia, Jamaica, Morocco, Nepal, Slovakia, Sweden, the Netherlands and the USA as well as from all over the UK and Ireland.

This year’s event runs from Tuesday, July 7, when Prince Charles will see off the colourful traditional procession from the Royal International Pavilion to the town and back, through six days of competitions and concerts to Sunday’s spectacular fireworks extravaganza.

This year the list of concerts is led by legendary American songwriter Burt Bacharach who will perform at the curtain-raiser on Monday night while artists of the stature of Alfie Boe, harpist Catrin Finch, choirmaster Gareth Malone and singer-songriter Rufus Wainwright will take the stage during the evenings.

This year’s closing concert will be performed by Ali Campbell, the voice of multi-selling reggae artists UB40, reunited on stage with former bandmatres Mickey and Astro.

But there will also be so much going on during the day, both on the main stage as competitions take place, and on the field where crowds mingle with performers and competitors in a multi-cultural carnival of nations.

Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “We have another wonderful event to stage this year and with artists of the calibre of Burt Bacharach, Alfie Boe and Gareth Malone the status of the this unique event is underlined.

“The Royal visit just adds to the magic and sense of occasion andf we’re looking forward to another spectacular week this year.”

For more details on this year’s event go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Davies hits out over health board's turn-around plan

A LLANGOLLEN county council has branded as “idiotic” a plan by its interim chief executive to turn around the ailing Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in 100 days.

The board was recently placed in special measures by the Welsh Government amid concerns about management failings.

A report also condemned poor treatment of mental health patients at Glan Clwyd Hospital as "institutional abuse".

Simon Dean, deputy head of the NHS in Wales and the man appointed by the government to run the board after its chief executive Professor Trevor Purt was suspended, said last week that he had given seniors managers 100 days to start making improvements. 

But Cllr Stuart Davies (pictured right), who represents Llangollen on Denbighshire County Council, predicts the initiative is “doomed to fail” and says he will demand that Wales’s First Minister Carwyn Jones considers his position when it does.

Cllr Davies has also criticised the board for failing to go ahead with an arrangement for a representative to attend the full council meeting next Tuesday to allow members to raise questions about the current situation.

He said: “I am highly disappointed that the people in charge of the Betsi are not willing to come to our meetings to answer questions about their problems. Trevor Purt had promised to attend our July meeting.

“I am particularly concerned because I wanted to seriously question them on their widely promoted 100-day turn-around plan.

“I believe this is the most idiotic idea I have heard because it will take years to turn around the deep-seated culture that is now driving the Betsi.”

He added: “They are being their usual arrogant self in not wishing to engage with councillors.

“They say on one hand they want to engage and then turn down this opportunity.

“The whole project is doomed to failure in my opinion and it is all down to the Welsh Government who are doing their usual micro-managing bit.

“I will be calling on the First Minister to consider his position when this 100-day initiative fails.”

A spokesperson for the health board said: “Professor Purt wrote out to local authorities earlier in the year, seeking an opportunity to meet with them as part of a process of public engagement to support the development of the health board’s medium term plan.  

“The July date was offered by Denbighshire County Council for this.

“However, following the decision to place the health board into special measures status, the Health Minister issued clear direction that before carrying out any such discussion the health board is to carry out a widespread public listening exercise. 

“This exercise has now started, initially with a programme of public ‘drop in’ sessions in 15 locations across North Wales, and will continue over the coming months.  

“As a result of this the health board was no longer in a position to proceed with the meeting as proposed.” 

New health centre set to open on August 24

* The new health centre which is due to open on August 24. Picture: Mike Edwards.

Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised contractors building Llangollen’s new multi-million pound health centre for delivering "what looks certain to become a huge asset" to the town.

The Clwyd South Labour AM says it’s "extremely positive news" that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s newest facility will open on Monday August 24.

The state-of-the-art centre is being built by Brymbo-based Read Construction, which has won the praise of their AM as well as a raft of positive comments from residents and businesses in Llangollen.

Mr Skates said: “The contractors have done a fantastic job and built what looks certain to become a huge asset for Llangollen. It’s very impressive.

“The facility has taken shape rapidly over the past few months, and it’s important that something on a main route into the town like this looks good – and this certainly does.”

Mr Skates was told this week that services are scheduled to transfer to the new centre on August 24, and also welcomed the news an open day will be held for the public on July 30 to allow residents a sneak preview.

He added: “It is extremely positive news for Llangollen that Betsi Cadwaladr, local practice and Welsh Labour Government have worked together to create a modern healthcare facility fit for the 21st century and fit for the people who live here.”

Mr Skates is meeting Betsi chairman Dr Peter Higson and interim chief executive Simon Dean later this month after the Welsh Government moved to address concerns over its performance by placing the health board in special measures.

Mr Skates said: “As well as discussing my constituents’ concerns about the NHS in North Wales, I will be raising several other matters specific to Clwyd South which I am hoping for positive news on.

“The Llangollen facility will be massive for the town. It’s important we don’t just focus on what is needed now, but continue to build for the medium and long-term too.”

* The surgery has asked llanblogger to display the following notice:

NEW LLANGOLLEN HEALTH CENTRE OPEN AFTERNOON

Thursday 30 July 2015, 3 – 6 pm

Canolfan Iechyd Llangollen Health Centre
Bishops Walk
Llangollen
LL20 8RZ


Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Dr A D Evans & Partners are hosting an open afternoon at the new Health Centre situated next to Bishops Walk in Llangollen.  This will be an informal opportunity for people to familiarise themselves with the new building, and find out more about the services that it will offer, before it opens on 24 August.

If you require any further information please contact the Health Centre on 01978 860625.

* A note from local health campaigner Martin Crumpton ...

"The news broke yesterday (Thursday) that Betsi Cadwaladr has decided not to contest the Judicial Review brought about by campaigners fighting the closure of consultant-led maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, reported by the BBC at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-33367737.

 

Myself and fellow campaigners are celebrating and welcome the apparent change of heart at the Board. It marks the arrival of the new Chief Executive, Simon Dean and our meeting with him around a week ago, but discussions are on-going between us to ensure this apparent change of attitude at the top is permanent and in future we, the public, will have more say in matters affecting us all, such as bringing beds back to Llangollen, ensuring safe access to the new Health Centre and improved GP availability.

 

Thanks in particular go to Marsha Davis of the #savebetsibabies campaign and Mabon ap Gwynfor of the North Wales Health Alliance."

 

 

Finally ... it's goodbye to the A5 lights

* The signs might still be there but at last the A5 is free of traffic lights.

* The sight which greeted motorists for more than half a year.

AFTER causing misery for residents and tourists for almost seven months, the temporary traffic lights at roadworks on the main A5 leading into Llangollen have now gone.

The long-delay lights, which have led to many frustrated motorists “rat running” along Birch Hill and Maes Mawr Road to avoid hold-ups, were installed around Tyn y Wern on December 12 last year by the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent after movement and distress was detected in the carriageway.   

The agent said the closure ensured the safety of highway users and allowed investigations to be undertaken to identify the reasons for the movement and to provide information for the design of temporary repair works. 

Work to temporarily strengthen the retaining walls started on the June 1 but the lights have now been removed in time for the start of the International Eisteddfod next Monday.

The disruption caused by the work and the claimed lack of information about it to residents given by the agent have come under fire from local politicians on a number of occasions. 

* Reader Mike Edwards has sent us a copy of correspondence he's had with Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart, which deals with the town's other roadworks on the A5, outside the supermarket development site. 

It says: "We also committed to reopen the A5 at the food store development before the peak summer season.  Works affecting the A5 will be suspended for the week of the Eisteddfod with the road reopening on Friday 3 July. The signals will be reinstated on 13 July to allow for final surfacing works and will be removed by 17 July."

* However, it wasn't all plain sailing because throughout today (Thursday) there have been new - but shorter - temporary lights near the Tyn y Wern ...



 

 

* Sign of the times: The traffic light warning sign lies bedside the A5 this morning (Thursday).

ChildLine pioneer heads new victim help service

 

* From left, Deputy PCC Julian Sandham and PCC Winston Roddick

with staff of the new Victim Help Centre.

 

A WOMAN who worked on the original ChildLine founded by Esther Rantzen and went on to head the charity in Wales in now running a new service to help victims of crime.
 

The fully bilingual Victim Help Centre, established by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB QC, went live on July 1 and aims to improve the way victims of crime are looked after in the region.
 

The centre creates a one stop shop for victims by bringing together the support services of North Wales Police, the Witness Care Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the former Victim Support organisation.
 

Each victim will be given a response specifically tailored to their situation.
 

From its base at police headquarters in St Asaph the integrated service will cover the whole of North Wales.
 

Mr Roddick, along with his deputy Julian Sandham, paid a visit to the centre and described it as “a triumph for North Wales.”
 

In charge of the dozen staff and 30 outreach volunteers operating the service is Julie Elliott who joined the original Childline team in 1987 as a counsellor soon after it was set up by TV presenter Esther Ranzen  to provide a free confidential phone service on which young people could talk over issues such child abuse and bullying.
 

In 1994, Julie joined the staff of Childline Cymru when its North Wales base was in Rhyl and helped establish its bilingual service.
 

Eight years later she was appointed as director for the entire Wales organisation, taking control of 25 staff based at both the Rhyl and Swansea headquarters in South Wales along with about 300 volunteers throughout the country.
 

Julie recalled the early days with Childline and said: “I was privileged to work alongside Esther Rantzen for 25 years as part of the team.
 

“She is a very committed and professional person who is also very child centered.
 

“It was a masterstroke to set up the Childline service. All the experts told her it couldn’t be done but she proved them wrong.”
 

Julie believes that the new North Wales Victim Help Centre has much in common with Childline.
 

She explained: “They are both about helping and empowering the people who use the service and making a difference to their lives.
 

“Since the Police and Crime Commissioner announced his plan to open the centre earlier this year we have been busy getting everything ready for going live.
 

“We have 12 staff in the centre who have all been trained to the very highest standard to deal with any situation they might have to deal with from the victims who get in touch with us.       
 

“Outside the centre, we have a network of about 30 volunteers in communities across North Wales, which works as an outreach team.
 

“Where a person has been the victim of domestic violence, for instance, they can help with things such as moving them out of the home where the abuse has taken place.
 

“They can also give assistance with contacting employers and schools, writing letters, making insurance claims and claims for criminal injuries compensation.
 

“The six victim care officers based in the centre come from a range of previous jobs such as the education field and other care organisations and a number are criminology graduates.
 

“They have been training hard for the past six weeks and they just can’t wait to begin the service.”
 

One of victim care officers poised to offer help and advice is 22-year-old Jasmine Jones from Llanfair PG on Anglesey.
 

After obtaining her criminology degree from Bangor University she worked with Young Carers Gwynedd and sees her role at the centre as an exciting new challenge.
 

Jasmine said: “This is a really positive step in my career and I’m really looking forward to the job.
 

“We’ve all been training very hard and learning to handle every type of situation.
 

“I see my role as providing a sympathetic ear to victims and signposting them to the people can give them the most appropriate help.
 

“It’s fantastic to be part of such an important new service which is a first for North Wales.” 
 

After touring the centre and meeting staff, Winston Roddick said: “It’s a real triumph for us to have established a victim centre of this kind and it starts from scratch.
 

“It’s a huge undertaking and has been a real challenge but meeting them I’ve seen the enthusiasm there is for it amongst its staff.
 

“And when you bring enthusiasm and understanding to a serious problem you solve it and that’s what they’re going to do.”
 

Mr Roddick added: “There are a lot of victims out there whose problems need care and attention of the kind that only a centre of this sort can provide.
 

“We are taking a huge step forward in demonstrating how concerned it is for the well-being of victims.
 

“We want them to feel confident that they can come forward and share their concerns and seek help because if they don’t do that then nobody can do anything for them.
 

“The experience our new manager Julie Elliott brings to the job from Childline is highly relevant because while adults can have difficulty in making complaints about the kind of matters to be dealt with in the centre, it’s more difficult to get children to articulate what’s happened to them.”
 

The new victim help service is available from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
 

* It can be contacted by Freephone on 0300 3030159, by email at: northwaleshelpcentre@victimsupport.org.uk, or via the websites www.victimhelpcentrenorthwales.org.uk (English) or www.canolfangymorthiddioddefwyrgogleddcymru.org.uk

 

Tennis club aims to rally new members

A Denbighshire sports club is aiming to capitalise on Wimbledon fever – and has enlisted the support of the local Assembly Member.

Corwen Tennis Club wants to net some new members during the next two weeks, when British eyes will be on 2013 champion Andy Murray at SW19.


Clwyd South AM Ken Skates is also hoping to be able to serve up some good news after asking Tennis Wales what help and support is available to help the club improve its facilities.

Paul Hughes, who recently took over as manager of the club, said: “Wimbledon is the ideal opportunity for us to try and recruit new members and I’m confident the performances of stars like Andy Murray will inspire people, particularly the younger generation.

“We’re going to have some fantastic weather during the next fortnight, so it’s the perfect time to dust off your old racket or give tennis a try for the first time.”

Labour AM Mr Skates, who is also the Welsh Government’s deputy minister for culture, tourism and sport, said: “Exercise and having an active lifestyle is a subject close to my heart, so I would love to see more people in Clwyd South take up tennis this summer.

"We might even have a future Wimbledon champion on our doorstep!

“I have written to Tennis Wales to see what support they can provide to help the club expand and upgrade its facilities, which in turn would help attract more members.”

Mr Skates visited the club on Friday (June 26) to meet Mr Hughes.

He added: “I would love to help the club grow and improve in any way I can, and will update Paul as soon as I have any news from Tennis Wales.”

AM backs fight against scammers

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood is backing a campaign aimed at preventing people being rushed into hasty decisions by scammers and to end victims being hushed into silence by a sense of shame, foolhardiness, or weary acceptance.

 

Scams Awareness Month 2015 (SAM15) will take place in July with the theme "Don't be Rushed, Don't be Hushed.”

 

Figures from the Office of Fair Trading suggest people in the UK lose £3.5 billion a year to scammers, with older people who fall prey to scammers losing an average £1,200 each.

 

Mr Isherwood (pictured left), who is already supporting Age Cymru’s ‘Scams and Swindles’ campaign to generate more protection for older and vulnerable people and their call for no-cold-calling zones, has previously called on the Welsh Government to tackle the inconsistent provision and enforcement of these zones across Wales to protect older people.

 

He said: “It is vital that we make people aware of the various scams out there which include fake lotteries, psychics and rogue builders.

 

“More than 100,000 people in the UK are known to be on the infamous postal scams “suckers’ lists” and the number may be far greater.

 

“At least 50,000 scams were committed against Welsh people in one recent 12-month period and many vulnerable people in Wales are still paying large amounts for shoddy or non-existent work to rogue traders. Hopefully this latest campaign will make people more aware and reduce the number of victims.”

 

Gerry Keighley from Age Cymru said: “Age Cymru is working hard to ensure that vulnerable older people are made aware of the threat of scams, especially people who may be isolated, lonely or live in remote communities. We are working with dementia sufferers and their carers to bring home the dangers of scams and we are equally concerned that younger people, especially family members and younger neighbours become more aware of the threat scammers pose to older people.”

 

Wynne's incomparable new Eisteddfod role

Top tenor Wynne Evans has landed an incomparable new role - singing alongside the world-renowned former royal harpist Catrin Finch.

Wynne – who shot to stardom as the waiter who belted out catchy jingles in the Go Compare TV ads (pictured) – will be taking to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod stage for the third time in four years when the festival gets underway in July.

 

The multi-talented Carmarthen-born singer, TV and radio presenter will be performing on Wednesday, July 8, at an evening of music dedicated to The Sounds of South America that also features the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Catrin Finch will also be starring at the concert.

The concert will also see the world premiere of a new work to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia in South America.

 

The work has been written by composer Hector MacDonald, a fourth generation Welshman who comes from Chubut Province in Patagonia where descendants of the original settlers cling on to their Welsh identity.

 

Among the other highlights at this year's Eisteddfod will be the Thursday night concert when heart-throb tenor Alfie Boe will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Antoine.

Other big draws include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

 

For the final concert, Ali Campbell, the voice of UB40 who sold 70 million records, who'll be reunited on the eisteddfod stage with two other founding members of the group, percussionist, trumpet player and vocalist Astro and keyboard player Mickey.

 

Wynne, who will also be presenting his BBC Radio Wales show from Llangollen during the week-long eisteddfod, says he always looks forward to performing at what he describes as a "wonderful festival of music".

He said: “Most performers only get to appear on the Llangollen stage once or maybe twice so for me to have been allowed on stage three times and in relatively quick succession is probably something of a record.

“Llangollen is such a fantastic event that welcomes all these different cultures from all over the world in a spirit of peace and harmony.

“It’s just an incredible event. I love seeing the different performers throughout the week and it isn’t just about classical music; lots of varied genres are represented.”

Wynne, who performed the role of Piangi in the 25^th anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera which was broadcast live to cinemas around the world from the Royal Albert Hall, added: “The festival is something special and should be cherished. People come from far and wide because of what it stands for.

“Where else could you see traditional Welsh dancers competing against folk dancers from around the world?

 “It’s about culture and styles and bringing it all together in a spirit of friendship. And it’s also wonderful seeing the whole town join in the festivities it isn’t just about what’s happening on the field.”

Wynne whose alter ego Gio Compario in the Go Compare ads was once voted Britain’s most hated man, is looking forward to hooking up with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Catrin Finch.

He said: “Catrin is a friend of mine and someone I’ve worked with her a lot over the years. And as well as being a friend she’s also one of the greatest harpists in the world, there’s no doubt about that.

“And I have toured with the BBC orchestra and we worked together at the Christmas concert. Of course I work with the BBC, both on screen and behind the radio microphone with my radio show, on a regular basis.”

Wynne, whose debut album, A Song in my Heart, shot straight to the top of the classical charts, added: “It should be a wonderful night of music.

“I’m going to performing some material composed by Karl Jenkins who, it has been announced, is to be knighted by Her Majesty the Queen.

“I’ll also be performing songs written by an Argentinian composer and some songs from West Side Story which has tenuous links to South America in that the characters were Puerto Rican.

“But it’s always good to perform some popular works that the audience will instantly recognise.”

The Eisteddfod's musical director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, is delighted Wynne Evans has agreed to perform again on the pavilion stage.

He said: “Wynne is a real supporter of the festival and it’s always a pleasure to welcome him back.

“He is without doubt one of the UK’s most popular and exciting tenors and I know how much the Llangollen audience likes to see and hear him perform.

“The Wednesday evening concert of South American inspired music, featuring Catrin Finch, Wynne Evans and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales promises to be a real highlight of this year’s festival and it’s a concert I’m really looking forward to.”

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Workshop for young dancers at Loggerheads

CWLWM CARIAD is an inspirational three day course for enthusiastic young dancers led by
professional dance artists Angela Fessi & Jamie Jenkins who will choreograph a new dance piece to
be performed in the open air on Thursday evening 16 July at Loggerheads County Park.

The theme celebrates the 30 years of the Clwydian Range being chosen as an Area of Outstanding
Beauty.

The course will take place at the Loggerheads Country Park on Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 &
Thursday 16 July 2015 from 10 am to 4 pm ending with an open air performance on Thursday 16
July 2015 at 6.30 pm.

An exciting sound score by local musician, Ynyr Llwyd, has been commissioned to accompany the
dance piece.

The three day Technique & Performance course offers a splendid opportunity for young dancers (15
to 25 years old) to develop their skill set and gain valuable performance experience; all that is
required is enthusiasm and commitment to hard work throughout the three days of practical dance
sessions ending in a performance.

Participants will need to arrive at 9.45 am for registration on each of the three days and you will be
required to wear suitable clothing for practical dance work.

There are 20 places available on this Arts Council of Wales funded course.

Visual artists Ben Davis and Judith Wood will be working with members of Denbighshire Criw Celf to create an exciting environment for the performance.  Sgwod Sgwennu members are creating words
that testify to the beauty of the Clwydian Range.

NEW Dance can promise you an exciting experience finishing with a performance in Loggerheads
Country Park at 6.30pm on the Thursday evening for friends and family.

You will need to make your own way to the Loggerheads Country Park Ruthin Rd, Mold, Flintshire
CH7 5LH Directions: Take the A494 between Mold and Ruthin. At Loggerheads village turn off
almost opposite the We Three Loggerheads Inn, signposted Loggerheads Country Park and turn
sharp right into the drive leading to the car park.

Loggerheads website:
http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/loggerheads-country-park/

* For further information or to request an application form please contact NEW Dance. Tel: 01978 869456,   e-mail:  info@newdance.org.uk

Keep dogs on a lead in countryside, says council

Denbighshire Countryside Service is calling on all dog owners to make sure their animals are kept on a lead when they walk in the open countryside.

In recent weeks, there have been incidents reported in the local press and on social media about dogs attacking livestock.

The service has dealt with a number of dogs reported missing on Moel Famau after being let loose and disappearing into the heather moorland, sometimes for lengthy periods of time.

David Shiel, Countryside Officer, said: "Although Moel Famau is a Country Park enjoyed by residents and visitors it is still farmland and grazed by sheep and cattle throughout the year. .... We don't want to discourage walkers with dogs.

"All we ask  is that the dogs are kept on leads, for their own safety and to offer peace of mind to their owners. There are also plenty of other areas such as forestry in the vicinity where dogs can be let off their leads safely.

"We also want to ensure that there's the right mix of people using the countryside for enjoyment, as well as others using the countryside to carry out a living."

Pilot scheme to protect people from falls

A pilot has been launched which sees North Wales Fire and Rescue Service working alongside the Single Point of Access in Denbighshire to help safeguard people in the home against a fall.

The aim is to make better use of the resources available to allow individuals to live a more healthy and active life, maintain their independence and reduce social isolation.


North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is moving towards adopting a more integrated approach to home safety which will enable working collaboratively with other emergency services, local authorities and partners to ensure residents remain safe in their homes.

This approach will not only consider the risk of fire but also other issues of safety, such as security and mobility, so that more vulnerable residents in particular will be provided with the best advice available from a whole variety of sources, stemming from just one home visit.

As part of this approach, a 'Falls in the Home' pilot has been launched in Denbighshire that involves fire and rescue staff who are undertaking Home Safety Checks helping to determine whether a person is at risk from a fall in the home, and if so then generating a referral to the Denbighshire Falls Prevention Service.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, explains: “One in three people aged over 65 will fall each year and this increases to one in two when 80 years of age is reached. Nationally 250,000 people are admitted to accident and emergency hospital departments each year with falls related injuries.

“Often the people who suffer from falls in the home are the same people who we as a Service would be targeting as they are also at an increased risk of fire. This is therefore an excellent opportunity to deliver a more integrated home safety check and a referral to our partners where appropriate which will in turn help keep our most vulnerable residents safe.

“Our community safety staff have undergone training provided by the Denbighshire Falls Prevention Co-ordinator who is integrated as part of the Single Point of Access. Such partnership working is paramount in ensuring North Wales is a safer place to live, work or visit.

"We are already regularly engaging with the public and entering their homes to carry out Home Safety Checks and are well place to be able to identify those in need of further support. Our Home Safety Checks have led to a visible reduction in the number of accidental fires in the home. Therefore by asking a few simple questions in addition to fire safety we are able to assist in making that person safer in general.”

The Denbighshire Falls Prevention Service is based on the evidence that was proving successful elsewhere.

Up until recently, an individual in need of medical or social services help may have had to wait several weeks before being seen whilst their requirements would be referred to the appropriate department.

To overcome this problem, Denbighshire County Council, the National Exercise Referral Scheme and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have collaborated to form a Falls Prevention Service which follows guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Social Care, said: “The Council has worked with the Health Board over the last 12 months to provide a single point of access that ensures efficient access to information, advice and assistance to promote health, well-being and independence.

"The service focuses on identifying the needs of the caller from the initial enquiry, making sure they get the right response which may include signposting to other services in the local community or directed to the correct service. It also enables people to access the wide variety of support available in their own communities.

“One of the primary targets for the Falls Prevention Service is to reduce the number of falls people are experiencing and as such reduce the associated number of injuries, calls to the ambulance service, hospital admissions, the need for treatment, and all the associated costs which can be reinvested in other areas of treatment and care.”

The Falls Risk Assessment Tool is used identify the members of the community who have had a fall or who are at risk of falling. Once identified through five simple closed questions, people are then referred to the service for a full assessment to reduce or eliminate their risk of falling which may include further referral onto further services such as: physiotherapy, exercise classes, home modifications, referral onto third sector services or simply a referral back to their GP for a review of their medication.

The training required to use the assessment tool has been delivered to multiple agencies such as social services, community therapists, care and repair agencies, Wales Ambulance Service and the Red Cross, and now includes North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and it will soon be delivered to North Wales Police.

Stuart Millington added: “Denbighshire will be the first county in which our staff will use the Falls Risk Assessment Tool in this way – and depending on results we may look at expanding this more widely.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free Home Safety Checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home to provide advice on staying safe.

* To register for a free Home Safety Check, please call the bilingual 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk

To contact the Single Point of Access, please phone 0300 456 1000. People can also access the SPoA via e-mail: spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk

Limelight start rehearsals for new show

Dobson & Crowther faces closure, says report

The Daily Post is reporting on its website this afternoon (Thursday) that Llangollen's Dobson & Crowther print factory faces being closed in the coming days with all staff made redundant.

For the full story see:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollen-print-firm-dobson--9527824

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “This is devastating news for the town.

"We’d been hopeful a buyer could be found, and despite encouraging signs earlier this week it appears that isn’t going to happen.

"I’d be keen to hear from any staff members who have been made redundant or who are now facing redundancy as a result of today’s announcement.”

AM presses for modern rail links to region

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, Aled Roberts, has welcomed yesterday's announcement that the Welsh Government will be investing in improvements to the transport network in north Wales.

 

Mr Roberts (pictured below) said: “I very much welcome the announcements and I am also pleased that the A55 is being put forward for further improvements under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

“It’s important now that all north Wales representatives at Assembly and local government level work together to pursue the case for electrification and modernisation of rail links in the region; there is also a need for us to make sure that the cross-Pennine route does not end at Chester and I would urge the Welsh Government to work to ensure that north Wales is included in that route.

 

“I have been involved in direct discussions with the Minister regarding investment in capacity issues on the Wrexham – Chester line which currently puts a constraint on Holyhead-Cardiff links and is also holding up improvements to the services from north Wales to Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

 

“The challenge now is to ensure that opportunities created by the transfer of powers over the rail franchise are realised and that north Wales will be able to gain full advantage from these latest developments."