Visitors flock to Hamper Llangollen

* Ken Skates AM with chairman
Colin Loughlin at the busy festival. 

A tourism supremo hailed the Hamper Llangollen food festival as the best ever and said it crowned a “golden age” of artisan produce in Wales.

 

The popular event, recognised as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK, drew in thousands of food lovers, all hungry to sample and buy everything from the finest cheeses and freshest meat to designer ice cream and cookies.

 

A host of new products were unveiled, some of which were specially devised for the show, and there were also practical cooking demonstrations from top chefs.  

 

One of the visitors was Ken Skates, Wales’s Deputy Minister for Tourism and Culture and local Clwyd South Assembly Member.

 

He said: “The festival has grown every year in spectacular fashion but this is the biggest and best yet.

 

“It’s much busier than I have ever seen it before. Hamper Llangollen is now one of the biggest food festivals anywhere in Wales and makes an enormous contribution to the local economy in the order of £500,000 a year.

 

“We are rapidly entering a golden age of artisan food and drink in Wales and this festival is helping to crown and promote that.”

 

Mr Skates added: “I’d like to pay tribute to the organisers for all the hard work which goes into making it the success it is and also the many exhibitors who come here to showcase their fantastic produce and goods.”

 

Festival chairman Colin Loughlin said this year’s Hamper Llangollen had been the busiest so far.

 

He added: “We had 111 stallholders, 13 of whom were making their debut with us. That’s particularly pleasing because it’s our constant aim to attract new exhibitors to make it as diverse as we can.

 

“The event gives a huge boost to the local economy and this year we reckon that amounts to at least half a million pounds.

 

“A number of local charities, including our chosen one Nightingale House, had a presence at the festival and attracted plenty of support which is marvellous to see.

 

“Myself and fellow organisers are extremely happy with the way everything went.”

 

Trying a tipple at Rosie’s Cider out in the pavilion exhibition area was retired baker Alwyn Thomas from Denbigh.

 

He said: “I come to Hamper Llangollen every year because I’m very much a foodie person having run my own bakery for many years.

 

“I’ve been sampling the Black Bart cider which is particularly good and has a really nice flavour.”

 

Delighted with this verdict was Steve Hughes who has been running Rosie’s Cider from its base in Llandegla for the past 10 years.

 

“I’m glad they like it because all my cider is made from the finest local apples, many of which come from our own 17-acre orchard,” he said.

 

“I exhibit at Hamper Llangollen every year because it’s my local event and attracts so many people.”

 

Sampling the goodies from a range of stalls were Ben Davis from Corwen and his six-year-old daughter, Orla Davis-Wood.

 

Ben said: “I’ve been trying out the coffee and Orla’s having a bit of everything as we go round the stands.

 

“We like to come to Llangollen because the variety and quality of food and drink available here is illuminating.”

 

Wrexham Lager has been making a big impression on discerning drinkers since it was reintroduced a few years ago following a long break in production.

 

Doing a roaring trade on their stall were brewing company director Janet Gaffey and her daughter Emma.

 

Janet said: “This is the fourth year we’ve brought our lager along to Llangollen for people to try and it’s going down very well.

 

“We like to show off the lager at Llangollen because it’s such a good local show that attracts so many visitors.”

 

Lapping up his sample of Wrexham’s finest was Adrian Taffinder from Marford and his son Gareth from Tanyfron.

 

Adrian said: “I’m a big fan of this lager and when they stopped making it some years ago it made me go crazy. So when they brought it back I thought it was fantastic and being able to have a taste of it here is great.

 

“I like to visit the Llangollen festival and have been here most years. There’s a good range of produce and it’s good to meet the people who make and sell it and to give them a bit of feedback.”

 

One of the producers who came up with a new line specially for this year’s festival was Chilly Cow ice cream based at Llanychan, near Ruthin. 

 

Hannah Griffiths, who works on flavour development for the company, said: “We devised a honey and lavender ice cream for the show and we’ve had lots of people trying it out.

 

“In the first few hours on Saturday about 30 people must have sampled it and many of them said they’d be buying it.

 

“We’ll definitely be coming back here next year.”

 

Amongst those impressed with the new variety of ice cream was Guto Jones and his partner Julie Bowyer from Higher Kinnerton who were there with Julie’s mum, Beryl Gregory, from Chester.

 

Julie said: “It’s great to try something that’s completely new on the market and the honey and lavender was brilliant.

 

“Although my mum comes here every year it’s my first time at Llangollen but I’ll certainly be coming again.”

 

Beryl said: “The new ice cream is very creamy and just delicious.”

 

Trying out the apple cake at the stand of Corwen-based Temptations were Ceinwen and Gwynne Thomas from Wrexham.

 

Ceinwen said: “It’s really nice and I enjoyed the sample. I come to this show every year because my husband and I really enjoy trying out the different things on offer.”

 

Chrissie Ashworth, who runs Temptations, said: “The cake they tried is made from locally grown apples because I like to use the ingredients that are available at any particular time of the year.

 

“Hamper Llangollen is my favourite show because it has such a fantastic family atmosphere.”

 

And although she only started her Rhyl-based company, Mama Zo’s, which specialises in home-made cookies and lemonade in July this year, owner Zoe Gamble said having a stand at Hamper Llangollen was a must for her.

 

“It’s a very important festival and we couldn’t afford to miss it,” she said.

 

“We’ve been very busy and people have been trying out our entire range. Everything is made by hand and I even squeeze the fruit for our lemonade myself.”

 

Another major highlight of the festival were the cookery demonstrations by top chefs over both days.

 

These included a popular appearance by Luke Thomas, Britain’s youngest head chef from Connah’s Quay who now has restaurants in Chester, the Cotswolds and Berkshire.

 

Another crowd-puller on both Saturday and Sunday was Graham Tinsley MBE, executive chef at Carden Park Gold Resort and Spa and director of Cowny’s Castle Hotel.      

 

Comedian Silky swapped the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for Hamper Llangollen to do stand-up behind a cooker rather on the stage in his debut culinary demo, which was a hit with the audience.

 

 * Taste testing Tempatations cakes are Ceinwen and Gwynne Thomas with Chrissie Ashworth.

 

 

* Alwyn Thomas and Glyn Thomas try Rosie's Cider from Steve Hughes. 

 

 * Trying Wrexham Lager are father and son, Adrian, left, and Gareth Taffinder with Janet Gaffey and Emma Gaffey from the brewery. 

Call for new Cefn Mawr health centre

* Campaigners outside the former Co-op building in Cefn Mawr which they would like to see become a health centre.

A petition has been launched to demand a new health centre for Cefn Mawr.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has been at the forefront of a campaign to lobby Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to find a new premises for Caritas Surgery, and he’s now calling for public support.

The Labour AM said: “Cefn Mawr needs this and I – along with local councillors Ken Bathers and Derek Wright – am determined to help make it happen. If the strength of local feeling over this issue can be conveyed to the health board and replicated in our petition, then we will have a very strong case to make this happen.”

The former Co-op site has long been mooted for a new facility, but the health board says there are ‘some complexities’ over the location.

Cllr Bathers, chairman of Cefn Community Council said: “The people of Cefn and the surrounding area need a new medical centre and the surgery is desperate to move. The building is falling apart and parking is a nightmare. Llangollen has just had a new health centre, so has Chirk, and Ruabon and Rhos have excellent facilities. Cefn deserves something too.

“The old Co-op site ticks all the boxes. It is close to Rhosymedre, which has the highest population of senior citizens in the area, the site is on a bus route and there is ample car parking. It’s the only place that could be used. People need to speak up and sign up.”

Cllr Wright added: “Cefn is long over-due a health centre considering its population and the location. The Caritas practice is not fit for purpose, it has inadequate toilet facilities, poor disabled access and parking is ridiculous. The sooner we get a 21st century centre the better – in line with other major villages and towns south of Wrexham.”

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones said: “There is real need for this in Cefn Mawr and I have given my full support to residents in their campaign. I have signed the petition and will be working with Ken to ensure that local voices are heard.”

The petition can be signed at several places in Cefn, including Caritas Surgery and Cefn Mawr Post Office. Mr Skates will also be at Tesco in Cefn Mawr on the morning of Friday, October 23rd, to gather signatures and support.

Davies sees red over no yellow lines

A county councillor for the area has seen red over the lack of yellow lines on the A5 opposite Stans supermarket in Llangollen.

Stuart Davies said: “I’m horrified to learn that the saga of the yellow lines opposite Stans is still ongoing.

“The Welsh Government agency, the North Wales Trunk Agency, are the ones who are supposed to maintain and look after our trunk roads here in Llangollen.

“They were asked to put double yellows opposite the new Stans supermarket over three years ago.

“They agreed to do this in principle but then said they didn’t have enough funds.”

Cllr Davies added: “I got the local Assembly Member, Ken Skates, involved and we thought that the works were to be done this financial year.

“Nothing has happened so far and I’ve now been told that `funding consideration’ only is being done.

“This when we see the Welsh Government spending £20 million on just a study for the M4 and a Labour AM being sacked for questioning it.

“Yet we can’t get a couple of thousand pounds spent here in a bid to safeguard OAPs crossing the A5 to the Post Office.”

Ken Skates AM said: “The Minister said in January that the work will be put forward for funding consideration in the next financial year, as opposed to guaranteeing that it will be approved and completed before April.

“However, I’m as keen as anyone for this to be addressed and have written to her again to ask what the situation is. As soon as I have a response, I will pass it on to Cllr Davies and llanblogger.”

County brings non-payers to court

Denbighshire’s zero tolerance approach to tackling environmental crime in the county continues, with thirteen people being fined for not paying fixed penalty notices for offences.

 

A recent hearings at Llandudno Magistrates Court heard cases against 11 people for littering and two for allowing their dogs to foul in public without cleaning up the mess.

 

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Environment, said: “Taking court action against those failing to pay their fixed penalty notices is very much a last resort.  What we want to see is people respecting their environment and not committing offences such as littering and failing to clean up after their dogs in the first place.

 

“We need to respect and protect our environment and the vast majority of residents in Denbighshire do so responsibly and lawfully. It’s only a small number of people that disrespect the environment in this way.

 

“We will continue with our efforts to educate the public and we will be vigilant in our communities with action being taken against those who blatantly show little respect to the environment and hamper our efforts to keep Denbighshire’s streets clean and tidy”.

 

Denbighshire works closely with Kingdom Security and partners such as North Wales Police to promote and maintain tidy, clean streets.

Llan set for weekend of foodie heaven

* The Dangerous Food Company. Llyr Jones and Dominic Haynes.

 

 

Thousands of foodies will be flocking to Llangollen this weekend for one of the biggest events in the UK's culinary calendar.

 

The popular Hamper Llangollen has been recognised as one of the Top 10 food festivals in Britain.

 

There to greet the gastronomes on Saturday and Sunday  will be a  host of top chefs and organisers are confident the event at the home of the International Musical Eisteddfod is on course to be bigger and better this year.

 

Graham Tinsley, the star of ITV's Taste the Nation and a former captain of the Welsh Culinary Team, will be joined in the show kitchen by Luke Thomas, the kingpin behind a number of restaurants in Chester, the Cotswolds and Berkshire.

 

Another of the kitchen stars will be Dai Chef, now based at  Bodnant Welsh Food, the centre of excellence for Welsh food, who famously cooked for opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti while he was head chef at the Bryn Howell Hotel just down the road.

 

 * Bims Kitchen, Afonwen, launch two new products ready for Llangollen food festival.  James Adedeji and his wife Nicola Adedeji in their kitchen.

 

Among the hundred plus exhibitors will be one of the hottest companies around.

 

The Dangerous Food Company, based in St Asaph, has almost quadrupled its business in a year - after putting on face masks and protective clothing to get it up and running.

 

They unveiled their fiery chilli jams at the Hamper Llangollen last year and went on to increase stockists of the breath-taking products from just 25 shops to 110 across Wales and Cheshire.

 

For those who want something a bit cooler, Chilly Cow Ice Cream will be launching their new honey and lavender variety at Hamper Llangollen.

 

Anna Taylor who runs the company based at Llanychan, near Ruthin, will be using honey farmed just down the road from her by enthusiastic beekeeper Brian Dacre, a carpenter who makes hand-crafted bee hives as well as farming bees.

 

Anna said: “Brian’s honey is pure gold, just delicious and there’s big demand for it, plus it’s local to us, so perfect for using in a new flavour of ice cream."

 

It will be a bittersweet occasion for a scientist who swapped the laboratory for the kitchen by launching a cooking sauces brand.



* Chilly Cow Ice Cream, Llanychan.
Launching new Honey ice cream ready
for Llangollen festival.
Pictured: Owner Anna Taylor.

  

Dr Beatriz Albo returned to the lab to develop an exciting new range of Spanish tapas meals and delicious aiolis created in memory of her mother.

The new range will go on sale at the festival.

 

“Hamper Llangollen was my first food festival, so it is special to me,” said Spanish-born Beatriz, whose Wrexham business has taken off faster than she could ever have imagined.

Also there will be company that fuses the tastes of Africa and Wales and is launching a new dessert topping.

 

Bim's Kitchen, whose hot and spicy African inspired relishes have been a big hit across the UK.

 

African baobab and cocoa nib sour caramel sauce has brought together the food of two continents.

 

It includes Anglesey sea salt alongside exotic ingredients from Africa.

 

The recipe is a first entry into the sweets market for Flintshire-based Bim’s Kitchen, founded by James Adedeji and his wife Nicola.

 

Their previous condiments such as African baobab chilli jam, chilli coconut relish and lemony piri piri sauce have all been savoury accompaniments.

 

James said: “It is a fantastic event. That’s why we chose it to launch our new sour caramel sauce. It is the first time we have tried something sweet like this so it will take us in a new direction and we’re very keen to find out what festival goers think.

 

*
 * Chef Graham Tinsley.

“The advantage of launching it at a festival like this is that people can actually taste it in front of us and tell us exactly what they think there and then, something they can’t do when buying it off shop shelves to take home.”

 

Hamper Llangollen chair Colin Loughlin believes this year's festival is going to be one of the best ever.

He said: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality cuisine.

 

“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of our rural economy.

 

"The location of the Pavilion is absolutely spectacular - I can't imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting."

 

For more details about Hamper Llangollen 2015 visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Skates hits out over tax credit cuts

An Assembly Member has warned that Tory tax credit cuts could cost his constituents as much as £3,000 a year.

Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, fears the UK Government’s decision to impose cuts of around 10% of families’ monthly incomes could have a ‘hugely detrimental’ impact on their living standards, the life chances of their children and the local economy. 

The cuts will affect three million working families across the UK.

Mr Skates said: “In Clwyd South alone, more than 5,000 families will be affected. Some 3,500 of these are working families. Figures show that households will be an average of £1,300 worse off, but that some will be up to £3,000 out of pocket as a direct result of the Tories’ cuts to tax credits.”

Mr Skates is encouraging his constituents to join the campaign against the cuts by signing the petition at labour.org.uk/taxcredits.

He said: “Tax credits are designed to ensure that work pays. Cutting them undermines the value of work, and means that the UK Government is penalising those who work hard every day just to get by. I’m asking residents to join me in sending a clear message to the Tories that these cuts to working people’s living standards are unacceptable.”

Mr Skates added: “This is another example of how the Tories are making working families bear the brunt of deficit reduction while some of the wealthiest people in the country have received a tax break. It’s just not right.”

Special medal for Llan man

* Dave Short with his medal. 

A well-known Llangollen man has been honoured for his years of service with HM Revenue and Customs.

Dave Short, who now works at the post office in Stan’s supermarket in the town, was recently awarded the Imperial Service Medal plus certificate and supporting documentation.

He said: “Many people may know me through various activities in and around Llangollen.

“Although not a native of the town I am a founder member the railway and spent most Saturdays and Sundays in the town.

“After leaving school I moved to Trevor and eventually Llangollen when I got married.

“My son and daughter both attended Ysgol Bryn Collen and Dinas Bran.

“After a short period of employment at.ECTARC I secured a full-time job at the Inland Revenue in Wrexham where I worked until leaving their employment in June 2014.”

He added: “Never did I think any more until I received a letter stating that Her Majesty had awarded me the Imperial Service Medal.

“I was speechless for once and wondered whether it was a wind up until the medal and correspondence from the Medals Office arrived.

“I consider this the greatest honour of my life and I thank the many people who have spent time to congratulate me on this award, which is given to civil servants from all branches on recommendation upon retirement.”

Royal host Gwyn the butcher will be at food show

 

* Butcher Gwyn Davies chatting with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

 

A Llangollen butcher who earned royal approval when Prince Charles popped into his shop for a chat will be among the exhibitors at a top food festival.

 

After what has been an amazing year for him, Gwyn Davies is looking forward to returning to the annual Hamper Llangollen event which is expected to attract thousands of visitors over the weekend of October 17-18.

 

Gwyn was staggered earlier this summer when Prince Charles asked to stop off at his butcher’s shop while making an official visit to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

He said: “I had just five days' notice. I couldn’t believe it when he called in.

"He is genuinely interested in the food sector and supporting independent businesses. We chatted for a little while, he asked quite a few questions and was very affable.”  

 

Gwyn was equally delighted when just a few weeks ago he was voted a High Street Hero by loyal customers who have been impressed by the quality of his meat and exceptional customer service over six decades in the butchery business.

 

The awards, run by the Welsh Government were launched by Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, to honour individuals deserving recognition for their outstanding contribution to high streets and local communities in Wales.

 

Gwyn, who opened his shop in Castle Street, Llangollen, 40 years ago, said: “I feel really honoured to have received the accolade. It makes all the hard work we have put in that much more worthwhile.”

 

He believes independent traders are key to the success of local economies and says events like Hamper Llangollen 2015 are a superb way to showcase small local businesses like his own.

 

The popular food festival in Llangollen’s Royal Pavilion is now recognised as one of the UK's top 10 food festivals.

 

Cadwyn Clwyd has provided financial support over the past few years to ensure Hamper Llangollen's long term viability, this was funded through the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

 

The festival hosts more than 100 local and international exhibitors, along with demonstrations by professionals and celebrity chefs in a state of the art kitchen.

 

Among those demonstrating will be foodie fan comedian Silky, top Welsh chef, and international award-winner Graham Tinsley and Britain’s youngest ever head chef, Luke Thomas.

 

Gwyn said: “Having been there for a few years now, I am a very keen supporter of the event. It brings in a lot of business to our region and gives independent traders like myself a chance to meet new people and demonstrate the sort of quality produce we have to offer right here on their doorsteps.

 

“It’s a great way to get customer feedback and there will be a chance to buy all the quality meats we sell here at the shop.”

 

Gwyn’s workdays start at 5.30am – “the habit of a lifetime” – and he is in his shop before 7am daily.

 

The quality of his meat is renowned and attracts customers from as far afield as Merseyside and Widnes.

 

He said: “We have a number of caravanners and visitors to the region who first called in at the shop on holiday and enjoyed our meat cuts so much that they regularly return to buy large orders to take home with them.”

 

He was about 10 or 11 when he first entered the meat trade after securing a spare time job in his local slaughterhouse to “earn myself a few pennies”.

 

He said: “You had to work hard in those days to get yourself some pocket money. I was fortunate though, I found work with one of the best in the business Eric Wheeler, who taught me skills which have stayed with me all my life.”

 

On leaving school at the age of 15 he continued to work in the butchers until he reached 20.

 

He said: “Then I decided I wanted a change and so got another job working on overhead cables in Oxfordshire, but I would still help out at Mr Wheeler’s on weekends off if I came home.

 

“When I reached 25 I went back into butchery and eventually opened my own shop in my early 30s.”

 

Gwyn and his late wife Heather ran the shop together until she died four years ago. Their son Mark and daughter Fiona have also had a big input in the business.

 

Gwyn, who employs three full time staff and a part-timer, sells Welsh lamb raised on his son’s Denbighshire farm, while Fiona, helps with some of the administrative tasks as well as working at a Shrewsbury Garden Centre.

 

Now aged 70, Gwyn has no plans to retire.

 

For more information about Llangollen Food Festival-Hamper Llangollen 2015 visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Triathlete Rebecca dashes in to help centre

A triathlete won the praise of her local Assembly Member after a gruelling fundraiser in aid of a community centre.

Rebecca Robinson, from Corwen, took part in the Deva Triathlon in June, completing a one-mile swim, a 40km bike race and a 10km run in two hours, 52 minutes and 55 seconds.

*Ken Skates hands over the cheque
to Rebecca Robinson. 

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates joined Rebecca, 33, to hand over a cheque for £130 to Canolfan Ni in Corwen.

The centre is run by the South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP), a small charity with 12 volunteer trustees.

Mr Skates said: “It was a fantastic effort by Rebecca in her first-ever triathlon, I can’t imagine how difficult it was to get through. I’m delighted she decided to raise money for Canolfan Ni, which is where I hold my Corwen surgeries. It’s a real community hub.”

The centre was refurbished by a grant in 2012 after a community asset transfer from Denbighshire County Council.

Mr Skates added: “It’s another great local example of community-minded volunteers taking over public amenities and making a success of them.

"Canolfan Ni hosts the Corwen Beavers and Cubs groups, the youth club, weekly Welsh classes and much more. I’d like to congratulate Rebecca on completing the triathlon and thank her for raising money for such an excellent local cause.”

Citizens Advice and Age Connect have weekly drop-in sessions at the centre, and there are plans in the pipeline for developing a dementia café and a community garden. 

* For more information call Canolfan Ni on 01490 266004, email office@sdcp.org or visit www.canolfan-ni.org/services/

County answers roadworks complaint

Denbighshire County Council has answered a complaint about roadworks in an area of Llangollen.

A resident contacted llanblogger to say: “Contractors acting for the highway authority commenced work this week on resurfacing Bache Mill Road above its junction with Vicarage Road.

“This seems to involve the grubbing up with machines of the existing surface of the highway which has led the contractors to close sections of the road completely.

 

“On Wednesday at various times the highway was closed in both directions, so it was impossible for residents living on The Hermitage, Grange Road, Maes Collen, Gerddi y Bach and Trem-y-Creigiau to go about their daily business.

“Some residents work from home causing them severe difficulties.

“The contractors concerned seemed to have little respect for residents and diversions and temporary traffic controls were not put in place.

“Apparently the works are likely to continue for two weeks.” 

A county council spokesperson replied: “There are five operatives engaged solely on traffic management duties.

“A road closure is in force and an appropriate diversion in place and also traffic management under stop and go within the road closure.

“Traffic is able to access properties within the closure under the supervision of the operatives.

“It is inevitable that there will delays of short duration when the road is totally closed when the contractors are making tie in joints etc but these occasions are few and far between.

“Residents approaching the road closure are requested to stop by a traffic marshall and then permitted to pass through the site when it is safe to do so.”        

* In a separate story, Llangollen county council Stuart Davies says he is pleased to see that a traffic calming scheme is being implemented in Pentredwr.

He says the scheme was driven by Cllr Rhys Hughes and Llantisilio Council and supported by him.

He added: "I congratulates Cllr Hughes and the council for all the hard work they have done in making sure that the scheme came to fruition.

"I would like to assure residents that the scheme was going ahead before national politicians got involved and that the local councillors always work hard for their residents whether it be election time or not."

Operatic plans a swinging start to Christmas

Members of Llangollen Operatic Society aim to get Christmas off to a swinging start.

On Tuesday December 8 they will once again stage their popular Christmas concert at Llangollen Town Hall.

This year, the evening will have a swing theme to it and the programme will consist of a mix of popular songs of that genre plus some seasonal favourites, such as O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland.

There will be a performance by the society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, and the chance for the audience to join in with a number of rousing traditional carols.  

Lizzy Richards, who will direct the concert assisted by Ross Wilson and with musical direction from Michael Jenkins, said: “It’s going to be a fun and jolly evening with lots of festive favourites to get people in the Christmas spirit.

"We’re really looking forward it and hope to see a good number of familiar faces there."

Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, or online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/105176. A bar will also be available.  

Llan author publishes fairy tale collection

LLANGOLLEN resident and author Adrian Farrel has published a collection of new fairy tales.
Enitled Tales from the Wood, it contains 18 original stories each with the familiar feel of a traditional fairy tale, but each with a new flavour and twist.

Adrian, who has lived in the area for the last 25 years, said: "It is in the nature of fairy tales that each has echoes in our minds.

“Not only do they contain archetypes that appear in countless stories, but their essence is basic truths about the world, and hopes and dreams for a better life and just resolution of all situations.

“Some of these tales are clearly identifiable with stories you will find in anthologies, while others crept into this book at dark of night. Each contains elements of the fairy tale of old."

The stories in this collection range from Peter Pretzel who had his feet on backwards, to Mother Elde who slept late in her house high on the mountain ridge above the trees and above the meadows the year winter didn't come.

This isn't the first book Adrian has written, but it is his first outing into fiction.

His previous publications include six reference books describing the technical workings of the Internet, and more than 60 standards that specify details of how the Internet is implemented.

Adrian added: “Tales from the Wood was written over a period of two years mainly in distant hotel rooms and on long-haul flights.

“A necessary part of my day job as a consultant to major telephone companies and their equipment suppliers,  these locations provided distraction-free writing time that was ideally suited to the short story or fairy tale format.”

Adrian is already working on a second collection, More Tales from the Wood.

* Tales from the Wood" is available in Llangollen from the Courtyard Bookshop and
from Zingiber in Bridge Street. It can also be bought online from Amazon or direct from the
publisher at
http://www.feedaread.com/books/Tales-from-the-Wood-9781786100924.aspx

Llan campaigner passes away

* Martin Crumpton, left, films a TV interview with Adrian Masters in 2012. 

A Llangollen man whose campaigning zeal led to a spot on national TV has died at the age of 64.

Martin Crumpton spearheaded the local battles to save the town’s cottage hospital from closure and prevent Sainsbury’s opening a supermarket on the Dobson & Crowther site.

Although both were ultimately unsuccessful, they managed to galvanise sections of the community.

The two campaigns were co-ordinated by the community group Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) which Mr Crumpton formed and led until his recent death at home following a long illness.     

At one stage in 2012, he carried the fight to save the cottage hospital to a Wales-wide audience when it was featured on ITV Wales politics show Sharp End for which he filmed an interview with political editor Adrian Masters outside the Abbey Road building.

For the same campaign he organised a well-attended public meeting at The Hand Hotel.

When it was revealed earlier this year that Sainsbury’s had pulled out the supermarket development on the A5 he was overjoyed and took a keen interest in a suitable occupant being found for the empty building which is still under construction.

Mr Crumpton was born in Birmingham and lived in Solihull before he and his wife Anne moved to Llangollen some 15 years ago.

His working life was mainly spent as a system programmer in IT.

A statement in tribute to him from KLS says: “He set up Keep Llangollen Special as a community organisation with like-minded residents several years ago and pioneered the idea of Buy Local to support local independent businesses in the difficult economic climate of the last five years or so and the changing face of retailing and town centres.

“KLS under the chairmanship of Martin opposed out of town development schemes because he believed strongly that this would be detrimental to Llangollen's unique and vibrant town centre.

“He also opposed the closure of the community hospital and worked tirelessly despite deteriorating health to convince public bodies that such schemes were damaging to Llangollen and its local economy.

“Members of KLS knew Martin as a unique character who was not afraid to speak his mind and articulate this to the decision makers.

“He never hesitated to approach the people at the very top of government and other organisations and make his points to them.

“This led most recently to a visit from Simon Dean, the acting chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to discuss how the current NHS problems were affecting Llangollen.

“Martin was a very strong character with an incisive mind, but he was also a warm individual with a keen sense of humour and a special person to know and he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the community.

“He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in KLS and around the town and the members of the group wish to offer sincere condolences to Anne and her family at this sad time.” 

Adrian Masters, political editor of ITV Wales, said: "It's quite rare for journalists and interviewees to keep in touch over anything other than the story that they're both involved in, but Martin was quite rare. 

"So, yes he'd bombard me with emails and tweets about the campaign but we'd also talk about so many other things such as his short stories or his time in IT. We only met in the real world three times, but after the first he treated me like an old friend.

"He may not have been physically well but his mind was fizzing with ideas. When I visited him last year he was working on an idea for a game show, thinking about patenting an invention and his opening gambit was 'let's not talk shop, what do you think of Peter Capaldi?'

"I'm very glad I took him up on his offer of escaping political conferences on the last two of my visits to Llangollen and made my way up the hill to see him, Anne - whom he told me he called his angel - and Ben. I had already noticed the lack of his pithy tweets during the current party conference season before I'd even heard the sad news.

 

"Llangollen couldn't have had a more assiduous supporter who seized every opportunity to promote his adopted home. I'll miss his always interesting, if sometimes acerbic tweets, and the conversation which could have been about, literally, anything."

AM praises work of heritage groups like Llan Railway

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood spoke in the Chamber yesterday of the "fantastic" work of heritage groups in north east Wales, including Llangollen Railway.  

 

Mr Isherwood (pictured) was questioning First Minister Carwyn Jones on what the Welsh Government is doing to maximise the effect of Welsh heritage on the economy.

 

He said:  “Welsh heritage can have a major impact on the economy of north-east Wales, provided it involves organisations, ranging from Llangollen railway to Greenfield Valley Heritage Park to Brymbo Heritage Group, in designing the visitor offer.

 

"I’ve been asked by Brymbo Heritage Group to extend an invitation to you to visit them and look at the great work they’re doing. I hope you’ll respond affirmatively, but look forward to your answer.”

 

The First Minister replied: “I will certainly try to do that, and I will look at my diary to see if I can visit in the near future.”

 

Mr Isherwood added: “I have been proud to work with Brymbo Heritage Group for many years. Its members deserve huge credit for their vision and determination, and for what they have already achieved on their journey to re-use the surviving ironworks, steelworks and colliery buildings to create a heritage centre, learning zone and commercial complex, celebrating Brymbo’s rich history and embracing the tourism opportunity presented by the fossil forest.”

New Dot screens creepy Halloween film on Friday

* A scene from New Dot's creepy Halloween film, Carnival of Souls.

This  Friday will see New Dot community cinema host another of their movie nights in Llangollen Town Hall.

To mark Halloween, latest will be Herk Harvey’s classic 1962 creepy Carnival of Souls (12a, an atmospheric piece which has become a cult hit said to send shivers down your spine.

Carnival of Souls tells the story of a young woman, Mary, who escapes Death, however Death wants her back.

 

A spokesperson for New Dot Cinema said: "This forgotten little horror has a similar feel to the Twilight Zone which was also very popular at the time.

 

"Herk Harvey created a film full of unease and foreboding which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and a bone-chilling score of organ music adds to its slow building tension.

 

"The film was chosen as New Dot’s Halloween special and as with all our events the Town Hall will be decorated in all things spooky. There will also be various tricks and treats available on the night.

 

"Dressing up is once again encouraged and New Dot are looking forward to welcoming all manner of spooks, ghouls, ghosts and general public who are brave enough on the night!"

 

* Tickets are available from Bailey’s Delicatessen (Castle St), Lottie’s Vintage shop (Oak Street) or online at newdotcinema.org, adults £8, concessions £5.

Twenty Club returns to Fawlty Towers

Following their acclaimed, sell-out production of Fawlty Towers in 2012, the Twenty Club in Llangollen will be performing three more episodes of one of the UK's finest sit-coms next month.

These include Communication Problems, Waldorf Salad and Basil the Rat.

Many of the 2012 cast will be reprising their roles, including Ally Goodman as the snobbish, manic Basil; Helen Belton as Sybil, his over-coiffeured, domineering wife, and Richard Mascarenhas as the hopeless but ever-hopeful waiter Manuel.

* The dining room scene from the 2012 production of Fawlty Towers.

New members of the cast this time include Carys Stallard as the calm and capable Polly as well as Ian Wright who takes on the role of the oft-confused, Major.

The show will be directed once again by Chrissie Ashworth.

Goodman is particularly looking forward to stepping back into best-loved bad hotel in the world.

He said: "I don't think I've laughed as much during a theatre run than when we did the show three years ago.

"Having the opportunity to do three more episodes is fantastic and all the cast and crew are really excited for people to come and see it."

Fawlty Towers runs from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th November at Llangollen Town Hall.

Doors open at 7pm each night and there is a one-off matinee performance at 2pm on the Saturday.

Tickets are available now at tinyurl.com/fawltytowerstickets or via the Twenty Club page on Facebook.

The Twenty Club is one of the oldest dramatic societies in North Wales.

It was founded in 1946 with 20 original members, which gave the club its name.

The club presents two plays a year, in autumn and spring, with a mixture of comedy, drama and period productions.

Police seek information on two Llan incidents

The Dee Valley Policing Team has today posted two messages about incidents in Llangollen on its Facebook page.

 

One concerns a burglary and the other criminal damage.

 

Police are appealing for information about the burglary which took place at Finlays sandwich shop some time overnight between Monday and Tuesday.

 

Offenders forced entry into the property on Abbey Road and stole items from within.

 

If you noticed anything suspicious, or have any information relating to this incident, contact North Wales Police by dialling 101 quoting reference RC15153095.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.

Police are also seeking information following an incident of criminal damage in which two windows were smashed in Llangollen at a café on Castle street some time overnight between Monday and Tuesday.

If you have any information, call the police on101 quoting reference RC15153141.

* Visit the advice and support pages on the North Wales Police website to see how you can improve your security at home. http://www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support.aspx

Skates pats health centre builders on back

* The new Llangollen health centre.

An Assembly Member paid a visit to a construction company to meet the team behind a ‘fantastic’ new health centre in his constituency.

Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, was invited to Read Construction’s UK headquarters at Brymbo Enterprise Centre on Friday (October 2) by managing director Richard Heaton.

The company won the contract from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to build the new Llangollen Health Centre, which opened in mid-September, following a multi-million pound investment by the Welsh Labour Government.

Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the team behind the fantastic new facility, and I’d like to thank Richard for inviting me to visit.

“The health centre is a very welcome addition to Llangollen and will become a huge asset to the town, and it is particularly pleasing to see a company in my constituency deliver it to such high standards.

“As the local Assembly Member, I’m proud that the Welsh Labour Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the practice have worked together on such a key project, and I’m thrilled that Read Construction has brought the plans to life and created such high-quality, modern healthcare facility the town can be proud of.”

The Labour AM also congratulated the firm on being nominated for a national Construction Quality Award for its work on Ysgol Ty Fynnon in Shotton.

Your chance to raise local health issues

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies is asking anyone from the area with concerns about local health services to get in touch with him.

He said: "Denbighshire County Council has a special meeting this Wednesday at which health issues will be discussed.

"There will be representatives from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board there, so I'm inviting anyone who has issues or concerns to raise about health services to get in touch with me and I'll then do my best to take them up with those concerned at the meeting."

* Cllr Davies can be contacted by phone on 01978 860832, or by email at: stuart.a.davies@denbighshire.gov.uk

The agenda for the meeting is at: https://moderngov.denbighshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=5254&x=1&LLL=0

Society about to audition for new show

* Artistic director Nia Pickering, left, with musical director Elen Mair Roberts.

Rehearsals for Llangollen Operatic Society’s next production of Mel Brooks’ risqué, smash hit musical The Producers are now well underway.

And the production team says it could not be more pleased with the interest it is generating. 

Following the overwhelming success of Sister Act earlier this year, the society’s next choice of show was always going to be a challenge but The Producers is already on a promising track with several new or returning members signing up and preparations in progress for auditions, which are scheduled for the beginning of November. 

New artistic director Nia Pickering said: “I’m thrilled to finally be getting the new season and rehearsals underway.

"The interest we’ve had so far is very encouraging and I hope to see even more in the coming weeks.

"The atmosphere is electric with everyone’s excitement and we can’t wait to cast it in the next few weeks."

Auditions for principal roles will be held over the weekend of November 7 and 8 in Llangollen’s Hand Hotel and will be open in format.

Nia added: "There are a good number of comedic roles on offer, in particular for male performers, although there are some fun opportunities for ladies too, including a randy granny and a sultry Swedish receptionist!

"This show promises to have audiences, and indeed the cast, absolutely aching with laughter."

* If you are interested in getting involved, either on stage or off, e-mail Tracey Rawlinson on traceyrawlinson@btinternet.com, call 07875 639533 or like the society's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/llanoperaticproducers2016?ref=bookmarks for further details.