Area is world class food destination, says candidate

* Mabon ap Gwynfor with Steven Evans, proprietor
of Abbey Grange, Llangollen and the Llangollen Brewery

--

Visit Wales should promote Wales and the Dee Valley and Wrexham area especially as a world-class food destination, according to Plaid Cymru – The Party Of Wales’ candidate in Clwyd South, Mabon ap Gwynfor.

He said that more resources should be given to promote the "excellent" quality of food produced and served in the area following the news that The Hand at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog was one of only 19 pubs throughout Wales to make it into Michelin’s Eating Out In Pubs Guide 2016.

This follows the success of Abul’s Spice in Corwen winning the best Curry House in Wales award with Maahis, of Ruabon, coming and Tyddyn Llan in Llandrillo winning a Michelin Star.

 

In addition, The Berwyn restaurant, also of Llandrillo, was awarded one of the top 20 restaurants in Wales by Trip Advisor, and there are exciting plans for Pale Hall, Llandderfel to link up with Michelin starred chef Michael Caines.

Mabon ap Gwynfor also highlighted the quality of food production in the region, citing the Chirk Trout Farm, Craft Ale and Micro Breweries such as Llangollen Brewery, and the world-renowned Welsh lamb and beef reared on local farms.

He said: “Our restaurants, pubs and producers are producing and serving food of the highest quality. We are developing a reputation as a go-to destination for quality food and atmosphere in an environment unmatched elsewhere.

 

"The Llangollen Food festival, which was held last month, gives an excellent taster of what we have to offer.

“The Hand at Llanarmon is a lovely place and being included in the Michelin Pub Guide is recognition of the hard work that has been put into developing the place as a foodie destination.

"Pubs, restaurants and food producers in this area have won numerous awards over recent years.

"Visit Wales should consider using more of their resources to promoting Wales, and this area in particular, as a high-quality food destination. 

"They bring a lot of money into our local economy and the potential to bring in more is huge. It is also a more sustainable economy as they buy local produce from the farm gate. This, in turn, would help our farmers during what is a difficult period.”

Town Hall hosts successful craft fair

Llangollen Town Hall hosted another in a series of craft fairs yesterday (Saturday), which attracted a host of browsers to its large variety of stalls groaning with a wide range of stylish goods.

Town Hall turns into Wigan Casino

For one night only on Friday Llangollen Town Hall became Wigan Casino in the 70s as the latest session of the New Dot community cinema took on a Northern Soul theme.

Following the showing of the 2014 film of that name focusing on the famous dance craze,  members of the packed audience  had the chance to strut their stuff to sounds provided by DJ Laurence Preston.

At risk people urged to get flu jab

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people at risk of flu – especially those aged 65 and over – to get vaccinated early this winter.

Only two thirds (68%) of older people were vaccinated in Wales last year, and the Trust wants to see many more have their free vaccine as soon as possible.

 

Greg Lloyd, Head of Clinical Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “For the majority of people who catch flu it is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.

“We see thousands of patients every year whose age or poor health means flu could have a serious impact on their lives, which is why it’s important for them to get protected as soon as possible.

 

“The vaccinations are safe, effective and help to protect not only yourself but those around you.”Public Health Wales’ annual Beat Flu immunisation programme is underway, and is targeting those most vulnerable to catching flu.

Vaccinations are free of charge via GPs for all those aged 65 and over, or ‘at risk’ because they have a long-term health problem, or they’re pregnant.

 

This year the NHS vaccine is also available free in many community pharmacies.

 

The flu campaign is being supported by Age Cymru, who are encouraging those eligible to have the vaccine and protect themselves and others from flu.

 

Angharad Phillips from Age Cymru said: “It is very important that people aged 65 or over, and others in ‘at risk’ groups, take up the opportunity to have the free annual flu vaccination because flu is a serious and potentially debilitating illness.

 

“People who care for an older or disabled person should also have the vaccination, to help protect themselves and the people they are looking after.

 

“If you are fit and healthy, you may only get mild symptoms if you catch flu. However if you are aged 65 or over or have a long-term health problem, you are more at risk of complications from flu and it can also make any existing health condition worse, and even lead to a hospital stay.

 

“Make sure you get the flu vaccination – it should be part of your annual routine if you are aged 65 or over or in an ‘at risk’ group.”

 

The Welsh Ambulance Service is also on a mission to protect as many of its staff as possible.

More than 400 staff and volunteers have been vaccinated since the start of October.

 

Among them is Chief Executive Tracy Myhill, who said: “Vaccinations are vital to protect staff, their families and patients, many of whom are vulnerable to flu.

 

“They also reduce sickness absence of staff, so that patients get the best level of care during the busy winter period.

“Even if the flu doesn't kill you, it could kill someone you pass it on to. It’s so important that staff choose to get vaccinated, and we’re really pleased with the uptake so far.”

 

In previous years, staff were encouraged to visit a flu clinic or their GP for vaccination.

 

They can still visit a clinic or their GP if they prefer, or if it is more convenient.

The Trust is reminding the public that its NHS Direct Wales service is available 24/7 for information and advice on beating winter bugs.

Take part in the Flu Quiz to test your knowledge of the virus, or answer questions about your symptoms on the Cold and Flu Symptom Checker to get tailored advice on the best course of action.

Alternatively, call NHS Direct Wales 0845 46 47 to speak to a nurse adviser.

 

Government scheme to help people stay in work

Denbighshire will benefit from a new programme to help people with health problems stay in work which is to be set up in Wales following a multi-million pound EU funding boost.

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

The £4.7m programme, which includes £3.2m of European Union funding through the Welsh Government, aims to help more than 4,000 people receive additional support and addresses health-related barriers to remaining in employment.

The programme will operate in Denbighshire, Conwy Gwynedd, Anglesey, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.

People taking part in the programme will benefit from rapid access to tailored and work-focused therapeutic interventions designed to help those on, or at risk of, a long-term sickness absence to remain in work or return to work sooner.

People in work with health conditions, including musculoskeletal problems, mental ill health or drug and alcohol problems will also be able to access the programme via their GP, their employer or a self-referral. The scheme will support employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the private and third sector, which lack access to occupational health services.

Support will also be available to SME managers and employees through 130 workshops to help improve workplace health and wellbeing and reduce sickness absence. In addition, GPs will also be engaged to help address patients’ work-related health problems.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This new in-work support programme will help more than 4,000 people with health problems stay in work.

“This will help tackle poverty and social exclusion by preventing people falling out of work due to common health problems, which are often musculoskeletal and mental health-related.

“It will provide rapid access to early, work-focused interventions, including physiotherapy, psychological therapies and occupational therapy.”

Company now running D&C plant has full order book

* The former Dobson & Crowther printworks now has a full order book, say directors.

THE company which has taken over the former Dobson & Crowther printworks in Llangollen reports a full order book and says it is considering adding extra production capacity to meet demand.

Telford-based Mail Solutions stepped in to buy the assets after D&C went into administration last June with 55 of its 79-strong workforce being made redundant.

Now, a few months after production resumed at the newly-built Cilmedw factory, Mail Solutions’ directors have given an update on progress being made.

Business development director Karl Lee said: “Equipped with an array of specialist manufacturing plant, the Llangollen site has been set up to strengthen overall production capabilities, broaden our product portfolio as well as create opportunities to target new markets.

“Mail Solutions has established itself over many years as a market leader for supplying clients with mailing envelopes and direct mail. However, the new venture will bring about a key step change for the business.

“With the kit we have at Llangollen, we have not just expanded our direct mail capacity but we now also offer an array of new niche products, including seed packets, photographic envelopes, gift card envelopes, coin envelopes and jewellery gift envelopes to name a few.

“The 45,000 square foot site is only just operational but already the company has seen a positive response from the marketplace by generating a solid order book in such a period of short time.”

Another Mail Solutions director, Simon Prescott, said: “At the moment, we are operational five days a week, but given the current growth rate we are already considering adding production hours or creating more shifts to accommodate the workload.”

AM hits out over tax office closure

North Wales’ Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Aled Roberts has commented on the closure of Wrexham’s tax office announced today (Thursday).

 

He said: “On the morning that the Welsh Government are trying to secure over a billion investment in the Cardiff City Region – which already contains areas with the best economic record in Wales – the UK government announces that they are to close a tax office in Wrexham and jobs will be moved to Cardiff and Liverpool.

 

"We need to stand up and campaign for North Wales because at the moment we are being ignored by the power brokers in Cardiff and Westminster.

 

"Projects like Wrexham’s prison are no more than the scraps left behind after most investment goes elsewhere.

 

"UK and Welsh Government Ministers come to Wales for individual investment announcements but there is no strategy to boost North Wales."

 

He added: "The Welsh Government in Cardiff seem obsessed about South Wales where they have bought an airport at a cost of over £50m, proposed a new section of the M4 at a cost of over £1 billion, a metro at a cost of £4billion and over £1 billion of investment in a Cardiff City Region jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments.

 

"Meanwhile, the UK Government seems obsessed by a Northern Powerhouse and there appears to have been little work done on the impact this could have on North Wales.

 

"In July the Chancellor said he was going to have a look at rail electrification in North Wales – that means nothing will be done during this Parliament and probably the next one too.

 

"Electrification on the West Coast Line through Crewe, not far from North Wales, was started in the 1950s and the extension to Glasgow – a long way from Crewe – was completed in 1974. That shows how far behind North Wales is and how long it has been ignored.”

 

County urges Llan to back Small Business Saturday

Businesses in Denbighshire are being urged to lend their backing to a national campaign that encourages people to support their local shops and businesses.

 

December 5 is designated Small Business Saturday and Denbighshire County Council has produced posters and banners encouraging people to shop local on this day.

 

The day is also being promoted through the council’s website, in the media and on social media.

 

Councillor Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire, who is also lead member for the economy, said: “Our teams of staff have already been out and about talking to businesses and encouraging them to display posters. The response has been really positive and we would encourage all businesses to display a poster and speak to their customers about the campaign and the importance of local support.

 

“We have also received the backing of a number of our city, town and community councils who are more than happy to work with the Council to help spread the word. We are grateful for this support as it means we can get the message out there far and wide in our communities.

 

“By doing all of this activity, we are encouraging people to think about what’s right on their doorstep and support the wide range of businesses that offer services and products to meet everybody’s needs.”

 

* To find out more information about Small Business Saturday, please visit: www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Treat North Wales as colleague, Skates tells PM

A North Wales politician has called on the Tory UK Government to treat the region as a colleague of the North West, not as a competitor.

 

Ken Skates (pictured), the Labour Assembly Member for Clwyd South, said his party is urging Prime Minister David Cameron to support projects which would boost the economy of both the North West and North Wales, not pit them against each other.

Mr Skates’s comments came on the eve of today’s cross-party North Wales Rail Summit in Llandudno, which was organised by the North Wales Economic Ambitions Board.

 

He said: “I welcome these talks and I ’m delighted that the Welsh Labour Government initiated this cross-party, cross-border summit to discuss transport issues affecting both regions. 

 

“We want to see a more integrated transport network that would benefit both sides of Offa’s Dyke. There is huge potential in driving forward an agenda that links the strengths of North Wales and the North West of England to create a world-class economic powerhouse.”

 

Labour has launched a petition calling on Mr Cameron to ensure North Wales is fully linked to the proposed Northern Powerhouse, and the party’s AMs and MPs from the region this week issued a joint statement in which they said: “Without North Wales, the Northern Powerhouse will never reach its true potential.”

 

Welsh Labour’s First Minister Carwyn Jones recently unveiled his party’s vision at a meeting of the influential group Wrexham Business Professionals, saying: “North East Wales needs a solution that connects to Liverpool and Manchester and reflects economic realities, not the invisible political and geographical boundaries.”

 

Mr Skates added this week: “The UK Government should be seeing us as potential colleagues in this, not as competitors. North Wales has got a phenomenal amount to offer this partnership, so I hope we’ll be listened to.”

 

Stressing the need for cross-border cooperation, the statement – which Mr Skates has signed– continues: “We understand the importance of working with the North West of England to ensure that North Wales prospers . Our links with North West are crucial to the economy.

“Tory plans for EVEL (English Votes for English Laws) undermine the potential success of North Wales by limiting the ability of North Wales and the North West to work together. Why have competition, when you can have co-operation?

“The Welsh Labour Government is already showing the lead on this, and as Welsh Labour politicians we stand ready to work with the UK Government and with the North West of England in the interests of our communities. Working together for North Wales to be a real part of the Northern Powerhouse and deliver integrated bus and rail services that will secure job opportunities for our communities.

“But, to make this work, we need real commitments from the Prime Minister. We have heard what the UK Government want to do for the North West of England – it is time they stepped up to the plate on the issues that matter to North Wales.”

 

The statement is also signed by AMs Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham), Ann Jones (Vale of Clwyd), Sandy Mewies (Delyn) and Carl Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside), as well as MPs David Hanson (Delyn), Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South); Ian Lucas (Wrexham), Albert Owen (Anglesey) and Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside).

 

 

Santa specials to run again at the railway

* Santa Specials will run again this year at Llangollen Railway.

What better way to kick off the festive celebrations than visiting the Llangollen Railway's popular Santa Specials?

A well established tradition for many families in the Dee Valley and further afield, the Santa Specials are sure to create memories which you and your family can share forever.

What's included:

• Take a steam train ride to Carrog (which we have renamed Lapland especially for Santa's visit) and back along the scenic Dee Valley.
• Come face to face with Father Christmas and his crew of happy elves as they travel through the train handing gifts out to the children, as well as a mince pie and festive tipple for the adults. Children also receive a treat and a juice during the outward journey.
• Soak in the festive atmosphere at Carrog, with children being able to join Father Christmas on-board his sleigh for photographs.
• Guaranteed seats at a train time of your choice

Trains depart from Llangollen at 11.00am, 11.55am, 1.35pm and 2.30pm on selected dates throughout December

A limited number of compartments will be available on-board each Santa Train, offering you an exclusive space away from the other passengers. Compartments are available for up to a maximum of 8 people and are priced at £150.

Advance booking for our Santa Specials is essential. Spaces are booking up fast to get your tickets today.

* For full details and availability, visit: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/santa-specials-2015/

 

Local pick up for The People's March

Llangollen Friends of the Earth has asked llanblogger to publicise the following event ...

Armistice Day marked this morning

* The gathering at the war memorial.

A ceremony to mark Armistice Day, when the guns of the Western Front fell silent on November 11 1918 to mark the end of World War One, was held at Llangollen war memorial this morning.

The service was taken by John Lawton in his capacity as chairman/secretary of Llangollen and District Royal British Legion.

And as an ex Fisherman’s Mission Missioner, he started with a reading, then a poem followed by the poem In Flanders Field.

The Exhortation was followed by the sounding of Last Post, the observation of two minutes silence, Reveille, the Kohima Epitaph and a final reading.

Dancing up a storm at New Dot's Northern Soul class

* The Northern Soul dance class earlier this week. 

Gearing up for this Friday's season finale, New Dot Cinema hosted a free beginners' dance class on Monday evening at the Hand Hotel.

Despite the gales, fans came from as far as St Asaph to listen to some Northern Soul classics while practicing their 'Wigan Casino style' moves.

Those new to the scene enjoyed picking up the basics, ably taught by Lynne who is a regular at Wrexham's Soul Suite.

The tunes were provided by Lynne's husband Adrian, and their passion for Northern Soul was contagious.

* More action from the dance class.

There'll be an opportunity for all to have another boogie to some rare Motown vinyl on Friday 13 November as it's last event of the year,
New Dot Cinema will be welcoming DJ Laurence Preston to the spacious Town Hall dance floor after an early screening of 2014 British hit, Northern Soul.

This film won NME best film 2015 and includes stars such as Steve Coogan, Lisa Stansfield and Ricky Tomlinson.

It has been hailed as an authentic slice of the 1970's Northern Soul scene.

Director Elaine Constantine spent years finding just the right young Northern Soul fans to dance in the movie, picking local Chester actor, Joshua Whitehouse as one of the main characters.

Doors open at 7pm, the main feature starts at 7:30pm, followed by the DJ and bar.

Cinema organiser, Kitsy Burrell said: "It's looking like this month's event is going to be a big one.

"Tickets have been selling well and I wouldn't be surprised if this is a sell-out, to mirror our first event back in July. We're encouraging people with a mod-style scooter to bring it along to qualify for a concessionary rate.

"As usual, we also give concessions to those dressed in 'appropriate vintage attire' which in this case is Northern Soul, Mod or 1960s and 1970s clothing."

At time of press, limited tickets are still available from Baileys Delicatessen on Castle Street in Llangollen, also Lotties' Bespoke Vintage on Oak Street and online at www.newdotcinema.org priced at £8 adults and £5 concessions.

This time, entry is restricted to those over 15 years old. The bar closes at 11pm. Not an 'all-nighter'
unfortunately!

AM urges applications for WW1 lottery grants

One year from the Battle of the Somme centenary, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood is urging North Wales communities to apply for new Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) money to explore the impact of the war. 

Following the phenomenal success of its community grants programme ‘First World War: then and now’, HLF has made an additional £4million available in 2015/16 for communities looking to explore, conserve and share local heritage of the First World War. 

 

Grants are available between £3,000 to £10,000.

 

Thanks to National Lottery funding, thousands of young people and communities throughout Wales have already been involved in activities marking the centenary such as: researching and recording local heritage, conserving and finding out more about war memorials and using digital technology to share the fascinating stories they uncover. 

 

An Assembly event today showcased just a handful of 79 First World War Centenary projects taking place across Wales, thanks to more than £5million of investment from HLF.   

 

This new money will help even more people get involved to explore a greater range of stories including those surrounding the Battle of the Somme.

 

Mr Isherwood said: “It’s so important that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on. There is still time to apply for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone in North Wales with an idea for their own project to get in touch with HLF.”     

 

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the HLF, said: “The demand for National Lottery funding for First World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we’ve decided to make extra money available. This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world. Next year marks the centenary of the Battle of Somme and if groups want support for projects in 2016, they need to start thinking about applying now.” 

* More information on how to apply for HLF funding is available at www.hlf.org.uk

 

Skates to fight again in Clwyd South

An Assembly Member will fight to retain his seat after being formally chosen as his party’s candidate for Clwyd South.

Ken Skates (pictured), who was elected in 2011 with 42.4% of the vote, was unanimously chosen by the Clwyd South Labour Party. 

Chairman Ray Prescott said: “Ken’s been a brilliant AM for the past four years and has earned an excellent reputation for getting things done. As a constituency Labour Party we are delighted to select him as our candidate for May’s Assembly election and hope he emulates our MP Susan Elan Jones’ convincing victory earlier this year.”

Mr Prescott added: “As well as being instrumental in the successful campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Ken has helped get funding for new health facilities in Chirk and Llangollen and is now campaigning for one in Cefn Mawr.

“He persuaded the Welsh Government to help families in Coedpoeth who were facing huge bills because of land contamination, and he was behind the new foodbank to help people hit hardest by Tory cuts in Penycae and Rhos.

“He campaigns hard, he works incredibly hard and he has our full support.”

Mr Skates said: “It’s been an honour to represent Clwyd South since 2011 and I’m thrilled to be chosen by local Labour members to be their candidate once again.

“I will continue to work as hard as I can to continue delivering for Clwyd South as Welsh Labour stands up for people suffering because of the Tory Government at Westminster.”

Rhos Boys Choir at Eisteddfod Christmas festival

 

* The Rhos Boys Choir with, from left, the Three Welsh Tenors, Rhys Meirion, Aled Hall and Alun Rhys-Jenkins, and their Musical Director, Aled Phillips.

 

A BOYS’ choir which sparked a chorus of approval when it sang at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod last year is returning to perform at the festival’s Christmas concert.

Rhos Boys’ Choir, the junior section of the world-famous Rhos Male Voice Choir, was only formed just over two years ago but has already attracted plenty of attention.

In only its second public appearance the 25-strong choir, for youngsters aged seven to 12, delivered a bravura performance during the awards ceremony for the Eisteddfod’s prestigious Children’s Choir of the World competition in July 2014.

On the strength of that showing the choir has now been invited back to the iconic Royal International Pavilion to appear at the Eisteddfod Music and Staging Committee’s annual Christmas concert on Sunday December 13.

On the big night, which starts at 7.30pm, they’ll join an impressive musical line-up including TRIO, a young, male ensemble from the heart of Snowdonia, and the Flintshire Country String Orchestra.

Founder of the boys’ choir and its musical director is Aled Phillips, head of music at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen and former musical director of Rhos Male Voice Choir.

He said: “We decided to set up the choir because we were keen to introduce younger boys to choral singing.

“We also believed that if boys developed a love for that kind of singing they might want to stay on and eventually join the full choir.

“The choir was formed and attracted a lot of interest. In fact, my own son, Tomos, who is now nine, was one of the first members and is still singing in the treble section.

“The choir rehearses each Thursday, from 5.30-6.30pm, at the Stiwt in Rhos and welcomes new members.”

The new choir’s first public performance came in the spring of last year when it sang during the annual St David’s Day concert at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos and delighted a full house audience.

They appeared alongside the Rhos senior choir, which meant a number of the boys were sharing the stage with their fathers, grandfathers and uncles.

Next came the memorable appearance at the Eisteddfod when the boys performed the traditional Welsh folk song Sospan Fach and the Gary Barlow number, Let me Go, during the children’s choir awards presentation.

Last year had a grand finale for the choir when they recorded two songs for the senior choir’s Christmas CD, Noe! Noe!

In September this year the boys won further acclaim when they were invited to sing on the same bill as the famous Three Welsh Tenors – Rhys Meirion, Aled Hall and Aled Wyn Davies - in a concert celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Nightingale House Hospice at Glyndwr University’s William Aston Hall.

And they’ll be back at the same venue on November 14 when they join the line-up of Rhos Male Voice Choir’s annual concert which also includes Portuguese tenor Luis Gomes and Caernarfon soprano Meinir Wyn Roberts, who won the Voice of the Future title at this year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Their musical director Aled Phillips said after that the boys will be polishing up their performance for their Christmas return to the Llangollen Pavilion stage.

He said: “We’ll be singing four Christmas songs – two in Welsh and two in English – on the night.

“The Welsh ones will be Nadolig Llawen by Caryl Parry Jones and Mae’na Faban Bach by Robat Arwyn and the English songs are Mistletoe by Justin Bieber and Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill which was used in the film The Grinch.

“Everyone in the choir is looking forward to being back on stage at the Pavilion in Llangollen after our appearance at the Eisteddfod last year when the response from the audience gave us a tremendous boost.

“It’s going to be a great start to Christmas.”

This will be third year the Eisteddfod’s Christmas concert has been held and the event has rapidly become a popular and eagerly anticipated date in the festival’s calendar.

Hosted by sports commentator and High Court judge Nic Parry, a familiar face on the main stage during Eisteddfod week, it will also showcase the talents of TRIO, a young, male ensemble from Snowdonia.

The threesome, who have recently released their debut album of the same name, describe themselves as a “new singing experience” and have a broad, bi-lingual repertoire.

Also appearing are the Flintshire Country String Orchestra, conducted by Aled Tudor Marshman, part of the highly successful Flintshire County Youth Music School which was established in 1996.

In recent years, the orchestra has performed at a host of events across the UK and Europe and has also competed at the National Festival of Music for Youth, which is Europe’s largest music event of its type.

Elen Roberts, chairman of the Eisteddfod’s Music and Staging Committee, said: “The programme for this year’s concert is bursting with a mix of seasoned performers and rising talent and promises to be a real Christmas cracker.

“I know all of the performers are saying they are delighted to be taking part in this festive celebration of music and we look forward to welcoming them, and indeed our audience, in Llangollen.

“We are delighted to be featuring such home-grown talent as the Rhos Boys’ Choir which has achieved so much in the short time since it was founded under the brilliant direction of Aled Phillips.

“It’s also good to be presenting the Flintshire String Orchestra with which I have been closely associated through my own work with the Flintshire Music Service.”

For more information or to buy tickets to the concert, visit the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

* Tickets are priced at £10 (concessions £8) and can also be purchased directly from the box office at the Pavilion, or from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Legion puts out urgent call for bugler

Llangollen Royal British Legion has put out an urgent call for a bugler.

Branch chairman John Lawton said: "For our Armistice Day Service on Wednesday, we have no bugler.

"We need someone to play the Last Post and Reveille.

"The service starts around 10.45am and will finish around 11.15am."

* Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Lawton on 01978 661039.

Free Northern Soul Beginners Dance Class.

There's a free, informal Northern Soul dance class tonight (Monday 9th Nov).

It's led by one of the Soul Suite (Wrexham) regulars, Lynne.

She's showing how to slide across the floor to some great Northern Soul tunes. (Best to wear shoes without rubbery souls.)

The class starts at 7pm in the function room of the Hand Hotel and Bar, Bridge Street, Llangollen.

This beginners dance class has been organised to complement the next New Dot Cinema Llangollen event which is going to be a big one.

It's based around 2014 film, 'Northern Soul' and also features original Northern Soul DJ, Lawrence Preston, who's playing a set after the film. He specialises in rare soul vinyl.

Entry to the Monday dance class is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. New Dot is a not-for-profit community cinema, powered entirely by volunteers.

Santa goes on the rocks ready for festival

* Santa on the rocks. 

IN the past few years he’s paddled in aboard a white water canoe and been carried in aboard a helicopter.

And now Santa has been practising his abseiling skills ready for his arrival at Llangollen’s annual Christmas Festival.

As our exclusive picture shows, the intrepid old man with a beard has been brushing up his rope technique on the cliffs overlooking the town ready.

“You may have been wondering how I manage to get down all those tall chimneys – and now you know,” he said.

“It’s almost a year since I got my ropes out, so a quick practice didn’t go amiss.”

The festival will be held on Saturday November 28 and starts with the big parade at 1pm.

Christmas lights will be switched on in Castle Street at 5pm.

There will be stalls and entertainment on the Tourist Information Steps and in the surrounding streets. Sion Corn himself will be in his grotto. 

Once the lights have been turned on the festivities will end with a firework display.

Proceeds from the event will once again be donated to Air Ambulance Wales. 

Llangollen remembers the fallen

* The Rev Andrew Sully leads the service.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Hundreds of people packed the centre of Llangollen for the annual Service of Remembrance this morning (Sunday).

The Rev Andrew Sully, Vicar of St Collen's Church, led the service assisted by other local clergy.

The traditional Ode of Remembrance was read out by John Lawton, of the Lllangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, followed by the laying of wreaths by representatives of numerous local organisations and groups, including the Mayor, Cllr Mike Adams, on behalf of the Town Council.

As the wreath-laying was taking place the names of local servicemen who fell fighting for their country were read out.

Following prayers and hymns, the parade, led by Royal British Legion standard bearers and Llangollen Silver Band, proceeded through the town centre. In its ranks were various groups such as local military cadets, Scouts, Guides and Brownies.

 

 

* The parade forms up in front of the war memorial in Castle Street.

 

* Members of the local army cadets take their place.

 

 

* Standards are lowered in homage to the fallen.

 

* A young member of Llangollen Silver Band sounds Last Post.

 

* An elderly veteran salutes the fallen after laying his wreath. 

 

 

* A younger veteran lays his wreath.

 

 

* The parade marches off along Castle Street at the end of the service.

 

 

* Many young people took part in the parade.

 

 

* The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Mike Adams, 

parades along Bridge Street.

Food Assembly launches this month

* Robyn Lovelock with her son Harris. 

A NEW way of buying food is coming to Llangollen. 

The Food Assembly is an online service that brings people together to buy food directly from local farmers and foodmakers.

Customers in Llangollen can order food online from local food producers before picking it up weekly at a local pub, the Ponsonby Arms.

All the food comes from within around 26 miles of the area, meaning for every £1 spent, 90p stays in the local economy. 

Weekly shoppers can choose from unique local products, such as organic veg from Babbinswood Farm, oak-smoked cheese from Knolton Farmhouse Cheese, and award-winning bangers from family-run business, Pen-y-lan Pork.

There will also be plenty of pastries, artisan bread and other local and seasonal goodies. 

Community is at the heart of the Food Assembly – it connects neighbours to farmers, neighbours to each other, and everyone to their food. 

Each Food Assembly is a neighbourhood meeting point.

Llangollen Food Assembly is organised by Robyn Lovelock from the town who said: “While we have some fantastic locally produced food in the area, it can be difficult to find in one place and to buy outside of working hours.

“I’m excited that the Food Assembly will bring some together local farmers and producers with customers keen to buy fresh, tasty local food and other products.”

She added: “I hope the idea will bring another dimension to food options in Llangollen, supporting its Cittaslow slow food status and adding to the great selection of restaurants and delicatessens already here.” 

Llangollen is only the second Welsh town to get Cittaslow status, after Mold.

Llangollen Food Assembly will launch on Wednesday November 18, from 6pm-8pm at the Ponsonby Arms in Mill Street, with online ordering available from November 11.

Local customers can meet farmers, foodmakers and their neighbours, taste local food samples and see where their food comes from – as well as sampling some of the Ponsonby Arms’ selection of beers and wines.

For more information and to register as a customer or producer, go to www.thefoodassembly.com and search for Llangollen, or call Robyn on 0779 9896108.

 

Twenty Club's triumphant return to Fawlty Towers

* Ally Goodman as Basil and Richard Mascarenhas as Manuel in

a scene from Fawlty Towers.

Tripadvisor would have had a field day with comments about Fawlty Towers if it had been around in the 70s.

And every excruciating minute of a stay at this very dodgy Torquay hotel created by John Cleese and Connie Booth for their iconic TV series is currently being superbly recreated live in Llangollen.

Back in 2012 the Twenty Club amateur players took three episodes of what many believe is one of the UK’s finest ever TV sitcoms and turned them into a stage production which ended up as a sell-out.

And, by popular demand, they’ve just done the same with another trio of shows to bring the awful Basil back to manic life at the Town Hall over the next couple of days.

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

Many of the 2012 cast are reprising their roles, including Ally Goodman as the impossible Basil, Helen Belton as Sybil, his over-coiffeured, domineering wife, and Richard Mascarenhas as bumbling but loveable Spanish waiter Manuel.

Goodman was born to play this role, capturing as he does every nuance and twitch of the raving mad hotelier.

Ms Belton gives Sybil all her syrupy charm with a mailed fist hiding just below the make-up.  

And what could be better than watching Mascarenhas portray Manuel pleading hilariously yet pathetically with Fawlty not to “keel” his pet rat after it goes on the loose just as a health inspector calls.

Each is brilliant in their part and capable of wringing maximum laughs from every line.

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

There was magnificent support also from Bill Hughes doubling up as two very different awkward hotel guests and Lyn Aston as the elderly lady with a hearing problem who tangles with Fawlty in Communication Problems.

The show is once again directed with aplomb by Chrissie Ashworth.

Now, what about the remaining six episodes, especially the one where Fawlty tries to whip to death his broken-down car?

Fawlty Towers is on again tonight (Friday) and twice on Saturday – there’s a matinee at 2pm.

But as there was almost a capacity audience at yesterday’s first night, it would be advisable to do everything possible to secure a seat.

Tickets are available 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.

Rally car action comes to Chirk Castle

* A rally car in the grounds of Chirk Castle.

More accustomed to hosting medieval banquets, state room tours and woodland walks, Chirk Castle will welcome more than 150 flame-spitting rally cars later this month as one of the leading family-friendly attractions at Wales Rally GB (12-15 November).

The Chirk Castle RallyFest stage on Saturday, 14 November is sure to be one of the weekend's standout events - a high-octane feast of spectacular rallying thrills and fun for all ages.

The action begins at 9.30am, as competitors in the Network Q WRGB National Rally pitch up for a flat-out blast around the slippery parkland roads surrounding the magnificent medieval fortification, before the FIA World Rally Championship stars speed into sight in the afternoon.

In-between, fans will be kept entertained by a variety of parades and displays featuring exotic supercars, iconic 'Slowly Sideways' rally cars from years gone by, awe-inspiring Supermoto races and a jaw-dropping stunt show from 22-time Guinness World Record-holder Terry Grant - providing a full, action-packed day in the castle's leafy grounds.

Weather permitting, the spectacular Red Bull Matadors will also be putting on a dazzling air show.

Enhanced facilities include live rally coverage on a big screen, commentary, food outlets and funfair rides for the young and young-at-heart - meaning the full rally atmosphere can be enjoyed without having to set foot outside the castle boundaries.

"RallyFest is the perfect location for fans who are new to this exciting sport, and an excellent-value, family-oriented day out for everyone," said Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Wales Rally GB.

"Chirk Castle is a stunning backdrop to a fantastic day of epic entertainment, and we have a full day of thrilling action on offer that will be a treat for seasoned motor sport aficionados, curious observers and families looking for a fun day out."

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: "Widening the appeal of the Wales Rally GB has always been a priority for the Welsh Government and the RallyFests are a perfect way of getting the whole family involved for a spectacular day out full of things to see and do. Some of the fans may not have thought of visiting somewhere like Chirk Castle before and therefore the event will also widen the appeal of our heritage attractions."

Advance tickets have been held at last year's prices, with adults admitted to the RallyFest at Chirk Castle for just £25* and children only £1* (aged 9-15 inclusive; eight-year-olds and under admitted free). There is also a special family offer for two adults and three children costing £45*, with each additional child an extra £1*. Every adult RallyFest ticket includes a free programme worth £9. On the day, adult tickets will cost £30* with child tickets charged at £1* - the family ticket offer is only available in advance.

To avoid traffic congestion, a one-way system will operate into and out of Chirk Castle on Saturday, 14 November. The road leading to the car park will be closed at the A5 turn from 14:00, before the direction of travel is reversed to one-way only for exiting. It will not be possible to join the car park entrance route after 14:00. Please approach only from the A5 two miles north of Chirk town and not through Chirk itself as all minor roads will be closed.

Chirk Castle RallyFest Timetable, Saturday 14 November:

08:00 Car parks open
09:43-11.20 Network Q WRGB National Rally
11:45-12:00 Supercars
12:05 Slowly Sideways historic rally cars
12:25-13:45 Supermoto displays and Terry Grant stunt driving displays (3 each)
14:15-14:30 Red Bull Matadors air show (weather permitting)
14:31-16:00 FIA World Rally Championship

For further updates, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb