Eisteddfod prize of trip Down Under

* Competition at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

A fabulous 10,000-mile trip Down Under to one of the world’s biggest cultural festivals is the prize for one lucky winner at this summer’s 70^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The title of International Voice of Musical Theatre in July will come with a paid-for trip to Australia’s Gold Coast Eisteddfod in October to sing in their Musicale event.

The invitation follows a visit to last year’s Eisteddfod by representatives of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, held in Queensland’s stunning tropical beachside city for the past 33 years.

The Musicale follows seven weeks of competition featuring over 70,000 singers and dancers, most of them under 20, and including 350 bands and orchestras, 175 choirs, almost 1500 dance groups and over 3,000 solo dancers.

Judith Ferber, the Gold Coast Eisteddfod’s General Manager, said: “We visited Llangollen in July and we loved it. It’s quite different from ours though it has the same ideals.

“We were very keen to forge international links. That has been our aim and we’ve done it very successfully.

“Llangollen has the concerts at night and we really enjoyed the friendship, the company and the location and we’re firmly of the belief that it is a wonderful event and hopefully with this prize we have enhanced it even more.

“We were very impressed with what we saw and we came back with some ideas and have spoken with the people at Llangollen and we have offered this prize for the winner of the International Voice of Musical Theatre.”

This year’s winner of the event, open to singers under the age of 28 on the day of competition, and which also carries with it a prize of an International Medal and £1500, will also receive a fabulous bonus.

They will be flown out to Queensland for the October Musicale, to sing in a concert featuring 20 of the winners from the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and Judith Ferber added: “We thought it was a fabulous idea.

“We wanted an international connection and because the winner of the prize will be a young person, probably in their 20s, it will be a wonderful opportunity.

“We will pay for the flights and we will put them up and a companion if they want to bring one, and we’ll show them some great hospitality and we can help if they would like to spend longer in Australia and see more of the country.

“October is our spring so it’s a lovely time of year and we’ll make sure they have a really good time.”

Eilir Owen Griffitths, Musical Director at Llangollen, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the winner of this competition in July and can really open some doors for them.

“Llangollen has always been about forging international links and friendships and we’re hugely grateful to the people at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod for this wonderful offer and we are sure this is a relationship which will flourish over the years.

“It should certainly ensure that what has become a very popular and competitive event since it was introduced two years ago will attract singers from even further afield.

“We have always been known especially for the quality of our choral competitions and with the introduction of this category alongside the International Voice of the Future and International Young Musician we have a very strong hand of prestigious solo competitions.”

This year’s Eisteddfod begins on Tuesday, July 5, when the preliminaries for the Voice of Musical Theatre competition will be held with the final held the following day on the stage in the Royal International Pavilion.

The closing date for entries to all the solo competitions at Llangollen 2016 is Friday, March 4, and successful applicants will be notified before March 25.

On Tuesday evening superstar Katherine Jenkins gets the programme of concerts off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen while Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition.

Thursday will be Voices of the World and the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World while Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be dedicated mainly to the dance groups with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax in the evening.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite switched from its usual Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the Choirs of the World and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Silver Band youngsters in the honours

* Taya Castley and Elizabeth Mwale with their silverware.

Two young members of Llangollen Silver Band have scooped first prize in a prestigious brass contest.

At the North Wales Brass Band Association's contest held at the Galeri in Caernarfon, Taya Castley and Elizabeth Mwale, both aged 13, won first prize in the under 14's section of the J.B. Williams Challenge Shield for Duets.

Taya (on cornet) and Elizabeth (baritone), put in a highly polished performance of  Pleasant Moments by Geo Hawkins and beat off strong competition to claim first place.

Band spokesman, Robert Stock, said: "The band are extremely proud of the girls' achievement and it's great to see the talents of our young players being recognised on a national level."

MP demands more help for self-employed to get mortgages

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones is calling the UK Government to do more to help self-employed people have access to mortgages.

She made her comments after the publication of a review into self-employment by businesswoman Julie Deane.

The independent report had been commissioned by the UK Government's Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Ms Jones (pictured) said: "15% of people in the UK are now self-employed and that number is set to grow. I think we should do everything we can to help people set up and grow their own businesses in our local area. Self-employment offers a real boost to the economy.

"I really hope the Government gives really serious consideration to some of the big barriers to self employment, including access to mortgages and parental leave, that have been identified in the report." 

Julie Deane's report 'Self Employment Review: An independent report' notes (p22): says: "Buying a house is often the largest financial commitment people will make and it is in their own interest that they are able to afford the repayments.

"Having said that, it is worrying that a number of self-employed workers have expressed that they find it difficult to obtain a mortgage. There is a risk that this could become a more widespread problem in the future given the large number of self-employed individuals (4.6m) and the fact that this number is predicted to grow.

"As the number of self-employed continues to increase, the need for a more flexible type of mortgage will become more obvious. The financial institutions that choose to address this need stand to benefit enormously.

"When such flexible financial instruments do begin to appear it will be the role of the trade organisations to signpost these so that their self-employed members can benefit from them." 

Report see: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/500320/ind-16-2-self-employment-review.pdf




 

Forthcoming events at St Collen's

St Collen’s Parish in Llangollen has two events planned over coming weeks.

On St David’s Day, Tuesday March 1, at 11am there is a Bilingual Communion Service in

St Collen’s with Welsh hymns, and at 12noon there is a Welsh lunch at The Corn Mill. Phone the vicar, the Rev Andrew Sully, to reserve a place on 01978 860231.

On Easter Saturday, March 26, at 3pm, there is a musical presentation of John’s Gospel at St Collen’s, and on Easter Day, March 27, the presentation is at 3pm and 6pm.

There is no entrance fee but a collection will be taken at the end of the performance for the Refugee Crisis.

West End singing star heads for Llangollen

The singer dubbed the First Lady of the West End is heading for Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

Organisers of the iconic festival have signed up Kerry Ellis who has starred in smash hit musicals in London's West End and Broadway in New York and is a long-term collaborator of Queen guitarist Brian May.

She will be topping the bill in the Voices of Musical Theatre concert on Wednesday, July 6, when she'll be sharing the stage with Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro, the classical and musical theatre boy band.

* Kerry Ellis. 

Kerry, 36, made her name in productions like Wicked, Cats, Les Misérables, My Fair Lady and We Will Rock You.

She is the latest top name to be announced for the landmark 70th festival.

Classical singing sensation Katherine Jenkins will be bringing the curtain up on opening night, Tuesday, July 5, which is being sponsored by care organisation Pendine Park.

The popular mezzo soprano will be treating the audience to a concert version of Georges Bizet’s opera, Carmen.

Opera superstar Bryn Terfel will be sharing the stage on Thursday, July 7, with a good friend who's also a world class tenor, supremely talented Maltese opera colleague, Joseph Calleja, in a concert that's also being supported by Pendine Park

Meanwhile, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are returning to Llangollen to bring the curtain down on the festival with a foot stomping party on Sunday, July 10, sponsored by the Village Bakery.

According to Kerry, performing at Llangollen in the concert sponsored by Kronospan will be something very special as it means she will get to sing many of her favourite songs all on one magical evening.

She and Collabro will be joined by talented Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre, the CBC Voices from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra under the direction of John Quirk.

Mother-of-two Kerry said: “It’s without doubt a very special and wonderful event.

“I’m so looking forward to what will be a special evening in such a magical place. And as I have such amazing people, such as Collabro, joining me on stage, it’s going to be an evening to remember.

“Recently, have been concentrating more on my concert work with Queen’s Brian May. We have been working together for 13 years now. I landed the role of Meat in the original We Will Rock You cast and we have worked together ever since.

“It’s an unlikely collaboration and we come from two very different worlds but it works and the exciting part for me is I get to perform some very different songs.”

Kerry, who won the 2015 BroadwayWorld.com award for Best Featured Actress in a new production of a musical for her portrayal of Grizabella in the new production of Cats at the London Palladium, says the programme will include many of her personal favourites.

She said: “I love Memory from Cats and Anthem from Chess. Actually, Anthem is normally a guy’s song but Brian May wrote a new arrangement for me and I absolutely love it.

“It’s really different and means something. I think it’s a song that everyone seems to know and love anyway.

“It’s going to be an exciting and very different year and Llangollen is definitely going to be a big highlight. I try and take my boys with me where ever I’m performing and it sounds like they are going to really enjoy Llangollen."

Eilir Owen Griffiths, the festival's musical director, said: “To celebrate our 70^th festival we really wanted to treat our Eisteddfod supporters to a concert highlighting the very best of musical theatre.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Kerry Ellis, a performer who is the First Lady of West End theatre, to Llangollen for the first time.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing Collabro, the Welsh National Opera and CBC Voices, Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre and the Arts, who will also be appearing and adding to what will be a magical night celebrating the very best of musical theatre.”

He added: “I think everyone has a favourite musical theatre production and song that means something to them. This will be a wonderful evening of music and one I’m sure everyone is going to really enjoy.”

To learn more about the Llangollen International Eisteddfod and for tickets which can be booked on line, please visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Crystallised flower company to showcase at Pavilion event

 

* Sarah Hughes with one of her crystallised flowers. 

 

A Denbighshire company that makes crystallised edible flowers has landed an order from one of the world's most famous hotels.

 

As well as supplying London's luxury five star Dorchester Hotel, Corwen-based Eat My Flowers will be one of the star attractions of Denbighshire Business Month that’s being organised to promote the county as a foodie heaven and a great place to do business.

 

Company founder Sarah Hughes will be joining TV hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones at the A Taste for Local event that's being organised by Denbighshire County Council.

 

Anybody wanting to attend the event at the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen on Wednesday, March 9, can do so via the website denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

 

Eat My Flowers will be supplying 3,000 crystallised blooms for the Dorchester Hotel’s lavish concession at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

 

Sarah who runs the business from her family farm in Corwen, is now working on an exclusive range to accompany the Dorchester’s afternoon teas during flower show.

 

She’s also secured a fresh order from existing customer Harrods, to create two exclusive new edible flower lollipops for their Easter 2016 collection.

 

Denbighshire's March for Business  events run from March 2 to March 22 and the Taste for Local forum will be dedicated to food and drink, giving those in the hospitality and tourism industry a chance to mingle with some of the county’s best local producers.

 

At the event Gareth Wyn Jones will issue a rallying cry for better networking between food suppliers and producers.

 

He said: “We’ve got some of the best produce in the world here in Wales, but as a country I don’t think we do enough to show it off.

 

“I want to see a system where a small farm can make a decent living selling local produce locally."

 

Father-of-three Gareth became a household name following BBC One Wales’ The Hill Farm documentary about life on his family farm above Llanfairfechan.

 

His most recent series, The Farmer and the Food Chain, focused on buying locally and now he is encouraging people to do their bit to keep money in the local economy.

 

“By supplying this food better locally, then more money stays in the area, he said: “But it’s up to us to work together to do that and lift the industry.”

 

“My message is that we have the produce here, and if we want to keep local producers, then local businesses have got to support them,” he said.

 

It was a sentiment echoed by Sarah Hughes who set up on her farm in 2011.

 

She secured her first major order with Harrods in 2013, followed by a similar contract to supply London shopping emporium Fortnum and Mason, in 2014.

 

Sarah is now working with the Dorchester’s Head Patisserie Chef, David Girard and Head Florist Designer Phillip Hammond, on a bespoke range to be served at the Chelsea Flower show.

 

She said: “We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious and top end hotel and patisserie chef, whose afternoon teas are world famous. 

 

“We are normally quieter at this time of year, but we are currently working at full capacity fulfilling our Harrods and other corporate orders for our lollipops. 

 

Sarah says being based in a “remote” location in Denbighshire has not been a barrier to where her products are sold, far from it.

 

She said: “We run the business from half way up a mountain in rural Denbighshire, but our products have travelled as far as Singapore and Australia. 

 

“They have been used at fashion events in London, to pop-up tearooms in Glastonbury. 

 

“The arrival of the internet really does allow you to sell all over the world.”

 

She urged rural producers and suppliers to attend A Taste for Local at Llangollen Pavilion so they can learn how to better support each other.

 

Sarah said: “It allows food producers to meet each other and share ideas and best practice, and also provides a showcase of the innovative and exciting food products on offer to potential new customers in the area.”

 

Carolyn Brindle, Denbighshire council’s lead officer for Business Support and Local Growth, said by embracing local produce, restaurants could make their businesses distinctive. 

 

“If a place wants to be chosen as a destination then it has to have a unique and distinct offer,” she said.

 

“Everything from edible flowers, through to bread, beer, meat, ice cream, cider, cheese, whole food bars and much, much more is made in Denbighshire.”

 

Carolyn said March for Business month was designed to help businesses help themselves.

 

"It features a mixture of speakers, workshops, one-to-one advice and networking covering subjects such as HR and employment and social media over the course of the month,” she said.

 

“One particular focus is on promoting our food and drink offer.

 

“We have a number of great producers in the county and we would like to see more B&Bs, retail and hotels using this produce when they refresh their menus, for example.”

 

“A Taste for Local” will start at 10.30am and finish at 1.30pm, at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion, on Wednesday March 9.

People wanting to attend can book their place at Denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness or ring Janet Turner on 01824 706896.  Places are free but space is limited.

AM calls for summit talks over bank closures

North Wales Lib Dem Assembly Member Aled Roberts has called on the Welsh Government to hold round-table meetings with the main retail banks to find out if community services can be set up to replace closing branches.

 

In an Individual Member Debate in the Assembly Mr Roberts (pictured) said: “Access to banking services is key, not only to small businesses and retailers, but to individuals, voluntary and charitable groups in communities throughout North Wales.

 

“According to the Campaign for Community Banking Services, community banks and banking centres offer a cost effective way to sustain a branch presence in vulnerable communities, extend coverage and opening hours and reduce banks’ operating costs.

 

"The first step offered by the community banking model would be a shared banking franchise. For some very small rural communities with no banking presence, a limited shared branching franchise could sit alongside an existing post office franchise.”

 

Get a slice of Valentine's action on Saturday

If you would like to send a personalised Valentine’s Day card to someone close to you the  place to be is Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday February 13 between 10.30am and 1pm. 

Cards with  a specially commissioned verse can be purchased  from £1 to £2 depending on the message.

This is all part of a Coffee and Cupcake event organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen to support Parkinson’s UK both locally and nationally.

There will also be various stalls including cakes and scarves and tombola.

The main raffle prize will be a food hamper donated by AF Blakemore & Son Ltd - Spar Llangollen.

The hall will be decorated with red and pink hearts and there will be appropriate live piano music. 

Coffee and a cupcake costs £2.

This a great way to start off your Valentine weekend  and support a very worthy cause at the same time.    

Two local businesses in countryside honours

Two local businesses are celebrating reaching the finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

 

Llangollen Brewery reached the finals in the Local Food Category, and Glyn Ceiriog Post Office were finalists in the Village Shop category.

 

The awards, dubbed the Rural Oscars, are an annual celebration of Welsh rural business, produce and communities.

 

* Llyr Gruffydd with a representative of Llangollen Brewery. 

The awards ceremony was sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales' North Wales AM and his party's spokesperson on rural affairs.

He is also chair of the cross-party group on Rural Affairs at the National Assembly.

 

*Llyr Gruffydd with a representative of Glyn Ceidiog Post Office.   

Mr Gruffydd said: "It was a joy to see both businesses reaching the finals, and deservedly so. It is a recognition of the hard work that both businesses put in day in day out to make sure that they thrive. "But they also contribute significantly to their communities, either through employment, bringing in money or by providing much needed services."

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales' candidate for Clwyd South nominated both businesses.

 

He said: "Llangollen Brewery do an excellent range of ales, and John and Gilly at Glyn Ceiriog Post Office provide an essential service always with a smile, and Gilly's home baking is something else. Both businesses represent what is best about our rural communities, doing what they do for the love of it and not for any great commercial or financial gain.

 

"Rural communities are more than just green hills and fresh air, they are living breathing communities and these businesses are a reminder of this. It would do well for those who provide services such as banking, health, education and others to remember this."

 

Steven Evans, from Llangollen Brewery said: “We’re very pleased to get this award. An increasing number of people are enquiring about our beer, and we’re selling it as far afield as Anglesey. We’re looking forward to another busy and successful year.”

 

John Keen from Glyn Ceiriog Post Office said: “This was a nice surprise, and timely considering the campaign we’ve had to keep the Post Office here. We wouldn’t have such a thriving little business if it wasn’t for the support of our fantastic customers. We’d like to thank them all for their continued support.”

AM launches free forces swimming scheme

Labour AM Ken Skates has launched a new national scheme to provide free swimming for veterans and Armed Forces personnel in Wales.  

Free Swimming for Armed Forces is the latest initiative to be launched by the Welsh Government as part of its package of support for the forces community.

The scheme is being delivered by all councils in Wales to enable and encourage veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel to enjoy swimming as a form of physical activity and in recognition of the service they have given to their country. 

Launching the £100,000 scheme, Mr Skates (pictured) said: “Like many residents in Clwyd South, I believe very strongly that we need to recognise the service of our Armed Forces personnel, both past and present.

“This scheme is another way in which the Welsh Labour Government is acknowledging their huge contribution.

“I hope serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans in Clwyd South will be able to make full use of this opportunity, and I call on Wrexham Council to ensure the scheme is offered at all public pools in the county borough.”

An Armed Forces spokesman described the scheme as ‘very pleasing and a further show of commitment from the Welsh Government towards Armed Forces personnel and veterans living in Wales’.

41 people fined for littering in county

Denbighshire County Council’s tough stance on littering in the county continues with a further  41 people receiving fines through the courts for offences.

 

The council took action through the courts against 41 individuals.

 

The courts issued a total of £8,800 in fines and ordered individuals to pay £7,380 in costs (in total).

 

The cases against a further 19 individuals were withdrawn, mostly due to the fact they had paid their fixed penalty notices prior to the court appearance.

 

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Realm, said: “Our residents have told us they want to live in a clean environment and that is why we have made cleaner, tidy streets one of our main priorities in Denbighshire.

 

“The majority of residents in our county treat the environment with complete respect and that leads to a better quality of life and improves the visual image of the area.

 

“However, there is a minority of people that are responsible for environmental crime such as dog fouling and don’t clean the mess.  Those are the people we are targeting as part of our on-going education campaign which has received support from local communities.

 

“We will not tolerate examples where people wilfully allow their dogs to foul in public.  Enforcement action is very much a last resort and we will continue to be vigilant and work with communities to try and rid our communities of any kind of environmental crimes."

 

Cynwyd group on song for MS charity

 

 

* Helen Whittaker and Jean Hughes of the MS Society Wrexham branch receive the cheque from y Gymdeithas, Cynwyd.

Cynwyd community group Y Gymdeithas raised £543 for the MS Society following a Christmas service and carol singing in the village over the festive period.

The funds are to be split between the Wrexham MS Society branch and research into MS.

Each year the group organises a community carol singing session, with people of all ages visiting the homes of people who are housebound or lonely and singing at the village square.

The group has grown from strength to strength, and this year over 30 people took part in the singing.

They also arranged a Christmas service at Bethel Chapel, inviting each community group to attend and participate, with the aim of making sure that various village groups worked together for their common good.

This year Y Gymdeithas chose MS Society as their charity of choice.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable and incurable condition that affects people’s nervous system. It can attack suddenly or progress steadily, bringing a range of symptoms which can include sight loss, incontinence, fatigue and mobility problems.

No-one with MS can be sure when or how it will affect them next.

In the UK there are more than 100,000 people living with MS. In Wales, over 4,900 people are living with the condition; 300 people are newly diagnosed with MS every year.

Helen Whittaker, representing the Wrexham Branch of the MS Society, said: “We are very grateful for this generous gift from Y Gymdeithas in Cynwyd to the MS Society.

"As a charity we depend on the generous donations of individuals, groups and societies to allow us to continue with our research nationally, and locally to fund equipment to assist people living with and affected by MS.”

Mabon ap Gwynfor, representing Y Gymdeithas, said: “Our small community has seen the effects of MS, and are grateful to the charity for the work that it is doing in helping those suffering from MS and in doing vital work to research into how to beat this disease.

"We all had a lot of fun raising the funds, signing in the rain, and bringing the Christmas cheer to those who were housebound or lonely. We’re looking forward to starting practising for next year’s carol singing.”

Curtain goes up again on New Dot cinema

* A scene from The Lobster, the film to be shown next Friday.

New Dot Cinema is back for a new season.

After a highly successful first year, a new programme of quirky, provocative and entertaining films
kicks off at the Town Hall in Llangollen with a showing of The Lobster on Friday, February 12th.

This year, New Dot will be screening temporarily as 'Micro Dot' in a smaller venue in the Town Hall council chamber.

With seating for around 35 people, organisers say screenings will be intimate (but still very charming) so tickets will be in high demand. Delicious homemade cakes, fairtrade tea and 'real' coffee will be on offer. There’s no bar, but people are welcome to BYOB.

New Dot Cinema co-founder Jen Sandiford explained: “We had such a fantastic response to our first season, we wanted to keep up the momentum. Using this smaller venue gives us a chance to experiment with quirkier films that people might not otherwise get a chance to see.”

Already lined up for the new season are: Tulpan, a funny and moving film set in the stunning Kazakh steppes, about a young man who dreams of being a shepherd; the gentle Oscar-winning Czech film, Closely Observed Trains, in which an apprentice train dispatcher working at a sleepy train depot during WW2, pines for Máša, a pretty train conductor; and Dear White People, an American satire of race relations on an elite university campus.

More films will be added to the programme very soon, including a gala film to be shown as part of the Llangollen Fringe so sign up for New Dot Cinema’s email at the facebook page or at NewDotCinema.org.

Tickets are priced at £5 and are available at Baileys Deli and online at: http://tiny.cc/grds8x

New Dot Cinema is entirely volunteer-led. If you’d like to get involved in any way from programming to being an usher for an evening, please contact the team at: http://newdotcinema.org/dot/contact/

More information: www.NewDotCinema.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newdotcinema
Twitter: www.twitter.com/newdotcinema

MP pays call on Splash Magic

 

* From left: Craig Williams MP, Claire Duffy,

manager of Splash Magic, Simon Baynes and Shaun Roberts.

 

Cardiff North Tory MP Craig Williams and Simon Baynes, Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate for Clwyd South, visited the Splash Magic Leisure Centre at Plas Madoc.

 

The leisure centre was saved from closure by Wrexham Council in 2014 by a local community group, which has since formed Splash Community Trust, a charitable organisation.

 

The Trust has been running the centre since December 2014.

 

Craig Williams and Simon Baynes were accompanied by local resident Shaun Roberts and were given a full tour of the centre by the manager Claire Duffy.

 

Craig Williams MP said: “I used to come to the leisure centre as a child as I grew up in Welshpool and Plas Madoc was the place to come for a great day out.

 

"I was very impressed by all the improvements that Claire Duffy and her team have made and by the exciting plans for the future.

 

"In my view, Splash Magic is the most family friendly leisure centre in Wales and it has a great future as an independent trust.

 

"I will keep in touch on developments and will always be available to provide any advice and support in the future.”

 

Simon Baynes said: “Splash Magic was buzzing when we went round it and the recent improvements, like the café and the soft play area, are proving an immediate success, resulting in increased visitors for the centre.

 

"We were particularly impressed by Claire Duffy, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous job as manager of the Beatles’ Story in Liverpool, and by the commitment of all the staff and the many volunteers who help out at the centre.

 

"The potential to develop this amazing building is enormous and the trust can be nimble on its feet because it is independent and has plenty of expertise to draw on.

 

"I will do everything I can to support it and I know the local community will continue to vote with its feet by using Splash Magic and its great facilities in ever increasing numbers in the future.” 

MP demands probe into bank closures

 

* From left: Julia Glover, manager of The Hair Shop,

Chirk, Susan Elan Jones MP and staff and customers at The Hair Shop.

Susan Elan Jones MP has visited 55 small and medium-sized businesses in Chirk and Ruabon to discuss the impact of local bank closures with business owners and customers.

The Clwyd South MP said: "Since HSBC decided it was going to close its Chirk and Ruabon bank branches, we've all been working very hard to try and keep cash-points open and free and sort out other practical things, like paying-in arrangements at local Post Offices.

 

"However, as local MP, I'm also committed to taking things further in Parliament.

 

"What we're seeing in our area is happening right across the UK. Most small towns and villages in this country don't have high street banks any more.

 

"It's totally unacceptable and a very different set-up from the USA and many other Western countries where regional banks with high street branches are the norm. It will be a long and hard campaign, but we need a big change in banking in our country."    

 

As part of her campaign, Susan Elan Jones MP has already met with Iain Wright MP, Chair of Parliament's Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, who has agreed to her request for a full national inquiry into bank closures, and access to finance for small and medium-sized companies. 

 

 

Theft from van in Berwyn Street

North Wales Police are appealing for information following theft from a vehicle in Llangollen. 
                                                     
Sometime overnight between last Tuesday and Wednesday unknown offenders forced entry into a van parked at a location close to Berwyn Street.

If you noticed anything suspicious, or have any information relating to this incident, contact North Wales Police by dialling 101 quoting reference U016631. 

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

North Wales Police would like to urge residents to always report suspicious activity to them at the earliest opportunity.

Finance Minister visits Llan health centre

* Locality Matron Jane Jones and
Finance and Government Business
Minister Jane Hutt at Llangollen Health Centre. 

Llangollen Health Centre is an excellent example of how Welsh Government investment is providing care and support for people in their community, Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt has said.

The Minister was visiting Llangollen on Thursday to see how £5.2 million capital funding from the Welsh Government has helped develop the new facility.

The Health Centre has been established to enable Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Llangollen GP Practice, Denbighshire County Council Social Services and the Third Sector to provide integrated services in a modern and purpose built facility.

Opened in September 2015, it offers an improved and more spacious environment for patients and staff as well as expanding the scale and range of health and voluntary services provided.

Jane Hutt said: “Investing in our health service is a priority for the Welsh Government and the new Llangollen Health Centre is a clear demonstration of that commitment.

“I am pleased we have provided over £5 million for this fantastic state-of-the-art facility which is playing a vital role in helping deliver the highest quality service to the local community.

“Investing in our infrastructure makes a positive difference and delivers real and long-term benefits for people.”

Simon Dean, interim Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to the new Llangollen Health Centre.

“This major investment has given the town an excellent centre for care services, where GP practice staff and Health Board colleagues, along with social services and the voluntary sector, are now working together more effectively than ever to provide health and well-being services for the local communities.

“The building itself offers first class facilities, and it has the space we need to enable new services to be introduced.”

Young 'Uns make a big splash with Honk!

* Back row,  from left: Little ducklings played by Kate Reardon, Connie Richardson, Maisie Ansloos and Charlie Priestley. Front row: Ugly (Shea Ferron), Drake their dad (Jac Edwards) and  Ida, their  mum (Amy Jones).  

A TALENTED flock of kids from Llangollen Young ‘Uns are making a big splash with their latest production telling the heart-warming tale of an ugly duckling.

Honk! is an award-winning musical adaptation of the hand Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, incorporating a message of tolerance.

The book and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe and music is by George Stiles, of the British songwriting duo Stiles and Drewe.

The West End production opened in 1999 winning the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical.

And this version at Llangollen Town Hall by over 40 young members of Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section, aged six to 18, also takes the honours.

The musical is set in the duck yard of a countryside farm and features Ugly, a cygnet who is mistaken as an ugly duckling after falling into his mother Ida's nest and is rejected by everyone but her, a sly tomcat who only befriends him out of hunger, and several other barnyard characters.

Taking flight as Ugly is Shea Ferron, already a Young ‘Uns old hand following his outstanding shop-boy in their past production of Half a Sixpence.

He plays this part with a nice touch of pathos, especially in the song Different which sums up his predicament after being rejected as a fowl oddity. He handles what is quite a meaty part for a youngster with aplomb.

Outstanding as his mother Ida is Amy Jones, getting plenty of emotion into her concern over Ugly when he goes missing from the farmyard and projecting a powerful singing voice.

Drake, Ugly’s dad who often ducks his fatherly responsibilities, is neatly portrayed by Jac Edwards.

Although he doesn’t have too much to do early in the show, Cassius Hackforth comes into his own later as Bullfrog, the twinkly frog who befriends the lost and bewildered Ugly as he roams the countryside. He bounds on stage and takes it over with his exuberant acting and singing.    

Amelia Keen cleverly portrays the predatory tomcat who is constantly trying to have Ugly for lunch with bags of feline cunning.

Shining as another cat called Queenie that our hero meets on his travels is Talulah Thomas, ably abetted by Erin Roberts as Lowbutt, a fussy hen.

Every member of the versatile and disciplined cast, who constantly switch roles to become different types of fish or fowl clad in a variety of colourful costumes, shines throughout the show.

Minimalist but well thought out stage settings are enhanced by images projected on to a big screen and a live band powerfully backs up a collection of catchy songs.        

Honk! which is the Young ‘Uns’ 26^th production, was the perfect choice for the Young ‘Uns and does credit to the large production team spearheaded by artistic director Chrissie Ashworth,  musical director Julian Cattley and producer Pamela Williams.  

You can still catch the show tonight (Friday) and twice tomorrow when there’s an afternoon matinee and an evening performance.

* Tickets are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Jades Hair and Beauty, Gwyn Davies Butchers and Stella Bond on 01978 860441 or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/105287

Eisteddfod welcomes new marketing head

 

* Megan McNutt with Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies.

The new head of marketing for one of the UK’s iconic cultural festivals is fresh from a job promoting a top public school in Hampshire, where Hollywood superstar Daniel Day Lewis and TV property expert Kirsty Allsopp were pupils.

Welsh-speaker Megan McNutt, from Llandderfel, near Bala, has just taken over the marketing brief at the world famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which will be celebrated for the 70^th time this summer.

Keen sportswoman Megan plays hockey, skis and is a former gymnast but she also learned to play the harp and the piano as a pupil at Ysgol Y Berwyn, Bala, before going on to study Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff – now Cardiff Metropolitan University.

It’s a return to North Wales for the 28-year-old who has spent the last 15 months as Communications Manager at independent Bedales School, in Hampshire, where Daniel Day-Lewis, Minnie Driver, Sophie Dahl, Cara Delevingne, Lily Allen and Kirsty Allsopp are among the former pupils and where Princess Margaret sent her children.

Megan, who now lives in Ty Nant, Maerdy, near Corwen, with her farmer partner Dylan Jones, will be working alongside a team of dedicated volunteers to deliver the marketing for the 2016 event.

She said: “It’s a really exciting job and I’m thrilled to be working for such an incredible festival which has such a rich heritage.

“I have been to the Eisteddfod a number of times as a visitor but I’m really excited to be part of something which attracts people from all over the world as well as stars like Jools Holland.

“I already appreciate the buzz there is about Llangollen and what it means to so many people, especially to be working with over 800 volunteers who give their time to make this brilliant festival happen every year.”

Llangollen’s worldwide appeal is something the well-travelled Megan will appreciate after spending time in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Sri Lanka and South America as well as in France as a Ski Guide, and an Events Assistant at Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

She said: “I worked at the National White Water Centre at Frongoch, near Bala, and that was a lot of fun and a great experience and in the winter I took a job as a Ski Guide in Val d’Isere in France.

“Since then I have really enjoyed working at Bedales which is a fantastic school but I wanted to come back to North Wales where my boyfriend is a farmer and working for the Eisteddfod is a dream job.

“North Wales can seem like a bit of a bubble but to have these big names coming here to Llangollen is quite amazing.

“It’s a unique place to work and just so impressive that so many people are so committed to making this event possible.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We’re delighted to have Megan join us and be based at Llangollen full time and I’m sure she will bring many qualities to the role.

“She has an impressive background with a broad range of experience for someone still in her 20s and is well travelled which will help with our international connections.”

Megan, is the youngest of four children, and is the daughter of Brendan McNutt, founder of Bryn Melyn Care which helps and cares for children and young adults with complex needs.

Her mother, Nuala, still lives locally in Llandderfel and is a primary school supply teacher.

She sees her role as building visitor numbers, particularly for the daytime competitions in the Royal International Pavilion and for the daytime events on the festival field.

Tickets sales for the concerts at this year’s Eisteddfod, which begins on Tuesday, July 5, are already going well, especially for the opening night when superstar Katherine Jenkins gets the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World.

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert.

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert, featuring Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk