Parking measures on A5 given priority, says AM

* Ken Skates AM outside Stan's on the A5. 

The Welsh Government has confirmed that parking restrictions on the A5 in Llangollen have been prioritised.

Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the confirmation that the Welsh Labour Government intends to introduce double yellow lines to stop nuisance parking opposite Stans of Llangollen on Berwyn Street.

Mr Skates, who is based in the town, said parked cars opposite the garage caused an obstruction, particularly for older pedestrians trying to cross the road.

“I’m pleased that the Welsh Labour Government has reiterated its plans for parking restrictions opposite Stans,” said Mr Skates, who raised the issue last year.

“Transport Minister Edwina Hart said in January last year that the work would be put forward for funding, and she has now confirmed it is a priority. I thank the Welsh Labour Government for its support and for listening to my concerns and those of my constituents in Llangollen.”

In her response to Mr Skates, the Minister said: “We are progressing the order to implement the requested parking restrictions within the town centre. My officials have assured me that this is a priority and they are working to implement the works as soon as possible, subject to any public objections.

"The resurfacing works in Llangollen, including a length of carriageway to the west of the town, started on January 26 and will last approximately six weeks. Due to Wales and West Utilities’ intention to renew a length of cast iron gas main located within the carriageway, it will not be possible to resurface the section between Market Street and the 30mph signs to the west of the town. This work will be undertaken after the gas main has been renewed."

Tourism forum planned for March 3

The priorities for Denbighshire as a tourist destination will be high on the agenda for the county’s  next Tourism Forum meeting, taking place in early March – and there are  only a few days left for delegates to  register to attend.

 

The Denbighshire Tourism Forum meeting at the Oriel House Hotel, St Asaph on Thursday, March 3, will allow tourism businesses to agree the priorities for Denbighshire’s Destination Management Action Plan in 2016-17.

 

Guest speaker will be Melanie Sensicle, Programme Delivery Director, Northern Tourism Growth Fund, VisitEngland.

 

There will also be an opportunity to update delegates on tourism-related activity since the previous forum held in October.

 

To book a place at the forum, e-mail: tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706223 together with details of any dietary or access requirements.

 

Registration for the event will take place from 10.30am ~ forum starts at 11am ~ lunch and networking at 1.30pm. 

New law on multiple occupation houses now in force

New legislation that will give planning authorities the opportunity to manage the impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their local area comes into force this week.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said the aim is to allow local planning authorities to require planning consent for new HMOs and to consider the effects such dwellings might have on local areas before deciding whether to approve planning permission or refuse it.

 

The new legislation will introduce a new use class (C4) for HMOs occupied by not more than six residents. This will mean that anyone wanting to create a new HMO for between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom would have to apply for planning permission.
 
The legislation has been developed following recommendations made in an independent report into the effect HMOs can have on communities. The report found a clear need to take action to ensure the continued confidence of residents in areas with large numbers of HMOs, while also protecting the rights of those people residing in them.

The report also recognised that HMOs can provide a source of accommodation for people in specific circumstances and the intention of the changes is ensure better control of such households.

Carl Sargeant said: “HMOs make an important contribution to the private rented sector by catering for the housing needs of certain groups and provide accommodation for individuals who cannot afford to purchase properties or rent larger accommodation. 

“However, as our independent report found, large concentrations of HMOs can bring their own problems to local areas.  This new legislation will allow planning authorities to take action to manage the number of HMOs in their local area.

“I hope this legislation will be welcomed by those local communities affected by high concentrations of HMOs across Wales and by local authorities.”

Llan becomes region's comedy capital

 

 

* Ignacio Lopez.

 

Llangollen is becoming the comedy capital of North Wales, with audiences flocking to see top comedians from all over the world.

 

The Llangollen Comedy Club has been running for the past two years and has built up a reputation as one of the hottest venues in Wales to perform.

 

Names such as Tom Wrigglesworth, Mick Ferry, Lloyd Langford, Bethany Black and Howard Read have appeared so far at the monthly shows, generating large audiences.

 

* Keith Carter as Nige.

“At the moment each show is selling exceptionally well, with both online sales and evening walk ups over 80% up on 2014," said club organiser Paul Brown.

 

"We are seriously having to look at moving some shows to a bigger 400 seater hall in the International Pavilion.

 

“This will obviously have an impact on the economy of Llangollen as people visiting the show are coming from out of the area, with many visiting the excellent restaurants in the town before or after the show. This will only increase as the Comedy Club continues to grow.

 

* Host: Silky. Picture by Andy Hollingworth.

"The intimate nature of the club, where the comedians actually sit with the audience before going up on stage, is key and gives the opportunity for performers to try out new material in preparation for larger shows and TV appearances.

 

“Sarah Millican loved it here and tried out material in preparation for her UK tour. This meant the Comedy Club audience were the first to see Sarah’s new show and at a much more affordable price. Since then we’ve been in discussions with some really big names in the world of comedy so watch this space.”

 

“The Comedy Club is a great asset to Llangollen in so many ways. Not only does it give us, and the surrounding communities something to smile about, but brings in much needed revenue to the shops, cafes, pubs and hotels through footfall to the town,” said Denbighshire county councillor Rhys Hughes.

 

The next show on Friday February 26 sees the return of Keith Carter as his alter ego ‘Nige” along with Ignacio Lopez and host Silky.

 

Tickets are priced at £9 and can be bought online at www.radiantevents.co.uk or on the evening on the door.

County warns over fish salesmen

Denbighshire’s Public Protection officers are warning consumers across the county to beware of salesmen trying to persuade householders to buy fresh fish.

 

There have been reports to Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police in the last week of traders selling door to door, asking residents, including older people, if they would like to buy fish.

 

Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager said: “We have concerns regarding the matter, especially as to whether the fish sellers are registered as a food business operator which is a legal requirement for all food businesses, and indeed if they are adhering to all food safety and hygiene regulations which applies to such businesses, including the display of the relevant food hygiene rating for the business.

 

“When buying fish from door to door salesmen, the purchaser very often has no way of knowing how the fish have been stored and whether they are safe to eat. These type of sellers commonly use non-refrigerated vans, and there may be issues with the labelling, quality and descriptions of the fish and they may pressurise residents to buy more than they actually need.

 

“As with any doorstep caller we would urge people not to be tempted to buy and ask them to leave.  The best place to buy fish is from a reputable fishmonger at an established shop or stall or even with a trader with a regular prearranged round.”

 

* Anyone wanting advice on doorstep trading, or to report an incident, can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language) which gives free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues, or the police on 101.  Any person feeling intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999.

Davies pleased as Boris backs Brexit campaign

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies says he’s pleased that Boris Johnson has joined the Brexit campaign for Britain to pull out of the European Union.

He said: “I’m pleased to see the great Boris (pictured) injecting life into the debate about in or out and congratulate him for coming out on the Leave side. 

“I remember him well from the 1997 General Election when he stood for Clwyd South and put up a superb fight.

“I was his press officer at the time and we spent the campaign going around the constituency spreading the word.

“The Clwyd South chairman, Ian Reynolds, said of him at the selection meeting, `A Prime Minister in the making’ and I am confident that his prediction will come true.”

Cllr Davies added: “Boris will be the game maker and I confident we will be saying goodbye to the diktats coming from non-elected officers of the EU.

“Boris was and is a superb communicator and has the ability to lead us to a resounding No to the EU. 

“After watching Cameron’s useless negotiation results I was ready to publicly burn my membership card and boycott the Conservative Conference here in Llangollen.

“But since Boris has come out in favour of Leave its game on again.”

The Welsh Conservative Party Conference will be held at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday and Saturday March 11 and 12.
 

 

Museum stages art competition

Llan event showcases food and drink sector

 

* Rhian Cattell with her company's new roasting machine.

 

A coffee roasting company is brewing up plans to double the size of the business.

 

Denbigh-based Owen & Edwards will be one of the star attractions at an event to promote the food and drink industry in Denbighshire.

 

Another role model at the A Taste for Local networking event at Llangollen's International Pavilion on Wednesday March 9 will be Ruthin-based Patchwork Pate which is about to launch the UK’s only dairy-free chicken parfait.

 

The aim of the event being organised by Denbighshire County Council is to give people involved in the hospitality and tourism industries the chance to mingle with some of the county’s top local producers.   

 

It's being held as part of Denbighshire Business Month starting on March 2 and people wanting to attend can do so via the website Denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

 

Richard and Rhian Cattell launched Owen & Edwards a year ago and have since built up a solid customer base at cafes and restaurants across the Clwydian Range area.

 

After investing around £20,000 in state of the art coffee roasting equipment they are now aiming to brew up even more success by doubling the size of their business with an expanded range of products and a much larger number of sales outlets.

 

Rhian said: “We’re both coffee lovers and decided to start the business as something we could do and enjoy together.

 

“We developed Owen & Edwards with a coffee roasting business owned by my husband’s family in Devon and they have given us lots of help with it.

 

“We came up with our own blend called Espresso No.1 and began distributing the coffee around the Denbigh area.

 

“We gradually developed our range to include blends called Famau, after the mountain, and Hiraethog after the moorland above Denbigh, along with a decaf.

 

“We are doing well with our local customers but have decided to step things up by making a major investment in a roaster, which is now installed at our base on the Denbigh Industrial Estate.

 

“This now gives us the ability to expand into other areas such as Llangollen and Wrexham and to double the number of places where our products are on sale. We’ll also be looking to expand our range of blends.”

 

Rhian added: “We both have other part time jobs – myself with a housing association and Richard as a project manager – and cover the coffee business between us during the week.  But we're now getting to the stage where it can support more of our time, which is great news."

 

“We’re really looking forward to the networking event in Llangollen where we’re hoping to get some fresh business opportunities and meet new customers.”

 

Also eager to meet new people to do business with at the March 9 event is Rufus Carter from Patchwork Paté.

 

Rufus said: “The dairy-free chicken parfait is designed to appeal to the growing `free-from’ market – free from wheat, sugar and dairy.

 

“The parfait is traditionally a smooth pate made with 60 per cent butter. But we’ll be using a machine developed for the paint industry to inject vegetable oils into the recipe.

 

“We began to develop the new product in January and it is due to be launched in April.

 

“From our point of view meeting potential new customers at the Llangollen networking day is a fantastic opportunity and we’re looking forward to being there.”

 

Another Denbighshire based business saying cheers to the event is former computer software programmer Alyn Ashworth, founder of Denbigh Brewery, or Bragdy Dinbych in Welsh.

 

He said: “I produce a range of beers including a light and hoppy bitter called John the Thumbs, a brown ale called Earl’s Folly, Goblin Tower, which is a ruby mild, a seriously strong ale and a lager.

 

“I also do occasional beers like Christmas Ale and another called Plum Ale, which uses and celebrates the distinctive type of plums that the Denbigh area has long been famous for.

 

Alyn added: “I usually show off my products at events like beer festivals and local food markets, so I’m looking forward to the networking opportunity at Llangollen because I’m a small company with big ideas.”

 

Among the guest speakers at the event will be TV hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones who will issue as rallying cry for better networking  between food suppliers and producers.

 

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 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 welcomes pledge on older people's tax break

 

*Ken Skates AM with Llangollen resident Viv Burke.

 

A promise to give older people in North East Wales ‘a £26,000 tax break’ has been welcomed by the area's Assembly Member.

The Welsh Labour has announced six key campaign pledges for May’s Assembly elections.

 

These include doubling the capital limit people can keep from the sale of their homes if they need to go into residential care.

Ken Skates, Labour AM for Clwyd South, said: “We believe that people in old age who need extra help – those who have played fair and paid in – deserve a fairer deal.

 

“We will double the capital limit they will be allowed to keep on the sale of their home should they need to go into care – effectively a £26,000 tax break for thousands of older people in Wales.”

 

Mr Skates’ constituent Viv Burke, who suffers from a degenerative condition, said the pledge would be ‘a huge help to older people and their families’.

Viv, from Llangollen, added: “My mother is in care. This would be massive for countless people like me and families like mine, and a reward for those of us who have paid their way all their lives.”

Other Welsh Labour pledges include tax cuts for all small businesses and free childcare for working parents.

Warning over council tax refund calls

Trading Standards officers in Denbighshire are warning residents to be on their guard against potential scam phone calls advising of a council tax refund.

 

The warning comes after reports were received that residents are being telephoned and the caller has some personal information such as their name, address and council tax banding.

 

Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager said: “This appears to be a national scam or at least a variation on similar events reported nationally.  Our advice is to put the phone down on these scammers and then report the call.  Anyone concerned about their Council Tax account is able to get more help from calling 01824 706468.

 

"If people think they've been scammed, or know someone who has fallen victim to a scam, they can get advice and report it to trading standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06, for the Welsh language service call 03454 04 05 05, or alternatively report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, to help stop it happening to others."

 

Steam Gala comes powering into Llan

*Headliner: Dinmore Manor. 

Llangollen Railway's Spring Steam Gala will take place over three days from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April.

Headlining the event are two very special guests: 4-6-0 No. 7820 "Dinmore Manor" and Small Prairie class 2-6-2T No. 4566.

The gala should also feature the return of the railway's resident 4-6-0 No.7822 "Foxcote Manor" following a major overhaul, supplementing locos from the LR's home fleet: 5199, 6430 & 80072. Expect to see double headers, express workings and an intensive timetable recalling the sights and sounds of the Cambrian routes in the 1950s and 60s. A gala programme including timetables will be available free from stations when purchasing tickets - while stocks last.

HIGHLIGHTS

* It's the first time two BR unlined black Manors have run together in preservation.
* Recreated named trains and railtours of the 1950s & 60s, including the 'Cambrian Coast Express'.
* First visit of No. 4566 to Llangollen in 25 years!
* Community railway film screening by New Dot Cinema (Friday evening only) in Llangollen town hall
* Illustrated Talk "A History of Railway Preservation" courtesy of the NRM (Saturday evening only).

AT THE STATIONS

Llangollen
* The Station Café Bar - serving fresh coffee, teas, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages as well as freshly prepared sandwiches and cooked meals.
* Yard and shed open for a browse - check out the progress on our new build and under overhaul locos.
* Well stocked retail shop
* Photographic display in the Henry Robertson suite on platform 1

Berwyn
* Station tea room - serving delicious home made sandwiches and cakes.
* Oldest chain link bridge in the world spans the River below the station
* Great photo opportunities from the lineside viewing area at Berwyn Tunnel (1/2 mile walk from the station)

Glyndyfrdwy
* Station tea room - serving delicious home made sandwiches and cakes.
* The Cambrian Bar - featuring a selection of real ales
* Barmouth South Signal Box open as a photographic vantage point overlooking the station
* Station shop on the platform, selling second hand books, railwayana, pictures, prints & DVDs.

Carrog
* Station refreshment room offering Tea, Coffee, freshly made sandwiches, pasties and homemade cakes
* Carriage shops selling second-hand books, railwayana, pictures & DVDs.

Corwen East
* Large car park available adjacent to the station
* Corwen Museum featuring railway displays open to the public (5 - 10 min walk). Free entry.
* Guided site tours around the under construction Corwen Central station.
* Refreshments (subject to availability)

FARES

One Day Rover – Advance: Adults – £23, Senior – £20, Child – £12, Family (2 adults & 2 children)– £50
One Day Rover – On the day: Adults – £25, Senior – £22, Child – £16, Family (2 adults & 2 children)– £60

Two Day Rover – Advance: Adults – £42, Senior – £36, Child – £22, Family (2 adults & 2 children) – £90
Two Day Rover – On the Day: Adults – £45, Senior – £40, Child – £29, Family (2 adults & 2 children)– £108

Three Day Rover – Advance: Adults – £55, Senior – £48, Child – £29, Family (2 adults & 2 children) – £120
Three Day Rover – On the Day: Adults – £60, Senior – £53, Child – £38, Family (2 adults & 2 children) – £144

Standard Return (not available to pre book)  – Adult – £18, Senior – £16, Child – £10, Family – £48.

Full details including the latest programme can be found at: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/spring-steam-gala-8th-april/

           

County completes traveller site study

Denbighshire County Council has completed an assessment of gypsy and traveller accommodation and will be presenting its findings to the Welsh Government later this month.

 

All local authorities are required to undertake an up to date assessment by February 26 and every five years after that.

 

The 2015-16 assessment has been carried out jointly with Conwy County Borough Council.

 

This was as a result of the 2013 assessment which called for a shared transit site for the two authorities as a high proportion of unauthorised encampments occur in the north of the county in the border area.

 

The county does not currently have any authorised sites for gypsies and travellers.

 

Councillor Hugh Irving, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: “The latest assessment has revealed a clear need for a transit site(s) or stopping place given the incidence of unauthorised encampments and under the Housing (Wales) Act, the Council will be required to address this need.

 

“The need for any future provision of sites is a regional issue, given the movement of gypsies and travellers in North Wales and the limited Welsh Government funding available for sites."

 

Councillor Barbara Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, said: “New guidance from the Welsh Government specifies that authorities should consider a regional approach in relation to the development of new gypsy and traveller transit sites and Cabinet has approved this approach."

Museum hosts history talk tonight

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.