Bank investigates after cashpoint fails to pay out

A BANK has agreed to investigate after a Llangollen man received no money when he used a cashpoint in the town.

Well-known town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais had something to shout about when tried to withdraw £200 from the ATM outside the Co-op supermarket in Regent Street on Saturday April 9 for a weekend trip away nd the machine failed dispense any money.

His bank, HSBC, has since reimbursed him with the full amount but says it is now investigating with the cashpoint’s operating company why he had a problem.    

Mr Cheminais (pictured) said: “After the machine returned my card but failed to let me have my cash I immediately phoned the help number displayed on the cash machine and after a wait spoke to a someone who then put me on hold before passing me on to some else. 

“They checked and confirmed that there had been a problem and agreed that the machine hadn't given me any cash.

“They then told me that my account had been debited but there was nothing that they could do and that I would have to go through my own bank to dispute the transaction. 

“Two people came to use the machine whilst I was still there and when I told them what had happened they said, `It is always doing it! It's been doing it for weeks’.

“Frustratingly, when I contacted my bank they suggested that it would have been better and a lot easier had I used a HSBC cash point. 

“I pointed out that they had closed all of their local branches and that using their cashpoint would require a 23-mile round-trip.

“I worry that it could happen to someone in different circumstances who needed the money to feed their children or at an urgent bill.” 

HSBC has no credited Mr Cheminais’s account with the £200.

And a bank spokesperson said: “We are now investigating why there were issues with the ATM with its operator.”

A spokesperson for Cashzone, which operates the cashpoint, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience experienced by Mr Cheminais.

“Whenever we receive reports of service issues we send out our expert team of engineers as quickly as possible because we know how important it is for the community to have reliable access to cash.

“People who experience issues when withdrawing money should check their bank accounts and get in touch with their bank who will be able to assist them.”

Skates warns over tax returns scam

People in the Dee Valley are being warned about a tax returns scam.

Clwyd South Assembly candidate Ken Skates is urging people not to fall foul of the email con trick, purporting to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Welsh Labour politician said: “I have been made aware of this scam, which on the face of it looks like an official email from the Crown.

"The message says that the recipient is entitled to a significant amount, often hundreds of pounds, in tax returns, but it’s merely a ruse designed to con you into giving personal details.

“Any legitimate tax return due to you will be in the form of a letter and enclosed cheque, and you should never give card or bank information online in this way. It all looks above-board, but I cannot stress enough how important it is not to be hoodwinked.”

The email invites the recipient to follow a link and input personal details onto a form which uses HMRC logos and, on first inspection, looks official.

“If you are ever in any doubt about the authenticity of emails like this, especially when large sums of money are promised, you should check with HMRC or seek advice from Trading Standards before proceeding,” said Mr Skates.

Mr Skates can be emailed at ken4clwydsouth@gmail.com, or contacted through Facebook at www.facebook.com/kenskates4am

Royal goes up for sale at £1.1 million

The Daily Post is reporting that Llangollen's historic Royal Hotel is up for sale at £1.1 million.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/historic-llangollen-hotel-sale-11m-11197892

Mike dashes to triathlon triumph

* Mike, right, with his daughter Claire and son Christian after finishing the triathlon.

AN INTREPID Llangollen man has raised over £300 for the Wales Air Ambulance by taking part in yesterday’s Chirk Triathlon.

Mike Edwards finished the event in a respectable time of 1:44.09 and was second in his age group category.

The gruelling challenge was a family affair for him as his son 43-year-old son Christian and eldest daughter Claire, 30, also took part.

Christian finished in 1:22:39 and Claire in 1:34:00.

Wales Air Ambulance is a cause close to Mike’s heart.

Following a heart attack five years ago he regained his fitness and took up the triathlon event. 

“I am a keen supporter of  the air ambulance, being well aware of the value of a speedy response in my sport,” he said.

Mike is also a long-term cyclist, regularly hitting the mountain bike trails at Coed Llandegla  and pounding the roads in the Wrexham and Llangollen areas.

Mike’s Virgin Money Just Giving page at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MichaelEdwards262

Pengwern Wild Spaces Project event

Pengwern Wild Spaces Project has asked us to display these posters about a forthcoming event:

New speed watch team spots first motorists

LLANGOLLEN’S new community speed watch team has had its first outing and reported a number of motorists for exceeding the limit.

The group of volunteer residents was formed earlier this year to monitor speeding hotspots in the town.

* Volunteers monitored speed near this spot on the A539.

After receiving statutory training in police hand-held radar guns, they had their first monitoring session earlier this week.

Local county councillor Stuart Davies, who is one of the group, said: “Myself and another volunteer were positioned on the A539 on the Wrexham side of the bus stop.

"We were there for half an hour and monitored a number of motorists – I’m not allowed to say exactly how many - exceeding the 30mph limit as they headed along the road in the direction of Wrexham.

“Their details have been given to the police and they will now receive warning letters.

"Persistent offenders will receive up to two warning letters, and on a third occasion, they can expect further action by police."

He added: “It was a very worthwhile exercise as we get a lot of complaints about speeding in the Llangollen area and this scheme helps us to react positively without being too draconian.

“All the points where our monitoring takes place are first risk-assessed by the police.

“Within the next few weeks we will be looking at the 20mph zones in Brook Street and Pengwern, near Pentrefelin and on the A5 close to the fire station.

“We currently have four members in the group with a fifth who has just applied to join.”      

History group's talk on fascinating subject

Llangollen Museum is hosting a talk by Ruth Tams on the history of toilets, entitled Flushed with Pride, on Wednesday April 27, starting at 7.30pm.

Entry fee is £3 which includes tea or coffee.

Police investigate damage to former GPs' surgery

Police officers were this afternoon (Saturday) investigating the breaking of glass in the front door of the former GPs' surgery in Regent Street, Llangollen.

The building has been empty since the practice moved to the town's new £5 million health centre in Mill Street last summer.

A number of residents have expressed concerns about its future use.

Llan voters put Labour leader on the spot

llanblogger joins Pavilion audience for live

TV Q&A session with Carwyn Jones 

* Carwyn Jones chats to audience members after the programme.

Labour’s leader in Wales faced a barrage of questions from a lively Llangollen audience at the Pavilion last night (Friday).

Carwyn Jones, the country’s First Minister until the May 5 Assembly Election began, was the latest party boss put on the spot by voters as part of BBC Wales’s Ask the Leader series.

First pre-arranged question of the live half-hour programme came from Laura Davies who asked why Labour had “screwed up” the NHS in Wales.

Mr Jones replied that despite the budget of the devolved Welsh service being cut by 10% by the Westminster Conservative government, Wales was spending “more than ever before” on its NHS.

He added: “Most people get a good service for most of the time. But when we see there's a problem we take action."

Mr Jones cited the case of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, covering North Wales, which had been placed in special measures by the Welsh Government because people had lost confidence in it.

But he said: “We are making sure that it regains the confidence of the people of North Wales and it is beginning to regain that confidence.”

He also claimed that Wales was spending more on the NHS than England.

Asked by Dr Rhys Davies about the GP recruitment crisis currently affecting the health service, Mr Jones said that to take the pressure of family doctors it was essential that patients didn’t “default” to visiting their GP before trying other avenues for health advice, such as pharmacists and GP nurses.

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies claimed that the local health situation had not been helped by the closure of the town’s cottage hospital.  

Second question came from Mike Evans who referred to the “disconnect” between the Welsh Government and voters in the north of Wales, and challenged Mr Jones to explain why Cardiff felt “more remote” to people in this region than Westminster.

The Labour chief replied that there were more Assembly Members representing North Wales than there were MP’s for the region.

He went on to detail some of the money recently spent in the north, such as on new schools and hospitals and the face-lifting of the A55 trunk route.

Mr Jones was asked by an audience member what benefits the Northern Powerhouse, being promoted for the north of England by Chancellor George Osborn, would bring to North Wales.

“I don’t see it as competition,” he answered.  

Explaining that the suggested powerhouse would mean better transport links within its area, Mr Jones said that Welsh Labour had just announced plans for a North Wales metro link, adding there would be a metro summit called by Labour within 100 days if the party won the assembly election.

He also told the audience that Labour had already improved the country’s road and rail links, including the rail line from Holyhead to Cardiff, and was now improving broadband links in North Wales.

Third questioner Michael Stokes asked Mr Jones if he planned to work closer with UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn if his party won the election.

Mr Jones replied: “I welcome support from all colleagues elsewhere in the UK.”

There was no answer from him when asked by programme presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts if he thought that Mr Corby didn’t look like a Prime Minister.

Final question came from James Wallace who asked the leader whether he apologised for “taking his eye off the ball” when it came to education in Wales.

“I don’t think we have,” responded Mr Jones.

He said that schools were being built or rebuilt right across Wales while “nothing like that” was happening in England.

“We now have more young people sitting in facilities that are appropriate for the 21^st century,” he pointed out, adding that Wales now had better GCSE results than ever before and A Level results that were also improving.

Asked by an audience member about what cash support Labour was planning to provide for university students in Wales, Mr Jones answered: “We will maintain our support for students at a higher level than in England.”   

Friends of Earth put candidates in the frame

Llangollen Friends of the Earth has put candidates contesting Clwyd South in the May 5 Welsh Assembly election in the frame.

Spokesman for the group (pictured below) Warren Davies said: “We invited all of the candidates to take part in a 60 second video interview.

“We asked them to tell us about themselves, why they are standing, their priorities and what they are going to do about climate change.

“The candidates we invited to be filmed were Simon Baynes (Welsh Conservatives), Mabon
Ap Gwynfor (Plaid Cymru), Mandy Jones (UKIP), Duncan Rees (Wales Green Party), Aled Roberts (Welsh Liberal Democrats) and Ken Skates (Welsh Labour). Mandy Jones (UKIP) did not respond.”

* All of the videos are now available on the YouTube channel at:
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYOeqWUDfr8Etl-Rcv6yLQ).

Triathlon is a family affair for Mike

* Mike Edwards outside Chirk Leisure Centre with one of the Wales Air Ambulance mascots, Huw HEMS.

Fundraising for a good cause has become a family affair for Llangollen’s Edwards clan.



For when dad Mike tackles the Chirk Triathlon this Sunday he’ll be doing it alongside his eldest son, Christian, 43, and his 30-year-old eldest daughter, Claire.



Mike is raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance, which is a cause close to his heart.



Following a heart attack five years ago he regained his fitness and took up the triathlon event. 



“I am a keen supporter of  the air ambulance, being well aware of the value of a speedy response in my sport,” he said.



Mike is also a long-term cyclist, regularly hitting the mountain bike trails at Coed Llandegla  and pounding the roads in the Wrexham and Llangollen areas. 



Sunday’s Chirk Triathlon starts and finishes at Chirk Leisure Centre where Mike has been  training for the big event. To sponsor him, go to his Virgin Money Just Giving page at:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MichaelEdwards262

Welsh Conservatives unveil tourism strategy

Welsh Conservatives have unveiled a policy which they say promises to deliver a tourism "boom” for Wales.

The Party is pledging to promote Wales to the rest of the UK and the world and put industry expertise in the driving seat.

The announcement follows statistics which Conservatives claim shows that under Labour day visits to Wales by British residents have fallen by one fifth.

They have announced a five-point plan for the tourism industry and outlined a commitment to introduce a Tourism Bill as a core tenet of their legislative programme should they win the May 5 Welsh Assembly election.

Visit Wales would be removed from government control and operate at arm’s-length.

A new fund would also be established, offering grants to small and medium-sized operators, helping them expand and grow.

Firms would be able to bid for the grants in exchange for up-skilling, or taking on new staff. 

Mark Isherwood, candidate in North Wales, (pictured) said: “A decline in visits to Wales by British residents highlights the need of a change of emphasis.

“Tourism contributes massively to t he North Wales economy.  The people who know best in attracting tourists to Wales are those in the industry itself - and it is time to put the experts in the driving seat.

“We’d remove Visit Wales from government control, freeing it both from the shackles of bureaucracy and Labour’s ‘safety first’ approach."

Welsh Conservatives Leader, Andrew RT Davies, said: "We know many tourist operators struggle with costs such as VAT bills, and a Welsh Conservative Government would provide a dedicated fund, helping small and medium-sized operators grow, expand, and meet costs.

“Meanwhile, our dedicated Tourism Bill will enshrine, in law, an independent, expert-led approach to boosting tourism into Wales, and deliver a mechanism that ensures local communities are involved in promoting visitor experiences. 

“We have so much to be proud of, and with a renewed emphasis on attracting visitors to Wales, we can see our seas swell, beaches throng and mountains move.

“Whilst the sector faces challenges, in Wales, we have tremendous potential to ensure Wales is a world-leader, promoting our castles, seaside towns, growing cities, stunning landscapes and industrial heritage. Under a Welsh Conservative Government, the industry would be freed from government interference, unleashing Wales’ potential as a world-leader in tourism, securing real change and delivering a boom for the sector." 

Welsh Conservatives say they will also safeguard Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Llan Operatic produce another hit with their latest show

* A scene from Springtime for Hitler.

Llangollen Operatic Society likes to break free from the mould of traditional am dram fare with its
big annual show.

And they’ve certainly done that again with their latest production.

While last year there were the singing nuns, gangsters and cops of Sister Act, this time the Town Hall stage is packed with dodgy Broadway Mr Fixits, showgirls, crazy Nazis and even a gang of libidinous dancing grannies as a multi-talented cast serve up the musical comedy version of Mel Brooks’ Academy Award winning movie, The Producers.

And apart from all that, there are also a couple of four-letter words and a bit of simulated sex thrown in for good measure.

But it’s all done in the best possible taste.

The story centres on two theatrical producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop.

Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful.

The humour of the show draws on ridiculous accents, caricatures of Nazis and many show business in-­jokes.

It also features the outrageous title song Springtime for Hitler.

Much of the action revolves around the crooked Bialystock, so the character is hardly ever off stage. But John Clifford proves he’s well up to the job of handling the gargantuan part, shining in every department – line delivery, singing and even some dancing.

Sidekick Leo Bloom is excellently portrayed by Ross Wilson who brings a neat touch of pathos to the role along with some rare acting and singing ability.   

Love interest is provided by the boys’ ultra-sexy Swedish secretary Ulla, played with plenty of va-va-va-voom by a blonde-wigged Louisa Jones.

Bialystock and Bloom go looking for the worst director on Broadway to ensure they get a flop which pays them a fortune. And they get him in the extravagantly gay Roger de Bris who finds his perfect embodiment in Nathan Lloyd.

Taking the part of Franz Liebkind, the outrageous old Nazi who pens  a musical called Springtime for Hitler on which the whole theatrical scam is based, is Joe Scatley. He goes deliciously over the top with the role, which is exactly what is called for.

The supporting team of around 30 people provide powerful and tuneful back-up for the main characters.

Particularly memorable are the team of nymphomaniac grannies who are Bialystock’s willing backers in more ways than one.

The whole crazy romp culminates in a grand finale piece of Springtime for Hitler which brings a spectacular touch of Broadway to Llangollen Town Hall, despite the straight arm salutes and swaztikas.   

Musical director Elen Mair Roberts shines as usual at the head of a versatile six-piece band.

It was Nia Pickering’s first time as artistic director but on this showing it won’t be the last.

The Producers is on at the Town Hall again tonight  (Wednesday) and also Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a matinee on Saturday.

I’m told tickets are becoming as scarce as honesty amongst Bialystock and Bloom, so if you want to see it you’d better make sure you grab some as soon as you can.

MP calls for government action on tax havens

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) has written to Prime Minister David Cameron MP calling on the government to take action on the issue of tax havens.

She said: "The Panama Papers has rightly brought the issue of tax havens into focus and there are also real questions the Prime Minister and Chancellor need to answer on a personal basis.

"But we shouldn't be allowed to ignore the wider action that needs to be taken too.

"I was and remain very supportive of what former Labour Leader Ed Miliband MP proposed on this issue in the run up to the last general election when he warned that tax havens costing British families and businesses billions of pounds should be given just six months to put their house in order and open their books - or face being placed on an international blacklist.

"Ed Miliband highlighted figures that showed how despite David Cameron boasting more than 18 months ago that he had forced tax havens to open up, not one of the tax havens linked to Britain as Overseas Territories or Crown Dependencies had yet delivered on Cameron’s promise that they would publish a register showing who owns the companies registered there.

"We need action on this serious issue. Ordinary families and businesses from our area do not get away with this sort of behaviour, which as we have seen recently is quite shocking and unethical. It's vital we have tough action on this issue."

Skates tackles mobile phone companies over service

Ken Skates has urged people in Clwyd South to contact their mobile operators and report problems with loss of service.

Welsh Labour candidate Mr Skates recently wrote to phone companies and Ofcom to raise concerns about repeated signal issues in Wrexham and the Dee Valley.

He had reported problems in several areas throughout the constituency, and continues to press for better provision from providers.

He said: “People contacted me from Penley, Overton, Ruabon, Llangollen - where my office is - and a host of other areas in Clwyd South.

“This week I received an official response from EE which suggested there are 'no issues' in some of the areas I highlighted, which certainly doesn't tally with my experience - nor, I'm sure, with that of many other people in our area.”

Mr Skates added: “Strong, reliable mobile phone signals are crucial for our businesses and for people going about their day-to-day lives, so I wrote to mobile operators demanding urgent action to address the issues we are experiencing.

“I have also written to the Conservative UK Government, which should be enforcing the obligation for networks to provide 4G to 95% of customers by the end of next year. Sadly, they haven't responded yet.”

Mr Skates said he will continue to update people on progress made via his Facebook page www.facebook.com/kenskates4am.

He added: “Anyone who would like more information can contact me on 07526 742607 or email ken4clwydsouth@gmail.com.”

Good turnout for new youth choir's first workshop

* Young singers at the new youth choir's first workshop.

NINETEEN young singers from seven schools in the area turned up for the first vocal worshop of the new Llangollen Youth Choir held at the Pavilion.

Family and friends of the children also came along to enjoy their debut performance and organisers say they were suitably impressed.

Next three rehearsal dates will be on the Saturdays May 14, June 11 and July 16. They will take place at Ysgol Dinas Bran and the cost is £6 per session from 10am-1pm.

Parents have been asked to register their interest online by emailing: singing@llangollenyouthchoir.com

Spokeswoman Amanda Thomas said: "We’ve been asked if we’re looking for sponsorship. We most likely will in time but, for now, we’re just excited to be working together voluntarily to get this off the ground. 

"This is a mixed choir, so we’re looking for musical boys and girls in current school years of 5, 6, 7 and 8.

"Further details about the choir can be found online at: www.llangollenyouthchoir.com.  We’ll be setting up a Facebook page over the next few months with help from our singers."

Operatic duo's radio interview about new show

Two members of the team staging Llangollen Operatic Society’s forthcoming show, The Producers, spoke live about the production on radio this morning (Friday).

Artistic director Nia Pickering and Ross Wilson, who will take one of the lead roles as Leo Bloom, were guests on the Am Dram slot during the Wynne Evans Show on BBC Radio Wales.

Nia told the host this was her first time as a show director but that things had been made easier for her by a “phenomenal team” both on stage and behind the scenes.

She said she would hopefully be directing again in the future after The Producers, which is on at the Town Hall next week.

Ross, who explained that his day job was as assistant manager at the Cornmill restaurant in the town, said his first time on stage had been with the society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, at the age of just four and that he had go on to study drama in Newport.

One of the numbers from the show, recorded at a recent rehearsal, played the interview out, with Wynne wishing them all the best with the show.

Follow the link to hear the interview:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=10679339844BBEAF!49427&authkey=!AMelL26UGigq7ds&ithint=file%2cwav

Operatic to chat on air about new show

* John Clifford and Ross Wilson in a scene from the show.

Cast and crew of Llangollen Operatic Society's forthcoming show, The Producers, will go on air to talk about the production this morning (Friday).

They will chat live to host Gwynne Evans on his BBC Radio Wales show at around 11.30am.

Gwynne will also be playing a recording of one of the main chorus numbers, Along Came Bialy, which the cast recorded during a recent rehearsal.

The Producers will be staged at Llangollen Town Hall from April 12-16, starting at 7.30pm, and with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday 16th.

Tickets can still be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety.

Pictures: Jon Haddy.

* A roistering scene from The Producers.

Llan's dancing grannies stun Eagles Meadow shoppers

* Cast members of the Producers go through their paces at Eagles Meadow.

A GROUP of dancing grannies from an amateur stage society stopped shoppers in their tracks with routines from their new show.

The high-stepping troupe from Llangollen Operatic Society staged a pop-up performances at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham to showcase their latest production.

From April 12-­16 they will be staging the hilarious musical comedy version of Mel Brooks’ Academy Award­winning movie, The Producers, at their local town hall.

Society members were already on a high after hearing a few days earlier that their last major production, the musical comedy about gangsters and nuns Sister Act, had been nominated for a trio of honours in the National Operatic and Dramatic Association’s (NODA) 2015 awards, acknowledged as the am­dram equivalent of the Hollywood Oscars.

And they’re looking to pick up similar accolades for The Producers which has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-­breaking 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards.

The story centres on two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop.

Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful.

The humour of the show draws on ridiculous accents, caricatures of Nazis and many show business in­jokes.

It also features the outrageous hit song Springtime for Hitler.

Musical director for the show, Elen Mair Roberts, said: “The grannies going through paces at Eagles Meadow have a major part in the show as the elderly female backers who’d do anything for dodgy producer Max Bialstock.

“Their routines are hardly what you’d expect from ladies of more mature years!

“Everyone was feeling great about the pop-up event because just a couple of days ago we heard from NODA that our production last year of Sister Act had been nominated for thee of its 2015 awards.

“These are Best Technical, Best Performances for Elen Haf Taylor as Sister Mary Clarence and Ross Wilson as Sweaty Eddie and also Best Production.

“We’ll find out at the NODA annual meeting in Hereford on May 12 if we’ve been successful, so we’re all keeping our fingers crossed.

“We were actually at Eagles Meadow this time last year to present pop­up selections from Sister Act and that helped us to boost our audience numbers when we staged the show in Llangollen last April.

“With that and the award nominations, appearing at the shopping centre was definitely a lucky date for us and we’re hoping it brings us similar good fortune this time.”

She added: “People who stopped to watch us performing songs from The Producers certainly seemed to enjoy it and a few said they’ll be coming along next month to see the show, which was great news.

“We’d like to thank the management team at Eagles Meadow for all the kind co­operation they’ve given over the past couple of years.

“It’s a pleasure to come along here as we always get such a friendly reception from everyone.”

One of those taking the role, Caroline Anthonisz, said: “The grannies dance is my favourite part of the show and it was great to do it in front of the crowds at Eagles Meadow.

“I hope lots of those who enjoyed it will come along and see the whole thing next month.”

That may well be the case with Karen Griffiths who was stopped in her tracks as the grannies strutted their stuff.

She said: “I was just walking along with my own earphones in when I heard some music that was even louder.

“I wasn’t expecting to see anything like that but I really enjoyed it.

“I live in Acrefair, not far away from Llangollen, so after what I’ve seen today I might go along and see the show.”  

Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: "We were delighted to welcome Llangollen Operatic Society once again.

"Our shoppers loved what they saw of the show, it was hugely entertaining and I'm sure the production itself will be a big hit."

The Producers will be staged at Llangollen Town Hall from April 12­16, starting at 7.30pm, and with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday April 16.* Tickets are now available online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety.

Cardiff choir at first Eisteddfod heads back to Llangollen

* Cardiff Snowflakes Choir at the Eisteddfod in 1947.

MEMBERS of a Cardiff children’s choir that won at the first ever Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are still going strong as the 70^th event approaches.

Back in 1947, the Cardiff Snowflakes took the inaugural festival by storm, being crowned the champion children’s choir and going on to make records and tour extensively.

An appeal by the Eisteddfod in Cardiff has found several of the choir members are still meeting – and still singing – almost 70 years later.

Now aged 82, former singer Pauline Lang remembers the excitement of performing at the famous Eisteddfod that has since played host to music legends such Pavarotti, Lulu and Status Quo.

She and her friend and fellow chorister Lila Donovan still keep in touch and have fond memories of the early days of the iconic event.

Pauline said: “It was a wonderful experience. I was a bit nervous and we all had butterflies but everyone was lovely and I loved going up to Llangollen.

“We were in the big marquee and it was nice out on the fields meeting all the other performers from all over the world. We couldn’t converse with them in their language but it was great fun and there were a lot of impromptu folk dances and sing-songs.

“I think it helped that we had good weather,” added Pauline who lives in Fairwater, Cardiff, with her husband of almost 60 years, Arthur.

The Snowflakes were formed in 1926 by Gwenllian Williams and later continued under her daughters Eira Novello and Marion Williams.

Pauline joined the singers after her parents suggested it and made friends immediately with the other girls in the choir.

She said: “The first time I walked in I met up with someone I’d been in infant school with and we still keep in touch now so must have been friends for something like 78 years.

“We went back to the Eisteddfod in 1949 and we won it then as well and after that we went on to make three records with the Decca label.

“We were pretty successful and used to tour and compete all over the country as well as going over to Copenhagen for a few weeks to sing.”

While Pauline left the choir when the first of her three children was born, many members used the experience to launch their careers, with one former Snowflake heading to Hollywood.

Ira Stevens left her home in Dogo Street, Cardiff, in 1936 for Los Angeles as the body-double for Shirley Temple, appearing in several films before returning to Wales in 1939.

“I still enjoy music,” said Pauline, who worked as a typist and now has six grandchildren. “But I’m afraid my voice is too croaky to sing now.”

However, her fellow former Snowflake Lila Donovan, also from Cardiff, has never stopped singing since those early moments starring at the Eisteddfod.

“I had some wonderful years in The Snowflakes,” said Lila: “My mother and father were both musicians with the Salvation Army so they suggested that my sister and I went along.

“I can’t thank them enough for that as it led to so many adventures. We travelled all over the place, even to Denmark, and I made some wonderful friends who I have kept in touch with for years.

“I enjoyed every minute of the Eisteddfod and I think we sang Spring’s Return for that although I can’t be sure, it’s hard to remember all the details from so long ago.”

Lila went on to marry and work as a teacher, although the couple never had children of their own. Now widowed she still spends time at her local school listening to the little ones reading as well as carrying on with the hobby that has stuck with her through life – singing.

“I am a member of an operatic society now and so still sing a lot. It keeps me pretty busy and I love going up on the stage as well. It’s things like that that keep you going and I suppose I’ve been singing my whole life now,” Lila added.

Another fellow Snowflake, who joined just after the famous first Eisteddfod performance but was there to lift the crown for the second time in 1949, was Marian Hughes.

Now 77, the widow from Whitchurch, in Cardiff, remembers the group and her singing days with fondness, saying: "I have so many lovely memories of those times. After the performance in 1949 the whole world opened up for us.

"It just grew from there. One minute we were on stage with Harry Secombe or recording with the BBC Welsh radio service and of course there was the trip to Denmark that was absolutely unheard of in those days.

"We were doing concerts all over the place - it was quite amazing. I've been singing ever since and am still part of a local community choir along with five of the other Snowflakes, so we still sing together on a Saturday morning," she added.

The festival’s Musical Director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, who lives in Cardiff, said: “It’s fantastic that these ladies have such wonderful memories of Llangollen and that they can recall them so clearly.

“We’d be delighted to welcome them and any other members of the Snowflakes up there again and I’m sure they would find the welcome as warm as ever.”

The Snowflakes were just one of several Welsh choirs at the first Llangollen Eisteddfod and others included Penarth Ladies Choral Society and the Mid Rhondda Ladies Musical Society who competed against choirs from across the UK, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Hungary

This year’s Eisteddfod, which begins on Tuesday, July 5, will attract competitors from even further afield and concert ticket sales are already going well, especially for the opening night when 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,  West End star Kerry Ellis and classical boy band Collabro.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening with acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja 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.

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Back our last bank, says AM

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has urged people to back the only remaining bank in his constituency after being given an assurance that it’s safe from closure for the immediate future.

The AM has spoken at length with Jonathan Brenchley, Barclays’ head of corporate relations in Wales, in the wake of HSBC closing its branches in Ruabon and Chirk.

Mr Skates said he was relieved to be assured that the Llangollen branch is safe for now, but encouraged his constituents to use it as often as they can. He also called for customers of banks which have left the area to switch to Barclays.

Welsh Labour AM Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “I’m pleased to have been given assurances that, for the immediate future, the Llangollen Barclays branch is safe.

“Only once in the past six years has Barclays closed the last remaining bank in any town in Wales. This demonstrates a greater degree of social responsibility than other banks have shown, and I would urge customers to use the Llangollen branch as much as possible to guarantee its longer-term survival.”

 Mr Skates added: “More people are going online to do their banking, which is reducing demand for over-the-counter services. We need more people to switch their custom to Barclays and use the branch regularly in order to secure its future.

“I’d urge anyone who objected to the closure of other bank branches to switch to Barclays if they wish to see Llangollen remain open in the long term.”

Mr Skates recently secured a commitment from HSBC that it would keep a cashpoint in Ruabon, and has also fought for mobile banking services for communities where branches have closed, including Rhos and Brymbo.

Former mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Bob Lube, said the branch was of great importance to small businesses based in the town.

“I’m pleased Ken has had this discussion with Barclays, and I know he will do everything he can to keep banking facilities in Llangollen,” said Cllr Lube.

“I’m glad we’ve got someone as proactive as him fighting our corner once again.”

Spring gala steams into Llangollen

* The renovated Foxcote Manor will be a

star of this weekend's Steam Gala.

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

Headlining the event are two special guests, engine no. 7820 “Dinmore Manor” and the Small Prairie class No. 4566.

The gala should also feature the return of our resident No.7822 “Foxcote Manor” following a major overhaul, supplementing locos from the railway's home fleet: 5199, 6430 & 80072.

An intensive timetable will recall the sights and sounds of the Cambrian routes in the 1950s and 60s.

The route of the Llangollen Railway follows a 10-mile stretch of the former cross-country Ruabon to Barmouth line, which was once busy carrying holiday makers from the North West of England to the Cambrian Coast resorts of Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Barmouth.

"Dinmore Manor” will be joining sister "Foxcote Manor”, which has just returned to service after a lengthy overhaul which followed around two years of fundraising and work.

A special souvenir gala programme containing details about the loco fleet, attractions, timetable and photography locations, has been designed with a reproduction of the BR style timetable cover to make it blend in with the period.

This is available to download for free from the railway’s website and will be available for free in paper format from the station booking offices during the gala itself.

There will be recreations of a number of BR named trains from the 1950s and early 60s, with the most notable being the daily Cambrian Coast Express.

Gala visitors are encouraged to download and create their very own CCE luggage label from the railway’s website, which can then be attached to their rucksack, bag or other items for their journey.

On board the recreated ‘Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society AGM Special Train’, which ran annually over the Ruabon – Barmouth line on its way to Towyn until 1964, passengers will be given a complimentary copy of the 1962 souvenir eight-page booklet, reproduced from an original held in the Talyllyn Railway’s archive.

The Festiniog Railway Society railtour headboard will also be in use, as well as a recreation of the North Wales Radio Land Cruise, which once did a circular land cruise around North Wales via Bala, Barmouth, Porthmadog, Bangor and Denbigh.

Over the winter a dedicated group of volunteers have cleared the shrubs, trees and overhanging branches from both ends of Berwyn Tunnel, making the approaches to it much lighter and drier.

Footage taken during 7822 Foxcote Manor's comeback special on this stretch can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqZXeGgefJM

During the gala, the first departure from Llangollen will be the 9.20am double-headed express service, which will run non-stop through to Corwen.

Whilst the majority of the line will be representing the 1950s & early 1960s, Berwyn station will be remaining in its GWR 1930s guise.

The gala will be the first opportunity for the newly restored ticket office to be seen in use.

After Berwyn was downgraded to Halt status in the 1950s, the building was leased to the proprietors of the nearby Chain Bridge Hotel, who removed amongst other things all the ticket office furniture and fittings.

The partition wall was reinstated when the station reopened in 1985, but the counter unit remained absent.

A replica counter has been constructed by a specialist cabinet maker in Wallasey on the Wirral, based on the surviving counter at Carrog.

The ticket office will be fitted out for the gala as it would have been 80 years ago, complete with original GWR paperwork and furniture. 

The station's waiting room has also been fitted out with period GWR posters, including to Criccieth, a popular Cambrian Coast holiday resort.

Music event planned at St Collen's

MP campaigns over pre-pay meters

* Susan Elan Jones MP

campaigning with

Shadow Energy Minister

Dawn Butler MP.

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones is calling on the Government and energy companies to use the spring and summer as a time to clamp down on "the scandalous cost" of pre-payment meters.

Ms Jones has joined Shadow Energy Minister Dawn Butler MP in welcoming the tariff cap recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority, but the pair also want tougher action.

They want to see:
- costs of pre-payment meters cut so they're the same as direct debit fuel tariffs
- homes with pensioners, disabled people and children not having pre-payment meters in the first place.
- no instalment of pre-payment meters during the winter
- no debt collection by energy companies during the winter
- monitoring and action on self-disconnection by those on smart meters and the prioritisation of pre-payment customers in the UK roll-out.

Ms Jones said: "This is a real scandal that affects many of the poorest people in our communities.

"Estimates show around 8,000 households in this constituency alone have pre-payment meters. Energy costs have fallen, but this isn't being passed onto people on pre-payment meter. They are paying up to £330 a year more than if they were paying by direct debit.

"One leading charity even found that 57% of pre-payment meter users were limiting how much energy they used in the winter. That shows the scale of the scandal. We need serious action to end the pre-pay rip off."