Experts roped in to spread Eisteddfod word

* Llangollen International Eisteddfod banners are placed above the railway line with the help of local company R3 Safety & Rescue using their team of abseilers. Paul O'Sullivan, left, secures the banner with help from Chris Heath, watched by Eisteddfod marketing chairman Ian Lebbon, front right, and railway manager Kevin Gooding.

A team of high ropes experts from Llangollen have swung into action to help spread the word about the town’s iconic music festival.

The intrepid operators swayed out over the River Dee in the town centre to fix a four metre advertising banner to the Llangollen Railway Station bridge to get the message out about next month’s International Musical Eisteddfod.

Now thousands of travellers on the famous steam railway will see that the famous festival runs from Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 10, what’s on and where to get tickets.

It’s also in clear view of the even greater numbers of visitors to the picturesque town who stroll across the famous Dee bridge, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, and stop to admire the spectacular view upstream.

The idea came from Eisteddfod Marketing Chairman Ian Lebbon who said: “It’s a great example of different organisations in the town working together.

“We asked Llangollen Railway if we could put the banner up on their pedestrian bridge across the tracks and they agreed and we asked our neighbours at R3 Safety and Rescue who rent an office at the Eisteddfod site and they came up with the high ropes expertise to put it up safely.

“The railway station is a prime location and they’ve also allowed us to put more banners up on the stations along the route at Berwyn, Glyndwyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

“We’re very grateful to the railway and to R3 for their help – in a small town like this it’s important that we all work together.”

Llangollen Railway, a heritage line run by enthusiast, operates a mainly steam service the ten miles to Corwen and back with over 1,000 passengers a week during busy periods.

Kevin Gooding, the Railway’s General Manager, said: “We will have thousands of visitors passing through the station so it is in an ideal spot.

“We benefit from the Eisteddfod because the TV often bring artists and performers down here to film them and so we get our share of publicity from that.

“We had Prunella Scales and Timothy West here last year for a cream tea because they were filming on the canal and the next thing we were being inundated with requests from round the country for cream teas.”

The man hanging out over the waters of the fast-flowing Dee was R3 Safety and Rescue Managing Director Paul O’Sullivan watched by Operations Director Chris Heath.

He said: “We’re a safety and rescue training provider and we work across the UK. Ian asked if we’d help out with this and we’re delighted to do so.

“We teach all the emergency services a range of skills including mountain and water rescue and we use the River Dee and even the Royal International Pavilion which is ideal for our high ropes work so we were happy to get involved.”

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.

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

250+ homes plan for old Air Products site

Wrexham.com is reporting today that an application has been made to build more than 250 homes on the former Air Products site in Acrefair.

For the full story, see: https://www.wrexham.com/news/250-homes-proposed-for-former-air-products-site-114105.html

Museum's programme of events

Llangollen Museum of Local History has three major events planned over the next few weeks, details of which are below ...

Warning over bogus computer calls

* Now with a message from town councillor Phil Thane at the foot of the story

Denbighshire Trading Standards is reminding residents to be extra vigilant following reports of telephone calls from a company claiming to be from Microsoft Windows. 

These cold callers are usually attempting to get access to your computer or asking for a payment to fix an issue. 

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said: “Residents should be aware that Microsoft, or other computer software providers, do not make unsolicited calls or emails to charge for computer security or fixes.  If individuals need to check then they should go to the official Micorsoft website.”

Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

* Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a computer or other security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company

* Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller

* Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue

* If you can, take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities, but if you are uncomfortable with the caller, simply put the phone down.

* Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software

* Make sure security updates are installed regularly

* Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date

* If you have any concerns about your computer, take to a local/ reputable expert to check it out

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0345 070 0707.

* Message from Llangollen town councillor Phil Thane:

Saw your blog piece regarding windows scam. I got a call a few years back and recorded it. Worth waiting for the punch line...

http://pthane.co.uk/?s=broken+windows

Town fete shines on through the rain

Crowds braved rain showers to enjoy the annual Llangollen town fete this afternoon (Saturday).

Once again the Rotary Club has joined forces with the ladies of the Inner Wheel to stage the event at Plas Newydd by arrangement with the historic estate's owner, Denbighshire County Council, whose chair, Councillor Ann Davies, headed the VIP guest list along with the Mayor of Llangollen,
Councillor Mike Adams.

* A magician enthralls young spectators.

This year, the newly formed Rotary Club of Dee Valley assisted in organisation and fundraising.

The fete is run as part of the community service programme of the three clubs as an event for the town, as well as being one of their most important fundraisers.  Preparation takes much of the year.

From 2pm the fete offered a range of attractions including traditional stalls and sideshows, a bouncy castle and a round-about for youngsters.

Music was provided throughout the afternoon by Llangollen Silver Band and there was also  entertainment from Punch and Judy and a magician plus a guest appearance by Wrex, the Wrexham FC mascot.

Another highlight was a grand raffle with a £100 first prize.

* Llangollen Silver Band played throughout the afternoon.

* Kids have fun on the bouncy castle.

* Many tried their luck on the darts.

* Face painting was a popular pastime.

* There was growing interest in the flower stall.

* Skittles was a top crowd pleaser.

* Wrex, the Wrexham mascot, put in a

guest appearance.

Fete promises to be bigger and better than ever

* Plas Newydd, setting for today's summer fete.

The annual Plas Newydd Fete today (Saturday) promises to be bigger than ever this year. 

There is a big emphasis on family activities. 

An Art Exhibition will display the work of talented young artists at our local primary schools. 

Children can take part in a creative crown competition to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. 

An expert will be on hand to teach children, and their parents, the art of fly-fishing.  There is also a chance to make pom-poms and to try your hand at pebble painting.

To celebrate the Euro 2016 Football Tournament, under-11 players who come in a team or country kit will be given two free goes in the football competition.

Wrex the Dragon, Wrexham’s mascot will be on hand to meet everybody.  There is also a Punch and Judy and a Magic Show.

It is hoped that this will be a real community event.  Although it is organised by the Rotary and Inner wheel Clubs of the area, other organisations will be represented, including RAFA, the National Trust, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and the new Micro Dot Cinema.

There should be plenty of things to buy, including hand-made jewellery, cosmetics and the usual selling stalls such as plants, cakes, books and toys. Home-made refreshments are available at a reasonable price.

The Fete opens at 2pm. and the winning raffle tickets will be announced at the end 4.15 – 4.30pm.

Taking a break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back online in about a week's time

Libraries looking for young volunteers

Libraries in Denbighshire are offering volunteering opportunities for young people to support children who are taking part in the successful Summer Reading Challenge.

 

By getting involved, young people can gain valuable work experience and volunteer hours, an opportunity to develop confidence, social skills, employability and literacy skills, and an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their communities and make new friends.

“If you’re looking for something to do this summer, want to develop skills and confidence that could help with college or job applications, or need to be involved with volunteering for the Welsh Bacc or DofE – this could be ideal for you,” said Bethan M Hughes of Denbighshire Libraries.

“We’re looking for young people aged 14-24 who can offer us a minimum of three hours a week over at least four weeks between July and September. You’ll need to have good communication skills and preferably a willingness to engage with children and families in both Welsh and English, an interest in supporting and working with children, and in books and reading, and you’ll need to be flexible, friendly, and reliable.

“You will help children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, which this year is called Record Breakers. You will chat with children about what they’re reading, help them choose books to read and use the Challenge website, and encourage them to complete the challenge.

“This year, the volunteering opportunities are on offer in all eight of our libraries. The closing date for applications is Friday June 17^th and there will be a training session for each library (details in the application pack).

“If you think you’d like to join our team of Young Volunteers, just contact one of these libraries to pick up an application pack or go to denblibs.wordpress.com”

Last year, 38 young people volunteered in libraries in Denbighshire and the scheme won a Highly Commended award in the Marketing Excellence Awards for libraries, museums and archives in Wales.

In 2015, 3965 children in Denbighshire took part in the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge in their local library. This year’s challenge will be called The Big Friendly Read and follow the theme of Roald Dahl’s centenary.

Invitation to murder at Trevor Hall

* Trevor Hall - scene of the murder evening.

Local people are being invited to dress fit for the Hollywood red carpet on June 15.

It's for a special evening at the exclusive Trevor Hall, a venue not usually open to the public. 

Champagne and canapés will be served on arrival, but the evening will take a twist when it’s revealed that a murder has taken place. 

Guests will each be given roles, and tasked with finding out who the murderer could be by quizzing the other guests over the course of the evening.

Tickets are £25, and all proceeds from the evening will go to local charity TCC.

TCC worker Kay Polley said “We’re really lucky to be allowed into Trevor Hall for the evening, it definitely makes it a really special event. 

"We’re looking forward to an evening of mystery and luxury.  Tickets are limited, so please get in touch with TCC as soon as possible if you’d like to reserve your place.”

* To book your place please call 01978 262588 or email kay@tcc-wales.org.uk.

Young Llan chef commended in Dahlicious competition

* Competition winner Nicole Garratt of Ysgol Pendref.

A PUPIL from a Llangollen primary school was one of the young chefs from across the county who took part in the Great Denbighshire Menu Primary School Final 2016.

Rhys Penge of Ysgol y Gwernant took part in the big decider held recently at Denbigh High School. 

The competition was one of Denbighshire Education and Children’s Services’ centrepieces to mark 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl.

It took as its theme “Dahlicious” and asked children to choose their favourite Roald Dahl book to create a healthy (fictional) breakfast that could be served at school. 

Organisers say all the finalists impressed the judges and audience of parents and teachers with their culinary skills by whipping up their “dahlicious” menus. 

The aromas that filled the kitchen had everyone envious of the two lucky judges – Mark Young, Denbigh Chocolate Shop proprietor, and Teleri Owen, Head of Catering at Denbigh High School - who tasted all the mouth-watering dishes. 

The judges found this year's competition of a very high standard, with students demonstrating a wide range of culinary competencies. 

After the judges had deliberated, they congratulated all nine finalists for their great work and delicious menus. 

They said it had been a tough decision and commended them all on their efforts. 

However, they declared there could only be one winner and Nicole Garratt, Ysgol Pendref, was crowned Great Denbighshire Menu Primary School Chef 2016. 

The Great Denbighshire Menu is open to all budding young chefs across the county from seven to fifteen years of age. 

Competition categories include primary, secondary and special schools. 

Paula Roberts, Denbighshire Healthy Schools Co-ordinator, said: "Each year it is wonderful to see the children’s delight and sense of accomplishment, as well as how proud their parents and teachers are of them. 

"If you know a child with any interest in baking or cooking, this is a great opportunity for them to step up to the plate." 

And Denbighshire Education and Children’s Services has announced that in 2017 it will be launching “The Great Denbighshire Bake Off” competition for Denbighshire schools. 

To keep up to date with any news about future activities, workshops, competitions and events on www.denbighshireenrichment.com and follow us on Twitter @cyfoeth_enrich

LlanBikeFest wins backing of the town

* Supporters of LlanBikeFest 2016 line up outside the Town Hall to promote the festival.

Llangollen businesses and organisations say they are looking forward to an even bigger and better LlanBikeFest 2016 - Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival - on Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24.

Harley-Davidson rider and Mayor of Llangollen, Mike Adams, and Town Crier Austin ‘Chem’ Cheminais will officially declare the event open, along with supporters including  Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club (LLDMC) and local TT and road race star Paul ‘Moz’ Owen.

They will be joined by guest of honour Giacomo ‘Ago’ Agostini – winner of an unbeaten 122 Grand Prix wins and 15 World Championships – who is flying in especially from his Italian home to spend the weekend at the festival meeting fans, judging competitions and providing opportunities for autographs and photos. 

LlanBikeFest co-organiser John Hutchinson said: “We are grateful for the fantastic support we are receiving from the town to make this a real Llangollen festival which will be enjoyed by local people as well as bikers from far and wide.”

Held at the town’s Pavilion, on-site attractions will include hundreds of bikes, displays, stunts, demonstrations, trade and club stands, plus beer, bands and evening entertainment in Llangollen town.

There will also be a charity raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.

Follow the event on Twitter at @llanbikefest and Facebook at Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival.

Day tickets are £10 on the gate or online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk with concessions, or contact the festival office at 07960 693398, office@llanbikefest.co.uk. Club stands and exhibitor bookings are free.

Twenty Club holds auditions for The Vicar of Dibley

* The TV cast of The Vicar of Dibley.

Following the recent success of Fawlty Towers and Love on the Dole,  Llangollen Twenty Club will be putting on a production of  The Vicar of Dibley this November.

The stage version of the popular BBC series starring Dawn French as the vicar of the rural parish of Dibley, sees several of the TV episodes merged together to create a show full of familiar characters and classic moments.

Roles on offer in the production include Geraldine Grainger (the vicar), Alice Tinker, David Horton and his son Hugo, Frank Pickle, Jim Trott, Owen Newitt and Letitia Cropley, as well as some smaller parts for adults and children alike.

For those who don't fancy treading the boards, there will also be lots of opportunities to be involved in the show backstage on aspects such as sound, costume, props and much more.

Open auditions will be held on July 26 at the Town Hall in Llangollen at 7.30pm.

For an audition pack or to register your interest in working on the show behind the scenes, please email director Lyn Aston, on vicarofdibley2016@hotmail.com

The show's run in Llangollen will take place from November 3-5, 2016.

* For more information, visit facebook.com/twentyclub

BBC says teenager dies after aqueduct fall

The BBC is reporting this morning that a teenager has died after falling from the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.

For the full story, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-36415232

Choir become Eisteddfod ambassadors

* The Cheshire Chord Company.

A top women’s barbershop choir from Warrington have been appointed Ambassadors to sing the praises of an iconic music festival.

The Cheshire Chords Company has been cutting a dash in the world of acapella singing for more than 20 years and now it has signed up to a scheme to bring the historic Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to a wider audience.

The event will be held for the 70^th time this July and the Chords will be there hoping to replicate their success of 2014 when they were crowned barbershop champions after finishing third and second in the previous two years.

And now the Cheshire Chords Company has become official Llangollen Ambassadors as part of an exciting new venture in which long-time Eisteddfod supporters and regular competitors are being recruited to become honorary representatives for the event.

Anyone from their area interested in competing at the festival, or simply enjoying the legendary atmosphere as a visitor, can get in touch with the Ambassadors by e-mail to get all the inside information they need.

Cheshire Chord Company spokeswoman Janine Gilbert said: “Coming to Llangollen is a real highpoint for the choir as it’s so friendly and we get to perform on a world stage.”

The choir was formed in 1993 by a group of friends from the Warrington and Lymm areas with a passion for singing and has steadily grown in size and stature.

Most members live in and around Warrington but others travel from Liverpool, the Wirral, Preston, Blackpool, Stafford and North Wales for the choir’s regular Thursday evening rehearsal sessions at the Beaumont Academy in Warrington.

“Our musical director Jo Braham, (CORRECT) who has been with us since 2011, comes over every week from her home in Leeds,” added Janine.

“Choir members range in age from just 10 to 60-plus and we work hard to achieve very high standards while having a great deal of fun along the way, enjoying the great friendships that we share.

“As members of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) we sing in the barbershop style and have competed very successfully in UK and European barbershop competitions over many years.

“Our last major international event was in Holland in 2013 and we’ve been national barbershop choir competition winners for seven years, the last time in 2014. 

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our singing as well as our performance skills, telling the story of the song and, where the number calls for it, adding slick choreographed moves worked out by two of our members.

“We sing songs by artists from Elbow to Barbra Streisand, the Beatles and many others, as well as well-known show and traditional barbershop songs arranged for today’s audiences with a modern twist.

“Jo has brought with her a wealth of experience, boundless energy and enthusiasm as well as a real passion for close harmony barbershop.

“We find ourselves singing to a wide range of audiences in a variety of settings, anything from the London Palladium to Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington.

“The types of events we sing at include competitions, private bookings, corporate, charity fundraising events and even Warrington Hospital wards to sing to the patients.

“Wherever we sing and whoever we are singing to we aim to delight our audiences and let our music and performance take them on a special journey.”

Janine explained that Cheshire Chord Company’s trio of successes at Llangollen came on their first competition appearance in 2011 when they took third place in barbershop, 2012 when they finished second and 2014 when they eventually sang their way to first place.

She said: “We’re delighted to become official Llangollen Ambassadors because we really enjoy competing at the festival and want to share it with others – competitors, performers or visitors.

“It’s always very friendly and we love to sing on such a big stage with its audience coming from around the world.

“Last time we were there in 2014 it was quite a poignant occasion for us because we had 15 new members – including myself – who had never sung in public before but it was a great place to make your performance debut – and it helped that we won.

“We’re all looking forward to coming back to Llangollen this year, especially as it’s the 70^th Eisteddfod.”

Llangollen 2016 Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We’re thrilled that Cheshire Chords have agreed to be Ambassadors for the festival to spread the word about what a wonderful event it is.

“They will be able to give people in the Warrington area an inside track on what it means to attend, where to go and what to see and even how to enter any of our competitions.

“Most of all they can tell them how friendly Llangollen is and about the fantastic carnival atmosphere as this little town welcomes the world each July.”

Ticket sales for the concerts at this year’s Eisteddfod 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 opposite acclaimed New York tenor Noah Stewart.

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 with 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 top 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 by 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

For all the inside information about Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, contact official Ambassadors, Cheshire Chord Company, by emailing: press@cheshirechord.co.uk

Male voice choir's free concert

Llangollen Male Voice Choir (pictured) are putting on a lunchtime concert  at St Collens from 1-2pm on Saturday June 11.

There will also be a guest soloist from RNCM at the concert which is free with a retiring collection.

A choir spokesman said: "Start your entertainment there and go on to the Llangollen Annual Fete at Plas Newydd, a short walk away.

"On the same day don't forget to look in at the Town Hall to celebrate 70 years of the wonderful Llangollen International Eisteddfod." 

AM welcomes village anti-speeding measures

Residents in a rural village near Llangollen blighted by speeding will finally see some permanent action, says their MP.

Campaigners in Pontfadog have long called for measures to reduce irresponsible driving on the B4500, and have been supported by their Assembly Member Ken Skates.

The Clwyd South AM (pictured) contacted Wrexham Council and North Wales Police last summer and urged them to do anything they could to improve road safety outside Pontfadog school and throughout the wider community, including Dolywern.

Safety vans were immediately deployed in the area, and have since been seen regularly.

Mr Skates has repeatedly pushed for further action, and this week received a response from Wrexham Council containing some welcome news.

He said: “I’m delighted that the council has now confirmed that the village of Pontfadog will be made a 20mph zone – it’s been a long time coming. I’m also pleased that the Welsh Government will fund interactive signs along the main road warning drivers about their speed.

“Residents have had to put up with these problems for far too long, so I sincerely hope this is a turning point. I would urge people to continue reporting speeding, however, as I will be more than happy to write to North Wales Police to ask that safety vans are deployed again.”

In an email to Mr Skates, Lawrence Isted, head of environment and planning at Wrexham Council, said: “I refer to your recent enquiry and previous correspondence in relation to the concerns you raise regarding the speed of traffic along B4500 as it passes through Pontfadog.

“The authority promoted the introduction of a 20mph speed limit through Pontfadog, as part of our speed limit review on all A and B roads within the county borough. I’m now able to inform you that the consultation in relation to this proposal was successful an d an order will now be placed to implement that 20mph limit within Pontfadog.

“In addition, the authority successfully bid for funding from the Welsh Government to introduce interactive signs in Pontfadog, in conjunction with our 20mph zones outside schools programme. These signs, when installed, will raise drivers’ awareness within the 20mph zone and ensure speeds are kept to a suitable level at this location.”

MP battles for Legion campaign

* Susan Elan Jones MP in Parliament with Angela Ham

of the National Arboretum Museum/Royal British Legion.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has given her backing to the Royal British Legion's 'Count Me In' campaign calling on the Government to include questions about the Armed Forces community in the next national census.

She said: "I have worked closely with the Legion before and brought up a number of issues in Parliament relating to veterans.

"This is because I think we should do more as a country to support those people who serve or have served in our armed forces; and also their families.

"Most members of the  Armed Forces community are in employment, and healthy and happy. However it is vital that we provide extra support for those people, particularly the injured and bereaved, who need it.

 "To do this, Government, councils, charities and other organisations need accurate information to fully meet the needs of our Armed Forces community.

"At the moment, we don't know exactly how many veterans, reservists and dependents there are in the country, let alone where they are and basic information about them."

Ms Jones has put down a question in Parliament calling on the Secretary of State for Defence to support the Royal British Legion's campaign by including questions about the Armed Forces community in the next census.

Young teachers will open for Katherine Jenkins

* Opera voice coach Anne Williams-King with some of her opera singing students.

Two young school teachers from Wrexham are among budding opera singers from across the UK who will be a warm-up act for superstar soprano Katherine Jenkins at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Rachael Marsh and Karen Davies, from Wrexham are among a group of opera singing students in for the experience of a lifetime after being invited to appear on the outdoor stage at July’s 70^th Eisteddfod opening day.

They have been raising the roof at a Llangollen church while being put through their paces by husband and wife opera voice coaches Anne Williams-King and David Bartleet, an operatic tenor himself.

Anne, from Pen-y-Cae, has spent most of the past 20 years living and working in London and has now just finished her third sell-out course for aspiring opera singers at the Methodist Church in Princess Street and is thrilled her students will be at the iconic festival.

The top soprano, who has performed at opera houses around the world, said: “I moved back from London to be closer to my mum some six years ago now. However, she passed away three years ago.

“There isn’t anything in the area for aspiring opera singers so David and I decided, to run these courses. It isn’t just about teaching voice it’s about working on characters too.

“We want to give aspiring opera singers an idea of what it’s like in the business. I want students to learn the skills they need in the correct way.”

Williams-King, who successfully battled ovarian cancer a decade ago, added: “We put on a concert in the Methodist Church in Llangollen at the end of each course we run.

“Rhys Davies, the Eisteddfod’s new chairman, was in the audience after our second course and told me how impressed he was and he has invited us to showcase some of the new operatic talent at the festival.

“The Musical Director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, has invited my students to perform on the outside stage ahead of the opening concert by Katherine Jenkins on Tuesday, July 5. What an amazing honour for them.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their voices and acting talent and believe me, we have some wonderful singers who deserve to be heard and who will grab this amazing opportunity with both hands.”

Primary school supply teacher, Rachael Marsh, 23, a soprano from Minera, said: “It’s a great experience and to have the chance to sing on stage at Llangollen is amazing, especially on the day Katherine Jenkins is performing her Carmen concert.

“I have been having lessons with Anne on and off for a while as most of my singing has been with choirs. I have just enjoyed the course so much and learnt a great deal.

“To have the chance to perform at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will be a dream come true. The atmosphere will be something else and I really can’t wait.”

Fellow soprano, Karen Davies, 28, a trainee teacher at Chester University and currently working at Kingsley Primary School in Frodsham, said: “I graduated from Bangor University with a degree in music and really wanted to be a composer.

“However, that changed and now I just want to sing opera but haven’t had any formal lessons or tuition. Joining Anne’s course has been fantastic and I have learnt so much.

“I was accepted to do a post grad Master’s degree in operatic performance in London but I simply couldn’t afford to do it. Music and singing courses are so expensive which is why Anne’s course is a godsend.

“I’m keeping my options open and teaching will be a good career choice but if the chance came along I’d choose opera. I still have ambitions to be on stage.”

Karen, who lives in Wrexham with her engineer partner, Gareth Samuel, added: “It’s going to be an amazing event and a fantastic opportunity for me and the other singers on Anne’s course.”

Rhys Davies, the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod’s chairman, is delighted Anne’s opera students are on the outside stage at the festival and he said: “I went along to the concert Anne and her husband David put together in Llangollen Methodist Church at the conclusion of each of their opera courses.

“The standard of performance was exceptionally high and I believe these potential opera stars deserve to have their voices heard.

“It’s a big opportunity for these talented young singers and a chance to let a critical audience see them perform. I’m sure it will be an exciting evening and one they will never forget.”

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.

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

Nant y Garth Pass to re-open tonight

Denbighshire County Council says the A525 Nant y Garth Pass is scheduled to re-open at around 7pm this evening (Friday) – over a week ahead of schedule.

The road has been closed since Monday morning to allow contractors Tilhill to carry out essential safety and maintenance work in forests next to the A525.

The road was initially scheduled to close for two weeks, with a view to re-opening sooner if at all possible.

The work has progressed quickly by Tilhill, and the council, together with some local landowners, decided to carry out their own works during this closure period, to avoid needing to close the road at a later date.

As the work by Tilhill has progressed quicker than expected, the road can now re-open to traffic on Friday evening, with diversions lifted.

Traffic lights will remain in place for other necessary works along the route, with only slight delays expected.

The council says it would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while this vital work has taken place and to road users for their co-operation while the road was closed.

 

Double helping of events planned for the town

* Bridge of friendship: Members of Llangollen Rotary Club

and Inner wheel with representatives of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

A DOUBLE helping of events highlighting Llangollen's rich volunteering tradition is planned for the same day week in the iconic tourist hotspot.

While the town's Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs are hosting their annual Summer Fete in the picturesque setting of Plas Newydd on the afternoon of Saturday, June 11, the Town Hall will stage an event marking this year's landmark 70th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Mike Law of the Rotary said that what the fete and the Eisteddfod have in common is that they both rely heavily on volunteers for their continuing success.

He explained: "Many people from the area, like myself, help out with both of these big annual occasions, which shows the fantastic volunteering spirit which exists in the town, so having these two events on the same day is incredible."

The Fete can almost match the Eisteddfod when it comes to longevity as it's been a regular feature of the town's entertainment calendar for at least the past 50 years.

Once again the Rotary Club has joined forces with the ladies of the Inner Wheel to hold the event at Plas Newydd by arrangement with the historic estate's owner, Denbighshire County Council, whose chair, Councillor Ann Davies, heads the VIP guest list along with the Mayor of Llangollen,
Councillor Mike Adams.

This year, the newly formed Rotary Club of Dee Valley will be assisting in organisation and fundraising.

The Fete is run as part of the community service programme of the three clubs as an event for the town, as well as being one of their most important fundraisers.  Preparation takes much of the year.

This year's Fete, which starts at 2pm, offers all the attractions of a traditional town fete, with the emphasis on local contribution and involvement.

Music will be provided throughout the afternoon by Llangollen Silver Band and there will also be entertainment from Punch and Judy and a magician plus a guest appearance by Wrex, the Wrexham FC mascot.

A children's art competition will be staged for local schools and there will be a host of side-shows and games to win prizes.

Other attractions include a bouncy slide, a grand raffle with a £100 first prize, society and organisation stalls, sweet and ice-cream stalls, a flower stall and home-made refreshments, teas and cakes.

Entrance to Plas Newydd grounds is free, but there is no parking on the field, apart from selected cars. 

Mike Law of the Rotary team which has helped organise the fete said:  "Given a fine afternoon we would hope to have getting up to 700 people coming along over the course of the afternoon.

"They'll also have plenty of time to also look in at the Town Hall for the special event being held by the Eisteddfod volunteering team of which my wife Enid and I have also been part for many years.

"We started off hosting overseas competitors when we lived in Ruabon before moving to Llangollen.

"Over the years I've helped behind the scenes and Enid has been a member of the music and staging committee and was its chairman until two years ago."

The event at the Town Hall on June 11 is entitled Llangollen 1947 and is being held on the same day which exactly 70 years ago saw the very first Eisteddfod - then held around a month earlier than currently.

In the early years the Eisteddfod was staged on the recreation ground near Ysgol Dinas Bran but the Official Opening Ceremony and concert took place on June 11, 1947, in the Town Hall.

The festival's new Operations Manager, Sian Eagar, said: "It's a drop-in event from 10.30am until around 4pm when people can come in, have a coffee and meet the Eisteddfod team, including many of the volunteers without whom it could not survive.

"We'll be showing rare films from our archives featuring footage from the Eisteddfod's earliest years and our volunteers have brought in some fascinating items of memorabilia and souvenir programmes from the festival over the years from the different countries which have been involved.

"There will also be details available about the programme for this year's Eisteddfod and an opportunity to win evening concert tickets in our free prize draw and we'll be providing information about volunteering with us.

"It's significant that another of Llangollen's major annual highlights, the Summer Fete, is being held just around the corner on the same day because there's a big cross-over of volunteers between us and we hope as many people as possible will be coming along to enjoy both these great events."

Loss of EE signal in Llan's LL20 area

EE mobile phone users in the LL20 postcode area of Llangollen are currently without a signal.

EE says that this is due to an upgrade and maintenance work to the local mast, which began yesterday (Wednesday).

They estimate that the loss of signal could last for between 48 and 72 hours.

Divers search Llan canal in historic murder probe

The Daily Post has a story to say that police looking for a man's body as part of an historic Wrexham murder probe have been searching Llangollen Canal.

For the full story, see:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/llangollen-canal-searched-wrexham-murder-11384815