West Country folk star heads for Llangollen

Llangollen Fringe organisers say they are delighted to welcome Seth Lakeman as part of the festival’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

West country folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lakeman (pictured) will be making his debut appearance at Llangollen on Thursday July 20.

He is only playing a few select solo shows in 2017, showcasing songs from his new album Ballads of the Broken Few and other live favourites from his back catalogue.

Lakeman's eighth studio album Ballads of the Broken Few is a stunning combination of his dynamic song writing and playing, produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Laura Marling) and the sublime harmony vocals of emerging young female trio Wildwood Kin. 

Continuing Lakeman's unique vision for recording in inspiring locations – previous albums have been recorded in a church and a copper mine – the 11 tracks for Ballads of the Broken Few were cut in the Great Hall of a Jacobean manor house and they shine with the atmosphere of that setting.

There is Lakeman's trademark stomp, his swooping, sighing and aching fiddle and viola, and strident electric tenor guitar.

Since the Mercury Prize nominated Kitty Jay - recorded in his kitchen for £300 - the follow-up gold selling Freedom Fields and his last, highly acclaimed offering, Word of Mouth, a deft collection of mini musical biographies of colourful West Country characters, Lakeman has relentlessly pushed his musical boundaries and those of folk and roots music.

With Ballads of the Broken Few he demonstrates yet again that he is constantly exploring new and bold musical paths. His new album is out now on Cooking Vinyl.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling 0800 1455 779.

The Llangollen Fringe 20th Anniversary Festival takes place from Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd of July.

AM calls for stepping up of fight against hepatitis C

Speaking in yesterday's Assembly debate North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood said elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health concern in Wales is a "wholly achievable goal" and called on the Welsh Government to confirm its commitment to wiping it out.  

Hepatitis C is one of the three main causes of liver disease and the only one of the five ‘big killers’ in Wales and England where deaths are rising, and therefore represents a significant public health challenge.

In Wales An estimated 12,000 – 14,000 people are currently living with hepatitis C, around half undiagnosed.

In the debate, the Welsh Government was asked to confirm its commitment to the World Health Organisation Eradication Date of 2030 – and to consider new operational guidelines to support NHS Wales to work towards this.

Speaking in the Chamber, Mr Isherwood (pictured) said: “As I said in January’s debate on the contamination of blood, in the 1970s and 1980s, a large proportion of blood products supplied to patients by the NHS was contaminated with HIV or hepatitis C. Around 4,670 patients with haemophilia were infected; over 2,000 have since died in the UK, with 70 in Wales, from the effects of these viruses.

“However, evidentially Hepatitis C primarily affects people from particular groups, such as injecting drug users, homeless people, gay and bisexual men, and migrant populations from high prevalence regions.

“A recent Hepatitis C Trust report concludes with a number of key recommendations for action, including the inclusion of a commitment to eliminate hepatitis C as a serious public health concern within the Welsh Government’s forthcoming Public Health Bill.

“Approval of new drug treatments by NICE and the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group means the elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health concern in Wales is now a wholly achievable goal.

"To seize this new opportunity, we must find the 50% of people currently undiagnosed, by widening access to testing and further investigating which groups can be cost-effectively screened. By increasing diagnoses, we will be able to treat and cure more people.

“With effective and accessible new treatments now available to all who need them, it is easier than ever to treat and cure patients, presenting a great opportunity to achieve the elimination of hepatitis C in Wales.”

Joseph beats illness to land dream Eisteddfod role

* Mario and Gill Kreft with Joseph Elwy Jones, 11, who has won the coveted role of the Shepherd Boy in Tosca at the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

An "inspirational" young singer who overcame a rare kidney condition has landed a dream role to perform with opera superstar Sir Bryn Terfel.

Joseph Elwy Jones, 11, will take to the stage at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as the Shepherd Boy in a star-studded production of Puccini’s classic opera, Tosca.

The concert on Tuesday, July 4, which is being sponsored by arts-loving care organisation Pendine Park, also features two other world-class opera stars, soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Kristian Benedikt.

It will be one of the highlights of the week when the iconic festival will be celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Joseph won the role after a tough audition against the cream of young Welsh singers - thanks to the extra lessons from the headteacher at his school, Ysgol Gwenffrwd, in Holywell.

He was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome in 2013 but it cleared up after treatment, including steroids, and he hasn’t had any reoccurrence.

Football and guitar player Joseph is now fully recovered and raring to go - and he can't wait to meet and sing with his idol, Sir Bryn Terfel.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE, who lives in Denbigh, said: "Joseph is not only a supremely talented young singer, he is also an inspiration to us all in the way he has overcome the health problems with great courage and determination.

"As a care organisation, Joseph's story has an undoubted resonance for us and it is wonderful that he is once again full of vim and vigour - and blessed with an absolutely fantastic voice.

"To have the opportunity to sing alongside the magnificent Sir Bryn Terfel and the rest of the world class cast will be an unforgettable experience for Joseph and a truly memorable occasion for the audience."

Joseph, who lives in Lixwm, was thrilled when he heard he had been chosen as the Shepherd Boy.

He said: “After the audition I had to wait about a week, which seemed a long time and the longer it went on the more I thought I hadn’t got the role. Then, I was at school and the head teacher Miss Owen came into class and told me the good news. I was speechless!

“I was amazed and I can’t wait to meet Sir Bryn Terfel. I’ll be nervous but as soon as the music starts I’ll be fine. I’m taking loads of paper with me because all my friends have asked me to get Sir Bryn’s autograph.

He added: “I love music but I also like lots of other things like fishing and football. I’d like to be a professional musician when I leave school but I’d also like to work in the medical profession."

According to mum Abigail, a teacher at Ysgol Llywelyn, in Rhyl,  the whole family was extremely proud.

She said: “He’s a typical lad, he enjoys playing football for Holywell and he’s got five guitars. He is proud of his Welsh roots and loves bands like the Manic Street Preachers who will also be performing in Llangollen this year. He’s also a member of the local Scout group and loves the outdoors.”

“His sister Sophia, seven, is learning how to play the keyboards and his Dad, David, who teaches English at Flint High School, has two drum kits. It’s quite a musical family!

“But he really has never had a professional singing lesson. His head teacher at Ysgol Gwenffrwd,  Iola Owen has helped him, and lots of other children, prepare for competitions at the Urdd Eisteddfod.”

“She is amazing and once we knew he had an audition I asked her if she could help him learn the part. He watched YouTube performances to help but singing in Italian isn’t easy of course.

“She spent time helping him and even got him into school on a teacher training day for an hour.

“When I was told Joseph has landed the role I thought it only fair that she be the one to tell him the news. She sent a lovely card the following day congratulating him.

“It's quite fitting in a way that he has been chosen to play the Shepherd Boy in Tosca because his great grandfather, Victor Thomas, who was the head of a Veterinary practice in Caerwys, kept sheep all his life.

“As a family we are so looking forward to watching Tosca at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, it’s going to be a magical and very proud moment for Joseph's Dad, his sister Sophia and myself.”

Ynyr Lewys Rogers, 12, from Ruthin, a pupil at the town's Ysgol Brynhyfryd, has been chosen as Joseph's understudy.

The Llangollen Eisteddfod has been a springboard for the careers of many singers including Sir Bryn Terfel himself when he was a young bass baritone and the legendary Luciano Pavarotti who first competed at the festival with his father's choir from Modena in Italy in 1955.

The festival's music director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: “Increasing opportunities for youngsters to become involved with music is a cause close to my heart and that of sponsors Pendine Park – who’ve also generously tripled this years Voice of the Future prize fund.

"It's incredibly exciting to find such promising singing talent like Joseph. The innocence and purity of his voice was perfect for the angelic role of ‘Shepherd Boy’. The character brings light to the darkness of the piece and Joseph’s voice makes him the perfect candidate for the role.

“We were so impressed with the standard of auditions this year and everyone who performed was well prepared and professional. Joseph was the youngest of the singers who auditioned, proving that age truly is just a number. His passion for music really shines and his performance will be one not to be missed.”

* For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and to book tickets go to  www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

AM urges women to have cervical screening

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood  is supporting Cervical Screening Awareness Week this week (June 12-18) by urging all women to attend their cervical screening appointment when invited.

Cervical cancer currently claims two lives every day in the UK and it is the most common cancer in women under 35.

Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers yet the number of women attending is at a 10- year low in Wales  and more than one in five women do not attend their screening appointment.

 

Mr Isherwood (pictured) said: “Cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives in the UK each year yet many women don’t understand the importance of attending screening regularly. 

"During Cervical Screening Awareness Week I want to encourage women to talk to their friends, mothers and daughters about the steps they can take to reduce their risk of cervical cancer.  It’s such an important five-minute test that really could save your life.”

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “We cannot afford to see cervical screening attendance fall any further. Diagnoses of cervical cancer in the UK are worryingly high and will only increase if more women don’t attend screening.

"We want to encourage women to look after their health, including the health of their cervix and that means attending cervical screening. By not attending, women are significantly increasing their risk of a life-threatening disease.”

* Find out more about Cervical Screening Awareness Week at www.jostrust.org.uk/csaw 

County makes films to help businesses

A series of video seminars have been produced to help and inform businesses.

Denbighshire County Council has produced the clips as part of its annual March for Business month which this year saw more than 400 people take part in 12 workshops, conferences and networking sessions.

The videos are now available on the Council’s YouTube and Facebook platforms and offer tips on digital marketing, digital skills and how to use the Welsh language to benefit your business.

Clips have been produced from events during March for Business including the advanced manufacturing conference, Denbighshire for Growth and a networking dinner hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Mike Horrocks, the Council’s team and programme manager for Economic & Business Development, said: “This year’s March for Business was a fantastic success. We saw record attendances for our biggest ever programme.

“The most important thing is that we have had great feedback from businesses who have told us the sessions have been of real benefit to them.

“One of our goals was to produce a range of materials that would benefit those businesses that were unable to attend the events as we understand that not all businesses can afford to take time out of their day to learn new things. These new video clips are available 24/7 and have already had over 9,000 views.

“The real target for us is to see the success of the programme translate into local business success and there are some strong signs that this is happening.”

The March for Business programme was devised by the Council’s Economic and Business Development team following feedback from Denbighshire’s annual Business Survey.

It is part of the Council’s work on developing the local economy through its Economic and Community Ambition Programme, which aims to support healthy private businesses, see more people in work and improve household incomes.

Since the ten-year plan was launched in 2013, there are 1,700 more people in work in Denbighshire, average household incomes are closing the gap on the rest of Wales, 70 more businesses are starting up every year with 19 out of 20 new businesses surviving for a year with almost two thirds still trading three years later.

You can take part in this year’s business survey here.

You can view the videos on DCCs Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Website aims to keep people well

Looking for advice on staying well ?

Then look no further than the Dewis Cymru website.

The website www.dewis.wales is the place for information about all issues relating to well-being in Wales, as well as the first point of information about local organisations and services that can help.

The website includes information on key topics: Being Well, Being Social, Being at Home;,Being Safe, Managing Your Money, Children and Families and Looking After Someone.

The Being Well section looks at a range of issues, including indoor and outdoor activities, healthy relationships (including sexual health) and dealing with medication. It also details five ways of being well (connecting with people, being active, keep learning, taking notice of your surroundings and volunteering).

Bethan Jones Edwards, Head of Regional Collaboration of the North Wales Social Care and Well-being Services Improvement Collaborative, said: “Being well isn’t just about being physically healthy and free from illness, it’s also how you feel about yourself and your life as a whole.

“People often have a greater sense of well-being when they have strong social networks, suitable housing, they are in employment and/or education (if they wish to be) and they are healthy, both physically and emotionally.

“The Dewis Cymru website is a great one stop shop for all the information you need about well-being. There is a directory of services and activities available in your community. It’s all about pointing people in the right direction to the wealth of support already available”.

People can visit the website to register and to access details of support available in their county.

Labour holds Clwyd South seat

*Susan Elan Jones MP.

Labour held on to the local Clwyd South seat in yesterday's General Election which, overall, resulted in a hung parliament.

Party		Votes	%	Net percentage change in seats +/- %
LAB Labour	Susan Elan Jones	19,002	vote_share 50.7	+13.5
CON Conservative	Simon Baynes	14,646	vote_share 39.1	+8.7
Plaid Cymru	Christopher Allen	2,293	vote_share 6.1	-4.2
UKIP	Jeanette Bassford-Barton	802	vote_share 2.1	-13.5
Liberal Democrat	Bruce Roberts	731	vote_share 2.0	-1.9

Old works will get lit up for the Fringe

* Berwyn Works on the A5, which will be lit up for the Fringe. 

As part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Llangollen Fringe Festival, a renowned artist has been commissioned to produce a large-scale work to exhibit during the event.

On display throughout the festival, the project, entitled ‘Ars Magna Lucis – (The Art Of Great Light)’, will see the Old Berwyn Works building converted into a lantern that will overlook the town.

Fringe artist Alec Shepley looks at reimagining this redundant relic of the industrial age, converting it into, in his own words, ‘a lantern-space - a giver of light’.

* Ars Magna Lucis.

Alec Shepley is an artist and an academic based at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, North Wales where he is head of the School of Creative Arts and Professor of Contemporary Art Practice.

His work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, with examples held in a number of public and private collections in North America, Europe and Asia.

Alec’s individual and collaborative research has attracted funding from the Arts & Humanities Research Council, the British Council, the Arts Council of England and the Arts Council of Wales and his work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, with examples held in a number of public and private collections in North America, Europe and Asia.

Using especially constructed LED light boxes made on site in the town, six of the building’s classical 1930’s windows will be illuminated to create an ever changing palette of coloured light, emanating from the shell of the former brewery and print works every night during the course of the festival.

A spokesperson for Llangollen Fringe Festival said: “We’re really pleased to have an artist of Alec Shepley’s stature on board, we wanted to make a bold statement for the 20th anniversary of the festival and what better way then to create an impressive spectacle in the heart of the town. We hope this free exhibition will attract even more visitors to the town and the festival to catch a glimpse and a photo of Alec’s work.”

The ‘Ars Magna Lucis’ event will be on display from July 15-23, with a special switch-on event taking place near the bandstand at Riverside Park, Llangollen at 10.30pm, Saturday July 15.

The festival line up also includes performances from: WILKO JOHNSON, SETH LAKEMAN, TURIN BRAKES, MARK THOMAS, CC SMUGGLERS, JACK MONROE, BAND PRES LLARREGUB, 9 BACH and KASAI MASAI.

FOR INFORMATON ON ALL PERFORMANCE DATES AND LOCATIONS AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk 

Food bank collection at New Dot's latest screening

* A scene from the film I, Daniel Blake.

New Dot Cinema's next screening this Friday is set to be a popular one.

Last year's winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, "I, Daniel Blake" is a moving Newcastle-set tragedy about the failings of modern Britain.

There will be a collection for Wrexham Food Bank at the screening.

If you would like to donate, please bring your item(s) along to the event.

All non-perishable donations will be gratefully received, however the following items are currently urgently needed:

- tinned rice pudding


- tinned tomatoes


- UHT milk (500ml & 1 litre)


- tinned ham


- tinned corned beef


- tinned fruit


- tinned carrots


- tinned peas


- biscuits (cookies)


- juice boxes (200ml & 1 litre)


- instant coffee

The film will be shown upstairs at the Town Hall. As usual, there will be a licenced bar and popcorn. Doors open 7:30pm with the film starting at 8pm. Tickets available here: https://www.skiddle.com/…/Llangol…/I-Daniel-Blake-/12986446/

The latest from legendary director Ken Loach is a gripping, human tale about the impact one man can make. Daniel Blake has worked as a joiner most of his life in Newcastle.

Now, for the first time ever, he needs help from the State.

He crosses paths with a single mother Katie and her two young children, Daisy and Dylan. Katie’s only chance to escape a one-roomed homeless hostel in London has been to accept a flat in a city she doesn’t know, some 300 miles away.

Daniel and Katie find themselves in no-man’s land, caught on the barbed wire of welfare bureaucracy as played out against the rhetoric of ‘striver and skiver’ in modern day Britain.
More details at http://www.facebook.com/NewDotCinema and www.newdotcinema.org

New Dot Cinema Llangollen is a not-for-profit community cinema run entirely by volunteers.

https://wrexham.foodbank.org.uk/

Eisteddfod is family affair for mum and daughter

* Helen Hayward and Betty Jones.

Mother-daughter duo Helen Hayward and Betty Jones will be celebrating a life-long devotion to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year.

They'll be performing in the Celebration Chorus on Wednesday July 5 – the first time they have appeared together.

They will both be in Calling All Nations with renowned international composer Christopher Tin, which will mark Betty’s 71st festival.

The song-cycle, sung in 12 different languages, sees Grammy award-winning composer Christopher Tin conduct soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the Celebration Chorus in a spectacular international choral and orchestral performance, compared by Classic FM’s Andrew Collins.

Betty said: “My involvement with the Llangollen Eisteddfod began at an early age. My mother and father hosted competitors at our home in Froncysyllte for the first Eisteddfod, you could say that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to the festival.

“When I married Arnold, he was told that if he wasn’t involved with the International Eisteddfod, he wouldn’t see me for the first week in July every year. Needless to say he signed up. For me, this spirit of togetherness is truly what the Eisteddfod stands for.”

The passion for the festival became a family affair when Helen began volunteering at the Llangollen Eisteddfod and then later introducing her husband Neil, who is currently the Chief Steward, and their children, confirming three generations' love for the International Eisteddfod.

“I’ve only ever missed two festivals and even made it to the 1988 festival 10 days after the birth of my son – the ‘Eisteddfod blues’ were just too much to handle,” said Helen.

“This year, not only attending the Llangollen Eisteddfod but performing next to my mum will be truly amazing.”

Betty continued: “I just love the Llangollen Eisteddfod and this is my second time performing on the International Pavilion stage. In 1952 I performed as part of the choir from Llangollen Grammar School – now Ysgol Dinas Bran – and we claimed second place in the children’s competition. This was an incredibly special experience for me and really confirmed my love of singing.

“However, I think this year will be even more special as performing alongside my daughter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll both treasure forever.”

Speaking of their favourite moments from the collective 120 visits, Helen said: “For me, being in the same room as José Carreras and watching him perform was just incredible. I can’t put into words how honoured I was to see him live. The International Eisteddfod does truly bring world-class talent to Llangollen, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.” 

Betty added: “In 1955 I hosted the Modena Male Voice Choir, one of whom was a young Pavarotti. I later saw him perform as a soloist. Both of these are experiences I wouldn’t have had without the International Eisteddfod. For that I will be forever grateful.”

To purchase tickets to see the Celebration Chorus perform Christopher Tin’s Calling All Nations with Elin Manahan Thomas and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, please visit: www.Llangollen.net

Enterprising Dinas Bran students off to Cardiff

* Team Odyssey from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Two enterprising teams of students are heading to Cardiff for a national business final.

Pupils from Llangollen’s Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Rhuddlan’s Cambrian Pengwern College will be taking part in the Young Enterprise Wales final on June 15.

The students entered the competition after a series of business courses run by the Young Enterprise charity, with funding provided by Denbighshire County Council for sessions at five schools in the county.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran’s Team Odyssey, made up of six pupils aged 16 and 17, reached the final after winning a host of categories, including best overall company and best presentation, at the North Wales final for work around their hand-made vegan scented soap.

Pengwern Planters, made up of 13 students aged 18 to 22, won the best team prize, as well as the best report and best marketing awards, for their social enterprise work planting flowers in towns including Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

The courses help students set up their own companies and run them for an academic year, under the guidance of business mentors.

To take part in the competition students prepared and presented a detailed company report, set up a trade stand and made a presentation about their business to a panel of judges.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran teacher Rachel Allen, said: “Team Odyssey were absolutely delighted to have won so many awards in the North Wales final. They worked so well as a team, and put a great amount of effort in.

“They are excited for the trip to Cardiff and are really looking forward to representing North Wales. They really want to win it for North Wales.”

Funding was provided by the council’s Economic and Community Ambition Programme which aims to support local businesses and ensure the county has a skilled workforce equipped to benefit from jobs and opportunities that arise.

Selwyn Griffith, North Wales’ Young Enterprise manager, said: “I want to congratulate students from Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Pengwern College for their excellent standard of work. The sessions provide a great platform for students to develop skills such as teamwork, resilience and to interact with their local business community.

“I would like to thank Denbighshire County Council for providing the funding to deliver these courses in the county.”

Crowds flock to enjoy Plas Newydd fete

* An historical battle re-enactment was a popular attraction.

* The plant stalls attract plenty of attention.

* A singer provides musical backing for the fete. 

* Aiming for a bullseye on the darts stand. 

* Youngsters have fun on a giant inflatable.

* Valley Girls WI do a roaring trade with their summer drinks and scones stall.

* The magic show draws a crowd.

* A couple of fete-goers shelter from a short rain shower.

Only occasional light rain interrupted the sunshine for the annual Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete at  Plas Newydd yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

Hundreds came out to enjoy the usual range of attractions including bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy and magic show and a host of stalls and sideshows.

A popular feature for the first time this year was an historical re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings period including realistic-looking sword fights and an encampment.

Raffle tickets were selling well with people aiming to grab the first prize of £500 worth of portrait photography donated by Neil Barrett plus other goodies.

Proceeds of the raffle will go to Hope House whilst the rest of the fete profits are donated to local good causes.    

Llan Silver Band players make it to Urdd finals

* Elizabeth Mwale, left, and Taya Castley of Llangollen Silver

Band reached the Urdd Eisteddfod finals. 

Two talented young members of Llangollen Silver Band won through to the national finals of this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod in Bridgend.  


Taya Castley, 14, on Bb cornet and representing Ysgol Dinas Bran in the brass soloist year 7 to 9 category, took third place playing an Air Varie on the tune Carnival of Venice arranged by  H. Round.  

Elizabeth Mwale, 15, on Bb euphonium and representing Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in the brass soloist year 10 to under 19 category, reached the prelim stage playing an Air Varie on the tune The Beautiful Colorado arranged by De Luca.

Silver Band conductor Trevor Williams said: “I’d like to congratulate both Taya and Elizabeth for their latest successes and also thank them for the huge amount of work and commitment they give to both our youth and senior bands.

“At the Urdd both the girls were accompanied on piano by Owen Roberts of Trevor.”

Garden Fete starts at 2pm tomorrow

The traditional Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Plas Newydd.

Organisers say it starts, as it always does, at 2pm and not 4pm as has been circulated on some social media sites.

There will be all the usual attractions - bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy and magic show plus musical entertainment.

The Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs have been busy  preparing the stalls and sideshows and various  charity organizations in the town will also have stalls.

A new feature this year is a historical enactment with an encampment and examples of fighting strategies.

Raffle tickets have been selling well but if you have not had a chance to purchase one yet there will be an opportunity to buy them on the field.

First prize is £500 worth of portrait photography generously donated by Neil Barrett and there are many other valuable prizes.

Proceeds of the raffle will go to Hope House whilst the rest of the fete profits being donated to local good causes.    

Wilko Johnson headlines at the Fringe

"I’m supposed to be dead!"

So said Wilko (pictured) in a recent interview, having been diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer.

But despite the doctors’ worst predictions he continued to perform and present himself with vigour and a new zest for life.

And in July he headlines at this year's Llangollen Fringe.

In 2013, Wilko announced that, thanks to a second opinion and subsequent life-saving surgery, he was cancer-free.

“Man, there’s nothing like being told you’re dying to make you feel alive.”

Having established himself, during his time with DR FEELGOOD as the strutting no-nonsense style R&B guitar hero of the 1970s.

All through the ’80s, ’90s and into the new millennium he continued to gig in the UK, Europe and Japan. But it was when Julien Temple’s award winning Oil City Confidential came out in 2009, with Wilko emerging as the film’s star, that the world once again sat up and paid attention to his extraordinary talent.

From here on Wilko’s journey became even more fascinating, from taking a significant acting role in the world wide TV phenomenon GAME OF THRONES (playing the silent assassin ‘Ser llyn Payne”) up to his tragic diagnosis with terminal cancer.

This period also marked one of Wilko’s most creative, seeing him star in a second bio pic from Julien Temple as well as recording the hit album ‘Going Back Home’ with THE WHO’S ROGER DALTREY.

This period of course was crowned with the miraculous news of Wilko’s full recovery from cancer and he is truly back bigger, bouncier and hungrier than ever.

WILKO JOHNSON and long time collaborator NORMAN WATT-ROY, from the nucleus of The Wilko Johnson Band, who will perform a headline set at Llangollen Pavilion, Abbey Road, Llangollen as part of 20th anniversary edition of the Llangollen Fringe Festival on Wednesday 19th July. With support from The Delta Radio Band. #

The full line up for the Llangollen Fringe is announced and promises to be the biggest yet to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday.

* TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling 0800 1455 779.

The Llangollen Fringe 20th Anniversary Festival takes place from Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd of July 2017.

Former Plaid leader urges support for Labour candidate

Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas has urged the party’s supporters in Clwyd South to switch their allegiance to Welsh Labour’s Susan Elan Jones (pictured right).

Lord Elis-Thomas says anyone who doesn’t want a Tory MP should vote tactically re-elect Ms Jones, who has been the area’s MP since 2010.

In a letter to residents, serving AM Lord Elis-Thomas, whose Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency borders Clwyd South to the west, said: “As a former Member of Parliament for Meirionnydd, which included substantial communities in Clwyd South, I urge supporters of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats to seriously consider voting tactically in the election for Westminster in order to prevent the Tories from taking the seat.”
 
Lord Elis-Thomas says he is also worried about the Tory UK Government’s shift towards a hard Brexit.

He said: “I think there is a real threat to the powers of the National Assembly when the UK leaves the EU.  We need a strong team of progressive MPs from Wales to ensure that powers over agriculture, fisheries, the environment and the economy come from the EU to Wales rather than to Westminster, as appears to be the UK Government’s current policy.”

Lord Elis-Thomas (pictured left) added: “Susan Elan Jones has proven herself to be fully committed to the area she represents and is one who shares your progressive values.”

Former leader of Corwen Town Council, David Jones, said: “Susan has been a superb MP and we need to keep her. She is from our area so she knows and understands our communities. I would urge everyone who doesn’t want a Conservative MP to unite behind Susan. It’s vital that we retain a strong local voice in Westminster.”

Ms Jones herself said: “Put simply, I am the only candidate in Clwyd South who can stop Theresa May’s Tories securing a landslide General Election victory.

“Her cynical U-turn in calling this snap election – after categorically stating that she wouldn’t – leaves the people of Clwyd South with a stark choice. It’s a straight two-horse race between Welsh Labour and the Tories, and a vote for Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dems, UKIP or any other party will simply help the Tories sneak in and strengthen their grip on the UK.”

Operatic picks up another amateur stage "Oscar"

* From left, James Barber, sound engineer, Elen Mair Roberts, musical director, Tracey Rawlinson, producer, Michael Jones, stage manager, Bill Cheshire, cast member, Susan Cheshire, chairman,
Colin Roberts, friend of the society, and Louisa Jones, Best Performer nominee.

Llangollen Operatic has scored another success in the amateur stage "Oscars". 

Following their success last year with two wins for the 2015 production of Sister Act, a group of eight society representatives headed off to Hereford on Sunday afternoon for the Wales and Ireland Regional Annual NODA Awards ceremony.

They had been nominated in three categories of the awards for their 2016 production of The Producers - Best Production, Best Technical/Stage Management and Best Performer, Louisa Jones for her role as Swedish blonde secretary Ulla.

The ceremony is a popular event for am dram societies and was attended by around 150 people.

Tracey Rawlinson, producer, was thrilled to step up and receive the award for district winner of Best Show.

Unfortunately, the director Nia Pickering was unable to attend having recently given birth to a baby girl just three weeks earlier.

Tracey said: "We are absolutely over the moon and so very proud to be receiving another award this year for what was a truly memorable show. This is very much for all involved both on and off stage and was another fantastic team effort "

20mph speed limit proposed for Pengwern

Denbighshire County Council is proposing a 20mph speed limit on Pengwern in Llangollen.

The council has made an order under road traffic legislation to cut vehicle speed around the area in a bid to improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.

The proposal would apply to:

* Pengwern, from a point 10 metres south east of its junction with the A5 for its entire length.

* Horseshoe Pass View, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Min y Coed, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Maes Pengwern, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Trem y Gwernant, from its junction with Maes Pengwern for its entire length

* Tan y Coed, from its junction with Maes Pengwern for its entire length

* Trem y Ysgol, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

* Erw Deg, from its junction with Pengwern for its entire length

_{The newly elected Labour county councillor for Llangollen, Graham Timms (pictured), expressed his delight at the order.}

_{He said: "Reducing the speed of traffic on Pengwern has been a genuine concern of everyone for a long time.}

_{“This reduction in speed can't come soon enough. It provides the legal basis for a safer neighbourhood for residents and children.}

_{"When the new speed limits are introduced I'll be working closely alongside those living on Pengwern and the local police to make sure that motorists respects the new limits."}

_{A copy of the proposals can be inspected at Llangollen Library, and anyone objecting to the new limit has until June 21 to register their concern and their reasons with the county council.} 

Choir concert planned for June 7

llanblogger has been asked to publicise the event below on June 7 ...

Police postpone open day after Manchester attack

The North Wales Police Open day, planned for Saturday, June 3, has been postponed until September so that officers can continue to provide an increased presence across the region and support the counter terrorism effort in other parts of the country.

Chief Constable Mark Polin said: “Since the truly horrific attack in Manchester, and the raising of the national threat level to critical, members of the public will have seen increased patrols, including by armed officers,  across North Wales.

“Our Open Day is one of the highlights of the calendar for us and, based on past attendance levels, is for our local communities too. A great deal of planning involving ourselves and partners goes into it, so to postpone the event was not a decision that was taken lightly and I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“The event is supported by a great many police officers, special constabulary members, volunteers, specialist teams - including firearms and dogs – and many colleagues from partner organisations many of whom under the current circumstances are needed out and about across North Wales providing a reassuring presence and security to members of the public. Officers from North Wales are also currently working alongside colleagues in Greater Manchester, and we have officers deployed in the city.

"I am confident that the public would expect me to put all available resources into keeping our communities safe rather than planning for, and holding the open day, in spite of the importance of the occasion. Even if the critical threat level is reduced before the event, it would be difficult to ensure that we have the resources available to guarantee a successful day, and we have left the decision as late as possible under the circumstances.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and those who were injured in Monday’s senseless attack.

“North Wales Police will stand together as a team with all UK forces and other agencies in the face of the current national threat, to do everything that we can to keep people safe and to provide reassurance.

“We continue to work with our Policing and Counter Terrorism partners in both investigating the Manchester attack and gathering intelligence to prevent further attacks.   We are also working closely with the other emergency services, local authority partners and our  local communities.

“The sad events of this week reinforce the need for us all to remain vigilant. Our advice remains the same, please stay alert but not alarmed and report any suspicious incidents immediately.”

The decision to postpone until September 16th was made to avoid clashes with other North Wales weekend events over the summer.

* Report anything suspicious to the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.  In an emergency always call 999.

Event planned for tomorrow

Friends of Llangollen Museum have asked llanblogger to publicise the event below ...

Buzz over to Plas Newydd this Saturday

Saturday 27 May  11.00  -  16.00

LLANGOLLEN BUZZ FAMILY FUN DAY

at Plas Newydd, Llangollen

Join Friends of the Earth at Llangollen Bee Friendly.

Help Chester Zoo Nature Rangers discover bumble bees, join the North Wales Wildlife Trust in their outdoor lab, join in the North East Wales Dance workshops and follow the busy bee trail.

There will be honey tasting, face painting, plant sales, pollinator themed arts and crafts and a prize for the best pollinator fancy dress!  Entries for our children's art and creative writing competition will be on display and winners judged.