Eisteddfod recreates historic Dylan Thomas broadcast

* Dylan Thomas.

* Queen Elizabeth at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1953.

A famous radio broadcast by poet Dylan Thomas about Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is being recreated to mark its 70^th anniversary.

The reading from actor, writer and director Celyn Jones will form the centrepiece of a mini programme of events to celebrate the literary magician’s 15-minute masterpiece on the BBC’s Home Service when he visited in 1953.

The vivid verbal images conjured an enchanting and unforgettable picture from the unique event and was delivered in his deep, resonant voice.

But it’s been revealed that the historic broadcast very nearly didn’t happen because at one point Thomas lost his notes on the way back to the BBC’s studio in Cardiff.

That same year the late Queen Elizabeth also attended the Eisteddfod shortly after her Coronation.

The festival had been established six years earlier under the dark shadow cast by the Second World War as a way of promoting peace through musical harmony and dance.

Since then hundreds of thousands of competitors from all over the planet have beaten a path to Llangollen.

The picturesque town in the Dee Valley where “Wales meets the world” is now gearing up for the first  full length festival since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

It all gets underway on Tuesday, July 4, and the competitions and concerts continue until Sunday, July 9, with thousands of singers and dancers from around the world due to take part.

Each day features a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and a line-up of stalls and exhibitions on the field along with the competitors from around the world, many in colourful dress while three open-air stages run a stream of live performances.

Entertainment on the outside site includes workshops, talks, international showcases, outdoor theatre performances, circus skills, sound bath sessions, yoga, belly dancing, beginner’s Welsh and  salsa.

The Globe Stage will feature music acts spanning folk, jazz, world and indie.

There will also be an international flavour to the cuisine available in the new Globe Food Court.

Visitors will be able to “go around the world in 80 minutes” with stalls serving food from different countries including India, Greece, Jamaica, Mexico, Germany and Italy.

According to the Eisteddfod’s executive producer, Camilla King, they were particularly keen to celebrate the anniversary of Thomas’s memorable broadcast.

She said: “Although sadly Dylan Thomas died in New York a few months after his visit to Llangollen, his priceless legacy will live on because he is rightly regarded as one of the literary greats.

“We felt it was particularly appropriate to remember not only his brilliant broadcast but also the wider canon of his work which turned him into a superstar poet.”

The activities will include a presentation by Prof Chris Adams, vice chair of the Eisteddfod and a member of its  Archive Committee, who revealed the poet was paid the princely sum of 20 guineas for his endeavours.

Prof Adams said that  Swansea-born Thomas had “generated verbal images of the early Eisteddfod whose power resonates to this day”.

It was all the more remarkable, he said, because locals recall he had spent a lot of his time in Llangollen in the pub, with the Wynnstay Hotel (now The Three Eagles) being a favourite watering hole.

That was borne out by the late Aneirin Talfan Davies, the BBC producer who was despatched to Llangollen to keep an eye on Thomas, who accompanied by his wife, Aeronwy and their daughter, Caitlin.

Talfan Davies, who was himself a talented poet, later told how Thomas had spent the week  “wandering aimlessly through the streets of Llangollen, with the odd half hour spent in the eisteddfod tent and many hours in the  bars of the town’s pubs.”

He also described the poet’s way of working which involved “writing notes on cigarette packets, and the panic on the way back to Cardiff when Thomas feared he had lost the material”.

Thankfully, the notes came to light in the nick of time and the finished, finessed piece has been described as a classic example of his genius with words.

Apart from the competitions and remembering Dylan Thomas, other highlights include a concert starring Alfie Boe and musical theatre supergroup Welsh of the West End on the first night of the Eisteddfod on Tuesday, July 4.

Wednesday will see The White Flower: Into The Light, a concert of remembrance for the fallen of Sarajevo and Ukraine, featuring the NEW Sinfonia orchestra with soloists from Bosnia, Wales and Ukraine, with the centrepiece formed by Karl Jenkin’s much loved work, The Armed Man.

The popular procession of international participants and celebration of peace takes place on Thursday, followed by Flight, a new mixed-media dance, music and theatre work by visionary artists Propellor Ensemble, inspired by migratory patterns in nature and humanity.

On the Friday night Guy Barker’s Big Band will take the stage with Strictly Come Dancing singer Tommy Blaize.

Saturday features the blue riband event, the Choir of the World competition for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, and also Dance Champions and the Pendine International Voice of the Future 2023.

There is a new look to the final day of the Eisteddfod on Sunday with an all new live final which sees rising vocal stars battle it out to claim the title Voice of Musical Theatre, and Cân i Llan, a new song-writing competition for unsigned acts aged 14-22, providing a platform for emerging voices in contemporary popular music.

Camilla King added: “Entertainment on the outside site spans across three main stages with further daily pop-ups and includes workshops in the Amphitheatre with Small World Theatre Company inviting visitors to create their own white flower sculpture and Propellor Ensemble building a giant instrument from recycled materials.

“There will also be daily Lego building, arts and crafts, floral sessions from the Eisteddfod’s famed arrangers, circus skills with Jester Jack, Xplore Science, yoga, sound bathing, belly dancing and the chance to learn new skills from the wide ranging visiting competitors.

“Talks on the Dome Stage feature Calan’s Bethan Rhiannon ‘From clog dancing to comedy’, poet Mererid Hopwood leading a panel for the annual Peace Lecture, reflecting on the incredible Women of Wales Peace Petition.

“International showcases take the Globe Stage from acts including the Tibetan Tashi Lhunpo Monks, SOAS Min’yo Japanese folk music, Bosnian and Ukrainian performers, and music from Filkin’s Drift, Seprona, Kilbride Brothers, The Billy Thompson Trio, The Bartells, Chester Big Band and Lilly Boughey amongst many others.”

* For tickets or 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 www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or check out www.facebook.com/llangollen

Dory Gallery team hosts artistic workshops at Denbigh Castle

Sue and Tony from Llangollen's Dory Gallery will be hosting photography and drawing workshops at Denbigh Castle this Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 costing £5 per session. 

Both workshops are aimed at adults with the photography workshop running from 10.30am-12.30pm and the drawing workshop from 2-4pm.

There is a maximum of 80 people over both days with 20 tickets per session. 

Guests must bring their own cameras and art supplies.

* For further details go to: https://cadw.gov.wales/art-and-photography-workshops-denbigh-castle

Seat sticks to trusty estate car concept with new Leon

Seat Leon Estate drive by Steve Rogers

Remember this? The good old reliable estate car. It’s what we used to transport the family to the seaside, for some it doubled up as a workhorse. If you could stretch to a big Volvo there was even room for furniture. Antique dealers loved them, apparently.

Then Nissan came up with a new idea, a crossover, part SUV, part hatchback which pretty much made the estate car redundant. Fortunately there are still plenty of manufacturers keeping the faith even though sales have dwindled and I have been driving a belter.

The Leon is a medium sized family estate and by today’s standards is good value. It starts at £24,000, quite a bit less than an equivalent SUV, easily takes five adults and has a big boot. The new model is a tad longer and has an extra 30 litres of space - that’s a small suitcase.

Now I have nothing against SUVs, I own one, and as good as they are, you will get more driving pleasure from an estate, particularly if Leon is the car of choice. As part of the Volkswagen Audi group Seat has always been the fun brand with a reputation for being sporty and cheeky but without the price tag of a VW or Audi.

It is one of those cars that feels great before you have covered a mile. Everything about it is in tune with the driver, comfy driving position, precise, quick steering, and a feeling that the handling is going to be razor sharp. It is.

My test car was the FR Sport so the clue is in the name. Low profile 18inch rims and sport suspension yet this was no hard ride. I expected it to be, but while certainly on the firm side it was still comfortable and cushioned potholes and the like better than any car I have driven this year.

Power came from a mild hybrid 1.5 litre petrol, Seat’s best engine in my opinion, and mated to a seven speed automatic DSG gearbox. Does it get any better? Hold on, this is no steaming hot hatch but quick enough to keep the driver’s heartbeat pumping should you feel the need.

There are two reasons why I rate this engine so highly: lively performance and strong economy. During my week I never dropped below 40mpg, finished with an average of 45mpg and managed 49mpg on a quick 100 mile motorway run.

This is an efficient unit and part of it is down to technology developed by VW-Audi. Two of the four cylinders close down when the car is coasting so saving fuel. Good to have friends in high places...

Now I am going to tell you why this seemingly wonderful Leon caused me irritation and frustration for a couple of days.

Seat has gone all in on technology. Digital dashboard, which is excellent, and a all singing and dancing infotainment system that controls everything. It is a familiar set up, a 10in touch screen where you will find a mountain of information, navigation and smartphone interface, along with those features we use constantly - heating and radio.

Trouble is it takes a while to work it out. If you can find it, Seat provides a tutorial to point you in the right direction so it is a good idea to take a calm half hour to get to know the system.

I measure ease of use against the various cars I review. Mercedes, Audi, Kia are a few examples of systems that are intuitive, while Mazda’s set up is so simple it would make the perfect industry template.

It all came together eventually although the voice control ‘lady’ butting in with a random question when not asked tried our patience. Had I done something to trigger the interruptions when delving into the coms? Who knows.

There was only one other oddment and concerned touch sensitive pads to adjust the heating temperature. They are beautifully slim and flush fitting but are not back lit so cannot be seen at night. Has someone forgotten to connect them for illumination?

Did it spoil my time with Leon? Absolutely not. This is a fine car in just about every way and is also a tow car of the year winner, something else I was able to experience and can see why it won its category.

Apart from having to go to the top of the range for a rear camera Leon is well equipped and has a full suite of driver safety aids

Is there still a future for an estate car? If this is an example then there are years of life left.

Fast facts

Leon Estate FR Sport TSI EVO

£30,590

1.5 litre petrol; 148bhp. 7sp automatic

0-62mph 8.5secs; 135mph

44 to 48.7mpg combined

132g/km. 1st tax £210

Insurance group 22

Boot: 620-1541 litres

Towing capacity: 1700kg

Abseiler helps Eisteddfod put up its banner in a prime spot

* Abseiler Colin Martin swings out over the Dee to secure the corner of the Eisteddfod banner.

* R3 Safety & Rescue managing director Paul O'Sullivan leans out to make sure his colleague in safe.

* Job well done: Colin about to abseil back up to the bridge after securing the banner. 

An expert abseiler helped the Eisteddfod put up its striking new advertising banner on a vantage point high above Llangollen station this morning (Monday).

Colin Martin, a rescue trainer with Glyndyfrdwy-based R3 Safety & Rescue, got himself properly roped up with the assistance of boss Paul O’Sullivan before swinging out over the waters of the River Dee to secure the huge red banner to the side of the girder supporting the passenger bridge over the platform.

Away from his day-job Colin volunteers with North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR). 

The banner, which will stay in its vantage point in clear view of the town bridge for the duration of the festival, is based on the Eisteddfod’s new, more modern branding design.

Eisteddfod board member Ian Lebbon, who was there to watch the intricate operation, said: “It’s good to see our bright new banner going up where everyone will be able to see it.

“It’s also great that the guys from R3 Safety & Rescue, who have done this job for us for a number of years now, were back to help us out again, free of charge, this year.”

Guy Barker’s Big Band will take the stage at Llangollen as part of a high quality series of concerts which kick-off on the Tuesday evening, July 4, with Eisteddfod favourite Alfie Boe who joins forces with musical theatre super-group, Welsh of the West End.

Wednesday will see The White Flower: Into The Light, a concert of remembrance for the fallen of Sarajevo and Ukraine, featuring the NEW Sinfonia orchestra with soloists from Bosnia, Wales and Ukraine, with works including extracts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man culminating in the Eisteddfod’s traditional message of peace and hope for the future of all nations

The popular procession of international participants and celebration of peace takes place on Thursday, followed by Flight, a new theatrical work by visionary artists Propellor Ensemble, inspired by migratory patterns in nature and humanity.

Saturday features the blue riband event, the Choir of the World competition for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, and also Dance Champions and the Pendine International Voice of the Future 2023.

There is a new look to the final day of the Eisteddfod on Sunday with an all new live final which sees rising vocal stars battle it out to claim the title Voice of Musical Theatre, and a new song-writing competition for emerging voices in contemporary popular music.

On the field, community bands, brass, silver, wind,  compete, and audiences can choose their winner of the new Eisteddfod Dance Off.

As well as the concerts, each day features a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and a line-up of stalls and exhibitions on the field along with the competitors from around the world, many in colourful dress while three open-air stages run a stream of live performances.

There will also be lots of entertainment on the outside site including workshops, talks, international showcases, outdoor theatre performances and circus skills.

* For tickets or 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 www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or check out www.facebook.com/llangollen

Cost of living is key worry for Llan people, says Labour candidate

* Becky Gittins, Labour candidate for Clwyd East, out canvassing at Pengwern.

The cost of living crisis looms large in the concerns of Llangollen people, according to the woman who aims to be the area’s next MP.

Becky Gittins, who will carry the Welsh Labour standard in the fight for the new Clwyd East constituency – which includes Llangollen – when the general election comes, was in town last Friday evening canvassing for her party in the Pengwern area.

Before heading off to knock on the doors of voters she spent a few minutes chatting to llanblogger.

Ms Gittins, who works as an industrial officer for the PCS public services union, was born and raised in Bagillt, Flintshire and for the past four years has been a city councillor in Coventry where she lives.

She says that she has plans to move to the new constituency which has been modelled by the Boundary Commission and includes a large swathe of north Wales, including areas such as Ruthin and Llanarmon-lal/Llandegla as well as parts of Flintshire such as Leeswood, Northop, Mostyn, Caerwys and Ffynongrow, Mold and Prestatyn.      

Apart from issues such as the provision of services like buses and the perennial problem of parking, Ms Gittins says that people have been telling her on her visits to the town that the cost of living crisis is a key issue for them.

“People in Llangollen are massively raising this issue, which mirrors the situation across the country,” she said.

“They are also concerned about issues such as the affordability of local housing.

“I think these things are for a Labour government to tackle – to deal with the cost of living, the cost of energy. It’s about how we achieve the good life for people and we must make sure that we have a functioning, strong economy.

“I’ve also found that Llangollen people are very optimistic and very proud of their local culture and it’s about making sure that we respect the community while we’re having all these cultural celebrations.”

Asked whether she had found that the people of Llangollen, like others across the UK, might be suffering from political fatigue as a result of events nationally over the past couple of years, she said: “I can completely empathise with local people who don’t feel that the political system resonates with them at the moment.

“I can understand how people at times feel unheard and didn’t know who the Prime Minister was from week to week at the end of last year. I can understand how people felt disenfranchised and that the priorities of the government in Westminster were not reflecting things that really mattered to them. But a lot of people felt energised by this and got involved in politics for the first time.

“For me, the way you deal with the fatigue that some people are feeling is by making sure that we get localism right. And three times a week I am out knocking on people’s doors because it is important to make people feel heard and to ask them about the issues that matter to them.

“I am a firm believer that you must listen to the community that you want to serve. You cannot speak for a community until you have spoken to it.”   

Chapel near Lllangollen struck by lightning

Leaderlive is reporting that firefighters were called out to an area near Llangollen after a chapel was struck by lightning in last night's storm.

The story says: "North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a call came in at 6.51pm reporting a fire at the building, off Cymmo Road in the Rhewl area of Llangollen.

"A spokesman for the service confirmed that two crews were sent to the scene - one each from Wrexham and Llangollen."

* For the full story, go to:  https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23581294.fire-crews-called-chapel-struck-lightning-llangollen/

Climber dies in fall near Llangollen, reports newspaper

 

(Image: NEWSAR)

The Leader is reporting this morning (Saturday) that a man died following a fall from height whilst climbing near Llangollen.

The story says that North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) confirmed on Friday evening that its members had been called out to an incident on Wednesday night.

A spokesman explained: "We had a call on Wednesday night which sadly involved a fatality."

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23580652.man-dies-following-fall-whilst-climbing-near-llangollen/?fbclid=IwAR0MzWxAdqJxpiqJxA4MFGJ0AFq2lveOBUf8DUwTqojTYkrFP21dkroGMI8 

  

Roadworks alert for Barbers Hill

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Barbers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire 12 June - 30 June   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion   Location: Barbers Hill   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned

Joint show raises healthy £4,700 for earthquake appeal

 

* With the cheque for the £4,700 show proceeds are, from left, Lee Taylor of the Collen Players, Sian Glynne-Jones of Llangollen Twenty Club and   Caroline Anthonisz of Llangollen Operatic Society and The Young ‘Uns.   

The all-star variety and old time music hall show staged by three of Llangollen’s performance groups last month raised a staggering £4,700 for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria.

For the first time ever Llangollen Operatic Society, Llangollen Twenty Club and The Collen Players joined forces to present the big show at Llangollen Town Hall over two nights on May 11 and 12.

The healthy proceeds, which came from tickets, raffle tickets and other donations, will all go to support the Disaster Emergency Committee in which 15 of the UK’s top charities have come together to supply a lifeline to thousands of survivors of the earthquake which devastated southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria on February 6.

The Llangollen entertainers spent months planning the show which saw each of the groups involved showcasing their skills to packed audiences.

The Operatic, drawing a large contingent from its junior section the Young ‘Uns, performed numbers from the smash-hit shows Hamilton, Six, Oliver Les Miserables and Half a Sixpence,  while the Twenty Club drama group presented comedy sketches – some specially written for the occasion – inspired by their past hits such as Blackadder and Absolutely Fabulous.

The Collen Players provided a taste of the Victorian music hall shows for which they have become famous, with their founder Lee Taylor acting as chairman for the show. 

There was prize raffle on both nights with prizes donated by local businesses which also pledged their financial support.

Phil Robinson, a spokesperson for the organising team who also performed on stage, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised so much for this very worthy cause.

“The dreadful earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria at the start of this year have now dropped down the news agenda but the plight of thousands of survivors who were left without homes or possessions is still very real.

“Performers, musicians and back stage crew drawn from each of the three groups were thrilled to be involved in the show and we had two fantastic nights with packed audiences on both.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came out to support our efforts. Since the show we’ve had lots of comments from people who saw it to say how much they enjoyed the show. Now I’m sure they’ll be as happy as we are to see how much we were able to raise.

"We would also like to thank our sponsors Chip-o-Dee in Wrexham, Proximo, Britannia Movers, Kinderkey and also Llangollen Town Council for its support."

Funds available for local educational projects

Funds are up for grabs to support educational projects in Denbighshire.

The Community Endowment Fund is looking for applications from:

• Projects that support the educational attainment/development of children and young people between the ages of 11 and 25 years
• School/college based projects that support vocational training, health matters and healthy living
• Education inclusion projects with support for individual students between the ages of 11 and 25 years in the form of bursaries, scholarships, travel assistance, culture, sport, prizes for attainment and educational materials/equipment (this list is not exhaustive).

Closing date for applications is September 9.

* For more information, visit:

Denbighshire Community Endowment Fund: http://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/.../denbighshire

Education Fund for Denbigh and Surrounding Areas: http://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/.../education-fund

Or contact the Community Foundation in Wales, on 02920 379580 or e-mail: grants@communityfoundationwales.org.uk 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: We’ve booked a package holiday to Spain. It’s our first time booking this sort of getaway, and a friend recently had a terrible experience when things went wrong on a similar trip. What sort of help is available if something does go wrong? 

A: Hopefully you’ll have a lovely time but if something does go wrong with your package holiday, the Citizens Advice website has lots of information about what to do if something goes wrong with your holiday and what compensation you may be eligible for. 

Firstly, tell the company or travel agent you booked with as soon as possible. This way you’re more likely to be able to get it sorted quicker. If you don’t say anything until you get home, you might get less or no compensation at all. 

If the holiday you went on turned out to be lower in value than the one you originally booked you can make a claim for ‘loss of value’. For example you paid for a deluxe room but only got a standard one, if it wasn't sorted out at the time you can claim back the difference in value. 

You can also claim compensation for any extra money you have to spend while away, for example the hotel was a bus ride away from the beach rather than across the road as advertised. This is called claiming for ‘out-of-pocket expenses’. If this does happen make sure you keep all your receipts for things like bus journeys. 

If big parts of the trip you booked didn’t happen or services weren’t provided, for example a planned two-day excursion was cancelled and no alternative was organised, you can make a claim for ‘loss of enjoyment’. You can also make this claim if something happens that causes you distress or disappointment, such as the pool was closed for the whole trip. 

It’s worth noting that there’s no there’s no strict guidance on how much you can claim for loss of enjoyment but any claim you make must be reasonable. You can’t get compensation if you simply didn’t enjoy the holiday or if the problem was out of the holiday company’s control - like bad weather. 

Check the information you received when you made the booking to see what you’re supposed to get. If you don’t get the service you’ve been promised, you may be entitled to compensation for breach of contract. You might also be able to claim from your travel insurance – check if your policy covers this. 

If you’re still not sure what to do, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or talk to an adviser online through the Citizens Advice website.

Flags put up on the bridge ready for Eisteddfod

* Workmen use a cherry picker to put up the flags on the bridge.

* Flags now lining the bridge ready for the Eisteddfod.

Preparations for the 2023 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are getting well underway with the fixing up of the international flags on the town bridge this morning (Thursday).

Workmen used a high-lift cherry picker to fix the flags to the poles and also put up the bunting which traditionally lines the bridge.

Guy Barker’s Big Band will take the stage at Llangollen as part of a high quality series of concerts which kick-off on the Tuesday evening, July 4, with Eisteddfod favourite Alfie Boe who joins forces with musical theatre super-group, Welsh of the West End.

Wednesday will see The White Flower: Into The Light, a concert of remembrance for the fallen of Sarajevo and Ukraine, featuring the NEW Sinfonia orchestra with soloists from Bosnia, Wales and Ukraine, with works including extracts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man culminating in the Eisteddfod’s traditional message of peace and hope for the future of all nations

The popular procession of international participants and celebration of peace takes place on Thursday, followed by Flight, a new theatrical work by visionary artists Propellor Ensemble, inspired by migratory patterns in nature and humanity.

Saturday features the blue riband event, the Choir of the World competition for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, and also Dance Champions and the Pendine International Voice of the Future 2023.

There is a new look to the final day of the Eisteddfod on Sunday with an all new live final which sees rising vocal stars battle it out to claim the title Voice of Musical Theatre, and a new song-writing competition for emerging voices in contemporary popular music.

On the field, community bands, brass, silver, wind,  compete, and audiences can choose their winner of the new Eisteddfod Dance Off.

As well as the concerts, each day features a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and a line-up of stalls and exhibitions on the field along with the competitors from around the world, many in colourful dress while three open-air stages run a stream of live performances.

There will also be lots of entertainment on the outside site including workshops, talks, international showcases, outdoor theatre performances and circus skills.

* For tickets or 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 www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or check out www.facebook.com/llangollen

MP raises Johns' Boys' BGT achievement in Prime Minister's Questions

* Johns' Boys on the BGT semi-final.

At yesterday's Prime Minister’s Questions, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes celebrated the recent Britain’s Got Talent performance of Rhos-based choir, the Johns’ Boys Male Chorus. 

He asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden MP, to join him in congratulating the choir on their magnificent performance as well as the work of other community choirs in Clwyd South and across the UK who bring pleasure to singers and audiences alike.

 

Mr Dowden congratulated Johns’ Boys on their success in BGT, noting that choral music is one of the UK’s greatest contributions to global culture. 

He praised the "fantastic achievement" of the choir in reaching the semi-final of the competition commenting that he is sure Johns’ Boys will continue to entertain and engage communities for many years to come.

* Deputy Prime Minister Olver Dowden congratulates Johns' Boys in the House of Commons.

 

Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Baynes had said:  “Wales is the land of song and there is no better example of this than Johns’ Boys Male Chorus from Rhos in Clwyd South who have performed magnificently in the recent series of Britain’s Got Talent, moving Bruno Tonioli and the other judges to tears. 

"Would the Deputy Prime Minister join with me in congratulating the choir and also the many community choirs in Clwyd South and across the UK who bring such pleasure to the singers and audiences alike?” 

 

The Deputy Prime Minister responded: “Choral music is possibly one of our greatest contributions to global culture and really do join my Honourable Friend in congratulating Johns’ Boys Male Chorus for their fantastic achievement in reaching the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent and I’m sure they will continue to entertain and engage communities for many years to come.” 

Skates calls on health board to publish 'sobering' financial report

A North Wales MS has called on the region’s troubled health board to publish a ‘sobering’ report into its accounting issues. 

Speaking in a Senedd debate about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) yesterday, Clwyd South MS Ken Skates (pictured) said the Ernst & Young report ‘has caused enormous interest in north Wales and has undoubtedly further damaged public trust in the organisation’. 

BCUHB is currently seeking legal advice over publication. Mr Skates said it should be a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ – and believes BCUHB has a duty to rebuild public trust. 

He told the Senedd: “Firstly, we should recognise that NHS staff in north Wales, as across the whole of the United Kingdom, do amazing work each and every day. As others have already said, the health board in north Wales is in special measures, but so too are more than 20 health boards in England, I believe, and that can be in no small part due to pressures resulting from years of austerity. 

“But the designation of special measures status should not undermine our support or commitment to the NHS. Surely it’s those American health insurance companies and private health providers who are most excited and gleeful about so many English health boards, along with Betsi Cadwaladr, being in special measures. I believe that nobody in this Chamber wants them to realise their ambitions and take apart our precious NHS. 

“The Ernst & Young report has caused enormous interest in north Wales, and information emerging from it has undoubtedly further damaged public trust in the organisation. 

“The report is owned by the board, and the board must rebuild public trust in the organisation. To build trust, you must provide the truth and be transparent. The board should not be asking for legal advice over whether to publish the report, but instead seek legal advice over when and in what form it should be published, in a form and at a point that will not prejudice any disciplinary action that may have been initiated or may yet be initiated. 

“Finally, I’d also urge the board to publish the legal advice it received, so the public can enjoy maximum transparency.” 

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “The audit committee of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, on advice from the Welsh Government, commissioned Ernst & Young to undertake a forensic review of accounting management after Audit Wales qualified the health board’s accounts for 2021-22 and identified internal control failures. 

“This was not our report, so I can’t ask for it to be published. This report was commissioned by the health board, so any decision to publish any or all of the report is a matter for the health board.” 

Ms Morgan said that if the legal advice to BCUHB is to publish the report ‘in full or in part, that is what they will do’. 

She added: “The report makes very sobering reading, and sets out some really serious failings in financial control at the health board. It did not find any evidence that anyone has personally benefited from these actions, but it did amount to extremely poor accounting practices. I have received assurances from the interim chair and interim chief executive that the health board has developed, and is implementing, a financial control action plan that responds to the issues raised in the EY report and Audit Wales findings.” 

The Minister said her department is working closely with the health board on the development of a financial governance and management action plan as part of the special measures framework. 

She added: “North Wales Police has yet to confirm whether it considers there are grounds to launch an investigation into claims made in the report. I know the police have had early discussions with NHS counter-fraud service and the health board and that the health board is co-operating. I would expect them to act in a transparent and honest manner, should the police decide to investigate.”

Family takes on Three Peaks Challenge in memory of Leo

 

* Leo's mum Sian, sisters Alessa and Lace and dad Garry. 

* Leo Roberts.

The mum and dad of a toddler from Llangollen who died suddenly earlier this year are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in his memory this month to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospices.  

Leo Roberts was nearly three when he died at hospital in February after quickly becoming ill one day at home.  

Leo was moved to Hope House’s special Snowflake Suite after he died, so that his mum and dad, Sian and Garry, and his brother and sisters, Max, Alessa and Lacey, could spend time with him and say goodbye while being supported by the hospice team. 

 “Never in a million years would we think something like this would happen. Leo showed no signs of being ill before the day he died and we still don’t actually know what happened,” said Garry.  

“Leo was a mischievous little boy with lots of energy, he’d always be getting up to something. 

“After he died we were told at the hospital about Hope House and the Snowflake suite and being there meant we could be with Leo as a family for a few days. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we hadn’t had that chance to spend time with him, and it was only possible because of Hope House.” 

Mum Sian said Leo is greatly missed by his family but that he also touched many other people in Llangollen. 

“People knew Leo, he was so outgoing. The bin men would always flash their lights for him as he was into his trucks and diggers, and he even knew the postman better than we did,” she said. 

“Once you’d met Leo you didn’t forget him, he left an impression on everyone. He was a real boisterous little boy.  

“It was an ongoing joke that Leo would always have his wellies on the wrong feet when he walked out the house. You could put them right in front of him and he’d still have them on the wrong feet.  

“We were planning normal things as a family like holidays and going to Chester Zoo for Leo’s third birthday. 

“Losing Leo so suddenly, I honestly can’t describe how that feels – but I know that having that time with Leo at Hope House was so important. It wasn’t a clinical room like you’d think of at a hospital, it was our home for a few days where we could be with him. All the staff there were absolutely incredible. 

“We do still have Leo with us every day at home in a special memory bear, wearing his Manchester United kit. 

 “Walking the Three Peaks will be us giving something back to say thank you, but also help in some way to make sure families can have access to the care we did in the future.” 

There will be a group of 18 friends and family taking on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on Sunday June 25.  

Leo’s sisters Alessa and Lacey have also held a sponsored walk at their school Ysgol Bryn Collen, which will be added to the fund. 

* If you would like to donate to Garry and Sian’s Three Peaks Challenge then please visit www.leojamesroberts.muchloved.com

Choirs' joint concert planned for July 1

 

A concert by Cantorian Rhos and Rhos Male Voice Choir will be held in Wrexham next month.

New station and revived hotel will benefit Corwen, says councillor

 

* The impressive canopy of the new Corwen station.

The extension of Llangollen Railway to Corwen’s newly-opened station will help drive the town's economy especially when coupled to the planned revival of a major hotel there.

The £1.25m station, at the end of the main car park, had a fanfare opening by Network Rail chairman Lord Peter Hendy last Friday afternoon.

And in his speech he said: "Two hundred years ago the railways changed the face of Britain and now this station will do the same for Corwen."

Llanblogger asked Corwen Town Council exactly what benefits the station, built largely by volunteers, they believed it would bring.

And Cllr David Counsell said: “I’m a member of the town council but I'm also heading the town’s bid to purchase the Owain Glyndwr Hotel.

“So my personal opinion of the impact of the railway is that on its own the impact will be limited unless the town fully embraces it.

“Key to this is purchasing the Owain Glyndwr Hotel. We are already drawing up business plans to reflect the railway timetable and if other businesses do the same then there will plenty for visitors to do when they come.

“The purchase of the hotel is key to this and other opportunities for the town. The share offer is open and we hope be in a position to buy the pub soon.”

The Owain Glyndwr (OG) has been for sale for a number of years and is said to be an ideal prospect for community purchase.

 

The bid group’s website says: “In the past it has been a focal point for many social activities in Corwen and deserves to be so again.

 

“The Save the OG group came together in September 2021 and with purchase in mind undertook a postal and internet survey that received over 300 responses.

 

“The survey indicated massive support for the idea of buying the OG with over £150,000 of financial support indicated from the respondents. The other key message was the need for pub/restaurant food to be once more available in Corwen.” 

* More details of the purchase bid can be found at: www.owainglyndwr.cymru