Two royal harpists head for Llangollen in summer of string

* Alis Huws and Catrin Finch will be playing in Llangollen within six days of each other.

Two royal harpists will be heading to Llangollen to play in two festivals within days of each other.   

Alis Huws will be playing at the Llangollen Eisteddfod and Catrin Finch at the Llangollen Fringe. 

The two festivals are working together to promote the Denbighshire Town.

Alis Huws, current Royal Harpist to King Charles III, will be joining folk superstars Calan and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Johns’ Boys Chorus at the glittering Wales Welcomes the World concert on Wednesday July 3 as part of the 2024 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.  

Six days later, on Tuesday July 9, celebrated former Royal Harpist Catrin Finch will also be heading to the Welsh town to perform at Llangollen Town Hall as part of the Llangollen Fringe Festival along with the Irish violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain.

Alis Huws is a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. Alongside her royal role she regularly gives recitals across the UK and internationally, having toured Japan, Europe, the US, Hong Kong and the Middle East.  

Last year Alis performed at His Majesty King Charles III's coronation at Westminster Abbey, and has just signed a record deal with Decca Classics.

Alis Huws said: "I’m so looking forward to performing at Llangollen in July, especially getting to join Calan and Johns’ Boys on the stage. It should be a fun evening."

Catrin Finch, the celebrated Welsh harpist, arranger and composer, performs in Llangollen six days after Alis.  

Catrin is an internationally acclaimed musician and composer, and like Alis is one of the most accomplished harpists of her generation. She was official harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2000 to 2004, and has been delighting audiences for over two decades.

Catrin has a reputation for collaborating with musicians from outside of the classical genre, such as the Dublin-born Aoife Ní Bhriain, who’s one of Ireland's foremost traditional fiddle players and a classical violinist of international repute. Their debut album, Double You, hit number one in the iTunes Classical Charts, and also topped the World Music Charts Europe in December 2023.   

Their show has been described as “spell-binding” and the duo say they can't wait to bring it to Llangollen Town Hall in July.

This year the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Llangollen Fringe Festival are presenting their biggest festivals ever. 

Artistic director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Dave Danford, said: "To have one royal harpist in Llangollen is fantastic, but to have two in less than a week is amazing. Alis Huws has an amazing reputation, and is central to our ‘Wales Welcomes the World’ concert with folk superstars Calan and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Johns’ Boys Chorus on Wedneday July 3."

Llangollen Fringe chair Paul Keddie said: "Catrin Finch has been one of our most requested artists, and we're delighted to be bringing her to Llangollen this summer.   “Catrin is a Welsh icon and her album with Aoife Ní Bhriain is simply spellbinding. 

"This year, the Fringe is really pleased to be working in tandem with the Eisteddfod to bring a month of tremendous artists to the town, including two royal harpists."

Roadworks alert for Berwyn Street

Latest local roadworks alert from Causeway one.network is:

 

Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

13 June - 13 June

 

Roadworks, Delays likely

 

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

 

Description: Overnight patching works - Hogans. TM Amberon.

 

Works location: A5 Berwyn Street, Llangollen

 

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by NMWTRA/SWTRA.

 

Responsibility for works: NMWTRA/SWTRA

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: PD50124163112851992

Church bells will ring out to celebrate peace petition exhibition

* The 1923 Peace Petitioners.

An exhibition will open this Thursday evening at Llangollen Museum about the Welsh Women's Peace Petition.  

An all-female band of bell-ringers is hoping to ring a quarter-peal - about 50 minutes continuous ringing - at St Collen's at 5.30pm the same evening to celebrate the exhibition, the petition and the work of the local volunteers who have carried out the research into local signatories and put the exhibition together.

In 1923, the horrors of WW1 having galvanised a generation against conflict, women of Wales organised an unprecedented campaign for world peace.

A total of 390,296 women signed a memorial petition through the Welsh League of Nations Union – said to have been seven miles long – calling for America to join and lead the new League of Nations and 2023 marked the centenary of the campaign. 

More stars added to Eisteddfod's Classical Gala Concert

* Côr CF1.

Two previous winners of flagship competitions at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod have been added to the line-up for the festival’s Classical Gala Concert on Sunday July 7.

Tenor Emyr Lloyd Jones and Côr CF1 will be sharing the stage with Katherine Jenkins, providing an evening of song to close the 2024 Core Eisteddfod Week.

Emyr Lloyd Jones won the Eisteddfod’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition in July 2022 at the age of 25, and was dubbed “the new Bryn Terfel”.

Originally from North Wales, his performance at the Eisteddfod comes during the same month he performs the role of Don Riccardo in a run of Verdi’s Ernani at Buxton International Festival featuring the Orchestra of Opera North.

* Emyr Lloyd Jones.

Also returning to the Pavilion stage will be Côr CF1, who won the Eisteddfod’s Choir of the World competition in July 2022, one of a number of prizes they have won in recent years, including BBC Choir of the Year. 

The choir has performed in numerous high-profile events, ranging from the opening of Wales Millennium Centre in 2004, to performing with Take That and Lulu at the Principality Stadium in 2019.

Côr CF1’s conductor Eilir Owen Griffiths is no stranger to Llangollen, having served as the Eisteddfod’s Music Director from 2011 to 2017, a successful period for the festival which culminated in its 70th anniversary celebrations.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “With Emyr Lloyd Jones and Côr CF1 added to the classical gala line-up, and with Johns’ Boys Male Chorus appearing on the Wednesday, we have three previous winners of our major competitions returning as evening concert artists. This speaks volumes of the high standard of our competitions, and demonstrates the future opportunities there are for the winners.”

“I’m also looking forward to welcoming Eilir Owen Griffiths back to Llangollen, as Côr CF1’s conductor. He offered me the opportunity to work on two concerts here for the first time in 2012, and we collaborated on a number of successful events during his tenure here. 

* Katherine Jenkins.

"He’s left a lasting legacy, having introduced competitions such as International Voice of the Future and International Voice of Musical Theatre, as well as producing some of the Eisteddfod’s most memorable concerts of the last decade.”

The classical gala concert on Sunday July 7 will be headlined by Katherine Jenkins, officially the world’s most successful classical singer, after she was crowned ‘The Biggest Selling Classical Artist of the Century’ by Classic FM. 

This concert is just one of a series of high-profile events in Llangollen this year, with Tom Jones, Calan, Alis Huws, Johns’ Boys Male Chorus, Kerry Ellis, John Owen-Jones, and Gregory Porter also performing during the Core Eisteddfod Week (which runs from July 2 – 7) and a host of other artists performing in the weeks either side, including Bryan Adams, Simple Minds, Paloma Faith, Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jess Glynne, and Madness.

* Tickets for all these are available to buy online from LLANGOLLEN.NET. The venue is just an hour from Liverpool, and 90 minutes from Manchester.

Latest county council roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks bulletin from Denbighshore Counyty Council is:

Wrth / Nr 10 BRIDGE STREET 04/06/2024 10/06/2024 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works OCU GROUP LLANGOLLEN

A539 Castle Street, Llangollen CASTLE STREET 11/06/2024 13/06/2024 Overnight patching works - Hogans. TM Amberon. CORE HIGHWAYS CONWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

Full extent TOWER ROAD 18/06/2024 14/07/2024 System Unffordd ar gyfer Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen / One-way System to support Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod LIVE NATION (MUSIC) UK LT LLANGOLLEN

From St. John's Church to Castle Street ABBEY ROAD 03/07/2024 03/07/2024 Parêd Rhyngwladol y Cenhedloedd Llangollen / Llangollen International Parade of Nations LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL LLANGOLLEN

A542 A539 - Ponsonby Arms, Mill Street, Llangollen MILL STREET 09/07/2024 10/07/2024 I reoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / To control traffic on an alternative route NMWTRA (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A539 A539, Ponsonby Arms, Mill Street, Llangollen MILL STREET 30/09/2024 01/10/2024 Manned TTL to assist with Trunk Road traffic flow whilst A483 is closed between J1 Ruabon and Halton Roundabout - Overnight from 20:00hrs and 06:00hrs LISA BILTON (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

A539 Hill Street, Pengwern, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8EU HILL STREET 07/07/2024 07/07/2024 Gwaith ar Dwll Archwilio/ Man Hole Works ALUN GRIFFITHS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Special town hall auction planned to support Eisteddfod

* A guitar signed by the Manic Street Preachers at their last Llangollen Eisteddfod show in July 2017. They return on Friday June 28 with Indie Legends Suede.

A signed Manic Street Preachers guitar, a Leeds United shirt signed by four Wales international footballers, and tickets to see Tom Jones and Bryan Adams are just some of the 20-plus items up for grabs at a special charity auction to raise money for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.  

The auction, to be held at Llangollen Town Hall next Friday, June 14, comes just days before international superstar Bryan Adams takes to the stage at the world-famous festival. 

The night also features Côr DAW, a Welsh Choir with a difference. The singers entertain audiences with medleys featuring artists such as Queen, ABBA, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Jersey Boys - all in Welsh!

Côr DAW stands for Dysgwyr Ardal Wrecsam - Wrexham area learners of Welsh - and was formed by Pam Evans-Hughes in 2011 to compete in the National Eisteddfod. 

Since then it has wowed audiences at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Chester Cathedral, Wales Millenium Centre, Focus Wales, and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The evening which starts at 7.30pm, and alongside the auction and live entertainment there will also be a tombola. The evening will raise money for the Eisteddfod’s charity, which helps to bring people from around the world to the festival.

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Eisteddfod’s Marketing Committee and auctioneer for the evening, said: “This is our second ever auction and we have some amazing lots, including a guitar signed by Manic Street Preachers when they last appeared in Llangollen in 2017, kindly donated by our former Chair Dr Rhys Davies, tickets to some of this summer’s biggest concerts, including Tom Jones and Bryan Adams, and much more.  

"All money raised will go towards our charity. We’re also looking forward to hearing the ladies from Côr DAW, who have made a huge name for themselves singing rock classics in Welsh. It’ll be a great night, and will a brilliant start to our biggest ever summer.”

* Tickets for the evening, priced at £5, are now on sale at Llangollen Tourist Information Centre. 

Summer fete makes a spectacular return to Plas Newydd

* A highlight of the afternoon came when Llangollen Pantomime Group performed songs from their last smash-hit show, Jack and the Beanstalk. In 2025 they will be staging Beauty and the Beast at the Town Hall from January 16-19.

Llangollen Summer Fete made a hugely successful return to Plas Newydd today (Saturday) after an enforced absence of five years due to the pandemic.

Hundreds flocked to the grounds of the town's own stately home to enjoy a fun afternoon in the sun featuring family-friendly favourites including games, stalls, treasure hunts, raffles, entertainment, food, competitions, a local artisan market and live music.

Three local organisations - Vale of Llangollen Rotary, Llangollen Parks Project and Plas Newydd – teamed up to revive the popular event, which was last held in 2019.

Entry to the event was by donation only and funds raised on the day will go to a number of good causes.

 * The new Town Mayor and Mayoress, Aled and Sarah Morris, officially open the fete.

* Llangollen Silver Band plays for the crowds.

* The plant stall did growing business.

* The cake stall kept busy.

* The soft toys proved popular.

* Llangollen Food Share's well-stocked stall. 

* Ysgol Bryn Collen's PTFA ran a busy raffle.

* Trying his hand at keeping the plate spinning.

 * Ysgol Y Gwernant hosted a tricky splat-a-rat game.

* Plenty of interest was shown in the Llangollen Eisteddfod information stall.

* Llangollen Maelor Angling offered hook-a-duck.

* Crowds at the fete in mid-afternoon.

* Brownie Queen did a tasty trade.

* The AONB team offered the chance to try camera obscura of the type once sited near Castell Dinas Bran in the 19th century. 

* A gleaming 1923 Morris "Bullnose" Cowley was on show.

* Emergency services were on display.

* The Charlie Jones Band played later in the afternoon. Charlie, left, also compered the fete.

* Charlie draws the winner in the Eisteddfod stall's raffle - two tickets to the Wales Welcomes the World evening concert on July 3. With her are Eisteddfod volunteers Mike Gleed and Issy Richards.   

Abseiler helps Eisteddfod put up its banner at station

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

The expert climbing service was provided by Glyndyfrdwy-based R3 Safety & Rescue, courtesy of its managing director Paul O’Sullivan.

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 eye-catching 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.”

Friends of Pengwern meet 'n' greet next week

Friends of Pengwern has its annual general meeting and meet 'n' greet session at Pengwern Community Hub on the evening of Friday June 14, from 6-7pm.

A group spokesperson said: "It's an opportunity to build community and make connections for any Llangollen residents interested in being a friend of our lovely Pengwern Community Hub.

"There will be refreshments and music."

Top women's bike race comes zooming through town

This stunning image courtesy of Alistair John Sharp of Pictures of Llangollen shows competitors in the Tour of Britain Bike Race Women 2024 heading into town this afternoon (Friday).

The race’s second stage started and finished on Chester Street in Wrexham’s city centre and took in some of the breathtaking scenery in Denbighshire, West Cheshire and Chester, with a further one sprint and two Queen of the Mountains segments along the way.

The peloton travelled north out of Wrexham, crossing into West Cheshire after just 20km where the route ramped up alongside the Peckforton Hill Range, part of the Mid-Cheshire Ridge.

The route then crossed back into Wrexham, taking in the villages of Bangor-on-Dee and Overton, before the sprint was decided in Johnstown. The race continued along a scenic stretch of the Llangollen Canal.

A crowd of spectators waited for the cyclists around the Llangollen Bridge area.

Large crowds were also out on the Horseshoe Pass, which came at a pivotal point of the stage with around 30km to go.

The ensuing descent set up a fast run-in to Wrexham for the stage finish to conclude the race’s journey in Wales, passing through Minera and Rhostyllen, before a short hop back over the border to Warrington for stage three.

#llangollen #Denbighshire #wrexham #northwales #britishcycling #cycling

Call for gardening enthusiasts to help at Plas Newydd

An opportunity is available for interested gardeners to help out at an historic Llangollen home.

Plas Newydd has launched volunteering opportunities for keen gardeners who are also interested in preserving a piece of the town’s history.

The home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby captured the imagination of Regency society.

Both received a stream of visitors to the unpretentious little cottage which, over the years, they transformed into a Gothic fantasy of projecting stained glass and elaborately carved oak.

The Grade II listed gardens cover around 10 acres of grounds from rose gardens to woodland and dell areas, complemented by a stream flowing through.

Staff at the site are now opening the doors to those interesting in gardening and also wanting to learn some tips and tricks to help them out with their own outdoor areas.

Emlyn Jones, Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents interested in gardening to boost their wellbeing by spending time helping in this wonderful garden.

“Plas Newydd is such an important piece of Llangollen’s history and this a fantastic chance to do you own bit to help preserve this area for the local community and future visitors to continue to enjoy and learn from.”

* If you are interested in volunteering, contact Lisette.davies@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 07454932732

Panto group could make surprise appearance at tomorrow's summer fete

Members of Llangollen Panto Group have hinted they could make a surprise appearance at tomorrow's (Saturday) summer fete at Plas Newydd.

A spokesperson explained this would be a suitable way of saying thank you to the local community who supported them so well when they returned to the stage earlier this year after a break of a couple of years due to the pandemic.

They said: "We were overwhelmed by the amazing support the Llangollen community showed us when we returned this year with Jack and the Beanstalk, it meant a lot. 

"Let’s once again show our support for our amazing local volunteers who have worked hard to get Plas Newydd fete up and running again. 

"Also you may hear us performing some songs from the show."

The group has announced it's 2025 show will be Beauty and the Beast.

The Llangollen Summer fete itself is making a triumphant return after a break of five years imposed by Covid restrictions.

Three local organisations - Vale of Llangollen Rotary, Llangollen Parks Project and Plas Newydd – have teamed up to revive the popular event, which was last held in 2019, at its traditional location of Plas Newydd, from 12.30-4pm tomorrow.

Organisers say it will feature a range of family-friendly favourites, including games, stalls, treasure hunts, raffles, entertainment, yummy food, competitions, a local artisan market, music and much more.

Entry to the event will be by donation only and funds raised on the day will go to a number of good causes.

Town crier reads out D-Day anniversary proclamation in town square

* Town crier Chem reads out the D-Day proclamation in Centenary Square.

Town crier Austin "Chem" Cheminais read out a poignant proclamation in the town's Centenary Square this morning to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

The special day commemorates the Allied landings on the coast of Normandy on June 6th 1944.

At precisely 11am Chem, accompanied by a flag party from the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion and Father Lee Taylor who led prayer, read the proclamation specially written for the occasion by Christian Ashdown of the Ancient and Honourable Guilds of Town Criers who formerly served with the Household Cavalry.

At the same moment hundreds of other town criers from across the world were reading out the same moving form of words, which said:

“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

“Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France - an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.

“By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.

“In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.

“We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today. God Save the King!” 

Shortly afterwards the bells at St Collen's Church rang out to mark the D-Day anniversary. 

* The Legion flag party and Father Lee Taylor also took part in the ceremony.

Church bells will ring out for today's D-Day 80th anniversary

* Bells will ring out from St Collen's Church.

Llangollen's church bells will ring out to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day this morning. 

The special day commemorates the Allied landings on the coast of Normandy on June 6th 1944,

Church bells all over the country will be rung to celebrate the peace which followed when World War Two in Europe came to an end just under a year later.

And just after 11am today the same peal for peace will be heard from the bell tower of St Collen's.

A little earlier - and precisely at 11am - Llangollen’s town crier is joining his counterparts from across the world to deliver a very special proclamation to mark the anniversary.

Austin “Chem” Cheminais is on a list of over 300 town criers from many countries who have been asked to send out to their local communities the commemorative message detailing the famous cross-channel invasion.

Accompanied by a contingent from the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, he will stand in Centenary Square and at 11am cry out the proclamation which has been specially penned for the occasion by Christian Ashdown of the Ancient and Honourable Guilds of Town Criers who formerly served with the Household Cavalry.

The proclamation he will deliver is:

“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

“Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France - an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.

“By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.

“In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.

“We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today. God Save the King!” 

Market Street car park made £187,726 last year, says story

 

* Market Street car park.

Denbighshire County Council pulled in more than £1.29 million in pay-and-display car parking fees in 2023/24, according to a story in the Daily Post.  

And it adds that a breakdown of the figures show that Llangollen’s Market Street car park is the most lucrative pay and display, raking in £187,726.07 in the last financial year.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-council-rakes-more-29293659

Eisteddfod answers questions about evening concert control measures

* Dan Cuffe answers a question from the audience during the meeting.

Promoters who will bring a series of big-name concerts to Llangollen International Eisteddfod from later this month have assured they will do their very best to control extra traffic and any excess noise they create. 

Over 50 people attended a public meeting at the Town Hall yesterday (Tuesday) evening to hear a panel of key figures from Cuffe & Taylor and the Eisteddfod answer questions on traffic management and noise control measures to be put in place for the all-star evening concerts arranged either side of and during festival week. 

The concerts start on June 18 with Bryan Adams and end with Madness on July 13.

Traffic control measures for the concerts are based on a one-way “clearway” system, controlled by manned traffic lights, at either end.

This will guide vehicles along in and out of the official Eisteddfod car park via Tower Road and Dinbren Road. 

People attending the evening events are being advised to buy parking passes along with their tickets as early as possible.

All the control measures are fully explained in a leaflet due to be delivered to residents and businesses across Llangollen soon.

The panel took a series of questions on how things will work and Dan Cuffe, co-founder of Cuffe & Taylor, said that feedback gained from the meeting would lead to further examination and possible amendments to the plan.

One of the first questions came from former Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies who asked what would happen if parked cars blocked the clearway, which would cause “chaos” in the system.

Dan Cuffe replied: “We have already consulted the local authority about this plan but if necessary we could call on them for extra help with enforcement even if that means paying for it.”

To the satisfaction of the audience the panel dealt with a series of traffic control questions, such as where concert-goers could be dropped off by cars and where coaches would be able to park.

On the question of possibly providing a parking shuttle service for the concerts, Cuffe & Taylor’s events manager Becca Woodhead said there were currently no plans for this but that ticket sales would be monitored to see if it was warranted.

On the general question of any additional measures which might be thought necessary Dan Cuffe said: “We are a responsible company and we will listen. If numbers go beyond what we expect, one hundred percent we will do something more.”

He also assured that his company had long experience in handling traffic and this summer alone would be putting on a total of 140 shows in various parts of the UK.

On the question of noise which might be generated by the evening concerts, Becca Woodhead explained that they would be using a sound management company to monitor levels just outside the Pavilion to ensure local residents were not being adversely affected.

Dan Cuffe said he would be at the Pavilion himself on the night of the Bryan Adams concert, not to see the show but to walk the area to make sure all measures being put in place were working and to make amendments where he thought necessary.

At the outset of the meeting the Eisteddfod’s artistic director Dave Danford said: “This year’s Eisteddfod will be really exciting for the town,” and he assured, “the festival you know and love will still be here, just in an expanded format.”

The panel was given a round of applause at the end of the meeting,

Rhos Male Voice Choir's next date at the Stiwt

 

Pengwern Community Hub's June timetable

Pengwern Community Hub has published its timetable for June. 

The Friends of Pengwern are having a meet 'n' greet and AGM on June 14, which is open to all residents of Llangollen or anyone interested in finding out more about the group. 

Organisers say you can just turn up but it would be great if you could let them know you are coming so they can have plenty of refreshments available.

They add: "If you fancy a break from the routine and would like to join us for a community dig and land clear on Wednesday morning 10 till 12, we’ll be having a shared lunch afterwards. 

"It’s National Volunteers Week this week so a great opportunity to build community together."