West End star Mark appeals to Welsh dancers

 

* West End star Mark Evans.

 

 

* Eilir Owen Griffiths, Musical Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

West End star Mark Evans is appealing to folk dancers across Wales to represent their country against teams from around the world at Wales’s biggest international cultural festival.

Mark is currently touring the USA in the lead role in the smash-hit musical comedy The Book of Mormon but he took time out of his busy schedule – he is appearing in Seattle at the moment – to urge Welsh dancers to step up to the plate.

That’s because it will be strictly folk dancing as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod introduces a major new dance prize to feature alongside its acclaimed Choir of the World event on the final night of competition this July.

Mark, from Llanrhaeadr, in the Vale of Clwyd, said: “Llangollen is a wonderful event with a tremendous heritage and it is a great experience to be a part of, whether singing or dancing.

“I would urge dance troupes from across Wales to hurry to be involved in this year’s International Eisteddfod and be able to showcase their talent to the world.”

The idea for the Saturday night dance finale is the brainchild of Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths who wants dance groups from across Wales to pick up the challenge and take on the world at Llangollen this year.

At stake will be the chance to go head to head on the stage with the best in the world for a major new international prize, the Dance Champions International Trophy and £1,000.

Eilir Griffiths said: “The Choir of the World competition is internationally recognised and we want to elevate dance to the same level by giving it a place on the stage on the big night, Saturday, July 13.

“We’re hoping to attract more dance groups from Wales and from across the whole of the UK and Ireland and so we have moved the two major dance competitions to the weekend.

“Dance plays a really important part in the Eisteddfod and brings huge colour, spectacle and atmosphere to the event every year with dancers from all over the world in their different costumes.

“We want it to really light up the weekend and have a real impact not just on the Saturday night but throughout the week and especially the weekend.”

The Eisteddfod’s two major dance competitions will be held at the weekend this year with the Choreographed Dance competition on Friday and the Traditional Dance on Saturday.

The winners of each will then dance off for the judges for the title of Dance Champions on the main stage at the Royal International Pavilion in a spectacular finale to the week’s competitions.

Eilir added: “The Eisteddfod has always boasted that it has the best in folk dancing and choral music from around the world but if it’s the best why isn’t there a best of the best competition for dance?

“For me it’s vitally important that competition in both art forms should culminate in the same way – on the stage on Saturday night.

“We want to reach across the dance community that there is another reason for them to come this year and having them there will bring the field to life and gives the dance groups something to look forward to.

“We regularly have dance groups from Turkey and Kurdistan, from Kenya and Ghana, from Ireland and from Europe and there will be major dance competitions taking place every day at this year’s Eisteddfod.

“It will start with children’s competitions on Wednesday with the cultural showcase on Thursday, the choreographed dance on Friday and the folk dance on Saturday and now with the added climax on Saturday night when we will crown the Dance Champions.”

This year’s dance categories are Cultural Showcase, Children’s Folk Dance Group, Individual Folk Dance under 16’s, Dancing in the Street, Traditional Folk Dance and Choreographed Folk Dance.

The Eisteddfod has also extended the deadline day for entries to the dance competitions to February 1.

As well as the new dance event there will also be a new Children’s Choir of the World competition; with the winning choirs from the Junior Children’s, Senior Children’s and Children’s Folk Choir competitions competing against each other,

There will also be a Conductors Prize for the most inspiring conductor from these competitions as well as a Music Directors Award given by the festival’s Music Director himself, Eilir Owen Griffiths.

Another first, aimed at solo performers, will be the Voice of the Future competition, open to under-35s and with a whopping £2,000 prize while the renowned Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy, named for the great Italian tenor who first sang at the Eisteddfod as a boy, will now include the winners from the Youth Choirs competition.

This year’s event is from Tuesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 14, more details, including how to enter, are on the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Money-saving website launched

Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant, has launched a new website that helps people find information about how they can make their money go further.

 

The website, www.moneymadeclearwales.org, was created by the Wales Cooperative Centre and gives information about a range of services to help people manage their money.

 

As well as giving details of financial help and guidance available across Wales, the website includes information about affordable credit and savings, news about campaigns and topical stories.

Carl Sargeant said: “At this time of year we all turn our attention sorting our finances out after our Christmas spending. All too often we hear of people struggling to work how they can pay their bills and current cold weather means that the worry of paying for gas and electric is likely to add to these difficulties.

“Turning to a high cost money lender to make the money last to the end of the month is usually not the solution since it could mean an even bigger problem in the months to come.

“This new website will help people make informed choices about how they can best meet their commitments without having to turn to the high cost lenders that prey on the most vulnerable in our society.

“The website signposts sources of financial advice and also gives details of local credit unions, who are ideally placed in communities and offer an affordable alternative to other loan providers.

“This resource will also help financial advice providers to keep in touch with each other so that they can share information and best practice.

”Encouraging such organisations to work together is a crucial in improving financial inclusion and tackling poverty in Wales.”

Derek Walker from the Wales Co-operative Centre said: “At a time when money is tight and increasing numbers of people are worried about their finances we all need to work together to provide the help that is needed.

"The Wales Co-operative Centre has worked with experts in the field to gather that help in the form of an easy to use website. Now we have set it up, our next job is to make sure as many people as possible know about it and use it.”

Funding for more police announced

The BBC news website is reporting today that the North Wales police and crime commissioner has increased the force's funding from council tax by 3.98%.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wales/north_east_wales/

Town councilors make no comment on plans

Members of Llangollen Town Council made no comment on any of the planning issues which came before them at their monthly meeting on Tuesday night.

These included the related schemes, both recently approved by the county council, to remove or vary conditions on the new Saisnbury's store to be built on the Dobson & Crowther printworks site off the A5, and the site at nearby Cilmedw where a replacement factory will be built.

Also considered without any objection being raised was a plan by Llangollen Railway to erect a steel portal framed building for storage of locomotive engines and other rolling stock, and the re-alignment of the existing track at the Llangollen Junction Yard, Abbey Road, Llangollen.

Latest position on Wrexham schools

Wrexham Council says on its website that there are currently four schools closed or partially closed within the county borough:

Ysgol y Waun, Chirk - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The junior site on Lloyds Lane is closed due to insufficient staff to cover classes. The infant site on Chapel Lane is open

Last Updated: 07:38AM 21/01/13

Froncysyllte CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The shool is closed today. The hill leading to school is treacherous and the car park is unusable. In the interests of health and safety of staff and pupils we have made the difficult decision to close. We will do all we can to get roads gritted and passable so that we can open tomorrow. Thank you for your support and patience - we have not taken the decision lightly.

Last Updated: 07:57AM 21/01/13

Penycae Community Primary - Partially Closed

Further Information: INFANT SITE OPEN. JUNIOR SITE CLOSED. ALL CHILDREN (juniors and infants) GO TO INFANT SITE. Both sites have considerable snow covering and we cannot clear both sites before the start of the day. Breakfast club on the infant site only. Please drop off and pick up all children today at the infant site. After school club will take place on the infant site. We will work on clearing the junior site during the day. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Last Updated: 07:06AM 21/01/13

Ymlaen / Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover

Further Information: Unfortunately, due to insufficient staff cover we have had to close the KS3 Department at Dodd's Lane to pupils. We apologise for any inconvenience. We are looking to reopen to pupils tomorrow.

Last Updated: 08:04AM 21/01/13

Schools that are Open Today or Reopening Tomorrow

There are currently 58 schools open or reopening within Wrexham County Borough.

Wrexham schools re-opening tomorrow

According to the councikl's website, there are currently 20 schools open or planning to reopen tomorrow in Wrexham County.

They are:

Ysgol Sant Dunawd CP, Bangor on Dee - Open

Further Information: Based on the current conditions, school will be open tomorrow. Please provide your child/children with appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear so that they can enjoy the snow at break times. Another update will be posted by 7.30am tomorrow. Many thanks, S. Tate.

Last Updated: 05:20PM 20/01/13

St Mary's Aided, Brymbo - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: Please check this page, the school web page and look out for school texts. It is our intention to open Monday. The forecast indicates early snow, however unlike Friday, there is no indication of heavy snow throughout the day. It would be advisable to make contingency plans for the coming week, as no forecast can be 100% accurate and a decision to open first thing could quickly be reversed. As always we will do our best to act decisively and as early as possible so that parents can make necessary arrangement. Thank you.

Last Updated: 01:39PM 20/01/13

Cefn Mawr CP School - Open

Further Information: At present, we are hoping to open on Monday morning as usual. However, with continued snow forcast for today and into the night, please check this site after 7.30 am tomorrow to confirm if the school is open or closed. Thank you. N.Conde

Last Updated: 04:24PM 20/01/13

Ysgol Min y Ddol CP, Cefn Mawr - Open

Further Information: Diolch yn fawr iawn i'n rhieni a gofalwyr am eu cefnogaeth ddydd Gwener. Rydym yn bwriadu ail-agor bore fory ond gwyliwch am ddiweddariad ar y safle we yma ar ol 7:30 bore fory. Byddwn hefyd yn eich diweddaru gyda neges destun. Many thanks to all our parents and carers for their support on Friday when we had to close the school at lunchtime due to the bad weather. We are intending to open on Monday morning however the snow is currently falling heavily and is forecast to continue throughout the night. Please check this website tomorrow morning after 7:30 when a final decision will be made. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Last Updated: 04:27PM 20/01/13

Pentre Voluntary Controlled, Chirk - Open

Further Information: We are planning to open tomorrow. However, with continued snow forecast tonight, please continue to check this site or listen to Heart fm for more information. Thank you for your patience. Safety of all concerned is our top priority.

Last Updated: 04:19PM 20/01/13

Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Coedpoeth - Open

Further Information: We are hoping that the school will be open as normal on Monday. Please check this site in the morning. Please take care on the roads and if you are unable to bring your child to school you may telephone the school. Thank you, Kevin Williams.

Last Updated: 04:46PM 20/01/13

Gwersyllt - Support Centre PRU - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: The Centre will be open as usual tomorrow.Should there be further heavy snowfall please check this website.Thank you/Diolch.

Last Updated: 05:33PM 20/01/13

Bryn Alyn High School, Gwersyllt - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: We are intending to open the school as normal on Monday morning,21/1/13. B.Whiteley.

Last Updated: 02:15PM 20/01/13

Holt CP - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: It is our intention to open on Monday. However the forecast indicates further snow and we will make a final decision first thing tomorrow morning, so please continue to monitor this website or the School website. Thank you Kate Goodwin

Last Updated: 03:42PM 20/01/13

St Paul's Voluntary Aided Primary School, Isycoed - Open

Further Information: School will reopen Monday morning - weather permitting. This site will be updated by 7.30 am but please also check throughout the day in case we are forced to close early. Many thanks and keep safe.

Last Updated: 06:12PM 20/01/13

Johnstown Junior School - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: At present we are intending to reopen on Monday morning as usual. However, with continued snow forecast for today and into the night, please check this site and the school website www.johnstownjunionrschool.co.uk for more information. If conditions are difficult in the morning, a text will be sent to all parents, after 7.30 am, to confirm whether the school is open or closed.

Last Updated: 01:11PM 20/01/13

Penycae Community Primary - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: We are planning to open tomorrow. However, as you know, there has been a lot of snow this afternoon and snow is forecast for the LL14 area throughout the night. Therefore no final decision can be taken until tomorrow morning. Please check this site in the morning and the hotline 08447 707576 ID 58001

Last Updated: 05:17PM 20/01/13

Ysgol ID Hooson CP, Rhos - Open

Further Information: We intend to open the school as usual tomorrow. Naturally, please take care on the roads and in the car park. If, due to your own personal circumstances, you are unable to bring your child/ren to school, please contact the school via e-mail and not by phone: mailbox@hooson-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

Last Updated: 04:15PM 20/01/13

Ysgol Maes y Mynydd, Rhos - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: We are intending to open the school as usual tomorrow. A final decision will be made tomorrow morning based on the conditions and a decision posted on this website as soon as possible.

Last Updated: 02:48PM 20/01/13

Darland High School, Rossett - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: Darland High School will be open tomorrow. Please take extra care on the journey to school. Should there be a need to change this plan, parents will be informed by text and a message on this site. Thank you for your patience. Mr Agnew

Last Updated: 04:42PM 20/01/13

Ysgol Plas Coch CP, Wrecsam - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: We will be open tomorrow hopefully. Please take care and keep to the paths that have been cleared this afternoon around the school. This site will be updated in the morning.

Last Updated: 05:26PM 20/01/13

Acton Park Community Primary, Wrexham - Open

Further Information: At present we are hoping to avoid further disruption and re-open on Monday morning as usual. However, with continued snow forecast for today and into the night, please check this site for more information. A text will be sent to all parents first thing on Monday morning to confirm whether the school is open or closed. Thank you.

Last Updated: 03:08PM 20/01/13

Barker's Lane CP, Wrexham - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: Thank you for your support and the arrangements made when we were forced to close school early on Friday. We intend to open school as usual tomorrow. However as you will be aware snow has fallen throughout the day and is forecast to continue into the night, therefore please check the website early in the morning for an update when a final decision can be made. If, following a risk assessment, we have to remain closed a text will also be sent. Miss Edwards

Last Updated: 03:49PM 20/01/13

St Josephs Catholic & Anglican High Sch, Wrexham - Reopening Tomorrow

Further Information: School is open to all on Monday, January 21st. If there is any subsequent/significant change to the information texted at 3pm today, please be reassured that parents will be contacted directly, by text, signposting you to the school website where we have more space for text to deliver messages in full. Re: School Transport, please be aware that the Bus Companies will naturally be taking extra care on Monday morning, and that this may lead to some altered arrival and collection times. Wrexham County Borough Council advises….." the route taken by certain vehicles may vary from normal. In the interests of safety, you are advised to make sure that pupils are at their pick-up point at least 10 minutes earlier than usual.” MESSAGE RE BUS ROUTES: At present, George Edwards’ Coaches have advised that they are not planning to run in Gwynfryn and Bwlchgwyn, and so pupils need, where possible, to pick up their bus in Coedpoeth, please. We will pass on any further messages about specific routes to you if/as soon as we receive them, but please be patient and understand if/where your child does not use school transport, but we have needed to send a message out relating to school transport. It is hoped that the combination of regular and effective gritting, and the ongoing flow of commuter traffic during the earlier part of the morning, will mean that all will be well for safe travel for all. All pupils, whether passengers or pedestrians, are urged to take extra care on their journey. Where practicable, pupils will need to carry their school shoes in their school bag, and change into these when they enter the building, for their comfort and safety. Thank you to all parents and carers for your support in understanding our enforced closure on Friday. We hope all pupils are safe and well, and that families are not too inconvenienced by the weather. Mrs. Maria B. Rimmer, Headteacher

Last Updated: 04:16PM 20/01/13

Wat's Dyke CP, Wrexham - Open

Further Information: It is our intention to open the school at the usual time on Monday. Thank you for your co-operation regarding the early closure on Friday.

Last Updated: 04:14PM 20/01/13

Parents are advised to listen to Heart FM on 103.4FM if they are concerned about school closures. The Heart FM website will include a list of school closures in the Wrexham area.

Council website: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_status.cfm

Welsh councils fear having to pick up tab for health shake-up

The BBC news website has a story today (Sunday) which says Welsh councils are concerned they may be forced to pick up the bill in the wake of the latest NHS shake-up if proposals are not properly costed.

See the story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21113298