Artists to show off their work in the town

Starting on Friday 6th September, six artists in Llangollen will be showing work in their studios, local tea shops an historic local venue and a hotel in the town.

Each weekend and some Fridays throughout September painting, photography and ceramics will be on show as part of Helfa Gelf Art Trail 2013.

North Wales's tremendously popular Open Studios scheme now  in its eighth year, spanning five counties with over 300 artists showing work.

The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 -2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural fund for Rural Development and is offering artists throughout Wales wonderful opportunities.

Painters showing work in Llangollen  include Sue Hall at 5a Oak St, John Smout at Fouzi's Cafe Bar, Pat Pearson at The Pines, Abbey Rd and Janie Mcleod at Plas Newydd Tea Rooms.

Maggie Davies will be showing ceramics in her studio at Dinbren Uchaf Farm, Eglwyseg and  Llinos Lanini will exhibit her photography for one weekend in Manorhaus, Heol Y Bryn.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "To make a start why not call in to Plas Newydd  Tea Rooms with its beautiful historic house sample the homemade cakes with a pot of tea view Janie Mcleods work and collect your Helfa Gelf booklet which has all the artists details and locations so that you can plan your visits.

"Whether you wish to buy an art work or just chat to the various artists over a cup of tea do bring family and friends and enjoy this wonderful event For further information about the event please go to www.helfagelf.co.uk"

Pavilion meeting will aid consultation on county plans

A meeting in Llangollen early next month will aid consultation on Denbighshire County Council's plans to breathe new life into the local economy.

Councillors unanimously agreed earlier this Summer that the Council should consult on its draft Economic & Community Ambition Strategy, 'Developing Opportunities, Creating Confidence' .

A further consultation event takes place at the Pavilion, Llangollen on Thursday, September 5th between 6pm and 8pm.  

A focus group for the manufacturing industry will take place on Friday, September 6th at the Optic Centre, St Asaph at 8am, with a focus group for the Energy sector meeting on Monday, September 9th at 8am.

One of the Strategy's key headlines is the need to work together to make Denbighshire a place where businesses existing and new, grow and flourish; towns and communities are vibrant and prosper and all residents enjoy a good quality of life and can participate in the local economy

The Council hopes that by taking action to tackle the issues set out in the Strategy, results will be seen in less unemployment; higher household incomes; more successful and sustainable businesses; less deprivation; more people able to participate in the local economy and a higher profile for Denbighshire.

Have your say by visiting our website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/youropinions  where you can access the complete consultation document and  complete a short response form..

Alternatively you can submit your views in writing to:  Mike Horrocks, Economic Ambition Strategy Consultation, Denbighshire County Council, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN.

The deadline for consultation responses to be completed and returned is 9^th September 2013.

Show claims to uncover new evidence on Ripper murders

Jack the Ripper may have been nothing more than a myth created by sensational journalism at the time of the murders.  

That is one of the theories which will be put forward when a retired police officer who has made a 11-year study of the legendary murder mystery presents his show Jack the Ripper-A 21st Century Investigation at The Catrin Finch Centre in Wrexham on Friday, September 6. 

The show, presented by leading Ripper expert Trevor Marriott, is touring the UK throughout 2013 to mark the 125th anniversary of the Whitechapel murders in London in 1888. 

A reign of terror ensued when the killer who became known as the Ripper was blamed for a series of brutal and horrific murders which to this day remain unsolved.   

Since 2002 Marriott (pictured right), a retired murder squad detective,  has been conducting a cold case re-investigation of the murders.

For the past 125 years the mystery has captivated the imagination of people worldwide.

There have been over 100 books published and numerous films and television documentaries on the subject.

Marriott says many of these have over-dramatised and distorted the facts to the point where the public now accepts the fiction more readily than the facts.

He claims his own long and protracted  investigation has uncovered some “startling results” which completely dispel many of the original theories which have been readily accepted as being fact for over a century.

It was generally accepted that the murderer only killed five prostitutes between August and November 1888.

However, Marriott claims to have uncovered other murders outside of those dates both in London, the USA and Germany.

This, he says, has led to a new suspect emerging who has never been mentioned before and who had been arrested for committing a Ripper-like murder in the USA.

Marriott says his ongoing investigation disproves the accepted theory that the killer, after slaying some of the victims, removed vital organs from their bodies at the crime scenes taking them away with him.

And he says further investigative work has uncovered secret Metropolitan Police Special Branch records, never before made public, in which four new suspects are named and the contents of which now eliminate a number of the “prime suspects” who have been continuously investigated over the ensuing years.

Marriott believes that not all the Whitechapel murders were committed by the same killer and that, in fact, Jack the Ripper may have been nothing more than a myth created by sensational journalism at the time of the murders. 

 

Jack the Ripper- A 21^st Century Investigation is a two-hour show hosted by Marriot himself in which he describes his lengthy investigation and discloses the results.  

The one-man show is packed with pictures from 1888, including original crime scene images of the victims, suspects and other original photographs from 1888 relative to the murders. 

The show’s advance publicity material warns:  “It should be noted that some of these photographs are of a disturbing and graphic nature which some persons may find disturbing. However, adequate notice is given during the show to avoid anyone becoming upset or distressed.” 

This show will coincide with the publication of  three new books written by Trevor Marriott entitled Jack the Ripper-The Secret Police Files, The Evil Within - The World’s Worst Serial Killers and a Victorian crime mystery novel based on the Whitechapel Murders called Prey Time. 

Marriott recently featured in a television documentary for the National Geographic Channel entitled Finding Jack the Ripper, which was shown worldwide. 

+ Catrin Finch Centre box office 01978 293293.

New Operatic season to start with a bang

Llangollen Operatic Society’s new season begins on Tuesday 10th September with a get together in the studio at 7.30pm.

There's an exciting programme planned for 2013/2014, starting on Tuesday 10th December with the Christmas show, A Christmas Cracker.

More details will follow in due course. 

For the main production, society members will be performing their own take on WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s The Mikado from 14th to 17th May 2014.

Whilst keeping to the original score, replete with its beautiful melodies and trademark humour, the production will have a modern day setting and the characters real attitude.

With three griping little maids and a power hungry Katisha to name but a few, it promises to be a show like no other and will appeal to everyone, from Gilbert and Sullivan stalwarts to complete newcomers.   

Auditions will be held during November and company rehearsals will commence on the first Tuesday in January. 

If you would like to get involved with the Operatic either on stage or off, please contact Membership Secretary, Helen Belton, on 07718 368434 for further details.

The society welcomes all new members with or without experience and guarantees great camaraderie and lots of laughs.

The society's junior section, the Young Uns, has announced its next production will be the ever popular Oliver by Lionel Bart and will be performed on 6th, 7th and 8th February 2014.

Once again, the show will be produced by Tessa Orton-Jones with Elen Mair Roberts as Musical Director and this year Christine Dukes is Artistic Director.

The first meeting of the new season will be a social event on Monday 2nd September from 6:00pm until 8:00pm in the studio where we a DVD of last year’s show will be screened.

Rehearsals for the new production will then start on Monday 9th September.

The Young Uns are always pleased to welcome new members between the ages of 7 and 17 and no previous experience is needed, just lots of enthusias.

If you/your child would be interested in getting involved, please contact Tessa Orton-Jones on 07882 825292. 

The society's Travelling Troupe is available for bookings. So if you would like to add a touch of the West End to your event, contact Tracey on 07875 639533 or Louisa on 07989 985644 for further information.

In a message to friends and supporters, society chairman Mike Jones says:

"In the words of Bertolt Brecht, `a theatre without audience makes no sense' and as we embark on the new season,

"I would like to take the opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to the people of Llangollen and surrounding area for their continued support of Llangollen Operatic Society. 

"Founded in 1908, we are one of the oldest surviving artistic organisations in the town, which is testament not just to the hard work of the generations of players and production teams but also to those who have supported and enjoyed our shows year after year.

"Our senior section, Young Uns and Troupe all have exciting programmes ahead of them in 2013/2014 and we look forward to bringing you more of the high quality entertainment you have come to expect. 

"For further details of upcoming events and productions, please read Llanblogger, visit us at www.llangollen-operatic.co.uk or follow us on Facebook. If you have any comments, questions or would like to get involved , please do not hesitate to contact me."

Crime prevention event planned for Llandegla

 

 

Llangollen residents are being invited to a crime prevention event in Flintshire today (Sunday).

 

The event at Coed Llandegla Forest, Llandegla LL11 3AA on August 25 is from 10am - 4pm and is being organised and supported by North Wales Police, Cheshire Constabulary, community safety partnerships  from across North Wales and the One Planet Adventure Centre in Llandegla.

 

Visitors will be offered crime prevention advice and information on bicycle tagging devices, property marking kits and security equipment.

 

Activities will be taking place throughout the day including bicycle marking and registering and events at Coed Llandegla Forest.

Ken Skates visits Llan food bank

* Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, right, with (from left) Matt’s Food

Bank volunteers Jean Onslow and Sheila Evans and church pastor Brian Smith.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has paid tribute to the dedicated volunteers who run a ‘vital’ project in Llangollen to help feed a community’s most vulnerable people.

Mr Skates visited Matt’s Food Bank at City Church yesterday (Friday) to see how the team provides support to those in crisis by giving out emergency supplies.

The project was named in honour of the late Matt Price, the former manager of St Collen’s Community Hall in Llangollen, and offers people items of food when they are struggling to feed themselves or their families. It serves the Dee Valley from Corwen to Cefn Mawr.

Mr Skates said: “I understand it was a dream of Matt’s to create a food bank in our community – it was a vision that was shared and Matt’s Food Bank was officially opened in October 2012.

“It is a vital project designed to help some of the most deprived people in our area, and the work this team of dedicated volunteers do is amazing.

“It shouldn’t be the case that in 21^st century Britain we need projects like this to help feed people and families struggling to make ends meet. Sadly, however, food poverty is on the rise and schemes like this are having to step in more and more.

“While there are people in our communities who cannot afford to eat properly, projects like Matt’s Food Bank are a godsend. I cannot speak highly enough of the church volunteers who give up their time to help those in need.”

People struggling to make ends meet are given food vouchers by doctors, district nurses, schools, the Citizens Advice Bureau and other welfare agencies which can be redeemed at the church on Mondays and Fridays.

There are also drop-off points at the Llangollen Co-op and St Collen’s Church where members of the public can donate tins, packets and other non-perishable food.

The group also runs Matt’s Community Bite, which offers people in the local community a home-cooked meal and company every Monday and Friday from noon-2pm.

Church pastor Brian Smith said: “The aim is for people to have access to a friendly and safe environment where they have the opportunity to establish friendships and enjoy company whilst enjoyed tasty, home-cooked food. The food is free of charge and people are more than welcome to come along.”

The food bank is keen to get local businesses on board as sponsors, and also wants to establish more drop-out points in the area where food can be donated. If you can help, call Brian on 07957 728473.

Dion has starring role in Llan food festival

 

* Graham and Dion.

 

One of world's most talented young chefs will have a starring role at a top food festival, it's been revealed.

 

Rising star Dion Jones, 25, will be hitting the culinary high notes at  Hamper Llangollen that's being held in the town on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20.

 

Last year Dion, from Valley, Anglesey, and now living in Wrexham, became the first Briton beat rivals from around the globe to win the world’s oldest culinary competition, the International Escoffier Challenge in the South of France.

 

At Hamper Llangollen, now recognised as one of the UK's top 10 food festivals, Dion will be cooking up a Welsh feast with TV chef Graham Tinsley and Harri Williams.

 

 

* Harri.

 

The three chefs, who all compete for Wales in the Welsh National Culinary Team, will take over the main Pavilion kitchen throughout the Sunday for six demonstrations.

 

Dion hit the headlines again after he emerged in second place in one of the UK’s toughest-ever cooking competitions – the Roux Scholarship - judged by a host of celebrity chefs.

The competition reduced to 18 semi-finalists and just six finalists in 10 one hour-long episodes screened on the Watch TV channel.

 

Young chefs had to compete under pressure for the Godfathers of modern cuisine, the Roux family – brothers Michel and Albert and their equally legendary sons Alain and Michel Jnr.

 

As if that was not testing enough, the judging panel contained a stellar list of celebrity chef names, including Rick Stein, Angela Hartnett, James Martin, Raymond Blanc and Andrew Fairlie – the first ever winner of the Roux Scholarship.

 

“I came second overall in the competition which ran for 10 episodes,” said Dion. “I won various cash prizes and knives but it was the taking part which was the important thing.

“I was told it was ‘very close’ between myself and the guy who won, Paul O’Neal. Taking part in this has to rank alongside the International Escoffier win.

 

“The series was filmed in the Roux’ famous Le Gavroche and Waterside Inn restaurants and in Switzerland.”

 

After working at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa and De Vere Carden Park, Dion now works for Simon Rimmer at his Earle restaurant in Hale, commuting from his home in Tanyfron near Wrexham.

 

Dion says his mother Ann “pushed” him towards cookery and persuaded him to go to Coleg Menai. After that he never looked back. He too was a captain for the Welsh Junior National Culinary team and now competes in the senior team under team manager – and former boss Graham Tinsley.

 

This year's festival is being supported by the rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s contribution came via the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government

 

Welsh speaker Harri Williams, from Conwy, a chef at the award-winning Ellenborough Park Country House Hotel in Cheltenham, has just returned from Hong Kong.

 

“I was there for a week promoting Welsh produce for the Welsh Government,” said Harri, 21.

 

“We were taking part in a big show the idea of which was to find distributors for Welsh products and I was cooking Welsh produce for people to taste. It was a brilliant trip.”

 

Harri is captain of the Welsh Junior National Culinary, and led them to a silver medal at the Culinary Olympics last October in Germany.

 

He’s also been to No 10 Downing Street with his former boss Graham to cook for Prime Minster David Cameron at a star-studded get together on St David’s Day for a host of Welsh celebrities and sports stars.

 

His interest in cooking comes from his mum, Rhian Williams, co-founder and owner of the hugely successful Llanrwst-based bakery Siwgwr a Sbeis – a regular at the Llangollen Festival.

 

“I started working for Graham Tinsley when I was 15, first at the Castle Hotel in Conwy and then I moved with him to De Vere Carden Park Hotel and Spa in Cheshire,” said Harri, a De Vere Junior Chef of the Year. He started working at Cheltenham at the beginning of March but travels home to North Wales regularly.

 

Graham, executive chef at De Vere Carden Park and director of the Castle Hotel at Conwy, has taken the Welsh culinary team as high as seventh in the world rankings.

 

He said: “I must have been to Llangollen now about eight or nine times. It’s still a really good festival, and one of the friendly ones. I go to a lot of festivals which are ‘man-made’where tents and marquees are brought in. But at Llangollen you have the Pavilion and the great surroundings; it’s such an eye-catching place.”

 

Adopted Welshman Graham has enjoyed a distinguished career which has taken him to some of top hotels in the UK and Europe including working for Anton Mosimann at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London.

 

In 1991, Graham was head hunted to help develop and open the first four star hotel in North Wales - St David's Park Hotel in Ewloe. The hotel was such an overwhelming success that, in 1997, he was appointed to the team that developed and opened the renowned Carden Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Cheshire.

 

He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 80th birthday celebrations in 2006 for his services to the food industry.

 

He has cooked for the Queen and members of the Royal family on numerous occasions, as well as the Emperor of Japan and European Heads of State at Cardiff Castle. Prince Charles, as patron of the Welsh National Culinary Team, has requested that they cook for him and his guests at every formal occasion in Wales and Graham was invited to attend his wedding celebration at Windsor Castle.

 

Robert Price, Cadwyn Clwyd's agri-food project officer, said: "We are so lucky that North Wales is a hotbed of culinary talent and I am sure that Graham, Dion and Harri will put on a great show at this year's festival.

 

"In addition to many favourites, we have lots of new food producers wanting to come this year.

 

"The location of the Pavilion is absolutely  spectacular - I can't imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting.

 

"It's also brilliant news for the local economy. If you buy from a local producer, all that money is recycled through the local economy and that sustains employment in our rural areas."

 

For more information about Hamper Llangollen 2013 go to: www.llangollenfoodfestival.com