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Thursday, June 5, 2014
Eisteddfod helps Kosovan family track down relative's 1966 appearance
* Ramadan, left, and Myrvete Gashi with their son, Lutfi.
It was back in 1966 that a young man named Sali Krasni appeared with the Yugoslavian folk dance group Rugova at Llangollen.
Sali died in his sixties about 25 years ago but members of his family never forgot how fondly he used to speak about his thrilling trip to north Wales.
Sadly, all pictures and mementos relating to the memorable occasion were lost when the family home was destroyed by the brutal war in Kosovo in the late 1990s, which saw forces under Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic attempt to suppress the ethnic Albanian majority's independence campaign.
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| * Sali Krasni, from the 1967 programme. |
Like many ethnic Albanians, Sali’s family saw no alternative but to flee their native country and seek asylum in Britain 16 years ago.
Over the years Sali’s daughter, Myrvete Gashi, often thought how wonderful it would be if any records of his Eisteddfod appearance could be located.
So on a recent holiday visit to Llangollen from their home in Enfield, north London, she and three other members of the family decided to call into the Eisteddfod office at the Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, to see if any trace of it could be found.
And their luck was in because the day they chose for the unscheduled visit just happened to be the one day of the week when the Eisteddfod’s two volunteer archivists, Jean Audrey Speare and Helen Roberts, were in the office.
They delved back through the records and soon came up with some fascinating pieces of information relating to the appearance of Sali and his folk group.
Not only did they uncover photos of the group, including Sali, in an old festival programme but also a newspaper of the day featuring a picture of him.
The archive team provided their unexpected visitors with copies of the originals before a colleague took them on a guided tour of the pavilion, which will once again come alive with the Eisteddfod in July.
The Eisteddfod’s Festival Support Co-ordinator Christine Dukes, who greeted the group from Kosovo, said: “They just walked through the door of the office and said they had called in on the off chance that we might have some details about their relative who appeared at the festival in 1966 as they had lost everything during the war in their country.
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* The family look through the old records with the help of the archives team. |
“We arranged for them to get copies of everything and then I took them on a tour of the pavilion.
“Of course, I explained that the whole site would have looked very different back in 1966, which was before the pavilion was built.
“We were very happy to be able to help them and, luckily, they came on the only day of the week that our archivists, who are both volunteers, are in the office.”
Along with Sali’s daughter, 65-year-old Myrvete, was her husband Ramadan Gashi, 69, their married daughter, 36-year-old Lendita Olloni, and son Lutfi Gashi, 45.
Lutfi, who lives in Enfield, north London and works as a joiner, said: “Our family had a very bad time in the war in Kosovo in the late 1990s and came to England as asylum seekers 16 years ago.
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| * Sali Krasni appeared with the Yugoslavian folk dance group Rugova. |
“We lost our home in a village called Drenovc when it was destroyed by the bombing and had to leave the country for our own safety.
“It was because of this that we lost everything relating to the appearance at Llangollen of my grandfather, Sali, with his folk group in 1966.
“But I remember he often would talk with great fondness about his time at the Eisteddfod and my parents and I said that one day we would come to north Wales to try to find out more about it.
“We came to the office in Llangollen to see if they could find anything and we were very lucky that they found for us some lovely pictures of my grandfather which they arranged for us to have copies of.
“It was very good to be able to find out some information about him after all this time and the family is very grateful to the very kind ladies in the office who did so much to help us.”
He added: “After going to the Eisteddfod site we spent a night in Llangollen and also visited other attractions in the area including the steam railway.
“It is a very nice town and it was good to see the place from where my grandfather brought back so many happy memories.”
The curtain raiser for this year's Eisteddfod will mark the return of opera superstar Bryn Terfel to Llangollen.
The acclaimed bass baritone will be playing the lead in a special English-language production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featuring an all-Welsh cast.
This year's will also feature concerts by Dutch jazz sensation Caro Emerald and veteran British rockers Status Quo as well as a world premiere of a new work, Adiemus Colores, by top composer Karl Jenkins.
He will conduct his Latin American themed work with American tenor Noah Stewart, Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores and Latvian accordion player Ksenija Sidorova to the accompaniment of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Orchestra.
The Friday night concert, Spirit of Unity, will feature the Cape Town Opera, Africa’s premiere opera company, famed for their "vibrant vocalism and high-octane stage performances".
Appearing with them will be Wales’ representative in Cardiff Singer of the World, Gary Griffiths, the Wales Millennium Centre Only Kidz Aloud Chorus under the baton of celebrity conductor Tim Rhys Evans and British Sinfonietta, one of the UK's leading independent professional orchestras.
The Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy on the Saturday night is the blue riband event of the week-long festival which will close with a Sunday night concert by Status Quo.
To book tickets and for more details about this year’s Eisteddfod go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Libs Dems slam "misleading" broadband claims
During a debate in the National Assembly on the digital economy, Welsh Liberal Democrats called for an end to "misleading" broadband claims which they claim often see customers paying for high speed broadband contracts which do not reflect the speed of service they were advertised.
Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Economy, said: “I am very concerned that many people in Wales may not be getting a fair deal from their broadband provider. Customers are paying for high speed broadband contracts but in reality they only receive very slow broadband speeds which do not match the level of service that was advertised.
“Many businesses and individuals have contacted me to say that the current system is very unfair, because companies are able advertise that their broadband service is ‘up to’ a certain speed even if the majority of customers will receive a lower speed in practice.
“The EU is taking steps to ensure that operators must be more transparent about the actual broadband speeds provided and end misleading advertising. Under current OFCOM rules, advertised speeds must only be achievable by 10% of a provider’s customers, which is clearly unfair.
“The measures being proposed by the EU would help end excessive claims of internet companies who claim to deliver more megabytes than they actually do.&nb sp; Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government on these measures to ensure that we can bring an end to the unfair treatment of customers by powerful telecoms companies.”
Crumpton speaks out on local health service
Martin Crumpton, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, gives a personal take on the local health service...
"When they said ‘North Wales’s health is changing’ they neglected to mention it would be for the worse. I think I can speak with some authority; I’ve just come off the Terminally Ill Register after two-and-a-half years, and I haven’t come through unscathed. I’m on first-name terms with many of the ambulance crews.
"I don’t think it’s at all unreasonable to ask our planners to hang fire on the old hospital until the problems of the new health centre are resolved, do you? I really don’t want to get maudlin, but I wondered at the time of the crash on the A5 right below my cottage a few weeks ago if there might have been a better outcome if the cottage hospital just cross the river had still been operational before the airlift to Stoke.
"Somehow, happening so close to me, I felt involved and saddened. Even while the emergency services were arriving at such incredibly short times, I couldn’t help wondering what might have happened if there’d been a blockage at the single-file section due to accident, breakdown or congestion, and silently cursed the maniac behind this proposal.
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| * Martin Crumpton, left, gives a TV interview during the fight to save the Cottage Hospital. |
"Somehow, happening so close to me, I felt involved and saddened. Even while the emergency services were arriving at such incredibly short times, I couldn’t help wondering what might have happened if there’d been a blockage at the single-file section due to accident, breakdown or congestion, and silently cursed the maniac behind this proposal.
"Then, of course, I couldn’t help reflect on the number of times the emergency services had made the difference between life and death, not just for me but my wife as well when she lay bleeding for over an hour after a fall before we discovered her. Frankly, it scares me. Now I’m wheelchair-bound I couldn’t get her to A&E by myself, as I did when she broke her wrist during the icy winter a couple of years ago.
"I think what really makes me livid is the thought that heart attack and stroke victims could be kept waiting in a queue because there’s no hospital close enough or because the route to the Maelor is blocked by a queue.
Please, right now, write now and register your objections, your fears and your own experiences. It has to be today."
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Fringe Festival programme launched
THE programme for the 2014 Llangollen Fringe Festival had
its official launch at the town’s International Pavilion on Monday evening.
Announcing the varied line-up for the 17th annual
festival, Sara Roberts, a member of the organisation team, described it as a “big
hitter” which would offer events to cater for a wide range of tastes ranging
over 11 days from July 17-27.
Sara added: “Sometimes we take a risk to do more interesting things and present things you wouldn’t see anywhere else.
“One of those things we are doing this year is a screening of the film The Extremist, on Sunday July 20.
“Although it is organised by a dedicated band of amateurs it is by no means amateurish.”
Festival Programme 2014 highlights:
Indulge yourself and let Taking Flight entangle you in this tale of sibling rivalry, love, lust and mistaken identity.
Through nine albums with Super Furry Animals, two with Neon Neon and handful of solo LPs, Gruff Rhys has distinctively documented the lives of others.
Jon Ronson presents a one-man show - Frank - telling the true story behind a new, soon to be released movie co-written by him and starring Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Domhnall Gleeson and directed by Lenny Abrahamson. Part funny memoir, part movie diary, this is a tribute to outsider artists too wonderfully strange to ever make it in the mainstream.
Band For A Day participants show off their new skills in a concert on the main Llangollen Fringe stage in front of a live audience.
Victoria reads from a selection her acclaimed works and talks about her life and career. Followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask their own questions.
To celebrate the Dylan Thomas centenary a new drama featuring renowned actor Peter Read.
East India Youth - who is responsible for the love-lorn synth pop of 'Looking For Someone' and the chemically-dazed rapture of 'Heaven, How Long' from the stunning 'Hostel EP' - is actually one young man. William Doyle, a 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Bournemouth, cut his teeth in an indie group called The Fourfathers while still a teenager.
Former Squeeze frontman, Glenn Tilbrook, reputed for his considerable song writing talent and irrepressible sense of humour, brings his totally stripped down solo acoustic show to the Fringe.
WOMEX headliner Transglobal Underground make a welcome return visit to the Llangollen Fringe this year. Their sell-out performance in Llangollen in 2004 was one of the great all-time nights of Fringe history. They specialise in a fusion of western, oriental and African music styles (sometimes labelled world fusion and ethno techno) and their infectious music and huge stage presence will make this a great night to remember for another decade.
Known as ‘The Godfathers of World Music', Osibisa exploded onto the music world in 1971 with a pulsating and vibrant sound that was to engulf the tired post 60’s rock scene. Translated from Ghanaian Osibisa means ‘criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness’.
An intimate afternoon of Spanish music, wine and tapas in the wood panelled surroundings of Gales Wine Bar
Harmonic Chant and Diphonic Singing, is a vocal technique in which each singer emits two notes at once.
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| * Victoria Coren Mitchell. |
Sara added: “Sometimes we take a risk to do more interesting things and present things you wouldn’t see anywhere else.
“One of those things we are doing this year is a screening of the film The Extremist, on Sunday July 20.
“It stars Llangollen actor Dyfed Thomas, who is a good
friend of the Fringe, and tells the story of the Welsh nationalist terrorists
who mounted a bombing campaign in the late 1960s in the run-up to the
Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.”
Headliners at the festival include stand-up comedian Paul
Sinha on Thursday July 17, an evening
with TV presenter and writer Victoria Coren Mitchell on Tuesday July 22 and a
performance by former Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook on Thursday July 24.
Llangollen Mayor Bob Lube, who was among guests at the
launch evening, said: “The council is always very happy to be associated with
the Fringe, which has become one of the main cultural events of the town whose
reputation has spread far and wide. |
| *Glenn Tilbrook. |
“Although it is organised by a dedicated band of amateurs it is by no means amateurish.”
Festival Programme 2014 highlights:
Thursday 17th
July - Stand-up Comedy
The Fringe Comedy Night Double Bill presents two well-known
names from the comedy circuit, Paul Sinha and Gary Delaney.
Friday 18th
July - Shakespeare’s As You Like It Indulge yourself and let Taking Flight entangle you in this tale of sibling rivalry, love, lust and mistaken identity.
Through nine albums with Super Furry Animals, two with Neon Neon and handful of solo LPs, Gruff Rhys has distinctively documented the lives of others.
Fringe Acoustica is back for another orgy of unplugged aural
delights.
Saturday 19th
July - The Neville Staple Band
Former singer with The Specials and Fun Boy Three Neville
Staple will get you skanking to ska and Two Tone hits plus some reworked
Jamaican ska classics and brand new original material.
Sunday 20th
July - Band For A Day
Band for a Day will give you the opportunity to develop your
musical ensemble skills.
Sunday 20th
July - Blues Steam Train
5.45pm departure from Llangollen Steam Railway Station. Get into the right frame of mind listening to
a live blues band on the platform before boarding your steam train.
The much-acclaimed, highly controversial film deals with the
symbolic bombing campaign which took place in Wales during the 1960’s leading
up to the investiture of Charles as the Prince of Wales.Jon Ronson presents a one-man show - Frank - telling the true story behind a new, soon to be released movie co-written by him and starring Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Domhnall Gleeson and directed by Lenny Abrahamson. Part funny memoir, part movie diary, this is a tribute to outsider artists too wonderfully strange to ever make it in the mainstream.
Band For A Day participants show off their new skills in a concert on the main Llangollen Fringe stage in front of a live audience.
Victoria reads from a selection her acclaimed works and talks about her life and career. Followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask their own questions.
To celebrate the Dylan Thomas centenary a new drama featuring renowned actor Peter Read.
East India Youth - who is responsible for the love-lorn synth pop of 'Looking For Someone' and the chemically-dazed rapture of 'Heaven, How Long' from the stunning 'Hostel EP' - is actually one young man. William Doyle, a 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Bournemouth, cut his teeth in an indie group called The Fourfathers while still a teenager.
Former Squeeze frontman, Glenn Tilbrook, reputed for his considerable song writing talent and irrepressible sense of humour, brings his totally stripped down solo acoustic show to the Fringe.
WOMEX headliner Transglobal Underground make a welcome return visit to the Llangollen Fringe this year. Their sell-out performance in Llangollen in 2004 was one of the great all-time nights of Fringe history. They specialise in a fusion of western, oriental and African music styles (sometimes labelled world fusion and ethno techno) and their infectious music and huge stage presence will make this a great night to remember for another decade.
A rare opportunity to enjoy a journey on the Llangollen
Canal cruising along our own World Heritage Site with musical accompaniment
from a clarinet quartet (clarinet, violin, viola and cello) playing as you
travel through the beautiful Dee Valley.
Survivors of torture helped write, create and are performing
in a groundbreaking new verbatim theatre play about their experiences of
torture.Known as ‘The Godfathers of World Music', Osibisa exploded onto the music world in 1971 with a pulsating and vibrant sound that was to engulf the tired post 60’s rock scene. Translated from Ghanaian Osibisa means ‘criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness’.
An intimate afternoon of Spanish music, wine and tapas in the wood panelled surroundings of Gales Wine Bar
Harmonic Chant and Diphonic Singing, is a vocal technique in which each singer emits two notes at once.
Festival Tickets are now on sale, in limited numbers.
For £80 you can get into all the evening concerts.Girl band Paradise's heavenly Urdd performance
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* Members of the all-girl band Paradwys.
Paradwys (Paradise), a five-piece Welsh language all-girl Band based in Llangollen, took a second place at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Bala last week.
The girls were on the rock stage performing one of the many songs penned by themselves and entitled Deud Dim.
The band was formed more than two years ago when the girls were pupils of Ysgol Gwernant in Llangollen.
They are now pupils of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham and still love writing and singing their Welsh lyrics to the music they compose themselves.
The band will be performing a set during Picnic in the Garden at Plas Newydd on Saturday, June 28.
This concert is being organised by Llangollen Silver Band in aid of Llangollen Christmas Lights.
There will be more details for you on Llanblogger about that event during the coming weeks but in the meantime more details are available via Llangollensilverband.org.uk, or by calling 07981966465.
Councillor Huw Jones, Denbighshire County Council's cabinet lead member with responsibility for culture, said: "Yet again we have seen Denbighshire pupils and students showcasing their creative skills on a national stage.
"They have shown they are amongst the most talented children and young people in the whole of wales. They are true ambassadors for Denbighshire.
"Hundreds of pupils have been involved in local and county heats and they are to be congratulated for their success. not forgetting the teachers and parents that have given their time and commitment over recent months.
"The successes this week clearly show that Welsh culture is alive and kicking in Denbighshire."
Monday, June 2, 2014
Police launch summer road safety campaign
The national All Wales Summer Anti Drink/Drug Drive Campaign 2014, backed by all four Welsh Police Forces, has now begun.
Led by South Wales Police, the month-long campaign throughout June will see forces increase the pressure and focus on those drivers who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs.
There will be increased stop checks to catch those breaking the law, reinforce the message and educate drivers.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing, from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit, said: “With the summer season now upon us, more people may be tempted to have a few drinks especially at barbecues or whilst drinking in beer gardens during the afternoons, and may drive without thinking of the consequences.
“The World Cup is also two weeks away and that will no doubt see an increase in the number of people watching some of the games in the pub.
He added: “Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.”
North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Inspector Wareing explained: “We are committed to assisting in reducing the risk of becoming a casualty on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.”
“If you drink and drive you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others innocently associated with you and your actions. There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving and the consequences can be devastating.
“You not only risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else, but you will end up in court and could face a fine, lose your licence or receive a jail sentence. You will have a criminal record and you could lose your job.”
Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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