Burt Bacharach signed for eisteddfod spot

 

* Music legend Burt Bacharach.

 

Organisers of a top festival are celebrating after signing up Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach to perform at this year's event.

 

Bacharach, described by many as the greatest songwriter of the 20^th century, will open the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod, with an extra concert on Monday, July 6.

The festival was originally due to start the following day but the Monday night was the only time he was available during Eisteddfod week.

Bacharach has 73 top 40 US and 52 UK hits to his name in a career spanning more than 60 years and shows no signs of slowing down – he is looking forward to his first ever visit to North Wales.

The Eisteddfod's Musical Director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, is "absolutely delighted" to have landed the three times Academy Award winner who also has eight Grammies, including the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 1997 Trustees Award with collaborator Hal David,  to his name.

He said: "Burt Bacharach is one of the biggest names in the pantheon of musical greats.
"When Burt said that he could come on the Monday night it was just too good an opportunity to miss. This will be the first and probably only time he comes to North Wales.

"I am just thrilled at the prospect of hearing his true song-writing genius performing on the pavilion stage. It really is a massive coup for the Eisteddfod."

The stellar line up already this year already includes classical heart-throb Alfie Boe who'll be performing songs from musical theatre and movies a few days later at the glitzy evening concert on Thursday, July 9.

 

Joining the popular tenor will be Welsh singer Sophie Evans, who went onto star as Dorothy in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz having finished runner-up in the TV talent show Over the Rainbow, classical saxophonist Amy Dickson along with Jonathan Antoine, the classically trained tenor who rose to fame on Britain's Got Talent.

According to Bacharach, he can't wait to taste the unique atmosphere of the Llangollen Eisteddfod at first hand.

He said: “I have a band of three singers and eight musicians, although we do play with larger orchestras at some venues. I only play and perform songs I have written, all my concerts are about my music.

“We play for around two hours; I’d rather that than go on stage with a set list of, say, 10 songs. I want people to come out and feel they have connected to my music and I have given them something of myself, something tangible to take away and remember.”

Bacharach’s first hit, written alongside lyricist Hal David, came way back in November 1957. 


Story of My Life reached number 15 for Marty Robbins in the US charts while a Michael Holliday cover version reached number 1 in the UK.

Bacharach and David, began working at New York’s famous Brill Building, which Burt described as a music factory, and the pair collaborated again to write Magic Moments which was a huge hit for Perry Como and landed another UK number 1 hit.

That early success was just the beginning as hit after hit for artists such as The Drifters, Gene Pitney, Andy Williams and Sandie Shaw’s ‘There’s Always Something There to Remind Me’ soon followed.

But it was writing songs for Dionne Warwick that Bacharach and David enjoyed perhaps their most success with songs such as ‘Do You Know The Way to San Jose?’ and ‘ I Say a Little Prayer’ although they also scored big hits for Dusty Springfield, Johnny Mathis, The Stylistics and Gloria Gaynor.

And the Carpenters took Bacharach and David’s ‘(They Long to Be) Close To You’ to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

On top of writing a string of charts hits, Bacharach has also enjoyed a celebrated Hollywood career too.

In fact he says his 1966 composition, Alfie, which charted for Dionne Warwick, Cher and Cilla Black at various times, remains a personal favourite and the song he takes most personal pride in.

He said: “Alfie was, to me, perfect. The whole shape and form of the music and the lyrics was just right. I can listen to a song a thousand times and wish I’d done something slightly different. But Alfie was just right.

“It was a huge disappointment that we missed out on the Academy Award for Alfie but we were beaten by Born Free.”

But he did go onto win two Academy Awards and a Grammy in 1969 for the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid theme song, ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ as well as the 1981 Oscar for Best Song for Arthur’s Theme (The Best That You Can Do).

As well as touring Bacharach is still writing music and songs and, having already released an album together, Painted from Memory, which won a Grammy for the single ‘I Still Have That Other Girl’, he is currently again working alongside Birkenhead’s Elvis Costello writing a musical.
Bacharach's concert will be one of the highlights of another packed week which will with Children’s Day and the Parade of Nations on the Tuesday, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite before the evening Heart of Llangollen concert featuring a galaxy of international talent.

Highlights of Wednesday will include the debut of the International Young Musician of the Year and the Children’s Choir of the World while Thursday’s competitions will see another first, the International Voice of Musical Theatre Trophy.

Friday’s Open Category for choirs will showcase styles like gospel, barbershop, jazz, pop and glee styles and will also see the International Voice of the Future decided with the prize including the chance to sing at one of the evening concerts the future.

The Blue Riband event, the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy, is decided on Saturday night as well as the Lucile Armstrong Dance Final and Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

To book tickets and for more details on the 2014 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Llan features in new TV series

* John Sergeant puts on the focus on Llangollen in his new series.

Llangollen features in a forthcoming episode of a new TV show in which former BBC political reporter John Sergeant tours Britain’s canal network.

Entitled Barging Around Britain, the eight-part series which begins on ITV tomorrow (Friday) takes him on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes.

Episode two, due to be screened next Friday (February 20) at 8pm, brings Sergeant to Llangollen as he arrives in Wales.

Advance publicity says: “He gets his fingers burnt attempting to be a blacksmith, is terrified going over a super high aqueduct and shocked by some saucy artwork in a fellow narrow boat.”

Scenes for the episode were shot at Llangollen Railway and show him on the station with a steam train.    

Extended railway steams into 2015 season

* The completed station at Dwyrain Corwen East.

Llangollen Railway resumes services through the Dee Valley from Saturday, February 14, when trains begin operating the town and the new terminus at Corwen.

This follows a mid-winter shutdown whilst essential maintenance work on the railway were undertaken and facilities at the new station completed.

The 2015 timetable for the heritage railway provides for all public service trains to operate through to the temporary station at Dwyrain Corwen East as the new line extension is brought into regular use.

The exceptions are trains during the popular Days Out With Thomas events, which will terminate at Carrog where activities are arranged for visitors.

Three steam trains a day will operate this Saturday and Sunday arriving at Corwen at 11.20, 13.37 and 15.47.

There is, however, only a short stop-over period here as the mode of operation for the return journey requires for the train to be propelled back to Carrog under the control of a driver in the specially modified rear coach.

The steam engine will then ‘run round’ at Carrog, where a longer stop-over takes place, allowing passengers to use the facilities there. This changes the arrangements which have become familiar to regular visitors.

During half term week, February 16-20, an off-peak diesel railcar service will be running, arriving at Corwen 11.35, 13.35 and 1535, departing five minutes later.

The diesel railcars with their exciting view of the line ahead, as seen from behind the driver, provide an excellent way for passengers to appreciate all the work that has gone into rebuilding the line from Carrog through to Corwen over the past three years.

Kevin Gooding, General Manger of Llangollen Railway, said: “The commencement of train services over the extended railway provides for a scenic journey through part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"The trains offer easy access to our three wayside stations at Carrog, Glyndyfrwy and Berwyn, which allow for the Welsh countryside to be enjoyed by walkers and others seeking a day out in the Dee Valley. 

"The two-hourly weekday train service operates from March 23 and allows for visitors to spend time in Corwen or to join the train at Corwen to travel to Llangollen.

"We trust that the extended line will attract more visitors who will contribute to the regeneration of the area and improve the viability of the heritage train services.”

2015 is an important year for Llangollen Railway which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Llangollen Station in 1865.

It is also the 40th anniversary of the start of the challenge to rebuild the railway after the derelict station at Llangollen was taken over by volunteers in 1975. 

The 2015 season has a full range of special events planned, starting with a Day Out With Thomas weekend on February 21 and 22.

Kevin Gooding added: “Thereafter we will celebrate the official opening to Corwen with a special train for VIPs on St David’s Day, March 1, when the completion of phase 1 of the extension will be suitably commemorated at Dwyrain Corwen East.

"This is immediately followed by two three-day events on March 6-8 and March 13-15, when the Betton Grange Society’s Steel, Steam & Stars IV mega-gala will bring a number of exciting steam locomotives to Llangollen to provide a steam extravaganza.”

Full details are available on the railway’s website site at: www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Skates starts surgeries at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre

An Assembly Member who was involved in the campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre from the bulldozers now has regular surgeries at the popular facility starting from tomorrow (Friday).

Ken Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, was a co-founder of the Splash Community Trust, formed in the wake of Wrexham Council’s decision to close the centre down.

He now wants to add to his monthly surgeries across the constituency by holding drop-in sessions at Plas Madoc, which is now known as Splash Magic, starting this Friday.

Mr Skates said: “I love Plas Madoc – it’s wear I learnt to swim. I’ve always come here. I was a member before it closed and am now a fully paid-up member once again. It’s a great venue and one that’s popular with my constituents, so it makes sense to hold surgeries here.

“I will be available to either chat to members of the public in the reception area or in a private room if there’s something you’d like to discuss in confidence or need help with, and there will be hot drinks and biscuits.

“No appointments are necessary as it will be first-come, first-served. If there’s anything I can assist with, or that you’d like to talk about, please feel free to pop in.”

Mr Skates will be at the centre from 4pm-5pm on Friday, February 13. For more information, or to contact Mr Skates, email ken.skates@assembly.wales or call his constituency office 01978 869058.

Follow-up planned to off-roading public meeting

A campaign group is planning a follow-up public meeting to the one it held last autumn on the issue of off-road use and abuse in the countryside around Llangollen.

The initial meeting, held at the Town Hall on October 2 last year, attracted a large gathering of concerned residents along with council officials and representatives of off-road groups.

Now rganisers SOPS – Save Our Paths – has arranged a second meeting, also at the Town Hall, on Thursday February 19, starting at 7pm.  

SOPS spokesman Philip Jones said: “The meeting is open to everyone, and we hope that all the various interest groups will attend, as before.

“The meeting will be chaired by Aled Roberts AM and our local councillors, MP and AMs have been invited, together with representatives from the police and other public bodies.

“The meeting will provide our public representatives with an opportunity to report on the current position regarding the on-going drive to provide a more effective management of our green lanes to ensure sustainable use for all.

“The community will then have an opportunity to ask questions and comment on issues of concern.”

Operatic members get into a good habit with nun run

* Sister Act producer Tracey Rawlinson and fellow

cast member Louisa Jones limber up for the Nun Run next month. 

MEMBERS and friends of Llangollen Operatic Society are getting into a good habit at the moment as they prepare for their forthcoming Nun Run fundraising event on Sunday March 22. 

The 10km (six mile) fun walk/run will follow a picturesque route around the hills of Llangollen and it is hoped that around 40 participants will don their walking shoes or trainers to raise funds, which will be split between the society and a local charity.

To get in the spirit and ensure it really is an event like “nun” other those taking part are actively encouraged to wear ecclesiastical dress.

Passersby can therefore expect to see sisters, priests, altar boys and maybe even a bishop or two along the route, which will start at Llangollen Sports Club and progress up the Panorama before dropping down Sunbank and following the canal back into town. 

Money raised through sponsorship will make a valuable contribution towards the staging of the society’s forthcoming production of the hit musical Sister Act, which will see its North Wales premier between April 21 and 25th at Llangollen Town Hall.

A donation will also be made to Leonard Cheshire Disability in Dolywern, which is a charity close to the members’ hearts 

Sister Act producer Tracey Rawlinson said: “We have close links with Leonard Cheshire Disability and look forward to visiting the residents and staff each year in the spring to entertain them with songs from our recent production.

“The charity does fantastic work and we hope very much that the Nun Run will enable us to make a small contribution towards their running costs. 

“It will also help us to meet the costs of putting on our show. The costuming in particular will be quite expensive this year with around 30 habits to be made from scratch.”

* To support the society’s efforts by sponsoring a sister, send your donation, made payable to Llangollen & District Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, to Marcus Ansloos, 5 Emral Brook Close, Ruabon, LL14 6BY, or e-mail mansloos@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Tickets for Sister Act are also now on sale online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety.

Petition calls for more community beds

Health and social care should be integrated to ease the pressure on the NHS.

 

That's the view of Mabon ap Gwynfor, long time health campaigner and Parliamentary Candidate for Plaid Cymru in Clwyd South.

 

Mr ap Gwynfor said that there were beds available in care homes which could be commissioned by the Health Board for step-down care.

 

He sited Cysgod-y-Gaer in Corwen as an example which had five beds which could be used as community beds for patients from the Dee Valley following the closure of Llangollen Hospital and the loss of 18 beds there.

 

Mr ap Gwynfor made the call as he launched a petition calling on the Health Board and Welsh Government to open more community beds in North Wales.

 

He said: “This is a very difficult winter for the Health Board, with huge ambulance queues; A&E full to bursting with patients waiting many long hours; and a shortage of GPs.

 

"Clinicians are telling us that these difficulties are in no small part down to the closure of community hospitals and the loss of hospital beds.

 

"We know that North Wales has lost some 400 hospital beds in the last five years, with 53 of those following the closure of Llangollen, Flint, Prestatyn, and Ffestiniog hospitals.

 

“The health Board and Labour Government are intent on centralising services, with Lesley Griffiths memorably comparing Wales with Birmingham.

 

"But North Wales is rural, sparse, and has different needs. We need community beds across the region.

 

"Chirk Hospital is providing a brilliant service but its full; and staff at the Maelor are doing great work in very difficult circumstances. That’s why I’ve launched this petition calling for more community hospital beds, and four hundred people have already signed it.

 

“Cysgod y Gaer Care Home in Corwen has beds which the Health Board could commission. This would help ease the pressure on District General Hospitals, and would also help Denbighshire as they are looking for a long term solution to their Care Homes.

 

"It would also start the process of what Plaid Cymru would like to see which is an integrated Health and Social Care provision.”

 

* The petition can be found at http://mabonapgwynfor.com/beds/