Renowned American choir heads for Llangollen

 

* The Azusa Pacific University Chamber Singers.

 

An internationally renowned American choir are looking forward to having a true taste of Welsh hospitality.

 

The Azusa Pacific University Chamber Singers from California are heading to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July and will be staying with local families rather than booking hotel and guest house accommodation.

 

The 37-strong choir are among the world's choral elite and their track record includes winning the International Competition for Choirs in Austria in 2013 as well as singing at a host of iconic venues including Sydney Opera House and the Vatican.

 

In the early days of the Eisteddfod’s near-70 year history with very limited local commercial accommodation this was commonplace but in recent years it has become increasingly rare.

But the talented Californians were determined they wanted the full traditional Eisteddfod experience and have asked if the choristers can stay with local families.

 

Michelle Jensen, the Azusa Pacific University Chamber Singers’ conductor, said: “We thought it would be fabulous if we could find families willing to host our students during their stay in Llangollen.

 

“We felt it would give students an additional opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience life in North Wales.

 

“I realise it might be difficult to find 37 host families for our six graduate and 31 undergraduate students who will be in Llangollen but we would be delighted to hear from anyone willing to host any of our students or help with meals.”

 

And there was good news this week for the choir as Alwenna Hughes, from Wrexham, the Eisteddfod’s accommodation organiser, confirmed that she would be able to find them places in the Wrexham area and conveniently near each other.

 

She said: “We don’t put as many up in homestay as we once did. At one time about two and a half thousand would stay with families but we still have plenty of loyal providers and it’s nice to keep the tradition going.

 

“They will be sure of a warm welcome and I’m sure that both they and the families they stay with will enjoy the special experience of the Eisteddfod week.”

 

Michelle added: “After our success at the International Competition for Choirs, we were invited to several exciting competition and performance opportunities for our next tour.

 

“I decided that in order to make the best decision for the ensemble, I needed to do extensive research which included travelling to Ireland and Wales, specifically to experience the Llangollen International Eisteddfod first hand.

 

 “And as the competition developed the combination of international cooperation and the high level of artistic excellence was compelling. By the time we left North Wales, we knew that participating in the Llangollen Eisteddfod was our goal for our 2015 tour.

 

“We have been accepted to compete in six categories: Mixed Choir, Youth Choir, and Open Division, which are all Choir of the World categories, as well as Adult Folk, Cultural Showcase and a small group of 12 from the ensemble will compete in the Vocal Ensemble category.

 

“We are so looking forward to competing at Llangollen and savouring that special Welsh hospitality.”

 

The choir have previously toured Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy and have performed at iconic venues including Sydney Opera House and the Vatican.

 

Gethin Davies, Chairman of the Eisteddfod, said: “I met Michelle when she came over last year to ‘test the water’. At the beginning of the week she had an open mind about Llangollen and other possible festivals but by Saturday she was totally convinced that this was the place to come.

 

“We’re always delighted to have high quality choirs taking part in our choral events and so the Azusa Pacific University singers would always be welcome.

 

“It is lovely though that they want to go back to the traditions of the Eisteddfod from its early, post-war days and stay with local families, just as choirs like the Modena Choir with the young Luciano Pavarotti, the Obernkirchen Choir and so many others did over the years.

 

“I’m sure they will find that the welcome here is as warm as ever and that they will thoroughly enjoy their time in Llangollen.”

 

The Aszuza singers won’t be the only Americans performing at this year’s event with this year’s Monday night concert curtain-raiser featuring legendary singer-songwriter Burt Bacharach.

 

Other stars this year include the UK’s top tenor, Alfie Boe, who will sing songs from the Musicals at the Thursday evening concert, one of the highlights of another packed week which will begin on Tuesday with Children’s Day and the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite before the evening Heart of Llangollen concert featuring a galaxy of international talent.

 

Wednesday’s programme will include a new competition for the International Young Musician of the Year as well as 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 following year.

 

The Blue Riband event, the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy, is decided on Saturday night as well as the Open Dance competition and Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert by reggae stars UB40.

 

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Operatic's Nun Run planned for this Sunday

Llangollen Operatic Society's charity "Nun Run" is this coming Sunday, starting at 10.30am from Llangollen Sports Club.

Organiser Lousa Jones said: "We have had a hugely positive response to this event from the local community so far and I am confident we are on track to raise a good sum to split between Leonard Cheshire Disability and the Society, which will be greatly appreciated on both sides.

"There are about 25 society members and friends taking part, the majority of whom will be in costume.

"So anyone out for a walk on Sunday morning might well catch a glimpse of the Pope on the Panorama, a Deacon on Dinbren Road or even a few Sisters on Sun Bank.

"Needless to say, we are all praying hard for clement weather."

* If anyone would still like to support the event by making a donation, they can email  louisa.jones@live.com or get in touch with any member of the society.

Councillor blasts government over A5 lane closure

* The long-running lane closure on the A5.

THE Welsh Government should “get its act together” and let people know what is happening with roadworks in the area, says Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies.

His plea comes after it was revealed that the neither the government nor the North Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) have kept residents of the town informed about the long-running lane closure on the A5 approach the town in connection with a drop in the roadway.

Cllr Davies recently called for more information on the closure, which is controlled by traffic lights, and action on vehicles “rat running” along nearby Birch Hill to avoid the lights.  

He has now received a reply from Mike Hitchings, strategic highways manager for Denbishire County Council, which says: “The lane has been closed by Conwy Structures on behalf of NMWTRA/Welsh Government on safety grounds.

“The road has been substandard for some time and recent routine monitoring has identified a drop of approximately 100 mms over the last 10 years.

“This has triggered the closure which is needed to reduce the loading on the highway and the retaining wall.

“Several different monitoring arrangements are now in place to understand the failing which is thought to be carriageway rather than the 200-year-old Thomas Telford built dry stone wall.

“The road will remain under traffic management until repairs can be undertaken and this is very likely to be several months if not longer.

“I have raised the issue of the signs indicating long delays that are missing from the Llangollen side with NMWTRA and that will be rectified.

“NMWTRA and Welsh Government have not communicated with local residents. They have recognised that this is long overdue and a letter has been drafted and will be sent in the next few days.

“A meeting of officers from Welsh Government, NMWTRA, and Denbighshire is being arranged during the next few days to review the traffic management.

“I have asked the NMWTRA asset manager to ensure that they include a review of the Birch Hill, Maesmawr Road area.

Cllr Davies said: “Apart from the closure on the A5, I am also concerned that Welsh Water are closing lanes on the A539 to Wrexham to do mains water repairs.

“This will mean that visitors to Llangollen and North Wales will encounter delays and this will have a negative effect on the tourism trade.

“The Welsh Government needs to get its act together and let people know what is going on and who to contact in case of problems in a timely manner.

"DCC officers and councillors are getting stick from members of the public when this issue is not down to us."

Hospital housing plan approved

* Llangollen's former Cottage Hospital is to be bulldozed to make way for new homes.

* SEE REPLY FROM CLLR STUART DAVIES AT FOOT OF STORY

DESPITE a strong plea for it to be retained to provide extra NHS beds for the area, county councillors have voted in favour of bulldozing Llangollen’s empty Cottage Hospital and using the site for new homes.
 

Martin Crumpton, who led the campaign to keep the Victorian hospital open two years ago for the building to be mothballed for possible future use by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, was made through an officer to the Denbighshire planning committee at its meeting earlier today (Wednesday).
 

But members voted 19-5 to approve a plan to see it redeveloped by a housing association with six social housing units plus associated access and parking provision.
 

Also involved in the scheme is the development of an ancillary car park opposite the hospital and the erection of a further six social housing units with associated access and parking provision.

Mr Crumpton said later: “My speech to the committee was read out for me by the monitoring officer as a special arrangement owing to me being given less than 48-hours notice to attend the meeting.

“My concerns were basically brushed aside as a matter between me and Betsi Cadwaladr.

“I deeply regret this myopic view as Llangollen creeps towards becoming a dormitory town.

“Certainly, the case for additional dwellings was feeble and no account was made of additional resources which will be expected by a growing population.

“Councillor Rhys Hughes at least touched on it but the case officer, in calling it a matter of judgment, confirmed the department’s judgment that it was outside the scope of the committee.

“I hope the Llangollen Museum does its utmost to record a significant part of Llangollen’s make-up and history which was lost today without so much as a murmur.”

Councillor Stuart Davies replies:

"I see the Berwyn Resident is showing a lack of comprehension of the planning process and blaming DCC for something beyond its control.

As a member of the Planning Committee I have to make decisions based solely on planning grounds.

I was instrumental in forcing a meeting with the then CEO of the Betsi, her senior officers and various concerned DCC members and officers. The case for keeping the hospital open was forcibly put. A full and frank conversation took place. The Betsi ignored my wishes and the process of closure started. The rest is history.

The Betsi then had an empty building on its hands. What they do with it is not in DCCs control.

Mr Crumpton says: “My concerns were basically brushed aside as a matter between me and Betsi Cadwaladr."

In actuality they were not planning concerns and so have no weight at planning committee.

He says: “Certainly, the case for additional dwellings was feeble"

I beg to differ, and judging by the calls I get, so would the young people wanting a house in Llangollen to bring up their familiesI.

I will continue to fight for more affordable housing for the youngsters here in Llangollen. That's what I promised when I was elected and what I am doing!"

Fringe offers new early bird ticket

Llangollen Fringe is offering early bird tickets for this year's event for £60. 

The 2015 Fringe runs from July 16-26, and organisers say that for £60 you can get into all the evening concerts.

However, that add that the offer only runs until the end of March.

A spokesman said: "As the Fringe continues to grow, so does our spending on great acts.

"We can’t let you in on the details yet, but quality comes at a price and this year’s programme looks set to be much more expensive than ever before.

"The fun begins on Thursday July 16 with stand-up comedy and continues for 11 nights until the final concert at Valle Crucis Abbey on July 26."

The spokesman explained that the Festival Ticket allows its owner into over £140 worth of Fringe events including:

• Every evening concert (July 16-25)
• Final Closing Event at Valle Crucis Abbey (July 26)
• Return journey to Carrog on the Rock and Roll Train (July 19) - a specially chartered steam train on Llangollen’s Steam Railway.
• A full day of great acoustic music at Fringe Acoustica (July 18)

The spokesman added: "Although we are not announcing the line-up until nearer the time we can guarantee that if you enjoyed last year, you’ll love what we have in store this time.

"Have faith and buy your ticket now for a guaranteed saving. Regulars will know that the programme always has wide ranging appeal and almost everyone’s taste will be satisfied somewhere in the programme."

Get your ticket now at www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Couple of Llan couple "on run" reports BBC

BBC online news is reporting today (Tuesday) that the killer of a Llangollen couple has gone on the run.

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-31911403

County reduces free swimming provision

Denbighshire County Council has expressed its concern and disappointment at news that the Welsh Government is to reduce the council’s free swim funding by £20,000 – with only six weeks notice.

The Welsh Government provides funding on an annual basis to all local authorities to provide free swimming for under 16s and those aged over 60.

The amount is reviewed on an annual basis and local authorities are informed of the outcome.

In recent years, Denbighshire has been able to provide more than the minimum required by Welsh Government, but as a result of the reduction in funding  announced in February, now warns that the programme will need to reduce.

The changes mean that the council will not actually cut any swimming lessons for children.  It will be maintaining the programme but says it will need to charge for the majority of lessons in the holidays.

The council is also maintaining free access for over 60s in public sessions, but people will need to pay for swimming lessons.

The council has written to the Welsh Government to express its concerns.

Councillor Huw Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Tourism, Youth and Leisure, said: “The council  is making it absolutely clear that it has no option but to remove all free swimming sessions, considered over and above sessions that we are required to provide under the terms of the agreement with Welsh Government, given the reduction in funding.

"We recognise some authorities in Wales have had much greater reductions through the formula, but nevertheless, it is almost impossible for a council to forward plan and make allowances for funding when decisions are made so late in the day, with little consultation.

"The council will do all it can, to protect as many sessions as possible within the context of the remaining grant allocation.

"At a time when Welsh councils are under pressure to protect important front line services, this is yet another big blow, and one which we are left with, to communicate to the public. Welsh Government continue to plough funding into health, but cutting free swimming will inevitably have a longer term impact on the health and well-being of our residents.   

“Every authority in Wales has been affected by the funding cuts but our main concern is over the lack of communication and notice from Welsh Government in introducing this fundamental change to the funding formula.

“Councils plan their budgets well in advance and we feel that it is unfair to introduce a cut so late in the financial year, as we now need to adapt our free swim offer, in light of the funding allocation, unfortunately there will be a reduction in the number of sessions."