Tourism Minister backs Llan food festival

 

* Welsh and proud, Welsh Government Tourism Minister Ken Skates, left, and Hamper Llangollen Chairman Colin Loughlin show off some of the finest local produce.

 

A flourishing food festival is offering to showcase the products of new food and drink producers – and the appeal is being backed by the Welsh tourism minister.

 

Hamper Llangollen boasts an enviable track record as one of  the UK's most popular food events and one that has been a successful platform for innovative new food and drink from North Wales.

 

The two-day October festival has helped launch successful products like the Aberffraw biscuit, Blodyn Aur extra virgin rapeseed oil and the Dangerous Food Company’s chilli jam.

 

It is expected that this year’s 19^th annual event will again attract thousands visitors to browse over 120 stalls at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion.

 

That’s music to the ears of Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, in whose Clwyd South constituency the event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18.

 

He said: “Hamper Llangollen is an incredible success and a great annual occasion for the Dee Valley.

 

“I’m particularly pleased that there’s a focus on encouraging new exhibitors and giving prominence to the many outstanding food and drink producers in North Wales for whom it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their unique and delicious products.

 

“Food tourism is proving to be big business and we are delighted to welcome thousands of visitors each year, many of them from England, to see some of the fantastic landscape and heritage we have and enjoy the best of food and drink.

 

“The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was recently extended through the Dee Valley and visitors are able to enjoy the phenomenal hills, mountains, rivers and valleys where this wonderful food is produced.”

 

Over the years the festival has introduced the public to a range of different and innovative foods as well as boasting household names like Patchwork Pate and Halen Mon Anglesey Sea Salt among its exhibitors.

 

It has also been named one of the UK’s Top Ten food festivals by national newspaper The Independent and each year it generates over £400,000 for the local economy.

 

Hamper Llangollen chairman Colin Loughlin said: “We are very keen to hear from new producers as we have been very successful in helping launch some amazing products.

 

“We have special rates for new products and even a special section of the festival especially for them where we can give them prominence.

 

“They are the lifeblood of events like this and we appreciate the importance of making sure the event is always fresh and has something new to taste.

 

“Last year we had South African dunking biscuits and they were very successful and I’m pleased to say that they’re back again this year.

 

“We want to promote the fact that the facilities are here for producers so that they can show off their new products to an appreciative public and we are also careful to make sure that we don’t have more than two of any one kind of producer.”

 

The one area he would like to see better represented is vegetables: “Perhaps it’s the time of year but I would really like to see more of them on show in all sorts of forms and we’d love to hear from growers and indeed any new producers.”

 

For more information on Hamper Llangollen go to http://www.llangollenfoodfestival.com/

A5 roadworks "should be gone before summer holidays" says Minister

* The long-running roadworks on the A5.

Wales's Transport Minister says she aims to have Llangollen's long-running A5 roadworks completed before the summer holiday period.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates welcomed the news that Edwina Hart plans to speed up work on the main road near Birch Hill to boost summer trade. 

Labour AM Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “This is an essential project which has to be carried out for the public’s safety, but of course I understand and share residents’ frustration and the concerns of local businesses who are worried the ongoing work might put people off visiting.”

Mr Skates wrote to the minister asking for something to be done to ensure the roadworks – scheduled to go on until August – are gone before the busy summer season after being contacted by constituents and talks with the Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

In her response, Ms Hart said: “We have approached a contractor to develop and prepare emergency temporary solutions that will enable the traffic lights to be removed and we will endeavour to complete the necessary works before the summer holiday period.

“In the meantime, the traffic lights will continue to be manually controlled at peak times during busy periods to minimise delays and will be kept under constant review.

“This is a temporary position that will allow time for a permanent highway improvement to be designed and constructed in the future.”

Mr Skates added: “I welcome the minister’s commitment to helping residents and traders in Llangollen, and I am pleased she understands our concerns.

"I would like to thank her for taking up the matter so swiftly and decisively, and I look forward to the work being completed as soon as possible.”

Cinema project unveils name of first film

* Lottie Griffiths, of Lottie’s Bespoke Vintage in

Llangollen, dressed as a 40s style cinema usherette

to hand out popcorn at the launch of the New Dot

project at the town’s Pavilion.

Oscar-winning French film The Artist will be the first movie to be shown when a new community cinema has its premiere in Llangollen this summer.

The silent film, which won five Academy Awards in 2011, has been chosen to kick off the ambitious venture as it is itself about the golden age of the motion picture industry in the late 1920s.

As the launch of the project has been timed to coincide with this year’s Llangollen Fringe, details about it were given to people who gathered for the unveiling of the festival programme at the Pavilion on Monday night.  

Called New Dot Cinema, Llangollen, it aims to bring together all ages in the atmospheric setting of the Town Hall.

The first cinema event is planned for the evening of Wednesday July 15, when The Artist will have its screening.

The cinema scheme is the brainchild of a Llangollen-based volunteer group who say they are keen to bring film-going back to town.

Committee member Kirsty Burrell said: "We're a small group who've come together to run a not-for-profit community cinema, staffed entirely by volunteers.

"Any surplus funds we raise will go towards putting on future shows and improving the cinematic experience for the town.”

As well as Kirsty, the group also includes local artist Simon Proffitt who said: "Quite a few people had mentioned recently that they’d like somewhere to watch films in town, so we got together and set up a community cinema.

“The night will be run as a pop-up event in the Town Hall on Castle Street and if all goes well we’ll continue with monthly screenings.

“We see it as a social event where people can sit around, have a drink, eat some cake, see a live performance and then a feature film.

“We want it to be a really engaging, socially based community event.”

Simon added: “The Town Hall is already a beautiful old building, and we plan to show off its character with atmospheric lighting and decor. The original red velvet seats on the balcony will offer a great view of the screen and cabaret-style seating."

According to Simon, the name New Dot  was inspired by the former Dorothy Cinema on Castle Street, which is now Cafe & Books.

He said: "We wanted to respectfully acknowledge the town's original cinema that many people have such fond memories of.

"The old Dorothy was opened in the 1930s, during the heyday of cinema, by the Horspool family.

"Llangollen Museum has a good display of original film programmes and old photos from the Dorothy that has been donated not so long ago by Fraser Horspool."

At the launch event, Llangollen’s Mayor, Cllr Bob Lube, said: “The Town Council is fully behind the new cinema project.”

* More details will be available on the website www.newdotcinema.org or via facebook: /newdotcinema and twitter: @newdotcinema

Sister Act goes with bang not a wimple

There’s “nun” better than Llangollen Operatic when it comes to presenting shows that are a break with the usual am-dram fare – as they have proved yet again with their current production of the musical Sister Act, which opened at the Town Hall tonight (Tuesday).

And they’ve certainly got themselves well out of the habit of presenting the more staid old stuff with this foot-stomping little number based on the smash-hit 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name.

The stage version, which Llangollen is amongst the first amateur societies in the UK to perform, is by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Alan Menken.

The piece simply rocks `n’ rolls along from start to finish, thanks to the supreme exertions of the 30-odd member cast who ensure the whole thing goes off with a bang rather than a wimple.

The slick action centres on Philadelphia nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier who accidentally sees her gangster boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, and his hoodlum buddies bumping off a poor stiff named Ernie who they’re convinced has squealed on them to the cops.

As Deloris does a hasty bunk, the evil Jackson orders his henchmen to bring her back, thus setting off a dramatic chain of events which leaves her seeking anonymous sanctuary in a convent.

Although the order of the day is that its resident nuns – Deloris assumes the identity of Sister Mary Clarence - cannot drink, smoke or wear anything less than appropriate garb, this flighty filly from the showbiz side of town has other ideas which, naturally, leads her into all kinds of bother with the Mother Superior.

Too many details given away here might spoil the plot for those yet to see it, but it can be revealed that Deloris eventually brings her musical talents to bear by taking over the running of the pretty ropey convent choir - with some spectacular results.

Llangollen newcomer Elen-Haf Taylor makes an immaculate Deloris, singing up a holy storm and contributing some neat comedy lines into the bargain.

But the real beauty of this production is its incredible strength in depth, with every one of the performers pulling out all the dramatic and musical stops.

For instance, the evil Jackson’s bumbling sidekicks, played by Michael Jenkins, Marcus Ansloos and Nico Decourt, make a perfect comedy trio and also deliver some powerful disco era songs complete with dodgy dancing. And Jackson himself – Simon Orton-Jones – is no slouch as an entertainer when he ain’t waving his gun.

Alison Ravenscroft as Mother Superior delivers some heavenly vocalisation as does Elizabeth Richards as convent novice Sister Mary Robert.

Crooning up a storm in his role as “Sweaty” Eddie, the cop who had a teenage crush on Deloris back when they were at school, is Ross Wilson.

A dozen or so nuns dominate the stage for most of the two acts and their singing and dancing talents run to much more than the usual chorus stuff.

Of course, it helps that the whole thing is crammed with some fantastically powerful musical numbers all evocative of the late 70s.

Outstanding amongst the scintillating sisters are Stephanie Cottam as Mary Patrick and Sue Stokes as Mary Lazarus.

Bill Cheshire starts off as the guy bumped off by Jackson before miraculously rising from the dead as first a taxi driver then no less than the Pope himself. Work that one out!

Gareth Lloyd makes a highly believable Monsignor O’Hara.

The show is deftly co-produced by Michael Jones and Tracey Rawlinson who was also artistic director and stylish musical direction comes courtesy of Elen Mair Roberts.

Sister Act has got to be one of the finest shows Llangollen Operatic has presented in many a year – a fact acknowledged by the rare standing ovation they received at the end of their first night performance.

Staging Sister Act was a divine piece of inspiration on the part of the Operatic and you’ve still got plenty of chances to see it as it runs for the rest of the week until Saturday, when there’s also an afternoon matinee performance.

You’d better pray you don’t miss it!

Fringe unveils diverse 2015 programme

 

* A recent Fringe beat concert in Llangollen Town Hall.

 

EVENTS as diverse as an appearance by reggae legend Bob Marley’s producer and a new drama on the Ladies of Llangollen feature in the packed programme for this year’s Llangollen Fringe.

Other highlights of the festival, which runs from July 16-26, include a rock `n’ roll train on Llangollen Railway and a jazz narrowboat on the canal.

At the official launch of the line-up at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Monday) festival spokesman Graham Timms said: “As the Fringe gets better and more popular each year we have been able to continue to improve the programme that we offer. 

“This year's programme sees a rare performance in the UK of world-famous Lee 'Scratch' Perry, (pictured right) who was Bob Marley's producer and is known as the father of Dub music.

“He is only appearing in two concerts this summer, one of which is in Llangollen. He's flying in from his home in Zurich for the event.

“We have two members of Madness in The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra on Friday July 24. Hugh Cornwell from the Stranglers is doing a solo show on Thursday July 23.”

There are two nights featuring Iberian music. On Sunday July 19 the Fringe welcomes back Juan Martin, who was voted one of the world's top three virtuoso flamenco guitarists.

Celebrating Portugal's Fado music is Claudio Aurora who will be singing at Valle Crucis Abbey on July 26. 

Organisers reckon the setting of the abbey will provide a magical backdrop to the haunting sounds of the music.

Sarah and Eleanor is a new drama commissioned by the Fringe and created by Wrexham playwright  Peter Read especially for this year's festival.

It is based on the fascinating lives of the two Ladies of Llangollen who lived at Plas Newydd at the turn of the 19th century.

It will be performed for the first time on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21 and 22 at their former stately home in Llangollen.

More live drama will come from local group Taking Flight who will perform Shakespeare at Valle Crucis Abbey.  

Kicking off the whole programme with a night of stand-up comedy at the Town Hall on Thursday July 16 is Sara Pascoe, star of TV’s Live at the Apollo and QI.

Graham Timms added: “The festival this year uses more venues, has more performances and sees more high quality acts than ever before.

“We're hoping that growing audience numbers will also follow the trend of the last few years too.

“We will also have lots of the other events that the Fringe is known for including Band for a Day, Fringe Acoustica, Rock and Roll Train on Llangollen Railway, Jazz Narrowboat on the canal and a full programme of workshops running alongside the community art project that involves nine local primary schools in the Dee Valley and many community organisations
in producing artwork for display throughout the town during the festival.”

Also appearing are New York-based purveyors of folk, country and rock music the Felice Brothers and gothic folk hip hop outfit 9Bach from Wales.

A special ticket entitles Fringe-goers the chance to catch all evening concerts for the one-off price of £85.

* For more information go to: http://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/

Armoury Trust celebrates successful first year

* The Armoury Conservation Trust is celebrating a successful first year of operation.

Llangollen's Armoury Conservation Trust is celebrating its first year of work, which it says has been both very busy and successful.

 

Since April 2014, highlights have been:

 

* Becoming registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and taking over freehold ownership of  the Armoury on Victoria Square

 

* Receiving planning and Listed Building consents for the restoration of The Armoury and restoring the Lock-up and Courtroom/Old Town Hall for community uses

 

* Hosting three open days, in July and September, and attracting 238 visitors. Also starting regular opening hours for tours of the Lock-up and giving group visits and talks to the county librarians and Llangollen Rotary Club

 

* Creating, with the help of Llangollen Town Council, a hands-on exhibition of Llangollen's first police station, complete with police hats and helmet, coshes, rattles, lamps and handcuffs, and with a prisoner in the cell, who was committed in 1860 to spend six nights in the Lock-Up before going before the Justices

* Creating various artworks - a time-line wall chart, trompe d'oeuil court scene, Victorian policemen, scenes and puzzles from the history of the Lock-up, to aid the public's understanding of the past uses and history of the building

 

* Developing Dress the Victorian Policeman packs for children to take home with them after a visit to the Lock-Up, with the support of Llangollen Town Council

 

* Consulting widely with the community about plans to restore the building and its community uses for education, heritage, arts and culture, and receiving much local support for fundraising efforts

 

* Continuing to carry out research on the building and its past uses for its archive, with the help of research by volunteers and Llangollen Museum

 

* Being in the process of setting up a website.

A spokesperson said: "The Armoury Conservation Trust is very grateful for all the support and help it has received over its first year from the Llangollen community and to llanblogger for helping us communicate with its many readers."

Job creation scheme to start again

 

 * Ken Skates AM with JGW recruits employed by Denbighshire

County Council at Plas Newydd, Llangollen.

 

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates has welcomed confirmation that "Europe’s most successful job creation scheme" will help thousands more young people into work in Wales. 

  

Labour AM Mr Skates said it was ‘fantastic news’ that one of the Welsh Government’s priority programmes, Jobs Growth Wales (JGW), would begin a second cycle in May after "smashing all targets" since its inception in 2012. 

  

Mr Skates, who catapulted JGW to widespread acclaim in his previous role as deputy minister for skills and technology, criticised political opponents for ‘mischief-making’ and ‘plain ignorance’ following `uninformed and inaccurate' claims the initiative had been axed. 

  

He said: “There has been a lot of incorrect information bandied about regarding Jobs Growth Wales. I don’t know if it’s mischief-making and attempted political point-scoring or just plain ignorance – or both! 

 

“Jobs Growth Wales has helped almost 15,000 16-24-year-olds into work and we are keeping it. It’s the benchmark for schemes of its kind across Europe, and there are obviously still some who can’t stand the fact it’s been an unprecedented success.” 

 

Mr Skates added: “The most up-to-date figures show that 494 in Wrexham have been helped into work through this ground-breaking Welsh Labour Government scheme, plus another 516 in Denbighshire and 503 in Flintshire. That’s more than 1,500 young people we’ve found jobs and whose career prospects we’ve massively improved in North East Wales alone. 

  

“Many private sector companies across the region have also benefited. I have visited several employers in Clwyd South who are delighted with the support they have received from the Welsh Government. There are now five Jobs Growth Wales recruits at Splash Magic, formerly Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, as well as countless other success stories. 

  

“I’m incredibly proud of Welsh Labour’s Jobs Growth Wales programme and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength thanks to continued European funding.” 

  

The Welsh Government has confirmed that plans are under way for another Jobs Growth Wales programme to begin next month. Current employees will not be affected and will continue to receive full support. 

  

Minster for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis, said one of the reasons the Welsh Government has been able to invest so much in the JGW scheme is because of EU backing. 

 

He added: “It is fantastic that Welsh Labour’s Jobs Growth Wales programme has supported so many young people in Clwyd South to find a good quality employment opportunity. Jobs Growth Wales has been hugely successful and we want it to go on making a difference in our communities. 

  

“We will launch the successor programme next month and I look forward to helping many more young people across Wales to find sustainable employment.”