Eisteddfod's first choir is back for encore

* The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir.

The first ever choir to sing at the world-famous Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod is to make a symbolic return to celebrate the festival’s 70^th year.

The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, based in Huddersfield, has scooped six titles at the historic festival over the years as well as five second places and two third prizes – but back in 1947 they missed out.

The 70-strong choir, which was founded in Slaithwaite in 1922, was the first to take to the Eisteddfod stage in 1947 and it was up against choirs from Hungary, the eventual winners, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Holland as well as Wales and England.

Now, seven decades later, representatives from the choir have been invited as special guests to the Choir of the World finals at the 70^th staging of the iconic festival.

It will mark a symbolic return for the choir which has enjoyed a long relationship with the festival where the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti made his first international bow as part of the Chorus Rossini from Modena in 1955.

 

The Choir of the World competition is now for the Pavarotti Trophy and although Colne Valley missed out on a prize in that first year, they went on to claim a hat-trick of wins in the 1960s and have become one of the UK’s most successful male voice choirs with a host of titles at home and abroad.

* The programme for the
first Eisteddfod in 1947. 

They have sung without music shets since Thom Meredith became the Musical Director as a 23-year-old in 1989 so they have performed more than 300 different songs from memory in 26 years – a feat unlikely to have been replicated elsewhere.

Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “We’d be delighted to see the Colne Valley Choir here at the Eisteddfod again.

“They are part of the history of the event and there will always be a welcome in Llangollen for the choir which started the great tradition of the Choir of the World competition.”

Returning to Llangollen will bring back happy memories for David Hirst, the second longest-serving member of the choir who joined aged 22 in November 1960 – just a few months after the first Llangollen success.

“Obviously, we have a special association with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and it would be quite an honour to return”, he said.

“As well as being the first male choir to sing at the Festival, there was a hat-trick of wins in 1960, 1961, 1962 and altogether there have been six wins, five seconds and two third prizes in the 23 visits by the Choir since 1947. Quite an achievement when you were up against 19 or 20 choirs.

“Meeting the other choirs and making friends is an important part of it all. We have had exchange concert visits with Welsh and other choirs through competing and it is a great way get to know people. There’s lots of camaraderie among choir singers.

“We hold the competition very dear and we’re still very proud of the fact that we were the first male choir to sing there.”

The Choir, which rehearses in Slaithwaite Conservative Club on Monday evenings, has only ever had five conductors during its 93 years of existence. The longest-serving was George Stead who led the Choir for 44 years and wrote the very popular Psalm 126 which is regularly performed by male voice choirs across the country.

Every year the choir holds an annual Christmas Festival concert at Huddersfield Town Hall attended by more than 1,000 people.

* Oldest voice, Frank Littlewood, now 86. 

“We are very much both a competition and a concert choir. We believe that by entering competitions, it is a sure and proven way to maintain and indeed, improve on the already high standards of the Choir,” said David.

“At the moment there are 72 full members and normally at weekly rehearsals and in concert we average around 60 singers. There’s a great camaraderie within the Choir and it is great seeing your friends every week.”

The Choir’s official accompanist is Keith Swallow, a celebrated solo pianist in his own right, who has been in the role since 1957. The longest-serving member is the Rev John Radcliffe, who joined the same year and is also the Choir Chaplain. The youngest singer is Tom Law, 24, while Frank Littlewood is the oldest at 86.

They have toured France, Germany, Ireland, Czechoslovakia and the USA, some of them exchange visits with choirs arising through relationships built at Llangollen.

In California in 1984 they experienced an earthquake which measured 6.2 on the Richter scale. The headline of the local newspaper’s review of the previous evening’s concert performance read ‘English Choir moved the Earth’.

“The Choir has performed with leading singers from opera and the Concert stage and has also sung in front of the Queen as part of massed choir at Leeds Town Hall. Many of the Choir’s present concerts have top brass bands as guest artistes” said David.

In recent years the Choir has competed and performed at the biennial Cornwall International Male Vocal Choral Festival where it has won the large choir class twice and in May they were also awarded trophies as the Festival’s Best Large Choir and the Overall Best UK Choir.

The Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod has been held every summer since 1947 and is recognised as one of the world’s most inspirational music festivals.

Next year’s event, the 70^th to be held, will feature star names Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra who will bring the curtain down on the festival on Sunday, July 10.

* For more information go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/

Emma plans charity trek to Llangollen

By kind permission of Nantwich News

* Emma Husband and her dog Timo.

A woman suffering from a rare thyroid disease is to trek from Nantwich to Llangollen with her rescue dog in aid of charity.

Emma Husband and border terrier cross Timo will be completing the 60-mile trek in May along the canal.

She wants to raise funds for the Dogs Trust after seeing the work the charity did when she took in Timo two years ago.

Emma, 40, has suffered from Graves Disease for nine years, which means she has an overactive thyroid gland.

And the regular radioiodine treatment she receives at Christie in Manchester leaves her very tired and results in some memory loss.

But she is determined to overcome this to complete the walk.

Emma, from Stockport, said: “This is quite a big challenge for me and my dog as I have a thyroid disease, so get tired quickly.

“And my dog was abused before my husband Neil and I rescued him and he was quite broken when we got him, just over 2 years ago, so sometimes can struggle being social.

“We always had dogs in my family when I was young and I always wanted a dog of my own but my situation never allowed for it.

“Neil then started to work from home and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to adopt a dog.

“I am very into my animal welfare, so there was no way I would ever buy a dog or a cat, there are so many unwanted pets in rescue centres and dogs homes that need loving warm homes.

“Adopting a rescue dog can have its challenges, as Timo did.

“When we adopted Timo he had just turned one-year-old, he didn’t trust us at all, particularly men, he would run into the corner of the room and shake if he saw a brush.

“He wasn’t house trained at all.

“We have now had Timo for just over two years and lots of people comment on how much of a different dog he is.

“With TLC and boundaries, he has come on leaps and bounds with his confidence growing every day, he can show people how lovely he is now.”

* You can support Emma’s 60-mile trek by visiting her just giving page, https://www.justgiving.com/Emma-Husband3 or text Timo65 £5 to 70070

Young 'Uns winging in for honking good show

 

* Back row,  from left: Little ducklings played by Kate Reardon, Connie Richardson, Maisie Ansloos and Charlie Priestley. Front row: Ugly (Shea Ferron), Drake their dad (Jac Edwards) and  Ida, their  mum (Amy Jones).  

 

 

FORTY youngsters from Llangollen and surrounding areas are to show off their theatrical talents in a modern re-working of the story of the Ugly Duckling.

 

Honk! is an award-winning British musical comedy, which will be performed by Llangollen Young Uns from February 4-6 at the Town Hall.

 

The show’s producer, Pamela Williams from Chirk, said: “We are delighted to have such a talented and committed group of youngsters to bring you an exciting and moving show.

 

“The story of the Ugly Duckling is well known but this musical version gives a modern, hilarious and deeply touching interpretation to the fairy tale.  

 

"The script is witty and the music is wonderful and we think it will appeal to an audience of all ages.” 

The Young 'Uns are Llangollen Operatic Society's junior section and welcome youngsters from aged six to 18 years. 

 

Members are drawn, not only from Llangollen but  also areas including Corwen, Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham and Chirk. 

 

This is the 26^th production from Young Uns with previous shows including Half a Sixpence, Annie and Beauty and the Beast.   

 

Amongst the cast is rising star  Cassius Hackforth from Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen. 

He joined Young Uns four years ago and has regularly played leading roles. In Honk! he’s the comic character, Bullfrog. 

Cassius is about to perform with a professional company in Rhyl  and is looking to gain future accreditation in performing arts and musical theatre through the National Youth Music Theatre scheme.

Playing the part of Ugly the duckling is Shea Ferron, from St Joseph's Catholic and Anglican High School, who was an outstanding shop-boy in the Young Uns' past production of Half a Sixpence.

Amy Jones, from Ysgol Dinas Bran, takes on the role of Ida, the mother of Ugly and the other ducklings.

She has been with Young 'Uns for four years and played a variety of roles. She is studying drama at A level and hopes to become a writer, editor or stage director. 

Jac Edwards, another Ysgol Dinas Bran student, takes the part of Drake, father of the ducklings and often unreliable husband of Ida. 

Honk! is on at Llangollen Town Hall from February 4-6, including a Saturday matinee. 

* Tickets are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Jades Hair and Beauty, Gwyn Davies Butchers and Stella Bond on 01978 860441 or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/105287

County backs council tax reduction scheme

Councillors in Denbighshire have agreed to implement the All Wales Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2016/17.

 

The council tax benefit system changed in March 2013, when responsibility for providing support for the tax and the funding associated with it was passed to the Welsh Government.

 

As a result, the Welsh Government, in partnership with councils across Wales, introduced the council tax reduction scheme.

There will continue to be one scheme across Wales for 2016/17, with the aim of providing a consistent level of support to claimants.

 

The maximum level of support is 100% and councils can use their discretion when dealing with applications locally.

 

Denbighshire councillors have agreed to continue with the reduction scheme for the next financial year. 

 

They also agreed some discretionary elements for Denbighshire, including: 

 

* Increasing the extended payment period of four weeks to people after they return to work, if they have been receiving benefits for 26 weeks or more.

 

* Discretion to disregard war disablement or war widows pensions when calculating income as part of the application process.

 

* The ability to backdate for up to six months any application of council tax support awards for working age customers more than the standard period of three months prior to the claim.

 

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, said: “The scheme has been set up to help those that need support in paying council tax and the council has a pot of funding in place to provide financial support on a case by case basis. 

 

“People can submit an online claim form available from the council’s website or through our One Stop Shops.

 

“Some applications may be submitted through landlords or organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and benefits advice agencies." 

Have your say on health and social care

* Talking Points will be held at Llangollen Health Centre.

Denbighshire Council’s Community Led Conversations project has launched a new series of Talking Points for 2016.

The first one in Llangollen is today (Thursday).

A Talking Point is an opportunity for county residents to meet with health and social care staff from all partner organisations and talk face to face about the well-being outcomes they want for themselves or for others.

 

The Talking Points provide a pathway between adult social care services offered over the telephone and the more formal social care assessments that happen in a person’s own home.

 

Residents are encouraged to come along and explain what they feel is missing in their local community that could make a difference to t heir health and well-being and they can also get involved and share their knowledge, skills and experiences to improve the well-being of others in their community.

 

Talking Points sessions are now available all over Denbighshire, where residents can drop in and speak to people from a range of local services who will be on hand to offer advice and information.

 

Talking Points planned for Llangollen in January and February are:

 

* 28/01 Llangollen Health Centre 10am – 1.30pm

 

* 04/02 Llangollen Health Centre, 10am – 1.30pm

 

* 18/02 Llangollen Health Centre 10am – 1.30pm

 

* 23/02 Llangollen Health Centre 10am – 1.30pm

County agrees 1.5% council tax rise

Councillors in Denbighshire have approved an increase of 1.5% in council tax for the 2016/17 financial year – one of the lowest increases in the whole of Wales.

They agreed the level of tax as part of a discussion on the budget. 

It has already identified £5. 2 million savings for the 2016/17 financial year and no further cuts are required at this stage.

 

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Assets, said: “The Cabinet had recommended the 1.5% increase to Full Council and this has been ratified by councillors.

 

“The council is delighted to have kept the increase in council tax to this level.   The financial settlement announced by the Welsh Government in December 2015 was much better than expected and this has meant that we were in a position to keep the increase as low as we possibly could. 

 

“Residents in Denbighshire have also told us they want to see this happen and we are pleased to be in a position to respond positively to this.

 

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “Now that we have agreed on the council tax increase, the next step is to formally approve the council tax levels for the coming year.

 

"The proposed budget takes into account an increase in funding to schools to meet the national level of protection and to set aside £480,000 to mitigate the risks to the delivery of this budget.

 

“The council has worked hard over recent years to be more efficient and effective in the way that it works, whilst identifying cuts that have the lowest possible effect on frontline services provided to the public."

 

The discussion to formalise council tax levels for 2016/17 will take place at the full council meeting being held at County Hall on Tuesday, February 26, at 10am.  

Ysgol Bryn Collen delighted with Estyn report

 

* Delighted pupils from Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen

give the thumbs up to their successful Estyn report.

 

Staff, governors and pupils have been commenting on Ysgol Bryn Collen's latest report from Estyn Inspectors in which the school wins high praise.

 

Some key highlights from the inspection, carried out in November 2015, shows that pupils respond eagerly in lessons, have imaginative learning experiences and have a well-developed understanding of how to make progress. The school’s leadership team has been praised for their commitment to raising standards and improving pupils’ learning opportunities for the future.

 

The school’s prospects for the future are said to be good and with the continued rigorous process of self-evaluation by the headteacher and senior leaders, and Estyn Inspectors believe this will lead to measurable improvements.

 

Chair of Governors, Dr Janet Knight said: “The Estyn Inspection team has clearly been impressed with the hard work and commitment that has brought us on this stage of our journey so far. 

 

"We are absolutely thrilled that everyone from the teaching and support staff, pupils and parents has contributed to this wonderful achievement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their commitment and dedication.

 

“We will now be building on these improvements based on the inspector’s recommendations. The governors will be working closely with the headteacher and his team to continue to improve."

 

Headteacher David Coffey said: “We are extremely pleased with the conclusions of the Estyn Inspectors which reflects the dedication of our entire school community.

 

“Here at Ysgol Bryn Collen we put our pupils’ learning at the core of everything we do. We continue to make every effort to ensure that every child is supported to meet their potential whatever their individual needs, so that they can enjoy everything that our positive and happy school environment has to offer.”

 

Mr Coffey said he would now be going through the report in detail and take on board the recommendations of the inspectors, including putting plans in place to focus on those currently in receipt of free school meals, improve the accuracy and presentation of pupils’ writing at Key Stage 2, develop opportunities for foundation phase pupils and lead all teachers to provide high level of challenge for pupils of all abilities.

 

Members of the student council, Alfie and Georgina, said:  "We are proud of what the inspectors have said about our school. Our school is full of enthusiastic pupils who enjoy working hard and by working together we can make our school even better."