Eisteddfod welcomes new marketing head

 

* Megan McNutt with Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies.

The new head of marketing for one of the UK’s iconic cultural festivals is fresh from a job promoting a top public school in Hampshire, where Hollywood superstar Daniel Day Lewis and TV property expert Kirsty Allsopp were pupils.

Welsh-speaker Megan McNutt, from Llandderfel, near Bala, has just taken over the marketing brief at the world famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which will be celebrated for the 70^th time this summer.

Keen sportswoman Megan plays hockey, skis and is a former gymnast but she also learned to play the harp and the piano as a pupil at Ysgol Y Berwyn, Bala, before going on to study Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff – now Cardiff Metropolitan University.

It’s a return to North Wales for the 28-year-old who has spent the last 15 months as Communications Manager at independent Bedales School, in Hampshire, where Daniel Day-Lewis, Minnie Driver, Sophie Dahl, Cara Delevingne, Lily Allen and Kirsty Allsopp are among the former pupils and where Princess Margaret sent her children.

Megan, who now lives in Ty Nant, Maerdy, near Corwen, with her farmer partner Dylan Jones, will be working alongside a team of dedicated volunteers to deliver the marketing for the 2016 event.

She said: “It’s a really exciting job and I’m thrilled to be working for such an incredible festival which has such a rich heritage.

“I have been to the Eisteddfod a number of times as a visitor but I’m really excited to be part of something which attracts people from all over the world as well as stars like Jools Holland.

“I already appreciate the buzz there is about Llangollen and what it means to so many people, especially to be working with over 800 volunteers who give their time to make this brilliant festival happen every year.”

Llangollen’s worldwide appeal is something the well-travelled Megan will appreciate after spending time in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Sri Lanka and South America as well as in France as a Ski Guide, and an Events Assistant at Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

She said: “I worked at the National White Water Centre at Frongoch, near Bala, and that was a lot of fun and a great experience and in the winter I took a job as a Ski Guide in Val d’Isere in France.

“Since then I have really enjoyed working at Bedales which is a fantastic school but I wanted to come back to North Wales where my boyfriend is a farmer and working for the Eisteddfod is a dream job.

“North Wales can seem like a bit of a bubble but to have these big names coming here to Llangollen is quite amazing.

“It’s a unique place to work and just so impressive that so many people are so committed to making this event possible.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We’re delighted to have Megan join us and be based at Llangollen full time and I’m sure she will bring many qualities to the role.

“She has an impressive background with a broad range of experience for someone still in her 20s and is well travelled which will help with our international connections.”

Megan, is the youngest of four children, and is the daughter of Brendan McNutt, founder of Bryn Melyn Care which helps and cares for children and young adults with complex needs.

Her mother, Nuala, still lives locally in Llandderfel and is a primary school supply teacher.

She sees her role as building visitor numbers, particularly for the daytime competitions in the Royal International Pavilion and for the daytime events on the festival field.

Tickets sales for the concerts at this year’s Eisteddfod, which begins on Tuesday, July 5, are already going well, especially for the opening night when superstar Katherine Jenkins gets the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World.

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert.

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert, featuring Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Business events planned for county

Businesses in Denbighshire are urged to get signed up for a series of workshops, aimed at encouraging businesses to grow and flourish.

 

The March for Business workshops have been arranged by Denbighshire County Council’s Economic and Business Development team, in direct response to feedback received from businesses in 2015.

 

Over 400 businesses took part in a survey and identified  their future support needs.

 

The events are:

 

Employment and HR – Business Breakfast – Wednesday, 2^nd of March at Oriel House, St Asaph. 8am -10am. A networking breakfast for businesses with speakers focussing on assistance with recruitment and staffing.

 

A Taste for Local (local producers) – Networking – Wednesday, 9^th March at Llangollen Pavilion -   10.30am-1.30pm.  An event to promote and highlight the wide range of Denbighshire food and drink producers and potential buyers such as hoteliers, B & Bs, retailers, restaurants & cafes.  One of the guest speakers will be farmer and TV personality Gareth Wyn Jones.

 

Open for Business –  Friday, 11^th March at Nova, Prestatyn. 9am-5pm. A full day of keynote business speakers; an opportunity to meet business facing Council services and a range of other support providers. Free and practical 1-2-1 business information.

 

Finance and Funding – Business Lunch – Monday, 14^th March – Brookhouse Mill, Denbigh. 12pm-2pm. A networking lunch for businesses with speakers focusing on current financing options.

 

Social Media for Beginners –   Tuesday, 22^nd March - Rhyl College, Cefndy Road, Rhyl – 4.30pm-7.30pm. A three-hour workshop on how to use social media as a marketing tool in the world of business. Ideal for businesses that are new to social media or those who are looking to fill a few knowledge gaps.

 

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “We are delighted to be hosting these events as a direct result of the feedback we receive d from the business survey.

 

“We have a key role to play in assisting businesses to grow and flourish and are pleased to offer these opportunities to receive and share specialist advice and information and identify ways the businesses can enhance their business potential."

 

* To book a place, contact the Economic and Business Development team, on 01824 706896 or e-mail:econ.dev@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Covering of snow on the hills

Llan residents found a covering of snow on the surrounding hills this morning.

While rain showers were forecast, temperatures were expected to pick up as the day progressed.

Operatic seeks sponsorship for next show

Llangollen Operatic Society is seeking sponsorship for its forthcoming production of the smash hit Mel Brook’s musical The Producers, which will be staged in Llangollen Town Hall from April 12-16.  

 

Producer, Tracey Rawlinson, explained: “As a registered charity, fundraising efforts and the support of our sponsors is invaluable in enabling our junior and senior sections to continue producing high quality productions for the enjoyment of the local community.  

 

“We have been very fortunate to secure sponsorship from a number of local businesses and individuals in previous years and we’ve always received wonderful feedback from them as to their experience. Following the overwhelming success of Sister Act in 2015, we are hoping to attract a similar level of support again this year."

   

For £125.00, sponsors are offered four reserved balcony seats with a prime view of the stage, four drinks of their choice from the bar, four complimentary programmes and the opportunity to display marketing material in the Town Hall on the evening of their sponsorship.

 

They will also have the services of a dedicated sponsor host, who will welcome them on arrival and be on hand to ensure their experience is enjoyable. 

 

Tracey added: “We believe this package represents excellent value and in return for our sponsors’ generosity, we will guarantee an unforgettable evening of entertainment and hospitality."

  

* If you would like to support the production or would like to have more information, contact Tracey Rawlinson on 07875 639533/e-mail traceyrawlinson@btinternet.com 

 

Tickets for The Producers are now available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety 

MP calls for official probe into bank closures

After the news that HSBC intends to close Ruabon and Chirk branches, Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has called on a parliamentary select committee to review how small and medium-sized businesses are affected by the closure of local banks.

 

* Susan Elan Jones MP. 

She said: "I've already met with Iain Wright MP, Chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, and he seemed very keen on my idea that there should be a full inquiry into bank closures and access to finance for small and medium-sized companies.

 

"Select Committees in Parliament are cross-party and one of the things that is so important about them is that the  Government has to respond to all inquiries and reviews in full.

 

"It's time that Parliament looked seriously into what happens when bank branches close - as they have done in hundreds of towns and villages across the UK." 

 

She added: "But it's not words that I want - it's action at the highest level. There are plenty of countries in the western world that would never put up with the sort of shabby behaviour we are now getting from our so-called national banks.

 

"The USA, for example, has a comprehensive network of town and state banks. These are part of the regular fabric of American small town life - and vital for US businesses and individuals.

 

"We urgently need to be looking at similar models of banking in this country too."

 

In her letter to Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee Chair Iain Wright MP, Susan Elan Jones MP wrote: "Having access to a bank or to financial services is vital. For a small business or local charitable group, it is the difference between failing or succeeding and it is so important that the government does all it can to support businesses in an already difficult climate. The heavy mechanisation of banking services has already meant that those running  business do not have the support that they may have had in the past; with every local banking facility that closes, that support diminishes further."

Demolition work proceeds at Cottage Hospital

* Pictures by llanblogger reader Mike Edwards.

Demolition work on the old Cottage Hospital is now well under way.

It was last March that county councillors voted in favour of bulldozing the 138-year-old building and the use of the site for new homes.

A housing association is to build 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.

News that the local health board was closing the hospital, to replace it with a new health centre a little further along the road, caused a storm of protest from local campaigners led by the late Martin Crumpton.

But their battle to save it was eventually unsuccessful.

The hospital had been the birthplace of many people during its years of community service, amongst them Commodore Ronald Warwick, former captain of world-famous liner the QEII, who paid a sentimental return trip to the closed-down building early in 2013.

* Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies says he has been involved in trying to save some of the "beautiful" sandstone that parts of the hospital were built from.

He explained: "Originally we were hoping to save some and store it at the Wenffrwyd old civic amenity site but officers advised that planning and NRW would have to be involved and also there were issues as to who would `own' the material.

"I went to the site and there was just a pile of rubble with the sandstone mixed in it.

"I called our AONB countryside officer and he came straight down and arranged to pick up some and store it ready for when we do sensitive restoration in the town." 

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/