Band's indoor garden party is a big hit

* The youth band opens the programme.

Wet weather helped turn what should have been yesterday's Picnic in the Garden by Llangollen Silver Band and their guest performers into a brilliant bash in the Town Hall.

Instead of the grounds of Plas Newydd where it was due to be staged, the afternoon concert was switched indoors when organisers saw the forecast for rain.

But indoors or outdoors it was still an amazing showcase for local talent.

Members of the youth band opened the varied programme with a selection of lively numbers.

Next on stage came the drama group from Ysgol Bryn Collen to sing out a series of hits from musicals such as Annie and The Sound Music.

Cellist Florence Harvey played a Bach prelude and received warm applause.

Delighting the audience with their harp, guitar playing and singing were sisters Katie and Elizabeth Mwale.

There was a sizzling set by the training band before the senior band rounded off a highly enjoyable afternoon with some rousing and moving tunes.

* The drama group from Ysgol Bryn Collen takes the stage.

* Elizabeth and Katie Mwale perform.

* The senior band wrap up the concert in style.

Come to the Cabaret at New Dot's latest screening

* Liza with a Zee: Liza Minelli stars in Cabaret. 

The town's New Dot Cinema is kicking off this year’s Llangollen Fringe Festival in style with a screening of classic 1970s film Cabaret.

* Blues singer Betzy Jean.

The gala event is on Wednesday July 13 in the main room of Llangollen Town Hall.

Cinema organiser Yvonne Ryan said: "It's one of the greatest musicals of all time - eight Oscars, a divinely decadent score and Liza Minnelli – it’s the perfect way to get into the festival spirit this summer."

In addition to the main feature, rumour has it that the night will climax with an exciting blues singer, Betzy Jean, performing an exclusive, intimate set.

Formerly from Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, her power and passion is sure to raise goosebumps.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm, ending at 11pm.

There's a licensed bar and homemade cake, with popcorn and ice cream served at your seat.

Tickets are £8 (£5 concessions) and are available at Bailey's deli and Maxine's cafe in Llangollen. Also online at www.newdotcinema.org and www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

As before, audience members are encouraged to dress up, this time in a hedonistic 1930s style.

Concession price tickets are available for those dressed in suitable vintage or themed attire, as well as the under 18's, over 60's, bus pass holders and students.


Cabaret (1972, cert 15), is set in Berlin during the last heady, bohemian days just before the Nazis seized power.

* The Mayor & Mayoress of Llangollen, Mike and Melanie Adams, promote Cabaret.

It tells the story of life inside and outside the Kit Kat Club where Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli), an exuberant young American singer, and the club’s leering emcee (Joel Grey) sound the call for decadent fun, while outside the doors of the club, the brutality of the rising Nazi party is becoming all too clear.

When Sally falls for Brian (Michael York), a young English university student, the two become caught in the intrigues and decadence of a world on the brink of tumultuous change.

* Read more online www.NewDotCinema.org on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newdotcinema or  Twitter: www.twitter.com/newdotcinema

It's open doors at historic sites this Sunday

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates has announced the Welsh Government is opening the doors, free of charge, to all of its directly-managed Cadw sites on Sunday June 26 June to mark Wales’ historic achievement at reaching the final 16 in the European 2016 Football Championship.

That includes Valle Crucis Abbey in Llangollen (pictured).

Following Monday night’s 3-0 victory against Russia, which also placed Wales at the top of its qualifying group, Ken Skates said: "We entered this competition with a real feeling that qualification was just the start for this group of players and we were right. 

“From fan behaviour to Wales’ performance on the pitch, this tournament has captured the hearts and minds of this country and really helped to showcase to the rest of the world what Wales is truly capable of.” 

Earlier this month Mr Skates, who is also responsible for Major Events and Elite Sport in Wales, said he would be delighted to offer free entry to Cadw’s historic castles and monuments on June 26 if the Team reached the final 16.

Following Monday’s result he said: “We waited 58 years for this opportunity but it was certainly worth the wait.

“This has unquestionably been our Year of Adventure so far and long may it continue. I am pleased to confirm that not only will our castles remain illuminated in red but also, this Sunday, everyone will have the opportunity to visit our directly-managed Cadw sites for free.

“I hope the people of Wales will take full advantage of this opportunity and enjoy a thoroughly fun, informative and fulfilling day out to help celebrate the success of our national football team.”
There are 24 directly-managed Cadw sites in Wales where the special offer applies.

With more than 130 sites to explore across Wales, further information about all of Cadw’s castles and properties can be found on the Cadw website

The 24 directly-managed Cadw sites in Wales where the special offer applies are:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Conwy Castle
• Harlech Castle
• Criccieth Castle
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
• Denbigh Castle
• Rhuddlan Castle
• Rug Chapel
• Valle Crucis Abbey
• Cilgerran Castle
• Kidwelly Castle
• Laugharne Castle
• Oxwich Castle
• St David’s Bishop’s Palace
• Strata Florida Abbey
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castell Coch
• Chepstow Castle
• Raglan Castle
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court & Castle
• Blaenavon Ironworks*
• Caerleon Roman Baths*

* Caerleon Roman Baths and Blaenavon Ironworks are already free to enter so although they are included on this list the offer of free entry is not limited to June 26.

Isherwood campaigns for armed forces community

* Mark Isherwood AM meets RAF veteran Andy Davies to discuss the campaign at the Welsh Assembly.

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has declared his support for The Royal British Legion’s ‘Count Them In’ campaign which calls for questions on the Armed Forces community to be included in the next UK Census.

It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a tenth of the population.

However, says Mr Isherwood, little is known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group.

He believes that including new questions on the next census would provide public bodies, and charities with information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for the Armed Forces community. 

After meeting veterans' representatives, he said: “There could be up to 250,000 veterans in Wales, but without this data we cannot plan for the NHS Wales capacity needed, commission the wider services required, or provide the support on which family and carers depend, and we cannot  deliver on the promise made by the Armed Forces Covenant that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.”

Chris Simpkins, Director-General of The Royal British Legion, said: “As a nation we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country, and by adding questions to the 2021 UK Census we can help public bodies and charities to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community where they are needed most. We thank Mark for adding his support to our campaign and it’s time to make the next census count for our Armed Forces community . We count on them, lets Count them in.”

* People can show their support for the campaign by visiting the campaign website, www.britishlegion.org.uk/census, or by posting on social media using the #CountThemIn hashtag.

MP's concern over fire service cuts plan

Susan Elan Jones, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, has written to every member of the North Wales Fire Authority expressing deep concerns about proposals to cut 24 posts one of Wrexham’s two full-time engines.

Ahead of the authority’s meeting yesterday (Monday), at which the controversial plans were discussed, Ms Jones urged members to ‘go back to the drawing board’.

She said: “I am extremely concerned. This news comes only weeks after the service moved into a brand new joint ambulance and fire station, a £15m facility built with joint investment from both services. It’s quite astounding.”

Ms Jones said she feared response times would increase and lives consequently put at risk by the ‘short-sighted’ cuts put forward.

She added: “I understand Wrexham Fire Station is already dealing with more than 40% of all North Wales arson incidents, and a large proportion of the road traffic accidents across the region, and it will be facing increased pressure over the coming years with the anticipated 20% increase in the local population.

“Cutting the second appliance from Wrexham would, surely, result in delayed responses. In an environment where every second counts, this could be considered to be a deliberately irresponsible course of action.

“The second appliance based at Wrexham also supports outlying fire stations in Clwyd South at Johnstown, Chirk, Llangollen and Corwen. It is extremely worrying that standby support in these areas would cease, leaving large areas along the A5 corridor without adequate cover.

“I would urge the authority to go back to the drawing board and seriously reconsider these short-sighted proposals for the safety of the public.”

Wrexham Fire Station receives around 1,000 calls per year, about a quarter of the total for North Wales. Another 50 fire engines cover the remaining 75% of the region.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates said he would also be writing to the authority to raise his concerns.
UPDATE ...
North wales Fire and Rescue Authority said it will consult on the proposals, the BBC reported yesterday (Monday).
For the full story, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-36570627

Wild Pheasant goes on the market

The Daily Post is reporting today (Monday) that the Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen has gone on the market for £2.25 million.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollens-wild-pheasant-hotel-spa-11495088

Band tuning up for Picnic in the Garden

* Last year's successful Picnic in the Garden at Plas Newydd.

Llangollen Silver Band will be holding their popular Picnic in the Garden event at Plas Newydd next Sunday, June 26, from 4 – 6.30pm.

The event will feature all three of their bands  - training, youth and senior bands - performing sets alongside other musical guests.

Band spokesman, Robert Stock, explained: “In addition to brass music provided by our three bands, we’ll have string performances from Florence Harvey, Lucy Mwale and Elizabeth Mwale.

"We’re also delighted that Ysgol Bryn Collen’s Drama Group will again be joining us, following their successful performance alongside us at a concert in Llangollen Methodist Church back in March.

"They will be performing a selection of favourites from musicals such as The Sound of Music, Annie and Cinderella Rockafella.”

Tickets for Picnic in the Garden are now on sale at the cost of £5 and are available to purchase at the Council Office on Parade Street, Tourist Information Centre, Glyn the Butchers on Castle Street, and from band members. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate.

Concert goers are asked to bring along a folded chair, picnic and umbrella. 

A cake stall will also be available to purchase a range of homemade treats.

Should the weather on the day be particularly poor, the even will be held at Llangollen Town Hall instead.

Check the band's twitter page at www.twitter.com/llanband for any announcement regarding to where the event will be held.