US composer visits eisteddfod ahead of July date

Grammy award-winning American composer, Christopher Tin, made his first ever visit to Llangollen on Monday 10^th April, ahead of his performance at the International Eisteddfod’s 70^th anniversary festival in the summer.

Tin (pictured) whose composition for the iconic video game Civilisation IV Baba Yetu scooped the first ever Grammy for a game theme, was greeted by the International Eisteddfod’s officers and members of The Llangollen Celebration Chorus.

He was then given a tour of the Royal International Pavilion, where he will perform on Wednesday July 5. 

Sponsored by the longest-standing supporter of the eisteddfod, Kronospan, the evening concert will see Tin conduct soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the Celebration Chorus in a spectacular international choral and orchestral performance, compared by Classic FM’s Andrew Collins.

Communicating the message of global unity, the first half of the concert will present audiences with a spectrum of music from symphonic overtures to video game fantasies. In the second half of the concert, there will be a special performance of Tin’s song-cycle Calling All Dawns, which includes Baba Yetu.

The song-cycle, which is sung in 12 different languages and will feature special performances from international competitors, comprises three individual movements – day, night and dawn – each corresponding to a different phase of life.

“Meeting the team behind this fantastic event and the Llangollen International Celebration Chorus, who I will have the pleasure of conducting, has made today’s visit an inspirational and enjoyable experience,” said Tin.

“The message of peace and unity is the very foundation of the International Eisteddfod and this has great synergy with my composition Calling All Nations, which focuses on the notion of unity regardless of race, culture or religious belief.

“I’m honoured to be joining not only a host of talent for the performance of Calling All Nations, but also a spectacular line up for the week’s festival and a long list of outstanding performers who have graced the International Pavilion’s stage.”

Eilir Owen Griffiths, Music Director at the International Eisteddfod, said: “Christopher’s appearance at the Llangollen Eisteddfod will be a real treat for spectators. They will hear myriad languages and musical styles, songs of joy, mystery, sorrow and hardship and well as songs of triumph and exultation.

“With Classic FMs Andrew Collins on hand to guide the audience through the performance, it’s sure to be a moving and inspirational evening.”

Chris Ryan, Group Secretary at manufacturer of wood-based panels, Kronospan, sponsors of the concert, said: “Innovation has long been at the heart of what Kronospan does, so we feel great affinity for other innovators and trailblazers.

“Christopher Tin’s work not only reflects the ethos of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, it demonstrates boundless creativity and innovation which we value. His song-cycles combine many world music vocal traditions and multiple languages in symphonic context, bringing classical music to wide and varied audiences. We look forward to experiencing his work in July.”

* To buy tickets for Calling All Nations with Christopher Tin on Wednesday July 5 and all other concerts, including Llanfest, visit: www.Llangollen.net

May announces snap election on June 8

Prime Minister Theresa May has just announced a plan to call snap general election on June 8.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street a few minutes ago, she said Britain "needed certainty, stability and strong leadership" following the EU referendum.

You can support Young 'Uns at the Co-op

* A scene from the Young 'Uns' recent production of Bugsy Malone.

Customers of the Co-op in Llangollen are being asked to earmark a small percentage of their spending to help a youth drama group in the town.

The Young ‘Uns, which is the junior section of Llangollen Operatic Society, has just heard that it has been chosen for the latest round of the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

This means that Co-op members in the area can opt to allocate one per cent of everything they spend on its branded goods for development of the group which recently celebrated success with its latest show, the musical Bugsy Malone, staged at the Town Hall.

A letter from the Co-op tells society bosses: “Your cause will be supported by our Co-op food stores and funeral homes.

“If you’re a Co-op member, you can keep an eye on the funds being raised for your cause by signing into your Co-op membership account.

“We’ve kick-started your fundraising with a share of the money from the 5p carrier bags and the re-usable bags that we’ve sold in your community.

“The more members that choose your cause the more money you’ll get.”

Young ‘Uns spokesperson Pam Williams said: “I believe that when purchasing items people will either be asked which group they wish to support or they can tell the cashier themselves.

“The other way is logging onto your Co-op account online and you can select the chosen group so that every time your card is swiped at the till it will go straight to the chosen charity automatically.

“We hope as many people as possible choose to support Young ‘Uns which does so much good for young people locally.”    

Police boss aims to honour crime-fighting heroes

* North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

A POLICE boss is asking for the public’s help to honour unsung crime-fighting heroes of the community.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has just launched his Community Awards to recognise people and groups who help police to keep their neighbourhood a peaceful and safe place to live and work and who help in rehabilitating offenders.

And he is inviting members of the public to send him their own nominations for the main accolade on offer, the coveted People’s Award.

The aim of this award is to highlight and honour an individual or community group who have made a strong contribution towards community safety and crime prevention.

It is the only one of the awards which is nominated directly by members of the public using an online form. The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 24.

The other categories are Community Champion, Victims' Champion, Rehabilitation Award, Equality and Diversity Award, Young People's Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, Welsh Language Champion, Drug Intervention and Anti-Slavery Champion.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, said: "To mark the completion of my first year in office I have decided to host a community awards ceremony to celebrate and publicise some of the amazing work carried out within the communities of North Wales.

"I am proud to have served the people of North Wales as a police officer, a county councillor and now as police and crime commissioner.

"I have experienced at first hand the work and effort some members of the community put into helping the police and making North Wales a better, safer place to be.

"The People's Award will go to an individual or group who have made an impact in helping to keep people safe and/or to reduce crime. 

“This contribution may impact the whole area, a local town, neighbourhood or even street, but it will have made a difference to the people living and working there.

“It could be someone who is working to bring communities together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, or is working with people to deter and reduce offending.

“While I will select most of the award recipients myself in consultation with my office, the People’s Award is special in that it is the only one which will be nominated directly by the public.

“I am therefore asking for the assistance of the people of North Wales to help me select a suitable candidate for this particular award.

“If you know someone in your community who has gone that extra mile to prevent or reduce crime, protect and support members of the community or generally helped to make North Wales a safer place to live and work, please nominate them for the People’s Award. 

The winners of the People’s Award and the other PCC Community Awards will receive their honours in front of police and civic leaders at a presentation at the Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele on the evening of Thursday, May 18. 

* To nominate your choice for the People’s Award, go the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s website at www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk to complete and return the online form.  Alternatively you can download the form, complete it and return it to The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Glan-y-Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW, or by email to opcc@nthwales.pnn.police.uk  by the closing date Monday, April 24.

Government announces £14m business support scheme

The Welsh Government has announced two new property development funds launched with £14 million of EU funds to support business growth and job creation in the North, West Wales and the South Wales Valleys.

The £7 million Property for Business Development Grant Fund (PBDG) and the £7m Property Infrastructure Fund (PIF) are each expected to attract £13 million of private sector investment and geared to stimulate the market to meet the needs of businesses.

Both funds are for new build and refurbishments/extensions/adaptions with the Property Infrastructure Fund aimed specifically at advance build developments and the Property for Business Development Grant Fund targeted at supporting businesses with bespoke expansion projects.

The successful projects, selected in conjunction with the regional stakeholders across Wales, will be those that achieve best value for money and create the greatest economic impact. The primary focus will be on projects in Enterprise Zones, Local Growth Zones and City Regions.

Stage 1 Applications, providing brief information on the project requiring support, will need to be submitted by the 30 April 2017 in order to be considered for a provisional allocation of funding.

* For more information and an application form for businesses interested in the Property for Business Development Grant or developers interested in the Property Infrastructure Fund to support advance build development should email gde.pdg@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

Llangollen 10k race details revealed

* The route of the race will follow the canal.

Details have been revealed of the Llangollen 10K race which is due to be held on Sunday May 14.

The race starts from Tower Fields at 9.30am and follows an undulating route along the canal.

Runners must be aged 15-plus and the race will be chip timed.

Entry fee for adults is from £12 and includes a bespoke finisher medal and water bottle. There is a feeding station along the route.

The prize presentation will be at the registration tent at 11.30am.

Parking will be available at Tower Fields.

* For more information, go to: http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=DAA70244-9DF3-F44C-1FE49779038427EC&success=1

Year of Legends campaign goes on show

* The view from Castell Dinas Bran in Llangollen.

A host of legendary promotions showcasing the North East Wales region have been released as part of Visit Wales’ Year of Legends campaign. 

Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire have joined forces to produce films, journeys and a digital brochure to inspire new visitors to experience the region.

Funded by Visit Wales’ Regional Tourism Engagement Fund, the promotions explore castles, landscape, arts and culture and the food and drink offer as well as telling the stories behind our most legendary figures including Owain Glyndwr and Thomas Telford.

Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Partnership, said: “The promotions celebrate our past, present and future like never before with attractions, events and activities at a range of legendary locations.

"With North Wales being named as one of the top ten places to visit in the entire world this year by Lonely Planet, we are keen to showcase the beauty of North East Wales to both residents and visitors.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the making of the films and brochure, we hope it will inspire visitors to experience all our hidden gems.”

Included in the new materials are 12 legendary journeys across North East Wales, everything from town centre strolls to long distance trails.

All have spectacular settings and a story attached. Locations include Wales’ Coastal Path, Pontycysyllte Aqueduct, St Winefride’s Well, Coed Llandegla Forest, Castell Dinas Bran, Moel Arthur, Jubilee Tower, Offa’s Dyke Path and many more.

Tourism plays a vital part in the region’s economy, with a total economic impact in 2015 of £808m and over 11 million visits made.

* To view the films, brochure and legendary journeys please visit www.northeastwales.wales