Operatic's new show previews at Eagles Meadow

* From back left, Operatic performers Justine Bradey, Helen Benton, who plays Violet, Shea Ferron, 14, who plays Josh. Front from left, Rachel Bingham, Alison Ravenscroft, Biba Baksh-Jones and Lauren Tynan prepare for their 9 to 5 preview at Eagles Meadow.

Shoppers were given a sneak preview of a blockbuster musical in Llangollen.

The music of country legend Dolly Parton had customers dancing and tapping their feet at the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre in Wrexham.

They were entertained by member of the cast of the hit show, 9 to 5, which will be performed by Llangollen Operatic Society at the Town Hall between Tuesday, May 23, and Saturday, May 27.

The show, set in an office in early 1980s New York, charts the journey of three downtrodden women who are brought together in unlikely friendship by their mutual frustration with their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss.

The score is signature Dolly Parton and includes catchy songs with a country and western feel, a couple of big belters and some more poignant numbers.

This is perfectly complimented by Patricia Resnick's witty book, which will certainly have audiences chuckling all the way home.

All the cast members come from the Llangollen and Wrexham areas.

According to direct Robin Cowley, they've worked exceptionally hard learning the 20 iconic songs from the show.

He said: “It’s an amazing story and really good fun. It’s about stereo types, the CEO of the company is a misogynist, egotistical and hypocritical man. The story revolves around three women, Violet, Doralee and Judy and their desire to get even with their boss, overthrow him and lead the company they work for in a much better way.

“And of course they get their dream and introduce change including job share, flexi working and day care. It’s a fun story and a really lively show with a lot of laughs along the way.”

Robin, who trained as an actor at a London theatre school but now works as an insurance salesman, added: “We are delighted that the management of Eagles Meadow have yet again supported us as a society and allowed us time and space to give shoppers and visitors a little taster of the show.

“It’s a real help and we have had a great deal of interest from people keen to hear more about the show. It also gives the cast the chance to perform some of the dances and songs they will be performing on stage before big audiences.

“And during the show Dolly Parton does make an appearance, even if it is part of a projection. So we can rightly claim Dolly is coming to Llangollen!”

Helen Belton, who hails from Wrexham but now lives in Llangollen, plays Violet, one of the lead roles in 9 to 5.

She said: “There is a really good twist at the end of the story. It’s quite a complex story with so many songs and harmonies we have had to perfect. And my character is in all but two scenes so I’m on stage a great deal.

“I’m also enjoying working with Shea Ferron, who is just 14. He plays my son, Josh, in the show. This will be his first show although he is moving up form Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ’Un’s where he gained lots of experience.”

Helen who works as a private music teacher and community council clerk, added: “I’d encourage anyone who enjoys good music and theatre to get a ticket and come along and see the show.

“The cast involves people aged 14 to almost 60. We have put a great deal of work and effort into the show. Robin is a fantastic director and the fact he trained professionally to be an actor really shows.

“This is my third show with the Llangollen Operatic Society. I’ve previously played Yum Yum in the Mikado and Nettie Fowler in Carousel. I’ve also performed in several other productions with other companies.”

Shea Ferron, 14, a pupil of St Joseph’s School Wrexham, was thrilled to get the call and to have been cast in 9 to 5.

He said: “I really enjoy it. I’ve been in a number of productions with the Young ’Un’s, the youth arm of the society but this will be my debut with the full society. I’ve really enjoyed rehearsals and I’m just looking forward to getting on stage now.”

Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “We are always keen to help community initiatives and Llangollen Operatic Society have been at Eagles Meadow several times to promote their shows.

“It’s always good to give out shoppers and visitors something a little bit different as part of their shopping experience and there is no doubt the 9 to 5 numbers proved very popular. We wish the 9 to 5 cast every success with their new show which I ‘m sure will be a big hit.”

* For tickets to 9 to 5 call Ticket Line on 07814 959680 or visit the Ticket Line website at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

Town crier Chem goes hot foot after cash

* Chem gets a feel for the fire on his feet.

_{When Llangollen’s town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais says he’d walk over hot coals to help the Wales Air Ambulance he really means it.}

<sub>Because in September the 63-year-old retired teacher, who has also just become a town councillor, plans to take part in the Year of Legends Fire Walk at Chirk Marina in aid of the high-flying charity.

Over the past few years Chem has raised hundreds of pounds for the air ambulance as a way of saying thank you for the way the Midlands helicopter zoomed in to airlift him to hospital back in 2010 after he was run over twice by a delivery van in the car park of the school in Walsall where he was headmaster at the time.</sub>

_{In his latest fundraising venture, along with other charity dare-devils, he’ll walk over red-hot coals in a bid to raise at least £500 for the air ambulance on the evening of Saturday September 23 outside the Boathouse pub restaurant.}

_{Chem said: “I’m perhaps a little nervous but very excited about the walk. It should be good fun.}

_{“It’s not often you get the chance to try something new and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.}

_{“I didn’t realise until I needed one that air ambulances get no government funding, so I’ve set a fundraising target of £500.”}    

_{To help spur him on, local artist Chris Burton has penned the cartoon strip (below) imagining the crazy scenes as Chem takes his hot-footed challenge.}

_{* You can sponsor him at} https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chemshouts 

Plaid launches its election campaign

* Plaid supporters launch their election campaign with their candidate Chris Allen, centre.

Plaid Cymru in Clwyd South has launched its General Election campaign with the party’s candidate, Chris Allen, promising to fight to ensure that Wales gets the best deal from the Brexit negotiations to secure funds to invest in job creation and infrastructure in the area.

He said: “This area needs a strong MP to stand up for our needs and interests, not an MP who will be dictated to by political bosses in London.

"Now, more than ever, we need a local representative in Westminster who will fight to get funding to create well-paid jobs here, rather than an MP who votes against our interests and for more and more spending on infrastructure for London and the south-east of England.

“Brexit is happening and our voice in Wales must be heard in those negotiations. It will affect our manufacturing industries, tourism and agriculture – all vital parts of the Clwyd South economy."

He added: “Wealth inequality has increased further in recent years and more people are using foodbanks in north-east Wales than ever before. Yet, while we are told that more and more people are in work, the truth is that more and more people are also living in poverty.

"Women and people with disabilities are the hardest hit, and Wales is the poorest nation within the UK. So it’s clear that on June 8 we need to elect a strong group of Plaid Cymru MP’s in order to fight for Wales and ensure that the people of Wales get a fair deal."

Chris Allen is a father of two and lives in Trevor. He’s an engineer by trade and his wife is a teacher at Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Eisteddfod music chief to hang up his baton

* Stepping down: Eilir Owen Griffiths.

After six years as Music Director of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Eilir Owen Griffiths will step down from the position after this year’s 70th anniversary festival.

The eisteddfod’s youngest ever MD will leave following this year’s event in July, giving him more opportunity to concentrate on new developments at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, composition projects and also to spend precious time with his young family.

During his tenure, Eilir introduced the Children’s Choir of the World Competition, Voice of The Future and International Voice of Musical Theatre Competition, as well and developing the Outreach and Inclusion Projects, which recently won the Scottish Power Community Award. 

His ambitious programing has also pulled together large scale concerts including Sweeney Todd with a cast of 150, and a star studded Carmen last year. 

He has been integral in drawing national audiences across the border by securing performances from global artists such as Status Quo, UB40, Burt Bacharach, Jools Holland, Caro Emerald and Rufus Wainwright.

He has also sustained high quality artists that the International Eisteddfod is famous for, including Sir Bryn Terfel, Joseph Calleja, Catrin Finch, Noah Stewart, Alison Balsom, Nicola Benedetti and Karl Jenkins, to name just a few.

Prior to his appointment in 2011, Eilir attended the eisteddfod as a competitor and performed in the famous Royal International Pavilion in 1998 with Ysgol Glan Clwyd and with his award-winning choir CF1 in 2010.

Eilir said: “It is difficult to sum up six incredible years. I am proud to be ending my time at the Llangollen Eisteddfod on such a high and it’s such an honour to be bowing out after the 70th anniversary festival. I’m excited to see the team’s hard work culminate in what promises to be a wonderful celebratory year.

“I’ve been lucky that throughout my time as Music Director I’ve been able to work on projects I’m extremely passionate about. From the start I was keen to increase opportunities for young performers to get involved with the festival which is what led me to start the Children’s Choir of the World Competition, Voice of the Future and Young Musician Competitions, which I hope will be a part of my legacy.

“The Music Director’s role is a very challenging one and I couldn’t have done it without the support of the dedicated staff, partners, sponsors and of course the volunteers that have work alongside me for the last six years.”

Speaking of his favorite moments during his time at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Eilir added: “There have been too many ‘pinch myself’ moments to mention. One was definitely the performance of Sweeney Todd with Sir Bryn Terfel in 2014 and another was when Noah Stewart, the American operatic tenor, performed my original arrangement of Calon Lan in Welsh. To top it off, where else but Llangollen could you sit down and have a post-concert drink with three world-renowned figures, Burt Bacharach, Paul Mealor and Terry Waite?

“I feel content with the six years that I have had as the Music Director of Llangollen. I have a number of fond memories and I hope that I will return in years to come as either an audience member or even compete!

“But before I hang up my hat there is this year’s International Eisteddfod to enjoy. There are so many highlights this year and in particular I am looking forward to enjoying Gregory Porter on Friday 7th July.”

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Chairman, Dr Rhys Davies, added: “Eilir’s unwavering enthusiasm is infectious and it has been a joy to work with him over the past six years, creating unique and memorable festivals each year.

“Eilir’s contribution to the festival programme, through the talent he has signed up to perform and also the competition and community elements he has developed, will be a fitting legacy. Throughout his time with us he has remained true to the core principles of the International Eisteddfod - uniting people together in peace and friendship through music and dance.

“His last eisteddfod continues in the same vein as his previous - diverse, contemporary and star-studded. Bringing together global artists including the Manics, Huw Stephens, Kristine Opolais, Gregory Porter, Sir Bryn Terfel Christopher Tin and Reverend and The Makers on the same line up has been no mean feat. We really can’t wait to see Eilir’s grand finale come together.”

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is currently recruiting for the role of Music Director to start this summer. To apply for the role, contact Chief Operations Officer Siân Eagar at the Llangollen Eisteddfod office on 01978 862 000.

To buy tickets for the 70th anniversary Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, including Llanfest, please visit: www.Llangollen.net

Story says Aldi set to open on July 13

The Daily Post is reporting today that Llangollen's new Aldi supermarket is to open on Thursday July 13.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/aldi-names-llangollen-ghost-supermarket-13048345

County controls access to webmail in libraries

Denbighshire County Council is advising people who normally use computers in the county’s libraries that access to webmail addresses is being temporarily suspended, in light of the recent cyber attacks.

Any incoming e-mails from those addresses will also go into quarantine.

The council says it is taking this step to mitigate any potential risks to Denbighshire’s systems and no security breaches have occurred.

Residents will be informed when the situation changes. People who normally use the following e-mail addresses will not be able to do so whilst the restrictions are in place:

hotmail.com

hotmail.co.uk

outlook.com

aol.com

Yahoo.com

Yahoo.co.uk

NHS.net

NHS.co.uk

gmail.com

NHS.uk

Meanwhile, the council is also urging the public to be generally vigilant with all e-mails received and the advice is not to open any email you are suspicious of, do not click on any links sent to you via an email and not to open any suspicious attachments.

TT legend heading for LlanBikeFest

Legendary 23-times (and counting) Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness will be the guest of honour at LlanBikeFest 2017 –  the Llangollen Motorcycle Festival – at the town’s Royal International Pavilion on August 5 and 6.

And insurance specialist Carole Nash has increased its backing for the fast-growing event, now in its third year.

* John McGuinness.

LlanBikeFest co-founder John Hutchinson said: “Wales has declared 2017 as the Year of Legends, so it is absolutely fitting that John will play a prominent part on both days of the festival.

"John’s a real ‘people person’, so this will be a brilliant opportunity for fans to meet him and pick up a signed copy of his new autobiography, ‘Built For Speed’, which is published in May.

“But LlanBikeFest isn’t all about racing. This year we are making it an even better day out for all the family, with children aged 15 and under get in for free. As well as hundreds of motorcycles of every type on show, together with trials displays and competitions, there will be spectacular mountain bike stunts, birds of prey flights, rides and children’s’ entertainments, plus a great line-up of bands both days.

“Above all, LlanBikeFest is a celebration of all that people love about motorcycles, in a location that has some of the most legendary biking roads in Britain.”

Carole Nash Insurance brokers, sponsor of this year’s festival, will be adding to the highlights by bringing along top custom bike builders, Destiny Cycles, who will be unveiling a stunning motorcycle creation in real gold, called Goldrush (see preview pictures below).

Rebecca Donohue, Head of Marketing at Carole Nash, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be the sponsor of this year’s LlanBikeFest. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, and we’re thrilled to be playing a vital role in this by ensuring the Carole Nash stand is full to the brim with exciting biking attractions to wow the crowds.

“We’ll be showcasing some of the UK’s coolest motorcycles which are the perfect prop for an impressive photo, and of course we’ll be handing out lots of Carole Nash goody bags.”

Follow the event and Facebook at Llangollen Motorcycle Festival and on Twitter at @llanbikefest.

Day tickets are £10 on the gate or online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk with children 15 and under free, or contact the Festival office at 07960 693398, office@llanbikefest.co.uk. Club stands and exhibitor bookings are free.

* More information and bookings at www.llanbikefest.co.uk.