Labour holds Clwyd South seat

*Susan Elan Jones MP.

Labour held on to the local Clwyd South seat in yesterday's General Election which, overall, resulted in a hung parliament.

Party		Votes	%	Net percentage change in seats +/- %
LAB Labour	Susan Elan Jones	19,002	vote_share 50.7	+13.5
CON Conservative	Simon Baynes	14,646	vote_share 39.1	+8.7
Plaid Cymru	Christopher Allen	2,293	vote_share 6.1	-4.2
UKIP	Jeanette Bassford-Barton	802	vote_share 2.1	-13.5
Liberal Democrat	Bruce Roberts	731	vote_share 2.0	-1.9

Old works will get lit up for the Fringe

* Berwyn Works on the A5, which will be lit up for the Fringe. 

As part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Llangollen Fringe Festival, a renowned artist has been commissioned to produce a large-scale work to exhibit during the event.

On display throughout the festival, the project, entitled ‘Ars Magna Lucis – (The Art Of Great Light)’, will see the Old Berwyn Works building converted into a lantern that will overlook the town.

Fringe artist Alec Shepley looks at reimagining this redundant relic of the industrial age, converting it into, in his own words, ‘a lantern-space - a giver of light’.

* Ars Magna Lucis.

Alec Shepley is an artist and an academic based at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, North Wales where he is head of the School of Creative Arts and Professor of Contemporary Art Practice.

His work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, with examples held in a number of public and private collections in North America, Europe and Asia.

Alec’s individual and collaborative research has attracted funding from the Arts & Humanities Research Council, the British Council, the Arts Council of England and the Arts Council of Wales and his work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, with examples held in a number of public and private collections in North America, Europe and Asia.

Using especially constructed LED light boxes made on site in the town, six of the building’s classical 1930’s windows will be illuminated to create an ever changing palette of coloured light, emanating from the shell of the former brewery and print works every night during the course of the festival.

A spokesperson for Llangollen Fringe Festival said: “We’re really pleased to have an artist of Alec Shepley’s stature on board, we wanted to make a bold statement for the 20th anniversary of the festival and what better way then to create an impressive spectacle in the heart of the town. We hope this free exhibition will attract even more visitors to the town and the festival to catch a glimpse and a photo of Alec’s work.”

The ‘Ars Magna Lucis’ event will be on display from July 15-23, with a special switch-on event taking place near the bandstand at Riverside Park, Llangollen at 10.30pm, Saturday July 15.

The festival line up also includes performances from: WILKO JOHNSON, SETH LAKEMAN, TURIN BRAKES, MARK THOMAS, CC SMUGGLERS, JACK MONROE, BAND PRES LLARREGUB, 9 BACH and KASAI MASAI.

FOR INFORMATON ON ALL PERFORMANCE DATES AND LOCATIONS AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk 

Food bank collection at New Dot's latest screening

* A scene from the film I, Daniel Blake.

New Dot Cinema's next screening this Friday is set to be a popular one.

Last year's winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, "I, Daniel Blake" is a moving Newcastle-set tragedy about the failings of modern Britain.

There will be a collection for Wrexham Food Bank at the screening.

If you would like to donate, please bring your item(s) along to the event.

All non-perishable donations will be gratefully received, however the following items are currently urgently needed:

- tinned rice pudding


- tinned tomatoes


- UHT milk (500ml & 1 litre)


- tinned ham


- tinned corned beef


- tinned fruit


- tinned carrots


- tinned peas


- biscuits (cookies)


- juice boxes (200ml & 1 litre)


- instant coffee

The film will be shown upstairs at the Town Hall. As usual, there will be a licenced bar and popcorn. Doors open 7:30pm with the film starting at 8pm. Tickets available here: https://www.skiddle.com/…/Llangol…/I-Daniel-Blake-/12986446/

The latest from legendary director Ken Loach is a gripping, human tale about the impact one man can make. Daniel Blake has worked as a joiner most of his life in Newcastle.

Now, for the first time ever, he needs help from the State.

He crosses paths with a single mother Katie and her two young children, Daisy and Dylan. Katie’s only chance to escape a one-roomed homeless hostel in London has been to accept a flat in a city she doesn’t know, some 300 miles away.

Daniel and Katie find themselves in no-man’s land, caught on the barbed wire of welfare bureaucracy as played out against the rhetoric of ‘striver and skiver’ in modern day Britain.
More details at http://www.facebook.com/NewDotCinema and www.newdotcinema.org

New Dot Cinema Llangollen is a not-for-profit community cinema run entirely by volunteers.

https://wrexham.foodbank.org.uk/

Eisteddfod is family affair for mum and daughter

* Helen Hayward and Betty Jones.

Mother-daughter duo Helen Hayward and Betty Jones will be celebrating a life-long devotion to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year.

They'll be performing in the Celebration Chorus on Wednesday July 5 – the first time they have appeared together.

They will both be in Calling All Nations with renowned international composer Christopher Tin, which will mark Betty’s 71st festival.

The song-cycle, sung in 12 different languages, sees Grammy award-winning composer Christopher 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.

Betty said: “My involvement with the Llangollen Eisteddfod began at an early age. My mother and father hosted competitors at our home in Froncysyllte for the first Eisteddfod, you could say that was the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to the festival.

“When I married Arnold, he was told that if he wasn’t involved with the International Eisteddfod, he wouldn’t see me for the first week in July every year. Needless to say he signed up. For me, this spirit of togetherness is truly what the Eisteddfod stands for.”

The passion for the festival became a family affair when Helen began volunteering at the Llangollen Eisteddfod and then later introducing her husband Neil, who is currently the Chief Steward, and their children, confirming three generations' love for the International Eisteddfod.

“I’ve only ever missed two festivals and even made it to the 1988 festival 10 days after the birth of my son – the ‘Eisteddfod blues’ were just too much to handle,” said Helen.

“This year, not only attending the Llangollen Eisteddfod but performing next to my mum will be truly amazing.”

Betty continued: “I just love the Llangollen Eisteddfod and this is my second time performing on the International Pavilion stage. In 1952 I performed as part of the choir from Llangollen Grammar School – now Ysgol Dinas Bran – and we claimed second place in the children’s competition. This was an incredibly special experience for me and really confirmed my love of singing.

“However, I think this year will be even more special as performing alongside my daughter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll both treasure forever.”

Speaking of their favourite moments from the collective 120 visits, Helen said: “For me, being in the same room as José Carreras and watching him perform was just incredible. I can’t put into words how honoured I was to see him live. The International Eisteddfod does truly bring world-class talent to Llangollen, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.” 

Betty added: “In 1955 I hosted the Modena Male Voice Choir, one of whom was a young Pavarotti. I later saw him perform as a soloist. Both of these are experiences I wouldn’t have had without the International Eisteddfod. For that I will be forever grateful.”

To purchase tickets to see the Celebration Chorus perform Christopher Tin’s Calling All Nations with Elin Manahan Thomas and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, please visit: www.Llangollen.net

Enterprising Dinas Bran students off to Cardiff

* Team Odyssey from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Two enterprising teams of students are heading to Cardiff for a national business final.

Pupils from Llangollen’s Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Rhuddlan’s Cambrian Pengwern College will be taking part in the Young Enterprise Wales final on June 15.

The students entered the competition after a series of business courses run by the Young Enterprise charity, with funding provided by Denbighshire County Council for sessions at five schools in the county.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran’s Team Odyssey, made up of six pupils aged 16 and 17, reached the final after winning a host of categories, including best overall company and best presentation, at the North Wales final for work around their hand-made vegan scented soap.

Pengwern Planters, made up of 13 students aged 18 to 22, won the best team prize, as well as the best report and best marketing awards, for their social enterprise work planting flowers in towns including Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

The courses help students set up their own companies and run them for an academic year, under the guidance of business mentors.

To take part in the competition students prepared and presented a detailed company report, set up a trade stand and made a presentation about their business to a panel of judges.

Ysgol Dinâs Bran teacher Rachel Allen, said: “Team Odyssey were absolutely delighted to have won so many awards in the North Wales final. They worked so well as a team, and put a great amount of effort in.

“They are excited for the trip to Cardiff and are really looking forward to representing North Wales. They really want to win it for North Wales.”

Funding was provided by the council’s Economic and Community Ambition Programme which aims to support local businesses and ensure the county has a skilled workforce equipped to benefit from jobs and opportunities that arise.

Selwyn Griffith, North Wales’ Young Enterprise manager, said: “I want to congratulate students from Ysgol Dinâs Bran and Pengwern College for their excellent standard of work. The sessions provide a great platform for students to develop skills such as teamwork, resilience and to interact with their local business community.

“I would like to thank Denbighshire County Council for providing the funding to deliver these courses in the county.”

Crowds flock to enjoy Plas Newydd fete

* An historical battle re-enactment was a popular attraction.

* The plant stalls attract plenty of attention.

* A singer provides musical backing for the fete. 

* Aiming for a bullseye on the darts stand. 

* Youngsters have fun on a giant inflatable.

* Valley Girls WI do a roaring trade with their summer drinks and scones stall.

* The magic show draws a crowd.

* A couple of fete-goers shelter from a short rain shower.

Only occasional light rain interrupted the sunshine for the annual Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete at  Plas Newydd yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

Hundreds came out to enjoy the usual range of attractions including bouncy castle and slide, Punch and Judy and magic show and a host of stalls and sideshows.

A popular feature for the first time this year was an historical re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings period including realistic-looking sword fights and an encampment.

Raffle tickets were selling well with people aiming to grab the first prize of £500 worth of portrait photography donated by Neil Barrett plus other goodies.

Proceeds of the raffle will go to Hope House whilst the rest of the fete profits are donated to local good causes.    

Llan Silver Band players make it to Urdd finals

* Elizabeth Mwale, left, and Taya Castley of Llangollen Silver

Band reached the Urdd Eisteddfod finals. 

Two talented young members of Llangollen Silver Band won through to the national finals of this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod in Bridgend.  


Taya Castley, 14, on Bb cornet and representing Ysgol Dinas Bran in the brass soloist year 7 to 9 category, took third place playing an Air Varie on the tune Carnival of Venice arranged by  H. Round.  

Elizabeth Mwale, 15, on Bb euphonium and representing Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in the brass soloist year 10 to under 19 category, reached the prelim stage playing an Air Varie on the tune The Beautiful Colorado arranged by De Luca.

Silver Band conductor Trevor Williams said: “I’d like to congratulate both Taya and Elizabeth for their latest successes and also thank them for the huge amount of work and commitment they give to both our youth and senior bands.

“At the Urdd both the girls were accompanied on piano by Owen Roberts of Trevor.”