Eisteddfod choir sings for Irene's 80th birthday

* The Jinggaswara Itenas Choir sings a special Happy Birthday to resident Irene Williams who was celebrating her 80th birthday.

* Resident Jim Barraclough meets the choir members.

A choir which had just flown 12,000 miles from Indonesia to Wales to compete at an international festival stopped off to join in the 80th birthday celebrations of a care home resident.

The family of Irene Williams was overcome with emotion as the choir burst into a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday in the sun-drenched gardens of the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.

It was their first song on the first stop of a busy itinerary for the Jinggaswara Itenas Choir, from Bandung, Indonesia, who are in North Wales to compete at the 2017 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Irene’s daughter, Tammy Hoskins, who was at Highfield care home with other members of the family, said: “It was just beautiful. Everyone was so touched when they sang Happy Birthday to mum. They sang so hypnotically. We were lucky that the choir’s visit coincided with mum’s big day. It made it even more special.”

The choir comprises of young students from the ITENAS technical university. Their visit to Highfield residential home was arranged as a thank you to Pendine Park which is one of the key sponsors of the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod.

Pendine Park's consultant artist in residence, Sarah Edwards, who has been running a series of children’s workshops on the eisteddfod site said: “It is a lovely occasion for all the residents here and it was so great that Irene’s birthday fell on the same day as the choir’s visit. We couldn’t have wished for anything better.

“The visit was arranged to give some of our residents, who for mobility and other reasons are unable to attend the eisteddfod, a taste of what it is like. It has been a really uplifting experience. These sorts of visits, especially when orientated around music, are so good for residents’ wellbeing.”

One resident, Joan Cliffson, 80, said she loved the vibrant costumes of the choir and was entranced by their music.

She said: “It was lovely, so colourful and their harmonies were excellent. I have always loved music as my husband, Jeff Cliffson, is a singer in Wrexham. He sometimes comes and entertains the residents here so music is something that has always been in our lives.”

Another Pendine Park inhabitant, Barry Bellis, formerly from Rhos, said the performance rekindled memories of his youth when he played in a band.

“We were called The Casuals,” he laughed. “I play guitar and I love music of any kind so this was a perfect day for me.”

Jinggaswara Itenas Choir artistic director Rita Victoria Hildemina, was thrilled to meet the residents of Pendine Park.

She said: “Music is something that can always be enjoyed no matter how young or old you are. We try to spread that message through our songs.

"All our choir members were eager to visit Pendine Park and chat with the residents. It was the first stop for us after flying over from Indonesia.

"It was a long flight but despite that we were still full of excitement about this very special performance and especially pleased to sing Happy Birthday to Irene. We feel very honoured to be asked to visit Pendine Park.”

This year is the third time Rita has performed on the eisteddfod stage, having competed as a soloist in 2010 and then with the choir in 2013.

She added: “A handful of the choir members who came here in 2013 are back with us this year, but most have not been to Llangollen before. They all have said what a wonderful, friendly venue it is. On every visit we have been given such a warm welcome, it feels like a second home.”

Led by their conductor Lusianna Daulay, the choir delighted everyone in the audience with a riveting repertoire of Indonesian love songs and folk songs, including one about a greedy lizard which has to learn to stop being so greedy and be grateful for the simple things in life.

They also sang some specially rehearsed songs in English, including Danny Boy, encouraging residents to join in.

Thanking the choir, Pendine Park Wellbeing co-ordinator Chris Lewis, said: “Everyone has loved it and we were blessed with a beautiful summer’s day so the choir could sing in the garden, which made the atmosphere even more buoyant. It really was an amazing occasion which we will remember for a long time.”

Highfield manager Tracey Smith said: "Music plays a central role in our of our everyday life at Pendine Park and our enrichment programme enriches lives across the generations so it was very appropriate that choir came here today.

"The fact that they were able to sing Happy Birthday to Irene was a perfect and very touching moment which meant a great deal to her family and all of us here at Pendine Park."

Resident, Emma Barber, who tried her hand at playing one of the choir’s drums, said: “They were great. For a choir who has travelled from so far away to play right here in our garden is a real privilege. Here’s hoping they go on to win first prize at the Eisteddfod!”

Free weekend transport scheme launched

A ground breaking new pilot offering free weekend bus travel to passengers across Wales has been launched by the Welsh Government.

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

The pilot, which will apply to all buses on the extensive TrawsCymru network, will begin on Saturday July 8 and run every weekend until at least May 2018.

It’s hoped the scheme will act as a catalyst for bus travel in Wales, boosting not only the number of passengers but also wider use of the TrawsCymru routes.

In launching the scheme, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said: “From Bangor to Cardiff, Fishguard to Wrexham I hope to see this scheme provide the perfect excuse for people from across Wales and beyond to jump on the bus and spend their weekends enjoying  the diverse beauty of Wales.

“The TrawsCymru network covers large areas of Wales, some of which would otherwise be inaccessible by public transport and, with the summer tourist season around the corner, I’m excited about the impact increased passengers could have on tourism in these areas in particular.

“The free service is subject to availability, but we have also provided additional funding to local authorities to ensure operators are able to deploy more buses to meet increased demand if necessary. Provisions have also been made to reimburse operators of other local bus services should they experience any  reduction of passengers as a result of this pilot, although we are optimistic it will have the opposite effect.

“I’m delighted to launch this ground breaking scheme and look forward to seeing as many people as possible making the most of this fantastic offer to travel across Wales by bus for free.”

It’s hoped the initiative will not only benefit passengers, but will also provide a boost to destinations and tourist attractions both directly on the route and beyond. One tourist attraction hoping for such benefits is the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The Welsh Government will use the pilot to help build a better understanding of how reductions of this nature affect the wider demand for public transport before deciding on its future beyond May 2018.

Website: TrawsCymru

Campaigner and columnist heads for the Fringe

Award winning author, campaigner, chef, and columnist Jack Monroe burst into the public sphere after her blog A Girl Called Jack caught the attention of prolific food writer Xanthe Clay in 2013.

Being tagged “Britain’s austerity celebrity” by The New York Times, Jack’s inventive and delicious recipes provided inspiration for budget Britain.

And next month Jack appears at Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Since 2013 Jack (pictured) has been a resident columnist at The Guardian, has published two best-selling cook books, was the face of Sainsbury’s, campaigned for poverty and hunger charities, fought for equal rights, begun a parliamentary campaign, and appeared on Question Time. 

More recently, Jack Monroe’s profile has surged having publicly won a legal case against the Daily Mail columnist Katie Hopkins.

As a single mum who identifies as non-binary transgender, Jack has become something of an idol for both  the LGBTQ, and the feminist movements alike.

Jack is also an advocate for left wing politics and begun her own campaign trail in 2017, having to step down due to health issues, and receiving death threats in the post.   

Jack will be in conversation with award winning poet Sophie McKeand, on Tuesday July 18 at Llangollen Town Hall as part of Llangollen Fringe.

Sophie is currently the Youth Poet Laureate for Wales, and has interviewed many prolific public figures such as Viv Albertine, Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Jon Ronson, and Sir Andrew Motion.

* TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT www.llangollenfringe.co.uk 

The Llangollen Fringe 20th Anniversary Festival takes place from Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd of July 2017.

Eisteddfod's Tosca brings audience to its feet

* Sir Bryn Terfel on stage for Puccini's Tosca at the Eisteddfod last night.

Crowds at the Llangollen Eisteddfod were brought to their feet to deliver a roaring standing ovation following a breathtaking performance of Puccini’s Tocsa last night.

Internationally renowned opera stars Sir Bryn Terfel, Kristine Opolais, Kristian Benedikt shared the stage at for the very first time to deliver the powerful and unique rendition of the dramatic love story.

The performance at the International Eisteddfod, sponsored by Pendine Park, featured three of the opera world’s most admired talents, accompanied by the acclaimed Welsh National Opera Orchestra, and saw a successful end to the second day of the 70th anniversary festival.

Much-loved Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel returned to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the role of Baron Scarpia who was in pursuit of Lithuanian tenor, Benedikt’s Cavaradossi.

Taking the title role, soprano Opolais brought rare dynamism to Tosca, helping to create an unforgettable performance, conducted by Gareth Jones.

The world-class line up also featured rising young talent including locally-recruited Joseph Elwy Jones as the Shepherd Boy and North Wales baritone Steffan Lloyd Owen, who is only the second student from the Royal Northern College of Music to ever win the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award.

The cast was also joined by students from Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold who performed in the chorus.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said: “It was a truly incredible performance by a stellar cast led magnificently by Sir Bryn Terfel, an opera superstar who is right at the top of his game.

 "The performance of the soprano Kristine Opolais was sublime while the tenor Kristian Benedikt was also brilliant. I must also give a special mention to young Joseph Elwy Jones who was delightful in the role of the Shepherd Boy.

"It was the finest single concert I can recall at Llangollen Eisteddfod which I know was a sentiment shared by many others. It was a truly magical experience.

 “We were delighted to support this concert because music and the arts are an important part of our enrichment programme and we genuinely believe that they improve the quality of life of our residents at our Wrexham and Caernarfon care homes through enriching lives across the generations.

“It was an unforgettable evening of world class opera right on our doorstep in North Wales."

Music Director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Eilir Griffiths, said: “This was an adventurous project for the Llangollen Eisteddfod to undertake and what a roaring success it was – the entire cast were spectacular.

“From the world class artists and bourgeoning local talent, to the subtle staging and stunning video work this wonderful opera was brought perfectly to life.

“The performance combined the excellence and expertise of its Welsh and international team, highlighting both the Llangollen Eisteddfod’s ability to attract global artists and showcasing the country’s intrinsic talent.”

Terry Waite drops in on cross-generation music sessions

* Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, centre, watches the music session with Pendine Proprietor Mario Kreft. 

* Pendine residents and staff join in with the jam session.

* Youngsters from a Wrexham school clap along with music workshop leader Jenny Pearson.

Legendary peace campaigner Terry Waite has given his seal of approval to a special event which saw care home residents harmonising with schoolchildren at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The festival’s iconic president dropped by as people from Pendine Park care homes in Wrexham were enjoying a sing-along with youngsters from primary schools in the area at music workshops.

Apart from joining in with favourite numbers such as Yellow Submarine and My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean, the Pendine people and the children also kept time with the tunes by shaking tambourines and rattling maracas.

The sessions ran throughout the morning and into the afternoon and were arranged by the arts-loving Pendine care organisation which was sponsoring the whole day.

Attracting hundreds of visiting children, they were led by world-class musician Jenny Pearson, a freelance singer and tutor who has worked with the Welsh National Opera.

Terry Waite, who called into the Pendine tent and sat down to enjoy one of the boisterous sessions, said: “This is a very imaginative and creative programme both for the young people and the residents.

“I’ve just watched nearly 150 children taking part and enjoying themselves so much.

“Perhaps many of the children involved would otherwise have little contact with elderly people, so these sessions perfectly bridge the generation gap.”

Teaching assistant Mandy Warner, who brought along a group of year six pupils from Ysgol Bodhyfryd in Wrexham, said: “It’s great to be here with the children today, especially as for the past two years groups of them have been visiting Pendine’ Hillbury care home in Wrexham to do things like singing and playing bingo with residents.

“They’ve developed a lovely relationship and the children look forward to going there and chatting with the elderly people.”

One of those who is a regular Hillbury visitor, 11-year-old Catrin Williams, said: “We really enjoy going to the home to meet the people there, so it’s been good to come along to the Eisteddfod to see them again and sing with them. I’ve enjoyed it very much.

It was the same story with her classmate Alys Edwards, also 11, who said: “It’s really great to meet the people who live at Hillbury and to hear from them how people used to live in years gone by. Coming here to sing with them today has been very special.”

Another young visitor who got into the swing of the Pendine sessions was nine-year-old Jenna Ashfield from another school group, Gwenfro Primary School in Wrexham, which included around 80 children determined to have a great time.

She said: “It’s been good to have a go at singing with the elderly people and to play the instruments. I’ve had a fantastic time and my favourite song to join in with was Yellow Submarine.”

Matej Ondruch, nine from the same school, said: “Yellow Submarine was also the song I liked best. It’s the first time I’ve been to one of these workshops but I hope I can come again next year.”

The all-action sessions also went down well with residents like 84-year-old Olga Ord from Hillbury. Taking a break from bashing the tambourine in time with the music she said: “I’m really enjoying myself and I love seeing the children having a good time by joining in with the songs.”

And 45-year-old Sian Walley, one of the younger residents at Pendine’s Bryn Bella home in Wrexham, was equally enthusiastic.

She said: “This is the first time I’ve been to one of these music workshops but I’ve been having a great time singing along and playing the maracas. It’s really amazing to see the children having such a good time too.”

The workshops have become a popular annual event at the Eisteddfod and are part of Pendine’s pioneering enrichment programme, which enhances the experience of residents and also plays a key role in personal training and staff development.

Sarah Edwards, artist in residence at Pendine, said: “The idea of the workshops is to introduce the community and children from the region’s schools to the care sector and give them an impression of what we do.

“We’re grateful for Jenny and Howys Price, who played the keyboard, for coming along and lending their enthusiasm and expertise to the sessions.”

Jenny Pearson, who led the workshops, said: “The emphasis has been on inclusion, encouraging the Pendine residents to join in with the music, exercises and singing.

“Everyone involved, of whatever age, has had a fantastic time and it’s been a brilliant day.”

Mario Kreft, Proprietor of Pendine Park, said: “These workshops are our way of reaching out across the generations and to have so many people involved in them is just terrific.

“We invite the schoolchildren to take part in the workshops because I think it is important that young people understand how they can play a part in looking after older people with disabilities.”

“Another aim is to encourage people to talk about what an importance part social care plays in the community.

“This year is a very special time for Pendine because of the continuing celebrations of our 30 years of enriching lives across the generations and also for Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which is marking its 70th anniversary. We wish the festival the very best for the future.” 

Arty Dinas Brân students brighten Eisteddfod building

* Dinas Brân students with their artwork.

Pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran have provided a key building on the site of the International Eisteddfod with a makeover for its 70th anniversary celebrations.

They were invited by the eisteddfod to create a piece of artwork that represented the festival’s message of peace, goodwill and international friendship, which have been transformed into a mural to brighten up the hospitality building.

The mural was formally unveiled on Tuesday when 12 of the 100 children involved attended a reception with eisteddfod president, Terry Waite.

The mural will remain on the building, which is used as a reception centre for international competitors throughout Eisteddfod week, as a permanent installation.

Terry Waite said: “The artworks created by the students from Ysgol Dinas Brân are superb and a great deal of thought has gone into communicating the message of the International Eisteddfod.

“Children’s Day is always a very special occasion and it is vital that younger generations continue to participate in the Eisteddfod and spread its message of peace, friendship and uniting people through music and dance.”

Alison McDonald from Ysgol Dinas Brân, said: “We were honoured to be invited by the International Eisteddfod to participate in this project and the children had great fun creating their artworks.

“It was wonderful to see the mural in place and hope that the competitors arriving for the 70th anniversary celebrations - and for future Eisteddfod – enjoy the installation.”

* For tickets and information on the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, please visit www.Llangollen.net

Organisations share Eisteddfod peace prize

* LIME Rotary Peace Award joint winner British Ironworks chairman Clive Knowles with Terry Waite and Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies.

An organisation that speaks out to alleviate suffering and a weapons amnesty initiative have won the Rotary International Peace Award.

The Oswestry-based British Ironworks and Médecins Sans Frontières were jointly awarded the accolade at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s 70th Anniversary Opening Concert.

British Ironworks was acknowledged for its Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife weapons amnesty project, which culminated in the creation of the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression – an Angel sculpture crafted from surrendered weapons from 43 police constabularies across the country.

Also recognised at the presentation was Médecins Sans Frontières, for its policy of témoignage – speaking out to alleviate suffering and protect human life.

The two winners were nominated along with The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace and the Welsh Refugee Council.

TV presenter and British Red Cross ambassador, Konnie Huq, Richard Hazlehurst of the Bradford Peace Centre and humanitarian and President of the International Eisteddfod, Terry Waite CBE, decided to award both organisations with the prestigious accolade after tough deliberations.

Speaking of the decision, Terry Waite CBE, President of the International Eisteddfod, said: “It would be difficult to imagine more worthy candidates for this award. All four organisations nominated fully embody the International Eisteddfod’s ethos of peace, goodwill and understanding and the judges wish to pay tribute to them all. Selecting the winners was an extremely difficult decision for us to make.

“Médecins Sans Frontières policy of témoignage helps to break down barriers, alleviate suffering and spread the message of peace across the globe, while British Ironworks’ creative and striking initiative identified a real opportunity to address the knife crime epidemic in the UK.

“Both are relatively new initiatives and we hope that this accolade will provide them with a platform to further promote their great works and also encourage others to develop work in this field.”

During adjudication the judges considered the public benefit of the project, the profile and longevity of each organisation and the impact of its work.

Speaking following the presentation of the award, which took place on the stage of the Royal International Pavilion, Paul McMaster, Chair of MSF UK, said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Medecins Sans Frontieres, and our many staff and volunteers all over the world.
 
“Our organisation was founded by doctors, but also by journalists – we provide life-saving care in war-zones and emergencies, but we also talk about what we see. Speaking out about the desperate situations in which our patients find themselves is a core part of what we do and we are very proud to be recognised for it.
 
“As with all of our work, it’s only with the support of the public that we are able to bear witness to suffering and so to push for change. So thank you to Rotary International and the International Eisteddfod for choosing us as joint-winners alongside British Ironworks – we hope this award will help raise the profile of what we do and help us to speak out even louder.”

Clive Knowles, Chairman of the British Ironworks Centre, added: “It is an incredible honour to be awarded the Rotary International Peace Award alongside an internationally renowned organisation such as Médecins Sans Frontières.

“The next stage of our project is to ensure that the monument fulfills its destiny by being placed on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square. We have launched a petition for this and urge as many people as possible to sign it so that can become a focal point in raising awareness of the scourge of knife crime on our streets. 

“Only with the public’s help can the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression and its message reach those it was intended for. This award win will further raise the profile of our mission and we thank Rotary International and the International Eisteddfod for selecting us as joint winners.”

Following its announcement last year as the winner of the inaugural Rotary International Peace Award, the Llangollen Eisteddfod will from this year be the platform for the presentation of the award, to ensure the prize becomes an international and prestigious accolade. 

Molly Youd, from Rotary International, said: “We would like to congratulate both Médecins Sans Frontières and British Ironworks on winning the peace award. Both organisations have made a significant impact nationally and internationally and embody the spirit of the award perfectly.”

* For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net and for more information about Rotary visit http www.rotary-ribi.org