New pharmacy set to open in next few weeks

* Work goes ahead on shopfitting the new pharmacy next to the health centre.

The health board has confirmed that work is in hand to prepare for the opening of Llangollen's new pharmacy.

For the past week or so shopfitters have been seen working in the building next to the new health centre.

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said yesterday: "Work has begun on fitting out the new pharmacy, and the intention is that it will open in the next few weeks.

"We understand that the existing pharmacy will close once the new site opens."

* The new pharmacy is housed in the building to the left of the health centre.

   

Snow falls on Llan

Surprise snowfall in Llangollen this morning ...

Third Llangollen Round Challenge planned for June

The third annual Llangollen Round Challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK will be staged over the weekend of June 2 and 3.

The Challenge is to walk 35 miles over either one or two days.  But since that 35 miles takes in every summit around the Vale of Llangollen, this is definitely no stroll in the park.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "On the positive side, we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goal. 

"The route is very well marked out, there will be lots of marshals on the course, with five checkpoints in the hills carrying water and refreshments, and a medal, certificate, and more food waiting for you at the end.  

"When we last held the Challenge in 2015 we had around 400 walkers who raised a total of £45,000 for Cancer Research UK.  Our aim this time is to have 500 walkers (and entries so far are looking that way) and raise £50,000. 

  

"The Challenge may be tough but with so many taking part, it’s also fun.  We have walkers from all over the country (Dorset to East Anglia – so far no-one from Scotland!), but it would be very good to see Llangollen well-represented. 

"So if you are thinking about it – why not go ahead now?  You will get fit (try Llangollen Leisure Centre’s special ‘Challenge Course’), see some splendid local scenery you never knew existed, and earn some money for a more-than-worthwhile cause.  S

"So the gauntlet has been thrown down!  The very best of luck to all those who dare pick it up and enter this prestigious event."  

* For all the information you might need, including an entry form, go to www.thellangollenround.info  

Railway's season starts on Saturday

* Great Western Pannier tank No.6430 at Berwyn Station.

Llangollen Railway resumes train services from Saturday 10th February.

This coming weekend, 10-11 February, the steam train will operate from Llangollen to Dwyrain Corwen East with three service trains a day.

The locomotive will be the Great Western Pannier tank No.6430, which will be operating steam services at weekends through to Easter.

Trains will depart Llangollen at 1040, 1300 and 1510 or, for complete return trips, from Corwen at 1120 and 1340.

From Monday 12 February, half term week, the off-peak service will be provided with the heritage diesel railcar.

This offers best views of the line in wintertime with the opportunity to see the way ahead when sitting behind the driver or the ‘where-you-have-been’ view in the rear coach.

After plenty of trackside vegetation clearance work by volunteers during the closed season, the train will offer improved views of the Welsh countryside along the ten mile route through the Dee Valley as it gets ready to wake up for springtime.

The railcar service will continue on weekdays through to 23 March and is popular with groups of walkers keen to access the countryside at one or more of the intermediate stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy or Carrog.

School parties can also be accommodated as an introduction to a journey by train for the younger generation who may not accustomed to rail travel.

Llangollen Railway’s Commercial Manager Liz McGuinness said: “We have an exciting season ahead of us at Llangollen Railway with some great new events planned, along with our regular events. A couple of great family events are visits by Paddington Bear and Peppa Pig to Llangollen Railway and a fab new Cocktail event for the adults.”

The events leading up to the end of April are:

* 11th February Valentine’s Special

* w/c 12th February Half Term Special, children ride for £1 with a fare paying adult

* 11th March Mother’s Day special

* 24th & 25th March Peppa Pig Visits Llangollen

* 31st March Real Ale Train

* 6th-8th  April Thomas visits Llangollen

* 13th -15th April Spring Steam gala – three days of intensive steam train services

Once again a trip on the Llangollen-Corwen train will provide the sedate way to see the lovely countryside in south Denbighshire and experience rail travel as it used to be. Full details can be found on the website at www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Food event planned at Pavilion

A Blas Lleol – Meet the Producers event will be held on Tuesday March 13 at Llangollen International Pavilion, from 9am – 1pm.

It is aimed at food users such as retailers, chefs, accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants. 

An organiser said: "Whether you run an established business regularly using local ingredients on your menus, or are just starting out – come along to be inspired.

"We will have the best local food producers in Denbighshire and across North East Wales, as well as a range of relevant exhibitors keen to help strengthen and grow your business.

"Through product tasting, chef demos and ‘huddles’ with producers and exhibitors, we aim to showcase regional food and drink and inspire you with ideas for your business, whether big or small. A huddle is a programmed time when producers and exhibitors will present their product, message or story."

Attendance is free, but those planning to go will need to register at: Book a place

Food producers wanting a stand at the event should contact DeeValley.GoodGrubClub@gmail.com

Young 'Uns dazzle with Joseph and his Dreamcoat

* The cast of Joseph take the stage.

* An emotional moment for Cassius Hackforth in the title role.

* The entire ensemble get in on the action.

Show preview by llanblogger
Pictures by Jon Haddy

The current production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat by Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns is every bit as dazzling as the fabulous garment of the title.

Almost 40 raring-to-go youngsters take to the Town Hall stage to deliver their interpretion of the classic Lloyd Webber and Rice musical which has had audiences flocking to see it for the past 50 years.

And ensuring that their vitality and talent have the perfect launch-pad is a small behind-the-scenes army who have built some wonderful stage sets and created dozens of clever, colourful costumes.

Add to that a powerful eight-piece band and a thoughtful direction/production team and it was hard to go wrong.

The show gives a modern slant to the biblical tale of Joseph’s coat of many colours from the book of Genesis.

The hero starts off as the favourite son of Jacob back in old Israel and is so adored that his doting dad hands him a splendid multi-coloured coat.

But when he’s beaten up and the coat ripped to shreds by his jealous siblings he ends up as an outcast eventually fetching up in neighbouring Egypt.

There his talent wins him favour with the Pharaoh which ensures a rapid rise to power and fame and his elevated status puts him in a position to turn the tables on his envious brothers.

The multi-talented Cassius Hackforth takes the title role which he handles, as usual, with supreme style displayed in both the acting and singing departments.

Shea Ferron, another of the Young ‘Uns rising stars, is the Pharoah interpreted nicely as an enormously-quiffed and hip-swivelling Elvis.     
     
Aled Morris doubles delightfully as old Joseph and Potiphar, while other principals who handle their parts with aplomb are Erin Roberts and Celyn Orton-Jones as the two narrators, Sophie Roberts as Mrs Potiphar, James Reardon as the Butler and  Luke Reardon as the Baker.     

Backing them all the way – an essential as it’s an all-sung show – is an enormous chorus who dazzle and shine at every opportunity.

Joseph must be one of the most testing shows that the Young ‘Uns have staged but the amazing back-up brigade have risen remarkably to the challenge. They're spearheaded by Pam Williams as producer, Julian Cattley as musical director and Jo Lloyd as artistic director.

The stage sets are amazing, the costumes fabulous and the music magnificent.

The show starts this Thursday and runs through until Saturday and go and see it if you want a little colour in your life on a drab winter day.       

* Tickets are still available from Bailey's, jades, Gwyn the butchers or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

MP tells Europe about Welsh-medium schools

* Susan Elan Jones MP speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Susan Elan Jones MP has described the role of Welsh-medium schools and broadcasting outlets S4C and Radio Cymru at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The Clwyd South MP outlined how the Welsh language was barred as an official language in the sixteenth century and Welsh children were banned from speaking it in school when universal education began.

However, speaking on behalf of the Socialist Group of democratic socialist and social democrat parties across Europe, Ms Jones made the point that nowadays it was not just Welsh-speakers who sent their children to Welsh-medium schools.

After her speech, she said: "The subject of regional and minority languages was debated following a very thoughtful report by a Hungarian Christian Democrat MP.

"In my contribution, I wanted to make the point that although  language differences across some parts of Europe can trigger division and in some cases, full-blown ethnic discord, it doesn't have to be like that. Minority and regional languages can and should be a source of great strength. I was pleased to share my experience as a Welsh MP."

Ms Jones was recently elected by the UK Parliament to be one of the Labour representatives on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - a body that meets a couple of times a year in Strasbourg. 

Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe has 47 member states, covering approximately 820 million people, making it far bigger than the 28-nation European Union. 

The Council of Europe does not make laws, but does have the power to enforce select international agreements reached by European states on various vital concerns including the prevention of torture and human trafficking.