County elects new chair and vice chair

* Councillor Peter Scott and Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies.

Denbighshire County Council has elected a new chair and vice chair for the coming year.

Councillor Peter Scott (St Asaph West)  will be the chair, with St Kentigern Hospice being his chosen charity.

Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies (Trefnant) will be the vice chair.

Meanwhile, outgoing chair, Councillor Pete Prendergast presented cheques to his chosen charities for the past year at a ceremony at County Hall, Ruthin.

He raised £61,500 during a year long programme of activities and fundraisers. The money will be shared between RNLI Rhyl and St Kentigern.

* Laura from St Kentigern Hospice accepting a cheque. 

County considers free sanitary products for schools

Denbighshire County Council has voted to consider providing free sanitary products to every young woman and girl in schools across the county, following a motion put forward by the Plaid Cymru group.

This called for free sanitary products to every young woman and girl in Denbighshire schools to be provided in a way that respects their dignity and independence.

Rhondda Cynon Taf have already agreed to such a move following a campaign by young Plaid Cymru councillor Elyn Stephens.

Plaid Cymru said that a recent End Child Poverty report noted that, after housing costs, 27% of children in Denbighshire lived in poverty and over 3,000 girls and young women attended High Schools in the county.

Cllr Glenn Swingler, Upper Denbigh and Henllan, who proposed the Period Poverty motion, said many young women and girls were put in a position of having to choose between sanitary products and food which was wrong and not their fault.

He added: "It’s not right that young women are having to make do with unhygienic homemade sanitary products simply because they or their family can't afford them from a shop, and the discomfort and embarrassment that entails.

"This in turn impacts on their education, and I have no doubt that it leads in some cases to some young women failing to attend school because of their discomfort. It’s wrong that in twenty first century Wales young women should live in period poverty. We believe that Denbighshire County Council should ensure that every young girl has access to free sanitary products in our schools in a way which respects their dignity." 

Councillors expressed a clear support to the principal of the motion, including the education portfolio holder, Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts.

However, the final decision rests with the council’s cabinet. The council therefore agreed that officers should bring detailed figures to the cabinet within four months in order for them  to make a final decision.

New town mayoral team chosen

At the annual meeting of Llangollen Town Council yesterday evening, Councillor Jon Haddy was appointed as Town Mayor and Councillor Isabel Richards as Deputy Town Mayor.

Appointments were also made to the Asset Management, Cittaslow and Human Resources Committees.

The Chairs and Vice Chairs of these Committees will be decided at their first meeting, over the next month.

* Mayor - Cllr Jon Haddy.

* Deputy Mayor - Cllr Isabel Richards.

It's midsummer madness at Llandegla

Llandegla boasts a thriving calendar of community activities and events. 

Amongst the most popular is its All Styles Music Club which meets monthly in the Memorial Hall with the primary objectives of keeping live music alive, whilst providing its audience with quality entertainment.

This year the organisers are proud to announce a new venture, a day of music and dance on Saturday June 16 featuring some of the most popular musicians in the region. 

Proceedings begin at 2pm with a concert in the Memorial Hall featuring an impressive line-up of new and veteran performers, followed at 7.30pm by a folk dance ceilidh. 

Whilst all of this is underway a 'come all ye' music and song session will ensure that the needs of those who just like to perform are not overlooked.

On-site catering has been arranged and a range of local amenities, (pub, licensed community shop,  B &B and campsites) are on hand to make it a really memorable event.

It is hoped that singers and musicians who plan to stay over the week end will be available to participate in the service at St Tecla's Church, the following morning.

Further information and tickets can be obtained from Kath Evans (evans.llandegla@gmail.com, or Tel: 01978 790671).

* Before the June 16 event there's a Singers and Musicians Night at Llandegla Memorial Hall starting at 8pm on Monday May 21.

Duo run Llangollen Round to honour Tom

The third Llangollen Round Challenge is now just a few weeks away, on the weekend of June 2 and 3.

Entries are coming in thick and fast and amongst them are a father and his step-daughter doing the challenge to honour the young lady’s partner who is currently receiving treatment for a brain tumour.

Anthony Rogers, 63, (pictured left) from Corwen is teaming up with Sarah Crosby from Chorlton to tackle the tough course as a salute to Tom Lewis who was diagnosed with the tumour in March 2016.

They hope to have raised £2,000 in sponsorship by the time the event gets underway.  

_{Tom will be supporting the walkers along with the rest of the family who will all be wearing distinctive Tom's Long Walk tee-shirts.}

The Round has a well-waymarked 33-mile circular route visiting every summit around the Vale of Llangollen. 

The Challenge uses exactly this route, but since it starts and ends at Dinas Brân School in the town, an extra stretch has been added at beginning and end, making the total distance to be covered 35 miles. 

* Tom and Sarah.

* Sarah in her Tom's Long Walk tee-shirt.

Participants have the option of doing this in one day, the Saturday, or two, with those choosing two days being bussed back to Llangollen from the mid-point on Saturday and returned to the same place on Sunday morning.

This year organisers are hoping to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK.

* For more details, go to http://www.thellangollenround.info

Enid Law takes on prestigious new role

The President, Audrey Rees, and all the members of Llangollen Inner Wheel Club congratulate Enid Law (left) on her election as Association Vice President of the Inner Wheel Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland. 

Enid is a past President of the Llangollen Club and is a retired teacher. 

She works tirelessly for local events and charities.

A club spokesperson said: "This is a very well deserved appointment and members are delighted and proud that Enid has been elected to this prestigious position."

Stars from six continents heading for Llangollen

* The eisteddfod will once again have a truly international flavour.

Thousands of performers from 28 countries across six continents will descend on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from July 3-8.

The eisteddfod’s team has curated a final line up of 84 vibrant, varied and talented international acts from hundreds of applicants who have been invited to perform in competitions at this year’s festival or appear in non-competitive showcases.

Music director Vicky Yannoula said: “It truly was a momentous task. The calibre of applicants was extremely high and the international prestige of performing at the International Eisteddfod meant that we were, as ever, inundated with applications from dance and choral groups of an exceptional standard.

“Visitors to this year’s festival will be treated to everything from traditional Indian and Greek dancing, to vocal performances from six different continents.”

Amongst those appearing are:

KorRey - Iceland

Originally a traditional church choir, Kor Reyðarfjörður (KorRey for short) from East Iceland has expanded into a community choir of 21 singers, aged from 24 to 70. The choir has also performed with the Manchester Community Choir, who encouraged them to apply to perform at the International Eisteddfod this year.

Manchester Community Choir - England

Returning to the International Eisteddfod for a third non-competitive visit, the 110-strong Manchester Community Choir - who have been performing together for almost 20 years - will treat festival visitors to a range of a cappella world music. They even hope to enjoy a joint performance with their friends in Icelandic Choir, KorRey.

Stellensbosch University Choir - South Africa 

A formidable choir from Stellenbosch in South Africa, this university ensemble comprises 115 singers aged between 18 and 24. Established in 1936, the choir is the oldest in South Africa and will be performing a cappella, but with an African flavour.

Aroha Junior Choir - India

The first ever Indian choral group set to come to the International Eisteddfod, Aroha Junior Choir are from Shillong, North East India and have been performing together for two years. An eclectic singing group, they offer something for everyone, performing Gospel music, R ‘n’ B, Classical and Folk music. 

Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir - North Wales 

Based a short distance from Llangollen, the Fron Male Voice Choir was formed in 1947 specifically to compete at the very first International Eisteddfod. The choir’s 72 choristers come from all walks of life and include policemen, undertakers, teachers, cooks, bankers, accountants, bakers, construction workers and retirees. Two of the Fron’s founding members are also still singing in the choir today.

Reine Mannersache Zellhausen - Germany 

The Reine Mannersache Zellhausen is made up of 30 active singers aged between 19 and 84 years old and was formed from two choirs that were rivals for more than one hundred years. Formed in 2014 the choir has 15 singers from each choir and performs mainly a cappella pieces spanning epoch and genre. 

British Columbia Girls’ Choir - Canada 

Appearing at the Llangollen Eisteddfod for the first time this summer, the choir features 40 singers aged 13 to 18 who perform in a wide range of languages and also champion Canadian music. Epitomising the diversity and multiculturalism that the International Eisteddfod is famous for, the families of the BC Girls’ Choir came to Canada from all over the world within one or two generations, representing 30 countries from Brazil to Bosnia, Croatia to Kenya, Sweden to South Africa and China to Costa Rica. There are even families hailing from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Within the group.

Kyklos Hellenic Performing and Literary Arts Group - Canada

A Greek Folk dance group from Canada, Kyklos is committed to preserving and promoting the Hellenic performing arts and has been active since 1983. The group presents authentic dances from throughout Greece and Cyprus, often singing with live music to accompany its performances.

Hallmark of Harmony - England

A Barbershop singing group from Sheffield, Hallmark of Harmony is celebrating its 40th anniversary and fourth visit to the International Eisteddfod. Its 70 members range in age from 18 to 80 years old.

Gimnazija Kranj Girls’ Choir - Slovenia 

A high school choir from Slovenia, a quarter of the Gimnazija Kranj Girls’ Choir changes each year, with most singers spending four years with the choir. The best singers then go on to join the renowned female chamber choir, Carmen Manet, which was named Eurovision Choir of the Year in 2017.

Mother Touch Dance Group - Zimbabwe 

Formed as an extra-curricular school activity, Mother Touch Dance Group have delighted International Eisteddfod visitors with previous appearances. The group has members aged between six and 16 years old and they perform captivating traditional songs and dances and play the African marimba.

Phoenix Girls’ Chorus, Cantabile - USA 

Performing classical style and American folk, as well as spiritual and gospel style pieces, this is the choir’s first visit to the International Eisteddfod.  Their last European tour began in New York City at Carnegie Hall debut and travelled to Spain where we performed at the Abbey of Monserrat and La Sagrada Familia. The choir’s Artistic Director, Danya Tiller, also sings professionally with the Grammy-Award winning Phoenix Chorale.

Tring Park 16 - England

Comprising 16 pupils aged 16 to 18 from Tring in Hertfordshire, the group performs a capella with a contemporary classical repertoire. None of the choristers specialise in classical singing, instead they come from an acting, commercial music or musical theatre background. The choir also boasts some extremely diverse hobbies outside of singing, including a ju-jitsu fighter, a scuba diver, two saxophonists, a ukulele player and one gymnast.

Sapat Dance Group - Kyrgyz Republic 

A mixed troupe of children and adults, the Sapat Dance Group have been performing traditional dance together for almost 10 years, visiting the International Eisteddfod twice in that time. They seek to represent the unique culture of the Kyrgyz Republic while also learning about the culture and traditions of the different people and helping to unite the world.

21 Strings Guzheng Ensemble - China 

Hailing from Dongguan City in China this instrumental group all play the Guzheng - a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument, also known as a Chinese zither, which has a 2,500-year history. The ensemble, which has been established for five years, performs Chinese Folk music.

As well as a series of evening concerts featuring Alfie Boe, Van Morrison and Kaiser Chiefs, The Hoosiers and Toploader, there will also be live performances from competitors, emerging bands, musicians and street performers from across the globe, as well as activities to entertain the children and food, drink and local craft stalls.

* For more information or to book tickets visit www.llangollen.net or contact the box office. For regular news and updates about the Festival follow us on Twitter @llangollen_Eist or like the Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.