Railway swings back to the 40s this weekend

* Winston Churchill and General Montogomery look-alikes will be visiting the 1940s weekend.

Llangollen Railway will be putting the clock back to the World War Two era when it stages its Home Front Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

The event will be feature displays of military personnel, equipment and vehicles - both British and American - located at the stations along the line to Carrog.

The Home Front side of the period will also be represented with civilian vehicles parked at various locations together with displays of life in the 1940s. 

There will be a mock air raid and demonstration of military firepower on both days. 

Entertainment will be provided at each station along the line by live performers singing songs of the era including George Formby, the Bluebird Belles a group of WAAF entertainers, the Airborne Angel and Jayne Darling.

* Jayne Darling will sing live during the event.

On Saturday night Llangollen Station will offer live acts for the evening dance with a real ale bar from 7-1p.m.  

Look-alikes of Winston Churchill, General Montgomery and Air Vice Marshall Harris will visit the Dee valley during the course of the event to undertake inspections and make patriotic speeches. 

A drum head church service will be held on Sunday morning at Llangollen Station.

Steam-hauled trains will run at regular intervals through the scenic Dee valley during the day with an evening service on Saturday to convey visitors to the concert at Llangollen Station.

* George Formby will also put in an appearance.

A demonstration goods train will also be in operation carrying vital wartime materials along the line.

The main display of military vehicles will be at Glyndyfrdwy Station, about halfway along the railway. 

Unrationed refreshments will be available at stations along the line.

There will be a real ale bar at Llangollen which will be open during the day and into the evening during the concert.  

Visitors are invited to enter into the spirit of the event and come dressed in period costume. 

Any children being evacuated should have the appropriate labels. Unfortunately the line between Carrog and Corwen will be closed due to ‘enemy action’.

* Further information on departure time so of trains and events can be obtained by contacting the Station Office at Llangollen on telephone number 01978-860979, or the website at www.llangollen-railway.co.uk   

On Friday evening New Dot Cinema is screening A Matter of Life and Death, a great 1940s epic, in the Town Hall in Llangollen. Doors open 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm.

Youngsters take to the streets to showcase eisteddfod

* The eisteddfod mini parade pf nations in Wrexham town centre.

In a break from tradition the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has taken its annual Parade of Nations to the streets of Wrexham.

The parade features performers waving flags representing their nation. 

It has always taken place in the host town of Llangollen but, for the first time in the festival’s history, volunteers took to the streets of Wrexham and other towns to celebrate the launch of the eisteddfod’s daytime programme.

The mini parades included young students from Ysgol Dinas Brân and also visited Liverpool, Chester and Oswestry.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Showcasing an array of colourful flags, our international parade marched through the town of Wrexham in a vivacious display of international unity and friendship.

“It’s always extremely exciting announcing our daytime line-up and we hope that our parade inspires Wrexham to join us for our week-long festival of music and dance this summer.”

From Tuesday 2^nd July to Saturday 6^th July,  the three outdoor stages will host a variety of live world music and dance, folk, classical, jazz, indie, acoustic, roots, and opera, Celtic reggae, and rock, whilst world-class entertainment continues in the main pavilion where choirs, dancers and soloists from different nations compete for international recognition and prizes.

Tickets for the 2019 Llangollen Eisteddfod are on sale and can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office. An early bird £5 Ground ticket offer is available using the discount code NEWS19.

  

Daytime line-up includes:

Tuesday July 2

Earth’s Little Heroes – International Children’s Day

The Eisteddfod opens with a day of programming especially for primary school age children. Earth’s Little Heroes’ matinee performances in the pavilion will include the annual Peace message and a special ‘World Warriors’ performance with pupils from local Denbighshire schools. Field events will include Interactive Junk Music™, workshops with the Junkman and a Magic of Recycling Show with The Conwy Jester.

Priority booking for this event is given to those on educational trips but public admission will be available on the day with seating in the rear section of the pavilion. Kindly supported by MBNA General Foundation.

Into the evening from 4.30pm there will be a variety of operas, acoustic soloists and ballet.

Wednesday July 3

Harmony and Diversity

Young competitors take to the pavilion stage with the Children’s Folk Song Choirs, Junior Children’s Choirs, Vocal Solo (age 12-15) and Children’s Traditional Folk Dance Group categories. There will also be this year’s Inclusion Project, 'Tapestry' involving local groups from diverse backgrounds.

The day will be filled with music and dance workshops so everyone has the chance to try something new

From 4.30pm there will be world music from the Balkans and Eastern Europe and local choirs.

Thursday July 4

Exploring Peace Together

Discover what peace means to you and to your neighbours. Get involved in workshops and peace chants with the Southern Shaolin Temple Warrior Monks, celebrate the WCIA Young Peacemakers Awards and witness the bespoke artwork from young people of Plas Madoc.

International competitions include Senior Children’s Choir, A cappella Group, Open Folk Solo, Vocal Solo (age 16-19), Voice of Musical Theatre and the announcement of the Children’s Choir of the World results.

Into the evening from 4.30pm international participants join together in ‘The Gathering’ in an exchange of dance and culture not to be missed before the outside stages come alive with South American and Spanish vibes along with Eastern European folk music with gypsy jazz.

Friday July 5

Uniting Nations in Music

Llangollen Eisteddfod was established in 1947 as a means of uniting nations through music. Today we showcase music from all over the world with performances of intercultural song and dance all around the field. Lively marimba band Otto & The Mutapa Calling treat us to the energetic, joyful music from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe whilst Mambo Jambo will take you on an exciting and joyous musical journey with a mash-up of sounds from world, roots, folk and jazz.

The pavilion will be jammed full with international sights and sounds with the Adult Folk Song Choirs, Choreographed/Stylised Folk Dance, Youth Choirs, Traditional Folk Dance, Open Folk Solo and Young Instrumentalist categories.

The Parade of Nations takes place at 4.30pm this spectacle of colour and sound is one of the highlights of the eisteddfod.

Saturday 6 July

Discovering our World Community

Enjoy local community performances on the field and the Dancing in the Street competition at the Riverside Park at 2.00pm. Field activities for families include circus skills and stilt walking, walkabout artistes and craft activities.

The last day of competitions will see a splash of colour with the Cultural Showcase competition and the very best of Mixed Choirs, Female Voice Choirs, Open Choirs and Male Voice Choirs who are competing to win a place in the Choir of the World final.

World music featuring a lively Ceilidh band, Sitar and Tablo duo, and Celtic rock band, folk and acoustic music will entertain all day and into the evening from 4.30pm.

Residents urged to beware of tarmac scam

Denbighshire County Council is warning residents in the county to beware of traders claiming to sell ‘left-over’ tarmac on behalf of the authority.

The council has received calls from worried residents in rural properties near Ruthin who have received cold callers offering to sell ‘left over tarmac’ from resurfacing works and the traders claims they are working for the county council. 

However, the council says this is not the case.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “This scam has been reported previously in some other parts of the country and Denbighshire County Council is emphasising that this offer is not real.

“The council would never authorise traders to sell any left over tarmac door to door – that is not our working practice.  We would advise anyone approached to say no and to report the police."

New vegan restaurant opens its doors in Llan

* The new Phoenix Bistro on Chapel Street.

A new vegetarian and vegan restaurant has opened in Llangollen, offering a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from local producers.

The Phoenix Bistro has got off to a strong start since its opening at the end of March, with over 150 people stopping by to welcome the new addition to the rapidly expanding restaurant scene in Llangollen. 

Fern Evans, the owner, was delighted at the turnout. She said: “It was such a great atmosphere and everyone was really lovely and welcoming. 

"We are so pleased to be launching in Llangollen to meet the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan food, hopefully complementing existing businesses in town to strengthen it as a destination for those visitors looking specifically for vegan options – as well as those keen just to eat delicious, freshly prepared, locally sourced food.”

The bistro offers a 100% plant-based menu, with a café feel in the daytime serving hot sandwiches, jackets, light bites and loaded fries, as well as speciality hot drinks and cakes from local supplier Rachel’s Vegan cakes. 

Sandwich fillings and jacket toppings offer a balance of familiar favourites such as cheesy beans, as well as more unusual options such as BBQ jackfruit.

On weekend evenings the bistro will have more of a restaurant feel, offering tapas, pizzas, street food inspired dishes and hot homemade desserts. 

There are vegan takes on classic menu items such as mac and cheese, as well as more eclectic choices drawing on Asian, Middle Eastern and European flavours.  

It is a fully licensed bar serving cocktails, craft beers and prosecco on tap from local supplier Bolla.

The Phoenix Bistro can be found at 15 Chapel Street, Llangollen. It is now open Tuesday and Saturday from 12pm. On Tuesdays to Thursday it will close at 5pm, and stay open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

Of her plans for the future Fern said: “We will be opening at lunchtime on Sundays within a few weeks, and will soon be introducing some acoustic music nights and a vegan Sunday roast."

* For more information and to book online, visit the bistro's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thephoenixbistro/ or call us 01978 861124.

Developer sends out update on roads for new homes

Developers SG Estates have sent out to local residents details of progress on the highways improvements related to the new Vicarage Road housing development.

Operatic seeks sponsorship for Fiddler on the Roof

* Above and below, some of the cast members of Fiddler on the Roof. 

Pictures by Barrie Potter.

Llangollen Operatic Society is seeking sponsorship for its forthcoming production of the Bock, Harnick and Stein classic, Fiddler on the Roof, which will be staged in the Town Hall from April 30-May 4.

Producer Helen Belton said: "As a registered charity fundraising efforts and the support of our sponsors is invaluable in enabling our junior and senior sections to continue producing high quality productions for the enjoyment of the local community.

“We have been very fortunate to secure sponsorship from a number of local businesses and individuals in previous years and we’ve always received wonderful feedback from them as to their experience.

"Following the overwhelming success of both our productions of 9 to 5 in 2017 and My Fair Lady in 2018 we are hoping to attract a similar level of support again this year."
 
Helen added: "For £125 sponsors are offered four reserved balcony seats with a prime view of the stage, four drinks of their choice from the bar, four complimentary programmes and the opportunity to display marketing material in the Town Hall on the evening of their sponsorship, as well as within the programme.

"To add to the experience they will also have the services of a dedicated sponsor host, who will welcome them on arrival and be on hand to ensure their experience is enjoyable.

“We believe this package represents excellent value and in return for our sponsors’ generosity, we will guarantee an unforgettable evening of entertainment and hospitality."

* If you would like to support the society's production or wish to receive more information, contact Helen Belton on 07718 368434, or e-mail Helen1210@hotmail.co.uk

Tickets for Fiddler on the Roof are now available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety as well as at the following Llangollen establishments - Jades, Llangollen Oggie and Fine Foods and Gwyn the Butcher.

MX-5 is now a little more of a fireball

* The new Mazda MX-5, above and below.

Mazda MX-5 RF road test by Steve Rogers

Maza has beefed up the world's favourite sports car.

The MX-5 has been given a power boost, an extra 23bhp for the top of the range two-litre, yet it is the sound rather than the extra grunt that provides most of the thrills.

This is a car that makes a big noise thanks to some tuning trickery with the exhaust silencer. It gives a more powerful note and had me thinking the little sports car was a lot quicker when the reality is only around half a second off the sprint time for the hard top RF I was driving. On the convertible it's more like a second, lowering the sprint to 62mph to 6.5 seconds.

The extra horsepower isn't down to just chipping the engine on a computer. The engine has been heavily reworked with lighter pistons and con rods, changes to the camshafts, new fuel injectors, throttle and exhaust valves.

Crucially the red line has been raised from 6500 to 7500rpm and this has made a big difference giving the MX more legs when pushing hard. To round things off the engine upgrade, emissions are lower than the old 157bhp version.

For now the revised engine is only in the top of the range GT Sport Nav+ but it will filter down the model range over the next few months.

There are no visual changes, the MX-5 is already perfectly formed, but more safety features have been added and the steering wheel now adjusts for reach, a little thing may be but something that goes a long way to achieving a comfortable driving position. That's not always been easy for people with short legs.

Since the day it was launched in 1989 the Lotus Elan look-a-like has been a hoot to drive but what we have now is probably the pinnacle of the MX-5 experience. The car's balance and sticking power is phenomenal, coupled with super quick and accurate steering. You point and it hits the target with pin sharp accuracy.

Not always the most comfortable but why would you expect anything else from a short wheelbased sports car? And although the gearbox has a nice short throw gate it is on the notchy side. There is barely any space for oddments in the cabin and boot space is tight, probably no more than a cabin sized case plus some bits and bobs but such imperfections are easily forgiven.

If more space is important then have a look at a Mini cabriolet.

So the big question. Soft top or RF? It has to be the RF (retractable fastback) beautifully crafted and a proper all year round sports car.

The folding roof has to be the cleverest design of all time. The hard top is made up of three sections with two folding away leaving the side fins and roof bar in place. The two folding sections tuck neatly away above the boot line so nothing goes into the boot.

The roof sections are made of steel, aluminium and plastic and have added just 45kg to the car's weight so you will notice no difference in handling over the ragtop.

Nearly all the Mazda range now has the excellent head up display projecting speed and navigation directions in the driver's eyeline on the windscreen but it is yet to come to the MX which is a disappointment given the small speedometer and no digital read out. Certainly something to think about.

The beauty of the MX-5 is that it is affordable with the soft top starting at £18,995. Okay, it's not got the raw power of an Audi TT RS or Porsche Boxster, but it is a traditional two seater roadster providing adequate performance and a polished driving experience.

The facts

MX-5 RF GT Sport Nav+
£27,795
2-litre; 180bhp
0-62mph 6.8secs; 137mph
40.9mpg combined
Emissions: 156g/km
Road tax £140 (first year £515)
Insurance group 31