Corwen remembers its own eisteddfod

This year marks the one-hundred-year anniversary since the Peace Eisteddfod was held in Corwen in 1919.

It was a very special occasion being the first Eisteddfod following the Great War and particularly important for Corwen to be the town to host this special event.

To mark the occasion, the National Lottery funded Our Picturesque Landscape project has been working with local artists to support the community in a commemorative event.

The pupils of Ysgol Caer Drewyn have been learning about the traditions of the Eisteddfod and the actual events that took place in Corwen in 1919. 

Such as how the A5 road was closed for the Eisteddfod week, there were four platforms built at Corwen train station and how the harpist, Nansi Richards, overslept and arrived late in her night dress and a large overcoat to play her harp and had to stay dressed like that for the whole hot August day! 

They have also enjoyed using their imaginations to decide what happened to the 1919 Corwen National Eisteddfod Chair, the whereabouts of which is still a mystery to this day.

A commemorative community event is planned for Wednesday July 10 where a procession will be led up to the Gorsedd circle in Coed Pen y Pigyn, starting from Canolfan Ni at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the procession and remember the 1919 Corwen National Eisteddfod together.

For the procession the children at Ysgol Caer Drewyn, and some of their parents, have been creating giant Druid puppets.

The children in key stage two have formed a percussion band to create a celebratory atmosphere for the procession and they have developed drama performances based on the actual happenings at the Eisteddfod in 1919, which will be performed in the Gorsedd at Pen Y Pigyn. 

The local community have also been involved. On Thursdays at Canolfan Ni the Vale of Clwyd MIND group and the lunch club together with the nursery school children have been using printing techniques to create banners and flags to decorate the procession. 

The event is also being filmed to share with people who cannot be there and for the future, to remind people in 100 years’ time how Corwen celebrated this important centenary.

Following the event in July, members of the community who have been involved in the project will be taking the Druid puppets to this year’s National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst to remind people of the anniversary of the 1919 National Peace Eisteddfod and encourage people to come and visit Corwen.

Sallyanne Hall, Community Engagement Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape “I am really looking forward to the procession, it has been wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds working together to remember and celebrate this important anniversary, the inter-generational activities in making the decorations and hearing the stories of people’s own memories of Eisteddfods from their childhoods has been particularly special.”

Richard Bellamy, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wales, said: “We are enthusiastic about giving young people the chance to learn about heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players our funding helps them to work with others in their community bringing fresh ideas and energy to the task.  The Corwen Eisteddfod Procession is an excellent example of how they can get involved, develop new skills and interests, connect with their communities and have fun.”

County statement on Coastline Coaches

Denbighshire County Council is aware of Coastline’s intention to stop running a number of bus services after their  last operation on Saturday, July 13^th.

Coastline will continue to operate its taxi service as normal.

The Council’s Passenger Transport service immediately went out to tender to find a temporary replacement bus service and can confirm that Lloyd’s Coaches of Machynlleth have been chosen to run the numbers X5 and 55 services (Ruthin-Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham).

Details of the exact timetables will be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, discussions are on-going to find an alternative provider for the other bus services currently operated by Coastline in Denbighshire.  Details about these services will be confirmed in the coming few days on the Council’s social media accounts, its website: www.denbighshire.gov.ukand through the media.

Classic transport weekend draws the crowds

Llangollen Railway's Classic Transport event brought the crowds to Glyndyfrdwy at the weekend.

The field near the station provided a diverse array of transport including motorbikes, vintage cars, heritage buses, military vehicles and even two fire engines.

The visitors went on their way to Llangollen or Carrog by a frequent trains service or by heritage bus to Corwen.

George Jones has provided the pictures.

World champions chosen to end eisteddfod on high note

* John’s Boys Male Chorus are crowned Choir of the World. 

* Loughgiel Folk Dancers became Dance Champions of the World.

Following a week of intense competitions, the eisteddfod crowned John’s Boys Male Chorus Choir of the World and Loughgiel Folk Dancers Dance Champions of the World.

The whole pavilion erupted to rejoice with the Wrexham-based singers as they leapt to the stage to collect the Pavarotti Trophy - only the third time a Welsh choir has won the coveted title.

Aled Phillips from the choir, said: “After months of practice, we’re absolutely delighted to accept this prestigious award.  It was a truly unforgettable experience to be able to perform in such an iconic venue alongside world-class talent.

“We have absolutely loved our time in Llangollen, both performing on an International stage and having the chance to meet such inspirational individuals from across the globe. The atmosphere of the International Eisteddfod is indescribable. To be surrounded by peace, friendship and goodwill is an experience we will never forget.

“We are filled with pride and joy to be returning home with not one but two trophies!’

Following the presentations the concert concluded, as is traditional, with the Pavilion audience joining hands to sing Auld Lang Syne, bringing the 2019 eisteddfod to a close.

Speaking after the competition, his first as Music Director of the International Eisteddfod, Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “What a breathtaking competition and inspirational evening from our choral competitors. 

“After witnessing such world class performances that left our audience completely stunned, it was clear that the adjudicators really did have a tough decision on their hands in selecting the winners.

“It was incredibly emotional to see the result of months of hard work and preparation unfolding on the Royal Pavilion stage. "

St Collen's service closes 2019 eisteddfod

St Collen's Church hosted the annual service of celebration to close the eisteddfod this morning.

Conducted by the vicar, Fr Lee Taylor, it included a reading by president Terry Waite and songs from two American choirs, the Palmdale High School Chambers Singers from California (pictured) and Portland Phoenix Chamber Choir from Oregon.

Devoted duo notch up 73 years as eisteddfod volunteers

Devoted volunteers Leslie Potts and Bob Attenburrow have both celebrated 73 years of supporting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Leslie, right, and Bob have been working behind the scenes at the festival since it began in 1947 with Leslie lending his support to the tickets team and Bob’s involvement being within staging, visuals and flowers for the festival.

All-action day on the square and the World Stage

* Nsoroma's lively lead drummer led the crowd 

in a chorus of If You're Happy and You Know It 

at the start of their performance in Centenary Square.

* Beating out that rhythm on their drums.  

* Lleisiau'r Afon ladies' choir sing on the World Stage.

* Cor Meibion y Machlud male voice choir perform on the World Stage.

* On the back row was rugby legend JPR Williams.

It was another full day of entertainment action up on the eisteddfod field and in Centenary Square.

A highlight of the programme on the square was a rousing performance by African drumming troupe Nsoroma Culture.

On the World Stage up on the field amongst the groups pleasing the crowds was ladies' choir Lleisiau'r Afon from the Carrog area.

They were followed on stage by Cor Meibion y Machlud, a male voice choir from Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan in whose ranks could be seen Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams.