Landmarks lit up to highlight plight of entertainments industry

* The International Pavilion is turned red by Orb Sound and Lighting Ltd.

* The Town Hall lit up in red last night.

Two of Llangollen's landmark buildings were lit up last night as part of a national initiative to draw attention to the way the entertainments industry has been hit by the coronavirus crisis.

Across the UK over 600 venues where entertainment is usually held registered to take part in the Light It In Red campaign.

And the team from locally-based Orb Sound and Lighting Ltd, who themselves have been badly affected by the enforced cancellation of live entertainment events, put Llangollen Town Hall and The International Pavilion on the list.

Both were lit up brightly lit up in red just after darkness fell last night, the Pavilion most poignantly on what should have been the eve of International Eisteddfod week.

Olli Bentley from Orb said: "This month, the team should have been working hard to support two of the biggest events of the year – the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

"Sadly, due to the ongoing COVID pandemic both events, along with thousands of other events across the UK, have had to be postponed until next year.

"In the events industry over 25,000 businesses have had to cancel and postpone events due to COVID-19, forcing over half a million workers to lose their income, virtually overnight.

"Inspired by Germany’s ‘Night Of Light 2020’, 645 venues across the UK have registered to take part in the Light It In Red campaign. 

"Each venue was lit up in red to draw attention to the dramatic situation that the events industry is facing, and to highlight to the government that the industry still urgently needs some help, before it’s too late."

He added: "ORB Sound and Lighting Ltd thought it would be appropriate to light up the Royal International Pavilion where the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod would currently be happening, and also the Llangollen Town Hall where the Llangollen Fringe Festival would have been taking place later this month.

"We usually joke with our clients that we’re always the first ones in, and the last ones out of every job. Sadly, this time we were the first ones to become jobless, and we will be the last ones allowed to restart.

"We would like to personally thank both venues for permitting us to light them up and thank the staff at LIME and Llangollen Fringe Festival. We would also like to thank Speeches and Cream Prestige Events, Massey Live and Festival Fireworks for their assistance."

Horseshoe Falls re-opens to visitors

The Horseshoe Falls/Llantysilio Green in Llangollen (pictured) is one of the Denbighshire country parks which the county council has just re-opened following the coronavirus lockdown.

From today (Monday) also open to visitors again are Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks.

Car parks at these locations have also been opened.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are pleased to be re-opening our country parks once more after a significant period of closure. 

"It was a difficult decision to make, but we needed to follow strict Welsh Government restrictions and the closure of country parks was essential. 

“All communities have needed to make big sacrifices to help in the fight against covid-19 and for us that meant closing our popular sites.

“We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding. The majority of people have followed the restrictions and have stayed away from our scenic sites.  

"Our stunning countryside in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is there to be enjoyed and we have recognised and felt people’s frustration at not being able to visit the places they love.

“We would ask people thinking of visiting over the next few weeks to please plan ahead and bear in mind that not all facilities will be open – some visitor centres and some businesses remain closed for the time being until restrictions are further lifted.     

“We will manage the sites as carefully as possible, as restrictions on social distancing remain in Wales.   

"We would respectfully ask that people continue to keep Wales and Denbighshire safe by adhering to social distancing measures and to follow any local restrictions or guidance issued by our teams working at the sites.  

“We will be monitoring the position carefully and would like to thank people in advance for their respect to our countryside and communities, to the safety of staff and other members of the public."

UK Government unveils £59m boost for Welsh arts sector

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has given details of a major funding post-coronavirus boost for the struggling Welsh arts sector from the UK Government.

He said last night: "Great news from the UK Government tonight with the announcement of £59 million extra for the arts sector in Wales as part of an overall £1.57 billion UK wide support package for the arts."

And he quoted the Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart MP who said in making the announcement: “The Welsh Government has said that it doesn’t have the firepower to support the arts in Wales, so the UK Government is providing £59 million so that they can do just that.

“Many arts, culture and heritage organisations across the UK are facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and those in Wales are no exception.

“We have no time to lose in getting this money to the front line and I’ll be pushing the Welsh Government to ensure that happens.”

The official press release from UK Government says: "Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

"The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic. It will help them stay afloat while their doors are closed. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

"Many of Britain’s cultural and heritage institutions have already received unprecedented financial assistance to see them through the pandemic including loans, business rate holidays and participation in the coronavirus job retention scheme. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.

"This new package will be available across the country and ensure the future of these multi billion-pound industries are secured."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "From iconic theatre and musicals, mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues, the UK’s cultural industry is the beating heart of this country.

"This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down."

Woman speaks of how her life was ripped apart by crash

* Caroline Franks with son Ollie.

A woman has spoken movingly about how her life was ripped apart by a fatal road crash which left her with life-changing injuries.

According to former care worker Caroline Franks, 60, from Glyn Ceiriog, she was struggling to come to terms with what happened until she received support from Brake, a road safety charity that receives funding from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

The head on collision happened in September 2018 when she was returning from enjoying a family  with her son, her former partner and his mother.

A white van came around a corner on the wrong side of the road and into the path of their car which was being driven by her partner.

She said “We had been for a family meal and were driving home through Chirk at around 8.30pm.

“I was in the passenger seat, my son, Ollie, who was in university at the time, was sat behind the driver’s seat alongside my former partner’s mum who was directly behind me.

“We were near the garden centre in Chirk when I saw a white van. He was going too fast and although it was only a split second it seemed to go in slow motion. I knew he was going to hit us. My then partner had no chance of avoiding him.

“The impact left me with life-changing injuries, my partner’s mum was flown to Stoke with massive injuries from which she died of two weeks later.

“My son had abdominal bruising but escaped serious injury while my partner escaped relatively unhurt.”

She added: “Following the crash I had internal abdominal bleeding and had a lump the size of a rugby ball in my abdomen. I was operated on at Wrexham. The worst injury as it turns out was to my left foot which was totally smashed.

“I can now walk but have a permanent limp and was due to go back to Wrexham to discuss with the consultant whether I should have a further operation to fuse my ankle into a set position but the pandemic means that’s on hold.

“That might help with the constant pain and my inability to stand for long periods. My foot is already held together by screws and pins and I’m not really sure whether I can face another operation.

“Ollie has recovered physically but mentally it’s more difficult. He is still very nervous about getting in a car and will avoid doing so if he can.”

Caroline says after the crash she was left in a wheelchair and split with her partner but was then left not knowing what was happening over the crash.

She said: “I was hearing nothing and was diagnosed by my GP as suffering from depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My GP arranged for me to have counselling but it’s after I contacted Brake and I got most help over the crash.

“I called them and they got the police to talk to me. The police were speaking to my former partner as he was the driver but he wasn’t telling me what was going on.

“I needed to know what was happening to the driver, who I knew had been charged with drink driving, causing the death of my then partner’s mother and causing serious injury to me. Brake kept in touch and helped me.

“The offending driver was eventually sentenced to six years imprisonment which I thought was fair. But then it turns out he got four years for causing death and two years for causing my serious injury but that was to run concurrently. So in truth, he will be out after serving about half of the four years.

“It’s pointless being angry though, you just have to let it go. I’m now unable to do the carer work I was doing as I can’t stand for long periods and I’m working for a friend just doing 10 hours a week clerical work for her business.

“I’ve always been a cautious driver but even more so now. I hate driving and being in a car but living in a rural area I’ve little choice. It was an awful experience and I’m still suffering physically now but things are easier.

“And a lot of that is down to the help and support I received from Brake. I can’t praise them enough.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, a former police inspector, said: “I’m pleased to be able to support Brake in their work with the victims of fatal and serious injury crashes here in North Wales.

“The charity is able to step in and support people at a time when they need help and advice. I know from my own police service the devastating impact a serious road traffic collision can have on families and individuals.

“Anything that can be done to help these victims get the information and help they need should be done.

“I know the charity is putting the funding my office supplies to good use in helping all those affected by serious injury and fatal road crashes across North Wales.”

He added: “Of course I’m bound to say that we could all help to reduce the number of times that the services of Brake are required by thinking about the way we use the road and driving motor vehicles in a responsible manner.

“If we can reduce speeding, drink and drug driving then we can all play a role in saving lives.”

It was a message echoed by Brake’s Partnership Development Manager, Jennifer MacDuff, who thanked Mr Jones for the funding he provided.

She said: “In the past 12 months Brake’s helpline here in North Wales led to three families left devastated after losing loved ones in fatal crashes getting the support they needed.

“In addition we supported seven other people involved in serious injury crashes, sent out 50 of our bereavement packs and 10 children’s information books.

“Following every fatal or serious injury crash police officer s leave a copy of Brake’s bereavement pack with the family.

“The Information and Advice for Bereaved Families and Friends Following Death on the Road pack is updated regularly in consultation with experts.

“It contains information on what happens after a crash, practical issues, how investigations are carried out and information on criminal charges, court cases, claiming compensation and useful organisations.

“A bereaved family member can then call the Brake helpline. Referrals also come in from professionals such as police family liaison officers, medical professionals, schools and other voluntary and charitable organisations.

“The Brake helpline is a quality accredited free phone and online service available across the UK. The service helps callers feel able to cope in the aftermath of a road crash, providing confidential, needs-led support planning for victims, safeguarding those who are high risk and vulnerable.

She added: “Fatal car crashes are akin to a homicide to most bereaved families. They need support and help with issues such as court cases and practical and emotional support.

“It’s a holistic service that works well, not just here in North Wales but across the whole country.

“But without the support of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and the funds he provides we simply couldn’t be as effective nor help as many victims as we do in the region.”

Berwyn Street roadworks start tomorrow

Latest roadworks update from one.network is:

Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

06 July — 10 July

Delays likely - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Works location: OPPOSITE MEETING POINT...

Works description: Excavate to replace 2-way link box in flag footway...

Responsibility for works: MANWEB

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: GY0302100649385

Message from prince will open next week's online eisteddfod

* Prince Charles dances at the 2015 eisteddfod.

A special message from its royal patron the Prince of Wales will open a week of online activities in place of this year's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Last month it launched Llangollen Online #connectingtheworld, a digital offering to bring together its global community following the postponement. 

And next week, in what would have been Eisteddfod Week, there is a programme of online activity to give a flavour of the festival to the many participants and visitors who usually descend on the town each July.

On Tuesday, to open the week, there will be a recorded message from patron Prince Charles.  

This continues a long relationship between The Prince of Wales and the eisteddfod, which he has visited three times. 

During the most recent visit in 2015, he was famously coaxed into dancing with members of a Punjabi bhangra group from Nottingham, the Sheerer Punjabi dancers, as he waved off the traditional Parade of Nations.

On Thursday 9 July, as part of the festival’s traditional Peace Day, online audiences will be treated to the premiere of a Global Peace Message. 

The main feature will be a relayed spoken word performance of a specially commissioned poem, Harmoni a Heddwch, written by Mererid Hopwood. 

Those taking part in the message include eisteddfod president Terry Waite plus children from Ysgol Rhostyllen, St Giles School Wrexham and Ysgol Dinas Bran. 

The online premiere will also present the first performance of a new piece of music sung by Wrexham soprano Elan Catrin Parry with words by Hopwood and music by Edward-Rhys Harry.

Eisteddfod artistic director Edward-Rhys Harry said: "We are delighted to open the week with a message from the Prince of Wales.  

"With Tuesday traditionally being our Children’s Day we will also have the online premiere of our Children’s Day Message of Peace, elements of which will be included in our Global Peace Message on Thursday. 

"This is the first time we have ever done anything like this and we are all so excited to be able to share it online with our international community." 

Mererid Hopwood is a Welsh poet who in 2001 became the first woman ever to win the bardic Chair at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the Crown in 2003 and the Prose Medal in 2008. 

Over the past four weeks people have been voting via Llangollen.TV for their favourite performances and moments from the last 25 years, from footage showcasing performers from 57 different countries and well over 10,000 competitors. 

Tens of thousands of people have voted in five categories and the winners will be announced live on S4C’s daily show Prynhawn Da! as well as on Llangollen TV every day during what would have been Llangollen 2020 from July 7-11.

The week will also include the Young Peacemakers Awards, in association with the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA), an online premiere of the Children’s Day Message by Chris Dukes with local school children from Ysgol Bryn Collen and St Joseph's Catholic & Anglican High School, Wrexham, plus competitor messages from across the globe.

Eisteddfod Week will culminate in a 90-minute documentary on S4C on Sunday July 12 at 7.30pm, featuring some of the most memorable moments from the past 25 years.

To precede the week, audiences can relive Llangollen 2019 with a special broadcast of last year’s highlights programme to be shown on BBC 2 Wales on Sunday 5 July at 7pm.

* Visit www.llangollen.net for full details of Llangollen Online.

Gallery exhibition celebrates the eisteddfod

* People hold an open air party to celebrate the eisteddfod last year. 

Oak Street Gallery will be hosting a photographic exhibition on the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod during July.

Due to coronavirus, there will be a silent stage with flagless posts and empty streets on the eisteddfod field this year. 

But Karl Young, who runs the gallery, said: "The exhibition is intended to show the colour and joy the eisteddfod brings to Llangollen and what Llangollen and its people give to the eisteddfod. For without our picturesque and beautiful town, without its people who participate, endure and enjoy, this festival could never be.

"I am grateful to Kim Price Evans, Allan Potts, John Evans and Lowri Page whose beautiful photography has captured the eisteddfod spirit. 

"Although the Oak Street Gallery will be closed throughout the exhibition I have set up the show so that the photographs and eisteddfod memorabilia can be seen safely from the street. 

"The exhibition will be up for the month of July. The Gallery lights will be on till 11pm so please walk by at any time and stand for a minute to admire the photographs and the event we are all a part of.

"I would also like to thank Corwen Graphics for their quality printing."

* For more details, go to: https://www.facebook.com/12OakStreetGallery/