Indie rock stars help mark century of Llan festivals

* Elles Bailey. 

* Kizzy Crawford. 

* Amber Run.

Global indie rock sensations Amber Run and blues powerhouse Elles Bailey will be among the stars as North Wales gears up for one of its greatest ever festivals.

They will be taking to the famous pavilion stage for a “joyous, family-friendly jamboree” as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns as a physical event for the first time since 2019.

Sunday, July 10, will see this year’s festival-within-a-festival, Llanfest, take on a format the like of which it has never attempted before.

The International Eisteddfod has partnered with Llangollen Fringe Festival as they mark a combined record of 100 years of producing standout festivals.

The Eisteddfod is celebrating its landmark 75th anniversary and the Fringe is marking 25 years in existence.

As well as Amber Run and Elles Bailey, there will be sets from Cardiff based music producer Minas, and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford who has been making waves on the international festival scene and on BBC radio.

In something of a happy coincidence Kizzy’s sister Eädyth - whose voice is also fast becoming familiar to radio listeners - will be performing on a different stage.

The Eisteddfod’s Executive Producer, Camilla King, said: “The buzz in the air is tangible as excitement builds for a different kind of experience. It’s going to be a fun and family-friendly, end-of-Eisteddfod celebration.

“It’s been hugely rewarding to make this happen in what is a truly momentous year for both organisations. There’s no better way to honour two such significant anniversaries.”

Equally enthusiastic is Llangollen Fringe Festival programmer and Artistic Director Neal Thompson.

He said: “This day is definitely one not to be missed. It’s long been talked about but never happened before, so there’s a real vibe in the air, a huge sense of anticipation that something very special is about to happen here.

“It’s amazing when you think about it that we’ve both reached such significant anniversaries in the same year. That’s a full century of music-making between us, which has made Llangollen one of the most lauded small towns in the world.”

Adding to the fervour of the occasion is an even wider sense of inclusivity in the programme from the Eisteddfod already known for its ethos of harmony and togetherness.

It runs from Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10 and first up is the Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Over the four days there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson, and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where icons Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

Camilla said: “We’ve got something for everyone including festival stalwarts, competition veterans, overseas visitors, young families, and the wider community. It’s important to me that we’re a truly inclusive event.”

With tickets already selling, she advises audiences to go online and book for what could be one of the most memorable days in the Eisteddfod’s history.

She added: “Llanfest has always been that little bit more relaxed, with the competitions over and everyone just enjoying the buzz of meeting up on a Sunday and being in the fantastic Llangollen environment.

“At the same time there will be an opportunity to look forward, a sense of regeneration, of hope and optimism for the future, as the young and vibrant performers from the background of the Fringe inject their own unbridled enthusiasm into the occasion.”

According to Neal, the Llanfest itinerary encompasses some bands who have been firm favourites of the Fringe past as well as up and coming names of today’s vibrant Welsh and UK music scenes.

He said: “Undoubtedly a highlight will be big names like Amber Run and the fabulous Kizzy Crawford. But as ever we’ve also got a wealth of local talent from home grown bands.”

They include Baby Brave, a new wave-noise pop outfit from Wrexham who release their latest EP, Sunny Days in Dark Rooms, in July via Mai 68 Records.

North Wales four piece Alpha Chino will be there in advance of also releasing an EP, The Last Astronaut, in August.

Adding extra musical diversity will be 25-strong Chester Big Band who mix it up with funk, soul and pop, while Llareggub Brass Band brings a unique sound which invokes strains of New York Bronx-based hip hop with Welsh language pop.

Also on the programme are Wrexham duo Igloo Hearts, and Paperchase, a multi-generational band of session artists led by Andy Hickie.

Neal said Llanfest promises a thrilling overlap fusing the finale of the Eisteddfod with a foretaste of Llangollen Fringe 2022 which runs from July 22-30.

* For the full Fringe programme visit:  www.llangollenfringe.co.uk and for more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Ladies of Llangollen give tour of their Plas Newydd home

* Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler play the Ladies of Llangollen.

A new play about the lives of the famous Ladies of Llangollen will be performed at their famous home early next month.

In their fourth appearance at the historic venue Queer Tales for Wales are back by popular demand with a production of Round the Home Circuit: a tour of Plas Newydd grounds with the Ladies of Llangollen on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3rd, at 4pm.

It is described as a "lively re-imagining" by Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler.

In 1780 Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby found a home for life at Plas Newydd. 

And visitors are invited to join them in an intimate tour round the grounds of the house which was their home for 50 years. 

The Ladies will be accompanied by their beloved housekeeper Mary Caryll. 

On the way they will share stories about their lives, their cows, famous guests, and how they survived scurrilous gossip.

Those coming along are advised to wear stout shoes and bring a brolly just in case.

Tickets are £18.50, to include the promenade performance, tea and cake with the Ladies at the Stable block tearooms and entry to Plas Newydd House including the Sarah-Joy Ford ‘Beloved’ exhibition, at any time on the day of booking.

* For tickets please email: plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Latest Mazda CX-5 SUV has loads to offer

Mazda CX-5 drive by Steve Rogers

Get behind the wheel of Mazda’s big-selling SUV and you will either be content or disappointed.

Content because it is a traditional car with traditional three-dial driver’s binnacle and traditional easy to use heating controls. Then again you might be disappointed at not having a high-tech TV style wide screen dashboard display as seen in the ultra modern Kia Sportage featured a few weeks ago.

Oh, and something else, there is no hybrid option.

Don’t be too quick to write off the 2022 CX-5 as old hat because it still has loads to offer. Mazda has built its reputation on cars with a sporty bite and that is the case with CX-5, arguably the best handling SUV in its class and upgrades to the suspension have made it even better so it is comfortable and rewarding when you put your foot down.

It has also had some cosmetic treatment to the front, nothing too dramatic, just a few nips and tucks to keep things fresh.

So where do I sit on the dashboard layout? It is hardly classic car dials and switches, in fact it has a bang up to date 10.2in central screen for radio, navigation and such like, and even better, it is not a touchscreen. Mazda is sticking with the rotary controller between the seats which is the easiest system I have come across.... ever.

It is dated compared to the Sportage which, incidentally, I did like, but so much easier to use than the complex Volvo XC40 infotainment centre. Thank heavens for the Swede’s brilliant voice control technology which is better than the Mazda.

So many cars have a binnacle with full screen mapping and computer generated everything so it is comforting to be faced with standard, clear dials. There is all the information needed along with Mazda’s excellent head up display with speed, rudimentary navigation instructions and the surface speed limit.

Engine choice is 2-litre petrol, 2.2 litre diesel and the 2.5 litre petrol which I used for towing. In its class CX-5 has one of the best towing capacities now that key competitors like Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4 have gone hybrid.

I expected the powerful all wheel drive Mazda to guzzle gas like no tomorrow with a caravan on the back but no, it returned a creditable 24mpg matching the hybrid Kia Sportage. Granted, consumption takes a tumble against the hybrids driving solo, dipping to low thirties, although I surprised myself returning 41mpg on a 90 mile Sunday stroll.

As a family car CX-5 ticks most of the boxes with plenty of space, ample legroom front and back and a good sized boot with levers in the side walls to drop the 40-20-40 back seat configuration.

Mazda has been pushing to break into the premium market and in my book has made it. CX-5 is a good example with quality trim and fittings right through the car. It is well off for safety features and generally well equipped. At the top end GT Sport lacks for nothing with 360 degree camera heated and ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats, navigation, Apple Carplay and Android auto connections among the highlights.

CX-5 with its high engine emissions will struggle against hybrid rivals on some running costs and, in particular, as a company car where tax breaks favour the hybrids. Yet there is still something appealing about the Mazda, a bit like pulling on your favourite pair of slippers, all very comforting.

There is nothing that can’t sort out CX-5 than a hybrid engine to match its rivals. Doubt that can happen without a total rebuild but there is a hybrid on the horizon. CX-60 plug in hybrid is due in the autumn but it is bigger and more expensive so, Mazda, more hybrids please.

What the wife said....

It was good to get into a car and not need a degree in computer studies to tune the radio or operate the heating. Towed the caravan a treat!

Fast facts

CX-5 GT Sport AWD

£37,905 (Range starts £29,245)

2.5 litre petrol 6sp auto 190bhp

0-62mph 9.3secs; 122mph

35.3mpg combined

182g/km. 1st tax £945

Boot: 522-1395 litres

Insurance group 26

Eisteddfod flags go up on the bridge

 

No, not more roadworks on the bridge this morning (Wednesday) but a team of workmen putting up the traditional flags for the forthcoming Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

Llan author launches her new book on Trevor Hall's rich history

* Pam Williams-Hughes, centre, launches her book at the library last night.

Eight years of complex and meticulous research reached a fitting conclusion yesterday evening when a Llangollen author officially launched her book on the history of Trevor Hall and its most famous inhabitants at the town’s library.

The Phoenix Arises, by Pam Williams-Hughes, represents a significant treatise on the subject and is an important contribution to the understanding of a major aspect of the historical fabric of the Dee Valley. It also marks her out as an important and serious local chronicler of the area’s rich past.

The author won her battle against a brain tumour and severe dyslexia to gain a university degree at the age of 69 when she proudly collected a 2:1 BA Honours in History from Glyndwr University.

Originally from Birmingham, she moved to Llangollen in 2011 after spending her working life first in the Royal Air Force and then with local authorities.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumour before she started as a mature student on a fine art degree course at Glyndwr in 2007 and a brain scan revealed the devastating news that the tumour on her pituitary gland had tripled in size in just three months.

Pam had to undergo a life-saving operation which saw the tumour successfully removed.

Despite being told that the growth had not been malignant, her sight was affected.

None of this prevented her research on a range of historical matters, including Victorian crime and the history of Llangollen’s St Collen’s Church, subjects on which she has given a series of expert talks over the past decade.

Work on The Phoenix Arises, which runs to around 300 pages, involved tapping extensively into a huge number of sources, both ancient and more modern.

Published with the assistance of a grant from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the A3-size book minutely details of the hall – first known by its Welsh title of Llys Awr – from 900AD until 2019.

Small compared to most Georgian mansions, it is sited in one of the most beautiful parts of the Dee Valley, or the Vale of Llangollen.

As Pam says in the book’s introduction: “ ... any visitor to the hall will have no idea of its amazing history, or the fantastic people who resided there. Nor will any casual glance of the house explain to the viewer how those who lived here long ago helped to change of the course of history and kings.”

And arguably none of these dwellers across the centuries has been as colourful as Bishop John Trevor who rose through the ranks of the then-Roman Catholic Church and the state to become Bishop of St Asaph and Chamberlain of Chester, Flint and North Wales and rub ermined shoulders with the likes of the Black Prince and Owain Glyndwr until falling spectacularly from favour with Richard II after throwing in his lot with that king’s usurper and eventual successor Henry IV. 

The author deals with a theory that the good bishop may even have been one of Richard’s eventual murderers, although she quickly dismisses this on the grounds that he was actually in Spain at the time.

The life and times of the first Bishop John and a later inhabitant of the hall, confusingly also known as Bishop John Trevor and who was almost equally at home with chief figures of the medieval period, are both painstakingly researched and presented by the author, who even describes the clothing they would wear and speculation surrounding their sex lives.

Much background is also presented about the characters who staffed the hall and its associated working estate at the time of the bishops, with vivid word portraits of figures such as the fish cook and cellarist. In line for similar treatment is the hall’s environment including the ferry which once crossed the Dee close to the estate.       

Pam moves the intriguing story on to tell of how the hall and its occupiers fared during subsequent landmark events in British history, like the Tudor period and the Civil War, before heading on into the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries when it developed connections with an industrialist involved with the ill-fated RMS Titanic and a famous creator of pop music.   

The Phoenix Arises is lavishly illustrated towards the end with studies of Trevor Hall, inside and out, along with its grounds during more recent centuries. There is also a series of pull-out charts covering topics such as family trees and timelines before we are presented with the hundreds of sources called upon by the author.

* More information on the book is available from Courtyard Books in Llangollen, call 01978 869394.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I’ve got loads of problems with my house that I’ve been putting off fixing - a faulty  boiler, a window that won’t shut properly, broken light fittings. The list goes on! I want to sort it out but I’ve had bad experiences with dodgy builders in the past. How do I  find someone I can trust? 

A: Making home improvements can be stressful, but there are a few steps you can follow to  help it go smoothly.  

First, find a Trading Standards ‘approved trader’. You can look for one in your area online or  use the Government’s approved trader scheme TrustMark.  

It’s also worth checking if they’re a current member of a trade body. Trade bodies have  codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong. Ask who they’re  registered with and then check the trade body’s website. 

For any gas and electric fixes, only use certified traders - it’s dangerous to use someone  who doesn’t know what they’re doing. You can check the Gas Safe Register for a list of  traders and use a registered electrician who can certify their own work. 

It’s always helpful to get references or recommendations where possible. Ask your friends,  family or neighbours if they know of anyone they’d recommend. You can also ask the person you hire for examples of work they’ve carried out in the past. Try to avoid contractors who  won’t give references - it’s a sign they could be dishonest. 

When you find someone, ask for a written quote - this is different to an estimate. A quote is  legally binding and the tradesperson can’t change it without a good reason - for example, if  you ask for extra work to be done. It’s worth comparing quotes from several contractors to  make sure you’re getting a fair price. 

Next, get a written contract. This should cover exactly what you’re paying for and everything  you’ve agreed on, including timings, payments, who will pay for materials and any  subcontractors if needed. When it comes to payment, it’s best to opt to pay in stages rather  than upfront. Try to pay by card if you can - this can give you extra safeguards if something  goes wrong.  

Finally, make sure your trader is fully insured. Keep copies of receipts and your written  contract. These will be important as evidence if things go wrong. It’s also helpful to take  photos of any problems if they arise.  

If you have a problem with a contractor and you’re not sure what to do, call the Citizens  Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or talk to an adviser online through the Citizens  Advice website.

Injured biker flown to hospital from Horseshoe Pass

According to a story in the Denbighshire Free Press, a motorcyclist was airlifted to the major trauma centre in Stoke after a crash on the Horseshoe Pass on Sunday.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the incident on the mountain pass above Llangollen at about 4.50pm.

North Wales Police said the collision involved two motorcyclists - one of whom was subsequently flown to the major trauma centre at Stoke Hospital. The other was taken by road ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

No further details on the severity of their injuries have been provided. 

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called on Sunday at 4.52pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving two motorbikes on the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen.

"We sent two emergency ambulances to the scene where we were supported by the Wales Air Ambulance. One person was flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital, another person was transported by road to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for further treatment.”

As a result of the collision, the road was closed from the roundabout with the A542/B5104 to Pentrefelin until shortly after 7pm.

* See the story at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/20222304.llangollen-motorcyclist-flown-hospital-horseshoe-pass-crash/