Eisteddfod's opening day has a powerful message for the world

* Leri Roberts delivers the Peace Message from the main pavilion stage.

The traditional Peace Message delivered this morning (Thursday) on the opening day of the 75^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has never been more relevant than it is today with the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a Welsh Government Minister.

Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport, was special guest at Llangollen Pavilion where she joined a packed audience of hundreds of schoolchildren from across north Wales listening intently to the Peace Message being delivered by young Leri Roberts from the main stage.

* Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies with Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden.

The poignant words were written for the occasion by staunch Eisteddfod supporter Christine Dukes and were inspired by climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

They urged young people of the world to “stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart” to help the world find peace.

After hearing it read out the Minister commented: “The Peace Message was amazing and it was explained to me how it has developed over the years since the first Eisteddfod at Llangollen in 1947.

* A Serbian band delight the Children's Day audience. 

“It has never been more relevant than it is today, with what’s going on in Europe now with Ukraine. It was quite amazing.”

She added: “This is my first time in Llangollen and at the Eisteddfod since I was appointed last year.

“Being Minister gives me the opportunity to see so many cultural organisations, particularly those which have had Welsh Government support, like the Eisteddfod.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic visit. I have seen a couple of performances already and will be talking to some of those involved in the Eisteddfod during a walk-around when I will also meet some of the performers.”

* The Mushroom Man with his carved creations was a top crowd-puller.

Due to the pandemic this was the first fully live Llangollen Eisteddfod held since 2019 and, as usual for the opening, it was Children’s Day which saw hordes of young visitors taking the chance to enjoy themselves on the various attractions dotted around the field.

Venues across town were used for other Eisteddfod events, including the preliminary rounds of a number of competitions whose finals will be held on the main pavilion stage over the next few days.

* A red dragon mascot greets young visitors to the field.

A number of choirs due to compete will perform in St Collen's Church and the first of these was the Palmdale High School Choral Union from California.

* Entertainer Bill Brookman's stand was another popular stop-off point.

* Shea Ferron, dashed from the Town Hall where he had been competing in the opening rounds of the musical theatre competition, to take to the music stage on the field in his other role as children's entertainer. He is seen, centre, MCing a dance-off between two visiting teachers. Miss Dodd's on the right was the winner.

* Local singer Cassius Hackforth competes in the preliminary round of the musical theatre competition at the Town Hall.

* Palmdale High School Choral Union from California sing at St Collen's Church.

* 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

Cat Meade launches Food Share fundraiser

* Food Share's picture of its virtually empty shelves. 

The woman who spearheaded efforts to care for the community during the pandemic has swung back into action to fill the emptying shelves of Llangollen Food Share.

Cat Meade has just launched a new fundraising effort for the local charity which has revealed its current plight on social media.

In a recent post it said: "Every week, it is a challenge to get in enough food in the hub to make up approximately 40-50 weekly food parcels benefitting approximately 60-80 people

"We currently rely heavily on public donations. If you are financially comfortable, please consider donating cupboard food or cash in person or via Paypal or bank transfer." 

In her own post on the Llangollen Support Group, which she founded, Cat has posted: "The team of volunteers at Llan Food Share work day and night/seven days a week supporting local families, the community has been great with donations, however more and more demand is required every week. 

"On seeing the recent numbers the food share are assisting locally, I've put a call out to local businesses for help.

"As always, we look after our own and I am very thankful for the support to assist our fab team at food share."

Details of the fundraiser are:

* £5 per ticket 

* 1ST PRIZE Two Nights stay North Wales Bell Tents and Campsite worth £200.

* 2ND PRIZE £50 The Three Eagles

* 3RD PRIZE £50 Gales Wine Bar

* 4TH PRIZE £40 Rose Lily Interiors 

* 5TH PRIZE £25 The Sun Trevor 

* 6TH PRIZE £20 @KELLYS CHIPPY

* 7TH PRIZE Hamper Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods 

Tickets, which are available until next Wednesday, can be purchased via Paypal or @wingetts office between 11am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

Leave request for numbers or pop into office 

Draw is on  Thursday  July 14.

Donations to food share also welcome 

Food can be taken into Llangollen Food Share  every Tuesday between 10-11am or popped in their trolley in Llangollen Co-op.

New grants announced for community groups

 

A new Welsh Church Act Grant and Youth Led Grant for the 2022 – 2023 Financial Year have been announced by DVSC at the Llangollen Funding Fair with both grants now open for applications.   “Both the Welsh Church Act and Youth Led Grant have been big successes over the last few years, giving local groups here in Denbighshire the opportunity to make a real contribution across the county. We are looking forward to seeing a wide range of different projects applying again this year,” explains Rhys Hughes Enterprise and Learning Officer at DVSC.   Youth Led Grant   The Youth Led Grants Scheme is here to support a small range of volunteering projects and activities that are led and carried out by young people. The applications are selected and recommended by a panel of young people aged 14-25.   £5000 is available to support a range of small volunteering projects and activities, led and carried out by young people which contribute towards the seven Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) goals:   A Prosperous Wales A Resilient Wales A More Equal Wales  A Healthier Wales A Wales of Cohesive Communities A Wales of Vibrant Culture & Thriving Welsh Language A Globally Responsible Wales The deadline for this years grant round is the 8th of August with a decision made on applications later that month.   To apply for the grant, fill out DVSC’s online application here.   Once you have accessed the document please click File in the top left corner and download to get your modifiable version.   DVSC are also looking for young people aged between 14 – 25 to join our Youth Panel for the Youth Led Grant. This will give young people the opportunity to become decision makers on the allocation of funding for youth led projects taking place in the community. Welsh Church Act Grant   Grants of up to £500 are available for local constituted organisations (including registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community groups who have been constituted for more than 6 months, parish or community councils, community interest companies, social enterprises, and uniformed groups). Other entities can be considered at the discretion of our volunteer led Grant Panel.   The grant priorities this year will be: Relating to or based in church run premises On the theme of dementia On the theme of loneliness and isolation Promotes wellbeing Supporting people with learning disabilities Volunteer community activity We are operating a rapid grant decision-making process with applications being considered on a rolling basis until funds are disbursed.  You will hear from us within 14 days of submission if your application has been successful. Apply as soon as possible to ensure your initiative or project receives funding!   To apply for the grant, fill out DVSC’s online application here.   Once you have accessed the document please click File in the top left corner and download to get your modifiable version.   If you want advice and guidance on the above grants contact DVSC’s bilingual Community Support team member, rhys@dvsc.co.uk or call him on 01824 702 441.

Eisteddfod returns tomorrow in blaze of colour

* Staunch Eisteddfod supporter Bill Kong.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns in a blaze of colour tomorrow (Thursday, July 7).

After a Covid-enforced absence, competitors are arriving in the picturesque Dee Valley town in time to celebrate the festival’s 75^th anniversary.

The Eisteddfod was founded in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War in a visionary attempt to  promote peace through musical harmony and dance.

The pandemic put a temporary halt to the festival as a physical event and it took on a virtual format last year, with performances streamed online.

Competitions start tomorrow ( Thursday, July 7)  and the festival culminates with Llanfest on Sundaywhen the eisteddfod will join forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Among the army of volunteers helping to put the festival is a wine expert from Hong Kong who fell in love with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

For years Bill Kong flew 6,000 miles to work as a volunteer at the festival every year. 

He was captivated by the intoxicating magic of the eisteddfod on his first visit as an audience member in 2013 ago when he fulfilled a long-standing ambition to experience it for himself.

Bill said:  “I have been mesmerised by the magic of Llangollen. That means the music, the performers as well as the visitors and above all the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers throughout the year who make the Eisteddfod the incredible event that it has become.

“The young and the more seasoned have all played their part in the history of something so unique and special by participating in the legacy of the festival.”

* Anoushka Shankar is one of this year's stars. 

During the four-day event, 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 a half-sister to 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 Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

Over the years the festival has helped launch the careers of global stars like Luciano Pavarotti.

Among those sending their anniversary congratulations were opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, First Minister Mark Drakeford and Aled Jones.

After competing on the famous pavilion stage as an up and coming young base baritone from Pantglas in Gwynedd, Sir Bryn went on to forge a stellar career as one of the world’s greatest opera singers.

In a specially recorded video message, Sir Bryn said: “I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as it celebrates its 75^th anniversary.

“A truly unique event that is lauded as an international treasure – the people, the stage, the audiences, even all those beautiful flowers at the front of the stage making such a truly memorable and unique experience.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford is also a big fan of the event and what it stands for.

In his video, he said: “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is truly an icon of the Welsh cultural landscape, and it’s particularly exciting to be able to welcome in person attendees back to the event and back to Wales this year.

“As relevant today as when it was first established in the aftermath of the Second World War, the overriding message of the International Eisteddfod is of international harmony and cooperation and it gives us that annual opportunity to reflect upon these vital priorities.”

Meanwhile, Eisteddfod Patron the Prince of Wales has written the foreword for the official programme.

On the last occasion in 2015, when he was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, he was captured on camera dancing to a bhangra beat with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra Dance group from Nottingham.

In the foreword he said: “It is a source of great pride to me, as Patron of the Eisteddfod, that Wales should have given the world this shining example of peace and harmony.

* 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

Piece of Dee Valley history gets new lease of life

* From left, Nicola Lewis-Smith (Canal and River Trust), Jillian Howe and Kate Thomson (Our Picturesque Landscape project), Ken Skates MS, Cllr Karen Edwards and Cllr Paul Keddie.

A piece of local history in the Dee Valley has been given a new lease of life. 

Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, was invited to see the renovation of the Lengthsman’s Hut at the Horseshoe Falls, Llantysilio.

 

The work was done as part of the Our Picturesque Landscape project with the help of grant funding from the Welsh Government, which also saw the surrounding area spruced up.

 

Mr Skates said: “This is a fantastic wider project and this six-month restoration has helped create an improved visitor welcome at the Horseshoe Falls.

 

“The hut has been closed for years, but with the help of funding from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics programme it’s been superbly restored. Local tourism amenities like this often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit new places.

 

“And it’s not just for the benefit of tourists. We have so many hidden gems in the Dee Valley, and projects like this help to restore pieces of local heritage and are a source of local pride.”

 

The Lengthsman’s Hut can be found opposite the old meter house on the canal towpath just past the Chainbridge Hotel. Denbighshire Council is now looking for volunteers to open it up to the public.

Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership Officer Kate Thomson said: "Thanks to Welsh Government Brilliant Basics and National Lottery Heritage funding, the area around the intake and the meter house has been transformed to create a much-improved visitor welcome.

“To celebrate this, we formally opened the Lengthsman’s Hut to the public for the first time. It has been closed up for many years and after a full restoration has been furnished as if the lengthsman, who would have been responsible for the maintenance of a section or length of canal, has just popped out to work and will be back shortly!”

The Our Picturesque Landscape project is a partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, based in the Dee Valley and supported by Canal and River Trust.

Other local projects include the launch of the Saturday Picturesque Bus Service, a circular route linking Llangollen and surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Valle Crucis Abbey and the Horseshoe Pass.

There are also plans for restoration works on the gatehouse at Castell Dinas Brân this summer.

·        Volunteers to open up the Lengthsman’s Hut are asked to call 01824 706163 or email our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

Could latest electric Audi spark your interest?

Audi Q4 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

One thing I have learned testing electric cars is that the decision to buy is far more complex than buying a petrol or diesel.

So many people tell me they are not ready to take the plunge, not because they don’t like the cars, but because of the uncertainty about coping with a long journey and the cost, 30 grand is about the least you will get away with.

Planning a long trip can give you the jitters and there will be times when having to top up between journeys will cause delays but we have still got eight years to get the charging situation right and having driven two electric cars in quick succession I am warming to them.

The Volvo XC 40 reviewed a couple of weeks ago was a fine, if expensive, example of electric power so how does the Q4 e-tron measure up?

This is Audi’s first electric SUV and joins e-tron and e-tron GT and is a direct rival to the Volvo in size and price, both offering all wheel options. Like the all wheel drive Swede the quattro Q4 gets its power from two electric motors, one on each axle pumping out a hefty 293bhp, a good bit less than the Volvo but enough to make it a very swift mover.

The four model range offers three power outputs from either a 55 or 77kWh battery pack so for the most miles look to the rear wheel drive, single motor Q4 40 which could take you 316 miles on a single charge, In reality you would be looking to top up after 200 miles to avoid range anxiety, the new buzz phrase for electric driving.

With my Mr Sensible right foot on the throttle my Q4 50 did rather well, returning around 270 miles of range, 20 short of the official maximum. The computer showed 3.7miles per kWh which in a petrol car would break 100mpg. Anything over three is economic driving and braking into 4 miles per kWh is economy gold.

A home charger gives a full top up overnight, don’t be making do with a three pin plug charge as it takes forever. Find the right charger while travelling and just over 30 minutes will top up to 80 per cent. Q4 can cope with a 125kWh fast charge which will put 80 miles on in just 10 minutes.

To recoup power Q4 has a permanent brake gear, supported by steering wheel paddles which give three levels of braking, but neither is a match for Volvo’s innovative one pedal system which can slow and stop the car without touching the brake at the same time regenerating the batteries.

There is no compromise on quality with Audi and Q4 is trimmed to perfection. The digital driver’s display with Google mapping is not changed but the rest of the dashboard is new with an updated 11.6in touchscreen. It is effective but I prefer to old system with a rotary controller between the seats which is less distracting for the driver and more user friendly. At least the voice control did what it was asked on most occasions.

Audi has always worked on the basis that buyers like to choose their own spec and my S-Line, one above base, came with £10,000 of extras which covered the new multi media screen and a host of safety features. Strangely a reversing camera is not part of standard equipment but I think most drivers would happily swap the power tailgate to see where they are reversing.

So is it the Audi or Volvo? Both are sophisticated, high quality examples of this brave new electric world and here the margins are so tight. I would be happy with either, the Audi S-Line has sharper handling and is more settled on tardy tarmac while the Volvo’s seats are still the best on the planet and one pedal is brilliant, I’m surprised Audi hasn’t come up with its own version.

But even though the Volvo offers more standard equipment I am going for the Audi because I love the way it drives and, crucially, it has more electric range.

What the wife says.

I don’t have to think about it, just give me the Volvo. One pedal technology, more comfortable seats and a beautiful dashboard. And I couldn’t spot any difference in the handling.

Fast facts

Q4 e-tron 50 S-Line quattro

£54,545 Tested £65,065

Range starts £40,750

0-62mph 6.2secs; 111.8mph

Range 290 miles

Emissions: Zero

Insurance group 37

Boot: 520-1490 litres

Police warn about theft of cooking oil

Police are warning about an increase in the theft of cooking oil in north Wales. 

In a message sent on the Neighbourhood Alert network, Community Safety PCSO Christopher Livesey says: "With the rising costs of fuel across the country, we are seeing thefts of cooking oil and an increase on suspicious activity surrounding this.

"We had an incident where two males approached a restaurant in Broughton claiming to be from the Environmental Agency there to collect their waste cooking oil. 

"Luckily the staff member was aware of fraudsters making these claims, asked for ID which was clearly not genuine and sent them away.

"Cooking oil is sought-after to be used in the production of Biodiesel.

"Please be mindful should this relate to your business, of where your cooking oil is stored and the security measures around your property due to the increase in thefts.

"Any suspicious incidents like this, report to 101. If you are unsure if they are genuine, contact your regular waste oil collector to confirm."