ITV Wales news item puts eisteddfod's future under spotlight

* Ken Skates MS puts his viewpoint to ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson gave his view of the current problems facing Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in a TV news item earlier tonight (Monday).

He was filmed for an ITV Wales story on the future of the festival which was aired on the evening bulletin.

Also interviewed for the item was Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Shea Ferron, who is one of the six new members of the eisteddfod's board of trustees.

Phil Robinson, who has covered the eisteddfod as a reporter for the Wrexham Leader, as a press officer for a communications company and also for his news blog, was asked by ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the festival after it recorded a substantial loss on this year's event and and been forced to to make its musical director redundant as a direct result of the financial situation. 

* New trustee Shea Ferron is interviewed on the eisteddfod situation.

After stressing how many people were getting behind the eisteddfod, he said changes were definitely needed.

He explained: "This year some of the evening concerts weren't that well attended, although the one featuring Alfie Boe, the top concert of the week, was a sell-out, so they've got to look at the concerts as well as other things."

Earlier in the item Joanne Gallacher said the eisteddfod needed not only to survive but also to thrive and that volunteers, who were now in charge of the entire event following the departure of musical director Camilla King, had vowed the eisteddfod would continue next year.

Shea Ferron told her: "We are aware that the loss was a substantial amount and hence why we had to make the very difficult decision to make redundant one of the major roles of the eisteddfod."

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson was asked for his opinion on the festival's future. 

Asked how volunteers in charge, like himself, a student, would go out and promote the eisteddfod given that most had other jobs, he replied: "No matter what our commitments we will find the time because of the love that we all have for this festival."

Ken Skates MS was asked if the Welsh Government was likely to hand any further financial aid to the eisteddfod on top of the £90,000 it had already allocated in the current financial year.

The reporter also pointed out it was being said that the National Eisteddfod received more financial support from the government in Cardiff.

Mr Skates replied that he wouldn't like to play one event off against another and added: "The International Eisteddfod exists to promote world peace. It exists to draw people in. It aligns well with the Welsh Government's declared status as a sanctuary nation, and perhaps that is where we could see stronger support from the government."

The report concluded with Joanne Gallacher saying that the volunteers were adamant that the eisteddfod would continue.

She added: "Sponsorship deals are in place, fingers crossed, and they have got a list of stars that they hope will come to the Pavilion next year.

"I can't tell you who the big names are but they are impressive." 

* ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher winds up the story from the bridge.

      

Four Great Highways team seeks further feedback

Following their consultation and feedback gathering earlier in the year, the Four Great Highways project team would now like to gather feedback on people’s preferred design options for the new interpretation and wayfinding due to be installed as part of the scheme. 

Wayfinding posts are used to help people navigate around an area.

Interpretation posts are used to let people know something important about the area, for example, they may be used to provide information about local history.

Once they have received public feedback, the Project Board will consider which designs and pieces of interpretation are the preferred option. 

Feedback must be received by October 8. 

The designs will be on display together with the detailed plans for the project at Llangollen Library from next Wednesday afternoon (September 6) until Saturday October 7 for anybody who would like to pop along for a look.  

The plans are already available to view on the Four Great Highways webpage (see pdf link to General Arrangement Plans within the Gallery section), and the signage and wayfinding designs will be added to the same section soon.

* People can get in touch with the project team us in one of the following ways:

Online: Denbighshire County Conversations

E-mail: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk / pedairprifforddfawr@sirddinbych.gov.uk

Collect and return a paper questionnaire from Wednesday 6^th September 2023 afternoon: Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU

Write to: Corporate Support Service Performance, Digital & Assets, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 9AZ

Operatic sweeps the board at amateur stage 'Oscars'

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has picked up four major awards for two of its 2022 shows at the amateur stage 'Oscars'.

At a ceremony in Newport, south Wales on Saturday night the popular local stage group swept the board at the annual NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards.

Three of the honours came for Calendar Girls the Musical which the main society staged at Llangollen Town Hall September 2022.

These were:

* Outstanding Musical Production

* Outstanding Individual Performance to to Louise Lyne for her role as Chris

* Outstanding Supporting Individual Performance to Aled Morris for his role as Danny

The quartet of awards was completed when Outstanding Performance went to Ethan Le-Cheminant for his role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors which was performed by the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, in March 2022.

Tracey Jones, producer for Calendar Girls, said: "Calendar Girls was certainly a challenge.

"The initial reaction when we asked the committee to proceed with the licence application, was, 'Fantastic choice but who on earth will audition to be naked on Llangollen Stage?'

"As producer I'm so very grateful to the help and dedication from cast and crew, such talent on stage. I hate singling people out but special shout outs and thanks from me have to go to Elen Mair Roberts as musical director who went above and beyond her own role, Louise Lyne for stepping into a lead role three days before opening night and Sarah Marshall for also picking up a role unexpectedly last minute and all the movement/directional support.

"Backstage crew worked incredibly hard under the direction of Millie Orton-Jones, who led the team with such confidence and professionalism at the tender age of just 21.

"Everybody who helped, no matter how big or small. Thank you. This award is for you all. Here's to the next one - Bad Girls The Musical in May 2024."

Pamela Williams, who produced Little Shop of Horrors for the Young 'Uns, said: "Huge congratulations to Ethan for this award. Everyone involved in the production of Little Shop is thrilled for him, it was a massive part and he was exceptional in it.

"We wish him well now that he has left the Young 'Uns to go on to university."

County has 'no evidence' of buildings at risk from suspect concrete

Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place.

It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe

In the light of what has happened over the border it Is understood that Denbighshire has received a number of enquiries from schools, governors and elected members seeking assurances that the associated risks to county schools is low.   

It has therefore made a statement on the issue, a copy of which has been seen by llanblogger.

This says: “The issue of RAAC being used in buildings was raised via the Local Government Association in 2019/20. In response to this, Denbighshire County Council instigated a two-phased approach.  

"Phase 1 involved a review of all building stock based on known construction materials and methods used in our buildings from previous surveys, specifications, and surveyor knowledge.  

"Based on this review, the second phase identified buildings with potential RAAC or where there was insufficient information to make a judgement.  

"Following this, surveys of 105 buildings were commissioned in 2021 to establish whether RAAC was present. These detailed surveys were on a range of Council buildings, not just schools. All surveys returned negative results.

"Denbighshire County Council would like to reassure elected members, governors, parents and school staff that it has taken all reasonable steps to ascertain the structural integrity of its buildings and has no evidence to suggest any of its buildings are at risk. The council will work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required."

“The work undertaken by the team means that pupils can start the new term as planned, as there is no evidence to suggest any of the buildings are at risk. The Council will, of course, work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required.”

Councillor Gill German, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families Services said, “Denbighshire County Council is proud of its continued investment in the education of the County’s young people in partnership with Welsh Government through the 21st Century Schools Programme. 

"Over recent years, over £90 million has been invested in the County’s schools with five brand new school buildings for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin, Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog, Ysgol Llanfair in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Christ the Word Catholic School, Rhyl, and Rhyl High School, while a significant extension was built at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph and at Bodnant Community School and Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd. 

“In addition, plans are in place to deliver further investments in partnership with the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, with proposals being developed for a new facility at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, in Denbigh together with further investment at Ysgol Pendref and Denbigh High School in Denbigh and at Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol y Gwernant in Llangollen.” 

Work starts to extend Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to canal

 

* Work begins on the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

Work has started to connect the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to the canal at the far end of the site.

OBR Construction has been appointed to carry out the work which should be complete by the beginning of October. 

David Shiel, area manager of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is in charge of the scheme, said: "The path from the Nature Reserve will link to the canal just beyond where the canal passes under the road.  

"It’s a very steep bank so the work will include ground stabilisation – including soil nailing.  Quite a challenge but a big move to linking the site to the wider area.

"Access around the site should not be affected whilst work is going on and we will do everything to avoid any inconvenience to visitors. 

"This is the final piece in the jigsaw in the development of Wenffrwd as a nature reserve that started in 2021, and will make it possible to link to the canal without crossing the road."  

Eisteddfod welcomes six new trustees

* RAF chaplain Rebekah Canon can often be seen around Llangollen in her tuk tuk.

* Shea Ferron brought the house down at Llangollen 2023 with his surprise rendition of Bring Him Home with Alfie Boe.

* Bill Kong, new trustee Selana Kong, former chair Phil Davies and new trustee Allison Davies.

A churchwoman who doubles as a Squadron Leader in the RAF, a singer who unexpectedly shared the stage with Alfie Boe and a woman who moved 6,000 miles to be closer to the festival she loves are amongst the new trustees of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The Rev Rebekah Canon is an Anglican RAF chaplain who trained as a professional  actor and theatre director - and is often seen around Llangollen at the wheel of a gaily-coloured tuk tuk vehicle.  

She worked internationally in Thailand, Bali and Russia on multi-disciplinary, large-scale performance and events. She has now made Llangollen her home with her partner Gerallt.

She said:  “I am utterly thrilled to be involved in contributing towards the future of the International Eisteddfod.  

"It is a unique event that has directly contributed to making Llangollen such a special place.  

"The heartbeat of our town is synonymous with the diversity, inclusivity and artistry of the Eisteddfod and I’m focused on seeing that continue for generations to come. 

"To play a key role in safeguarding our peace festival that welcomes the world to Llangollen every year is an amazing privilege.”

Shea Ferron, at 20 is already a well-known figure in Llangollen.  

In May, he was a member of the John’s Boys Chorus who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.  

The drama student is a former Choir of the World winner and joined Alfie Boe on stage in July to rapturous applause.  

Shea is the youngest ever trustee of the Eisteddfod has been involved in the festival, in various guises, since childhood.  

He is combining his work as trustee with studying in his final year at The Institute for Contemporary Theatre in Manchester.

Shea said: “The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, like the arts, is in my blood. Since I was a youngster, it has been a major part of my life. 

"Some of my first memories are from this inspirational festival.  I am both honoured and grateful to be joining the board of trustees at such a critical point in the Eisteddfod’s 76-year history, ensuring the festival is here for generations to come.”

Another familiar face joining the board is Selana Kong, who loved the Llangollen Eisteddfod so much that she, her husband Bill and son Daniel relocated 6,000 miles just to be closer to it. 

For years, Selena and Bill travelled over from Hong Kong just to volunteer.   

Now they live within walking distance of Llangollen Pavilion and Selana wants to reach out across the world to continue the Eisteddfod’s peace tradition. 

Selana, a professional coach, mediator, and consultant, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod is an amazing festival and in a polarised world, our message of peace and unity is as vital today as it was in 1947.  

"I want to continue the tradition of our festival reaching out to the world.  Bill and I fell in love with the Llangollen Eisteddfod and frequently travelled back to volunteer.  In 2019, we decided to cut the commute and move here lock, stock and barrel.  

"When I was asked to stand for election to the Eisteddfod Board, I jumped at the chance.  It is an amazing opportunity to give something back to the festival that changed our lives and ensure it can continue to change others.”

The strengthened board has already held an open evening, bringing together the committees and new volunteers, that saw dozens of festival supporters brainstorming ideas to safeguard the future of the festival.  

The board has additionally already met several times as they put planning in place for next year’s festival.  

Fundraising plans are being finalised as the team work to ensure the future of the festival.

Eisteddfod chair Sarah Ecob said: “We are delighted to welcome our new board members who bring a range of new talents and deep knowledge of the Eisteddfod to our board.  

"This will be invaluable as we continue our programme of recovery and growth. We would like to thank the outgoing Board Members, all of whom will continue to be active within the Eisteddfod structures."

The trustees have joined the team as the Eisteddfod, which started in 1947 to promote peace, faces huge financial challenges.  

The new trustees were directly elected by company members and all bring different types of expertise.  Collectively, they will be stepping up to the breach left after what festival officials describe as the "difficult financial decision" to make executive producer Camilla King redundant in August. 

Other new members of the board include Allison Davies, a former teacher at Ysgol Dinas Bran who has been heavily involved in the festival for decades, and Karen Price who has been involved in the festival all her life – first helping with the famous flowers and more recently as chair of Competitors' Committee and was the UK competitor’s liaison officer.  

Communication’s professional David Hennigan has also been elected on to the board.  He first sang at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1985, met his wife at the festival and has now relocated to the town. 

Grants up for grabs for Third Sector groups

Grants to support Third Sector organisations across the county to build resilience and sustainability are now available through the Denbighshire Key Fund.

The grants range from £2,000 to £50,000 and funds have to be spent by October 2024.

Application deadline is: Saturday September 30 at midnight.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I would urge local Third Sector organisations to submit their applications for these grants as soon as possible."  

* For further information, go to: dvsc.co.uk/grant/denbighshire-key-fund, email: keyfund@dvsc.co.uk or call 07376 124535.