New book celebrates picturesque Dee Valley

* Author Jessica Hatcher-Moore reads from the new book at the library launch event.

A fascinating new book, entitled Dee Valley: The Making of Our Picturesque Landscape, has gone on sale locally.

The book, produced by the Our Picturesque Landscape project and written by local author Jessica Hatcher-Moore, takes readers on a visual journey of the inspirational landscapes of the Dee Valley, and includes stories of the influential characters and events which have shaped the area over the last 400 years.

The coffee table-style book features some of the outstanding works of art which have been inspired by the picturesque Dee Valley over the centuries, including those by world-renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and J.M.W. Turner, as well as contemporary local artists still finding inspiration in the Dee Valley today. 

A series of historic postcards and photographs of the area are a welcome addition, alongside some of the beautiful written descriptions and poems that have been composed about the Dee Valley throughout the years.

The book will be available to purchase at local venues including Plas Newydd Historic House, Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and Loggerheads Country Park among others, and with a limited print run, those interested are advised to buy their copy early to avoid disappointment.

During the launch event at Llangollen Library yesterday (Tuesday) evening guests heard from the project team and author Jessica Hatcher-Moore about the inspiration and creative process behind the book, as well as picking up their own copies.  

The book has been produced through the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said: “The Dee Valley has played such an historically significant role in both the Picturesque art movement and the Industrial Revolution, and with this book we are delighted to be able to share the stories of how these very different aspects have combined to shape the Dee Valley of today. 

"We are really proud of this book, which beautifully depicts the changing landscapes of the Dee Valley, and are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the funding which has made our project, and this book, possible.”

Rotary to host carol singing extravaganza in town this Saturday

* Vale of Llangollen Rotary members tune-up for their carol singing on Saturday.

Members of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club #valeofllangollenrotary have invited the community to join them in singing carols in the town's Centenary Square this Saturday afternoon.

From 2pm passers-by will be asked to help spread seasonal joy and raise money for three good causes.

The afternoon's celebration will continue at The Cornmill restaurant and pub at 3.30pm. At 4.15pm the carol singers will move to The Three Eagles and festivities will conclude at The Hand.

Throughout the occasion club members will have buckets to collect donations for their three nominated charities - Llangollen Food Share, Welsh Air Ambulance, and the international disaster relief and first response organisation Shelterbox. 

For more information on these go to https://www.valeofllangollenrotary.com/projects-6

"We're thrilled to bring the community together for an afternoon of joy and goodwill," said a club spokesperson.

"This event not only allows us to celebrate the festive season but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate. 

"We encourage everyone to join us in spreading holiday cheer and contributing to our fundraising efforts."

* For more information about the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club contact Kurly at: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com 

Inner Wheel's Christmas Cheer charity event this Saturday

In aid of local charities, The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen will be hosting a charity evening of  “Christmas Cheer” in Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday December 16, starting at 7pm. 

Arranged with the help of local musician Owen Roberts, the evening will feature festive music and the talents of local soloists, including Phillip Robinson, Debbie Whitfield and Emma Williams.

In addition there will be a piano solo performance by Anna Romanenko, who originates from the Ukraine but now lives in Llangollen. 

There will be a glass of punch on arrival and a festive two-course supper at the interval for attendees.  

The evening’s celebrations will come to a close with some rousing community carol singing, led by Gethin Davies. 

Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of punch and festive supper. 

Money raised by the event will go towards helping to support local charities. In the past year, the organisations helped by the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen have included: Llangollen Food Share, Pentredwr Hub, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Wales Air Ambulance.

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen has been in existence for 60 years and is part of a worldwide organisation with the aim of promoting friendship and providing service to the community. 

* To obtain tickets call 01691 828395 or 0781 6286436.

Llangollen named as one of six 'most charming' Welsh towns

* The illustration of Llangollen in the WorldAtlas story. 

An international geography website has named Llangollen as one of the six most charming towns in Wales.

WorldAtlas.com specialises in educational geography, environment and current events.

Taking a look at Wales, it says the country frequently ranks on the bucket lists of travellers from the USA, adding: “Little wonder. In addition to its stunning mountain and coastal scenery, Wales boasts some of the most picture-perfect scenery in the United Kingdom.

Apart from Llangollen, the six towns in Wales it reckons are the most charming include Llanrwst and Betwys y Coed in Conwy, Beddgelert in Gwynedd, Brecon in Powys and Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

Of Llangollen, the website says: “Located in Denbighshire close to the border with neighboring England, Llangollen is every inch the quintessential Welsh small town.

“Set in the Dee Valley and framed by the Berwyn Mountains and the River Dee, the town's most important landmarks include the engineering miracle that is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was completed in 1805 and carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee and offers breathtaking views of the valley.”

The story, which is accompanied by a picture of the railway from the river side, adds: “You’ll also want to hop aboard the Llangollen Railway, a heritage steam line running along the Dee Valley with spectacular scenery the whole way.

“If you’re interested in sampling a little Welsh culture, try to time your visit to coincide with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an annual festival celebrating music, dance, and performance from around the world that’s held the second week of July.

“Outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed at the nearby Horseshoe Pass where you can also explore several ancient castle ruins.”

* To see the story, go to: 6 Most Charming Small Towns in Wales - WorldAtlas

Meanwhile, an article in the Manchester Evening News picks out Llangollen as one of the most festive towns in easy reach of Greater Manchester.

The article says: "Throughout December Llangollen Railway runs the Santa Special steam train where families can meet Santa and his elves on board. Meanwhile adults can enjoy a festive afternoon tea and listen to Christmas songs as you cruise along the Llangollen Canal, passing over the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Revellers can even join the Christmas Party Boat which features a retro buffet and festive hits from over the years." 

* See it at: The towns near Greater Manchester named among the UK’s ‘most festive’ - Manchester Evening News

Christmas craft workshops at Llangollen station

 

Plas Issa Farm to host dog-friendly Christmas event

Plas Issa Farm in Penycae is hosting a dog friendly Christmas event December 17 at 3pm.

Dog sport taster sessions in canine hoopers and rally fun will be on offer as well as separate areas for extraverted rough and tumble dogs and introverted shy dogs who prefer a gentle mooch.

A host of stallholders will also be in attendance including natural dog treats, dog walking and pet services, dog training, dog rescue - Shad’s Legacy, dog grooming, gifts, crafts and a photographer on hand to capture those special moments.

Sarah Collis, of Berry & Friends Natural Treats and Berry’s Pet Services, said: “As a new local business I’m delighted to be a part of the Plas Issa Farm Christmas event.

* Plas Issa Farm.

“I have three dogs of varying ages - including my 16-year-old Labrador, Berry, whom both my businesses are named after.

“Plas Issa Farm is a great space for Berry to quietly mooch about in and for my much younger Border Collie and German Shepherd to race around and tire themselves out!”

There will also be a competition for best dog Christmas fancy dress and a musical chairs dog competition.

Wendy Roberts from Plas Issa Farm said: “Our facilities include multiple fields for secure off lead dog walks and runs, agility sessions and a dog play area - for the dogs who just love to get wet and muddy!

“We’ll have trainers on site leading taster sessions for dogs who might like canine sports or if you have an easier-going dog, we have designated space available for them to explore at their own pace.

“The farm will be open from 3pm until around 5.30pm and we welcome all friendly and well-socialised dogs.”

* Booking for the event is essential and limited places are available so early booking is advised. Price is just £4 per person and £3 per dog. Book via: https://plasissafarm.simplybook.it/v2/#book/service/35 or contact Plas Issa Farm on Facebook.

Eisteddfod's Snowman concerts now sold out

NEW Sinfonia and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's 'Snowman' fundraising concerts on December 23 are officially sold out.  

The shows feature community choir NEW Voices and will be led by refugees. 

The concerts, held at the Llangollen Pavilion main hall, promise to be one of the highlights of Llangollen's festive calendar and will culminate with 'The Snowman' film, whose magical soundtrack will be brought to life by North East Wales orchestra NEW Sinfonia. 

The concerts are part of an ongoing partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and NEW Sinfonia.  

They worked together on the acclaimed 'White Flower' concert in July and this latest collaboration has proved one of the hottest tickets in the region in the run up to Christmas. 

David Hennigan, a Board Trustee at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. said: "We are really pleased that families have bought lots of tickets for our Christmas concerts.  

"This was one of things that residents told us they wanted us to bring back.  NEW Sinfonia are a pleasure to work with.  

"We are lucky to have an orchestra like this based in North Wales. They share our ethos of promoting peace and reconciliation through music. We are looking forward to these special Christmas Concerts which are part of our festival's focus all year-round activity."

The two concerts will raise money for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and a local refugee charity.  

The Eisteddfod goes from strength to strength. Last week, they announced their core concert programme featuring a Llangollen debut for Sir Tom Jones, classical superstar Katherine Jenkins, local superstars Johns Boys' Chorus, Royal Harpist Alis Huws, award-winning folk band Calan, West End and Broadway stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones and two-time GRAMMY winning jazz sensation Gregory Porter.  Tickets are available at www.llangollen.net

NEW Sinfonia, led by brothers Jonathan and Robert Guy, have a busy Christmas schedule.  

The orchestra and community choir NEW Voices are also performing a New Year Gala Concert on Saturday, January 6 at 3pm at St Giles Church, Wrexham.  

This will feature renowned Ukrainian Soprano Khrystyna Makar, who now lives with her family in Shotton. 

Robert Guy, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of NEW Sinfonia, said: "We're delighted that we have sold out our Christmas Concerts in Llangollen and cannot wait for our New Year one in Wrexham.  

"This will cap another busy Christmas for our orchestra, choir and the amazing refugees we are proud to give a stage to.  

* Khrystyna Makar.

"The Snowman Concerts will be an amazing experience for those lucky enough to get tickets. If you haven't managed to get a ticket then why not join Khrystyna and NEW Sinfonia in the beautiful surrounds of St Giles Church for our New Year Gala Concert."

* If any business would like to place an advert in the programme, then adverts are available from £70. Please email jonathan@newsinfonia.org.uk  

For tickets to the Gala Concert, go to: https://www.newsinfonia.org.uk/event-details/new-year-gala-concert-1