Snow finally arrives in Llangollen

* The snow which has been forecasted for the past week finally arrived this morning, leaving a blanketing over Llangollen, as can be seen from the rooftops here. The view of the castle was completely wiped out by snow and mist. 

Young 'Uns stage group launches hunt for new producer

 

* Food Glorious Food: the workhouse scene from the Young 'Uns production of Oliver! Picture: Aled Morris.

The much-anticipated staging of Oliver! by Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, later this month will be the final one with producer Pam Williams in charge.

And once the costumes and props from the show are packed away the search will begin for someone new to take charge of future productions by this popular group which has had a string of hits in recent years, including Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors and The Addams Family.

Pam said: “I've done 11 years with Young ‘Uns and nine shows and thoroughly enjoyed the experience but feel that the time is right to step down and let someone else take over the reins, so to speak.  

“Youngs ‘Uns has a great tradition going back 33 years and we really want to continue this success story.”

She explained: “The new producer will basically choose a show and put it to the committee for approval and then look to put together a production team, with director, choreographer and so on.

“ Currently have a group of 27 children with many waiting to join.

“The producer’s role is to organise all aspects of the show and co-ordinate all the teams involved in front of the curtains and behind the scenes.

“It can be hard work but it’s also a lot of fun and can be very rewarding, so if there’s anyone out there who reckons they could fit the bill we’d love to hear from them.”

* If you're interested in the role you can contact the Young ‘Uns at: info@@llangollen-operatic.co.uk

Oliver!, which is the group's 33rd production since it was founded in 1990, takes place from Thursday-Saturday, February 22-24, at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee of the last day.

Oliver! is a stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

It follows the tale of young Oliver from his early days in a grim workhouse, his escape to London where he meets up with the gag of trainee thieves led by the old rogue Fagin and the trials he faces at the hands of the villainous robber Bill Sikes.   

Production team for the Young 'Uns version is Robin Crowley (artistic director), Julian Cattley (musical director) Pam Williams (producer), Deirdre Smith (assistant producer) and Sarah Marshal (choreographer).

* Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or Llangollen Tourist Information, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

Roadworks alert for Aber Adda

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is:

Aber Adda, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 February - 13 February   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)   Description: MAINS CONNECTION   Works location: OUTSIDE 1 HILL STREET   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: XY254003001625597/01

 

Man rescued following incident near Horseshoe Falls

On Saturday (February 3) NEWSAR (North East Wales Search and Rescue) and emergency services attended an incident at Horseshoe Falls, where a person had fallen into the water whilst kayaking. 

The man received CPR before being stabilised and transferred to hospital.

For the full story, see the Denbighshire Free Press at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24102787.llangollen-man-taken-hospital-following-incident/

Parade will mark Llangollen Royal British Legion branch's centenary

* A recent Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Centenary Square at which the town's Royal British Legion branch plays a key role.

Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion is to mark its 100th birthday with a special celebration this month.

Branch members, in partnership with the town council, play a high-profile role in organising the annual Remembrance ceremonies around the war memorials in Centenary Square and also have a major role in the yearly poppy appeals.

On the branch's Facebook page its chairman Mike Adams posted in a message to members: "It is the centenary of Llangollen RBL branch this year and we are planning a little celebration on Saturday February 17.

"March from Market street down Parade Street past the war memorials to the church."

The parade will form up outside Liberty Tavern at 11.45am then go through the town centre from Market Street, following the bus route to Parade Street and across Castle Street onto Bridge Street.

The parade will then perform an "eyes right" salute as it passes the war memorials in Centenary Square before heading to St Collen's Church for a short service of celebration conducted by Father Lee Taylor.

This will be followed by a lunch at the RAFA club for legion branch members and guests involved in the organisation.

Following the service all parade participants will make their way to the RAFA Club for a curry lunch and refreshments. There will be a small charge (£6) for the curry lunch for those not marching in the parade, and who wish to have lunch. It is anticipated that the church service will take approximately 30 minutes, and all will be welcome to attend. A branch spokesperson said: "Along with current branch members, and other services, we would be delighted to see as many armed forces veterans in attendance as possible, from Corwen and elsewhere. Please pass on far and wide, to your family and friends. We will be meeting on Market Street at 11.30am for the march to St Collen’s. "We’d love to see the local community come and join us in celebrating our 100th year in existence. If you can’t march, you can probably sing, so feel free to join us at the church and onto the RAFA Club."

Eisteddfod sends its best wishes to King Charles III

* King Charles III dances to the bhangra beat on his visit to the 2015 Eisteddfod as Prince of Wales.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has sent its best wishes to King Charles III after he was diagnosed with a form of cancer. 

The Eisteddfod’s Chair, Professor Chris Adams, has written to Buckingham Palace with a message of support to His Majesty on behalf of the festival. 

Chris said: "King Charles III has been a huge supporter of our peace festival in Llangollen. As the Prince of Wales he was our patron for 26 years from 1996. 

"He has visited Llangollen numerous times, and championed the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize application. We look forward to welcoming him again upon his recovery. We wish him, Queen Camilla and the Royal Family well as he recovers."

TV historian to feature aqueduct in new documentary series

* Dan Snow at the aqueduct.

A World Heritage Site is set to appear on a popular historian's documentary series, according to the Shropshire Star.

Dan Snow, known on social media as 'The History Guy', posted a video of him visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Instagram.

* For the full story, go to:  Watch: TV historian Dan Snow reveals documentary plan for world heritage site and 'one of my favourite places' | Shropshire Star