Charity trekker Gary battles on despite the blisters

* Gary plots his progress on a map of the Camino Trail.

Painfully blistered feet continued to trouble Llangollen's Gary Fletcher during the second week of his solo 500-mile charity walk to raise at least £10,000 for a local hospital’s specialist children’s unit. 

Gary Fletcher, 44, is trekking through France and Spain along the famous Camino De Santiago Pilgrim Trail.  

He reckons it will take him between six and eight weeks, dependent on the weather or any injuries he might sustain along the way. 

Early last week the blisters became so painful that he had to stop for a while to allow them to heal in the Spanish town of Estelle.

He mentions this on the Facebook page on which he is reporting his progress.

His sister Michaela comments on his post, sympathising with his pain and telling him to "keep rockin' on!"

Eventually back on the trail he had a stopover in the town of Hormilla, just outside Najera, towards the end of the week.

He mentions having a "nice clean room for 30 euros" in the local hotel and how the heat was increasing as he marched deeper into Spain.    

Gary, who recently sold his development site next to White Waters Hotel and is looking for another property in or around the town, spent weeks training for his foot-slogging marathon by climbing local hills and mountains and sweating it out in daily gym sessions. 

He also mounted an intensive publicity and social media campaign to gain the sponsorship from local businesses that he needs before he can set off on the challenge in aid of the pioneering Movement Centre at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen.  

Before leaving he said: “I have wanted to do something to help children in our country for some time. With the centre I have found the perfect charity to support as it relies solely on donations and private fundraising to continue its work supporting children of all ages with mobility issues.” 

His regular posts on Facebook detail how he set off aboard the Eurostar from London bound for Paris on May 6.

* You can sponsor Gary at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/500-mile-walk-along-the-camino-santiago-trail 

Rotary gets busy building bee and bug hotels

* Rotary members installing the seeded area and bug hotels.

Vale of Llangollen Rotary and its associated community team have installed the first bee garden and bug houses in the gardens of Tan-y-Garth Hall, a retreat near Lllanollen.

1st Enable Ltd at Chester sponsored the project which is the first installation under the Rotary International programme, Operation Pollination and recognises the importance of a pollinator habitat both restored and maintained on public and private lands. 

Through collaboration and outreach, an interconnected mosaic of these habitats will be interspersed between public and private land with the aim of increasing populations of species throughout the area.

Pollinators play a vital role in flower and plant reproduction: 80% to 90% of all plants depend on them to reproduce.  

A Rotary spokesperson said: "As pollinator advocates, we recognise the need to help reverse the unintended consequences of human activities in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes and help to establish a mosaic of vibrate pollinator habitats throughout the Vale of Llangollen.

"If you have a small area of ground in Llangollen or your village in the area that you think would benefit from a bee garden please get in touch."

The Vale of Llangollen Rotary and Vale of Llangollen Community Team is ready to welcome individuals and couples of 18+ from the local community who want to be people of action.  

They normally meet face-to-face, at Liberty Tavern, 20 Market Street, Llangollen on Monday evenings at 7.30pm.

* For more information contact Mike Lade on 07803 038858, valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com or see www.valeofllangollenrotary

Vehicle fire breaks out on main road into Llan

* Picture: Sarah Mann from Facebook.

A vehicle fire blocked a main road near Llangollen earlier today, according to a story in the Leader.

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23531295.vehicle-fire-blocks-main-road-near-llangollen/

Evening taster session planned for young kayakers

Following on from the success of last year's initative, Llangollen Canoe Club is again teaming up with North Wales Slalom to introduce more youngsters into the sport as part of the 2023 North Wales Slalom Programme.

On Thursday May 25, from 6:30 - 8:30pm, they will host an evening for young people aged between 10 and 16 to come along and try out slalom kayaking on the River Dee Course at Mile End Mill/TNR.

Location: https://g.page/TNROutdoors?share

In a Facebook post the organisers say: "Once more, we’re looking to develop a young group who can begin and continue to train with expert tuition alongside a team of top slalom coaches and form an active part of the North Wales Slalom team who will then go on to compete in local, national and potentially, international events and competitions.

"This initiative would suit youngsters who are already comfortable and confident around water and ideally have already had experience with some form of kayaking and paddle sports, although all are welcome to attend and take part to see if this sport ‘floats their boat’.

"All equipment, including slalom kayaks, paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and cags will be provided and the young person will be able to take part in the slalom course ‘taster’ evening session.

"On this first evening, we will begin at 6:30pm with a short presentation from Jonathan Davis, Canoe Wales Talent Pathway Officer, explaining more on the sport of Slalom Kayaking and how he and his team will look to develop and train this new group, working on their paddling skills and all elements of the sport should they choose to start out on this path to becoming young Slalom athletes.

"If you would like to attend this free event and book a space for your potential paddling star(s) of the future then send an email to jonathan.davis@canoewales.com to reserve your space so we have a good idea of expected numbers.

"This event is open to club members and non-club members alike and we look forward to welcoming many young people and their families to the evening."

Vehicle destroyed in deliberate blaze near town

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this morning (Wednesday) how a vehicle was destroyed in a deliberate blaze near Llangollen yesterday evening.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/23527506.vehicle-destroyed-deliberate-fire-near-llangollen/ 

  

Llangollen Ramblers planning Offa's Dyke Path walk this summer

Starting on June 27 Llangollen Ramblers will be walking the Offa's Dyke Path in sections, starting from Prestatyn.  

Each walk will be between 7 and 11 miles in length and will take place on the last Thursday of the month. 

Beyond Knighton (April '24), a short stay of 1-3 nights each time will be necessary and the route should be completed by late summer 2024.

A group spokesperson said: "Transport logistics mean we can take only a limited number on each walk, but we do have a few spare places at present.  

"If you think you could be interested in joining us please contact Judy asap for more details (07905 330788 / smithdinbren@gmail.com).  

"You will be very welcome, and you really don't have to commit to the whole at once - you are perfectly welcome to come along and see."

Alfie Boe 'can't wait' to headline the Eisteddfod

* Alfie Boe will headline at this year's Eisteddfod.

Superstar tenor Alfie Boe says he "can't wait" to return to North Wales as he gets set to headline Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

The renowned English singer and actor will open the event alongside Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Welsh of the West End at a glitzy evening concert on Tuesday, July 4.

Alfie, who has appeared at the cultural festival on several occasions, said fans will be treated to "fantastic bloody music" with a hand-picked programme created just for Llangollen.

Supported by Welsh of the West End - which is made up of some of Wales' own home-grown talent - Alfie said fans are in for a great night.

Speaking about his return to the town, he said: "Performing in Llangollen is very exciting because it's a real buzz.

"There's a great musical atmosphere - everybody's there from around the world celebrating music and culture and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of.

"The last few times I've been, I've loved every minute.

"And when you get to play the main stage and you have a day of your own, it's even better, I can't wait."

Alfie, who has collaborated with many choirs during his career said he's looking forward to teaming up with Welsh of the West End -  the musical theatre super-group and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists.

Commenting on what fans can expect, Alfie said: "Fantastic bloody music -  a good concert, lots of fun and laughter.

"My aim is to deliver a good show with lots of different music.

"It's always nice to try new songs out with a festival crowd."

Alfie, who is gearing up for his UK tour this September, said he has lots in the pipeline for his loyal fans including a book and a new album.

"I just want to keep coming up with ideas, keep working and doing the best I can. I'm trying my hand at some original songs too so I'll be drip-feeding them to the public."

Welsh of the West End star Steffan Hughes from Llangwyfan near Denbigh, who has been a Youth Ambassador for Llangollen Eisteddfod and also presented the S4C coverage of the festival in 2019, said appearing at the festival with Alfie is a real "full circle moment" having competed in the event for many years growing up.

He said: "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod holds a dear place in my heart. A truly unique festival, that I had the privilege of representing as a youth ambassador in my teens. 

"I spent many years competing on that wonderful stage and enjoyed the most varied and high-quality concerts there too. I’m so excited to be bringing Welsh of the West End to Llangollen. 

"We represented Wales on an international stage through our appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, but there’s truly no place like home - and as a Denbighshire boy myself, I’m thrilled to be singing on home turf. We'll be performing some of our favourite songs from the world of musical theatre and film."

Steffan added: "Sharing the stage with the wonderful Alfie Boe is the icing on the cake. We were a guest act on his UK tour with Michael Ball last year, so we're very excited to be reuniting with him once more." 

Fellow members, Jade Davies from Denbigh, sister of Love Island winner Amber Davies, and Mared Wiliams from Llannefydd, who alongside Steffan, all went to Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph said they are also excited for the event.

Jade, who has performed in shows such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera said: "It's a dream come true to share the stage with Alfie Boe - someone who I really admire. It'll be a joy to perform on that iconic Llangollen stage."

Mared, who is a previous winner of the Musical Theatre International Voice of the Future at Llangollen said: "I'm thrilled to be singing at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod again. Having grown up competing and visiting the Eisteddfod, it's a lovely feeling to be coming back to perform with professional musical theatre experience behind me."

The Eisteddfod will be back for its 76th year this summer - the first full length festival to be held since before the coronavirus pandemic.

And this year, the Parade of Nations will be back for the first time since 2019.

Llangollen Eisteddfod executive producer Camilla King said: "There was a lot of excitement last year when we came back for the first time since 2019 but people then were still cautious about covid and travel, whereas this year, everyone's ready to be back out there celebrating.

"People can expect to see a lot of the things that the festival has developed a reputation for - fantastic world renowned artists, competitions which showcase performers from around the world, exciting live finals like Choir of the World, Dance Champions and Voice of the Future - where you'll see some of the top choirs, dance groups and operatic soloists.

"There'll also be spectacular international concerts which bring lots of different performers together including The White Flower which sees massed forces of Welsh, Bosnian and Ukrainian performers. We’re also delighted that the 2022 Pendine International Voice of the Future winner, Emyr Lloyd Jones, will be joining us on stage as a soloist for this concert.

On the Eisteddfod line-up will be well known jazz performer and conductor, Guy Barker with his Big Band on Friday 7 July, collaborating with top soloists such as Tommy Blaize, lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing, and soul and jazz musicians, Clare Teal, Giacomo Smith and Vanessa Haynes performing a one-off set.

"It's going to be a real summer's evening party - if you're into jazz and you like that punchy big band Sinatra sound, this is the night out for you," Camilla said.

Commenting about Alfie Boe's return to Llangollen, Camilla added: "It's a few years since Alfie has been to the Eisteddfod but he's a real favourite with our audience. 

"It's also a brilliant showcase for Welsh of the West End - really talented young Welsh musical theatre stars.”

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod runs between July 4 and 9, and features a combination of competition and performance with choirs competing for the coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy. 

Each year around 4,000 participants take to the stage with around 25,000 visitors attending.

There will also be lots of entertainment on the outside site including workshops, talks, international showcases, outdoor theatre performances and circus skills.

The Eisteddfod will also crown the 2023 dance champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, in addition to the Pendine International Voice of the Future event.

Tickets are available online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.