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Wednesday, 12 August 2009

Welsh star of stage John Owen Jones to head 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables

Welsh musical star John Owen Jones will play Jean Valjean in the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh, the world-famous theatre producer, has announced.

The new production of the world’s longest running musical opens at Wales Millennium Centre on 11 December 2009 for a month-long run before embarking on a major UK and international tour. When it went on sale in Cardiff it broke all previous first-day-sale box office records held at the Centre.

The Burry Port singer and actor will be joined on stage by Gareth Gates in the role of Marius and Earl Carpenter as Javert.

Broadway and West End star John Owen Jones was recently hailed by the New York Post as the best Jean Valjean since Colm Wilkinson. He has starred in both West End and Broadway versions of the show and is the youngest actor ever to play Valjean after winning the role at the age of 26. John – who started his career with Llanelli Youth Theatre – has also appeared as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre where he gained the record of the West End’s longest-running Phantom.

Gareth Gates needs no introduction. A multi million selling popstar who still has the second best selling single this decade, more recently he has played the title role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre and was a semi finalist in Dancing on Ice 2008.

Earl Carpenter who is currently playing Javert in the West End production of Les Misérables has also starred as The Phantom in the West End as well as the starring role of Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

The production will have spectacular new designs inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, who wrote the book on which the musical is based. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more.

Les Misérables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on 3 April 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When Les Misérables celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World’s Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by Cats in London’s West End.

This new production will be directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the works of Victor Hugo and John Napier. Original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter.

Les Misérables will be at Wales Millennium Centre from 11 December 2009 – 16 January 2010. For more information, or to book tickets, call the box office on 08700 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk

Come and enjoy the Powys Youth Arts Festival

Come and enjoy a great day out at the Powys Youth Arts Festival which is taking place at the Pavillion in Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday 12th August 2009 from 11am - 6pm.

The decision was made to partner with Powys Youth Service to put on the festival, which is running for the first time in this format with the aim of giving young people across the county access to a creative space where they can experience a variety of art forms in a fun and enjoyable environment.

Arts Connection, a community arts organisation based in Llanfyllin and CARAD, a community arts and heritage organisation based in Rhayader and Celf o Gwmpas have been working in partnership for a number of years and have recently received funding from Arts Council of Wales to carry out this joint project.

Workshops on the day range from Graffiti to Haiku Twitterings, from DJing to Felt Making. Bands and singers from around Powys will also have the opportunity to perform on the stage.

Youth Centres have been involved in creating anti-bullying posters, recycled fashion and dance routines to enter competitions for a chance to win some excellent prizes.

The anti-bullying posters tie in with the launch of the new anti-bullying strategy.

There will also be circus skills workshops run by the fantastic NoFit State Circus; who will also be involved in ending the day with a finale spectacle!

The first 'stiletto' ship comes to Galeri, Caernarfon!

This striking Sculpture, 'Ship Shape', by artist, Megan Broadmeadow, had its maiden voyage earlier this year as part of the 'Locws 4' exhibition in Swansea and from August 7 can be seen afloat near Galeri, Caernarfon.

8 artists took part in the exhibition, and each artist's project was made in response to a place or context specific to Swansea, with a broad variety of unique locations being transformed into art spaces.

Megan's inspiration for her work was derived from Swanseas maritime history and the nautical world, which she initially perceived to be very masculine - noting the roles throughout the whole of the sailing industry to be male roles. In her further investigations she discovered that the nautical tradition holds reverence to the female form. The boat is a 'she' vessel, cradling the lives of men in her hull.

To address the balance between the male sailing world and the underlying female influence Megan took logic to its extreme and created the ultimate female ship, with a stiletto as a hull and light netting for sails.

The high-heeled shoe represents the femininity issues surrounding the nautical world and the rise of the contemporary shopping phenomenon. The work also links to the Swansea cockle women who traditionally only wore shoes to enter the market, and mainly lived and worked barefoot. Their simple life is now almost a million miles away from the highly groomed lifestyles of today.

Although the work was created in response to the city of Swansea, Megan feels that because the work embodies the transformation of a crucial part of Welsh culture, it is as relevant in Caernarfon as it was in its previous port.

Megan Broadmeadow is an inter-disciplinary artist working predominantly in sculpture, installation and performance. Megan is directly influenced by a place, or objects which appear to be 'of' that place, and can admittedly become obsessed by an object, especially if she perceives that object to be unloved or overlooked.

Megan studied Sculpture at the Slade School of Art, and graduated in 2002. Since then she has exhibited and performed in Wales and England and is also a director of Theatr Cynefin.

Locws International and Galeri are both supported by Arts Council of Wales.

S4C to extend services for children

Following the successful launch of its nursery service, Cyw, in 2008, S4C is now focusing on older children and has awarded a new three-year contract.

Boomerang+ has won the contract, in open competition, to produce content and links for older children.

The company will be responsible for providing at least 156 hours of original programmes per year, as well as the links between programmes. The service will be broadcast between 4.00pm and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, with additional hours at the weekend.

The new service, which is intended to appeal to an age range from 7 years old to early teens, will include an interactive element and content for other platforms, which will enrich the viewing experience. It will be introduced in April 2010.

Rhian Gibson, S4C’s Director of Commissioning said, “This is a very exciting development for S4C following the successful launch of Cyw last year.

“Introducing children to S4C at a young age encourages loyalty to the Channel and to the Welsh language, and this latest step reflects S4C’s strength in this genre as well as its public service role.”

Huw Eurig Davies, Chief Executive of the Boomerang Group said, “Boomerang has considerable experience in the field of children’s programming and over the years we have produced many popular programmes for S4C. We are now looking forward to this new challenge which gets underway within a few months.”

The new service will be innovative, original, fresh and confident and will include a range of programmes of varying genres. There’ll be an emphasis on giving children an opportunity to participate and interact.

S4C will continue to schedule the service and S4C will also commission a limited number of original programmes for this age group outside the scope of the contract. The service will be broadcast on S4C and online.

Tuesday, 11 August 2009

Free Wales Army pictures on show

IMAGES of the Free Wales Army, are featured in the Hidden Britain exhibition in Bournemouth curated by Russell Roberts, of the renowned photography department at the University of Wales, Newport.

The photographs, many taken during police surveillance of the group and used in their 1969 trial, were held in court files at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

Led by the late Julian Cayo-Edwards the group - clever media players who appeared on the David Frost show - were planning to target the Investiture of Prince Charles at Caernarfon Castle.

Hidden Country, Photographs of the Free Wales Army 1966-68, is on at the Hansard Gallery in Bournemouth until August 29. Russel Roberts to find a host for the exhibition in Wales, or you can even buy a CD of their songs if you want.

BBC coverage of the BBC coverage of the Investiture.

This week at the Globe, Cardiff

The week at the Globe starts tonight with their weekly acoustic night 'Ruby Tuesdays', tonight is a solo artist special featuring Matthew Harris (http://www.myspace.com/matthewharrisandthedro), Maddie Jones (http://www.maddie-jones.co.uk), the host Owen Bowley (http://www.myspace.com/owenbowley), and there are still 1 or 2 slots to fill if anyone out there is interested? If you are an acoustic artist and would like to play this evening then contact Owen on 07540566132. Entry is a £3.

The Globe is closed Wednesday but then this Thursday see's the album launch party for the local country-rock favourites Jimi Alexander & The Satellites (http://www.satellitesband.com/) supported by The Ash & The Oak (http://www.myspace.com/theashandtheoak). Entry is £5.

Friday brings a very special guest indeed. If I was to tell you that we had someone who makes his own instruments performing you may be mistaken to imagine some sort of novelty act with an instrument that wasn't strictly 'made' by the performer. You'd be wrong in this case, because Friday brings Thomas Truax to the Globe (http://www.thomastruax.com/welcomeset.html), imagine a mad proffessor in the form of an amazing songwriter and you get closer to the point, but even then you need to see it to believe it. Support comes from one of Cardiff's most promising bands, The Victorian English Gentlemens Club, they've just gotten back from a UK tour and are raring to go (http://www.thevictorianenglishgentlemensclub.co.uk). Entry is £5.

Saturday comes and it's time for a hip hop party thrown by Mutty Wango, featuring one of Britains finest MC's in the shape of Mystro (http://www.myspace.com/mysdiggi) and a 4 time DMC Champion in the shape of DJ Switch (http://www.myspace.com/djswitchbeatz), if you love Hip Hop you dare not miss this!

Photograph: The Roots Doctors at the Globe, Cardiff.

Fantastic plastic for passionate arts lovers

IS your wallet stuffed with plastic promises to go back to Tesco and sell your soul to Sainsbury's, have you been co-opted by the Co-operative? Why not show some loyalty to one of Wales's best arts venues for discounts and tip-offs that would have had Anthony Blunt selling the Queen's pictures.

OK, so Aberystwyth Arts Centre isn't throwing this little piece of plastic away for free but with discounts on family Sunday shows and live screenings, when you also get a free New York Metropolitan Opera programme it might pay for itself. You'll also be invited to exclusive events and the card even looks quite nice too.

There's an extraordinarily varied programme at one of west Wales's most important venues and you can keep up to date and follow Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Facebook too.

A Grand Medieval Mêlée breaks out at Cardiff Castle

Many battles have been fought and won at Cardiff Castle, and the summer of 2009 is no exception, with the breakout of a Grand Medieval Mêlée on Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August and an audacious attempt to re-enact the Battle of Agincourt.

A highlight of the summer holidays, this event promises a weekend packed with sword fighting and archery, combat, conflict and contests, as well as a swift trip back to the Middle Ages. Plus, all visitors will be invited to choose sides as the battle lines are drawn up and Henry V makes an appearance to command the ultimate battle: the French versus the English in the re-enactment of the Battle of Agincourt.

Medieval knights were famed for fighting with honour and bravery and their combat skills were formidable. Professional sword- fighters will re-create the drama of combat in special displays throughout the weekend, with the opportunity for visitors to try on armour or take up arms in the ‘Have a Go Archery’ and ‘Sword Fighting’ sessions (additional charges and limited availability may apply).

Time- travelling visitors will also come across a medieval tented village where the Cardiff Castle Garrison will be giving short talks on medieval crafts, food and archery. Authentic games are sure to enthral the children, plus a juggling jester has promised to pass on the secret of his skills in workshops for all ages. A new Cardiff Castle currency is introduced for the first time, as a medieval mint goes into action with the opportunity for visitors to strike their own coins - an ingenious way to beat the credit crunch. Falconry displays will be programmed throughout the weekend, with commentary by the experts.

Normal admission applies to the Castle, but there is a special events ticket available if visitors just want to see the Medieval Mêlée. Remember, if you have a Cardiff Castle Pass, the event will be free. There will be a small additional charge to participate in some of the activities for visitors and pass holders. No advance booking necessary.

Remember to apply now for your Cardiff Castle Pass. If you are a resident or work in Cardiff, all you need to do is bring two passport- sized photos and proof that you live in Cardiff ( a council tax bill or a letter from your employer is fine) to the Castle Ticket Office, or you can download an application form from the website www.cardiffcastle.com

Grand Medieval Mêlée at Cardiff Castle
15 & 16 August
Castle Grounds
10.30am – 5.30pm

For further information: 029 2087 8100 www.cardiffcastle.com

Wales's first screen star in new documentary

THERE is an old joke: What was the Welsh's greatest contribution to world history? They discovered America - and they kept quiet about it.

The legend of Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd and the Welsh speaking Native Americans aside, there is a large and lively Welsh diaspora in the United States and the Left Coast Eisteddfod is hosting some wonderful Welsh events this month - they even have a Tom Jones impersonators group, which is a lot of chest hair to be dealing with, even in the World's only superpower.

One of the most interesting is Kelvin Guy's film: Desert Padre, the search for Gareth Hughes.

Guy's film is already an award winner and tells the story of his search for the story of his extraordinary ancestor Gareth Hughes - Llanelli-born stage and silent screen star and latterly a Christian missionary among Native Americans. Like so many Welsh emigrants, he satisfied his hiraeth by returning home to Llanelli in his dotage.

Guy's ultimate aim is to see Hughes honoured with a star on Hollywood boulevard. It's an extraordinary tale and while, unless you're leaving on a jet plane to Oregon, you're not going to see it yet, do check out the websites and if you run a film festival or television channel in Wales - why not book or schedule it? You know it makes sense.

Here's Kelvin's preview clip.

And you can see Gareth Hughes at 4:13 in this clip about a notorious Hollywood murder.

Improvement work on track at Llan Ffestiniog care home

Building work on a £1.6 million development which will provide state-of-the-art facilities at the Bryn Blodau residential home in Llan Ffestiniog are on target.

The work includes a major new extension to the Bryn Blodau residential home for people with dementia or those who have greater care needs.

Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones and Councillor Eric Jones, Portfolio Leader for the Council’s Provider Department who are responsible for Gwynedd’s residential homes recently visited the site of the new extension.

Gwynedd Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones said:

“I was delighted to visit the Bryn Blodau residential home recently, and to see the building work at an advanced stage.

“It was also pleasing to see that the comments and opinions of the home’s residents and their families and visitors were being considered as part of the development work. It is essential that we ensure that we can provide facilities which meet the needs of those who use our services.

On completion, the Bryn Blodau project will boast en-suite ground floor bedrooms for older people with dementia, new kitchen facilities and a new lounge, activities room and secure garden which has been specially designed in conjunction with the Dementia Services Development Centre Wales at Bangor University.

Councillor Eric Jones, Portfolio Leader for Gwynedd Council’s Provider Department added:

“As a Council, we are working hard to deliver modern 21st century care facilities for our older residents. The new facilities at Bryn Blodau will ensure that older and vulnerable people in the Ffestiniog area will have resources of the highest quality in a brand-new facility based in their community.

Work on the Gwynedd Council funded project is expected to be completed by April 2010.

Photograph: Bryn Blodau residents Mrs Edith Riley, Mrs Annie Davies, Mrs Mary Jones and Mr Elwyn Jones with staff have a look at a model of the improvements to the residential care home.

Aberdyfi man fined for the sale of cigarettes to children

A supermarket owner from Aberdyfi, Gwynedd has been fined £550 and ordered to pay £100 costs at Dolgellau Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday, 10 August).

Paul Turnbull was sentenced in respect of two charges brought by Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 relating to the sale of cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 in his shop, the A & P Superstore, Aberdyfi.

Prosecuting on behalf the Council, Geraint Edwards told the court that on 31 October 2008, as part of an exercise by Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards team, a test purchase of a packet of cigarettes was made by a person aged 15. Mr Turnbull was interviewed about the sale by Trading Standards officers and given advice about precautions he should take to prevent such sales happening again. On 1 April 2009 another test purchase was attempted, this time by a volunteer aged 14, and again a sale of cigarettes was made. On this occasion, Mr Turnbull made the sale himself. When questioned by officers he said that he hadn’t been concentrating.

In court, Mr Turnbull pleaded guilty to both charges.

Sentencing him to a fine of £200 on the first charge and £350 on the second, the magistrates told Mr Turnbull that these were serious offences and that he needed to be more proactive in preventing such sales. The Council was also awarded £100 in prosecution costs.

Gwynedd Council’s Portfolio Leader for Public Protection, Councillor John R Jones said: “It is most important that persons be discouraged from taking up smoking. Preventing access by young people to cigarettes is an essential element in this campaign.”

Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards team have been working with local businesses to reduce the incidents of illegal sales of age restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, knifes, butane lighter refills, aerosol paints and age restricted DVDs, videos and games. To address the problem sales staff have in determining the exact age of young customers, retailers are being encourage to introduce a ‘Think 21’ policy.

Gwynedd Council Public Protection Manager, John Reynolds added: “We appreciate how difficult it is for retailers to be sure about whether a young person is 18 or not and that is why we are recommending that anyone who is attempting to buy age restricted goods, and who appears to be under 21, be asked for identification.”

Water Polo Showcase

Over 60 Swimmers from Denbighshire, Conwy and Wrexham aged between 8 and 16 took part in the first North Wales Water Polo Showcase held at Llandudno Swimming Pool recently.

A team of players from Manchester Aquatic Centre provided a demonstration, showing the keen future water polo players from North Wales how it was done.

Then the Manchester squad and their coaches delivered a comprehensive skills based coaching session.

Denbighshire’s swimming development officer and one of the event organisers, Lucy Jones, says, “It was such an enjoyable day that it is now hoped that this will become an annual event.”

Anyone interested in joining a water polo session can contact Lucy on lucy.elizabeth.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 712714. Sessions are available for 8 – 11 years, 12 – 16 years and 17 years and over.

The Photograph shows the Denbighshire team with their coaches

read more... “Water Polo Showcase”

Denbighshire nominated for APSE awards 2009

Councils throughout the UK were today celebrating being named ‘best in class’ after reaching the finals of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards 2009.

Denbighshire County Council has been nominated in two categories, namely “Best Partnership Working (Public/Voluntary)” and “Best Service Team: Highways, Winter Maintenance and Street Lighting”.

The prestigious awards attracted 400 entries from authorities throughout the UK. Finalists impressed a panel of judges, made up of industry experts and professionals, who ranked entrants on how their teams have performed on public service improvements and delivered tangible benefits to local communities.

Congratulating the short listed local authorities APSE Chief Executive Paul O’Brien said, “A place in the finals is well deserved for those councils that have committed to excellence in public service delivery. The last twelve months has proved difficult for councils facing a recessionary environment but the progressive approach to public service delivery, found within the finalists, will help ensure councils continue to improve the front line services that really matter to the public.”

The winners of the APSE Service Awards will be announced at Cardiff International Arena on the 10 September 2009.

APSE is a not for profit local government organisation working with over 300 local authorities, police, fire and civil defence authorities throughout the UK.

Arriva SuperTwerp

This is the new Arriva Wales poster. What is the man doing to the little girl?

read more... “Arriva SuperTwerp”

Monday, 10 August 2009

Supporting safe motorcycling in Gwynedd

An innovative road safety scheme which aims to educate motorcyclists about the dangers they face on the roads has held its first workshop in Gwynedd

The first practical workshop was recently held in Porthmadog as part of the BikeSafe initiative which is run by North Wales Police’s BikeSafe coordinator with the support of Gwynedd Council and other partners.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio for the Environment said:

“It is good to see Gwynedd Council and the road safety team taking a prominent role in this innovative project, as they work together with experts in the field to offer practical road safety advice to motorcyclists.

“We are very pleased that a number of motorcyclists attended the first course. Our aim is to offer advice and practical experience with experts in the field of road safety, and working to encourage motorcyclists to be more aware of the possible problems they face on the road.”

BikeSafe offers a range of training opportunities for motorcyclists of varied abilities. Through the initiative, local workshops will be help motorcyclists to reduce risks as well as ride outs with expert motorcycling observers.

Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager added:

“Statistics show that you are 45 times more likely to be killed riding a motorcycle in Wales than in a car. With that in mind, the BikeSafe scheme aims to offer practical advice for motorcyclists by trying to make them more aware of the dangers facing them on the road.

“The first workshop was very successful, with motorcyclists from all over the county attending. There was positive feedback from the motorcyclists and we are looking forward to the next workshops which will be held later in the year. Our aim is to work with the motorcycling community in Gwynedd to reduce the number of road traffic collisions which involve motorcycles.”

For more information about BikeSafe courses, visit: www.bikesafe.co.uk

Free album download from Tantrum Records

THE music of Little Eris is kind of hard to categorise (although she's chosen Lo-fi Electro Grunge), so rather than attempt to graft on a line of adjectives, why not just go and listen to her yourself.

She's signed to Cardiff-based Tantrum Records, who are all over the internet like a rash. So it's no surprise that Little Eris's DIY album is available to download for free via her Facebook fan page.

This is my current favourite, Karma To You, which reminded me a little of Leslie Rankine's Ruby project.

Comic book workshops with Swansea group

SWANSEA Comics Collective are exhibiting their work in the city museum at the end of the month and also running workshops to help you get your own ideas into words an pictures.

The collective's artists and writers are hoping to put together their own anthology in the future and show their work at Swansea City Museum on Wednesday, August 19; Saturday, August 22; Wednesday 26 and Saturday, August 19.

You can meet members of the group each day between 11am and 4pm and follow their blog in the meantime.

New WAG base in West closer to opening

THE Welsh Assembly Government is close to opening it's new office in Aberystwyth and a further North Wales base is already under construction.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan accepted the keys to the Aberystwyth office, which will house up to 535 staff, last week, saying: "The new office is a signal of how this government wants to relate to the people of Wales in a new way. Devolution is not about creating a remote control centre of power in Cardiff. It is about bringing power closer to the people."

Rural Affairs and Heritage, Enterprise and Transport and Sustainable Futures departments will be based in Aberystwyth.

There's a Valleys WAG office in Merthyr Tydfil and Llandudno Junction is on the way. Staff will begin moving into the office next month.

Hurry to catch extrordinary museum gig

ICELANDIC band Mum play the Reardon Smith Theatre at the National Museum in Cardiff next Monday, August 17, promoted by Swn.

The Reardon Smith Theatre's amphitheatre could almost have designed with the band's glacial elegance in mind, and with only 100 tickets left you should hurry if you want to see what promises to be an extraordinary performance.

The price for the 7pm show is £16.50 in advance from Spillers Records, or at these links, We got tickets and See Tickets. Or call 02920 230130.

Cardiff Museum photograph (C) Walt Jabsco @ Welsh Icons Flickr Group.

Rhyl by-election

The Returning Officer has announced that four candidates are to stand for
the by-election to represent the Bodfor ward on Rhyl Town Council .

They are:

Lynette Margaret Edwards (Welsh Conservatives)
Ian Si'Ree (British National Party)
Mark Anthony Webster
Cheryl Williams (Labour Party)

The by-election takes place on Thursday, 3 September. The polling station
will be located at Rhyl Town Hall, Wellington Road and will be open from
7am to 10pm.

Those wishing to vote by post must submit their completed application
forms to the Returning Officer by 5pm Tuesday, 18 August. For further
details, please contact the Returning Officer on Ruthin 01824 706104.

Photograph © Dave Roberts

read more... “Rhyl by-election”

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Get out and about in Denbighshire's countryside

A series of events have been organised to get people out and about in Denbighshire during August to enjoy some breath-taking scenery and learn about the county's special landscapes and wildlife.

Geodiversity of the Clwydian Range: Thursday, August 13 – 10am-4pm
A nine mile hike to discover the geodiversity of Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. Meet at Moel Arthur car park. Please book.

Bat Bonanza -Thursday, August 13 - 8pm-10pm
A two mile walk to explore the bat life in Coed Moel Famau using bat
detectors. Meet at Coed Moel Famau car park.

In the Footsteps of Darwin - Thursday, August 20 - 10am - 5pm
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth with a 10 mile
hike to visit some of the sites he visited in 1831. Meet at Llantysilio
Green car park near Llangollen. Please book.

Bilberry Picking - Thursday, August 20 - 10am-3pm
A gentle three mile stroll up Moel Famau to pick juicy berries. Bring a
container for your berries. Meet at Moel Famau top car park. Please book

Magical Moorland - Tuesday, August 25 - 11am-3pm
A day of activities and talks about the magical moorland including a
guided walk in the purple-clad Clwydian Range. Meet at Loggerheads Country
Park.

Extraordinary Eglwyseg and Offa's Dyke Path - Wednesday, August 26 -
10am-5pm
A 10 mile hike with narrow paths and steep drops to discover the wonder of
Eglwyseg and World's End. Meet at Panorama Road lay-by near Trevor Quarry.

Bat Bonanza - Thursday, August 27 - 8pm-10pm
Explore the nightlife of Loggerheads Country Park. Use the bat detectors
on this gentle one mile stroll and learn about how these fascinating
creatures live.

For those events that you need to pre-book, please phone 01352 810614.

These events have been arranged by Denbighshire Countryside Service and
funded by the Countryside Council for Wales.

Photograph: A mother polecat on the Hiraethog (Denbigh moors). Photograph © Wendy Charles-Warner

Drama double for Dyfed

WRITER Dyfed Edwards has retained the drama medal at the Meirion and District National Eisteddfod.

Anglesey-born Dyfed worked as a journalist in Liverpool, Newcastle and London and is now a freelance writer, living in Kent.

Dyfed said: "Hearing that I’d won the Medal again this year was an amazing feeling! The experience last year was wonderful, and I’ve very much been looking forward to a similar experience in Bala this year. It’s been a week to remember – winning the Medal and being honoured by the Gorsedd in the same week."

The medal, awarded in honour of Urien Wiliam by his wife, Eiryth and children, Hywel, Steffan and Sioned, was given to Dyfed's play Tân mewn drain by Gwion Lynch and Dyfan Roberts.

Eisteddfod Chair empty, music medal unwon

ONE of the peculiarities of the National Eisteddfod is that if entries don't measure up to standard then prizes remain unawarded. This year the Bard's chair remains empty and the Music Medal unwon.

Branwen Jarvis, Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan and Ceri Wyn Jones had the task of who would take the Eisteddfod's highest honour and occupy the Chair designed and created by Dilwyn Jones of Celfi Derw in Maerdy. Seven competitors tackled the subject 'Disturbance' an entry which disappointed the judging panel who found a lack of vision, lack of thought, and a lack of consideration for order and clarity in the entries.

No musician composed an entry worthy of a Medal either. Entrants were asked to produce six songs and Lyn Davies and Shân Cothi decided no-one had reached a sufficiently high standard this year.

Bardic Chair. Photograph by the National Museum Wales. Reproduced under the Creative Commons 2.0 Licence

Welsh Learner of the year named

ORIGINALLY from Ohio in the United States of America this year's Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year Meggan Lloyd Prys is already working in her adopted language.

Meggan's husband Cynog, who she met at the University of Ohio, first inspired her interest in his native tongue. Now, just two-and-a-half years after starting to learn, the day after arriving in Wales, she has been married in a Welsh ceremony and works as a Welsh medium classroom assistant in Ysgol Llanfairpwll, Anglesey.

Meggan was awarded the Prize in memory of Marged Jones after judges Elin Williams, Haydn Hughes and Clive Wolfendale managed the difficult task of separating a strong field.

Shortlisted and taking £100 prizes were John Burton, originally from Crewe, but now living in Penmachno,; Zoe Morag Pettinger from Fareham, but now living in Trisant, Aberystwyth and Dominic Gilbert, originally from Manchester but living in Biwmares.

Meggan's £300 prize was also donated by Eagles Tavern, Llanuwchllyn.

Picture Chris McKenna creative commons

Eisteddfod medal for Siân Melangell Dafydd

IT was a happy trip home for Siân Melangell Dafydd of Llwyneinion, Bala, who has won the Prose Medal for a novel largely written in France.

The Medal and a £750 prize, donated by the Meirionnydd Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, was awarded for Y Mynydd Segur.

Siân spent much of her childhood within a mile of the Maes before studying at St Andrew's University and on the renowned Creative Writing course at the UEA, Norwich. She now splits her time between Wales and France.

A seasoned Eisteddfod competitor, Siân took a literary crown at the Llanegryn Chair Eisteddfod, 1995, and subsequently added two Inter-college Eisteddfod Crowns. She also won the Crown twice at the Inter-college Eisteddfod (1998 and 1999).

Her grandfather, Taid Bryn, inspired a love of nature and folklore, and Siân is dedicating the winning volume to Jim Perrin, who provided inspiration, encouragement, reassurance, generosity and a Pyrénéan haven in which to write. Her pen-name Mynydd Segur is derived from the village of Montségur close to where the bulk of her novel was written.

Eisteddfor President Dafydd Whittall, said: "The standard of the competing this year has been excellent. Combining this with the fact that we have succeeded in attracting more competitors than ever before, the 2009 Eisteddfod is sure to be one to remember."

Picture Montsegur by Wikipedia user Gerbil.

New children's plan for Gwynedd

A NEW plan for services for the children and young people of Gwynedd was launched yesterday at the National Eisteddfod.

Gwynedd Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership’s are behind the document which aims to help the county's youngsters:

To get the best start in life.
To learn and gain skills
To be healthy
To have the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves
To have their voices heard
To live in safe homes and communities, and
To look forward to a good future

Priorities for the partnership include support for parents and families; education and learning opportunities; mental health and emotional well-being, and protecting those vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

Iwan Trefor Jones, Partnership chairman said, "Ensuring that every child and young person living in Gwynedd have access to the best opportunities in life is a priority to us.

"The plan is based on the findings of extensive research carried out by the partnership on the needs of children and young people in Gwynedd, as well as the hopes and ambitions of children themselves."

There's also a Charter outlining the rights and responsibilities of every under-25 year-old in the county. A week of events in November will be dedicated to young people in Gwynedd.

Read the plan and charter at www.gwynedd-ni.org.uk/

Fun in the sun – on Gwynedd’s coast

Do you want to find out more about the dolphins and porpoises who live off
the coast of Gwynedd, or want to discover more about the creatures who live
where the land meets the sea?

There are a number of fun activities Gwynedd Council and its partners have
arranged as part of the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation
over the next few weeks with the aim of celebrating Welsh wildlife. There
will be a warm welcome for the whole family, and activities will be free.

The events planned include:

Picnic with a porpoise
Join them at Porthdinllaen to discover more about the fantastic
dolphins and porpoises on Wednesday, 12 August 2009. Experts will be on hand
to divulge their secrets and to keep a look out for these wonderful
creatures. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery and you might just
see these amazing creatures for yourself!

Everyone will meet at the National Trust car park at Porthdinllaen at 5pm on
12 August. This is a free event and all are welcome, but please note that
children must be accompanied by an adult. The event should finish at about
7pm.

The event will be led by Alison Hargrave, Gwynedd Council Pen Llŷn a’r
Sarnau Special Area of Conservation Officer and Nia Jones from North Wales
Wildlife Trust.

Rock pool Safari
Discover some weird and wonderful rock pool creatures on Thursday, 20 August
at Criccieth. See how many different kinds of crabs you can find and
discover why some cover themselves in seaweed. Look for paddle worms,
gobies, blennies, sea anemones and so much more.

The rock pool safari will be led by Alison Hargrave, Gwynedd Council Pen
Llŷn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation Officer and Rhys Jones, Gwynedd
Council Senior Biodiversity Officer.

Meet at the western end of the promenade in Criccieth (SH505382) at
2:30pm. This is a free event and all are welcome, but please note that
children must be accompanied by an adult. Please remember to wear wellies or
sandals that are suitable for wading in! The event will finish at about
4:30pm.

For more information on all events during 2009 visit
www.penllynarsarnau.co.uk or contact Alison Hargrave on 01286 679495 or
email: info@penllynarsarnau.co.uk

Thursday, 6 August 2009

Twitter down, Facebook showing errors

News is reaching us at Welsh Icons that many of the popular social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are experiencing problems at the moment.

No, it is not just you and it is not just Wales, this looks like a global problem.

Happily this blog and our sister site at http://www.welshicons.org.uk appear to be running normally.

My guess is that it is some sort of distributed denial of service attack (DDoS), or just that when Twitter went down everyone started 'hitting' Facebook looking for information.

I'll keep you posted.

Mind you, the Defcon17 conference is on now as well http://www.defcon.org/

Update: Yes it is a DoS attack

Wales’ first “Cathedral Camp”

Wales’ first Cathedral Camp for heritage-conscious youngsters is taking place in Brecon this week.

An assorted group of young people from all over the world is camping at the historic cathedral to help give it a bit of a make-over, learn about heritage conservation and help out with the Jazz Festival concerts.

The group of 13, all aged 16-22, come from Japan, Croatia, Belgium, England and Denbigh. They will be doing a variety of jobs from painting ancient railings and clearing meadows to re-painting the crypt, wax polishing the chapter and choir stalls and a making a survey of the grave-yard. They will also be helping out at the 10 events the cathedral is hosting for the Brecon Jazz Festival which takes place this weekend.

All the work they do will count towards medals such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The Dean of Brecon Cathedral, the Very Revd Geoffrey Marshall, said he was delighted to host Wales’ first Cathedral Camp. He said, “Lots of youngsters wanted to come to Brecon, partly because it’s in a National Park and partly because the camp straddles the Jazz Festival weekend – one or two of them are keen saxophonists!

“We’re fortunate because the cathedral architect, Geoffrey Worsley, has taken a week’s holiday to join us which means the youngsters will be able to have a go at skilled work normally only reserved for specialists, such as servicing monuments, re-guilding the Bishop’s throne and re-pointing the 17^th century gravestones which make up the floor inside the cathedral.”

Cathedral Camps is a charity dedicated to the role young people can have in preserving the architectural heritage of Britain. It has been running for 26 years but this is the first time it has been held in Wales. The Brecon Camp will continue until Wednesday (August 12).

The team at Brecon is led by Liz Barker, 21, a geography undergraduate at Loughborough University. She said, “I have done several Cathedral Camps before, including at St Albans and Worcester, and I know how much the work we do is appreciated by the cathedral staff. We work full days but it’s great fun and we learn a lot about the work involved in conserving ancient buildings.”

The only Welsh volunteer (and Welsh speaker) is Dan Jones, 19, from St Asaph. He said, “I’m studying building conservation at Swansea Metropolitan University so thought this camp would be the perfect opportunity for me to do some practical work.”

Cathedral Camps Project manager, Ruth Coates said, “We’re very excited about being able to come to Brecon and there was a lot of interest. Each camp brings young people the chance to work towards satisfying goals while gaining knowledge of the historical and cultural importance of the buildings. During the week they also socialise and mix with other young people from around Britain and other parts of the world. Because the camps are residential, many volunteers create firm and lasting bonds. Some return year after year while others go on to become leaders and assistant leaders.”

Brecon Cathedral will be a hive of activity during this weekend’s Jazz Festival. As usual, it will be holding the Festival Service on Sunday at 11am, to which all are welcome, and this year it will also be hosting 10 of the Jazz Festival concerts.

Picture shows some of the Cathedral Campers at the cathedral crypt with the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Rev John Davies.

For more information, contact:

Geoffrey Marshall, Dean of Brecon Cathedral, 01874 623857
Ruth Coates, project manager, Cathedral Camps – 07973 251515

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Wednesday, 12 August 2009

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