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If, like me , you were unable to get to Chicago ( or even a local pub ) to watch the match, you can watch it live HERE on S4C:- http://www.tvchannelsfree.com/watch/4597/S4C-Live-TV.html

Reprinted with permission from David Western's blog , all material 2009, David Western --

I'm working on cleaning up the Celtic knotwork this week. As with the front face, I plan to only go around the pattern cutting to a shallow depth until I am satisfied that all the 'overs and unders' are correctly placed. As with the vinework lower down, I have to make sure I am doing the exact opposite over under detail to the front face or it gets quiet seriously out of hand.

Once I am satisfied that all is going to plan, I commit to deeper cuts and make the over and under sections much more visible and bold. I generally like to work my way around the entire knot to make sure nothing gets forgotten before I worry too much about cleaning the cuts up too much.

With all the overs and unders cut out, I can start to smooth out the 'ramps' so that the transitions are nice and fair. I also can start putting a light chamfer on the edges to soften out the hard edge of the knot. As with the front of the spoon, I am after a nice, crisp look which isn't too hard. The light chamfer gives the knot a subtle softening but it doesn't round it over so much that the knot takes on the shoelace look.

It's a personal thing which you are quite welcome to disagree with, but I find Celtic knots which have been rounded so much that they look like string or shoelaces have kind of a hokey, 'amateur' look to them. I'm sorry to any I might offend who enjoy that lkind of look, but I always find that excessively rounded knotwork also tends to look excessively worked and to use a theatre expression, rather overwrought! For me, the result is something like I would imagine would happen if Joan Rivers played Ophelia in Hamlet.

It really only needs the subtlest of chamfers to really soften the look and to lighten up the knotwork.

In the following couple of pictures, I hope to show some approaches to carving Celtic knotwork with keep the feel of wood rather than making the spoon look like it has been laced up. In this detail, a swirling Celtic spiral opens up and becomes a series of knot interlacings. Here, I have varied the width of the various knot strands to create some tension and to break up the monotony which would occur if they were all identical width.

I often like to vary the width within an individual strand and find that making the knot a bit bulbous as it bends gives it an organic liveliness. I also find when I do my knotwork like this that it has a really nice organic feel almost like it is structured vine. The variations in line width are definitely eye-catching and vibrant!

This final knotwork picture is from a couple of lovely spoons carved by one of my lovespoon heroes, Alun Davies. Alun's knots are stunning for their even, clean line and the beautiful soft doming effect he puts on the upper face. Although the edges of his knots are only ever-so-slightly eased, the effect he achieves is a very square knot which is at the same time extremely soft and 'touchable'. I have yet to see a carver anywhere who can equal his deft touch!

Knotwork is admired and valued for its complexity of pattern, but equally important is the finish. Like so many things, it is often much better to do a simple thing really well than to do a complicated thing half-assed. I recommend to anyone wanting to try their hand at Celtic knotwork to start with some simple ones and work on getting them as clean and vibrant as possible. Once the simple ones look good, move up in difficulty a step or two at a time.

On the subject of a step or two at a time.... I am carving this spoon to raise funds in support of the Left Coast Eisteddfod, a showcase of Welsh culture to be held in Portland Oregon this August 22 weekend. Putting on an event of this calibre isn't easy and any and all support is welcome! If you have been enjoying this blog (and better yet, if you have been learning some carving/designing tricks from it) I hope that you will consider donating a few dollars to help fund what can become an exciting annual event. Every dollar you donate will give you a chance to win the finished Dragon spoon as well as to receive thanks and adoration.

Hello people.Good to discover this site. Who knew there was so much Americymru action. All I'd ever found was a couple of pubs in St. Louis. Very good pubs though, to be fair.FWIW I co-organise Wales' weirdest literary festival The Laugharne Weekend. You can get a flavour of its character from this youtube film of this year's event. Hwyl John

If you're liking the MC Mabon album that's playing on the front page, "Jonez Williamz", you can get it on Amazon here: I want it and I thought others might, too!

Author Octavius Pitt (a pen name) has led a fascinating life; from the very beginning in fact. He was almost born prematurely in late 1944, when a German V2 rocket took the roof from his parents semi in London, leaving his mother sitting half way down the stairs surrounded by rubble and a tiny baby in her arms. No it was not him yet, a little girl from two doors down; left by her mother whilst she helped lift the front door out from the kitchen. Symbolically, the very last day a V2 rocket fell on England was the day he was born. He moved to N. Wales to get out of the rat race, working in many occupations from grave digging to design engineering. But writing was his love. And the freedom and joy he found on the hills and mountains of Snowdonia fired his fertile imagination whilst the hardy people there won his respect. He is married to Pam and has two daughters, Angela and Wendy who grew up in this wonderful country and learnt Welsh. This is his fourth novel - the first under this pseudonym, taken from (again symbolically) a gravestone in a county of England.

The Doorkeeper tells of a small boy who is dumped on his maternal Welsh grandparents when his titled parents split at the time of the Great Depression in 1931. But it is much more than an easy to read, stress melting story as will be seen. Jonathan Ashbourne Webster is ten years old. He is delivered from a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce to his grandmother on her remote mountain farm near Capel Garmon by aristocratic Aunt Eleanor. Jonathan never sees her again. There, among back-breaking poverty, Jonathan finds the family love he has never known before, yet remains unaware of wonderful, life transforming events which are soon to befall him.

If William, Jonathans ragged Welsh cousin had lived in Dickensian London, he would have been the Artful Dodger. It is William who leads Jon Bach, as the English boy becomes known, out across the hills, mountains and forests. There they make their astonishing discovery. For the first time in his young life the canny farm boy is drawn into something he cannot control as they explore the mysterious beauty of Coed Cilcennus wood. But it is the Doorkeeper alone who puts a twist in this tale that youll NEVER expect, for the Doorkeeper leads them into a world where the Earth is known as a living soul; a great spirit who watches over humankinds doings with increasing concern. The world is called Ansaurius. From the beginning of time Wales has been the link to Ansaurius and Ansaurius has been Wales. If you have walked those green hills, harsh mountains; seen the glorious Conwy sweeping through the sheep dappled pastures and out to sea, you will understand where the concept came from and will be going with further books in the series. If you have read The Shack , you will know it is about a man who meets God. If you only read The Doorkeeper , you will see it is about a boy who meets the spirit of the Earth and learns how to love.

Octavius Pitt makes an easy to read, stress melting story become very special indeed.

The Doorkeeper can be bought from amazon.com for $8.99 or 5.99 from amazon.co.uk - just type in The Doorkeeper by Octavius Pitt and see the following reviews there.

Reviews from readers:

Samantha Castle of The North Wales Weekly News says in her article:-

A mysterious writer who has based his latest novel in the Conwy Valley is releasing the first in a series of seven books. Pitt says I feel great emotion for the people I met there and I hope this aspect comes though in my writing

Reviewers say:-

Excellent read. FIVE STARS. When I first picked up the Doorkeeper, it was to while away a spare half hour of a boring afternoon but I soon found it so page turning that I couldn't stop until I had finished it.

The main character Jonathan is an engaging child and his adventures in the hills of North Wales with his ragged cousin William were enchanting especially as this leads to a whole other world where Mother Earth is a living soul and the houses there are grown from seeds.

A wonderful book for adults and children alike which has a very real lesson about being environmentally friendly without lecturing!

I shall look forward to the next in the series. By Mrs Jill Page

*******************

FIVE STARS. A truly uplifting read in the current world of gloom, this book is a shaft of light in a dark forest. The writer brings alive a world of another time. The story builds along with the Welsh scenery and the reader learns along with Jonathan the ways of Welsh kinship.

I cant wait for the next encounter with William and Jon Bach. By R. Harris

******************

From the USA. FIVE STARS. A marvellous read. Built on an underlying mythological theme, readers are taken on an ecological journey through North Wales. As a result of both a broken marriage and the love of an extended family, two young boys, London born Jonathan and his Welsh cousin William, develop a relationship that rushes the reader through adventure after adventure in this beautiful country with unlimited themes applicable both to the 1931 setting and today.

I must add that, having seen the Ladies of Snowdon on a clear day and drunk a pint in The White Horse Inn. Pitt has done NORTH WALES PROUD. Hopefully, the author will have Jonathan and William take us on further adventures. By Guy Luttrell

******************

A great read. FOUR STARS. I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. It has an element of fantasy which is not usually my cup of tea, however the language is so easy to follow that I almost didn't realise when the book had slipped from "real life" into fantasy. He brings to life just EXACTLY what boys of this age would think, and how they would feel. This is a well written book, full of interest and adventure, but most cleverly of all, it makes me wonder if it is all really true... By LoveBooks

******************

See the above reviews on amazon.co.uk (British) and amazon.com (American)

Journey with Jonathan and William as they enter the world of Ansaurius.

Available from: amazon.com @ $8.99 or amazon.co.uk @ 5.99

ISBN 978-1-84923-132-9.

Datganiad ir Wasg Dydd Mawrth, 2 Mehefin 2009

Eisteddfod Llangollen yn dathlu Wythnos Genedlaethol Gwirfoddolwyr: Mehefin 1 ^af 7 ^fed

Mervyn Cousins yn diolch i 1000 o wirfoddolwyr Llangollen

Ar 5 Mehefin bydd bron i 1000 o wirfoddolwyr Llangollen yn derbyn cydnabyddiaeth am eu gwaith caled mewn digwyddiad arbennig sydd wedi ei drefnu gan Gyfarwyddwr Gweithredol Llangollen, Mervyn Cousins, i gyd-fynd ag Wythnos Genedlaethol Gwirfoddolwyr syn dathlu 25 mlynedd eleni. Ers 63 mlynedd, mae Gyl Llangollen wedi bod yn gwbwl dibynnol ar waith caled gwirfoddolwyr; hebddynt, ni fyddair yl yn bodoli .

Mae Cyfarwyddwr Gweithredol Llangollen, Mervyn Cousins ar Cadeirydd , Phil Davies , wedi bod eisiau cydnabod yr holl oriau ou hamser y maer gwirfoddolwyr mor barod iw rhoi pob blwyddyn. Dywedodd Mervyn Cousins : Mae gan yr yl wirfoddolwyr heb eu hail mae gennym bron i 1000 o bobl syn helpu mewn rhyw ffordd ac maen nhwn amrywio o bobl syn dod i Langollen am wythnos yr yl yn unig, i bobl syn llywior Eisteddfod yn ystod y flwyddyn trwy eu haelodaeth or pwyllgorau amrywiol. Mae rhai yn y swyddfa rhan fwyar flwyddyn. Yn syml, ni fyddai modd i ni gynnal yr yl hebddynt ac rydym yn gobeithio y bydd y digwyddiad hwn yn ffordd o ddiolch iddynt. Bydd hefyd yn gyfle gwych i ddangos ein gwerthfawrogiad or staff sydd hefyd mor ymroddgar.

Dywed Phil Davies , Cadeirydd yr Eisteddfod sydd hefyd yn wirfoddolwr fod gwirfoddoli yn ffordd o fyw i drigolion Llangollen ac maer yl yn dystiolaeth fod gwirfoddoli yn weithgaredd i bobl o bob oedran gydag ymwelwyr yn aml wedi eu syfrdanu gan yr holl bobl ifanc a myfyrwyr syn helpu yn ystod wythnos yr Eisteddfod yn benodol. A does dim rhaid i chi fyw yn ardal Llangollen i gymryd rhan mae gwirfoddolwyr yn dod o bob cwr or Deyrnas Unedig pob blwyddyn er mwyn bod yn rhan o fwrlwm yr yl. Daw ambell i wirfoddolwr o dramor, gan ychwanegu at naws rhyngwladol yr yl ai nod o hybu dealltwriaeth a chydweithrediad rhwng cenhedloedd.

Caiff lwyddiant yr yl ei sicrhau gan bobl megis Bob Attenburrow, a ddyluniodd poster cyntaf yr Eisteddfod ym 1947 (gweler y llun), a fydd yn dathlu 50 mlynedd o wasanaeth ar Fwrdd yr Eisteddfod eleni. Aelod amhrisiadwy arall or llu o wirfoddolwyr yw Les Potts syn aelod or pwyllgor tocynnau, mae Les wedi mynychu pob Eisteddfod ers y cyntaf ym 1947 ar wahn i ddau tra roedd yn gwneud gwasanaeth gwladol.

Mae Ann Ankers , sydd wedi bod yn wirfoddolwraig ymroddedig ers bron i 50 mlynedd, wedi paratoi casgliad o straeon byrion difyr or enw Miscellany Medley syn gofnod o hynt a helyntion gwirfoddolwyr dros y blynyddoedd (ar gael o Sywddfar Eisteddfod ac ar y maes am 3). Yn l Ann: Ryn ni i gyd yn bwrw mlaen gydan dyletswyddau gwahanol. Byddaf yn meddwl amdano fel jig-so enfawr ble mae gan bawb ddarn, rhai gyda dim ond 1 ac eraill gyda 1000 ond dim ond pan fyddwn yn eu rhoi at ei gilydd y bydd yr yl yn llwyddo. Felly dwin meddwl fod pawb mor bwysig 'i gilydd.

Eleni, maer gwirfoddolwyr yn lansio nwyddau a fydd yn cyd-fynd seremoni codi banerir holl wledydd syn cystadlu bydd yn cael ei gynnal yn gynharach eleni. Bydd y nwyddau newydd yn cynnwys crysau chwys, crysau-t, crysau polo i gyd logor Eisteddfod. Yn ogystal, bydd nwyddau am 99c ar gael i blant. Bydd yr holl nwyddau ar gael o siop yr Eisteddfod neu trwyr wefan. ( www.llangollen2009.com )

Dywedodd Ian Lebbon, Cadeirydd y pwyllgor cyhoeddusrwydd: "Maer nwyddau newydd yn ddeniadol dros ben ac am brisiau cystadleuol iawn. Dwin gobeithio ein bod wedi archebu digon!

-Diwedd-

Nodiadau ir Golygydd

Cyfweliadau ar gael ar gais.

Ymholiadaur Wasg ar Cyfryngau

Am fwy o fanylion cysylltwch Lydia Jones - Mr Producer

Ffn: 02920 916 667

Ebost: llangollen@mrproducer.co.uk

Wythnos Genedlaethol Gwirfoddoli

Am ragor o wybodaeth, ewch i www.volunteerswe ek.org.uk

Gwybodaeth Gyffredinol am Eisteddfod Llangollen

Am un wythnos, mewn un dref, daw pobl o dros 50 gwlad ynghyd ar gyfer un o ddigwyddiadau mwyaf unigryw Cymru. Ym mis Gorffennaf, daw 50 000 o berfformwyr ac ymwelwyr o bedwar ban byd i Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen yn Nyffryn Dyfrdwy, Gogledd Cymru. Maer digwyddiad cl a diwylliannol hwn, a gaiff ei ystyried fel anrheg Cymru ir Byd, ei sefydlu ym 1947 i hybu heddwch ac ewyllys da rhwng cenhedloedd trwy gerddoriaeth a dawns. Mae Eisteddfod Llangollen yn mynd o nerth i nerth ac erbyn hyn yn un o wyliau mwyaf lliwgar y byd. Ceir thema benodol i bob diwrnod ac yn ystod pob diwrnod mae maes yr yl wastad llawn bwrlwm gyda chystadlaethau ar y brif lwyfan, perfformiadau ar y maes, gweithdai, canu a dawnsio byrfyfyr o bedwar ban byd mewn gwisgoedd traddodiadol. Mae cyngherddau Gala a gaiff eu cynnal gydar nos wedi denu enwau mwyaf y byd adloniant megis Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Paige, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins a Dame Shirley Bassey. Mae eleni hefyd yn sicr o syfrdanu gyda chyngherddau gyda Barbara Dickson, Syr Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, ac hyd yn oed Cerddoriaeth James Bond, ymhlith y gwesteion arbennig bydd Honor Blackman, sef Pussy Galore! Am goctel ffrwydrol! Ymunwch gweddill y byd, ymynwch yn yr hwyl. Am ragor o wybodaeth, ffoniwch 01978 862 001 neu ewch ir wefan: http://www.llangollen2009.com/

Eleni, bydd Gala Agoriadol newydd a chyffroes a gynhelir ar ddydd Llun, Gorffennaf 6. Ymhlith sr y Gala Agoriadol bydd y gantores ifanc, Faryl Smith, Mark Evans o Your Country Needs You, BBC One a hefyd Cr Meibion Froncysyllte. Yn ogystal bydd Cr Meibion buddugol llynedd, Cr Godrer Aran yn perfformio, ynghyd Chantorion Colin Jones ar tenor ifanc, Alexei Kalvecs. Bydd elw or noson yn mynd tuag at Apl Bwrsariaeth Cystadleuwyr Llangollen syn cynnig cefnogaeth ariannol i grwpiau o gystadleuwyr syn teithio o dramor i gystadlu yn yr yl.

Bydd y gyngerdd syfrdanol, Licensed to Thrill ar nos Sul Gorffennaf 12 yn cynnwys perfformiadau o gerddoriaeth James Bond gan Gerddorfa Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru dan arweiniad Carl Davies , cyflwynydd y noson bydd y Ferch Bond , Honor Blackman , sef Pussy Galore. Caiff y gynulleidfa eu syfrdanu gan berfformiadau cerddorfaol gwefreiddiol o ganeuon enwog gan gynnwys Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, ar Bond Theme eiconig. Bydd y noson yn cloi gyda Thn Gwyllt anhygoel a fydd hefyd yn cloi dathliadaur wythnos. Mae Stratstone of Wilmslow wedi gaddo darparu ceir Aston Martin ar gyfer y noson a bydd David Pender Richards - Cadeirydd Aston Martin yn westai anrhydeddus.

Manylion cyffredinol Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen

• Maer Eisteddfod yn cynnig platfform i bobl o bedwar ban byd gyfarfod a chyfathrebu drwy iaith ryngwladol greddoriaeth a dawns. Mae hyn yn hybu heddwch, harmoni a dealltwriaeth iachach o ddiwylliant fyd-eang.
• Mae gan yr Wyl gysylltiadau cryf gydar Cenhedloedd Unedig ac mi enwebwyd i dderbyn Gwobr Nobel am Heddwch yn 2004.
• Maer Tywysog Charles yn Noddwr ir Eisteddfod a Terry Waite CBE yn Arlywydd.
• Dechreuwyd yr Eisteddfod gan wirfoddolwyr yn 1947 i hybu heddwch ac Ewyllys Da drwy cerddoriaeth a dawns ac erbyn hyn maer wyl wedi llwyddo i fod yn un o Wyliau goraur byd.
• Mae eu cyngherddau proffesiynnol au cystadleuthau dyddiol wedi eu rhwymo hefo gweithgareddaur maes.
• Mae cartrer Eisteddfod yn un o drefi harddar Wlad, yn Nimbych , Gogledd Cymru.
• Maer maes yn llenwi a lliw, dawns a chan bob blwyddyn gyda digwyddiadau awyr agored, gweithdai a pherfformiadau byrfyfyr o bedwar ban byd.
• Bu 50 o wledydd yn cystadu yno llynnedd.
• Bu bron i 4000 o gydtadleuwyr yn perfformio ar lwyfan y Paviliwn yn 2008

Amserlen 2009

Llun 6ed Gorffennaf Gala Agoriadol - Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Cr Meibion y Fron,

Mawrth 7ed Gorffennaf Barbara Dickson -Yn Fyw yn Llangollen.

Mercher 8ed Gorffennaf Cyngerdd Heddwch Llangollen.

Iau 9ed Gorffennaf Syr Willard White

Gwener 10ed Gorffennaf Blake a Natasha Marsh

Sadwrn 11ain Gorffennaf Cr y Byd

Sul 12ed Gorffennaf Licensed to Thrill Carl Davies yn cyflwyno cerddoriaeth James Bond

Mawrth 7ed Gorffennaf Diwrnod Ryngwladol y plant

Mercher 8ed Gorffennaf Diwrnod cerddoriaeth a dawns Ryngwladol

Iau 9ed Gorffennaf Diwrnod Ryngwladol Ieuenctid

Gwener 10ed Gorffennaf Diwrnod Ryngwladol Geltaidd a Gwerinol

Sadwrn 11ain Gorffennaf Diwrnod Ryngwladol y Teulu

Ar gyfer tocynnau neu fanylion pellach 01978 862001 neu www.llangollen2009.com

Gwybodaeth Ychwanegol: Caiff ddeiliaid Tocyn Tymor Llawn ddewis o'r seddi gorau yn y Pafiliwn i fwynhau cystadleuthau a chyngherddau'r Eisteddfod o ddydd Mercher hyd ddydd Sadwrn, am ddim ond 125 - gostyngiad rhyfeddol o 23% Yn ychwanegol, mae gostyngiad unigryw ar docynnau Cyngerdd Nos Fawrth - prynwch docyn 35 am 30. Caiff ddeiliaid Tocyn Tymor hefyd Gofraglen yr Eisteddfod yn rhad ac am ddim.

PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 2 ^nd June 2009

Llangollen Festival celebrates National Volunteers Week:

June 1 ^st 7 ^th

Mervyn Cousins gives special thanks to 1000

Llangollen Volunteers

On June 5 ^th , approximately 1000 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod volunteers will receive recognition for their hard work in a special Thank you event organised by the festivals Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins to coincide with National Volunteers Week, which is this year celebrating its 25 ^th anniversary. During its 63-year existence, the Llangollen Festival has always been dependant on the generosity and hard work of volunteers, without which, the festival could not exist.

Llangollen Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins and Chairman, Phil Davies , have long been wishing to acknowledge the thousands of hours that the volunteers contribute so willingly every year. Mervyn Cousins said: The festival has a volunteer base which is second to none we have almost 1000 people who help in one way or the other, and they range from those who come to Llangollen for the week itself to those who help drive the festival forward through their membership of the various committees. Some are in the office most days all year-round. We frankly couldnt do it without them and we hope that this event will go some way to thanking them. It will also be a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the staff who go far beyond the call of duty.

Eisteddfod Chairman, Phil Davies , who is, in fact, a volunteer himself believes that volunteering is a way of life for the people of Llangollen and the festival is living proof that volunteering is an all-age activity with visitors often surprised and impressed by the numbers of young people and students who help during Eisteddfod Week in particular. And you dont necessarily need to live in and around Llangollen to be involved volunteers come from all parts of the UK each year to be part of the atmosphere and buzz on and around the Eisteddfod field with some even coming from abroad, further adding to the Festivals aims to promote understanding and cooperation between nations

It is the lifetime commitment of people such as Bob Attenburrow, who drew the very first Eisteddfod poster in 1947 (see image), and will be completing his 50 ^th year of service on the Board of the Eisteddfod this year, that ensures the success of the festival. Another invaluable member of the Llangollen volunteering family is Les Potts who volunteers on the tickets committee and has attended every Eisteddfod since it started in 1947, except for 2 that he missed while doing national service.

Ann Ankers , who has been a committed volunteer for almost 50 years, has compiled a book of short stories and witty tales of volunteer life in Llangollen over the years, entitled Miscellany Medley . (Available from the Eisteddfod Office and at the festival itself, priced 3). According to Ann: We all just get on with our various jobs. I always think of it as a huge jigsaw where we all have some pieces, some might have only 1 and others might have a 1000 but it isn't until they are all put together that this event works. So I think that we are all equally important.

The volunteers are this year launching a new range of merchandise that will coincide with the earlier raising of the flags of all the competing countries that adorn the bridge and Castle Street. The new range of merchandise will consist of sweatshirts, t-shirts and polo shirts all bearing the Eisteddfod logo. There will also be a range of 99p items for children. All items will be available to buy from the Eisteddfod shop or by mail order from the website ( www.llangollen2009.com )

Publicity Committee chairman, Ian Lebbon said "This new range is very attractive and also good value for money. I just hope that we have ordered enough supplies!"

-Ends-

Notes to Editor

Interviews available upon request.

Press and Media Enquiries

For further information please contact: Lydia Jones at Mr Producer

Tel: 02920 916 667

Email: llangollen@mrproducer.co.uk

Volunteers Week

For more information please visit www.volunteerswe ek.org.uk

General Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Information

For one week, in one town, over fifty countries gather for one of Wales most unique experiences. This July over 50 000 performers and festival goers from all over the world will visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the picturesque Dee Valley, North Wales. This cool and cultural event, considered as 'Wales gift to the World' was established in 1947 to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance. Still thriving today Llangollen Eisteddfod has become one of the worlds most colourful festivals. During each themed day the festival field is a hive of activity with main stage competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world, in national and regional costume. The evening Gala concerts over the years have attracted some of show-business biggest names such as Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Page, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins and Dame Shirley Bassey. This year is no exception with concerts by Barbara Dickson, Sir Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, and even The Music of James Bond, with guest stars including Honor Blackman, aka Pussy Galore! What a cocktail...Prepare to be shaken and stirred! Join the rest of the world, join the party. For more information, telephone 01978 862001 or visit the website at http://www.llangollen2009.com/

This years Festival also sees the exciting addition a new Opening Gala concert to take place on Monday 6th July. The Opening Gala has a star line-up including young singing sensation Faryl Smith , BBC Ones Your Country Needs You finalist Mark Evans and the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir . Also performing will be reigning Llangollen Male Choir champions Cr Godrer Aran, male-voice choir Cantorion Colin Jones and young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs. The concert will support Llangollens Competitor Bursary Appeal Fund which aims to offer financial support to competitor groups who travel from all over the world.

The spectacular Licensed to Thrill concert on Sunday 12th July will see the music of James Bond performed by the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera , conducted by Carl Davis and hosted by Bond Girl Honor Blackman a.k.a Pussy Galore. The audience will be treated to a glittering evening of fabulous orchestral sounds and favourite melodies including Goldfinger , You Only Live Twice , and the iconic Bond Theme. The concert will culminate in a spectacular firework display which will be the finale to the Festival. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod have also been promised Aston Martins for the night by Stratstone of Wimslow and Guest of Honour will be David Pender Richards - Chairman of Aston Martin.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: General Information

• The International Eisteddfod provides a platform for people of all nations to meet and communicate through the international languages of music and dance, thereby promoting peace, harmony and a greater understanding of world culture.
• The International Eisteddfods Patron is H.R.H. Prince Charles and Terry Waite CBE is the current President.
• Established in 1947 by volunteers to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance, Llangollen International Eisteddfod has become one of the worlds great festivals.
• Its professional evening concerts and daily premier competitions are now combined with innovative field activities and outreach work.
• Based in the beautiful Dee Valley in the county of Denbighshire, North Wales.
• Many of the worlds greatest stars have sung at Llangollen with some beginning their careers on the North Wales stage.
• The festival field is filled with colour and sound, with outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world.
• 50 countries competed in the Eisteddfod last year.
• Just fewer than 4000 competitors appeared on the Pavilion stage in 2008.

2009 Schedule

Monday 6 ^th July: Opening Gala - Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Fron Male Voice Choir,

Tuesday 7 ^h July: Barbara Dickson Live at Llangollen

Wednesday 8 ^th July: Llangollen Peace Concert

Thursday 9 ^th July: Sir Willard White

Friday 10 ^th July: Blake and Natasha Marsh

Saturday 11 ^th July: Choir of the World

Tuesday: International Childrens Day

Wednesday: International Song and Dance Day

Thursday: International Youth Day

Friday: International Celtic and Folk Day

Saturday: International Family Day

For tickets and/or further information call 01978 862001 or visit www.llangollen2009.com

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When the reputation of politicians here in the UK is at a very low ebb, it is good to know we can turn to the past for a better model of how things should be. I found this instructive extract in the Swansea newspaper, The Cambrian, of October 1900 about the canvassing techniques developed by Judge John D. Holt, the Democratic candidate for the post of Governor of West Virginia.He may have been campaigning on the other side of the Atlantic but The Cambrian was mightily impressed by his determination and his versatility. To be frank there appears to have been nothing he would not do to secure a vote. In the first place he was an accomplished fiddle player, who plays quadrilles, waltzes, reels and two steps to the entire satisfaction of young people in the country districts. Apparently, as soon as he arrived anywhere on his canvassing tour he was playing away at a dance.Clearly it was hard work getting elected in West Virginia. You have to ask yourself, was it worth it? Was it really worth the humiliation of being the major attraction at some kind of ancient disco full of clumsy adolescents?But there was more. He was a good cook and handy at all kinds of housework. He didnt stop at kissing a baby. He could soothe it even in its most tempestuous moments. Obviously a man of real talent. His blackberry roll was apparently the best anyone had ever tasted. He would peel potatoes if it got him a vote or sweep the house or even undertake essential needlework in a way that defied criticism from the envious.What does this suggest? Madness? Desperation? Were there such advantages in getting elected that made it worth nursing someones ugly child to sleep? As a father I have always been uncomfortable with the idea that a politician might want to kiss any of my babies. But I know now that what I really wanted was for them to clean my house. Certainly it would have given me a real basis on which to make an informed judgement. Forget about their position on foreign policy. Lets see if they clean behind the sofa. In fact if you had lots of candidates you could get your house cleaned for a week on a rota basis. It works for me.I know nothing more about Judge John D. Holt but I am grateful to him. He has given me a model on which I can judge our current political leaders. Forget policy. Consider their pastry.Would I have given Judge Holt my vote? I would have given him a room in my house on the basis of his blackberry roll alone.

Whilst visiting the many and varied watering holes throughout the valley it becomes obvious, that despite the differences of locale, there are certain types of people who naturally gravitate towards bars - or at least develop certain traits because of their constant use of a pub. In each establishment one can see the gambler, the alcoholic, the sipper, the lone drinker, the cultured drunk, the needler and most interesting of all - the liar.The liar is a peculiar animal. Hes not really a vindictive man but has developed a sense of hyperbole borne out of listening to other liars. He has an irresistible urge to out do anybody who in his opinion is speaking nonsense. The fact that the best bar liars are mostly uneducated types with a scant grasp on reality or indisputable facts makes their pronouncements all the more interesting and deliciously preposterous. Better still is the fantasist liar who wants the world to be what its not and so sets about painting scenarios of surreal beauty just tinged with a dash of reality to make them digestible. When several of these types happen to meet in one room the best strategy is to keep a straight face and treat each pronouncement with deadly seriousness and the occasional appreciative chuckle. Its also well to remember that each liar, or shall we call them hyperbolists, seems blissfully unaware that another of their kind is close at hand. The effect of accumulative and escalating fibs however can be quite debilitating to the casual observer.On one Saturday morning many moons ago I had occasion to call at The Treorchy Hotel to pay some contributions towards a day trip we had booked to Carmarthern or some other place to the west. When I walked in I could see that four of the finest exponents of hyperbole were standing at the bar. This in itself was remarkable. Even more remarkable was the fact that the landlord Keith Evans himself known as Tom Pepper was serving them.First to speak was Dai Brunker. He looked at me and said Hello Ian. We were just talkin about Elwyn Thomas. Have you seen him lately? I said that I hadnt for some months and asked why. Was he ill? You could say that said Dai. Hes picked up with skinny Janice. You know her. Shes from Treherbert. Looks like a tape worm with a big ead. Anyway hes been knocking her off and we think shes killing him. Why I asked. Because he came in here yesterday and looked as though hes lost about three stone. You ought to have seen him. He looked like he had two bricks in his arse pockets. Hes nothing but bones. I started to laugh at this suggested visage. Its not funny said Dai Hes looking horrid. I laughed even louder.To his left was Brian Poole. Poole was the most inventive swearer Id ever come across and hed developed a nice line in droll insults and fantasy (he once told us that you could buy Star of David shaped pork chops in a butchers in Ton Pentre and some people believed him) and he could change any subject at the drop of a hat. Never mind about Elwyn he said Have you seen his brother Terry. He came in here last night. You know him. Hes only five foot tall but thinks hes six foot six. You ought to have heard him laying down the law last night about what rugby we were going to watch on the box. Everyone wanted to watch Cardiff except im who wanted Llanelli on the other side. I told him where to go and then he squared up to me. What happened? I was intrigued. Nothing really said Brian. I told him to get his sword out and go and fight the spiders in the corner of the room. Short arsed bonehead as he is. He then told me hed set his dog on me. HA! Have you seen it? It looks like an up turned scrubbing brush with four legs. I was becoming positively weak by now and sat down.Tom Pepper was the next to speak. He went over to Emlyn Hicks and said Been up the allotment today Em? Emlyn was a red faced man who never stopped smiling. He always had a wicked look in his eye and wouldnt give anyone a straight answer where a spurious one would do. Aye he said Ive been having trouble with rabbits eating my lettuce. Id just come back from chaining the mother in law up in the garden shed last night It was a full moon when I saw a pair of ears sticking up behind one of the lettuce. So I got up early this morning with my shot gun and as luck would have it, it was still there. Oh aye said Pepper Did you get it Nah said Emlyn I gave it two barrels and destroyed the lettuce. Thing was. When the smoke cleared there was a donkey standing there Everyone burst out laughing.Hey said Emlyn Dont laugh. The other day I was taking a lettuce to the vicar at the top of Church Hill when I dropped it. By the time I caught up with the bloody thing it had rolled all the way down to Railway Terrace and knocked one of the coal wagons over in the sidings. Anyway where have you been lately Tom? I havent seen behind the bar for some time. Ive been on a break Em. We went down to Hampshire to visit the in laws Did you have a good trip? asked Emlyn. It was OK see. It was a bit strange when we were asked to join a witches coven but we had a laugh. What balls are you talking about now? said Poole. Before he could answer Keiths wife walked in to the bar. Are you a witch Jen? said Dai Brunker. You cheeky bugger Dai. Ill put a stop to your beer if you cant keep a civil tongue in your head. Sorry Jen said Dai but Keith was saying that you joined a witches coven on holidays. Ha! We watched a film called Blood on Satans Claw. Thats all. You ought to know better than believe anything he tells you. You know hes a bloody liar like the rest of you.At this point the spell was broken so I drank my beer and said farewell. For the rest of the day I found myself chuckling out loud for no obvious reason. Im still chuckling as I write this.