Latest news with #Blossom&Bloom
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Totally Tina tribute show set to take to the stage in Rhyl
Totally Tina, the long-running show led by tribute artist Justine Riddoch, will play at the Pavilion Theatre on Friday, July 18. The performance promises a night of high-energy music, glittering costumes, and powerhouse vocals. The show has toured across the UK and Europe, including appearances at the Cover Festival in Davos, Switzerland (Image: JandroMarch) Ms Riddoch said: "I am thrilled by the success of this production – we have come so far. "Having been told on many occasions that I sounded like Tina, I decided to take the plunge and then spent hours familiarising myself with her life story and scrutinising video footage to watch mannerisms and body movements. "We always add our own personality to the show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert, paying tribute to her career, and bring the best version of this amazing woman – her voice, her passion, and even her legs – to her many fans. "That's why we love it when people tell us that they go away feeling as though they have seen the real thing." The show includes classic hits such as Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, and What's Love Got to Do With It (Image: JandroMarch) The show includes classic hits such as Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, and What's Love Got to Do With It, as well as new additions like Jumpin' Jack Flash. The cast features a full live band, backing singers, and dancers in sequins, feathers, and stilettos. Ms Riddoch, who previously appeared on Stars In Their Eyes as Anastacia, has been performing professionally for 30 years. She has been fronting Totally Tina for 14 years, earning National Tribute Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award. READ MORE: Rhyl: Former Blossom & Bloom hub re-opens as café named after late mother Plans for football stands at leisure centre approved by councillors The show has toured across the UK and Europe, including appearances at the Cover Festival in Davos, Switzerland. Ms Riddoch said: "We love what we do, and we're lucky enough to have an incredibly loyal army of fans here and overseas. "We look forward to meeting many more new fans this year." Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm. For more information, visit:
Rhyl Journal
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire Music Cooperative's gala event dazzles
Denbighshire Music Cooperative's gala event at St Asaph Cathedral featured a dazzling programme of youth ensembles, funk and jazz bands, soloists and guest choirs who brought the house down. The evening was compered by popular tenor and TV presenter Rhys Meirion in one of his first public appearances since undergoing bowel cancer surgery. Cooperative Head of Service Heather Powell told the packed audience she could not be prouder of the 'remarkable team' of tutors and their pupils for all their hard-work. MORE: Rhyl draws music fans from across the North West for popular Northern Soul night The main sponsor of the concert was the arts loving Pendine Park care group through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was established by owners Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, to support cultural and community initiatives across the region. The cooperative was formed in 2015 in the aftermath of a financial crisis that saw funding for peripatetic music teachers being axed and two years later a sister organisation was set up in Wrexham. MORE: Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours Together they work with pupils from more than 100 primary schools and 18 high schools in the two counties while providing work for 70 freelance music tutors who are also members of the cooperative. The organisation's official Patron, royal composer Sir Paul Mealor, said: 'One of the joys of my work is travelling the world and listening to great music. I have just returned from the USA and Canada, but I have to tell you the music I have heard tonight is on a par with anything I have heard on my travels. 'The standard of young musicians we have in North Wales is world-beating. That does not just happen by accident. It is thanks to the cooperative teachers, their supporters and sponsors who have given their all to this and encouraged so many youngsters in our community to become music learners. 'A special thank-you must go to Heather Powell, an amazing visionary and a real bundle of energy who had the foresight to realise that this co-operative could work at a time when we needed it most.' Denbighshire Music Cooperative Chair Cllr Mark Young added: 'The cooperative was formed at a time when funding cuts in education hit music faculties hard. 'But Heather rose to that challenge and had the dynamism and the knowledge to turn things round. 'Now 10 years on the Co-operative has delivered a mind-blowing half a million music lessons and is continuing to grow and thrive.' TOP STORIES: Denbighshire: Council slammed for 'shameful' decision on 20mph exceptions Rhyl: Former Blossom & Bloom hub to become café named after late mother Mobile hot food business told it can't trade next to Rhyl bistro café/bar The concert was attended by Denbighshire County Head of Education Geraint Davies and Wrexham Council Chief Education Officer Karen Evans, who were both bowled over by the standard of the performances. Mr Davies said: 'In a world that often moves too fast, where the arts can sometimes be overlooked, the Denbighshire Music Cooperative stands as a shining example of what it means to nurture creativity, inspire young minds and build community through the power of music. 'Their dedication to providing high-quality music education and support across Denbighshire has not only enriched the lives of countless students but has also brought joy and pride to families, schools, and the wider community. 'They don't just teach music, they build confidence, foster discipline, and ignite passion. They help young people find their voice, sometimes quite literally, and give them the tools to express themselves in ways words alone cannot.' Among the stars of the night was blind singer Isabelle Harrison, 19, of Llandegla, a former pupil of the cooperative, who entranced the audience with her rendition of the hymn All Through the Night. Izzy, now a student at the Royal College for the Blind, said: 'It is a great honour for me to be invited back to perform at the 10th anniversary concert. The cooperative has played a big part in my life, funding me for singing lessons from an early age. 'They were invaluable in building confidence and self-esteem. It's hard to fully express how grateful I am for all they have done for me and other young people in Denbighshire.' There was rapturous applause, enthusiastic whistles and at one point a standing ovation mid-concert as the audience cheered special guests Dynamic Signing Sensations, from Wrexham. The charity choir for young people with disabilities performed British Sign Language to hit tunes Country Roads and Living on a Prayer. Other performers included pupils of Ysgol Melyd in Meliden, who melted hearts with their winning song from a Song for Denbighshire competition run by the cooperative. Pupils of Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, who made up the bands Ambrose Pop and Ambrose Fusion, won rousing applause. Senior and junior percussion ensembles led by DMC tutors Ben Neal and Joe Pearson, also gained plaudits with toe-tapping numbers including Thriller, Friend like Me, and the theme to Mission Impossible. Among the special guests was Côr Nant Clwyd, a mixed choir for the over 30s with more than 100 members drawn from across Denbighshire, Conwy and Flintshire. Rhys Meirion, who also delivered a spine-tingling solo performance, said the evening was a true showcase of the young musical abilities now thriving across North Wales. The evening was rounded off by the Tri County Fusion Band, led by Scott Lloyd and featuring top notch music students from the three counties of Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire. They delivered bumper crowd-pleasers including instrumental versions of Every Little thing She Does is Magic, and Ain't No Mountain Higher.
Rhyl Journal
01-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Sadness as Rhyl mother-and-baby charity closes its two hubs
Blossom & Bloom's wellbeing and development hubs shut for good on Friday (May 30). The charity was established in 2020, and has supported more than 700 families, providing a safe, free-of-charge space for parents with pre-school-age children to attend on a daily basis. In 2023, the wellbeing hub opened at the centre, followed a year later by the development hub, which offers a separate learning space. Blossom & Bloom's wellbeing hub (Image: Vicky Welsman-Millard) It has attributed its decision to close in part to Denbighshire County Council's decision not to allocate it any funds from its share of the Shared Prosperity Fund which it has received for the new financial year from the UK Government. Vicky Welsman-Millard, the charity's founder, said in a joint statement with its board of trustees: 'After five extraordinary years, Blossom & Bloom staff team now make their way to continue their careers within other organisations. 'We would like to thank them all for their hard work and commitment over the years and for staying with us until our last day. 'This has made continuing our wellbeing services possible over the last few months and has provided us time to put together some legacy opportunities for local mums, babies and families. 'Women lift women, and when they are given opportunities to come together, to celebrate each other and offer mutual support, magic happens.' Mrs Welsman-Millard told the Journal her charity received £129,688.09 from Denbighshire County Council's share of the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund in 2023-24, and £119,381.20 in 2024-25, but nothing for 2025-26. This is the third and final financial year when SPF funding will be distributed. The council said its decision not to allocate funds to Blossom & Bloom for this year was due to an 'overall reduction in Shared Prosperity Fund funding'. A public meeting was held in Rhyl regarding the charity's future in May, while a petition was also set up to try to save it. Blossom & Bloom's development hub (Image: Vicky Welsman-Millard) The charity's closing statement added: 'We've seen the impact of empowering women to value themselves and to achieve - personally, professionally and within their communities. 'Mothers with babies and young children are the heartbeat of our community. They are our future, and together they offer immense social value when recognised and supported. 'We have challenged the negative opinions and headlines surrounding young mums, single parent families and mums who are struggling with the parenting journey, and we've shown that with care, connection and opportunity they can thrive. 'Sadly, poverty is the headline economic marker of our town, and the poverty trap is real for so many families locally. 'Our delivery model has built communities, friendships, hope and prosperity. 'Whilst funding constraints close our current much-needed Blossom & Bloom wellbeing services, we are hoping that our model and vision for local families is adopted by statutory services moving forward. 'The team all leave the charity in a paid capacity with fierce pride celebrating the work done, time spent and differences made to hundreds of local families.' A public meeting was also held in Rhyl regarding the charity's future in May. (Image: Submitted) Numerous parents who used Blossom & Bloom's hubs shared their sadness at the closures when the news initially broke in early April. Ebonie Hitchen said the charity 'made me the person I am today' and helped her 'achieve so much', while Laura-Jayne Clark said she was 'heartbroken' and 'extremely disappointed' by the news, having benefited from Blossom & Bloom's 'astonishing' work. The charity's closing statement added: 'Our message to mums: you must never stop learning, about yourself, your family, how the world works through other people's eyes and never stop indoors feeling sad or lonely for more than 48 hours, never stop pushing yourself forward, accessing education and training and creating a family life you are proud of. 'The poverty trap is real. It doesn't just hold you; it reaches for your children and theirs. See it for what it is: a trap designed to keep you small. But you are not small. 'You are the mothers who've grown with us for five years. Every connection is making a difference, every skill gained and qualification earned, every door pushed open that's you breaking chains for generations. 'To every mother: stay connected. Isolation keeps us down, but together, we move mountains. 'With boundless love and absolute belief in your power, happy mums are the best mums.'
Rhyl Journal
09-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Blossom & Bloom: Rhyl meeting held as charity faces closure
Blossom & Bloom's wellbeing and development hubs, located in the White Rose Shopping Centre, will shut on Friday, May 30. The charity, established in 2020, has supported more than 700 families; it aims to provide a safe, free-of-charge space for parents with pre-school-age children to attend on a daily basis. The charity attributed its decision to close in part to Denbighshire County Council's decision not to allocate it any funds from its share of the Shared Prosperity Fund which it has received for the new financial year from the UK Government. The public meeting was held on Wednesday (May 7) at Sussex Street Christian Centre. As well as 60 mums, four councillors attended. Six mothers spoke at the meeting about what the charity means to them, including one who said she felt 'scared, lonely and vulnerable' when she fell pregnant, but then found a 'second home' in Blossom & Bloom. Ashleigh Greenwood, wellbeing support assistant at Blossom & Bloom, said: 'There were so many mums and families (at the meeting); the room was full. 'We had a lot of questionnaires filled out by mums and members of the public about what the impact of the closure would be, and how Blossom & Bloom has helped them. 'What we were hoping to achieve from this was for people to see how needed it is in the community. 'We made a request for the council to go to review its decision - this was our way of trying to show the council how many people are involved and will be impacted by the closure." This request was unsuccessful. Ashleigh added: 'My main concern is about where the families go from here. What's going to happen to all of the mums and babies that rely on this charity so much when we shut the doors on May 30?' Among the councillors in attendance at Wednesday's meeting were Cllrs Brian Jones (Welsh Conservatives, Rhyl Ty Newydd), Michelle Blakely-Walker (Labour, Rhyl Trellewelyn) and Will Price (Welsh Conservatives, Rhyl Trellewelyn). Vicky Welsman-Millard, founder of Blossom & Bloom, expressed her thanks to the councillors for their attendance and for listening to the mums who spoke at the meeting. Vicky Welsman-Millard (R) with some of the mums who use Blossom & Bloom's services (Image: Newsquest) Cllr Jones said: 'A number of speakers expressed extremely powerful factual messages of support for the Blossom & Bloom project, and the need for it to continue here in Rhyl as an essential service. 'This latter point, of an essential service, appears to be have been totally missed by the council.' Cllr Blakely-Walker described Blossom & Bloom's work as 'incredible'. She added: 'I was deeply saddened to hear that the council had made the decision to no longer provide funding to Blossom & Bloom. 'This local charity has worked with over 400 mothers and families within our town of Rhyl and the surrounding areas, providing crucial help and support in their time of need. 'I and a few other councillors recently submitted a scrutiny request for Blossom & Bloom in the hope that the council would explore options for further funding. Unfortunately, however, this was rejected. 'From the standpoint of both a councillor and a mother, I sincerely hope that a resolution can be found which enables Blossom & Bloom to continue providing its invaluable services for our local community. Cllr Price said: 'I was taken back a little, when I walked into the meeting, at how many of our local community was present, and at just how angry they were at this decision to stop the funding for this vital charity. 'I've received various updates over the last month or so from concerned residents of Rhyl and beyond, voicing their anger and frustration due to the loss of funding for this bespoke service they provide to mums and families. 'I am still sitting here today scratching my head as to why they would be so cruel in their decisions to take their funding away. 'The council claims to be at the forefront in looking after people's wellbeing, and being transformational in their ideas and planning strategy, but I personally don't see this in their decision concerning Blossom & Bloom.' A council spokesperson said: 'The council has received the request from Blossom & Bloom and have now responded with information to address the issues raised.'
