5th Nov 09
Merthyr’s Got Talent
This year’s Merthyr’s Got Talent event looks set to be the most successful yet, with over double the amount of applicants compared to last year. And the quality has also been of a very high standard making judging, even at the audition stages a very difficult task, with a number of quality acts missing out due to the great demand. The showcase event will take place at The Myfanwy Theatre, Merthyr Tydfil College tomorrow, the 6th November 2009 highlighting some of the talent from across the borough. The show starts at 6.30pm and finishes at around 10.00pm. For any further information please contact Lee Davies on 01685 385303 or Catherine Downs on 01443 692198.

Poetry, Music and...
...something to think about. The sometimes controversial poet and playwright Patrick Jones comes to Merthyr Tydfil accompanied by a guitarist and drummer, to showcase his new CD "Tongues For A Stammering Time", which is a hard hitting collection of politically charged poetry fused with music. The CD features a genre crossing selection of guest musicians and singers including Patrick’s brother Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers, Billy Bragg, Amy Wadge, Martyn Joseph and Beverley Humphries to name but a few. Patrick will be performing live upstairs at The Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil next Tuesday, 10th November. The night is free entry and will also have an open mike section for members of the audience to paricipate.

Author Visits
Some of Wales’s most talented authors continue to visit the Open Mike Nights at Merthyr’s Imperial Hotel with J Brookes reading on 19th November, Sheenagh Pugh on 3rd December and Kevin Mills on 14th January 2010. All open Mike Nights are fee entry. For further information please contact column details.

Life In Patagonia
Cymdeithas Gymraeg Soar present An Evening With Gwilym Roberts (for Welsh speakers and higher level learners). Gwilym will be discussing his experiences in Patagonia on Tuesday 10th November at 7.30p.m. at The Ganolfan Gymraeg, Merthyr Tydfil. Entry is £2, with light refreshments also available. For further information please contact Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176.

WMC’s Fifth Birthday
The Wales Millennium Centre is celebrating its 5th Birthday this month with an Open Weekend on 14th and 15th November ’09. Join the WMC for a packed weekend of free performances and activities. In the last five years the WMC has played host to an enormous variety of artists, performances and activities. However it is the 6 million visitors that have really brought the WMC to life and they want to invite you to explore - and get closer to the WMC. As part of their Birthday Celebrations WMC is throwing open its doors for two days - for you to explore, find out about what goes on behind the scenes, ask the questions you have always wanted to and discover something new. For most events you can just turn up on the day but some have limited availability and require advance booking call the ticket office on 08700 40 2000 for more information or visit Wales Millennium Centre’s website; wmc.org.uk.

An offer from Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera - Best Available Seats £10

 

 

 

Join Welsh National Opera on Friday 30 October, 7.30pm as celebrated Welsh Pianist Llŷr Williams renews his partnership with the orchestra following triumphant performances.

 

Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Mozart Piano Concerto No 24 in C Minor K491
Brahms Symphony No 2

 

This will also be the first chance to experience Lothar Koenigs conduct the world-class Orchestra of Welsh National Opera at St David's Hall in his new position as WNO's Music Director.

Tickets can be bought from the Box Office in person or on 029 2087 8444 - but must be booked before 6pm on the day of the concert.

Please quote "WNO" when booking - tickets are limited to four per person.

* Subject to availability. Offer cannot be applied retrospectively. Booking fee applies. 

 

Audiences Wales Ltd

www.audienceswales.co.uk
www.whatsonwales.co.uk

tel  : 029 2037 3736
fax  : 029 2038 4141

Registered in England and Wales : No. 2596844
Registered office: 2 Market House, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff  CF5 1QE
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ACCIDENT MUSIC BARFLY CARDIFF TOMORROW AND YASHIN WEDNESDAY @ CLWB IFOR BACH CARDIFF

TOMORROW (TUESDAY) @ THE BARFLY CARDIFF

ACCIDENT MUSIC

PORTRAITS

ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES

PEGASUS BRIDGE

DOORS 7 ENTRY £5 THIS INCLUDES FREE ENTRY TO HAMMERTIME GET IN EARLY TO AVOID HAMMERTIME QUEUES.
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AND

WEDNESDAY @ CLWB IFOR BACH CARDIFF

YASHIN

SET IN MOTION

I AM ABSOLUTE

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Motorhead at Newport Centre

The most ear splitting band in the world are back…….. Motorhead.
Lemmy, Phil Campbell & Micky Dee return to the UK this autumn for a full UK tour taking in Newport Centre on Friday 13th November.

Also appearing as special guests, The Damned and Girlschool

Call 01633 656 757 for tickets.

In Association with...

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www.thepopfactory.com
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Meeting/Cyfarfod 07/10/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

Steering Group / Grŵp Llywio
4.00pm, Wednesday, 7th October 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 7fed o Hydref 2009 VAMT

Present: Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Alison Harris – VAMT (AH), Lis McLean (LM), Michelle Powell (MP), Carla Reynolds – Art and Enterprise (CR), Ken Long - Communities First (KL), Andrew Rowlands – Credit Union (AR) & Kate Strudwick - H4A (KS).

1. Welcome

Apologies received from; Anne-Marie Carpenter, Lee Davies – 3Gs, Sally McIntyre - Communities First, Lesley Hodgson - Glamorgan Gates, David Jones - Yo! Maz.

2. Minutes from last meeting

All agreed last minutes as correct.
Creative Communities: LM asked if this is still a possibility. GP and MP reported that nobody had heard anything from the lead in RCT since before last meeting. The issues around match funding appear to make CC as a cross boarder initiative unlikeley. GP to ask Chris Long what the position is on a possible Merthyr Tydfil application to the Outcomes fund.

3. ACMF Chair

Agreed AH to assume Chair duties (GP to take minutes)

4. ACMF main meeting format and date.
Date: 15th April 2010, 6 – 8pm
Possible venues: Myfanwy Theatre, Afon Taff School
Action: GP to make enquiries

The event is designed to promote partnership work and highlight the good work done over the year. Partners to forward information in an article format to GP for compiling.
Action: Members to forward a short article (A4 and maybe a picture) on relevant successes since April 09 to GP.
It was also suggested to put a programme together of ongoing activities (workshops etc)

Performances were agreed to be predominantly from local groups. Suggestions: Merthyr’s Got Talent and W Factor finalists, Credit Union film (drama based), WNO local projects.
Also including new groups we may not be familiar with: Bontnewydd Entertainers.
Action: GP to contact Rachel Roberts in Bedlinog. Re: Bontnewydd Entertainers.
There may also be a little section to highlight the Open Mike Nights at the Imp

Talks: The evening could also include information on funding opportunities.
Action: Members to share suggestions, GP to contact Night Out
H4A to present some information. Maybe something around thier work for the National Eisteddfod.

LM suggested Phyl Griffiths as a compare. All agreed Phyl would be a good choice as he has a good relaxed temprament and would be able to present bilingually
If Night Out do give a presentation it would be good to have the mix of those who use NO and those who may use NO in the future
Could also include stands from various groups (H4A, Global Village etc.)

5. Updates

• KL advised the group that there is no longer a Communities First Arts Trust Fund but there is still a broader Communities First Trust fund, which groups can apply to for arts projects.
• LM: The Ganolfan are putting together a heritage and culture film covering four RDP areas in Merthyr Tydfil.
• H4A have been helping some groups with project management, which seems to be a good way of increasing sustainability as the funds and manpower are already in place but H4A lead on the project management side of things, allowing a particular group to gain confidence and experience of project management along the way.
• KS: the H4A Fflach/Flash project is very busy, putting together a regional eisteddfod community play, to be performed at next year’s National Eisteddfod site in Ebbw Vale, the day before the Nat. Eist. The bilingual project will include four exhibitions/performances. The project has been using beatbox workshops recently and has been active in Merthyr Tydfil at Sandbrooke House, Glamorgan Gates, Dowlais Engine House, using people’s stories and ideas. The Merthyr Tydfil performance will be on 28th November at 2.30pm in Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre.
• H4A and YoMaz have been sucessful in their Reach The Heights application. YoMaz can now work much more coherantly along side H4A across the eastern Heads Of the Valleys, working with 14 – 19 NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
• H4A are also re-running their Carnival Arts Training programme, which offers to provide a proffessional artist to work with teachers and community leaders etc. so that they can then pass on the skill to their groups.
  Action: KS to forward an electroniv version of the handout for email circulation.
• H4A staff have all begun learnig (or brushing up on their) Welsh language skills.
• GP: The writing squads have just had an anthology of their work printed, to be published on 28th October, with BBC Wales’ Roy Noble Show featuring two young writers reading their work from the book on air for National Poetry Day and Cwmni Da showing keen interest in making a short feature to be shown on S4C’s arts programme, Sioe Gelf.
• LM: The Canolfan’s young drama group, with Einir Sion (Fflach/Flash) have been doing Radio DJ workshops at S4C. The project includes a drama group performance to be shown at schools; Santes Tudful, Rhydygrug and Rhydywaun. It was very well received in the first school. The other two still to come.
• LM: Youth Gig at the Canolfan: 1st November
• MP: the next Lantern procession in the town centre looks set to be even bigger and better than last year. Meet at Lucy Fountain 6pm, 2nd December, for family fun, choirs, live bands (Celtic Pride, Betti Galws, Daughters) and more.
• LM: The Soar project now has all funding in place for the structural work but need to focus on the next task of securing revenue funding, possibly as a social enterprise. Some funding in place for a Heritage officer, who would use the arts.

8. AOB
AR: Credit Union are making a film, which could include animation, to be available on DVD. They have applied to the Communities First Trust Fund and the Big Lottery and have secured some resources via Glamorgan Gates.
The film will be to promote financial inclusion, with tips on financial management and combating bad debt.
They are looking for stories which could be annonymous (if need be).

9. Next Steering Group meeting: 10th December 2009

Merthyr Express column

29th Oct 09
Welsh Youth Gig
Y Ganolfan Gymraeg (The Welsh Centre) will be hosting a youth gig, at their Pontmorlais centre, with live rock music from young local musicians at 1pm – 4pm on Sunday, 1st November. The event is free, contact 01685 722176, Jamie@merthyrtudful.com or Sion@urdd.org for further information.

Young Writers Book
Memebers of Merthyr Tydfil’s two young writing squads (one in English and one in Welsh) have contributed to a collection of creative writing titled Journey To Other Places, which is officially published today. The book is priced £3.99, available from the Tourist Information Shop, Cyfarthfa Castle and online at http://www.gwales.com/ or Amazon.

Talented Merthyr
The Merthyr’s Got Talent showcase event will take place at The Myfanwy Theatre, Merthyr College a week Friday, the 6th November 2009. The show starts at 6.30pm and finishes at around 10.00pm. Merthyr’s Got Talent will give young people the opportunity to showcase their talents to a large audience that they otherwise may not get the opportunity to do. For any further information please contact Lee Davies on 01685 385303 or Catherine Downs on 01443 692198.

Merthyr Pictures
The next couple of days will be your last chance to catch Once Upon a Time in Wales;
an exhibition of photographs by Robert Haines at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibition, captures some of the characters from Heolgerrig and Merthyr Tydfil in the 1970s, including hard man, Melvin Webber and ‘Mad’ Malcolm. The book of photographs is available to order from all bookshops priced £14.99. It is also available online from Amazon. The exhibition is free entry and runs until 31st October 2009. Contact the museum for details on 01685 723112 or email museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Patrick Jones
Not for the faint hearted, the sometimes controversial poet and playwright Patrick Jones comes to Merthyr Tydfil accompanied by a guitarist and drummer, to showcase his new CD "Tongues For A Stammering Time", which is a hard hitting collection of politically charged poetry fused with music. The CD features a genre crossing selection of guest musicians and singers including Patrick’s brother Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers, Billy Bragg, Amy Wadge, Martyn Joseph and Beverley Humphries to name but a few. Patrick will be performing live upstairs at The Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday, 10th November. The night is free entry and will also have an open mike section for members of the audience to paricipate.

Merthyr Express column

22nd Oct 09
Contemporary Dance
Creative Wales Award winner Tanja Råman returns to the stage after a year-long research period, with a thrilling new dance performance: Traces, co-produced by Taliesin Arts Centre. Traces visits Theatr Myfanwy in Merthyr College of FE for one night only tonight, Thursday 22nd October.
Capitalising on the strengths of the long-term collaboration with visual / sound artist John Collingswood (dbini industries), Traces is their most adventurous and mature production to date. In this beautifully crafted, dark and exciting performance, Tanja combines smoothly flowing movement, sudden dynamic changes and highly athletic expression. Jon builds a breathtaking and hypnotic electronic soundtrack by sampling, looping and manipulating sounds generated by the other performers. An ephemeral world of drawing, video projection and live photography created by John captures fleeting memories of Tanja’s choreography and Jon Ruddick’s sonic environment. Traces is at the Myfanwy Theatre in Merthyr College tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 / £4 and are available on 01685 726000.

Youth Theatre
A Professional youth theatre is setting up home in Merthyr Tydfil after a successful start in Aberdare. Retro Academy of Performing Arts, has gone from strength to strength over the past two years, developing talent in youngsters and staging big scale musicals, like Les Miserables, RENT and Oliver, as well as one night review show, winning Glammie for Best Musical 2009, and being invited to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. And now Retro is set to bring their successful formula for an innovative and engaging theatre academy to Merthyr. After looking at several different areas, Retro decided to open their second school in Merthyr Tydfil. Weekly sessions are held at Merthyr Tydfil College in Room 222 Which is on the second floor, every Thursday 7-9pm. Young people aged between 8 and 35 will have the opportunity to learn all disciplines of the performance world led by experienced professionals. The classes are suitable for everyone, including beginners, natural-born performers and the more experienced actors and singers, and the weekly sessions will lead to two large productions every year which will include all of the students.
If you would like the opportunity to work with a young and innovative production team on new and exciting projects and learn all about singing, dancing, acting and performing then visit: www.retroacademy.co.uk or phone 01685 886842/07949886556 for more information or to enrol.

Music and Poetry
Poet and playwright Patrick Jones comes to Merthyr Tydfil accompanied by a guitarist and drummer, to showcase his new CD "Tongues For A Stammering Time". The CD features guest musicians and singers including Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers, Billy Bragg, Amy Wadge, Martyn Joseph and Beverley Humphries to name but a few. Patrick will be performing live upstairs at The Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday, 10th November. The night is free entry and will also have an open mike section for members of the audience to paricipate.

traces

Twmpath - Mae yna llefydd ar gael 16/10/2009 337

Menter Merthyr Tudful Information for you: Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful/Cymdeithas Gymraeg Beddllwynog/Cymdeith Twmpath (Welsh Dance) - There are places available for the Twmpath at Abercwboi this Friday. Buses will go from Bedlinog and Merthyr to the evening which has been organised by Hirwaun Learners Group. Tickets are £3.50 only. Contact now, very few places left! At: Abercwmboi Rygbi Club On: Friday 16/10/2009 Time: 7.00-hwyr For further information contact Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176 This e-mail message is intended solely for the attention of the person to whom it is addressed. Menter Merthyr Tudful accepts no responsibility for any events organised by any other organisations. To confirm details any event and / or in case of cancellation, please contact the events organisers and not Menter Merthyr Tudful. For further information about Menter Merthyr Tudful look at our web site at http://www.merthyrtudful.com To change your interest options click here >> Change Digwyddiad i chi: Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful/Cymdeithas Gymraeg Beddllwynog/Cymdeithas Hirwaun Twmpath - Mae yna llefydd ar gael ar gyfer Twmpath Abercwmboi nos Wener yma. Fe fydd bysiau yn mynd o Feddllwynog a Merthyr Tudful i'r noson sydd wedi ei threfnu gan Criw Dysgwyr Hirwaun. Tocynnau £3.50 yn unig. Cysylltwch nawr, llefydd prin iawn! Yn: Clwb Rygbi Abercwmboi Dydd Gwener 16/10/2009 Am: 7.00-hwyr Am wybodaeth bellach ffoniwch Swyddfa Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176

P4 Music presents: Ocean Colour Scene, Video Games Live, Monsters of Folk and more

P4 Music presents:

At a glance…
Richard Hawley – 16th October – Swansea Brangwyn Hall
Nerina Pallot – 19th October – Cardiff Glee Club
Tinariwen – 24th October – Cardiff University
Kids in Glass Houses – 5th November – Blackwood Miners Institute
Ash – 12th November – Swansea Sin City
The Automatic – 13th November – Rhondda Cwmparc Hall
The Automatic – 14th November – Wrexham Central Station
Monsters of Folk – 16th November Cardiff Coal Exchange
Super Furry Animals – 20th November – Cardiff Coal Exchange
John Cale – 21st November- Cardiff Coal Exchange
The Alarm – 25th November – Cardiff Glee Club
Video Games Live – 3rd December – Cardiff International Arena
The Alarm – 6th December – Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre
The Puppini Sisters – 8th December – Cardiff Glee Club
Twenty Twenty – 1st Feb – Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
Ocean Colour Scene – 3rd March 2010 – Cardiff Coal Exchange

CHECK OUT BELOW FOR P4 MUSIC GIGS AND EVENTS

Just Announced…..
Monsters of Folk: 16th Nov: Cardiff Coal Exchange
Monsters of Folk are already being called this generation's Traveling Wilburys, but a better comparison is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Like CSNY, Monsters of Folk yoke together a quartet of folk-minded rockers; Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes and M. Ward of She and Him. This folk supergroup creates something that's often greater than the sum of its parts.
P4 Music is proud to present one of only two UK shows on the current Monsters of Folk European Tour.
Tickets: £18: Box Office 02920 230130 / www.ticketlineuk.com / www.seetickets.com

Video Games Live: 3rd Dec, Cardiff International Arena
'VIDEO GAMES LIVE' is a complete celebration and multimedia concert experience featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, including Mario, Zelda, Halo, Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Metal Gear Solid, Medal of Honor, Civilization, Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, Guitar Hero and a special Classic Arcade Medley featuring over 20+ games from Pong to Donkey Kong including such classics as Tetris and MANY MORE!

It's the power & emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology, fun and interactivity of a video game. Performed by top orchestras and choirs, the show combines exclusive video footage and music arrangements with synchronized lighting, solo performers, stage show production, special FX, electronic percussionists and unique interactive segments.

There is also a Pre Show Festival & Post Show Meet-n-Greet open to all ticket holders – at NO extra cost! Pre-Show activities include game demonstrations and competition, costume contest and prizes. The Post-Show activities include meet and greet opportunities with industry designers/creators, composers/sound designers, voice actors, performers and more special guests.
Ticket prices are £40.00 and £27.50 (sbf). Box Office 02920 230130 / www.ticketlineuk.com www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.hmvtickets.com www.seetickets.com www.derricksmusic.co.uk

Richard Hawley –Swansea Brangwyn Hall 16th Oct.
Mercury Music Prize Nominee Richard Hawley comes to Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on the 16th of October in support of his acclaimed new album Truelove's Gutter, his only Welsh date of the tour. Tickets: Box Office 01792 475175 / www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Tinariwen 24th October Cardiff Great Hall
Tinariwen are a band of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali. Legendary for having traded their Kalashnikovs for Guitars in the 80's, Tinariwen had gained a following in the world music community by frequently playing at international music festivals. Their mesmerizing live show is a rare treat not to be missed
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 / www.ticketlineuk.com / www.seetickets.com

John Cale at Cardiff Coal Exchange Saturday 21st November
When Past and Future Collide: John Cale Performs Paris 1919 Live in its Entirety.
Backed by his LA based band and a large compliment of musicians, this exclusive concert will see Cale produce a special performance of his most celebrated solo album 'Paris 1919' in its entirety. This never seen before performance will be John Cale's only UK date in 2009.
Tickets: £22.50 (sbf): Box Office 02920 230130 / www.soundtrackfilmfestival.com
www.p4music.co.uk / www.seetickets.co.uk / www.hmvtickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Recreation: Super Furry Animals, Mark Gardner (Ride) + Guests
Cardiff Psych-rockers Super Furry Animals will perform at this year's Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival, as part of a special series of events celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Creation Records label.
Tickets: £20.00(sbf): Box Office 02920 230130: www.soundtrackfilmfestival.com / www.p4music.co.uk /www.seetickets.co.uk www.hmvtickets.com /www.ticketlineuk.com

Other P4 Music Shows

Nerina Pallot – Cardiff Glee Club 18th Oct.
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 / www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Kids In Glass Houses, Attack! Attack!, Tiger Please: Blackwood Miners Institute 5th Nov
Tickets £10.00 / 14+: Box Office 01495 227206, www.seetickets.com /www.p4music.co.uk / www.hmv.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Ash: 12th November Swansea Sin City
Tickets: Box Office 01792 654226 www.seetickets.com www.derricksmusic.com www.ticketlineuk.com

The Automatic
Rhondda, Parc Hall, Cwmparc: 13th November: Box Office: 02920 230130
Wrexham Central Station: 14th November: Box Office: 0870 4445556
Tickets available from: www.seetickets.com / www.theautomatic.co.uk

The Alarm: Cardiff Glee Club Nov 25th / Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre Dec 6th
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

The Puppini Sisters – Cardiff Glee Club 8th December.
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Twenty Twenty: Feb 1st Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

Ocean Colour Scene: 3rd March Cardiff Coal Exchange
Tickets: Box Office 02920 230130 www.seetickets.com / www.ticketlineuk.com

More shows to be announced soon

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Click here for tickets: http://p4music.co.uk/gigs

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Merthyr Express column

15th Oct 09
Poetry Tonight
Tonight’s (Thursday, 15th October) Open Mike Night at The Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil, welcomes Herbert Williams. Herbert was born in Aberystwyth and is a highly respected poet, novelist, short story writer and dramatist. His first collection of poetry was published 1965. He worked as a journalist, then a BBC producer before becoming a full-time writer in 1979. Herbert's poems, short stories and plays have been broadcast by BBC, HTV and Thames Television. A book on his work, written by Phil Carradice, will appear in the University of Wales Press' Writers of Wales Series in 2010. Open Mike Nights are free entry. For further information, please contact column details.

Christmas Crafts
Heads for Arts will be delivering a free arts workshop in Trefechan Community Centre Monday 26th October at 3.30pm until 5.30pm around the theme of Christmas. The workshop will deliver key skills to workers/volunteers such as Christmas card making, making gift bags etc. The aim of providing this workshop is to upskill local workers/ volunteers who can then pass on their learned skills to others. To book a place, please contact Sally Mcintyre Communities First Development Officer at Trefechan on 01685 383758.

Contemporary Dance
Creative Wales Award winner Tanja Råman returns to the stage after a year-long research period, with a thrilling new dance performance: Traces, co-produced by Taliesin Arts Centre. Traces is at the Myfanwy Theatre in Merthyr College next Thursday, 22nd October at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 / £4 and are available on 01685 726000.

Merthyr Writers
To celebrate two new Library of Wales titles set in Merthyr Tydfil, Academi and Parthian Books will be holding a day of events in the town this Saturday, 17 October 2009. Glyn Jones’ The Valley, The City, The Village and Jack Jones’ Black Parade, bring alive a sense of place that is unmistakeably Merthyr Tydfil. The day will be held at the Castle Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil. Professor Dai Smith will introduce a stimulating day with Dr John Pikoulis, a walking tour of Merthyr Tydfil town led by Mario Basini and a discussion panel, including Rachel Trezise, Des Barry and Anthony Bunko. Day Tickets to the conference are available for £17.50 / £15.00 concessions for all events and buffet lunch. For more information and to book a place contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266, email post@academi.org or visit http://www.academi.org/.

Business Start Up Surgery
If you’re interested in starting your own business and have any questions you have, big or small come to this day long surgery to discover the next steps you need to take, learn more about free training available and find out about organisations that may be able to help. Wednesday, 21st October, 10am – 4pm in Glamorgan Gates, 121 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. The day is free of charge, delivered by The Welsh Assembly Flexible Support for Business. For more information or to book please call Jenna on 01685 729940.

Audiences Wales Newsletter October 2009

Audiences Wales Newsletter October 2009
[Photo] The Welsh Language Marketing Forum aims to help those involved with marketing Welsh language arts events or activities by identifying shared experiences and pooling ideas to identify possible solutions. Bethan Way, Marketing Officer at Sherman Cymru, will be talking about the challenges and successes of marketing their own Welsh language events. Please come along if you would like to share your own experiences, or wish to learn from others on this topic.

The forum will be held at Sherman Cymru, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff CF24 4YE, on Friday 16th October, from 11am to 1pm. Please note that this forum is held in English, and is open to anyone involved with marketing Welsh language events. If you’d like to attend, please email michael@audienceswales.co.uk. [Photo] A big thank you to everyone who attended our CONNECT meetings in Cardiff and Carmarthen on September 22nd and 29th. They were a huge success - generating plenty of discussion between a diverse set of venues, theatre companies, arts organisation and independent arts marketers. Maggie Hampton from Disability Arts Cymru gave a presentation on marketing to disabled audiences, highlighting the numbers they represent, the fundamentals of marketing to disabled audiences and five useful steps on providing a good customer experience to disabled people. The five steps are below, all aimed at increasing disabled audiences at your venue 1. Access information sheets in box office 2. Contact list of disabled people’s organisations 3. Basic access details on publicity 4. Check systems for producing alternative formats 5. Involve disabled people Maggie also discussed Equal Spaces - a useful guide on best practice for arts providers on disability issues. The Equal Spaces guide is available to download for free on the Arts Council of Wales website. For further information click here. [Photo] [Photo] VerseOne Technologies Ltd is a web accessibility champion, delivering accessible content management solutions for websites and intranets. The company will be running a set of free seminars based on web accessibility and will provide a basic grounding in the legal and design issues surrounding web accessibility. Seminars will be held in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Manchester from November 24th—November 27th. To find out more and to register, click here. [Photo] This year’s Arts Council of Wales’ Marketing Symposium will be held at Chapter in Cardiff on Wednesday November 25th. The symposium is a great opportunity to listen to guest speakers, take part in discussions and network with friends and colleagues from across Wales. This year’s keynote speakers are Heather Maitland, talking about the impact of the recession on arts attendance, and DK from MediaSnackers, looking at the future of new technology and digital communications. Audiences Wales will also be leading a seminar on our drama audiences research project, Identifying the Potential, and contributing to a discussion panel alongside Creu Cymru and National Theatre Wales. Further information will be available on the Arts Council of Wales website soon. www.artswales.org [Photo] With the growth of on-line marketing and the use of existing social networking sites, it’s important to maintain a consistent brand image while adopting a different style and tone to suit each audience. This short article from the Sign-up.to website offers some quick advice on how to adapt Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to reflect your brand. Click here to read the article. The Sign-up.to website (www.sign-up.to) is full of useful advice and resources - with up to the minute news and views, the site offers some great ideas that you incorporate into your marketing plan. The ‘Knowledge’ section has some useful guides including a new UK email benchmarking report. [Photo] Wales' only dedicated arts print service Don't forget Audiences Wales' leaflet distribution service remains the most comprehensive service of its kind in South-East Wales. We distribute leaflets to over 350 outlets across Cardiff and South East Wales and our display stands are regularly maintained by our staff, ensuring that the display is up to date and well presented. We have been developing this service for over 20 years and remain the only company providing such a comprehensive and well maintained service for arts organisations in the area. Contact John Bullivant, Distribution Manager on 029 2037 3736 / john@audienceswales.co.uk. Free advice and support Audiences Wales provides a free advice and support service to anyone working in arts marketing and audience development including individual artists, galleries, festivals and theatres whether they are professional, amateur or community based. Whatever your question may be, give us a call and if we don't know the answer we will find out or point you in the right direction! Mailing Database Audiences Wales provides a database of members of the public who are interested in arts events, segmented by artform and postcode, which are available to artists and arts organisations. Last year we produced nearly 60,000 labels or email addresses to help organisations reach their audiences. If you would like to discuss this cost effective addition to your publicity campaign, call the Audiences Wales team. [Photo] Audiences Wales Ltd

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Taith Cerdded - Fe fydd Clwb Cerdded 10/10/2009 337

Menter Merthyr Tudful Information for you: Cymraeg i Oedolion Morgannwg Guided Walk - Clwb Cerdded Morgannwg will be meeting at the Cefn Coed Car Parc this Saturday for a walk along the Taff Trail. Warm welcome to Welsh speakers and learners. At: Cefn Coed Car Park On: Saturday 10/10/2009 Time: 10.30 For further information contact Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176 You can see all the information and the poster here> Click You may have to right click above to download the poster This e-mail message is intended solely for the attention of the person to whom it is addressed. Menter Merthyr Tudful accepts no responsibility for any events organised by any other organisations. To confirm details any event and / or in case of cancellation, please contact the events organisers and not Menter Merthyr Tudful. For further information about Menter Merthyr Tudful look at our web site at http://www.merthyrtudful.com To change your interest options click here >> Change Digwyddiad i chi: Cymraeg i Oedolion Morgannwg Taith Cerdded - Fe fydd Clwb Cerdded Morgannwg yn cwrdd ym Maes Parcio Cefn Coed Dydd Sadwrn yma am daith gerdded ar hyd y Taith Taf. Croeso mawr i siaradwyr a ddysgwyr Gymraeg. Yn: Maes Parcio Cefn Coed Dydd Sadwrn 10/10/2009 Am: 10.30 Am wybodaeth bellach ffoniwch Swyddfa Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176 Gallwch weld yr holl wybodaeth a'r poster yma > Cliciwch

DRAMA 'Tafliad Carreg' Bydd ymweliad 14/10/2009 337

Menter Merthyr Tudful Information for you: Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful DRAMA 'Tafliad Carreg' The Arad Goch drama company's next performance at the Welsh Centre will be on wednesday 14th October at 7.30p.m. An opportunity to see a profesional performance of 'Tafliad Carreg' (Throwing Stones), the story of two normal boys who find themselves in abnormal circumstances following one thoughtless act. Tickets £5 from Siop y Ganolfan. At: Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, Neuadd Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, Cf 47 8UB On: Wednesday 14/10/2009 Time: 7.30 For further information contact Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176 You can see all the information and the poster here> Click You may have to right click above to download the poster This e-mail message is intended solely for the attention of the person to whom it is addressed. Menter Merthyr Tudful accepts no responsibility for any events organised by any other organisations. To confirm details any event and / or in case of cancellation, please contact the events organisers and not Menter Merthyr Tudful. For further information about Menter Merthyr Tudful look at our web site at http://www.merthyrtudful.com To change your interest options click here >> Change Digwyddiad i chi: Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful DRAMA 'Tafliad Carreg' Bydd ymweliad nesaf cwmni drama Arad Goch a'r Ganolfan Gymraeg ar Nos Fercher 14eg Hydref am 7.30y.h. Cyfle gweld perfformiad proffesiynol o'r cynhyrchiad 'Tafliad Carreg' ynglŷn â stori dau fachgen cyffredin - ond o ganlyniad i un weithred ddifeddwl maent mewn sefyllfa anghyffredin. Tocynnau £5 o Siop y Ganolfan. Yn: Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, Neuadd Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, Cf 47 8UB Dydd Mercher 14/10/2009 Am: 7.30 Am wybodaeth bellach ffoniwch Swyddfa Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176 Gallwch weld yr holl wybodaeth a'r poster yma > Cliciwch

NOSON GYDA WYNFORD JONES Fe fydd 06/10/2009 337

MENTER MERTHYR

Information for you:
Cymdeithas Gymraeg Soar AN EVENING WITH WYNFORD JONES
Cymdeithas Gymraeg Soar will be holding an evening with the boxing referee Wynford Jones on Tuesday 6th October at 7.30p.m. at The Ganolfan Gymraeg. Mr Jones will be speaking about his experiences growing up in a Welsh language family in Cefn Coed. Entry £2, light refreshments available.
At: Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, CF47 8UB
On: Tuesday 06/10/2009 Time: 7.30-9.00
For further information contact Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176


Digwyddiad i chi:
Cymdeithas Gymraeg Soar NOSON GYDA WYNFORD JONES
Fe fydd Cymdeithas Gymraeg Soar yn cynnal noson gyda'r dyfarnwr paffio Wynford Jones ar nos Fawrth 6ed Hydref am 7.30y.h. yn Y Ganolfan Gymraeg. Fe fydd Mr Jones yn siarad am ei brofiadau'n tyfu lan ar aelwyd Gymraeg yng Nghefn Coed. Mynediad £2 lluniaeth ysgafn ar gael.
Yn: Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, CF47 8UB
Dydd Mawrth 06/10/2009 Am: 7.30-9.00
Am wybodaeth bellach ffoniwch Swyddfa Menter Merthyr Tudful 01685 722176

Merthyr Express column

8th Oct 09
Les Miserables
The Myfanwy Theatre welcomes Merthyr Academy of Performing Arts for their school production of the musical, set in 19th-century France; Les Miserables. Based on the 1862 Victor Hugo novel of the same name, the musical follows the intertwining stories of a cast of characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution. Les Miserables runs at the Myfanwy Theatre from Monday, 12th until Friday, 16th October 2009. Doors open at 6:30pm. Curtians Up at 7pm. For tickets, priced £9 and £8 concessions, call the box office 07816149856. Or email: mtheatre@merthyr.ac.uk. Myfanwy Theatre is situated at Merthyr Tydfil College, Ynysfach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1AR.

Once Upon a Time in Wales
This month sees a fasinating exhibition of photographs by Robert Haines at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibition, shown earlier this year at The Light House Gallery in Wolverhampton and The National Museum of Wales, captures some of the characters from Heolgerrig and Merthyr Tydfil in the 1970s, including hard man, Melvin Webber, who died after being blasted by a shotgun, and ‘Mad’ Malcolm for whom no chemical substance was too strong. The book of photographs is available to order from all bookshops priced £14.99. It is also available online from Amazon. The exhibition is free entry and runs until 31st October 2009. Contact the museum for details on 01685 723112 or email museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Poet’s Visit
Next Week’s Open Mike Night at The Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil, welcomes guest author Gemma June Howell on Thursday, 15th October. As a child Gemma June Howell became involved in political activism and attended Anti-Nazi League and ANC marches. Her first taste of political writing was at the age of 16 when she joined the Red Poets Society for Poems and Pints. She set up The Creative Writing Coalition and produced poetry magazine, Think Allowed! She’s had excerpts from her plays broadcast and her first novel published by Hafan Books.

Boogie Tonight
Swing blues band The Boogiemen visit The Myfanwy Theatre at Merthyr Tydfil College tonight, Thursday, 8th October for a night of entertainment. For tickets to this event, please contact: The Myfanwy Theatre on 01685 726000. Tickets cost £5.00 / £3.50 Disabled, OAP, Students, Unwaged, Children.

Tafliad Carreg
Welsh language drama Tafliad Carreg, or Stones in English, will be performed at 7.30pm next Wednesday, 14th October at Y Ganolfan Gymraeg. Tickets cost £5. Contact 01685 722176 for further information.