Merthyr Express column

11th March 10
Ladies’ Choir

Cantorion Cyfarthfa is proud to announce the release of its first CD, "Thank You For The Music". The CD includes such classics as Ar Hyd Y Nos, Londonderry Air (Danny Boy), Till There Was You. Copies of the CD, priced at £7, can be purchased from via the choir’s website www.cantorion-cyfarthfa.vpweb.co.uk. Since their inaugural concert in June 2001, Cantorion Cyfarthfa has performed in numerous concerts across Wales and the South West of England. The Choir works hard for charity and is always prepared to consider concerts for good causes, and other events. Cantorion Cyfarthfa recently performed at Hope Chapel, for a sell out event in aid of Haiti, with other performers. They will also soon be performing at an event titiled Massed Choirs of Merthyr Tydfil, in aid of the Mayor's Appeal at Rhydycar Leisure Centre, on Saturday 17th April 2010. For further information please visit the website.

Poems and Pints
This week’s Open Mike Night welcomes guest author and advocate for Welsh culture and language; David Greenslade at the Imperial Hotel tonight, Thursday, 11th March. Open Mike Nights are free entry. Just pop along on the night and give your name when asked if you would like to read. Or just relax and enjoy the evening as a listener. Next month’s Open Mike Night on 15th April welcomes this year’s winner of the prestigeous TS Elliot Prize, author Philip Gross. 7.30pm. MTCBC & Academi. For further information please contact: (01685) 725382 arts@merthyr.gov.uk

Teen Book Launch
This month see’s the publication of The Climbing Tree, a novella suitable for Years 7 – 9, written by award-winning Merthyr Tydfil writer Mike Jenkins. It is set in the near future, in a Wales seriously affected by flooding and centres on two gangs, one of which spend most of their time on the climbing tree. The main character Low is trying desperately to keep this gang together in the face of an increasingly troubled world.
Mike will be launching ‘The Climbing Tree’, at Cyfarthfa Castle, on Wednesday, 17th March at 6.00pm.
You can find out more about Mike Jenkins and his work on his website: www.mikejenkins.net.

Arts and Crafts Exhibition
As part of British Tourism Week, Enterprising Art & Business will be holding a week long exhibition of local arts and crafts at their town centre shop; 32 Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil from Monday 15th March until Saturday 21st March, with a launch event on Tuesday 16th March, at 5.30pm. For those intersted in setting up their own business, Enterprising Art & Business can give you the opportunity to gain experience in setting up and running your own business, with expert advice and access to resources. For further information pop into the shop or call 01685 377141 or visit the website at; tasteofenterprise.co.uk.