Merthyr Express column

18th March 10

Poems and Pints
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

Merthyr Aloud

Community Choir Voice Workshops. Come along to our workshops with Heather Murray –

Natural Voice Practitioner and learn some beautiful harmonies from different musical traditions.

No experience needed – all songs taught by ear. Improve your health meet new people, and have lots of fun! St David’s Church Hall, Thursday afternoons, 1pm – 3pm. For more information or to book call Zowie on: 01685 729940

Arts and Business
Starting a Business – Your questions answered! Could you run your own business? Have you been trying to find work? What is the alternative? Can you become self employed and run your own business? Do you have a hobby or a skill that could earn you money? Are you unsure what type of business you could start? Are you eligible for grant support? Where can you get help? For the answers to all these questions, pop into Glamorgan Gates, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil (opposite Burtons) on 24th March at 10am – 2pm. The event is free of charge, with free tea, coffee and hot crossed buns! If you would like further information please call Lisa on 01685 729940

Arts and Crafts Exhibition
Enterprising Art & Business are holding a week long exhibition of local arts and crafts at their town centre shop; 32 Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil until this Saturday, 21st March. For those intersted in setting up their own business, Enterprising Art & Business offer 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 at lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil or call 01685 377141 or visit the website at; tasteofenterprise.co.uk.

Keeping the Peace
Keeping the Peace Meditations for Everyone in Merthyr Tydfil every Wednesday, 6.30pm – 8.00pm until 31st March. Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre will be holding a series of drop-in meditation classes at Dowlais Library in Merthyr Tydfil, which will provide a clear and simple explanation of how to overcome anger and experience the supreme inner peace that comes from the practice of patience. “When painful feelings arise in our mind, there is no need to panic; we can patiently accept them, experience them, and investigate their nature and where they come from. When we do this, we shall discover that painful feelings do not come to us from outside but arise from within our own mind.” (How to Solve Our Human Problems, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso). Each class will be self-contained and the content will offer something for everyone – from the absolute beginner to the experienced meditator. The facility fee for each class is £5 (Charity Number: 1039234), with a concessionary rate of £3 available for students and anyone who is unwaged, and includes refreshments. There is no need to book in advance – simply drop-in and enjoy! For further details on these sessions please contact Dharmavajra Centre on 01792 458 245, via email at info@meditationinwales.org or visit the Centre’s website – www.meditationinwales.org. Please check organisers directly to confirm all details before travelling.