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noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Quiz - Americymru Know Your Welsh Mountains? http://ping.fm/fnFpK

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:13:00 +0000

The Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 - Enter Online Competitions Here! - Americymru http://ping.fm/vuQ3X

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Quiz - Americymru Daily Quiz - Welsh Celebrity Birth Dates http://ping.fm/Aaqns

Welsh Brewer names Afghan Heroes as first charity for Heroes Lager

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Heroes Lager to raise £1million for Forces Charities

A new premium bottled lager is to be launched in February 2010 to help raise more than £1million a year for forces charities - and to help provide long-term care for our Nation’s Heroes. Heroes Lager is being launched by a not-for-profit company called Beer Brands, which has announced that Afghan Heroes will be one of the first charities to benefit......MORE.

Last night's unique mass at Dolgellau launches a year-long celebration for Wales Saint

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:07:00 +0000

Last night, Thursday 10th December 2009, a unique bilingual Mass was held in a small Church in Dolgellau, launching a year of celebrations for Saint John Roberts, of Trawsfynydd, who was executed 400 years ago at Tybyrn . The year of celebrations will run from the 10th of December 2009 until the 10th of December 2010. The sequence of events taking place throughout the year will lead up to a landmark event to be held in Westminster Cathedral, London on 17th July 2010 where, for the first time ever, the Head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, and Head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, will unite with Wales’ religious leaders to celebrate the life of one of Wales’ Saints.

Last night, the 10th of December, at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Dolgellau, Bishop Edwin Regan celebrated a bilingual Mass where people from all denominations, and of no denomination, gathered. A number of priests from Wales and beyond concelebrated the Mass alongside Father Joshy, the Parish Priest who originates from India, and who is learning Welsh. Father Joshy also took part in the opening service at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Bala.

Sue Roberts, Vice-Chairman of the Catholic Circle (Cylch Catholig), who is organising the year-long celebrations alongside the Saint John Roberts working group said: “The Mass is a very special one, with Dolgellau’s Nuns of the Carmelite Order receiving special permission to leave the Convent to join us. This is a very rare event. Only once before have the Nuns been in the parish church, despite the Convent being only a few hundred yards from the church”.

Amongst those attending the launch last night was Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, who said “The remembrance of the martyrdom St John Roberts is an opportunity to reflect on the devastating effect of mixing religions and political prejudice and the lack of tolerance among people of different beliefs. Being present at this special Mass in Dolgellau is a chance to remember the importance of our Catholic tradition in Wales and our vital relationship with the rest of Europe”.

Also attending were Delwyn Evans - the Mayor of Dolgellau, and a number of County Councilors from the town and Meirionydd. Canon Andrew Jones - the Rural Dean of Llyn and Eifionydd - represented the Bishop of Bangor - the Right Reverend Andrew John, and Brother Dewi Jones attended from Ireland, a fluent Welsh speaker (full name: Alun Idris Jones). In addition to this, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, a representative of the Royal Family was also present at the launch.

The music on the evening was in the capable hands of Paul Booth, former Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, who had put the words on Saint John Roberts written by Father David Jones to music. They were performed by Tim Hughes for the first time during the service.

A banner commissioned by Mrs Sue Booth made specifically for the year of celebrations, was carried for the first time during the church’s procession at the beginning of the Mass. The banner will appear at each event throughout the year.

Also present in the congregation was Marian Rees of Tal-y-Llyn whose relations built the Church. The remarkable stonework of the church matches some of the town’s ancient buildings.

Following the Mass, a reception was held for all attendees where Keith O’Brien (an expert on the history of Saint John Roberts) gave a presentation on the life of the Saint.

Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols sends greetings to honour Wales’ Saint “Dear friends in Christ, It gives me great pleasure to send greetings from Westminster on this feast day of St John Roberts at the beginning of the year long celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom. St John Roberts was a man who showed his great love for Jesus Christ in the courageous way he spent himself tending to the spiritual and physical needs of the people in that turbulent time. It is good to know that he is praying for us as we follow Christ in our challenging world. As I send these greetings I look forward with great expectation to the celebrations in Westminster Cathedral on 17 July next year. May God bless you all”.

Bishop Edwin Regan said “Although the name St John Roberts isn’t as well known today, he is a major figure in our religious history”. “In fact, he is better known across the continent in France and Spain (and also in North Wales). He founded an important monastery in Douai in France before returning to Britain. He was the first Monk to return to Britain following the Protestant Reformation”… “The hostility between the Catholics and Protestants was at it’s height at this stage” he continued. “A Catholic priest could only expect to live for approximately 2 years in Britain during that period”....”It's so positive to see so many Christians from varying churches unite to honour This Holy Man".

Sue Roberts continued: “John Roberts was one of our boys”….. “He was only 33 years old when he was executed. His courage and dedication is still a beacon for everyone here in Wales, and it is important that we remember him. He is a Saint for the whole of Wales”.

The highlight of the year-long celebrations will be the pilgrimage from Wales to Tyburn in July 2010, which will culminate in a magnificent service in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday the 17th of July. A number of prominent and important people from Wales will be taking part in the service, with every Archbishop and Bishop of Wales in attendance, both Catholic and Anglican. In addition to this, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will be giving an address in Welsh This will be the first time the Welsh language has been officially used in Westminster Cathedral. Lord Dafydd Ellis-Thomas will be unveiling a mosaic for Saint David and the Cathedral Choir, The London Welsh Chorale, Huw Edwards, Dafydd Iwan, Rhys Meirion, Guto Harri, Mali Fflur, Alwena Roberts and others will also be taking part in the celebrations.

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A message from the Archbishop of Wales for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts:

My brothers and sisters within Christ,

It is encouraging to know that the memory of St John Roberts has brought together Anglicans, Nonconformists and Catholics together during the past year, as co-pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). It was also suitable preparation for the year of celebrations which we officially launch here tonight. It is a privilege for us as Anglicans across Wales to share these celebrations and pray for our Catholic brothers and sisters. I’m sending my best wishes and regards and I look forward to being with you at Westminster Cathedral in July.

In the name of Christ

Barry Cambrensis (The Most Reverand Dr Barry Morgan)

Archbishop of Wales

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A message from the Bishop of Bangor for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts:

My fellow Christians here in this part of Wales,

During the past year - my first year as Bishop of Bangor - it has been a privilege to learn about St John Roberts and in particular his life as one of the first generations of Anglicans in Trawsfynydd and as a Catholic man in Europe. One of the notable benefits of his lasting presence is the way his memory here in North Wales brings Christians together - especially Catholics and Anglicans. My heart warms knowing that Welsh Christians from many denominations began the celebrations last year in Spain and tonight I pray that the launch of the year of celebration of his martyrdom is one of blessing and encouragement. I offer my best wishes and my blessing.

In the name of The Risen Christ

The Right Reverend Andrew John

Bishop of Bangor

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More Images From the Mass

Find more photos like this on Americymru

MI5’s Attempt to Infiltrate Plaid Cymru Inspires Novel

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:32:00 +0000

The Prince and the Patriot, published this week, is a lively account of the political divisions and deep resentments surrounding the investiture – 40 years ago – of Charles Windsor as Prince of Wales.

Author John D Rogers, who was himself involved with Plaid Cymru at the time, was inspired to write the novel after encountering a suspicious character.

“In 1965, when I was at university in Leeds,” Mr Rogers said, “I met a 30-year-old alleged student who told me he was a ‘Liverpool Welshman’ and had been in the Foreign Legion. He wanted to make contact with Plaid Cymru members so he could help the Welsh cause. As I was active in the Welsh Society and had started a West Riding branch of Plaid Cymru for ex-pats, I was quite flattered.”

However, events soon started to take a sinister turn.

“One day my mother told me he had turned up at the door asking questions about me and wanted to know who belonged to Plaid in Liverpool, where she lived. Later on, he suggested that I should help him to ‘do something about’ the Clywedog reservoir then being built, and reminded me that he had explosives experience. It was then that the warning bells started to ring. I refused his offer and never saw him again. Some time later, I found out that this person was working for MI5.”

In the novel, which should appeal to teenage readers and young adults of both sexes, sixth-former Geraint, completely uninterested in politics, finds himself suspended from school for making a stand for the Welsh language. Soon afterwards he joins Plaid Cymru and begins campaigning for them, eventually also becoming a member of the secretive Liberation Army of Wales. Strongly opposed to the investiture, planned for July 1969, the LAW members turn their attention from blowing up water pipelines to a plan to kidnap Charles before the ceremony takes place.

However, the book is not all about plotting and politics. Geraint’s burgeoning love affair with English girlfriend Melanie plays a major role as she tries to warn him of the agent provocateur aiming to expose the plotters.

John D Rogers lives in Nantymoel, South Wales. A retired English teacher (although he still teaches part-time), he has also spent time in the Merchant Navy. The Prince and the Patriot is published by Y Lolfa and is available in book shops and www.ylolfa.com for £6.95.

It’s Carmarthen – but not as we know it!

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:36:00 +0000

A new humorous and whimsical novel published this week, The Carmarthen Underground, explores the possibility of an ‘alternative Carmarthen’ filled with secret agents, spies and thugs. Beneath the town’s busy streets lies the hub of a sophisticated organisation whose officers are dedicated to the protection of Wales and its people from ruthless predators who are determined to undermine the country, its language and its culture. But is there an enemy within? The agents of Carmarthen Intelligence must find out or risk all they and the veterans of the Battle for Wales have strived for.Author Gaynor Madoc Leonard was inspired by a quote in William Knox's book The Pan-Celtic Phrasebook (also published by Y Lolfa) which asks: “Is there an underground train in Carmarthen?”

“The ‘underground’ in the title doesn’t just apply to the train but to the organisation, Carmarthen Intelligence,” she explains, “which happens to be situated underground at Guildhall Square.”

“One day I just sat down at my computer and started typing. I had no idea what the story would be at the point, but I was talking to an author who repeated that well-known rule: ‘Write about what you know.’ I know Carmarthen! As the first chapter progressed, I realised that this would be an ‘alternative’ Carmarthen. On the face of it, everything would be familiar to anyone who knew the town but it would be Carmarthen with a twist.

“I wanted it to be amusing and not only to the inhabitants of the town or Welsh people in general. I hope that they will see that the book is written with affection for both Carmarthen and Wales. Perhaps it will make people look at the town with a new eye.”

Gaynor was born and brought up in Carmarthenshire, in a Welsh-speaking family. Despite spending most of her life in England, where she worked for some years in the City of London, she visits her home country regularly and has a particular love for the Towy Valley.

Eisteddfod Link Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:35:00 +0000

In order to ensure maximum participation and the highest possible standard of entries in next years Left Coast Eisteddfod online competitions we are appealing to all members and supporters of Americymru to consider displaying the button ( below ) on their website or blog. The url to link to is also included below. It only takes a minute to add this image and you will earn our eternal and undying gratitude:) We will also reciprocate by adding your website or blog ( assuming we haven't already ) to our 'Sites we Like' section in the left hand column of the site.

If you don't have a website please consider passing this appeal on to someone who does. Bear in mind though, that their site must have some Welsh or Celtic related content in order for us to link back.

We are also appealing to members and supporters to display he link together with some relevant information on Facebook, MySpace pages and on Yahoo Groups where appropriate.

Thanks/Diolch in anticipation.

http://americymru.ning.com/page/the-left-coast-eisteddfod-2010

( If the above design is the wrong size or clashes with your sites color scheme please let us know and we'll gladly supply a custom button for your site. )

Wales – do-able in a lifetime, according to historian and author, John Davies

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Bijou but beautiful - Wales may be small but that just makes it all the easier to get to know and love. All within easy reach; accessible and inspiring, enchanting and evocative. And if you need more encouragement to get out and about, the inimitable John Davies, one of Wales most admired historians, invites you to wander with him to his definitive list of Wales’ 100 most memorable, historic places in his latest book Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn marw (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die). Known for his talent for bringing history to life, for recounting tales of old, of stories past and present, Davies links up with renowned photographer Marian Delyth to encapture Wales in word and picture. Let your senses travel the four corners of the country, starting on Mynydd Parys on Anglesey and wandering across and down, and round and over, to Pennant Melangell and Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct, Strata Florida and Whitland and Abergavenny, to name but a few, before finishing your journey at Chepstow and the Second Severn Crossing.

The list contains firm favorites, Harlech, Beaumaris, Portmeirion, Conwy, The Mumbles and Tenby. But it also gives deserved attention to Wales’s industrial heritage, with stop-offs at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dowlais, Neath, Rhondda Heritage Park, Blaenafon, Brynmawr and Tredegar. There are more remote locations, a visit to Old Beaupré Castle near Cowbridge, Llanddewi Nant Hodni in Gwent and Barclodiad y Gawres and Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey. But there are surprises too, no boat trip to magical Enlli or a beach walk to remote Ynys Llanddwyn and Snowdon mentioned only in passing.

John Davies explains, “The places discussed are all evidence of the fruit of the labours of human beings. Places like Llanddwyn and Enlli could well be included in a volume concerned with the hundred places in Wales famed for their natural beauty; indeed such a volume would be a suitable companion to this one.”

Do-able over the course of a lifetime by people who love exploring and who appreciate a sense of place, but for Marian Delyth it was a journey of epic proportions. For she, along with her trusty camera, was tasked with representing Davies’ wanderings in photo. It took her months to complete the project but the results are stunning. Her colour photographs capture the spirit of Wales – early morning light in the Tanat Valley and then the sun setting over the sea at Aberystwyth; snow on the slopes of Yr Eifl in March and heather on Foel Drygarn in September.

Delyth comments, “This comission was quite a marathon. Photographing a hundred places takes a fair amount of commitment, patience and perseverance. That said, by the end of the journey, my co-author John Davies had led me, in his own inimitable way, to a few gems – places that I’d known very little about, let alone had visited. Places that I’m certain I’ll go back to as I didn’t have enough time to linger this time around. I learnt a lot too, especially about our post-industrial regions, where I often had to look hard for that perfect shot to showcase the remains of our heritage.”

A limited edition hard back, numbered and signed by the authors, John Davies and Marian Delyth, retailing at £29.95, is now available to pre-order from publishers Y Lolfa. A paper back version, in coffee table style (220mm x 220mm), priced at £19.95 ISBN 9781847711687, is also being published.

Lefi Gruffudd, general manager, for publishing house Y Lolfa added, “Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn mawr (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die) is a must have for the Christmas stocking list, perfect for anyone and everyone who loves Wales and getting out and about. A signed hard back copy is extra special. So, why not take up John Davies’ challenge and do Wales in your lifetime!”

Two Welsh-American non-profits need photos of Wales

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:54:00 +0000

Hello All, I've been a member of this list for several years, so this isn't a "stranger" asking. I am on the Board of two non-profit Welsh-American organizations--the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association www.wnnga.org and the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project www.welshheritage.org.

The WNGGA puts on the wonderful North American Festival of Wales each September, which draws people from all over, including Wales. We also bring over Welsh performers, choirs, and speakers for the 4-day event.The NAFOW has a link on Americymru from the home page.

The GPWHP has a wonderful Welsh museum and archives and also holds one of the only complete collections of Y Drych on microfilm. Y Drych is the only Welsh-American newspaper (now called Ninnau & Y Drych) and dates from the 1800s, with the earlier years written totally in Welsh. The museum offers obit look-ups and translations for a modest fee. The GWPHP also holds a terrific Welsh Heritage Weekend every other October, drawing people from all over the US and even from Wales and holds other events throughout the year.

Both of these organizations are in need of items to sell as fundraisers. Notecards (and maybe calendars)with pictures of Wales are wonderful and not generally available over here. I have made some from some of the photos I have taken on my trips to Wales, but am looking for other (and better) photographers to donate some images that we can make into notecards and Christmas cards and St. David's cards (and maybe calendars). If you have some images you'd like to donate to these 2 causes, you can email me high resolution jpegs, along with your name and copyright date,which we will include on the photo, and a short statement giving us permission to use them for the above causes. I will mail you a copy of the finished notecard(s) and the gratitude of both organizations if you send your postal address. The photos here are of Welsh Language Lessons at NAFOW 2009 and the From Wales to the Great Plains mural at the GPWH Centre in Wymore, Nebraska, and some of the GPWHP Board members in a local parade in Wymore. Thank you very much,

Mona Everett mona_sydd_yma@yahoo.com

The Latest From Cymuned - Supporters Email

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:16:00 +0000

( This is not an official press release but rather the personal observations of a Cymuned supporter )

Cardiff, the Assembly and YouGov

Firstly, a word of cheer: Quiet campaigning by individuals works! The story comes from Cardiff, where Coop have been working to freshen the image of their Llandaf shop. This involved, amongst other things, getting rid of the old bilingual signs and replacing them with "easier to read" English-only versions. But, in the words of the shop manager, she received a "strong reaction" from shop customers that convinced her to return to bilingual signage. Yes, it is awful that we still have to "campaign" in the 21st century for something as basic as recognition for the language, but this story shows that it is possible to change some things by quiet words in the right ears!

Which brings me neatly to an appeal for contributions! The Assembly's Heritage Department are starting the process of creating a new language strategy to replace "Iaith pawb" - the current blueprint for a bilingual Wales. They would like to hear the ideas and views of the public and relevant organisations to help them in their work. You may very well have your own ideas about the way forward to securing the Welsh's place as a vibrant community language, so now is the time for you to make them known in a way that can make a real difference.

Perhaps you remember an earlier email telling of a language Board conference where one recommendation was to encourage public bodies in the 'Fro' to use Welsh as their internal language - This shows that the ideas of CyngorNi are already being considered. Its time for us to push our message to the Assembly in the most powerful way available- through the submissions of the electorate and others that love the country. Please contribute, so that we can develop a strategy that will turn the vision in Iaith Pawb of: "a truly bilingual Wales ...a country where people can choose to live their lives through the medium of either or both Welsh or English..." into
reality.

The consultation closes on the 29th January. Contributions by post to:

The Welsh Language Unit, Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Online at cymru.gov.uk/topics/welshlanguage

Or by e-mail to cymraeg@cymru.gsi.gov.uk.

It was interesting to see the YouGov opinion poll during the month, giving details of voting intentions in a general election and Assembly referendum. At the tail-end of the poll there was a question regarding the usage of Welsh showing that 42% of the population of Wales have some amount of Welsh (18% were fluent).

This is excellent news until you read the following question. Even in the North, and the "West and Central" regions, less than 30% of the Welsh speakers used their Welsh "all or most of the time" in their own homes. Now, predictions of disaster cannot be made as a result of one poll, especially when the question was just for sorting statistics rather than an important element of the poll, but I think that supporters of the Welsh language are justified in worrying about this statistic. However important a new Welsh Language Act may be, I'm not sure that people who don't use Welsh in their own homes are going to be all that enthusiastic about a right to use Welsh in a bank or with a mobile phone company. Then again, promoting Welsh as the language of work amongst public bodies in the 'Fro Gymraeg' would certainly ease the pressures on people to use English on every occasion.

Until next month!

Iestyn

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

Dewi Sant told us to "Do the little things."

To see what he had in mind, have a quick look at:

www.cymuned.net/ymlaen/dewisant

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

Are you a dreamer or a doer?

Cymuned can't survive without YOUR help.

Have a look at:

www.cymuned.net/ymlaen/ourfuture

to hear how to make things change

The Story Of A Welsh-Russian Town Hughesovka - Multi-Media Package

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Thursday 26 November sees the Cardiff launch of Y Lolfa’s first book-DVD package, at Womanby Street’s bar, Y Fuwch Goch. Multi-prize-winning TV documentary film maker Colin Thomas’ awards include three from BAFTA Cymru, as well as the Prix Europa, the Gold Award at Houston International Film Festival, and the Jury Award at the Celtic Film and TV Festival. Now for the first time, his documentary Hughesovka and the New Russia, presented by Professor Gwyn Alf Williams, is available to keep. First transmitted in English to the UK network on BBC2 in 1991, the three-part series won BAFTA Cymru’s inaugural Best Documentary Award of that year. The DVD is published together with Colin Thomas’ first book, Dreaming a City: From Wales to Ukraine, which brings the story of Hughesovka, the town established by Welsh people in Ukraine, up to the present day.

Colin Thomas and Gwyn Alf Williams had a long and productive working relationship respectively as film producer and presenter, mainly on popular Welsh history programmes such as The Dragon has Two Tongues, made by the co-operative company Teliesyn. But they also formed a strong friendship, and this honest account of the bonds – and occasional blow-ups – of this creative relationship in television from 1981 to the Professor’s death in 1995, make Dreaming a City a fitting tribute to a fine historian and well-loved figure.

Author Colin Thomas said,

"I have always thought that what happened to the city founded by John Hughes and his Welsh workers told a much bigger story. But I have been surprised to discover, in writing a book about a place that has fascinated me for years, the degree of personal revelation involved. I have found myself exploring my own hopes for a better world. For many years I shared some of those dreams with the late great Prof Gwyn Williams and I'm delighted that this book/DVD package will form a tribute to Professor Williams, as well as bringing the Hughesovka story bang up to date."

Both DVD and book tell the remarkable tale of a city created in the 1870s by Welsh capitalist John Hughes and his team of seventy Welsh miners and steelworkers. Its transition from Hughesovka in Russia, to Stalino in the Soviet Union, and then to Donetsk in the newly-independent Ukrainian nation, is a story of Russia, Ukraine and the Soviet Union in microcosm. Dreaming a City traces the town’s growth from patriarchal beginnings through the Russian revolutions, Bolshevism, Stalinism, Nazi occupation and the collapse of Communism, Nineties rising Ukraine nationalism, to Ukraine post-independence in the present market economy. Partly a revisiting of the making of the television series Hughesovka and the New Russia, this book is Russian and Welsh social and political history; travel journalism, and a tribute to Welsh historian Gwyn Alf Williams, as well as being a personal memoir of a life in TV and history. Above all, though, it explores the tensions between a belief in social change and the danger implicit in utopian visions.

Extracts from Hughesovka and the New Russia will be shown at the launch, which commences at 7.30pm at Y Fuwch Goch/The Red Cow, Womanby St, Cardiff. The book/DVD package is available at good bookshops and from amazon, gwales and www.ylolfa.com.

Evan-Evans Top Welsh Brewer - Cwrw top Welsh Brand at British Beer Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Award winning Brewer Evan-Evans was voted the top Welsh drink at the True Taste of Wales Awards at Abergavenny last night (Nov 19). The award is the second major prize for the company’s brands in the last 12 months.The company was voted the third best brewer in the UK in the Best Bitter Category at the Great British Beer Festival, the UK’s leading consumer Beer Festival. Chief executive Simon Buckley said:

“This year my family celebrate 240 years of family brewing in Wales. “We have had a record year for winning awards. Cwrw has been voted the best beer in Wales for draught beer, and now for the bottled version. I am extremely proud to win this award in this very special year for us as a family. I am also very proud to be carrying on the tradition of brewing great beers. We hope that Cwrw will now become the National Ale of Wales. This award is a huge credit to our brewing team in Llandeilo, and they are now unquestionably the best brewing team in the specialist market in Wales. We are now brewing for some of the biggest national and regional brewers in the UK, and hope to launch a series of new cask ale brands in the early spring. There is little question that the market is difficult and likely to get worse, but there is no doubt that winning these awards will keep us at the very top of Welsh brewing.” The brewery is based in Llandeilo West Wales.

Some Facts About Cwrw

Cwrw is Welsh for beer.
Evan-Evans is owned by Simon Buckley, 51, whose family have brewed in Wales since 1767, Evan-Evans has a reputation for brewing the highest quality cask-conditioned beers.
Evan-Evans is Wales’s largest specialist brewer of cask ale. The company started brewing in 2004 to produce specialist cask ales for the Welsh and national guest ale market.

A few words about the Buckley brewing tradition

The brewing heritage of the Buckley family stretches back to the early 19th century after the Rev James Buckley married the eldest daughter of Henry Child who had founded Childs Brewery in Llanelli. It was set up to slake the thirst of the town’s tinworkers, who were rapidly increasing in numbers.
The clergyman’s 18-year-old namesake James Buckley is today part of the seventh generation and each one before him has been directly involved in the industry. His father, Simon, was the last Buckley to brew at Llanelli before moving to London in 1984.
Buckleys Brewery had the distinction of being the only Welsh brewer to hold a royal warrant. In 1991 it became Crown Buckley when it was taken over by a subsidiary of Guinness. It was sold to Brains in 1997 and the Llanelli Brewery closed a year later.
Evan-Evans was actually founded in Llandeilo in 2003 and began brewing in 2004. It is named after William Evan-Evans who married into the family four generations ago.
This summer Mr Buckley acquired the remains of Archers of Swindon for an undisclosed sum. Archers, which until March this year brewed in Swindon, went into administration following a period of difficult trading. The brewery has been acquired by the Buckley family to extend its Welsh brewing operation, and to give it access to new markets in the South West along the M4 corridor into London.
In July, Mr Buckley opened a new traditional pub in Cardiff - the first traditional pub to be built in the city for 25 years. The £1million development in the former RAFA club in Cathedral Road represented a significant investment in the capital city for West Wales-based Welsh Estates Ltd and the Evan-Evans Brewery. Mr Buckley was responsible for the development of the Cayo Arms in Cardiff in 2000. The pub was voted one of the top 50 pubs in the UK after its launch. The new pub in Cathedral Road is called Y Cadno (The Fox).

An Interview With Eirian Owen of Cor Godre'r Aran

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Côr Godre’r Aran is based in the village of Llanuwchllyn near Bala in North Wales. They will be appearing at next year's North American Festival of Wales in Portland Oregon. Americymru spoke to Eirian Owen, the choir's Musical Director about the choir and their forthcoming visit. More details about NAFOW 2010 can be found HERE.

Americymru: The Choir will be performing at the 2010 North American Festival of Wales in Portland, Oregon. Can you tell us how this came about? Have you ever been to Portland?

Eirian: I believe that the invitation to perform in the 2010 North American Festival of Wales came through a member of our choir who has contact with an official of the Festival. Côr Godre’r Aran previously visited Portland in 1971 and in 1974. I was, in 1971, newly married and the choir’s tour to USA and Canada was my honeymoon – shared with, of course, my husband - and 25 other men! A diary of that trip shows that we stayed overnight at the Royal Inn (is it still there?) , that the concert was held in a chapel and that we arranged an extra concert for the following afternoon because many people were unable to get tickets for the previous night. The chapel was full to capacity on both occasions. My 1974 diary tells that I was very impressed with the shops in the Lloyd Centre and that I decided not to go ice skating with some of our group for fear of breaking an arm and being unable to play the piano. I was at that time the choir’s accompanist and would have faced the death penalty – or worse – had I sabotaged the tour by breaking a finger or arm.

Americymru: When was the choir founded? Can you tell us something about its history?

Eirian: The choir was formed in 1949, primarily to compete at the National Eisteddfod which was, that year, held in Dolgellau. It was at that time a “penillion singing/ cerdd dant” group of about 20 young men from the village of Llanuwchllyn. The conductor was Tom Jones and the choir soon gained a strong reputation as one of the chief exponents of this traditional Welsh genre. Tom Jones retired in 1975 and I was chosen as the new conductor/ music director. I had recently graduated in music and had taken up a teaching post at a local high school. I continued along the same path that Tom Jones had established but, I soon began to feel that “penillion singing” lacked the opportunity for musical and vocal development and that the choir had the potential to succeed in other genres. Therefore, a gradual change of direction took place as I included more and more “male choir” repertoire in our programmes. Nowadays, Côr Godre’r Aran concentrates entirely on the male choir repertoire.

Americymru: What is your repertorie? Is there a particular piece that you all enjoy performing more than others? Do you have a signature piece or one that's more often requested by audiences?

Eirian: We sing a varied repertoire, from opera to musicals, part-songs, motets, popular music, hymn tunes. One of the favourites in Wales at the moment is Eric Jones’ “Y Tangnefeddwyr” . Audiences in the UK nowadays seem to appreciate a variety of male choir repertoire although, old favourites, such as “Myfanwy” are probably not performed as often.

Americymru: You have toured all over the world ( Scotland, Ireland , Portugal , Canada / U.S.A., Australia , New Zealand, Tasmania, Hong Kong , Singapore and Patagonia ) What are your most memorable experiences whilst on tour? Is there any one performance that you are particularly proud of?

Eirian: Every tour has its special memories. Singing to the inmates in a prison in New Zealand was an emotionally charged occasion; singing as we marched down a street during a St Patrick’s day parade in Ireland was fun. Performing in Patagonia felt like singing in rural Wales as there were so many members of the audiences who spoke Welsh and the warmth of their welcome was unforgettable. Australia and New Zealand provided us with our biggest audiences – we regularly performed to 2000 people. I remember being overwhelmed by the emotion of one of those concerts and coming off the platform crying! Whilst we were in Portugal, the whole choir was invited to the British Ambassador’s residence for drinks and canapés one Sunday; his staff were rushed off their feet carrying food and drink , as the vultures from Wales gobbled everything down as soon as it appeared. We did sing for our food , though......! We have not visited the USA and Canada since the early 70’s. We were then totally inexperienced, naive and very wet behind the ears. The food was different, cars were as big as buses and drove on the wrong side of the road, the buildings touched the clouds, rivers were as wide as lakes , we jay-walked without a care and gazed in awe at all those magnificent sights.

Americymru: The choir has won prizes at the National and Llangollen Eisteddfoddau. Care to tell us a little about that?

Eirian: Winning at these Eisteddfodau is always a thrill. Choirs come to Llangollen from all over the world and we never know who the opposition might be until just before the Eisteddfod. There is a feeling of camaraderie between choirs at Llangollen – each one is supportive of the other. I believe that competition brings out the best in a choir.

Americymru: The choir won the BBC Radio Cymru competition for Male Voice Choirs. Can you tell us something about the competition and your experience of it?

Eirian: This competition ran over several months . There were several rounds , each recorded before hand and one choir would be eliminated every week. Three choirs reached the final round which was a live performance before an audience.

Americymru: The choir is based in Llanuwchlyn near Bala. Can you tell a little about the area?

Eirian: Llanuwchllyn is a village of about 700 inhabitants , almost all of them Welsh speakers. Many of the families have lived in the area for generations. There are, amongst the members of Côr Godre’r Aran, sets of brothers, fathers and sons, cousins, uncles and nephews. The son, grandson and great-grandson of the founder, Tom Jones, are present members of the choir. Llanuwchllyn and the surrounding area (Penllyn) is rich in heritage and culture and is a stronghold of the Welsh language. The area is rural and is favoured by tourists who come to enjoy the beauty of Bala Lake and the peace of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Americymru: How does someone join the choir, what is your selection process? What kind of commitment do your choir members make, what's expected of them?

Eirian: Membership is by invitation and all prospective members go through a very informal audition . Quality of voice is the only criteria – the ability to read music is a bonus, not a necessity. Members are then expected to attend weekly rehearsals and concerts regularly. There is an average of 2 concerts a month. There is, generally, no problem with commitment , although I occasionally have to remind individuals of their obligation to the choir!

Americymru: Where can people purchase your music?

Eirian: Our CD’s are available online through Sain. Our latest CD, “Cofio” is available through the choir’s website www.corgodreraran.og.uk

Americymru: Do you have any final comments for the readers and members of Americymru?

Eirian: We look forward to meeting you all. Our members range in age from 26-70 ; we’re all young at heart and love going places and meeting people.

Stone Soup Theatre Seattle Presents 'A Child's Christmas In Wales' - Dylan Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:41:00 +0000

A Child’s Christmas in Wales – 2009

Adapted from the story by Dylan Thomas & Directed by Kalon Thibodeaux

Dec. 4-24

Fri & Sat at 7:30 pm; Sun Matinee at 2:00pm

Pay-What-You-Will Preview, Thurs, Dec. 3

Special Matinee Performances at 2:00pm on Dec. 23 and 24

~Tickets are selling like hotcakes – be sure to phone in to reserve yours~

Call 206.633.1883 to make your reservation today!

Stone Soup Theatre

'Amser Justin Time' countdown to Change the Numbers Awareness Week for Pancreatic Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Pancreatic cancer charities across the UK will be launching their first Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week, taking place from the 16^th to 22^nd November 2009, with one common campaign to ‘Change the Numbers’. Backing the campaign will be Wales’ one and only pancreatic cancer charity Amser Justin Time, founded by Welsh opera star and TV personality Shan Cothi in memory of her husband, Tigertailz’ glam-rock star, Justin Smith (aka Pepsi Tate).

One of Amser Justin Time’s dedicated supporters, and a close friend of Shan Cothi, is actor Steffan Rhodri, aka Dave Coaches from hit TV series Gavin & Stacey. Having recently landed the role of Reg Cattermole in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Steffan Rhodri remains committed to the charity “I’m very grateful for such opportunities as Con Passionate, Gavin and Stacey and now Harry Potter, but my passion is my work with amserjustintime.org. Sadly I’m only too familiar with the tragic affect that this killer disease has had on my close friends and my family, and I urge everyone to support our campaign in order to help others just in time.”

The Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week and its ‘Change the Numbers’ campaign have been designed to increase knowledge and understanding about pancreatic cancer, a ruthless and silent killer (its symptoms are often hard to detect). Despite being the 5^th largest cause of cancer deaths in the UK few have heard about it. This silent nature has meant that research into diagnosis, treatment and service provision and patient support has gone under-funded for many years.

Only around 1% of cancer funding goes towards pancreatic cancer. As a result, there has been very little improvement in the overall survival rate for the last 40 years with 5 year survival just a dismal 3%.

UK pancreatic cancer charities believe that the time has come for these numbers to change. They are now urging people to spread the word about the importance of further research into pancreatic cancer as part of the November awareness week.

During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week, supporters will be doing their bit regionally by holding events to both raise money and increase awareness. It is hoped that this will help to promote the vital messages surrounding pancreatic cancer and give a bigger voice to the campaign against this silent killer.

In conjunction with the awareness week, The Silent Cancer, a feature documentary investigating pancreatic cancer in the UK, will be shown on the Community Channel: Sky 539, Virgin TV 233, Freeview 87 on the 16^th, 18^th, 20^thand 22^ndNovember at 21:00 and 3.00am. The Silent Cancer is Directed by Alastair Clayton, Written and Produced by Stuart Laws. A trailer of the documentary is available to watch at www.pancreaticcancerawareness.org

Amser Justin Time continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of this cruel disease. Alongside the charity’s founder and close friend Shan Cothi, Steffan Rhodri took part in Amser Justin Time’s first fundraising challenge - an epic horse-ride from North to South Wales in August and September 2008. Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength raising over £60,000 in its first year of operation. In July this year, the charity made the ground-breaking announcement in a special launch with Only Men Aloud at the University Hospital of Wales, that they had raised sufficient funds to employ a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse for one day a week for two years.

This month has already seen charity supporter, presenter and actress, Sara Hunter raise money for Amser Justin Time by completing the New York marathon on 1^st November. Sara completed the race in 4 hours 4 minutes and raised over £1700 and said: “It was an unforgettable experience and thinking of Justin and Shan kept me going the whole way. I’m going to continue to run half marathons in the New Year with the aim of reaching my target of £3000 for amserjustintime.org”. Other supporters continue to fundraise through various sponsored walks and horse rides.

Amser Justin Time have also held various other fundraising events including two acclaimed ‘Cyngerdd Cothi’ concerts at Pontrhydfendigaid including performances from Shan Cothi, Only Men Aloud, Caryl Parry Jones and John Owen Jones. Given Shân’s status as a singer, actress and TV personality the charity’s fundraising events have had the support of some of Wales’ biggest celebrities including Bryn Terfel, who joined Shân to record the downloadable track ‘I Believe’.

For more information on the charity, please visit www.amserjustintime.org

For donations, please visit www.justgiving.com/amser

Chris Needs - 'And There's More'

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Chris Needs – ‘I want to leave Wales because people here have been really cruel to me’

After writing about being sexually abused in the best-selling Like It Is, the most shocking revelation in And There’s More, the second volume of autobiography from Chris Needs published this week, is the amount of vitriol he has received from his fellow countrymen (and women) regarding his sexuality. The legendary entertainer, charity fundraiser and BBC Radio Wales presenter has had abuse shouted at him in the streets, received hate mail in which some have questioned whether he should be allowed to have a godson, and even death threats.

“Some people here in Wales have been really cruel to me,” he says. “I still get a lot of insults about my sexuality and this makes it much harder to hang on to the job. I love what I do in the radio studio, i.e. talking to people and, of course, the music. But is it worth it?”

Needs dreams of a new life in his beloved Spain with partner Gabe Cameron and “no expensive petrol, no income tax, no ‘chavs’ and no moaning old gits calling me a queer… and, oh, no rain! I will probably retire to Spain. But I keep clutching straws that Wales will have its day, with cheaper prices, better weather, more liberal people… I can live in hope.”

As well as his feelings towards his country, Needs speaks about bittersweet memories of his much-missed mother, why her will caused “immeasurable trouble and damage” to his family, his desperate desire to have children, and living with diabetes.

On a lighter note, he also tells of starting out in show business and working with the stars, some nightmarish trips abroad, receiving a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from the Variety Club, meeting The X-Factor’s Rhydian, and how Gabe and godson Sam help to make his life more bearable. The stories are funny, honest and warm-hearted – much like the man himself.

And There’s More (£9.95) is published by Y Lolfa and includes extracts from Living with Chris Needs by Gabe Cameron. Chris Needs will be touring Welsh bookshops in December.

Confirmed dates:

Fri, 4th Dec (1.00-3.00) Borders Fforestfach

Tues, 8th Dec (11.30-12.30) WH Smith Neath

Wed, 16th Dec (11.30-1.30) Waterstones Carmarthen

(more dates to be revealed on his radio show)

Ten Questions With Caroline Roper-Deyo of The Cor Cymraeg de California

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Americymru: When was the choir founded and how would you describe its mission?

Caroline: The Welsh Choir of Southern California ( Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia), was founded in the Fall of 1997 by Michael J. Lewis, who was it’s first music conductor and director. The mission of the Welsh Choir of Southern California (Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia) is to bring the glories of Welsh music and culture to audiences worldwide through performance and recordings.

Americymru: How many members do you have and how often do you all get together for rehearsals?

Caroline: Currently there are about 30 members in the mixed-voice choir. We generally rehearse weekly on Sunday afternoons in West Los Angeles near LAX.

Americymru: What is your typical repertoire? Do you perform in both Welsh and English?

Caroline: We sing in both Welsh and English and our typical repertoire includes new music featuring contemporary Welsh poets and composers, as well as traditional hymns and folk songs. Our performances often include the contributions of of distinguished local musicians as well as guest artists from Wales.

Americymru: What are the minimum qualifications for persons wishing to join the choir?

Caroline: The minimum qualification for any person wishing to sing with the Welsh Choir of Southern California (Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia) is that they must love to sing.Loving Welsh music is also a plus. Knowing Welsh is not a requirement as language coaching is provided.

Americymru: Would you say that the choral singing tradition is alive and vibrant in the U.S.A. today?

Caroline: Yes the choral singing tradition is not only alive and well it is growing. As evidenced by the development of choirs and festivals and competitions.

Americymru: Is there anywhere online where people can go to hear the choir? Do you have any CD’s available or planned?

Caroline: I’m not certain if there are places on-line where you can currently hear us sing. It is my understanding that a couple of our performances have been put on YouTube but I haven’t checked recently. Also the performance at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C was archived but I don’t know if it is still accessible. We have one CD that we released in 2002: Hearts Afire * Calonnau ar Dan We are currently working on a second CD. Grants for funding will be greatly appreciated.

Americymru: What would you say was your most notable performance or experience with the choir?

Caroline: It is very difficult to say which would be our most notable performance.I suspect every person in the choir would choose different ones for different reasons:

Singing at the National Cathedral, May 2007 for California Day (we were chosen from over 60 choirs in the state who were considered).

Singing at Saint James Episcopal Church, March 2004 where the lines were so long we were almost an hour late starting and people had to be seated in the chapel; or,

Singing at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, Wales, July 3rd, 2003 for a packed crowded including rows of dignitaries and church officials.

Americymru: Do you have any plans to perform outside California in the near future?

Caroline: Yes we hope to return to Wales to tour – possibly in 2011.In the summer of 2008 we sang in Vancouver and Victoria and have been invited to return. All possibilities.

Americymru: Can you tell us anything about your recent concert with Julia Bentham?

Caroline: Unfortunately Julia Bentham was not able to sing with us.She became ill the day before our concert and spent the week in a hotel room in Santa Monica. It was a great disappointment but we were gratified that she was able to return to London with her daughter and is now doing well.

Americymru: Any other message for the members and readers of AmerCymru?

Caroline: We would like to encourage you to experience the joys of Welsh music whether you participate by singing, playing or listening. Once you do you will never again know depression without hope, darkness without light, and you will understand why Welsh music is and has been the hallmark of Wales for 100’s of years.

Pob Bendith.

Cariad Caroline, Chorister and Publicist

Glyn Davies to Judge 2010 Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

"A Sense of Place" - A Photographic Competition

We are immensely proud and pleased to announce that for the second year running internationally renowned photographer Glyn Davies will be judging the Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. For more information about Glyn follow this LINK. For a selection of breathtaking images which Glyn recently uploaded to Americymru check out the slideshow below.

Find more photos like this on Americymru

In defining the theme for this years competition our judge , Glyn Davies made the following comments regarding content and submissions:- "What is it about our environment, whether landscape or people, that makes it so particular to us, the artists? We could all photograph a tree on a hillside, a wave crashing over a rock or even a pretty person in the street, but what identifies them with YOUR locality ? As the judge, based in Wales, I am interested in seeing photographs which give me a better idea about the characteristics and atmosphere of the artists homeland. This does NOT mean that images have to be ordinary, they can be moody, dramatic and immaculately composed but I want them to show me that we are all living in amazing and DIFFERENT places. I want the artists to celebrate what is special about their own location and culture. This way, not only do we get to see amazing images, but we can all learn more about each other in the process." . Please take the time to read the rules carefully before entering . Any queries shoud be directed to americymru@gmail.com. There is a first prize of $150 for both categories the Visual Image Competition. The categories are outlined below:-

A Photographic Image - either from film or digital cameras which generally represents the subject without adding or subtracting elements. Please feel free to add text explaining why you thinks the image is important - "I do not believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, images can be too easily misinterpreted." - Glyn Davies.
A Photographic Illustration - this is any image which has been substantially adjusted and manipulated by whatever means, digital or analogue, and which is generally non representational of a real person/place/event. The manipulation MUST be relevant to a theme or idea, manipulation for manipulation's sake will not be given serious consideration. The idea should be put in writing to accompany the image.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contestants the very best of luck in the Visual Image Competition. Winners will be announced at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in October 2010.

Subscribe to the Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Visual Image Competition RSS HERE.

Nigel Owens Tells All in Autobiography

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:58:00 +0000

The 26th of October sees the launch of Nigel Owens’ autobiography Half Time. Nigel Owens is one of world rugby’s leading referees and personalities and is the only openly high profile gay personality in British professional sport.

Before reaching the highest echelons of the rugby world, Nigel Owens had to come to terms with the despair that drove him to attempt suicide as he struggled with his sexuality, bulimia and an addiction to steroids. An inspirational story, his autobiography is a brave and honest account of his personal struggle to overcome fear and prejudice to become one of the most respected and well known personalities in international rugby.

Nigel Owens’s warmth and humour shine through his story, which is brimming with anecdotes about matches he has refereed and players he has met along the way: from Gavin Henson’s first match, to on-pitch altercations with Austin Healey, Lawrence, Dallaglio’s intimidation tactics, coping with live televised matches, and needing a police escort from the ground in Auch, France. He was in charge of the recent “bloodgate” incident and adds his thoughts to the debate.

Half Time by Nigel Owens is published by Y Lolfa and is available from www.ylolfa.com and bookshops for £14.95. Nigel Owens will be signing copies of his book in Cardiff on the 7th of November before Wales play the All Blacks. He will be in WH Smith’s from 11 – 12:30 and in Waterstone’s from 1:30 – 2:30.

Free Castell Coch Halloween Pumpkin Stencil

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Of the many ancient traditions associated with Halloween ( Nos Calan Gaeaf ) in Wales, one of the most colorful is the legend of Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta. According to the Wikipedia :- "Legend has it that a fearsome spirit called Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta took the form of a tail-less black sow and roamed the countryside with a headless woman. Children would rush home early." For more information on Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta and other Welsh Halloween traditions visit the 'Wales on Britannia' Welsh Culture and Traditions webpage. We are still working on a 'tailless black sow with headless woman' template but in the meantime here's an easy Castell Coch pumpkin stencil. Click the link below for a downloadable pdf template together with easy to follow instructions.

Although Castell Coch does not have any particularly creepy associations it is a fine mock gothic pile. It's a very simple, easy stencil and I threw in a couple of circling bats for extra seasonal ambience. There are Welsh dragon ( Ddraig Goch ) halloween pumpkin stencils here.

castellCochHalloween.pdf

Castell Coch on Wikimedia Commons

Free Printable Welsh Pumpkin Stencils for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:12:00 +0000

I love carving jack-o-lanterns and do gothic haunted houses, castles and stuff for my house and friends and relatives and I thought I'd do a dragon this year so I made some stencils which anyone can download and use, if you want. Below are two dragons, a hard version and an easy version, and tomorrow I'll put up a stencil of Castell Coch.

Easy dragon:

DragonJackCompwDirec.pdf

Detailed dragon:

DragonJackCompwDirec.pdf

When mine's done, I'll share a picture.

‘Total Eclipse Of The Chart’

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Singing sensations Only Men Aloud have hit the top note in the classical charts today reaching Number One with their new album ‘Band of Brothers’. Today’s chart announcement also sees Welsh rock legend Bonnie Tyler receive her first ever classical Number One, following her collaboration on an arrangement of her 80’s hit anthem ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ which features on the second album from the Nation’s favourite choir.

The release of Only Men Aloud’s second album ‘Band of Brothers’ comes a year on from signing their multi-million pound record deal with Universal/Decca following their victory on BBC’s Last Choir Standing last summer. Tim Rhys-Evans, Musical Director of OMA, expressed his delight at the announcement of the album’s number one spot “This news makes me extremely proud, the boys have worked really hard and they deserve this success. When I was a child I used to wonder how ABBA felt being number one, but now I know how it feels!”. Tim added, “The public’s continued support has been truly outstanding, thank you – diolch”.

In their new album Only Men Aloud go back to their Welsh roots, with traditional anthems such as ‘Land of Our Fathers’ and ‘Blaenwern’. The choir also present interpretations of modern classics such as ‘Somebody to Love’, performed with Kerry Ellis who hails from the Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ and has performed as the lead in ‘Wicked’ in both the West End and Broadway. Demonstrating the choir’s eclectic background and tastes, from opera through to rock songs, they are all truly great tunes despite being from varied sources.

Tim Rhys-Evans explained “From the beginning I wanted this album to represent our wide ranging repertoire. The arrangements have a filmic feel and Only Men Aloud are very proud of ‘Band of Brothers’.”

Also proud of the album’s success is legendary Welsh rock icon Bonnie Tyler who, following a performance with the choir at their concert tour in Cardiff International Arena earlier in the year, stepped into the studio with OMA to re-record a new arrangement of her award-winning song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Bonnie Tyler said “I am absolutely delighted that the album is Number One in the classical charts, this is a first for me! It just goes to show the strength of Jim Steinman’s wonderful song, which can appeal across all genres of music”.

Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Poetry Competition Now Accepting Submissions

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Today we are pleased and proud to announce the first of our Left Coast Eisteddfod online competitions for 2010. Others will soon follow. Watch this space for further announcements. The rules and submission guidelines are reproduced below. We wish the very best of luck to all our future contestants.

"You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. You may submit up to four entries in each language category. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. Accompanying graphics are not permitted. There is a US150 dollars (approximately 100GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories. The final submission date is September 15th 2010 and the winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod ( October 2010 ). The judges are:- Peter Thabit Jones ( English Language Category ) and John Good ( Welsh Language Category ) . The judges decisions will, of course, be final. The winner ( and runners up ) in the English Language Category will be featured in "The Seventh Quarry", an international poetry magazine edited by Peter Thabit Jones.

All poetic styles and conventions are welcome ( limericks, however, will not be considered for a prize ) There is no upper or lower word limit. Entries need not reference Wales in any way , shape or form. You may submit up to four entries in each category and work which has appeared elsewhere is acceptable provided you have not surrendered your copyright.

The winner and his/her work will also be featured on this site on what we hope will be a heavily trafficked page.

How To Submit Your Poem

Members

1. Simply join this Group and post your poem (and any links) as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Please include your name in the subject line. If you wish to include a link to your website or blog please do so but remember you must link back to us.

2. Post your poem your website or blog and post a link to the relevant url as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Once again you will need to link back to us.

Non Members

1. Post your submission on your blog and email us with the url ( americymru@gmail.com ). We will include it on the Group page. We would appreciate a link to this page or to the blog home page.

2. Email your submission to us and we will post it on the group page and credit you as author. ( in this case mutual linking is an option but not required )

The Fine Print

1. There is no entry or submission fee for this competition. The requirement to backlink if you are posting on your own blog and linking here ( or submitting a link to your blog on this page ) is obligatory and designed to be mutually beneficial.

2. Any materials submitted in this group will remain the sole property of the author. We guarantee not to display any story or any portion thereof on other pages or sites without the express permission of the author. Likewise materials submitted here or linked here can be removed or unlinked at any time by the author or at his/her request."

LAST YEARS WINNERS

Welsh Language Elizabeth Barrette 'Hanes'

English Language Sherry Weaver Smith 'Imprint'

'Tramor' - John Good is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Many people were saddened when they heard the news that Oceans Apart had broken up recently. Well...the good news is that John Good is back with a new musical venture and a new website. 'Tramor' can be contacted via the website HERE , and I am sure that you will all join us in wishing John the very best with his new venture. Pob lwc John!

From the website:- "Tramor (Overseas) is the new traditional music project of John Good. John is well known through out the West, South, Midwest and in his native Wales as a multi-instrumentalist, Welsh piper, singer/songwriter, composer and poet. Veteran of many Celtic festivals and concerts, including Estes Park, Chicago, San Diego and Denver, he brings the subtly different flavor of traditional Welsh music to the stage. Along with friends like mandolin virtuoso Billy Parker and the classically trained mistress of the harp Mary Bouley, a Tramor show is an event not to be missed."

Hear John perform 'Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men' here:- Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men.mp3