Blogs
To be born welsh is to be born privileged,not with a silver spoon in your mouth,but with magic in your blood ,and poetry in your soul.
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...... http://www.prlog.org/10245291-welsh-country-magazine-teams-up-with-american-welsh-social-networking-site-americymru.html
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A very special thank you David and all the boy from the Pill Harriers Rugby Club, Newport, South Wales. who are going on tour to Springfield in the USA for your kind donation of 104.05, when you held your Wrestlemania event at the club. Hope you all have a safe and good tour.May God Bless You All
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Ace Hotel Portland Now The Official Hotel of the Left Coast Eisteddfod
By West Coast Eisteddfod, 2009-05-27
The Ace Hotel is a unique art hotel in Portland, two blocks from the Crystal Ballroom and within easy walking distance of downtown Portland bars, restaurants and attractions and Portland's excellent public transit system. Each room in the hotel is unique and unlike any other hotel you've stayed in. The hotel lobby is open to Stumptown Coffee, a local chain of coffee shops in a town of bone-deep coffee connoisseurs famous for its fine, custom roasting. http://acehotel.com/portland
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When I look at the stories I have written so far I am convinced that some of them will never be finished. There are always new and important details to be added. Time has frayed the details sometimes and it isnt easy to restore them in their entirety. The tales are not complete and probably never will be.It is part of their attraction I suppose. I was made aware of this a few weeks ago when I had new information from a direct descendant of the murderer Henry Tremble that added to my understanding of his actions. I reported this new information on my own website, www.storiesinwelshstone.co.uk. (See the blog entry 20 April 2009 Henry Tremble)Well, I have had more fascinating information today (26 May 2009). I started the day with a radio interview on our local station Swansea Sound. They only wanted five minutes from me so it was over very quickly and so I went off to the Central Library to meet the convenor of a local history group, Marilyn Jones. They have asked me to speak on Saturday 20 June 2009 and I wanted to look at the room where I will be speaking. I was completely reassured. Not only does it have an inter-active whiteboard but also an absolutely fantastic view across the bay to Mumbles, so if the audience get bored when I am talking at least they will be able to take in the view.During our conversation Marilyn told me something very interesting. It was all because her husbands family came from Felindre, where I found the story of Eleanor Williams, who appears on page 84 of Volume One.Now this story gave me a lot of trouble when I was writing it because there never seemed to be enough detail about her. She was murdered and thrown into a well on Llwyngwenno Farm in Felindre near Swansea in 1832 but apart from that the poor girls trail was very cold indeed. In the end, I based my writing upon the startling similarities between her death and that of Margaret Williams in Cadoxton, the very first story I ever researched. Two servant girls, both from Carmarthenshire, both pregnant and both murdered.If you have read the piece, either in the magazine or in the book, you will remember that I speculate about why the gravestone in Nebo Chapel names the farmer for whom she worked as a servant, Thomas Thomas. Well of course it is a very significant detail, and once more it reflects the Cadoxton murder in an uncanny way.Quite simply the community in this rather small and enclosed little village believed they knew who had killed Eleanor. It was the son of Thomas Thomas, just as the Cadoxton Community believed that the farmers son Llewellyn Richard had killed Margaret Williams nine years earlier. Indeed Felindre modelled its response on their reaction. They were convinced they knew who had done it. They couldnt prove it but they didnt really need the law. What they wanted was justice. So they erected their accusatory gravestone, just as they had done in Cadoxton. They might not have had the revenge they wanted, but they never forgot. Marilyn told me about the people painting the gates of the Nebo Chapel red on his wedding day. She said that they painted parts of the road red too. Even at that moment he could not escape from what he had done. Or at least what they thought he had done.These are not the sort of details that normally find their way out of the oral tradition. I am sure there is more information like this waiting for me. Just as it was with the story of Sara Hughes in north Wales in Brithdyr (Welsh Country Magazine May 2009) there is a residual memory of these dramatic events in local communities that needs to be captured.That means that this project of mine is still a work in progress and about this I am extremely pleased.(Because of the additional information I include about the story of Eleanor Williams, I will post this blog on my own web site and on the Welsh Country Website.)
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You never hear anything about Norway, then like London buses two come along at once.Hmm.My record label, AudioFile Records, released my new EP on 4th May. After all the frantic recording, the slog of sending to radio stations, magazines, local press, interviews, gigs, all that promotion lark, it was finally out there. In the digital download world. No longer mine. And I wondered, well.....what happens now.Nothing really.You wait.And wait.For any news.Any news whatsoever.Then, a few weeks later, it was Eurovision song contest night. I never watch it.....normally, but did catch the last 20 minutes.Norway won. By a country mile. With the highest amount of points ever.It was the best song from what I saw. But it wasn't very good. The UK's was worse. Much worse.I'd had enough of that show, so went to check my messages.There was one.From AudioFile Records.Yippee, I thought.News!Hi Nick. Sales of your music have started to filter through. There have been sales in Wales (thanks Mum) & the rest of the UK. France, Spain, USA, Germany & Serbia. But the have been high numbers from Norway.Norway? I thought it was all Death Metal in Norway!God bless you Norwegians.They do know it wasn't me on the Eurovision Song Contest don't they?It's a funny old world.Peace to ya!
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| Cor Meibion Morlais performing for the Chris Corcoran Committee Meeting (comedy show) at the Muni, Pontypridd. Please see the choir's website for more details: www.cor-meibion-morlais.org.uk . Full size the video screen for full comedic effect. |
Americymru: The Choir is based in Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley. How strong is the choral tradition in the Rhondda in the 21st century?
Cor Meibion Morlais was formed in 1928 as a chapel guild choir, in order to entertain the chapel members through the winter months. It soon developed into a capable singing ensemble , entering and winning many eisteddfodau and giving concerts throughout South Wales. The choir has an unbroken 81 year history and has only had 5 conductors throughout its existance.The choir has travelled extensively throughout the U.K together with an impressive 19 overseas tours, visiting Germany ( 2 ), Holland ( 2 ),France ( 5 ), Belgium, Spain, Ireland,Hungary, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia,Canada ( 2 ) and the U.S.A. The choir has just secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to research and write a book on the choir's history. The funding also allows for the production of a DVD about the choir , together with the preperation of an archive / museum exhibition.
This funding has been complimented by funding from The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Partnership which will enable the choir to convert its own rehearsal facility, the Morlais Hall , into a Visitor / Cultural Centre .
The choir's website carries press releases on this subject in more detail
Americymru: Were there strong connections in the past between the choir and the mining industry in the Rhondda Valleys?
At the time of the choir's formation and up until the 1950's the mining industry provided the majority of choir members.
Americymru: How large is your choir, who are your members and what are their positions in the choir?
Currently, the choir has 44 members, ranging in age from 19 to 75. We currently have three 19 year old members, all studying at University. Their subjects at University are Music , Law and Radiology.
Conductor, John Asquith is a freelance linguist and also works with the Welsh National Opera Company as Vocal Coach in foreign languages.
Accompanist, Rosalie Evans is a freelance accompanist, piano teacher and she also works for the Welsh National Opera Max as a Repetiteur.
Chairman, Nigel Morgan is a Business Executive with British Gas , one of the U.K.'s largest energy suppliers.
Vice Chairman, John Nash is a Director of a Training Services provider.
Treasurer , Huw Jones is an Accountant.
Secretary, Byron Young is retired and was formerly a Senior Manager in the manufacturing industry.
Americymru: How does someone join the choir, what is your selection process?
The selection process by which the choir selects new members is not too complicated.
New members are usually introduced into the choir by a friend or work colleague,or sometimes they just turn up at one of our rehearsals and ask to join. Our Conductor will allow him to sit in on the first night wherever he may feel comfortable but and the end of the rehearsal ,the conductor will invite him to sing a couple of scales for him. The new member will then be told by the conductor in which section of the choir he will be singing in. The new member serves a 3 month probation , during which he will be expected to attend as many rehearsals as is possible. This also allows the choir to, learn a little more about him . At the end of the 3 months the choir's committee and conductor will review his application to join the choir and make a decision, as to whether he becomes a full member of the choir.
Americymru: What kind of committment do your choir members make, what's expected of them?
The choir rehearses each Tuesday and Friday from 7.30pm until 9pm. Extra rehearsals may be called whenever the demand on the choir becomes too much for the normal 2 rehearsals each week. Concert engagements vary each year but the past 2 years we have performed at 30 engagements, each year and 2009 appears to be heading the same way. Choir members are expected to attend a minimum of 50% of rehearsals but the choir accepts that family and work has to take priority over the choir.
Americymru: What kind of events do you typically perform at?
Our full concerts will last for around 2 hours but we also perform at Pre Dinner or After Dinner engagements for usually 45 minutes. Singing at Weddings are another demand on the choir. In 2006 we performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, in Halifax, Canada, singing at 10 performances for audiences of around 7,000 people. Being adaptable and willing to try new things are vitally important in order to change with the times.
Americymru: Do you have a season or perform year round? How many performances in a year?
We perform all year round and end up having to turn down engagements simply because we are an amateur choir , whose members work for a living. 2009, we're on track for 30 engagements this year.
Americymru: Does the choir have standards or pieces that it's known for or gets asked to perform specifically?
We are very often asked to perform items that people have heard us sing on our CDs. For special occasions we have learnt pieces of music outside our normal repertoire, The Beatles " All you need is love", Ting Tings " That's not my name", Pulp's " Common People", John Denver's " Annie's Song", to name just a few.
Americymru: In 2008 you toured Finland and Estonia. Can you describe that experience for us?
Our 2008 tour to Finland and Estonia was a wonderfull experience for our choristers and their wives who made the tour. The highlight was probably singing " Finlandia" in Welsh and Finnish to the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament in the Parliament Building.
Americymru: Where can people obtain recordings of your performances?
Our website gives details on how to purchase our recordings.
Americymru: Any plans to visit the USA?
We have no plans at present to re-visit the U.S.A.unless one of your readers wishes to open up discussions with us on such a proposal.
Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru?
Our tour to the U.S.A. and Canada in 1996 was an unforgettable experience for those choir members and their wives who were able to make the tour. The warmth of the welcome and the hospitality we received at all of our concerts was remarkable and we were overwhelmed to find Welsh exiles and decendents having travelled hundreds of miles to be with us. Modern technology has made keeping in touch so much easier but it would be an exciting prospect to think that one day we could tour the U.S.A. for a second time.
The Rhondda still boasts 5 Male Choirs with around a membership of 340 voices.
Americymru: Can you tell us a little about the history of the choir?
Cor Meibion Morlais was formed in 1928 as a chapel guild choir, in order to entertain the chapel members through the winter months. It soon developed into a capable singing ensemble , entering and winning many eisteddfodau and giving concerts throughout South Wales. The choir has an unbroken 81 year history and has only had 5 conductors throughout its existance.The choir has travelled extensively throughout the U.K together with an impressive 19 overseas tours, visiting Germany ( 2 ), Holland ( 2 ),France ( 5 ), Belgium, Spain, Ireland,Hungary, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia,Canada ( 2 ) and the U.S.A. The choir has just secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to research and write a book on the choir's history. The funding also allows for the production of a DVD about the choir , together with the preperation of an archive / museum exhibition.
This funding has been complimented by funding from The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Partnership which will enable the choir to convert its own rehearsal facility, the Morlais Hall , into a Visitor / Cultural Centre .
The choir's website carries press releases on this subject in more detail
Americymru: Were there strong connections in the past between the choir and the mining industry in the Rhondda Valleys?
At the time of the choir's formation and up until the 1950's the mining industry provided the majority of choir members.
Americymru: How large is your choir, who are your members and what are their positions in the choir?
Currently, the choir has 44 members, ranging in age from 19 to 75. We currently have three 19 year old members, all studying at University. Their subjects at University are Music , Law and Radiology.
Conductor, John Asquith is a freelance linguist and also works with the Welsh National Opera Company as Vocal Coach in foreign languages.
Accompanist, Rosalie Evans is a freelance accompanist, piano teacher and she also works for the Welsh National Opera Max as a Repetiteur.
Chairman, Nigel Morgan is a Business Executive with British Gas , one of the U.K.'s largest energy suppliers.
Vice Chairman, John Nash is a Director of a Training Services provider.
Treasurer , Huw Jones is an Accountant.
Secretary, Byron Young is retired and was formerly a Senior Manager in the manufacturing industry.
Americymru: How does someone join the choir, what is your selection process?
The selection process by which the choir selects new members is not too complicated.
New members are usually introduced into the choir by a friend or work colleague,or sometimes they just turn up at one of our rehearsals and ask to join. Our Conductor will allow him to sit in on the first night wherever he may feel comfortable but and the end of the rehearsal ,the conductor will invite him to sing a couple of scales for him. The new member will then be told by the conductor in which section of the choir he will be singing in. The new member serves a 3 month probation , during which he will be expected to attend as many rehearsals as is possible. This also allows the choir to, learn a little more about him . At the end of the 3 months the choir's committee and conductor will review his application to join the choir and make a decision, as to whether he becomes a full member of the choir.
Americymru: What kind of committment do your choir members make, what's expected of them?
The choir rehearses each Tuesday and Friday from 7.30pm until 9pm. Extra rehearsals may be called whenever the demand on the choir becomes too much for the normal 2 rehearsals each week. Concert engagements vary each year but the past 2 years we have performed at 30 engagements, each year and 2009 appears to be heading the same way. Choir members are expected to attend a minimum of 50% of rehearsals but the choir accepts that family and work has to take priority over the choir.
| Cor Meibion Morlais performing for the Chris Corcoran Committee Meeting (comedy show) at the Muni, Pontypridd. Please see the choir's website for more details: www.cor-meibion-morlais.org.uk . Full size the video screen for full comedic effect. |
Our full concerts will last for around 2 hours but we also perform at Pre Dinner or After Dinner engagements for usually 45 minutes. Singing at Weddings are another demand on the choir. In 2006 we performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, in Halifax, Canada, singing at 10 performances for audiences of around 7,000 people. Being adaptable and willing to try new things are vitally important in order to change with the times.
Americymru: Do you have a season or perform year round? How many performances in a year?
We perform all year round and end up having to turn down engagements simply because we are an amateur choir , whose members work for a living. 2009, we're on track for 30 engagements this year.
Americymru: Does the choir have standards or pieces that it's known for or gets asked to perform specifically?
We are very often asked to perform items that people have heard us sing on our CDs. For special occasions we have learnt pieces of music outside our normal repertoire, The Beatles " All you need is love", Ting Tings " That's not my name", Pulp's " Common People", John Denver's " Annie's Song", to name just a few.
Americymru: In 2008 you toured Finland and Estonia. Can you describe that experience for us?
Our 2008 tour to Finland and Estonia was a wonderfull experience for our choristers and their wives who made the tour. The highlight was probably singing " Finlandia" in Welsh and Finnish to the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament in the Parliament Building.
Americymru: Where can people obtain recordings of your performances?
Our website gives details on how to purchase our recordings.
Americymru: Any plans to visit the USA?
We have no plans at present to re-visit the U.S.A.unless one of your readers wishes to open up discussions with us on such a proposal.
Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru?
Our tour to the U.S.A. and Canada in 1996 was an unforgettable experience for those choir members and their wives who were able to make the tour. The warmth of the welcome and the hospitality we received at all of our concerts was remarkable and we were overwhelmed to find Welsh exiles and decendents having travelled hundreds of miles to be with us. Modern technology has made keeping in touch so much easier but it would be an exciting prospect to think that one day we could tour the U.S.A. for a second time.
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AmeriCymru Member Keith Underwood cycling across Wales to raise funds for Bobath Childrens Therapy Centre Wales
By gaabi, 2009-05-25
I missed Keith's blog pos, http://americymru.ning.com/profiles/blogs/riding-through-wales when he put it up but I wanted to point it out as what he is doing is awesome: he's cycling from Cardiff to Holyhead, 250 miles in 5 days -
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One of the most controversial figures in South Wales' history was born this day in 1784. John Frost , Mayor of Newport and leader of the Chartist uprising has been hailed as a hero, criticized for his poor leadership qualities and even denounced as a traitor to his cause by some of his co-conspirators.
Whatever your estimation of his role in the events of November 4th 1839 it is undoubtedly true that he was a tragic figure. It seems likely to this armchair general that Frost's heart was in the right place but that he had no idea of the power of the elemental political rage that he was harnessing to his cause. In the end he found himself completely out of his depth. As he himself admitted he was not the man for the job.
Heres his wikipedia page:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Frost_(Chartist)
And here is the wikipedia page for the Newport Uprising:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Rising
Some years ago John Humphries wrote an account of the roles played by several of the leading participants in the uprising including Zephaniah Williams and the extraordinary Welsh Texan John Rees ( a.k.a Jack the Fifer ). For our review of 'The Man From The Alamo' go to this page:- Remember, Remember The 4th of November!
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We have added a new poster ( streetRootsLG.pdf ) to our download center, which references the online competions in the Left Coast Eisteddfod Portland, Oregon 2009. Please feel free to download and print it for display at forthcoming Welsh and Celtic events.
This poster is appearing as a print ad in the next four editions of Portland independent newspaper, Street Roots , which also operates a non-profit helping the homeless in Portland and is supported by many Portland businesses and will, we hope, encourage a number of new local entrants in the various competition categories
There have been two recent amendments to competition rules. In order to give our judges adequate time to select the winning entries, it has been decided that the closing date for all submissions will be August 15th. Also it has been decided that contestants may submit two stories in the Short Story Competition . The Submission Guidelines pages will be updated to reflect the new arrangements shortly.
With less than three months to go till the date of the Eisteddfod , now is the time to pour on the coals to finish your entries and get them in. We would love to announce your name at the Left Coast Eisteddfod.
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