PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 2 ^nd June 2009

Llangollen Festival celebrates National Volunteers Week:

June 1 ^st 7 ^th

Mervyn Cousins gives special thanks to 1000

Llangollen Volunteers

On June 5 ^th , approximately 1000 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod volunteers will receive recognition for their hard work in a special Thank you event organised by the festivals Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins to coincide with National Volunteers Week, which is this year celebrating its 25 ^th anniversary. During its 63-year existence, the Llangollen Festival has always been dependant on the generosity and hard work of volunteers, without which, the festival could not exist.

Llangollen Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins and Chairman, Phil Davies , have long been wishing to acknowledge the thousands of hours that the volunteers contribute so willingly every year. Mervyn Cousins said: The festival has a volunteer base which is second to none we have almost 1000 people who help in one way or the other, and they range from those who come to Llangollen for the week itself to those who help drive the festival forward through their membership of the various committees. Some are in the office most days all year-round. We frankly couldnt do it without them and we hope that this event will go some way to thanking them. It will also be a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the staff who go far beyond the call of duty.

Eisteddfod Chairman, Phil Davies , who is, in fact, a volunteer himself believes that volunteering is a way of life for the people of Llangollen and the festival is living proof that volunteering is an all-age activity with visitors often surprised and impressed by the numbers of young people and students who help during Eisteddfod Week in particular. And you dont necessarily need to live in and around Llangollen to be involved volunteers come from all parts of the UK each year to be part of the atmosphere and buzz on and around the Eisteddfod field with some even coming from abroad, further adding to the Festivals aims to promote understanding and cooperation between nations

It is the lifetime commitment of people such as Bob Attenburrow, who drew the very first Eisteddfod poster in 1947 (see image), and will be completing his 50 ^th year of service on the Board of the Eisteddfod this year, that ensures the success of the festival. Another invaluable member of the Llangollen volunteering family is Les Potts who volunteers on the tickets committee and has attended every Eisteddfod since it started in 1947, except for 2 that he missed while doing national service.

Ann Ankers , who has been a committed volunteer for almost 50 years, has compiled a book of short stories and witty tales of volunteer life in Llangollen over the years, entitled Miscellany Medley . (Available from the Eisteddfod Office and at the festival itself, priced 3). According to Ann: We all just get on with our various jobs. I always think of it as a huge jigsaw where we all have some pieces, some might have only 1 and others might have a 1000 but it isn't until they are all put together that this event works. So I think that we are all equally important.

The volunteers are this year launching a new range of merchandise that will coincide with the earlier raising of the flags of all the competing countries that adorn the bridge and Castle Street. The new range of merchandise will consist of sweatshirts, t-shirts and polo shirts all bearing the Eisteddfod logo. There will also be a range of 99p items for children. All items will be available to buy from the Eisteddfod shop or by mail order from the website ( www.llangollen2009.com )

Publicity Committee chairman, Ian Lebbon said "This new range is very attractive and also good value for money. I just hope that we have ordered enough supplies!"

-Ends-

Notes to Editor

Interviews available upon request.

Press and Media Enquiries

For further information please contact: Lydia Jones at Mr Producer

Tel: 02920 916 667

Email: llangollen@mrproducer.co.uk

Volunteers Week

For more information please visit www.volunteerswe ek.org.uk

General Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Information

For one week, in one town, over fifty countries gather for one of Wales most unique experiences. This July over 50 000 performers and festival goers from all over the world will visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the picturesque Dee Valley, North Wales. This cool and cultural event, considered as 'Wales gift to the World' was established in 1947 to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance. Still thriving today Llangollen Eisteddfod has become one of the worlds most colourful festivals. During each themed day the festival field is a hive of activity with main stage competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world, in national and regional costume. The evening Gala concerts over the years have attracted some of show-business biggest names such as Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Page, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins and Dame Shirley Bassey. This year is no exception with concerts by Barbara Dickson, Sir Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, and even The Music of James Bond, with guest stars including Honor Blackman, aka Pussy Galore! What a cocktail...Prepare to be shaken and stirred! Join the rest of the world, join the party. For more information, telephone 01978 862001 or visit the website at http://www.llangollen2009.com/

This years Festival also sees the exciting addition a new Opening Gala concert to take place on Monday 6th July. The Opening Gala has a star line-up including young singing sensation Faryl Smith , BBC Ones Your Country Needs You finalist Mark Evans and the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir . Also performing will be reigning Llangollen Male Choir champions Cr Godrer Aran, male-voice choir Cantorion Colin Jones and young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs. The concert will support Llangollens Competitor Bursary Appeal Fund which aims to offer financial support to competitor groups who travel from all over the world.

The spectacular Licensed to Thrill concert on Sunday 12th July will see the music of James Bond performed by the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera , conducted by Carl Davis and hosted by Bond Girl Honor Blackman a.k.a Pussy Galore. The audience will be treated to a glittering evening of fabulous orchestral sounds and favourite melodies including Goldfinger , You Only Live Twice , and the iconic Bond Theme. The concert will culminate in a spectacular firework display which will be the finale to the Festival. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod have also been promised Aston Martins for the night by Stratstone of Wimslow and Guest of Honour will be David Pender Richards - Chairman of Aston Martin.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: General Information

• The International Eisteddfod provides a platform for people of all nations to meet and communicate through the international languages of music and dance, thereby promoting peace, harmony and a greater understanding of world culture.
• The International Eisteddfods Patron is H.R.H. Prince Charles and Terry Waite CBE is the current President.
• Established in 1947 by volunteers to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance, Llangollen International Eisteddfod has become one of the worlds great festivals.
• Its professional evening concerts and daily premier competitions are now combined with innovative field activities and outreach work.
• Based in the beautiful Dee Valley in the county of Denbighshire, North Wales.
• Many of the worlds greatest stars have sung at Llangollen with some beginning their careers on the North Wales stage.
• The festival field is filled with colour and sound, with outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world.
• 50 countries competed in the Eisteddfod last year.
• Just fewer than 4000 competitors appeared on the Pavilion stage in 2008.

2009 Schedule

Monday 6 ^th July: Opening Gala - Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Fron Male Voice Choir,

Tuesday 7 ^h July: Barbara Dickson Live at Llangollen

Wednesday 8 ^th July: Llangollen Peace Concert

Thursday 9 ^th July: Sir Willard White

Friday 10 ^th July: Blake and Natasha Marsh

Saturday 11 ^th July: Choir of the World

Tuesday: International Childrens Day

Wednesday: International Song and Dance Day

Thursday: International Youth Day

Friday: International Celtic and Folk Day

Saturday: International Family Day

For tickets and/or further information call 01978 862001 or visit www.llangollen2009.com

Additional Info: Full Season Ticket holders can choose one of the best seats in the house to enjoy the Eisteddfod competitions and concerts from Wednesday through Saturday for just 125 - an amazing 23% discount. Plus, claim an exclusive discount on tickets for Tuesday evenings concert - purchase a 35 ticket for 30. Season Ticket holders also receive a free Eisteddfod Souvenir Programme.

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Seren Books - September 2012

Nerys Williams wins the 2012 Eithne Strong Award for Best First Collection.

Congratulations to Seren poet Nerys Williams, who has won the Eithne Strong Award with her debut poetry collection Sound Archive . The award is presented annually for the best first collection of poems published by a poet in Ireland. Nerys beat off competition from three other poets, which included another Seren talent, Eoghan Walls with his fantastic debut collection, The Salt Harvest . Sound Archive was also shortlisted for two prizes last year, the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and The Michael Murphy Prize . Prize winning poet Nerys Williams is originally from Wales but moved to Ireland in 2002, where she lectures in American Literature at University College, Dublin.

The Poetry Garden at Foyles, Southbank

On Saturday 15 ^th September, Rhian Edwards will be reading from her debut poetry collection, Clueless Dogs at The Inpress Poetry Garden Market, an end of summer extravaganza of contemporary poetry on the Foyles lawn outside one of London's most iconic arts venues, the Southbank Centre. Clueless Dogs is currently on the shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection .

The Inpress Poetry Garden Market will have events running throughout the day, including readings by numerous poets, a poetry market to buy pamphlets, books, anthologies and special editions, and the announcement of the Indian Summer Poetry Competition winner. Click here for full details of this event.

The Poetry Garden is free to attend and you do not need to pre-book.

New Titles

Forthcoming Titles

Call Mother a Lonely Field by Liam Carson A memoir of an Irish-speaking childhood in Belfast and a moving testament to growing up during the Troubles. Call Mother a Lonely Field mines the emotional archaeology of family, home and language, the authors attempts to break their tethers, and the refuge he finds within them. Carson confronts the complex relationship between a son thinking in English, a father dreaming in Irish and a mother who, after raising five children through Irish, is no longer comfortable speaking the language in the violent reality of 1970s Belfast. "An immensely pleasurable book, and a valuable addition to the canon of Irish autobiography. - The Irish Times ISBN: 9781854115881 Paperback 8.99

Sen Tyrone: A Symphony of Horrors by Mark Ryan Published posthumously, this illustrated novel describes a young mans search for his absent father and the horrors he encounters on his journey. Sen OBrien left his wife and son in County Tyrone to find work as a collier in the South Wales Valleys. He last sent money and a letter from somewhere called Aberuffern (the mouth of hell in Welsh). What follows for his son Jack, is a series of macabre, mythical encounters with individuals who have come across the avaricious and merciless Sen. ISBN: 9781854116475 Paperback: 8.99

See How they Run by Lloyd Jones New Stories from the Mabinogion Small-minded, malicious academic Dr Llwyd McNamara has a grant to research one of Wales biggest heroes: rugby player big M. But as plays with his USB sticks in his little office, the gods have other plans for him. Prize-winning author Lloyd Jones tackles this retelling of the Third Branch of the Mabinogion: Manawyddan son of Llyr, with his usual ingenuity, imaginative intelligence and zest for language to create a skilful and hugely enjoyable tale. ISBN: 9781854115904 Paperback: 8.99

Bird, Blood, Snow by Cynan Jones New Stories from the Mabinogion The original Peredur tale recounts the adventures of a youth bent on recognition as a knight in King Arthurs court. In true questing fashion, he defends maidens, defeats giants, and eventually overcomes the witches who have cursed him. Award-winning author Cynan Jones turns the tale into a modern Quixotian romp. Hoping to save him from the same fate as his father and brothers dead, jailed or missing Peredurs mother takes him from the sink estate. But the world wont be held at bay. When local kids cycle into his life, he follows. ISBN: 9781854115898 Paperback 8.99

Beyond the Pampas: In Search of Patagonia by Imogen Rhia Herrad Beyond the Pampas is an entrancing journey to the ends of the earth in search of an ideal. Its journey that takes off in unexpected directions, leading the author to a new perspective on her own life and those in the remote reaches of Patagonia. It traces the fortunes of the 19th century Welsh colony in Argentina, and tells the story of the indigenous peoples of that vast, inhospitable territory. ISBN: 9781854115911 Paperback 9.99

Meet the Author

Friday 14th September, 2pm: Candy Neubert launches her Channel Island-set novel Big Low Tide at the Guernsey Literature Festival, Guille-Alls Library. She also has a poetry reading with David Charleston on Saturday 15th September, 2.00pm at the Poetry Cafe, Costa Coffee, The Arcade. Entry to both events is free, but booking is required.

Tuesday 18th September, 6.45pm: Graham Mort and Andrew Greig will be reading as part of the Wordsworth Trusts Poetry Season 2012. Graham will be reading from his latest collection Cusp , his first since Visibility: New and Selected Poems . St Oswalds Chrch, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SW. Tickets 8 (7 in advance). Visit www.wordsworth.org.uk for more information

Friday 21st September, 2pm: Bowery Poetry Segue Academic/Language Reading Series celebrating Womens Work: Modern Women Poets Writing in English . Readings from Phillis Levin, Joy Katz, Marilyn Nelson, Eva Salzman. With special guests from Ireland - Siobhan Campbell & Martina Evans. Venue: Bowery Poetry, 308 Bowery (btwn. Bleeker & Houston), NY NY 10012. (F train to 2nd Ave, 6 to Bleeker) Contact: Bob Holman bobholmanpoet@gmail.com

Saturday 22nd September, 2pm: Patrick McGuinness will be reading from his award-winning debut novel The Last Hundred Days at the Throckmorton Literary Festival . For more information call 07592775177

Friday 21st September, 7.30pm: BOOK-ISH presents a Poetry Evening with Paul Henry and Gillian Clarke at the Bear Hotel, Crickhowell. Tickets 5.00 from Bookish or www.book-ish.co.uk

Friday 28th September, 11am: Sculpture unveiling at Cheapside, Bridgend. Two pieces of sculpture by David Annand will be unveiled as part of the regeneration of Bridgend Town Centre. Seren poet Rhian Edwards has been comissioned to write two poems to be engraved on the scupltures.

Thursday 4th October, 7.30pm: First Thursday poetry and fiction readings. Award-winning Seren authors Lloyd Jones See How They Run and Emily Hinshelwood On Becoming a Fish will read at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Thursday 4th October, 9am until closing: National Poetry Day at John Lewis. Rhian Edwards is Poet in Residence at John Lewis (Cardiff). Rhian will be creating Poetry Takeaways on Bookmarks, Poems over the tannoy and odes to wedding lists.

Saturday 6th October, 7.30pm: Poet Anne Cluysenaar will be reading at Poetry on the Border along side Myra Schneider. The Drill Hall, Lower Church street, Chepstow NP16 5HJ

Poem of the Month

Slugs

Each night the slugs have found a way of getting in.
They slip through cracks, inhabiting corners,
edging up table-legs, walls, or chairs.
With their slug etiquette, slug gestures,
are they silently dreaming of lettuces, hostas?
Do they elegise greenhouses, commune with their dead?
Or fantasize brethren on distant planets?
What mistakes do they make, and how will they tell us?
Do we ask their forgiveness? Do they imagine us saved?
Of their psychobiographies will I ever be sure?

Occipital horns conduct in the darkness.
They know nothing of envy, nothing of blame.
In the gastropod inchings of their midnight seances,
the slow rehearsals of molluscular dance,
theyre themselves absolutely, beyond imitation.
And their silvery cast offs Isadoras
just at the moment in the silvery moonlight
when she sheds her scarves to a million star.

From Deryn Rees-Joness latest collection of poetry Burying the Wren

A Poetry Book Society Recommendation

Welcome to Autumn and to Blodwen's New 'Hafod' and 'Hendre' Rare Breed Textile Collections.

When it comes to sport, being a small country, Wales has managed to punch above its own weight over the years. Be it in rugby, athletics, football, boxing, snooker and even rugby league Wales has produced its fair share of heroes. A new book published this week will test how sport loving and how knowledgeable the Welsh public really are. So You Think You Know Welsh Sport? includes questions an all kinds of sports. The book has 50 rounds of 10 questions with the questions getting harder as you get along.

It is safe to say that the author Matthew Jones, a 29 year old chemist from Cardiff is a Welsh sports anorak. He spends his weekends travelling the length and breadth of Wales visiting sporting events and he has already published a quiz book on Welsh rugby. It was due to the success and the enthusiastic feedback to So You think You Know Welsh Rugby? that Y Lolfa decided to commission the new book. Matthew Jones said about his new book,

If you struggle to only get a couple correct then your knowledge is probably equivalent to a drunk dart player however if you manage to get ten out of ten then you are the trivia king of Welsh sport!

The book includes questions like:

Which Middle East country appointed Terry Yorath as their manager in 1995?

Who recorded Glamorgans best ever bowling figures of 7-16 in a one day contest, against Surrey in 1988?

In 1990, whose 27 year Welsh 100 meters record did Colin Jackson break?

Which future rugby union international scrum half was Welsh schools champion in the high jump in 1969 and 1970?

So You Think You Know Welsh Sport? is published by Y Lolfa and will be available in bookshops and on www.ylolfa.com , from Saturday the 8th of June for 3.95.

A retired religious education teacher from Ystradgynlais has released Satans Alternative, a new apocalyptic thriller set in 2012 where mankind is facing elimination. Writing under the pseudonym of James Stevens, this is Steve James second novel after retiring, following his successful debut, The Judas Codex.

Coming from a strict chapel background it was inevitable my views on the Bible would be tinged with bias, but my time spent in the Royal Air Force altered that, said Steve James. Experiencing other faiths at first hand I began to question my beliefs, and that questioning shaped my teaching career. During the mid 1970s I developed lesson plans which were based on comparative religions. Controversial at the time, by the 1980s they had become the norm and compulsory by the 1990s. The words of the author Robert Griffiths, one of my brightest pupils, speaks volumes about my open-minded style of teaching; You prompted us to view the scriptures from a critical rather than devotional perspective.

My interest in writing goes back a long way, explains the author. The idea for my first novel - The Judas Codex - which pre-dates the Da Vinci Code by some thirty years, took root in the 1970s. A busy teaching schedule meant I didn't have time to put pen to paper, which is a shame; by now I might have been a household name. Each of my novels touches on my early experience of the church and the way primitive ideas impacted on it.

Each of Steve James novels has a kernel of truth. Satan's Alternative touches on a problem that is global; set in the year 2012, the present era, it deals with the collapse of the world monetary system. There appears to be only one ending - Armageddon. In the past the onset of two world wars decimated the population and helped create new growth. A third would benefit no one; there would be very few survivors and no economy.

What makes Satan's Alternative unique is that it takes apocalyptic literature to a new level. Faced with social unrest on an unprecedented scale, the world seems doomed, but one man sees things differently. Convinced he is the modern Noah, he bases his solution on the Book of Genesis; the world must be cleansed of sin so that mankind can begin afresh. The author adds, What occurs in the book is possible, perhaps inevitable. As in the first novel I want the readers to say, yes I know its a work of fiction; but what if? Steve James spent his formative years in the Royal Air Force, serving mostly overseas. He is a retired Head of Religious Studies and holds a Bachelor of Education form Cardiff University as well as a Bachelor of Divinity in Theology.

Ceri Rhys Matthews is producer of the Smithsonian Folkways CD, "Blodeugerdd: Song of the Flowers" , being released at this year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival and which has been described as "a really beautiful concept piece featuring some people who have either never been recorded before, or who were trying out new combinations for the recording."

Americymru: H ow did this project come about? Who participated in it, in what capacity?

Interview by Ceri Shaw Email

BUY 'FLIRTING AT THE FUNERAL' HERE

Praise for Chris Keil's third novel

"Flirting At The Funeral is a sophisticated, deeply mature work, shot through with oodles of lovely writing and shored up by many insights and ideas....." Jon Gower

"Keil's writing, which is limpid and arrestingly vivid, has a charged quality that conveys the mysteries pulsing behind the everyday surface of things." Nicholas Clee, The Guardian

Read our 2008 interview with Chris HERE

Full review of 'Flirting At The Funeral' coming shortly on AmeriCymru.