Ceri Shaw


 

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Playlists: 6
Blogs: 1936
events: 233
youtube videos: 537
SoundCloud Tracks: 21
images: 827
Files: 55
Invitations: 9
Groups: 32
audio tracks: 1098
videos: 8
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Revd John Weir, Zeshan, H.E. Saleh al Ghurg
Revd John Weir, Zeshan, H.E. Saleh al Ghurg
Labour MP, Stephen Timms intervened to ensure a musician from Pakistan was permitted entry into the UK and able to compete in this years Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Timms wrote to the UK Border Agency to ensure Zeshan Rahab, a Christian singer from North West Punjab, was allowed to travel to the UK in order to perform and compete in North Wales largest music festival.
Mr Timms, wrote from his hospital bed after being stabbed by a Pakistani woman in his East London constituency surgery in May 2010.
Zeshan Rahab will be the first ever Pakistani soloist in the international festivals 65 year history. He will sing and play the harmonium, performing traditional Urdu Ghazal music that is of deep and personal meaning to the Pakistani Christian Church. Zeshan said, It is a great honour for me to be the first Pakistani soloist to perform and compete at such a well regarded international festival. Im proud to be able to bring Urdu Ghazal music to the UK and Wales. Zeshan went on to say Im especially looking forward to performing in Llangollen, a place that I have heard is so beautiful.
Pakistan is home to more than 187 million people, 97% of which are Muslim. In recent years tension between the majority Muslim communities and minority Christians groups has risen. Zeshans hometown is Gujranwala in North West Punjab, an industrial town of four million Muslims and half a million Christians, who have lived together peacefully for many years. Recently false blasphemy charges were filed against a Christian father and son from the Christian Technical College, and violence erupted against the poor Christian colonies of Gulzar and Aziz.
Moderate Muslim and Christian leaders organized peace rallies where ghazal music was played and the situation has since improved. The blasphemy law has seen many Christians as well as Muslims arrested under false cases for personal grudges or enmity and even professional jealously.
Encouraged by his Christian parents, Zeshan began to learn harmonium at the age of 12. Like many Pakistanis Zeshan left his country to find work abroad, where poverty is a growing concern. He was discovered working as a labourer in Dubai and brought to the U.K. by the Anglain Chaplain of the inter-denominational Holy Trinity Church, Dubai, Revd. John Weir who said: Zeshan is really looking forward to performing at the Eisteddfod. It was struggle bringing him to the UK, but I believe his talent should be shared with the world and with so many different countries performing and competing in Llangollen this year.
His journey to Llangollen has not been without incident. After Christian friends and supporters in Dubai offered sponsorship for his travel costs, his harmonium was taken apart and damaged by airport security.
Mervyn Cousins, Chief Executive of Llangollen Eisteddfod said: We are very excited about having Zeshan compete and perform at the Eisteddfod. His music really captures the true essence of the Eisteddfod which was established to promote international peace through music and dance. Cousins went on to say: His story is one of the triumphs of peace, love, healing and harmony overcoming the politics of war and hate.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod takes place in North Wales from 4-10 July with more than 4,000 competitors from 50 countries taking part. Zeshan will be performing on Wednesday 6 July on the outdoor stage.
Alongside the competitors, internationally successful artists Lulu, Russell Watson, Ruthie Henshall and McFly will be performing on the world famous Eisteddfod stage.
Llangollen Eisteddfod's Parade of Nations
Llangollen Eisteddfod's Parade of Nations


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Mr Producers Got Talent!

Cardiff-based Creative Events, Celebrity Agency and Public Relations company, Mr Producer, welcomes a new member to its dynamic team. Sarah Vaughton joins Mr Producer as Talent Agent as the company opens its Agency doors to welcome Actors and Actresses.

Mr Producer is renowned for its in-house Celebrity Agency, which is unique to Wales. With ten trusted years experience of sourcing celebrities, presenters and performers for events and endorsements, Mr Producer is now expanding the Agency arm of the business to represent actors and actresses. Both new and established acting talent will join an array of presenters, performers, after-dinner speakers and voice-over artists already represented by the Agency.

Since the companys inception almost ten years ago, Mr Producer has produced some of Wales most prestigious events, and has been at the helm in successfully launching everything from BWM Mini to Wales Millennium Centre. Most recently Mr Producer were Creative Producers for the Welcome to Wales Ryder Cup Concert at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Therefore through their work on high-profile events, the company is no stranger to the celebrity circuit having worked with Wales biggest stars including Dame Shirley Bassey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ioan Gruffudd, Katherine Jenkins and Rhydian Roberts.

Managing Director, Stifyn Parri said With a rapidly expanding portfolio of clients coming to us for representation, I am thrilled to welcome an experienced Agent, Sarah Vaughton, to our trusted team. Stifyn continued Im proud to see Mr Producer expand the Agency side of the organisation, with over 30 years experience in the industry myself, Mr Producer understands the importance of good representation for our Agency clients during such a challenging climate. Now what excites me is how many major productions are turning to Wales, not just for location but also for our home-grown talent.

Sarah Vaughton, who is originally from Swansea, joins Mr Producer with proven experience in the industry, with previous employment including Emptage Hallett. Newly appointed Talent Agent, Sarah said I am thrilled to be joining the creative team at Mr Producer and I am looking forward very much to expanding the agency side of this high profile and successful company. I believe this to be an excellent initiative, which will help to develop existing talent in Wales.

Sarah is welcomed to the bilingual team by colleagues Lydia Jones, Head of Operations and Hannah-Jane Davies, Project and Finance Manager. Mr Parri continued Were a very close-knit team at Mr Producer and Sarah will undoubtedly be an invaluable addition as the company expands. Bring on 2011!

Rob Holt, Chief Executive of Ryder Cup Wales: Mr Producer's passion, teamwork and integrity never waned during the creation of Welcome to Wales concert at the Millennium Stadium to celebrate Ryder Cup 2010. They creatively produced a show that had vision, a confident tone and attention to detail. Working under the guidance of WAGs project manager and alongside many other individuals and organisations, they worked diligently resulting in a production that showcased Wales' talent to the World. Thank you.

Colin Jackson: Put any obstacle in the way of Mr Producer and they will creatively overcome it, but I wouldn't want to see them in lycra!

For a full list of Mr Producers service provision visit www.mrproducer.co.uk



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David Thomas has kindly pointed out that a summary of the main points in his current book "Fatal Neglect: Who Killed Dylan Thomas?" is available on the books website here:-

Fatal Neglect: Who Killed Dylan Thomas?

This article, which is a fascinating read, originally appeared in the Western Mail. Buy the book here:-


Fatal Neglect: Who Killed Dylan Thomas? - David Thomas

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A Brief History Of Wales, cover There have been many books written on Welsh history over the years, but for a concise overview of the subject, A Brief History of Wales will be hard to beat. Author Gerald Morgan says he appreciated “the impossibility of the task… a history of Wales in twenty thousand words! But fools rush in…”

However, Morgan has proved himself more than equal to the challenge by writing a gripping narrative of conquest, resistance and survival. This should come as no great surprise, since he is a respected historian and teacher who admits he has “been in love with the history of Wales since I was ten years old…” This book will be a boon to those who have long-sought after the ‘holy grail’ of an easily digestible, pocketable and, above all, affordable introduction to the history of Wales. It may be brief, but all the most important characters and dates are there, from the Night of the Long Knives to the 1905 victory over the All Blacks, from Welsh Indians to the 1904 Revival.

Amateur historians, tourists, schoolchildren and those merely wishing to brush up on their history will all enjoy reading this book. As Morgan himself says: “I have tried to gain some small grasp of the complexities of history, and have tried to grasp the extraordinary changes which have taken place in Wales during my lifetime.” He has succeeded admirably in these ambitions, despite the inherent difficulties involved.

A Brief History of Wales is the third book by this prolific historian to be published in as many months, following Ceredigion Coast Path – From the Teifi to the Dyfi (Cyngor Ceredigion) and Castles In Wales (Y Lolfa) – both of which were published in July.

Gerald Morgan lives in Aberystwyth and likes to describe himself as a teacher and historian in that order. After teaching English at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold, and at Ysgol Gyfun Aberteifi, he served 22 years as head teacher of Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, then of Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Aberystwyth. A second career saw him teaching Welsh and local history in the Extra-Mural Department of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published books and articles on a wide range of subjects, including Ceredigion: A Wealth of History and Nanteos – A Welsh House and Its Families.


REVIEWS OF GERALD MORGAN TITLES

''A well-organised, articulate and stimulating work... beautifully illustrated'' – Richard Moore-Colyer on Ceredigion: A Wealth of History.

''A splendid study, balanced, sensitive and nicely setting local events and trends within the wider Welsh and British context.'' David W. Howell on Nanteos – A Welsh House and Its Families.

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So Far In Issue Two Of eto .......


By Ceri Shaw, 2013-08-26

The following authors and contributions have been confirmed for inclusion in issue two of 'eto' our bi-annual fiction anthology featuring original short stories and poems by Welsh and Welsh American authors. If you wish to submit a story for inclusion in the autumn edition ( due for publication in late September ) please contact americymru@gmail.com . We will be considering new submissions until early September

Buy eto Issue one here


Original Poetry From Julie Samways

August 26th, 2013

Today we are pleased to announce that Julie Samways .will be contributing three poems to our second edition. Original writing from Julie Samways Yvonne:- She was the pillow of the community. The good time had by all. She was more than a willing participant, In fact she had a ball. Shed work her way
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Today we are pleased to announce that Colin Parsons .will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original writing from Colin Parsons Into The Dark:- Im getting up, he shouted, and made the determined choice to get out. Oh, he suddenly stopped to think. What if Im in a small room and
Read more

Today we are pleased to announce that Cynan Jones .will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original writing from Cynan Jones The Buzzard:- We were driving along and I dont know what. I just hit it. We were driving right into the sun and it was at that time of year
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The Tonypandy Riots 1911 Today we are pleased to announce that Sheila Lewis .will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original writing from Sheila Lewis Tom Stephens Riot:- The Tonypandy riots on the Wikipedia From the intro:- Tom Stepehens Riot is a work of fiction based on the actions of a
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Today we are pleased to announce that Bel Roberts .will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original writing from Bel Roberts Hydrophobia:- The Marco Polo reached Manaus, capital of the Amazonas state, a thousand miles from the sea. We witnessed the meeting of the waters (two rivers, one greycoloured and the
Read more

Today we are pleased to announce that John Good will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original fiction from John Good Dylans Daughter, the Walrus and Old town Aberafan.:- Sorry about the mess, she said I dont have time to keep up with all the kind gifts from the Friends of
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Today we are pleased to announce that Lesley Coburn will be contributing a short story to our second edition. Original fiction from Lesley Coburn Filling Space:- When the men told me that I had to give her a name I was nonplussed. Names have connotations of feelings and colours, moods and memories. Names lay
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Today we are pleased to announce that Stuart Keir will be contributing a short story to our first edition. Original fiction from Stuart Keir The Dig At The Station Hotel:- Griff was not be thwarted, he uplifted a pick, inserted the point under a flagstone in the near front corner, heaved up the flag,
Read more

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ARTIST:GWIBDAITH HEN FRN
ALBWM:YN L AR Y FFORDD
LABEL:RASAL CD035
PRIS:9.99
DYDDIAD RHYDDHAU:DYDD LLUN, 29ainO ORFFENNAF Ar gael Iw rhag-archebu o fewn Sain yn awr!!!!

Yn l ar y Ffordd

Bydd Cymry penbaladr yn llawenhau dros yr haf wrth i bedwerydd albwm y grp gyrraedd y siopau - mae Yn l ar y ffordd yn gasgliad llawn hiwmor, direidi a gwallgofrwydd syn adrodd hynt a helynt cymeriadau unigryw cefn gwlad Cymru a straeon personol, emosiynol a doniol y pum aelod syn creu Gwibdaith Hen Frn.

Yn ddiweddar mae yna fynd a dod wedi digwydd yn aelodaeth y band - Paul Thomas a Robi Buckley wedi mynd a thri newydd, Ieuan Williamson, Gary Richardson a Justin Davies wedi dod i lenwir bwlch a dyma un or rhesymau tu cefn ir albwm newydd yma fel yr esbonia Phil.

Oedden nin awyddus i wneud albwm newydd i gadwr apl i fynd fel petai gan gadwn driw in steil unigryw ni. Ac maeYn l ar y Fforddyn barhad o steil yr albyms cynt gyda digonedd or hyn mae Gwibdaith yn ei wneud orau sef creu llinellau bachog, cofiadwy fel meicrowf maen amser rf,canu dychan tafod-yn-boch amDalcen Hefin Pritcharda hanes doniolBaly cymeriad hoffus orJungle Bookar teimlad braf o fradu amser ynWastio Awr.Ac wrth gwrshyn oll i gyfeiliantsain adnabyddus y grp, syn llwyddo i greu cyfuniad rhyfeddol o gerddoriaeth werinol, indi, roc gwerin, gwlad a bluegrass. Maer band wedi gwahodd cyfraniadau gan offerynwyr gwadd ar ambell i drac. Ceir cyfraniad ar y ffidil gan Jenn Williams ac Edwin Humphreys -aka Yr Arglwydd Snedly - ar y sacsoffon, corn, clarint ar tiwba ac mae Edwin wedi bod yn ffrind da ir band gan iddo gyfrannu ate Edwin yn ffrind dros y blynyddoedd gan ei fod wedi cyfrannu ar bob un or albyms erbyn hyn.

Ond er bodYn l ar y Fforddyn glynu yn reit glos at steil yr albyms cynt mae aelodaeth newydd y band wedi dod a naws ychydig bach yn wahanol i sn ar steil ac am y tro cyntaf ceir cn Saesneg gan Gary ar yr albwm sefMrs Wusyn deyrnged i George Formby a George Harrison. Fel yr eglura Phil eto mae yna amrywiaeth eang ar yr albwm, ac mi ydan ni wedi trio cadw at ein gwreiddiau o ran recordio yn steil ein halbwm cyntafCedors Hen Wrachond mae yna ganghennau newydd wedi tyfu ar y goeden a datblygiad amlwg iw glywed fel grp, esboniai Phil.

Tair blynedd ers rhyddau yr albwm ddiwethaf Llechan Wlybmaen braf cael cyhoeddi fod Gwibdaith yn bendantNl ar y Fforddac yn edrych ymlaen yn eiddgar at deithio agigioCymru yn ystod y misoedd nesaf a chyflwynor caneuon newydd fydd yn sicr yn dod a gwn i wynebu pawb.

COFIWCH HEFYD AM YR CDs BLAENOROL

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An Interview With John Good - Course Tutor, AmeriCymraeg

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AmeriCymru held its first online Welsh class on Wednesday and there are still places left on both the beginners and intermediate courses for people wishing to enroll. Here is the signup page for those who are interested. Below we proudly present an interview with course tutor John Good .


ENROLL FOR AMERICYMRAEG HERE .


AmeriCymru: What is your background in teaching Welsh?

John: At the age of 40, I found myself living in Phoenix and embittered, wishing I had taken the opportunity at school and at home with my mother and grandmother to speak the primal language of Wales. Resources in those days were thin, even on the Internet, so I taught myself mainly from books, listening to Welsh Internet broadcasts/tapes/music and from trying to talk to my mother and Welsh speaking friends on the phone. Although my Welsh was sketchy in youth, having experienced all of the pitfalls of linguistic self-tuition I'm well placed to help others cross the raging river of I'll never get there, and soaking wet, bedraggled but triumphant arrive confidently on the Welsh bank.

I've been teaching all levels of Welsh learners for over 15 years in Arizona; privately, at the Irish Cultural Center and else where and intermittently on Skype. I was a substitute teacher at Cwrs Madog and regularly speak the language with my brother, students, nephews and nieces and anyone else who will respond to me. Its a passion with me and my mission is to give back to others some of the joy I experienced speaking to my mother in the language of her youth, and reading the great literature and history of my beloved country ... so there!

AmeriCymru: What is your philosophy or approach to teaching the language?

John: I'm a musician and language to me is very similar to music: Sounds that convey meaning and feelings with occasional spiritual overtones. I like to get people to listen to the melody and especially the rhythm of Welsh; It helps memory, makes pronunciation easier and fun, and enjoyment boosts self confidence. I like to use common phrases and proverbs, songs, stories and poems so people can see the language in action, at its finest. And talking of having fun, it relaxes teacher and students and creates a good learning environment: They who laugh a little, learn a lot.

AmeriCymru: How can utilizing modern tech ( google hangouts etc ) make it easier for students to master Cymraeg?

John: Interactive means exactly that. The lines of communication are open 24/7. You/I can post ideas/questions/homework /suggestions when ready. The class room letter box is always open and at hand. The entire web is at our fingertips during the lessons, including our instant message blackboard, Google, Youtube and the entire virtual world

AmeriCymru: How do you see the AmeriCymraeg course developing in the coming weeks and months?

John: As I get to know students needs after all, All children learn differentlyas they sayIll be able to customize interaction and reinforce strengths and strengthen weaknesses. Anyone will be able to drop in/move between the different levels and find their comfort zone or refresh. Time allowing, I will be virtually available when people get stuck.

Eventually I'd like to see an AmeriCymraeg residential weekend (?) and a Welsh language conversation , audio chat room/class, but until then we just need everyone to sign up, do their homework and not chew gum in class! .


For all course enquiries please email americymru@gmail.com



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The Werewolf Orchestra Of North Wales


By Ceri Shaw, 2012-12-30

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From Llanfairfechan 'Where The Werewolves Live'
'Fascinating noise, furry noise' - Adam Walton

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THE WEREWOLF ORCHESTRA OF NORTH WALES

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