Let’s Get Creative

Local author, Cathy Farr is hosting another Creative Writing Day on 10th July in Dinas Powys.

Following the success of previous workshops over the last two years, Cathy will be welcoming budding writers to spend the day enjoying a host of practical writing activities that really will get those creative muscles going.

The sessions are inspired by the workshops and tutorials that Cathy attended when she was doing creative writing as part of her degree with the Open University. After achieving a 2.1 honours, Cathy has spent the past eight years developing her own teaching material as well as writing novels, and regularly hosts writing workshops in the Vale, as well as in schools.

‘The day is ideal for people who are interested in doing some creative writing but don’t really know where to start,’ says Cathy, author of six novels for children and adults. ‘You don’t have to be planning to write a novel; some people come simply to have a go at doing something a bit different.’

Cathy with her Irish
Wolfhound pups – the
breed that inspires her
writing.

Cathy’s main aim in these workshops is to give people the chance to let their own imagination do the work and to have some fun, too. Positive comments from people who have attended previous workshops include: ‘It was enjoyable, fun and really interesting. Your teaching methods enthused us all I think, they certainly did me, along with the wonderful character you brought to it, that is Cathy Farr!’

Cathy gives as much constructive feedback as possible during the day, which means that places are limited so early booking is advised. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, 10th July, 10.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. in the Lee Hall at the Parish Hall in the centre of Dinas Powys and the price is £45 including tea and coffee throughout the day. For more information and to book your place contact Cathy at cathy@bitebooks.co.uk or on 02920 511031.

 



 

Canadian Storyteller Dan Yashinsky

 

‘SWIMMING WITH CHAUCER

– A STORYTELLER’S LOGBOOK’

 

Canadian storyteller Dan Yashinsky will be making a stop in Wenvoe at the end of June to perform at a house party concert.

Dan is a storyteller, writer, and community animator living in Toronto. He has worked for the last five years as the storyteller-in-residence at Baycrest Health Sciences, telling stories in the psychiatry and palliative units. He was also the storyteller-in-residence at The Stop Community Food Centre, Toronto Public Library, UNICEF Canada, and Queen’s University Education Department. His most recent book is ‘Swimming with Chaucer – A Storyteller’s Logbook’.

‘I once memorized the Miller’s Tale’, says Dan. ‘It has accompanied me on long drives, long swims, long walks, and a long vigil for our son in the neonatal intensive care unit. Stories and poems are useful, especially the ones we carry in our heads and hearts. Mixing life stories and folktales, this evening explores how and why stories are such wise road-companions.’

While he is in the country Dan will be contributing to the volunteer training for a new project. A diagnosis of a neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS or others, is a life changer. ‘Something is wrong in your brain!’ is the message, and it can feel like an assault on your sense of self, your very identity. It takes a bit of getting used to. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and hosted by storytelling charity Beyond the Border (Charity no 1144275) Slow Motion Selfies, is a programme of activity designed to help individuals affected by neurodegenerative conditions to find a new creative self. Donations received on the evening will go to the project.

Join us on Wednesday 26 June for a 7.30 start with refreshments to follow Dan’s performance; he always has an engaging and humorous take on life.

Places will be limited to 25 so please email philipthomas664@gmail.com or text/call 07870 212437 by 17th June to reserve a place and receive address details. Last time we sold out!

Please note that this is storytelling for adults and not intended for under 14s.

To find out more about Slow Motion Selfies contact eirwenmalin@beyondtheborder.com

 



 

Closure Of The Leisure Group

 

It is with sadness that this coming month will see the closure of Leisure Group. The club has been running for over 40 years and was originally for both men and women over 60. Over the years it gradually be-came ladies only and of any age. Meeting every week, it was not always possible to have a speaker, but there was always some sort of entertainment.

Over the last few years, we have sadly lost many of our members, and despite our efforts we have failed to encourage new members to join. This together with being unable to appoint new committee members to continue the running of the club, has forced us into the decision to cease our meetings.

Our Easter party, on April 17th is our last meeting, when we say our last goodbyes to Leisure Group.

Betty Williams

 



 

Badminton Players Wanted

 

BADMINTON PLAYERS WANTED

We are a small group who play badminton (after a fashion) on Tuesday evenings, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm, in the Village Hall. We play for fun, but it’s quite energetic, and is certainly good exercise. If anyone would like to join us, or just try out the game, you would be most welcome.

Please contact Pia (029 2059 5216) or Dickon (029 2067 9108) if you would like to know any more

 



 

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