Torfaen Open Mic, Griffithstown

Torfaen Open Mic ran for four years (Jan 2009-2013) and met on the second Tuesday of each month to share our work.   Some read short stories, or poetry, others talked of their experiences.  The floor was open to artists, musicians, anyone creative to come and "show off."



Panteg House

An open invitation meant we never knew who was going to turn up to share their work.   We have had a poet from Blaenavon in his eighties whose head was full of verse he had created about the mountains that have surrounded him  his whole life, and a musician who played his euphonium in accompaniment to Tiri Tykanawa on his tapedeck.   Wonderful poets and writers, too many to mention.   Ann Drysdale the 'occasional poet,' shared her work with us for our Gwanwyn Festival 2011.

The site of the old Panteg Steel works from the railway bridge

Tuesday, 13th November 2012, 7.30pm we heard "Anecdotes of Panteg House" by Gordon Richards, the current Club Secretary.
 

Cardiff Cafe Writerswith Musician, Stacey Blythe

 performed

Love and Journeys

through monologues, poems and songs,
including pieces from Stacey's new album
"Eleven songs from Love Lane"

The venue, Panteg House, Sunnybank Road, Griffithstown, South Wales NP4 5BE

Claire Syder at Panteg House

In 2012 Torfaen Open Mic  celebrated their fourth Gwanwyn May Festival with sponsorship from Age Cymru.

On Tuesday evening, 8 May the Cardiff Cafe Writers, Claire Syder, Terrance Edwards and Karen Steadman  entertained an appreciative audience with short stories, poetry and songs, accompanied by Stacey  Blythe who also performed  songs from her new album “Eleven Songs from Love Lane.”

After an interval the floor was opened to members of the audience.   A variety of work, included Richard Finlan reading from one of his fantasy novels.   Personal poetry commented on subjects from David Essex to a derelict fishing trawler at Barry Island.   A first for the group was a series of poems performed in Arabic with English translations.   The quality of work was remarkable and very enjoyable.

After four years, the group’s monthly meetings no longer take place on the second Tuesday at 7.30pm at Panteg House, Griffithstown, near Pontypool.   Visitors were always welcome, whether to participate or just enjoy the event.