8pm. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 The Stage Door, Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl CF36 3YW

Nia Vine is about to fulfil her dream of exploring an unmapped cave system.

NIA by Robert Minhinnick

With her will go two friends who were brought up in the same seaside town.

These companions are international travellers, but Nia, who has recently become a mother, feels her experience insignificant compared with that of her friends.

While the three explore, Nia finds herself obsessed by a series of dreams that finally lead to a shocking revelation.

The “unmapped cave system” is based on the real-life ‘Schwyll’ and the ‘Great Spring of Glamorgan’, at Ewenni.

This is the third novel in Minhinnick’s ‘Sea Holly’ series, based on the resort of Porthcawl.

Peter Morgan will play music and exhibit his photographs of Porthcawl fairground and local instances of climate change, two themes of the book. Kristian Evans will be guest reader.

Mick Felton, Managing Director of publishers, Seren Books, will introduce the event.

Minhinnick’s previous book. ‘Diary of the Last Man’ (Carcanet), was Wales ‘Book of the Year’ in 2018 and shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize. Robert Minhinnick is also the Co-founder of Sustainable Wales, with responsibility including Arts, Literature, Events and is the Charity Secretary.

ENTRY: FREE but signed copies of ‘Nia’ will be available at £9.99.

https://www.serenbooks.com/productdisplay/nia

Sustainable Wales’s cultural showcase returns on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, at 8pm, featuring writing and film about Elvis Presley and the Extinction Rebellion mass movement.

Organiser, Robert Minhinnick says: ‘This will be a lively occasion with lots of new writing and film. 

The evening will include poetry that links the visionary writer, William Blake, with Cowbridge’s own troubled mystic, Iolo Morgannwg. 

 “And yes, Elvis Presley will somehow be fitted into the mix. A unique night is in store.”

Everyone welcome, Croeso Cynnes i bawb. 

£4.

A Story of Saint Non

with Tracy Evans

An evening of stories, histories and reflections inspired by St. Non, the mother of St. David, and the Pembrokeshire cliffs where she gave birth. 

8pm. Friday, March 1.

Above SUSSED, 4-5 JAMES ST. PORTHCAWL CF36 3BG

Sustainable Wales’s ‘Green Room’ returns from its winter break with a reading by poet/novelist, Chris Meredith. To be followed by an Open Mic for local writers.

Chris will be reading from his recently published volume of short stories, ‘Brief Lives’ (Seren), which will be on sale. The book is described in the ‘Western Mail’ as “a moving, mature kaleidoscope of human experience”.

He will also read poetry, including some Welsh language verse.

Chris is the author of ‘Shifts’, available in the Seren ‘Classics’ series, available in the SUSSED bookshop. His most recent collection of poetry is ‘Air Histories’.

Further reading:

https://literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/christopher-meredith

Christopher Meredith is the award-winning author of four novels and three collections of poetry and also translates Welsh to English. Prizes include an Eric Gregory Award, the Arts Council of Wales Young Writer Prize and the Fiction Prize for his first novel, Shifts. His second novel, Griffri, was shortlisted for the Book of the Year Award.  His collection of poems, The Meaning of Flight, was long-listed for The Book of the Year Award 2006. His most recent novel is The Book of Idiots (2012). He has given readings all over Britain and Europe as well as in Israel/Palestine and the USA.  Born and brought up in Tredegar, he was a steelworker and a schoolteacher before becoming a professor of creative writing at the University of Glamorgan. He lives in Brecon. His latest poetry collection Air Histories, was published in June 2013, and has since written a collection of six short fictions, titled Brief Lives, which was released in June 2018.

Purchase Christopher Meredith’s work at the event or via his publisher, the excellent Seren: https://www.serenbooks.com/author/christopher-meredith

£4. Everyone welcome. Croeso cynnes i bawb.

Special Elvis themed pop up Café

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

(Funds go to support Sustainable Wales).

GREEN ROOM RETURNS

WITH ELVIS-THEMED NIGHT - Above SUSSED

Sustainable Wales, 5, James St., Porthcawl CF36 3BG

“A little satire will add to the fun”.

After a summer break, Sustainable Wales’s ‘Green Room’ performance space recommences with a series of events.

Friday, SEPTEMBER 28, at 8pm, we celebrate the Elvis festival in Porthcawl, with a welcome satirical look at ‘the King’.

There will be Elvis Presley-themed films, and readings from Wales’s finest performance poet, Peter Finch.

Peter will also be speaking about his recent book, ‘The Roots of Rock’ (Seren), in which Elvis, of course, is featured.

Leading Cardiff academic, Dr Daniel Evans, will discuss the ‘class’ element of the Elvis festival.

Co-ordinator of Sustainable Wales, Margaret Minhinnick, says: “The Elvis festival weekend is now well-established. This extraordinary eisteddfod is unignorable in the town, so our charity is making a contribution to the fun.

“ Peter Finch will be sharp! And our popular Open Mike will include film and photographs, drawn from the history of Elvis in Porthcawl.

“Giving a local perspective will be writer Robert Minhinnick, photographer Peter Morgan, musician Gerry Rae and film-maker Paul Woodford.”

Everyone welcome! Croeso cynnes i bawb!

£4 entrance.

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

(Funds go to support Sustainable Wales).

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

(Funds go to support Sustainable Wales).

Sat 26th May above SUSSED

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

(Funds go to support Sustainable Wales).

PAUL HENRY AT GREEN ROOM, PORTHCAWL

8pm FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Green Room, Sustainable Wales, 5, James St., Porthcawl CF36 3BG

Next reader at Porthcawl’s ‘Green Room’ is poet and musician, Paul Henry, launching his new collection, The Glass Aisle.

Sustainable Wales has been trying for two years to tempt Paul to Porthcawl, and we’re delighted he’s here.

The book moves between rage and stillness, past and present, music and silence.  It is Paul’s tenth book and will delight with its assured lyricism. Copies will be on sale on the night and in our shop, SUSSED.

With Open Mic.

£4 entrance.  Everyone welcome/Croeso cynnes i bawb.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! We're following a St David's Day theme with the latest pop up fairtrade Café above SUSSED. Menu and details will be posted on our facebook page so don't forget to follow us there!

The drama of the ‘Porthcawl hurricane’ to be relived at the ‘Green Room’.

‘Josephine’s Rain’ is a thirty minute evocation of a storm that damaged Porthcawl in 1995.

Tropical storm ‘Josephine’ was close to hurricane status, sinking boats and destroying part of the seafront.

The video performance promises a musical and poetic dramatisation of an incident in recent history.

The original ‘Josephine’s Rain’ featured Robert Minhinnick, Peter Morgan and Richard Thomas. This new version is remixed by Peter Morgan, whose images will be shown during the performance.

There will also be an Open Mic for readings and short films.

POP-UP CAFÉ THIS SATURDAY 11AM - 4PM

27TH JAN, The Green Room, above SUSSED.

SELECTION OF TRADITIONAL WELSH, VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DISHES ON THE MENU

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

(Funds go to support Sustainable Wales).

An evening in English and Welsh to celebrate the publication of ‘Bondo’ by Menna Elfyn, from Bloodaxe. The title means ‘eaves’ in Welsh, referring to poetry and language as a ‘sanctuary’. Readers are Robert Minhinnick in English and Carys Evans in Welsh. Plus Open Mic.   

Entrance: £4. 

Everyone welcome. Croeso cynnes i bawb.

Absolutely Divine Chocolate Party Friday December 1st 8pm

Savoury and Sweet you’re in for a treat. Take your taste buds on a tantalising journey from sweet, creamy milk chocolate to the rich intense flavours in Divine’s dark chocolate. Combined with a range of sweet and savoury tastes to bring out the best in the coca bean. Bring a bottle of your favourite tipple or check out the beer, wine and tea chocolate pairing guides below

The SUSSED shop will be open with a range of ethical Christmas gifts. Don’t forget members get 10% off (excluding local crafts, eco and food)… not a member yet? Sign up for membership on the night for an exclusive £8 (normally £12) and use your 10% member discount straight away!

Pairing Guides

Beer http://www.divinechocolate.com/uk/sites/default/files/img/1726.pdf

Wine http://www.divinechocolate.com/uk/sites/default/files/img/_1566.pdf

Tea http://www.divinechocolate.com/uk/sites/default/files/img/_1565.pdf

£4 or donation

The Green Room Café returns -

Visit the Green Room POP-UP Café  3rd Sat of the month.

Delicious Fairtrade food available, SATURDAY, November 18th 11am – 4pm. James Street, Porthcawl…

Our community-run café serves lush homemade bread, soups, cakes and savouries all at reasonable prices. Our volunteer bakers aim to use mainly fairtrade and local ingredients offering both savoury and sweet dishes for morning coffee, lunch and tea.

So please join us, and sample our rich coffee, refreshing tea, luxurious hot chocolate, chilled cola, fun fruit spritzers and taste our tantalizing cakes, soups, sarnies and snacks.

INVITATION TO:

SUSSED ANNUAL MEETING  2016-17

THE GREEN ROOM WED. 13TH SEPT 2017 7. 30PM

GUEST SPEAKER COUNCILLOR ALEX HARRIS AND ‘BREXIT’ DISCUSSION

REFRESHMENTS

Dear SUSSED Supporters,

It is OUR pleasure to invite you to SUSSED Wales’ Annual Meeting 2016/17, 13th Sept 2017, 7:30pm followed by a discussion facilitated by Green Party Councillor Alex Harris and concluded with refreshments and buffet. To be held in the Green Room, above SUSSED.

The AGM, we expect, to be quite informal and short. It will update people about SUSSED’s trading, finances and activities and elect the SUSSED board of directors and volunteer roles and responsibilities.

If anyone would like to stand as a company Director please get in touch before-hand. Or maybe you would like to volunteer and help with shop sales, volunteer coordination, membership development, administration, finances, information research, communications or IT? We would be delighted to hear from you.

As a community cooperative our volunteers, supporters and membership are central to the organisation. We are a democratic and thus participatory organisation – we need not only your commitment to shop at SUSSED but also your ideas. 

Indeed, as community members you have a stake in the business as you are in fact the “owners”. Thus, we appreciate it when people attend the AGM and give us feedback.

Our guest speaker is Councillor Alex Harris who represents the Green Party in the Rest Bay ward, Porthcawl. The theme we have asked Alex to speak on and lead the discussion is:

What effect will Brexit have on the local community?  How can we respond?

Each community is different. There is a higher number of immigrants in Cardiff than in Porthcawl but there is a larger farming community here. What effect will the current negotiations have on us?

Infrastructure monies from the EU will dry up – when? Will the UK/Welsh Governments compensate for this? What effect will this have on us in Wales? If there is no money into the Valleys for instance, what impact will that have on Porthcawl?

It’s great to see that environmental policies from the EU are being incorporated into UK legislation. Are there any that are being omitted? 

Afterwards let’s celebrate the fact that our community actually has a shop like SUSSED.

We hope that you can attend what should be an enjoyable evening.  

Please RSVP, via email (mm@sustainablewales.org.uk ) or phone (01656783962) to ensure there is an appropriate amount of seating and refreshments available.

Best Wishes

Margaret Minhinnick on behalf of all the Directors SUSSED (Luke Evans, Martin Little, Robert Minhinnick, Peter Morgan, Melanie Johnson)

An evening of readings, live music and images from Gerry Rae.

Poetry Open Mic afterwards.

Our Pop up Café returns this Saturday 15 April, above SUSSED - Local and Lush, Fresh and Fair. Menus include veggie options

• Friday, March 31, 2017
• 8:00pm  10:00pm

A welcome return for Rhian Edwards to the Green Room. 

Brood is the new pamphlet from poet Rhian Edwards. Winner of all three categories of Wales Book of the Year in 2013 for her debut poetry collection, Clueless Dogs, Bridgend-born and based Edwards is known for her dazzling performance style and her vivid, often acutely personal poems.

The new pamphlet opens with ‘Birds of Rhiannon’ introducing us (via a nod to the famous medieval Mabinogion story where magic birds, said to bring people back from the dead, console the heartbroken Celtic princess Rhiannon) to a darkly resonant tone that echoes from the myth:

Before I was mortal, I was haloed

in feathers, my trinity of familiars;

whose birdsong was legend, serenading

the dead from their dreams,

lullabying the living to torpor…

The centre of this new pamphlet is a ten-part poem, ‘Pied Margot’ based on the mnemonic rhyme for groups of magpies ‘One for Sorrow, Two for Joy…’. This long poem charts the progression of a troubling relationship from infatuation to disillusionment, alongside the birth of a much-loved daughter.

There are unflinching descriptions of arduous pregnancy, as well as miscarriage, that remind us that this stage of a woman’s life can be as risky as a battlefield. Also, any parent will recognise the irritated joy of ‘Kiss’ where a child becomes an expert at ‘delaying the damnation of bedtime.’

Meanwhile, birds are at all times present: hovering, chattering, casting their shadows, they are both tricksters and familiars in these hypnotic, spell-like poems. Welsh artist Paul Edwards has provided some beautiful charcoal drawings of magpies inspired by this atmospheric sequence, which feature throughout the pamphlet.

Other poems feature Gulls, Red Kites and ‘The Universal Doodle’ of a murmuration cloud of starlings. This pamphlet Brood is an apt follow-up to Clueless Dogs and leaves us eager for the poet’s next full collection.

Bridgend County Fairtrade Partnership is holding a Fairtrade Festival including a ‘Bake-Off’ at Carnegie House, Wyndham Street, Bridgend on Saturday 18th March from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a family event and there will be Fairtrade stalls, coffee bar, stalls, story-telling music, films etc.

Find out more at the dedicated page on the Sustainable Wales website.

• Friday, March 10, 2017
• 8:00pm  10:00pm

The first of a new series of talks and debates at the Green Room above SUSSED  'What is Sustainability and how do we make it part of our culture?'. These are planned for the second Friday of the month (orange posters).

The sub questions will be along the lines of belonging and culture and how mainstream culture seems to be based on using consumerism as a way to belong, which in turn may make it a difficult thing to let go of.  So how do we link sustainability with belonging, on a local level as well as a global level?  And how do we appeal to people who may see becoming 'eco' as moving away from their traditional communities?

Hosted by Suzanne Williams.

BYOB, Free but donations are welcome. Some refreshments will be available from our fairtrade range of teas and coffees. Please share this on social media. More events planned for the Green Room this year so check our twitter, these event pages etc.

Tell your friends!

One Time Alive, following the release of their albums Sugar Train and Five Star Vending Machine return to the Green Room for an evening gig with old and new material.

Listen to One Time Alive at www.onetimealive.com

Live music events are planned for the first Friday every across 2017 keep a look out for the blue posters...

The latest album is available at SUSSED.