South Wales Variety Branch
Welcome
Equity has a vital network of branches throughout the UK which give members a voice in the union and much more. Branches hold regular meetings in their local area and all members and student members are invited to attend these to share views and experiences, discuss issues that are of importance to them and put proposals to Equity's ruling body - the Equity Council. Branches also organise a programme of social events and raise money for local charities.
If you are an Equity member or student member based in the area you are able to join the branch (no charge) so please get in touch with the Branch Secretary. If you are a member or student member visiting the area you are very welcome to drop into the next branch meeting and get to know some of your fellow members.
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+++ DATES FOR YOUR DIARY +++
NO MEETING IN AUGUST (Summer Break)
SEPTEMBER Tuesday 7th - Branch Meeting
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+++ CHILDREN'S VARIETY SHOWTIME AND GALA NIGHT OF THE STARS – UPDATE +++
The evening’s show is probably over-subscribed already (but check with Shelli Dawn) Oddly though, very few children’s entertainers have shown any interest in performing at the morning’s event to date. We still need more members to participate in the morning’s Children’s Variety Showtime
Acts need to be suitable for primary school children and we know that there plenty out there. C’mon guys, this is a showcase for you as we have invited Event Managers from local authorities all over South Wales to come along and view the acts
Email Goldini at goldinimagic@btinternet.com or write to GOLDINI PRO, 6 Coryton Drive, Whitchurch, CARDIFF CF14 7ES
PS:
The Fruitpots – A unique and colourful act in costume that will doubtless go down a storm have already confirmed
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+++ GWYN DAVIES (BLACKBIRD) +++
It is with great sadness that I have to report the recent death of the popular comedian Gwyn Davies – better known as Blackbird. Shelli Dawn and Dewi Peters attended the funeral on behalf of the Branch at Glyntaff Crematorium on July 18th.
We at South Wales Variety will miss him and extend our deep sympathy to the family
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+++ GEORGE DAVIES (STRANG) +++
George is still going STRONG (oops!) The recent Ebbw Vale festival featured our favourite strongman displaying his amazing collection of memorabilia that he has amassed over the years. George was an unusual and exciting entertainer in his heyday and his demonstration proved to be highly popular with all age groups at the show. Nice one George
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+++ SHELLI DAWN +++
Our Branch Secretary Shelli has been somewhat under the weather of late. She recently had an operation on her toes, which unfortunately has led to further complications. Shelli is a tough nut to crack so I’m sure this latest setback won’t keep her out of service for too long. We wish her a speedy recovery
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+++ DEWI PETERS +++
Dewi is a long-standing Equity member who has not been well for some time. I am pleased to report that after a recent triple by-pass operation, he is as fit as a flea again and back in work. Nice one Dewi
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+++ AND HERE IS THE NEWS +++
Up to now, our newsletter has been largely produced by Chris and Mair at the Cardiff office but due to the ever-increasing demands on their time over the last few years, it has become increasingly difficult to fit it all in
So as from next month, our newsletter will have its very own editor. A large portion of thanks go to our GOLDINI, who has volunteered to take over at the sharp end.
If you have any information or little snippets that you think would be useful to other members, then GOLDINI is the chap you need to contact. Interesting stories, sales ads or service provision for members etc are all fair game. However, GOLDINI suggests that using the newsletter to sell your house or flat, promote your favourite premium chat line or to make announcements such as your granny’s 105th birthday party knees-up would not really be in keeping with the spirit of the thing and you are likely to get the bum’s rush
The bottom line is that it should be relevant to our field of entertainment and the Branch. There can be some good opportunities for expansion here if members get involved. Maybe a Q & A column would be fun or a page specifically for our new and younger members
Contact Goldini via email at:
goldinimagic@btinternet.com
Or write to:
GOLDINI PRO at 6 Coryton Drive, Whitchurch, CARDIFF CF14 7ES
Please do not telephone
PS:
If anybody has a 105-year-old granny who is still reading the newsletter, I think we should definitely include it in the newsletter.
Legal disclaimer (Just in case!): That is my own personal view and not necessarily that of the Branch or GOLDINI
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+++ CHILDREN'S VARIETY SHOWTIME AND GALA NIGHT OF THE STARS – LATEST INFO +++
After much planning, plotting and negotiating on a scale that would probably even leave the Lib Dems’ negotiators gasping, we have finally agreed the date and venue for our Equity “eighty years in the biz“celebrations. The date is Wednesday December 1st 2010 and the venue is The Princess Royal Theatre at Port Talbot. The Children's Variety Showtime will run from 9.45am to 11.45am. The evening’s Gala Nite of the Stars will be starting at 7:30pm
The daytime Children's Variety Showtime event is in the more than capable hands of Goldini. This is the latest update from Goldini:
“We will need specialty acts of around 20 minutes duration for entertainment to an audience of around 600 primary school children. We will also need Pre-show clowns and costume characters. Register your interest either by email: goldinimagic@ btinternet .com or write to:
GOLDINI
6 Coryton Drive
Whitchurch,
CARDIFF
CF14 7ES
Further information will be available and we will send you a form for completion and return ASAP when you register. Obviously, a balanced show is required in this professional venue and there will be no possibility of rehearsal. Full sound and stage management facilities are there although additional bodies (non-performing) would be welcomed to assist on the day. We will be there from 8.30 am although a pre-meet of the selected acts will take place at a Branch Meeting in October or November 2010
There will be no payment for performance or expenses as you are providing this service for the Branch – which is investing heavily in the day at this theatre. It needs your support!”
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Meanwhile, Branch Secretary Shelli Dawn is dealing with the evening’s Gala Nite of the Stars. Shelli has issued the following update:
All Equity members who would like to participate in the above event please send your details (or CV) as soon as possible to Shelli Dawn (Branch Secretary)
3 Cefndon Terrace
Hirwaun
ABERDARE
CF44 9TE
Or an email to yours truly, Tony Richards (Webmaster): swequity@starsavers.com
NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
• Performers who are interested in participating must be members of Equity or the Musicians’ Union (Note that no fee or expenses will be paid - boo! but the event will be widely publicised – hurrah!)
• Obviously, we have to limit the number of acts that we can accommodate, so there is a possibility that we may not be able to include all applicants in the programme
• Sound and stage management facilities are available on-site including a new house system currently installed at the Princess Theatre
• The theatre is available to us from 5:30pm onwards for sound checking etc. (Note that there will be no time available for rehearsals)
• The Branch committee will nominate the night’s performers and the successful acts will need to attend a Branch meeting in Baglan. This will be October or November at the latest but earlier if you can, as we will need to discuss strategies etc. (Again, very much like the Lib Dems!)
• We intend to share the money raised from this event between The Mayor’s Charity and Branch funds
• Finally, just like Goldini, we would welcome any volunteer members who are not participating in the show to act as ushers etc.
We very much appreciate your support
NB:
Big thanks to those who attended the May meeting – particularly those who traveled some considerable distance to be there. If you are interested in appearing on the Gala show, you will need to attend a Branch meeting, either on June 1st or July 6th,. Please bring any CVs audio CDs / DVDs or whatever you have with you so, that we have an idea of what you do. I intend to make a computer available again – with internet access. Thanks to those members who have already sent me pics, DVDs and MP3s. I have made them available to the Branch
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+++ NEW KID ON THE BLOCK +++
We have a new casting agency based in Cardiff that seems to have made a good start. They are called SASI and so far we’ve only heard nice things said about it
They have an open casting day at NosDa, Riverside, Cardiff, on Sunday, Feb 28th
If you are interested, you can get more info by calling Sarah on 07747 394086, or check out their website. There is a link on the links page
An important legal bit:
As ever, just because we mention a particular company or service, it does not mean that Equity or South Wales Variety is endorsing their activities. It’s not what we do. Try them and form your own opinion!
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+++KEYBOARD PLAYER NEEDED +++
Cardiff based band Renaissance are looking for a keyboard player. They get around so you will need to travel up and down the UK a bit. If you think you are just the very thing they are looking for, email Liza Marie on:
renaissanceband@btinternet.com
Check the Renaissance website on:
www.renaissanceband.co.uk
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+++ ANNUAL KNEES-UP +++
Our 2009 Christmas shindig was a runaway success again. Go to "links" and click on "Our Other Site" to see what we got up to!
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+++ ARC 2009 DISCUSSION +++
There will be a special meeting at Transport House in Cardiff on Wednesday 27th January 2010 to discuss how the 2009 ARC Motion will be implemented
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+++ CRIMNAL RECORD BARRING - UPDATE +++
James Wilson and Kathryn Cavill, two of the CRBs top people, were invited to our November meeting to enlighten us on their new schemes for the future
It appears that the present three “barred” lists have already been replaced by two new lists. They are now known as “The Children’s” list” and “The Vulnerable Adults” list. Most people who previously required “standard” checks now require “enhanced” checks, which include a “test of suitability.” It would appear that even a builder or plumber working in a school or care home will now have to cough up for one of these “tests.”
There’s more to come! On 26th July 2010, the amount you will have to cough up for this “service” will increase to £64.00. Ouch!
It gets even better. From November 2010, EVERYONE working in or seeking to work in a “Regulated” or “Controlled” activity MUST be registered. Effectively, anyone who works with – or may have contact with children or vulnerable adults
It’s all a bit worrying - especially as their record for getting it right leaves much to be desired so far
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+++ TAFFY THE CLOWN +++
It is with deep regret that I have to report the death of another of South Wales Variety’s loyal and long-serving members
Taffy the Clown passed away on Monday October 26th at his home. I understand that he had not been well for some time. We at South Wales Variety extend our deepest condolences to Taffy’s family
The funeral will take place on Thursday 5th November. There will be a private service at the crematorium followed by a public service at 4:15pm at:
Cyncoed Methodist Church
Westminster Crescent
Cyncoed
Cardiff.
CF23 6SE
In the tradition of Taffy’s profession, please come in bright coloured clothing. No flowers but all donations received will be shared between Cancer Research Wales and The British Organ Grinders Association
How to get to the church:
Come off the M4 at Junction 32
Take A470 into Cardiff until you get to the Birchgrove road traffic lights and turn right into Birchgrove road
Continue straight on into and through Heathwood road (about a mile) and carry on over the roundabout into Rhyd y Pennau Road (about another mile)
At the roundabout take the right exit into Cyncoed Road
The church is at the junction of Cyncoed Road and Westminster Crescent
The church website is www.cyncoedmethodistchurch.co.uk
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+++ ATTENTION - THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS SO IMPORTANT IT SHOULD BE UNDERLINED +++
Some of our members are already aware of the activities of the CRB (Criminal Record Barring) people but did you know that there are quiet plans afoot for changing the system? This will potentially affect all of us, so our Branch PRO Goldini has managed to secure the services of experts in this field to enlighten us on what’s going on
Two of the CRBs top people, James Wilson and Kathryn Cavill from the CRB will give a presentation at our next monthly meeting on November 3rd
There will be a questions and answers session afterwards and, almost as important, coffee will be served throughout
Please don’t miss this one
YOUR FUTURE COULD VERY WELL DEPEND ON IT!
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+++ FIRST THE GOOD NEWS… +++
THE YULETIDE FESTIVITIES ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER AGAIN AND THE FAT GUY IN THE EYE-CATCHING RED SUIT IS ALREADY TUNING UP HIS REINDEER ENGINES. THE PLANS FOR OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAMBOREE ARE ALSO WELL ADVANCED
This is what I have so far:
Party will be held on December 1st as we have already announced. Head for the same venue as last year’s knees up – our nice and accommodating Tyn y Twr in Baglan. When you get there, this is what you can expect (provided of course that you have dispatched the required amount of new pennies in the direction of Shelli Dawn or Cei Phillips)
A proper sitting down job. Definitely not a “grab a paper plate and some chicken legs” event. The main meal will be a turkey dinner – or beef if you prefer. If you have any special requirements or prefer a meatless meal, please let Shelli know in plenty of time (10th November deadline) and it shall be done. When that’s been consumed, we bring on the sweets (Christmas pudding or trifle) before rounding off the gastronomic part of the evening with coffee etc
For the evening’s entertainment we will have an informal “open mike” Hopefully we will have a PA system, minidisc players etc in place by then so if you feel inclined to bring along your music…
We meet at 6:30pm in the bar and will be upstairs for the party by 7:00pm
The required amount of new pennies for all this is just 1200 per head. At that price you can bring some friends as well!
If you bank online, you can pay by BACS. Please use the following details:
Bank Name: BRITISH ACTORS EQUITY ASS
Sort Code: 20-51-32
Account no: 20977845
Amount: £12.00 [PER PERSON]
Reference: XMAS PARTY 2009 and [YOUR NAME]
For more info, call Shelli on 01685 or Cei Phillips on 01685 876391
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+++ ...AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T BEEN KEEPING UP TO SPEED +++
+++ HERE IT IS AGAIN +++
OUR NEW HOME IS AT TYN Y TWR, ST ILLTYD’S DRIVE, BAGLAN SA12 8AU. BAGLAN IS ON THE A48 – JUST A FEW MINUTES OFF THE M4. J41 (FROM THE EAST) J42 (FROM THE WEST)
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+++ ONE GOOD TURN… +++
Ok. Hands up those who remember the actor Bernard Latham’s hugely entertaining presentation to our Branch AGM in 2007 as he recalled some of the more colourful episodes of his life in the acting profession
In recent times, Bernie and his wife Jane have set up a wonderful charity called UCAN which aims to give children with visual impairments access to the arts. You can follow their achievements on www.ucanproductions.org.
The Branch Committee thought that it would be great if we could return Bernie’s favour of entertaining us by putting on a show, the proceeds of which will go to the UCAN charity. That has met with universal approval and therefore we shall be planning something in the New Year
More details to follow…
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+++ YOU WANTED IT – YOU GOT IT! +++
So proclaimed Branch Secretary Shelli Dawn this week
She is of course referring to the results of our recent poll of Branch members concerning dates and locations of our future Branch meetings. This is how it will be from now on
The Branch will continue to meet at Tyn y Twr but after the July meeting, the dates will move to the FIRST Tuesday of every month. Please update your diaries and also ensure that your fellow members are aware of the change as much as possible
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+++ LEROY +++
Our long-term Branch and Magic Circle exponent Leroy has not been in good health of late and is currently residing at Hillside Nursing Home in Swansea. On behalf of South Wales Variety, I’m sure we all wish him a rapid recovery
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+++ IMPORTANT RALLYING CALL FROM OUR LEADER +++
The South Wales Variety Branch has been active for many years. We have faced numerous challenges and encountered many disasters together along the way. However, our members are increasingly not supporting the Branch meetings so we just may now be limbering up to face our biggest challenge yet
A handful of dedicated members are attending regularly but we desperately need more input from members – especially younger ones. Remember that the Branch is there for YOUR benefit and you can make a difference. This union is YOUR union and EVERY member has a voice. The Branch is where you can make yourself heard and discuss your ideas with other members. If we do not use this important facility, we could lose it forever. This is so important, I’ll say it again
*** IF WE DO NOT USE THIS IMPORTANT FACILITY, WE COULD LOSE IT FOREVER ***
I beg you not to be complacent. The next meeting is next Tuesday 16th June at Tyn y Twr - 7:30pm as usual. We would love to see you there
Please do your utmost to attend. Thank you
Shelli
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+++ARC 2009+++
All done and dusted. Another Annual Representatives Conference in the bag. The first ever Equity excursion to Blackpool was a massive success. I travelled to the resort on Saturday (on Shelli’s behalf) along with Noel West. The conference was held at Blackpool’s Savoy Hotel where Noel - a conference virgin - presented our Branch motion (drafted by our resident genius Goldini) to the meeting. He addressed the gathering in a confident manner with a flair that belied his virgin status. The motion was carried unanimously and without a murmur. Well done Noel!
The success of the venture was due in no small part to the hard work and precision planning by the Blackpool Branch. From the highly organized taxi pickup at the station to the spectacular gala evening laid on for our benefit by local variety members. It did not go unnoticed guys.
Also, the staff at the Savoy for the excellent job they did on feeding and watering the masses. Big thanks to you all
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+++ BRANCH SECRETARY BLUES +++
Our leader Shelli Dawn has been plagued with a string of unpleasant health problems of late. With the added complication of husband Mansel being laid low at Prince Charles hospital last week, our normally resilient hero was rendered out of action, and had to pull out of the forthcoming journey to Blackpool for the ARC. We wish them both a speedy recovery
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+++ BRANCH AGM MEETING +++
The Branch AGM on March 17th was a great success. Stan Stennett was our guest speaker this year. Despite suffering from the effects of a recent bout of flue, Stan entertained the assembled members with an excellent account of his long career in the business followed by an extremely informative question and answer session
The results of the Branch members’ survey has been reported in the Branch Newsletter and it was decided that our meetings would remain at the Tyn y Twr Tavern in Baglan, at least for the foreseeable future
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+++ MEMBERS OF EQUITY FOR SHAKESPEARE IN 2012 +++
Extracts from a letter circulated to Branches by Ian Flintoff.
On 20th January, the Equity Council gave the go ahead for a working group on the above project, which was first democratically passed at the Annual Representative Conference in 2006. We are keen to involve all members in the developments - Variety as well as General branches
The aim is to play a conspicuous rile in the scheduled Shakespeare celebrations in 2012. Details can be found at www.shakespeare2012.com
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+++ OH WHAT A NIGHT +++
Our annual Christmas party at Tyn y Twr was another rip roaring success and we have some photos to mark the occasion. Details and photos are on our posh pics website
http://swalesvb.bravehost.com
Or you can get there from the links page on this site. Click on SW Variety Picture Site
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+++ TOM AND TAFFY - TWO HOLY FOOLS +++
The Holy Fools is an organization that operates in Christian areas all over the world. The majority perform as holy fools in churches and church events nationwide. The aim of the organization is to explore how clowning, miming, puppetry, dance, storytelling, and allied arts can be used in ministry and worship and to enable their practitioners to develop their skills
The Holy Fools has recently appointed two of our members, Tom Fun and Taffy the Clown, as honorary members. The Branch would like to congratulate them on their achievement
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+++ CEFNFAB PULLS IT OFF AGAIN! +++
Another of our Branch members who recently done up proud is that great exponent of the Welsh language, Cefnfab. He recently won the Patagonia Chair, bringing his trophy box total to a whopping 65 chairs and three crowns! Cefnfab was recently nominated ‘specialty act of the year and he has been for recognized throughout the country for some time in the field of Welsh language entertainment. We wish him well. Cefnfab has a link to his web home in the members’ directory. Check it out
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+++ BEREAVEMENT +++
We are sorry to hear that one of our branch members Brian Curwen has recently lost his partner of many years. Brian, who lives in Neath, has been one of our members for a number of years. On behalf of the branch, we offer our condolences
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+++ IMPORTANT - THE CHARLIE POWER AGENCY +++
Members working through the Charlie Power Agency may have experienced delays in receiving payments over the last nine months. Mr. Power has the exclusive booking rights for Brains owned pubs and clubs
Equity became aware of problems in February and dealt with them on a case-by-case basis, but since then the problems have escalated
In August, a group of DJ’s and other entertainers met of their own volition in a Cardiff club to discuss the matter. After the meeting, Equity contacted the Employment Agencies Inspectorate and reported the problem. A further meeting was held on September 1st between local entertainers, Agency Inspectors, Equity, and Charlie Power. Mr. Power apologized for the financial problems he had caused, which he said had resulted from a serious illness. He has now introduced a new BACS based payment system, which he maintains, will result in payments from Brains being processed much more quickly
It is likely that the Employment Agencies Inspectorate will visit him in the very near future to make sure his accounting and other systems comply with the Agencies Act
If any member, however, still experiences any delay in payments, could they please contact the Cardiff Office immediately
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LIFE OF BRIAN - PART TWO
Congratulations to Equity member Sue Jones Davies for becoming Mayor of Aberystwyth (and in the process overturning a 30 year ban on The Life of Brian being shown there) Good on you Sue!
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HAVE WE GOT YOUR EMAIL?
It is becoming increasingly useful and cost effective to communicate with members via email and Equity’s system is to be upgraded. If we haven’t got yours, or you have just changed, then please let us know. In fact, why not email us?
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BERNARD PLANT - END OF AN ERA
One of South Wales Variety’s founder members, Bernard Plant has passed away. Bernard died on 18th August at the age of 81
See Branch News for full story
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IMPORTANT AND EXCITING
Equity has set up a members’ forum on the main site. This is going to be a grand place for members to discuss anything that troubles them - or simply to let off steam. Details are on the news page under “Equity Launches On-Line Forum”
Use the forum freely but it goes without saying that you should not be abusive or personal. On reflection, I guess our members in south Wales are far too refined to indulge in that sort of behaviour anyway!
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*
* Hi everybody,
*
* This is the brand spanking new website of Equity’s South Wales Variety Branch.
* We are indeed moving along with the times.
*
* Hopefully, we can make this site a place that our members can be proud of.
* Somewhere that you will want to visit regularly for information, education,
* entertainment, silly stories or indeed anything else that takes your fancy. (Within
* reason of course - I do have my job to think about!)
*
* My name is Tony Richards. I can be contacted at tony.rich@ntlworld.com
*
* I am your webmaster for the foreseeable future so if you have anything at all to
* contribute, let’s be having it my way and I will publish it for you. Without
* your contributions, we don’t have a site so come on – somebody set the ball rolling.
*
* Amongst other things, we have set up a member’s directory page where you can
* indulge in a bit of blatant self-promotion. There are still a few bugs to iron out but
* by and large, things are looking good. We are up and running and with a good
* wind behind us, we are unstoppable.
*
* Wish us well
*
* Tony
*
*
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Support From Afar - Where Will it end?
The West of England Branch has expressed its support for our new website project. Branch secretary Mary Lane said, “Please let your members know that the West of England Branch wish them well. (And we do hope that Shelli Dawn is getting better)
The West of England Branch is of course involved in a similar project and we in South Wales Variety wish them similar high-quality fortune
Mary suggested that we place reciprocal links on the websites. “Great idea,” I said.
So if you want to see what the West of England branch gets up to, click on the “links” page
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We in South Wales currently hold meetings at The Tyn y Twr Inn at Baglan generally on every first Tuesday of every month but check our current list of dates. All our members and student members, be they actors or variety artistes are always welcome to attend.
These get-togethers provide members with a voice by allowing them to put proposals to Equity's ruling body - the Equity Council. Additionally, they are also an invaluable opportunity for members to their share views and experiences or maybe discuss issues that are important to them.
We also organize regular social and fund-raising events.
If you are member / student member based in South Wales and not yet on the branch register (registration is free) please contact Branch Secretary Shelli Dawn.
Or you may be a member or student member just visiting the area. You are of course still welcome to drop into the next branch meeting and we will introduce you to some of your fellow members.
Just in case none of the above is tempting for you, perhaps I'd better mention that The Tyn y Twr boasts a rather cosy and well stocked bar!
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DUE TO FORMATTING LIMITATIONS ON PARTS OF THIS SITE, YOUR ON-GOING EVENTS WILL BE PLACED BELOW
Tony
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THE GRAND MAGIC CLUB
The Swansea based Magic Club, which started from small beginnings in July 2001, is going from strength to strength each term. It is open to anybody from eleven years upwards to adults of any age. A professional magician is on hand to assist those in need of help
We work in a workshop environment. First, we show an effect followed by a step-by-step instruction on presentation etc. If you are interested in learning the art of performing magic tricks, come and join us. You do not have to be professional… We have loads of fun!
We hold our meetings on the last Thursday of every month, excluding December and January, at The Swansea Grand Theatre. Make your way to The White Room. (It’s on the first floor in the Arts Wing)
The meetings start at 7:15pm and the fee per session is £3.00
More details: 01792 233 517