Upcoming Events in May

There's a lot going on in May, starting with our guided walk around Aberystwyth on Saturday 4th. Led by two of our project volunteers in period dress, there will be an English walk in the morning (now fully booked) and a Welsh walk in the afternoon (places still available).  The route will be around the town centre and we'll be looking at some of the significant buildings of WW1, like the Red Cross Hospital, and visiting some of the soldiers' houses.  The walks will be re-run in June, date to be confirmed, so if you'd like to come along, let me know - kas99@aber.ac.uk

Julian the Tank in action on the Prom 1918

On 16th and 17th May, 7.45pm, there will be an original performed reading of letters from the First World War between Dot French and Billy Burditt, written by Richard Hogger and Tom O’Malley, is at the Canolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth Arts Centre.  

Dot French, a student at Aberystwyth meets Billy Burditt when he arrives with the Royal Cheshire Regiment to train for the Western Front in 1915.  Friendship leads to exchanges of letters when Billy is sent to France.  The letters are full of vivid detail about their thoughts, experiences, and hopes. Friendship gradually becomes something stronger, and they have to learn how to love at a distance in dangerous and uncertain times. Did their love survive the War?

The vivid language in the letters brings to life two individuals caught up in a world  not of their making, trying to live  normally in abnormal times. They range from the details of everyday life, through charged accounts of the effects of War.  

Calista Williams and Patrick Kavanagh take on the roles of Dot and Billy.  The Thursday performance will be followed by a Q&A session with the writers, actors, and Jane Bradly, who kindly made the letters available to the our project. 

Tickets cost £10/£8 concessions. 

https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/theatre/dot-and-billy

Then on Wednesday 22nd May at the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum, Ceredigion Music Service present popular and patriotic songs and music of WW1, performed by children of the Ceredigion schools.  Ceredigion Music Service enriches lives with music and provides the opportunity for young people to participate in performance and activities that help them find their talent.  Doors open 6.30pm, concert begins at 7pm.Cost: £4 early bird; £6 on the night, children free. 

http://www.ceredigionmuseum.wales/whats-on/

Don't miss out!