TIMETABLE

This is on the BEAM page of the trac website here https://trac.wales/our-work/taking-part/the-big-experiment/

TRAVEL

Arriving by car?
There’s a Google map for the Halliwell Centre on this page http://venuewales.co.uk/find-us/
There’s a plan of the campus on the BEAM page of the trac website, plus a road map of Carmarthen to help you find the campus: https://trac.wales/our-work/taking-part/the-big-experiment/

Coming from Gwynedd? Someone is looking for a lift – please email me for details

The full address is Halliwell Centre, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA31 3EP. There are lots of car parks on site (see map).

Our accommodation block is one of the middle Archbishop Noakes Hostels marked 13 on the map. The accommodation reception desk will be there from 5.00 until 7.00. BEAM’s ‘mission control’ desk will be in the Myrddin refectory/hall, marked 14 by the trees. There we’ll give you any updates, details of the afternoons, feedback sheets etc.

Look out for the big red trac flags.

Arriving by train?
If you need to be met from a train, please let us know so we can make sure we’ve got everyone. Transport will be at Carmarthen station at 17.30 to pick you up, in time to meet the 15.46 from Cardiff Central. If you have to come on a different train, please let us know.

On Sunday there are trains to Cardiff at 16.55, 17.47 and 19.05. We will arrange transport to the station for you, but you will need to let us know for which train.

REGISTRATION
Please note that the registration desk will not be open until 5.00. It would help us enormously if you arrive between 5.00 and 7.00.
PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO REGISTER BEFORE 5.00: WE WILL NOT BE READY FOR YOU.
Have a cuppa in Carmarthen instead. By 5.00 we will be all smiles.

Reception will be at the accommodation block, one of the middle Archbishop Noakes Hostels marked 13 on the map until 7.00. After that it will be at the Myrddin refectory, one of the buildings marked 14 on the map. It overlooks the terrace.

FRIDAY DINNER
There will be dinner ready for you on Friday between 6.00 and 7.00.
If you are arriving later than 7.00, or do not want dinner, please let us know.


WHAT TO BRING?
Bring a recording device if you like and don’t forget dance shoes if you might join in the twmpath or clogging/dancing sessions.

The accommodation is in single en-suite study-bedrooms arranged in flats of 8 rooms plus kitchen and lounge. Bedding is supplied, as are basic towels and toiletries (think Travelodge). All rooms have keys and there is a swipe key for each flat.

There is a kitchen in each flat with kettle, mugs etc. The centre will provide the basics: tea, instant coffee, milk.  If you run out, ask Blanche or a member of the team.  If you would like herb tea, real coffee, decaff etc in your kitchen please bring some with you.


SHOP

As in previous years, there’ll be a shop with a wonderful range of CDs and music books which you won’t easily find elsewhere. If you’re a performer and have CDs for sale, feel free to bring some – even better, let us know beforehand. And it’s a chance to stock up with unusual Christmas presents well in advance, while supporting the traditional Welsh music community! We’ll be able to take cash or cheques, but not plastic.

EVENINGS
The evening events are mainly in the Myrddin hall (which has a bar) and the Cothi room above it.

One of the rooms will be available for a session where ‘slow and steady’ is the idea. Gary Northeast will be helping with these sessions, for people who are new to the repertoire, practising with their second instrument or just lacking in confidence.  BUT - we would encourage everyone to join the main ‘full-on sessions’ when possible, to learn, gain confidence and be inspired. Cloggers and dancers are welcome to join in too.

Singers are welcome to sing in the main session or to start a song session in another room – we’ll designate a room for the evening so singers have a space.

BEFORE
Welsh music and songs on line
trac’s website has a range of resources including songs and tunes. You might want to have a look at these before you come. Go to https://resources.trac.wales/tunes-songs-to-learn/  for videos, soundfiles and links to more, including Arfon’s Folk Song A Week series.

Arfon’s singing group: he says to bring a favourite Welsh song with you, and that he’ll have a library of books with him for you to look at to start you on doing your own research.

BEAM tutors usually prefer not to send out material in advance of the course. It’ll all happen when you get here so don’t feel unprepared.


SPREAD THE WORD!!

If you’re on Twitter, the hashtag is #arbrawf2017 (BEAM2017’s already taken!)

WiFi will be available on-site

Tell all your friends – 75 people have booked already but there’s still space for more people, and the afternoon workshops, Calan concert and twmpath are open to the public. Take-up for the 7-10 group is low so far, so if you have friends with children this age, encourage them to come!
Groups of 6 or more qualify for a discount – families, friends, session groups, learners’ groups – and they can share a flat together.


See you soon!
Blanche
trac@trac-cymru.org
01446 748556 office (but only some days)
07791 956461 is better

22.8.2017