Academi, the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society for Authors, is delighted to announce a new series of Literary Bus Tours. Following a successful two years touring to places as disparate as Llangarron, Abergavenny, Cwmaman and Talgarreg, Academi is once again taking to the road to learn more about Wales’ literary heritage. 2010 will see two new tours led by Dr John Pikoulis. They will focus on the lives and work of Welsh writers Horatio Clare and Lynette Roberts.
The first, Running for the Hills with Horatio, is on Saturday 24 July 2010. Horatio Clare (1973 – ) is a writer, radio producer and journalist, whose book Running for the Hills (John Murray, 2006) tells the story of his parents’ purchase of a farm in the Black Mountains above Cwmdu and his childhood memories there. The tour will include a discussion of this book with Horatio, plus a guided walk from the village to the farm where he lived. The walk, which is just over 2 miles long, will be illustrated with readings from Running for the Hills and general commentary from Horatio and Dr John Pikoulis.
The second, Lynette Roberts in Llanybri, is on Saturday 18 September 2010. Lynette Roberts (1909 – 1995) was one of Wales’ most significant 1940s poets and essayists. Her work received praise from T.S. Eliot and Robert Graves. Well-acquainted with both Alun Lewis and Dylan Thomas, Roberts wrote the majority of her poetry during World War II whilst living in Llanybri. This tour will include a lecture on the life and works of Lynette Roberts and an exploration of the landscapes in which these were embedded; Llanybri and Cwmcelyn, the bay overlooking Laugharne. A guided visit to two of Roberts’ residences, Spring Cottage and Tŷ Gwyn, is also included in the tour.
Both tours will depart from and return to Cardiff. The Lynette Roberts tour also includes request-only pick up/drop off points at M4 junctions 36 and 47. For specific details of the timetable please contact Academi. A further two tours will take place in 2010 through the medium of Welsh. These will be held in south Wales and on Anglesey. Further details are available from Academi.
Tickets cost: £45.00 per person per tour, or £42.00 per person per tour for Academi Members and Associates. The ticket price includes tea/coffee, lunch, coach travel and all lectures/talks. For more information and to book your place by credit/debit card over the phone contact Academi on: 029 2047 2266. Payment can also be made by cheque, contact Academi for details.
