Swansea Welcomes Cool Cymru Collection

SWANSEA is welcoming the Cool Cymru Collection this week.

The Dylan Thomas Centre is playing host to those behind the project on Thursday (February 15) at 7.30pm.

Writer Andy Pearson teamed up with Llanelli-based documentary photographers Terry Morris and Graham Harries to put together the Cool Cymru Collection of photographs and interviews with an array of Welsh celebrities.

Ospreys star Gavin Henson and operatic beauty Katherine Jenkins are among the stars to appear in the collection alongside the likes of Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey.

A humourous multi-media show regaling the worlds of the stars encountered by the authors will accompany readings from the publication during the locally-based evening.

It follows on from a photographic exhibition at the Wales Millennium Centre and several book-signing events held throughout the country.

The Cool Cymru Collection is in support of the Noah's Ark Appeal and is helping to raise money to build and equip the first children's hospice for Wales.

The adventurous exploits of the authors have also been documented by a programme on ITV Wales.

Mr Morris, who took the photo of Charlotte Church seen accompanying this article, said: "The Cool Cymru collection is about capturing the country's personality through our celebrities and their love of Wales and everything Welsh. I want to evoke emotion and debate through this collection with real, raw images that tell a story about each personality.

"We're looking forward to sharing our experiences with others at the Dylan Thomas Centre."

Cllr Gerald Clement, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Recreation, Culture and Tourism, said: "The programme that appeared on ITV Wales was an interesting watch and the Cool Cymru Collection is a shining light of talented work generating funds for a very worthwhile cause."

The launch is taking place with association with Graffeg, the publishers of the Collection.

Entry will be £2 and is redeemable against book purchase.

Please contact the Dylan Thomas Centre on 01792 463980 for more information.

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