RUGBY IDOL 2008: Ray Gravell, a fitting tribute.

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The Assembly's Welsh Idol Initiative reached it's first part conclusion on Dydd Dewi with the ''Children of Wales?'' selecting a short list of ''their?'' Welsh Idols. Would you believe it Owain Glyndŵr was not amongst them!

The kiddies, for the most part, selected ''Celebs Cymru'' and sporting heroes, and, can you belive it, Hywel Dda, groveller to the Saxon Kings? Oh well? sigh!!! that's the kiddies of today for you but what can you expect when even S4C makes so much of these ''Contemporary Heroes'' in their programmes for our children.

However, voting will now continue through the year towards a final part two conclusion and hopefully, the children of Cymru will have time to think this matter through seriously and will opt for voting for great sporting Welsh hero Ray Gravell. After all, he was amongst Glyndŵr's greatest fans.

The above photo is our little picture tribute to Ray, it's based on a photo of Pobl Glyndŵr protesters rising up Baneri Glyndŵr on the ramparts of Castell Cydweli.

I hope that during this Saturday's Grand Slam match in Caerdydd as many as possible will take and rise up Baneri Glyndŵr at the Wales Millenium Stadium in honour of Ray Gravell who at every opportunity would wear an iconic image of Baner Glyndŵr on shirts, caps or ties. So C'mon raise up Baneri Glyndŵr for Grav. If you still haven't bought your Baner Glyndŵr and you want to buy one whilst in Caerdydd on Saturday. You can purchase them from Siop Crefftau'r Castell, opposite Castell Caerdydd. Thin gardening canes can be bought at any gardening outlet and are light and ideal to tie your flag to for waving purposes.

Further note that Ray's two little girls will be leading the Welsh team on to the field on Saturday. Please clap when they appear to show your solidarity in feeling sorrow for their loss, and the great loss to our nation and struggle for Welsh Independence of which Ray was amongst the most ardent of supporters. He shall be missed but I just know he's there in Ogof Glyndŵr with all our other passed on heroes, singing and shouting C'mon Cymru!

Buddugoliaethau Tim Rygbi Cymry. Victories of the Welsh Rygbi Team. No, we have not forgotten the other 2008 Rugby heroes and Triple Crown winners, Diolch lads and best wishes... The Boys are doing well this season! Good for the patriotic soul to see it game after game. Keep it up lads, we're all with you - as is the spirit of Glyndŵr.

I have also noticed a couple of 'Pobl Glyndŵr are making a real effort to spread the Glyndŵr spirit across the Millennium stadium. Not only are they kitted out with baneri Glyndŵr but they have huge hats on their heads in the Glyndŵr colours. BRILLIANT...THAT'S THE WAY TO SHOW THAT THE SPIRIT OF GLYNDŵR LIVES ON! Who are these lads, if you know them, let us know who they are so that we can show our appreciation of their efforts and, if you see them at the game this Saturday or anywhere else - anytime, please take a photo and send it to us to put up on this blog.

Sian