16 MEDI DYDD GLYNDWR 2008 National Hero Day.

Embassy Glyndŵr, since it's conception in 1999, has campaigned vigorously for the recognition and observing of 'Dydd Glyndŵr'. We produced and initiated the wearing of 'Rubanau Glyndŵr' and are responsible for prompting the mass production of 'Baneri Glyndŵr' and the promotion of it's use throughout the land as the senior flag of Cymru.

Baner Glyndŵr is now flown regularly all year round by numerous organisations, Institutions and individuals. Following is a list of some of the locations that we at the Llysgenhadaeth are aware of:

*The National Eisteddfod, The Millennium Stadium, the National Assembly of Wales, Bangor University, National Library of Wales, Glyndŵr University Wrecsam (to whom we have donated a Baner Glyndŵr to in this their founding year)

*The National History Museum, The National Slate Museum, Big Pit Museum, All castles with flag poles that are under the care of CADW, also Cardiff castle.

*At least 18 Local authorities (at last year's count) and this year we can add Ruthin and Torfaen to this count.

*A growing number of schools.

*Hotels and pubs (such as Y Mochyn Du in Cardiff and the Canns Office in Llangadfan as well as other businesses scattered throughout Cymru (such as Celtic Mowers in Swansea and the gym in Porth Tywyn)

*The Fire Station in Cwmbran.

*Best towns for displaying baneri Glyndŵr. This credit has to be awarded to Pwllheli as the best (its dripping in baneri Glyndŵr) and Penrhyndeudraeth comes a close 2nd. Congratulations to both these towns for their magnificant effort. Its a pleasure to visit and be welcomed by this sea of patriotic colour.

Also, Its encouraging to see that the tradition of flying Baneri Glyndŵr has caught on at the National and Urdd Eisteddfods and at other major festivals. Its a regular now at Glastonbury! But, let's not just make do with a few, let's see a sea of Baneri Glyndŵr at next year's Bala Eisteddfod and the Urdd Eisteddfod and every other festival.

If you know of any other places that deserve a mensh for their flying of Baneri Glyndŵr, please let us know and I'll give them a mensh in the next post - i promise.

This year, we would appreciate it very much if all Pobl Glyndŵr, and other patriots, made an extra special effort to observe 'Dydd Glyndŵr' on 16 Medi for the following reason:

All too sadly, the autum/winter of 2007/8 marks the 600th anniversary of the 'beginning of the end' for the military struggle led by Owain Glyndŵr. In 1407, not only did the English launch a major military counter offensive against the forces of free Wales - which they continued successfully into the summer of 1408, the English were to successfuly advance into the far North West and lay siege to, first, Aberystwyth and then Harlech Castle. It is not entirely the end then, but in 1409, Cestyll Aberystwyth and Harlech fall.

Please note, where there were no events organised to mark the beginning of these two significant sieges, perhaps, next year, the fall of these castles will be marked by suitable commemorations - especially the ''Last Stand'' at Harlech.

The struggle however was to continue and does not end in 1415/16 as most think. The formal surrender of organised Guerrilla resistance is not until the 21 April 1421 when Maredudd ap Owain ap Gruffydd Fychan makes his peace with the English King. Maredudd then disappears from history? was he executed or did he go into exile as a ''Gwennol Cymreig'' (as Henry Gwyn and sons had done) to fight with the French against the English. Next year we shall reveal some evidence which might suggest that great numbers of ''Gwerin Owain'' might have become exiles, and not just have become the outlaws of legend.

The above issue aside, there are other reasons why we need to make a greater effort this - and next year to celebrate 'Dydd Glyndŵr'. Gorden Brown, new Prime Minister of the ''United Kingdom'' in seeking to promote a ''British Constitution'' seeks to make 15 June 1215 a ''British Identity Day'' and he is also seeking to promote greater use of the 'Union Jack' flag on this day - suggesting it is flown on every public building and perhaps hinting that people should fly it outside their homes and in schools - as is the tradition in America. Well, we need to show him that we already have our own 'National Identity Days' with 'Dydd Glyndŵr' and, of course, Dydd Dewi. However, it is with 2009, with a special anniversary year in mind that we really want patriots to pull out all stops. 2009 being a very special year in Hanes Glyndŵr. Full information coming to you via OGC before the end of the year, SO, MOST DEFINITELY ''WATCH THIS SPACE''.

.

INFO ON OTHER DYDD GLYNDWR CELEBRATIONS: following on information of events at Abercraf, Aberffraw and Sain Ffagan. Still no news of any events, National or otherwise taking place at Pentre Glyndyfrdwy, Corwen or Ruthun, the places more identified with 16 Medi 1400! However, there is of course one great National Event, that being the one organised in the South by the Sleeping Giant Foundation at Abercraf. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS AS AN EMBASSY GLYNDWR RECOGNISED REGIONAL NATIONAL EVENT. For other events see the listing below, pretty thin but there are no doubt many events which go by unannounced but, event organisers, do note, we are happy to give you a mention in our listings if you send us your event info. However, see 'Dydd Glyndŵr' Celebrations abroad, listed below:

.

AUSTRALIA: Owen Glyn Dŵr Celebrations the Cantorion Sydney Choir will celebrate Owen Glyn Dŵr Day on Sunday, September 21st, by giving a concert at 2 p.m. at St Michael's Church, Vaucluse. This concert will be given with the Waverley Bondi Beach Band under the baton of Paul Goodchild, This church is on the corner of Vaucluse Road and Fisher Avenue, Vaucluse. Tickets are available from Peter Brun: 93375600 (peter@...) $30 with concessions at $25.The concert is for the benefit of the Menier's Research Fund.

USA: Colorado Welsh SocietyEvent date: Sept. 20, 2008Sept. 20. Owain Glyndŵr and Welsh Heroes Pub Night Who: Presented by The Colorado Welsh Society What: A pub night celebrating Prince Owain Glyndŵr. plus folk dance, music, and poetry.

.
SOME INTERESTING REMARKS ABOUT 16 MEDI 'DYDD GLYDWR' 2008.

Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones, said, "It’s important to remember Owain Glyndŵr's unique role in Welsh history. If it wasn’t for Owain, Wales would most certainly lack the recognition it has as a country today. Harlech Castle was Glyndŵr's stronghold during his life and it is fitting this castle, as well as other monuments in Wales, will be flying his flag."

Aberystwyth Town Council has voted overwhelmingly to celebrate Owain Glyndŵr's Day on the day he became Prince of Wales, September 16, by flying his standard. Plaid Cymru councillor Mabon ap Gwynfor proposed the motion, saying that it was important that Aberystwyth Town showed pride in its heritage. Mr ap Gwynfor said, "Owain Glyndŵr is a national and an international hero. Six hundred years ago to this year Glyndŵr held his first Parliament in Machynlleth and captured Aberystwyth Castle. Aberystwyth was at the centre of the new Wales that Glyndŵr was trying to build, with a church and an university in Wales."

"A flag commemorating Owain Glyndwr will be flown at County Hall, Ruthin, as part of a national day of celebration. Tuesday September 16 commemorates the proclamation in 1400 of Owain Glyndŵr as the Prince of Wales by a small group of patriots at Glyndyfrdwy. Councillor Raymond Bartley, Chair of Denbighshire County Council said: "The Prince had strong connections with the county and we in Denbighshire feel there is no other area in Wales that have a better claim to him. "We have decided to fly the flag on this date each year in his memory and we are pleased to commemorate such an important character in Welsh history".

ENCOURAGING, YES! GIVES ONE THE HEART TO CONTINUE OUR GWAITH GLYNDWR!
.

So up and at it!, 16 Medi 'Dydd Glyndŵr' is only a day away; hope you have organised celebrations. There is a good chance that these celebrations will be submerged by the Civic Trust's 'National Heritage' 'Open Day' promotional events and activities. I notice they have grabbed loads of grants to fund loads of promotional ephemera to flood the land with. Now, I do not oppose this CT business but it could be counter productive to our patriotic purpose, thus, I stress upon all patriots that it is now an absolute patriotic priority that hence your local 16 Medi 'Dydd Glyndŵr' celebrations are not left to chance nor be just a casual thing put together at the last moment. If you have not given your community celebrations much attention this year, then please, next year, do so in a big way. Our contribution to the E.U. inspired Civic Trust, Heritage Open Days during September will be to declare 'Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr' as 'Mis Hanes Cymru', focusing very much on Medieval Welsh History and especially Hanes Glyndŵr of course.

Now go for it! and as means of motivation, check out what the Civic Trust Wales is up to in Mis Medi which, remember, as far as we are concerned is Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr. The CTW is making weekends prior to 16 Medi, their National Heritage 'Open Day' weekends, so, we declare the week following 16 Medi as Yr Wythnos Glyndŵr. I shall return to this theme again. Until then, check out the CTW web site:

Open Doors European Heritage Days in Wales 2008 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21 September. The 2008 programme will be available here in July ... The Civic Trust for Wales Ymddiriedolaeth Ddinesig Cymru ...www.civictrustwales.org/ehd/ - 10k - Cached - Similar pagesMore results from www.civictrustwales.org »

You will note, that the interfering European Union has, with CTW, arranged to clash totally with Mis - Medi Glyndŵr celebrations (Yes, I do believe in conspiracy theories, would it surprise you if i told you that the pretender 'Carlo' is Patron of the Civic Trust, hhhmmm!!!)

Well, that's it for another Dydd Glyndŵr. Dont forget to send reports of your 2008 Glyndŵr celebrations. Further, note, that before the end of the year there will be some exciting news posted on O.G.C. re 2009 Commemoration, so remember to make regular visits to this blog.

Siân