CAMBRIA’S GREATEST CHIEF OWAIN GLYNDŴR THE PRIDE OF WALES.

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Mab Darogan - Owain Glyndŵr - Son of Prophecy
Past, Present and Future Tywysog Cymru . .

Introduction

In the period of Owain Glyndŵr, who was born in 1354 and who then disappeared in 1416, the Welsh had lost the Island of the Mighty – the Isles of Britannia. The lands to the East had been taken from them by the Saxons, the Children of Hengist and Horsa and the great King Arthur, the first of a long line of sons of prophecy had long disappeared into the mists of Celtic Myth and Magic. The legendary Urien and Owain of Rheged – of the Welsh Kingdoms of the North, the ‘Sons of Prophecy’ of the age of heroes were no more; they had died at ‘Catraeth’ or ‘Mount Badon’ and were now but the age old Bard’s inspired dreams of the long dead Aneurin and Taliesin.

The Saxons, Normans and, after them, the English had come to be the masters of the eastern lands now called England and then, between the years of 1094 and 1294, the Anglo – Normans had began the slow process of conquering the Welsh in their land of Cymru. Welsh fortitude and fury and natural inclination towards guerrilla warfare in an environment of wild wooded mountains with weather which, as often as not,, was an ally to the Welsh, made this conquest a long and hard fought out bitter struggle. Prior to the 11th century, the Welsh had long resisted the Saxons under the leadership of great kings such as Cunedda, Cadwallon and his son Cadwaladr who had led the Welsh to victory under the banner of a Red Dragon – “ Draig Goch Cymru”.

These noble warriors were followed by other great hero Kings of the Welsh such as Rhodri Fawr, whose fame as defender of his Land from the Vikings was known throughout the Courts of Europe, and Hywel Dda who presented the Welsh with their laws which, indeed, were progressive for the times. These great Kings had began to unite Wales, an achievement finally accomplished in the 11th century by the last of the Kings of Wales – Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.

However, treachery was to be a continuing fatal flaw in Welsh policy during much of the later middle ages, ‘treachery’ would strike Gruffydd down as it would, some 200 years later in 1282, cause the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd at Aberedw. In both cases, the cause of defeat caused much disunity amongst the Welsh and then disastrously in 1282, treachery led to the final conquest of Wales. At first, the Welsh resisted this conquest , not least, with a great National revolt in 1294 and then with a major revolt of the Southern Welsh in 1315 –16 and in 1345, with troubles in the North of Wales that came to nothing other than a “St Valentines Day Massacre” at Harlech.

Many ‘Sons of Prophecy’ had come and gone - and all had failed but the Welsh still dreamed of heroes and of ‘National Redeemers’ and continued to believe in the coming of a “Mab Darogan”. The 14th Century would begin to witness the beginning of the end of the “Middle Ages” - hastened on its way by plague, pestilence terrible wars and not least, social revolts of urban artisans and poor - as well as peasant rebellions. Add to all this the questioning of religious authority and the times are indeed “revolutionary” - not least in the growth of ideas that will see, in the decline of feudalism, the rise of ideas of a Monarchist Nationalism and with it, the concept of a Nation State.

All these things were not without influence upon Wales as the 14th Century came to an end but chiefly on the Welsh mind was the spread of excited whispers of the coming of a “Mab Darogan” – Son of Prophecy!

on 16th September 1400, Welsh Nobles gathered at Llys Owain in the Vale of the River Dee – Dyffryn Dyfrdwy. There, in the early autumn air, they proclaimed Owain Glyndŵr to be their chosen Prince of Wales. On the 18th September 1400, a small band of Welsh partisans climbed atop the mountain of Caerdrewyn near Corwen; they unfurled and rose up their flags of revolt before riding out from this ancient Celtic fort to attack the castle town of Ruthun; so began the Great War of Welsh Independence 1400 – 16 - 22.

Siân Ifan

HERITAGE INITIATIVE: MAKE SEPTEMBER WELSH HISTORY MONTH

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Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr - Mis Hanes Cymru.

This Initiative is being launched with the deliberate intention of using Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr celebrations as the vehicle, platform and umbrella for furthering information and interest in all of our history but in particularl the much ignored medieval period of Independent native principalities and story of the struggle for Cymric unity and independence from conquest and colonisation by the ''Anglo - Normans''. This document informs as to our general direction with this initiative and over the coming years it may be greatly developed and advanced. Grant funding may be sought from various bodies at home and abroad to further this work and If any person, organisation or society would wish to aid and assist us with this great Cymric Heritage Initiative then do get in touch with us at Embassy Glyndŵr with out delay.

PLEASE INFORM OTHERS BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE AND DO NOTE, WE WELCOME ALL VIEWS, OPINIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND PROPOSALS REGARDS THIS MAJOR INITIATIVE. FURTHER NOTE, IT WILL HELP PROMOTE AND ADVANCE THIS INITIATIVE IF YOU AND OTHERS WRITE LETTERS TO THE PRESS AND GET INVOLVED IN ANY PHONE IN'S THAT MAY ARISE REGARDS THIS INITIATIVE OVER THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER. Please do not just read and put aside out of mind..

Mis Medi Mis Glyndŵr - Mis Hanes Cymru

To mark a decade of 600th anniversaries associated with Hanes Glyndwr’, we call for the month of September, henceforth, to be designated, recognised and observed annually as ‘Welsh History Month’ Embassy Glyndwr, representing his Majesty Prince Owain IV of Wales and Cenedl Glyndŵr in commemoration and celebration of Owain Glyndŵr; his life, times and society during the period of the Great War of Welsh Independence 1400 – 16 – 22 calls for recognition of Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr, annually to be officially designated, recognised, observed generally and broadly accepted as Welsh History Month. Embassy Glyndŵr does further call upon the Welsh Assembly, Regional and Local Government, National and Community Institutions, Organisations and Societies, not least Mentrau Iaith Cymru & other cultural bodies to observe September annually as a special month with promotion of our nation's history by means of specific and relevant commemoration and celebration programmes of events and activities in communities across the whole nation of Wales and, not least, in community educational establishments such as, libraries and Community Centres. September, Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr, annually should be a unique collective experience of our nation’s history with particular attention being given to education and information on the history of Wales. Such can be achieved by using Welsh History Month as a vehicle and platform for public expression of Welsh consciousness and identity by means of various educative, informative and entertaining ways. Welsh History Month will receive public recognition by communities throughout Wales being proactive in establishing such but, if we are to seek official recognition, then do please write letters of support to your M.P’s, M.E.P’s, and A. M.’s - as well as to your local Authority councillors – seeking the support of national, regional and local government in Wales to declare Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr – September as ‘Welsh History Month’.

Why a Welsh History Month? Despite the fact that many may consider Welsh History to be well looked after and catered for, there remains factors such as “Anglicisation & Acculturalisation'', “Commercialism and Globalisation”; such are trends that threaten to destroy our heritage - which, of course, will include loss of knowledge of our history and ‘’ghettoisation of our culture’’. Imperialism has long ensured the encouragement of Welsh Historical Amnesia through means of cerebral colonialism, the trends aforementioned can only serve to further erode our native communal historical consciousness. . Thus, only by means of the ‘national will’ in ‘conscious effort’ - to uphold and promote Welsh history in particular, will we prevail to save our history and native heritage from being overwhelmed by a plethora of contemporary distractions and what is, as often as not, irrelevancies of mass media global trivia of the ‘Cult of Celebrity’. Inspiration for the concept of a ‘Welsh History Month’ is derived from two sources; the first being the Native American Heritage Month in the U.S.A. and the latter being the World Black History Month - which is well founded in Britain and, perhaps, is more relevant for our consideration as the chief source of inspiration in regards to this article. Our attention was drawn to Black History Month through a publication entitled ‘The Public Eye’ (Number 8 : 2000) and an article therein entitled ‘Black History Month’ which dealt with the historical development of the initiative and its continuing relevance.

The aforementioned article points out how the “Black Experience” was a footnote in History and that as early as 1926, American scholar, Dr Carter Godwin Woodson Black, had led a struggle to establish a ‘ Negro History Week’. In 1987,The 'London Strategic Policy Unit' established ‘Black History Month’ as an annual event each October. The purpose of Black History Month was explained – and I quote…

“ What black History month should be about is the reclaiming of our Black Heritage, the reaffirmation of the struggle and determination to change attitudes and to heighten the understanding of the Black experience”.

Can we no less adopt this same purpose and motivation in respect to the Cambro – Celtic experience? to quote again from the aforementioned article:

“ So when some one asks why do Black People need a month to celebrate their history ? we can tell them our history is long and varied and when we talk about Black History, we are also talking about Black Astronomy, Black Mathematics, Black Metallurgy, Black Medicine, Black Engineering and so on”.

Perhaps the most relevant subject matter to quote from this article is on the subject of education;…

“Past evidence has conclusively shown that we can not depend on the current education system to teach us our history…..our children’s children grow up integrated into British society, learning about ‘British history”

. The implication is that Black History is ignored or but a mere footnote. Then, what of Welsh History in education – is it central or, similarly, but a footnote and on the fringe of serious study? One way to find out is if, during the proposed Welsh History Month, somebody or even a journal/newspaper organises a public survey in a number of differing communities throughout the land; this survey would ask a number of questions on various subject areas of our history in order to test the knowledge of the general public on such. Quotas could, perhaps, be based on sex, age and geographic location. Also of interest would be to see if there is any differentiation in knowledge of Welsh History between our two main linguistic communities with also, perhaps, "ethnic minorities" being taken into consideration.

To conclude, it is worthwhile to quote a Black American Historian…

“ To control a people you must first control what they think of themselves and how they regard their history and their culture. And when your conqueror makes you ashamed of your culture and history, he needs no prison walls and no chains to hold you.”

Hopefully a very broad representation of Welsh Society in the arts & culture in particular will fully involve themselves and participate in a number of ways as associated to their talents and skills. Towards such ends, we are sure that any number of grants could be made available by bodies such as the National Assembly and Arts Council of Wales etc. After all, surely, Welsh History Month could make a most valuable contribution towards strengthening our national identity in times when our heritage is in a very precarious position. "Without heritage without soul"; The Welsh heritage is rich and precious, we cannot afford to lose it.

Discuss & Debate.

the abovementioned 'WELSH HISTORY MONTH' Initiative in association with current issues arising out of matters appertaining to the English Governments desire to make ''ethnic communities more ''BRITISH'' i.e. ''ENGLISH''. If the desire is to make ''Afro - British'' and ''Asian - British'' what would that make of the Cymry? - ''WEST BRITONS''?. If British ''Ethnic Minorities'' are to be made to feel more ''BRITISH'' i.e. ''ENGLISH'' -as the Cymry have been made to feel down through the centuries. Would it not be "politically and multi - culturally correct" if the ENGLISH PEOPLE were given a heavy dose of the history, heritage, culture and customs of ''BRYTHONIC CELTISM''? they who, after all, could be described as the ''FIRST NATION PEOPLES OF BRITAIN'' (to borrow and adapt Native American terms)

Black History Month Wales is supported by the National Assembly of Wales, National Museum & Galleries of Wales, Arts Council of Wales and many other national & local Institutions & other bodies. Embassy Glyndŵr appreciates that we have been inspired by concept of Black History Month and thus also wishes it to be known that we too fully support Black History Month Wales (Annually throughout October) Further, we also consider it ''historically correct'' to include in Welsh History Month the history of "ethnic minorities" in Wales.

Above was written by G.Gruffydd in 2004 whilst Information Attaché for Embassy Glyndŵr.

Stop Press:

The newly established NATIONAL ABOLITION of SLAVERY DAY was marked with an exhibition at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Abertawe. At the opening ceremony Uzo Iwobi representing the Swansea African Community Centre said: ''It was important for people of African descent to make a day that none would forget, just as Jewish people mark Holocaust memorial day. Equally true of Wales of course but in this respect our national ‘’Halocaust day’’ would be 11 Rhagfyr 1282 already greatly advanced and promoted annually as our national remembrance day by COFIWN but, sadly, since that movement’s demise, national commemoration of this day has all but been totally superseded by patriots being only concerned with an annual outing to Cilmeri in December. This year, under the label of an YSBRYD COFIWN INITIATIVE, Gethin ap Gruffydd, co – founder of Cofiwn, is revisiting and revitalising ‘Gwaith Cofiwn’ regards Coffâd 1282, by the production of new material for a generation of patriots who will have missed out on the work of COFIWN in this direction. This material will also be A timely reminder and will include much regards Cilmeri attaining to it’s 40th founding anniversary 1966 – 2006 and, of course next year, will mark the 725th anniversary of the last days of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and that of our homeland’s Independence. For further information on this Inititiative contact Gethin at gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com.

GLYNDŴR’S SHIELD IN DEFENCE OF HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT.

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TARIAN GLYNDWR - HERITAGE IN THE LANDSCAPE

The present dumping of England’s rubbish in Wales has brought up again the issue of the despoilation of the Welsh environment. However, we will point out and ask why is it when ever such issues arise as despoliation of our landscape it’s only ‘’Environmental Issues’’ that count? Surely HERITAGE IN THE LANDSCAPE is as equally important; there can be do doubt that, at present, the greatest despoiler of our environment and heritage in the landscape is the ‘Wind Milling of Wales’. We have taken particular issue on the awful “no stop” wind milling of Wales and at the moment we are looking into even larger scale wind milling schemes such as at ‘Nant Mountain’ in the Neath valley - which may have a bad effect on SARN ELEN. It seems to go on relentlessly and, ironically, last year they ‘mushroomed’ all over Mynydd Bach in Ceredigion where in the 1820’s the momentous popular struggle of Rhyfel y Sais Bach (1826) took place. It’s all very well verbally opposing these windmills but that is all we have seen year after year, just more and more ‘’TAFF TALK’’ and no action! We are not suggesting OTT action but at least some ‘’FOE/GREEN PEACE’’ kind of “AGIT – PROP” action against the promoters and companies involved in this business. Many of these are based in our fair Cambria such as the ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AT CORRIS who pioneered all this and now, having jumped on this “lucrative for some” bandwagon are some of our own ‘Plaid for God knows what and who’ people such as Cynog Dafis and Dr Dafydd Huws et al. The ‘’Taff Talk’’ seems to be getting nowhere, even the Western Mail’s had enough and bans certain opponents of the “Wind milling of Wales”. One of whom is a well known ‘’angry letter writer’ who, upon being banned, started to use an ‘’ap’’ which fooled ‘the “mule’’ for a while but not a ‘’Windmill Warrior’’ who exposed his opposition in a recent issue of the “mule’’. Of course, this could have been better carried off if a different address had been used? Ah well, such is struggle but, what we really need is some tough talk that’s backed up by “AGIT–PROP” action as first muted on similar “environmental and other social issues’’ by a short lived MUDIAD Y WERIN in the 70’s. Perhaps the time has come for patriots to consider the potential of reviving the idea of such a Social Action Movement? Let us know what you think? In the meantime, read below our contribution to defence of our HERITAGE IN THE LANDSCAPE as part of our ANTUR TARIAN GLYNDŴR INITIATIVE * which proved successful at Carrog and which, in recent years, has concentrated attention on the “I’r GAD – Welsh Battlefields Campaign”, whom I have to thank for information regards St Aubin du Comier battle 1488. (For further info on “I’r Gad” contact gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com)

To Follow: Tarian Glyndŵr - Heritage in the Landscape Defense Campaign:

An Introduction To This Initiative Will Be Posted Soon.

Sian Ifan

ENGLAND DUMPS ON WALES AT HAFOD, JOHNSTOWN, WRECSAM.

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WALES RUBBISHED AGAIN!

Tipping has began at the newly opened rubbish dump of Hafod Quarry, Johnston, Wrecsam. Lorries were greeted by local protesters who, today, unsuccessfully failed to stop England’s rubbish being dumped in Cymru. So the way is open for up to five English Councils to dump their dirt on Wales. Petitions have been doing the rounds but we urge one and all to deal directly with Wrecsam Council, Mersey Waste and the ‘so called’ National Assembly of Wales which again appeases English Imperialism and accommodates neo – colonialism by allowing this to happen just as they also allow our land to be ruined by windmills. So yes, do send off ‘’angry’’ E-mails but, at the end of the day, this dump will only be defeated by more direct action such as in the sustaining of picket protests and by carrying the campaign into England to the English councils involved. Ultimately, we believe victory will only be finally won by a ‘National Mobilisation’ of patriotic protest. As an example look to the massive mobilisation by Breton patriots against the siting of a rubbish dump on the site of one of the most significant battles in Breton History, the Battle of St Aubin du Comier 1488. Unfortunately, this battle brought Breton Independence to an end; in other words, it was a ‘’Breton Cilmeri’’ so you can imagine how Breton patriots felt about this threat to use part of the battle site as a rubbish dump. This act of insensitive atrocity brought on a massive patriotic mobilisation which made the authorities drop the idea entirely. It strikes me that similarly, the Hafod dump will only be dumped if there is a similar massive mobilisation. I understand that the site is an area of conservation but I do not know if this Hafod dump is over a battle site or any other important area of Heritage in the Landscape? Of course, that is not the priority at this moment, the issue of having England’s rubbish dumped on Cymru is., however, I will point out - and ask why is it that when ever such issues of despoilation of our landscape arise, it’s only ‘’Environmental Issues’’ that count? Surely, HERITAGE IN THE LANDSCAPE is as equally important, so please if any one knows of any ‘’heritage Issues’’ concerned with the Hafod Rubbish Dump or any other ‘’DESPOILATION ISSUE’’ please do inform us at the Embassy.

In the meantime, if you love Cymru and want to protect her from the endurance of further abuse, you can contribute to her protection immediately by rallying in your many thousands to support the Johnstown community in their stand against this scandalous scheme to despoil her beauty with English trash. here are a few suggestions as to what you can do as an expression of your disgust and anger:

Write to The National Assembly demanding they intervene.
Write to Wrecsam Council voicing your protest strongly.
Write to ‘Mersey Waste E-mail address is enquiries@merseysidewda.gov.uk
Join the picket line in your 1000’s until victory is achieved.

This morning, there were between 50 – 100 protesters on the picket line at the entrance to the Hafod Quarry by Johnstown, Wrecsam this morning where they tried to stop the refuge lorries from entering. If you live in the area then please do join them tomorrow morning at 7am if you can. If you can’t, for whatever reason, then please pass this message on to ‘anyone and everyone’ you can think of that might. We must not fail on this issue and let another Tryweryn take place. If the Assembly and the Welsh politicians refuse to intervene on this then, its up to us as keepers of our nation.
The Breton population stood together in their thousands to be counted on a similar burning issue and that scheme was scrapped. Pass this message on…ITS VERY IMPORTANT.

UPDATE: Protest outside Wrecsam Guildhall at 6pm on Monday 4th Sept when Planning Committee will be meeting inside to discuss whether to scrap the permission given for this dumping of England's rubbish in Johnstown. Come and show your disgust from all areas of Wales, it could be your community next! Bring placards.

WHITHER WELSH INDEPENDENCE – WHAT TO DO NEXT

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WE CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM NOW!

Re call by ‘’PLAID’’ aka Plaid Cymru M.P Adam Price to have the insult of having representatives of the English Royalty invested as ''Princes of Wales'' abolished. We totally agree with this aim but do not support his call for a referendum to be held on this matter of national importance because, to be honest, on this issue we cannot think of one patriot who would honour a result that would be positive to wanting English Princes of Wales therefore, we see this call as rather a bit of naive political posturing and political self publicity for Adam Price rather than a serious challenge to the English monarchy. We would like to remind one and all that Cymru already has it's own prince, namely Owain ap Gruffydd Fychan, Owain IV 'Tywysog Cymru. Our national hero Owain Glyndŵr, our 'Mab Darogan' is of course our past, present and future 'Tywysog Cymru' so, yes, we are arguing from a Welsh Royalist viewpoint - unlike those who spout off ‘’republicanism’’ but who are then seen annually at Cilmeri spouting ‘’knee jerk patriotism’’.

On the subject of Cilmeri, since 1966 patriots have gathered there annually to affirm their covenant with the ethos of Cilmeri which… is that all true patriots are sworn to oppose the English monarchy having sovereignty over our homeland. At the least, all true patriots come to Cilmeri to demonstrate their opposition to having English pretender princes invested in Caernarfon and to further express that these ‘pretenders’ are as much not needed as are the pretend parliamentarians at the Sham Senedd in Caerdydd.

That Sham Senedd and what do about it as a matter of most urgent priority:

Yes, let’s get rid of poseur English princes of Wales but also let’s get rid of poseur parliaments as well. Let’s restore Cenedl Glyndŵr - an Independent Cymru and re-establish Senedd Glyndŵr as a true parliament and not the fraud perpetuated on us by the recent White Paper on the Governance of Wales. Then, Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr may determine that his people has truly called upon him to lead them in a real struggle for the liberation of our homeland instead of all this weak “knee jerking patriotism” that is all talk and very little action. The aforementioned ''chicanery'' by the Labour administration of foisting upon Cymru a fraud so obvious can only make us wonder why the so called ''opposition'' has not walked out of this Assembly of Appeasement with English Imperialism and Neo – Colonialism and established an Alternative Assembly perhaps in Machynlleth. However, I cannot really see the Tories and Liberals doing that but why not the Nationalists? No! what am I talking about? what ''Nationalists'', I forget, ''PLAID GOD KNOWS WHAT'' is no longer a ''Nationalist Party'' but a mysterious coalition of ‘’rainbow reasoning’’ and ‘’Masonic mysteries?’’.

To conclude: Embassy Glyndŵr calls for and supports all calls for a REFERENDUM ON INDEPENDENCE as a matter of the most serious importance concerning the constitutional arrangement in Cymru. As inspiration towards such an end, we urge all Pobl Glyndŵr patriots to look towards Scotland where there is a vigorously radical SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE FIRST MOVEMENT CAMPAIGN already in place. The organisers of this campaign will be holding a massive Scottish ‘Independence First March’ in Edinburgh, on the 30th September 2006 (see web for full details) and I would urge all those Pobl Glyndŵr patriots who can, to head north to Scotland to support this event - and do remember to take plenty of Baneri Glyndŵr and raise them high. If a reasonable number of Pobl Glyndŵr contacts us to express their eagerness to attend this event then maybe we can organise an Embassy Glyndŵr contingent to march behind our Embassy Glyndŵr banner. So anyone out there interested should contact me ASAP. Other than this, as a means to advance the cause and struggle of Welsh Independence, all patriots should work towards the establishment of a WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST MOVEMENT AND CAMPAIGN with the following proposals in mind:

1: A body of patriots needs to come together to advance the initiative of a WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST MOVEMENT AND CAMPAIGN, this body should work toward the calling of and the holding of a NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE CONVENTION on or about the 21 Mehefin ‘Dydd y Senedd’ 2007 in Machynlleth. In the meantime, this aforementioned body should advance the aforementioned proposal of a WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST MOVEMENT AND CAMPAIGN. If embarked upon this September there are nine months of pregnant maturing for one and all to get their act together by studying how the Scots have organised and carried out the Scottish Independence First Campaign to date. There can be no faltering or failing so the last thing needed is “knee jerk patriotism”, Any similar Welsh campaign to that of the Scottish Independence First Campaign must be well organised and mainstreamed. This requires deep thought, prior preparation and then, good organisation; all ingredients of which do not come as an instant package but something that needs careful planning and even more careful initiation.

2: However, do take aboard the fact that any such similar Welsh Movement and campaign needs pre – publicity to sustain the idea of WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST thus, Embassy Glyndwr would suggest to Pobl Glyndŵr and other patriots who have the mind to do so, to follow the example of Embassy Glyndŵr action on 31 Mawrth 2006 - ‘Dydd Llythyr Pennal’ and carry out individual or ‘pro – Independence’ group action at the SHAM SENEDD. Just go down there sometime during ‘Wythnos Glyndŵr’ (18 -22 Medi) with placards carrying large messages in big letters saying ‘WALES WANTS INDEPENDENCE AND WE WANT IT SOON – WE DEMAND AN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM NOW! Take pictures and send to media and put out on the web. That would be a positive start to the campaign

3: Next step: taking advantage of the annual St David’s day parade in Caerdydd when Welsh Patriotism is at it’s annual high water mark and plenty of patriots about, we suggest Pobl Glyndŵr and other patriots, at the conclusion of the St David’s Day Parade on the steps of the NMW, go over to City Hall and place your daffodils at the feet of the Owain Glyndŵr Statue. Then with a shout of ‘Juratus Oweyn’ start to march off towards Tiger Bay to the SHAM SENEDD with Baneri Glyndŵr and other patriotic flags and banners declaring for Welsh Independence. Keep this up as an annual Independence March and as the years roll on, this march will get bigger and bigger and so to will the Independence Campaign, Movement and struggle and hopefully, the popular call of all our people will be WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST AND LAST!

THE FIRST MARCH FOR WELSH INDEPENDENCE FIRST IN CAERDYDD ON ST DAVIDS DAY 2007 but, who will organise? sorry not us - but we will support if others come forward to organise so, if interested, do get in touch - with us initially and we will put all those interested in touch with each other

To end: So come on if you really want independence don’t just pin your hopes on the ‘pretender politicians’ just seize the time and do it but be aware of distracters and dilettantes as those who led you up a blind ally with the sanctioning of that ‘’message of shame’’ to the Sham Senedd following the ‘BRAD DYDD DEWI 2006 Parade. However, It will not hurt also if you made yourselves a little more familiar with the patriotic principles of Achos Glyndŵr as may be found within such concepts and activities as ‘Juratus Oweyn’, Gwaith Glyndŵr, Achos Glyndwr, Cleddyf y Genedl, Dagr Glyndŵr, Dydd y Senedd 21 Mehefin and the Declaration of Craig Coroni Glyndŵr, Penrallt. Then of course, let us always promote Dydd Glyndŵr 16 Medi and the ‘’Founding fathers’’ Declaration at Llys Glyndyfrdwy and the rising of Baner Glyndwr’ at Caerdrewyn and so on. A fuller understand of these are the makings of Pobl Glyndŵr and will equip you with the determination to carry the above toward final victory as our Prince Owain Glyndwr, Owain IV ‘Tywysog Cymru’ would want it.

Now that’s better than sitting around naval gazing and running around like headless chickens wondering what to do other than send the usual ‘’taffy tantrum’’ letters to the Western Mail or worse listen to ‘’PLAID’’ who are all talk on Independence but actually do nothing about it. We are starting to consider that sooner or later we shall have to start advocating the establishment of a PLAID GLYNDŴR as a true Nationalist Party that would possibly, in the first instance, stand ‘’token symbolic’’ candidates but that’s another matter I will deal with again some time.

Your views and ideas, as always, are welcome.

Siân

GLYNDŴR FLAG BLAENHODDEN CAMPAIGN CONTINUES:

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If using material from this document please quote source.http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com
Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr/Embassy Glyndŵr Tel: 07787926981: E-mail: llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com

In an earlier posting on this blog, Embassy Glyndŵr reported that the Owain Glyndŵr Community Centre at Blaenhodden near Castell Nedd are unable to fly Baner Glyndŵr because the local labour council has refused to allow six halls in it’s care to fly this meaningful flag. Cllr Elwyn Jones’s reasoning behind this decision was that it may upset a variety of ‘’races’’ living in the area. See our original report for full details and note that the campaign to change the council’s minds on this issue continues with your support. Do continue to send your letters and e-mails to the clerk of the council (see earlier posting) and, in particular, send DYDD GLYNDŴR 16 MEDI GREETINGS to each and every member. Of course it would be to the campaign’s advantage if local Pobl Glyndŵr held a Dydd Glyndŵr celebration on Saturday 16 Medi at the Owain Glyndŵr centre in question - and why not make it an annual event? Other than that, if and when possible, why not visit this hall and have your photo taken outside waving ‘Baneri Glyndŵr’ and send copies to the council as well as to the local and national media and how’s about setting up your own blogs in support of the campaign. It has also been suggested that a protest march should be organised to the community centre but we feel this would be counter productive as, at the end of the day it is a matter for local Pobl Glyndŵr to decide on any action to be taken and then it is up to the community itself to get local councillors to change their minds and overturn the stupid decision they have taken previously. Whatever, do not give up as forbidden the flying of ‘Baneri Glyndŵr’ in any part of our country is a major set back for ‘Aches Glyndŵr’. As far as we know, only one other council has refused point blank to fly this important flag and that was Flint Council, hopefully they too will have changed their minds betime the Eisteddfod gets to Mold next year.

Ironically, Cllr Elwyn Jones is also the present Mayor of Nedd Afan Council who have, up to the present, annually flown a borrowed ‘Baner Glyndŵr’ on ‘Dydd Glyndŵr’? and we have now presented the council with their own ‘Baner Glyndŵr’.

Pobl Glyndŵr please note, to date, there are at least 12 Councils that now annually fly ‘Baner Glyndŵr’ on ‘Dydd Glyndŵr, you will find that most councils seem happy to do this if asked to do so. Why not ask your council to fly ‘Baner Glyndŵr’ and perhaps organise local support to buy and present to your local council a ‘Baner Glyndŵr’ this may ‘’clinch it’’ and ensure that they will fly ‘Baner Glyndŵr’. Please note, we have a special “all weather version’’ of the flag for council use, it’s slightly larger and of tougher material but then also costs more - but is still a bargain at the price of £20 plus £2 P&P obtainable from the Embassy.

Further to the above we must draw your attention to an excellent letter in the Evening Post ( 16 August 2006) sent in by Linda Ware of Neath headed ‘Don’t bury the past’. Linda goes on to castigate the short sightedness of Blaenhodden council and draws attention to the fact that elections will come about and there will be an opportunity to vote off the council those who have voted against ‘Baneri Glyndŵr’. The full version of this letter may still be seen in ‘Have your say’ on the South Wales Evening Post Website, Linda mentions two other people/matters in connection with the above but I, myself, have been unable to track these down on the SWEP web site. if you have the info on such please let me know. Mae’r Frwydr yn Parhau

Siân Ifan.

HOPCYN AP TOMOS

OWAIN GLYNDŴR COMMUNICATES (6)
A news &Information Service – please inform us of any Glyndwr interest news.
If using material from this document please quote source.
http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com
Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr/Embassy Glyndŵr
Tel: 07787926981: E-mail: llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com


Pobl Glyndŵr will be aware of Hopcyn ap Tomos in Hanes Glyndŵr; how aware of his significance in general to the history of Welsh Literature is another matter. We doubt if very many people are aware of the fact that there exists a memorial to Hopcyn ap Tomos in Ynystawe Park but there is one and it’s well worth a visit to see this memorial and the park itself. The Eisteddfod is in Abertawe next week and the park is not too distant from ‘Y Maes’ so why not make a visit and have your photo taken by the memorial with, of course, a Baner Glyndŵr. Other than that, should you want a break from ‘Y Maes’ - especially if you have children, do note that Ynystawe park is very large and has a children's play area, two football pitches, tennis/basketball courts and lots of grassy areas (which seem ideal for picnics in the summer!). Ynystawe is not difficult to get to but the turning off to the park can be easily missed so make sure you suss out on a map before you head off. If the weather is good, why not make an evening outing to the park. If any Pobl Glyndŵr are keen on organizing an evening “picnic’’ gathering at the park by the Hopcyn ap Tomas memorial one evening, let me know and I will see what can be organized towards the end of Eisteddfod week, During Eisteddfod week you will find me at the ‘Cymuned’ Stondin. For more detailed information on Hopcyn ap Tomos visit web site noted below:

City and County of Swansea - News
The unveiling of a memorial to Hopcyn ap Tomos, a skilled fortune teller and great bard who lived in Ynystawe, will take place tomorrow.www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=8149 - 36k - Cached -

Similar pages
Hopcyn ap Tomos
A memorial to Hopcyn ap Tomas stands in Ynystawe Park, Swansea. He was a man of letters and mastermind of the Red Book of Hergest.www.webspawner.com/users/hopcyn/index.html - 14k - Supplemental Result - Cached - Similar pages

Llyfr Coch Hergest
There are several odes to Hopcyn in the Llyfr Coch undoubtedly included because of his patronage. Hopcyn ap Tomos' son Tomos inherited the estate in 1408 ...www.celtnet.org.uk/ancient_books/llyfr_coch.html - 30k - Cached -

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Pobl Glyndŵr, Ardal Abertawe please note: I have an ANTUR HERGEST creative endeavour on the shelf I hope to develop, If interested please contact myself, Siân at the Embassy and I will send you further details. To conclude, some comments on Hopcyn ap Tomas by our former information attaché G.Gruffydd. I have lifted these remarks on Hopcyn ap Tomas from an article by Gethin on the subject of prophecy:

Hopcyn ap Tomos and Owain Glyndŵr.
Historians, and other authors, often refer to Hopcyn as using the ‘’Black Baner’’ prophecy to warn Glyndŵr from heading towards Abertawe as if Hopcyn had his own ulterior motive to avoid Glyndwr and was thus not supportive of the War of Liberation. The truth of course is that Hopcyn, pre 1400, was one of the main agitators via the use of the prophecy to prompt an uprising and once the war had started, was a stalwart back of ‘Achos Glyndŵr’. There is some suggestion that Hopcyn, despite being very old, was, possibly, fighting with the Welsh Army at the Battle of Pwll Melyn. Certainly, Hopcyn disappears from history at about the time of this battle in the spring of 1405. I have also come across an intriguing ref to an Hopcyn ap Tomos in Gwent Genealogies dated at this time, so I earnestly suggest you get to know a lot more about this great ‘Arwr Glyndŵr’. Further, Glyndŵr was not heading towards Abertawe after the ‘Haf Glyndŵr 1403’ offensive as he had to return to the north east where his followers were on the defensive after the defeat of his English allies at the Battle of Shrewsbury. It was General Rhys Gethin who headed east to receive the surrender of Cestyll Abertawe and Nedd and then moved on to win the great victory at the Battle of Stalling Down, near Bontfaen before leading the victorious Cymru in routeing the English all the way back to Cardiff castle.

CASTELL HARLECH GLYNDŴR'S CITADEL

OWAIN GLYNDŴR COMMUNICATES (5)
A news &Information Service – please inform us of any Glyndŵr interest news.
If using material from this document please quote source.
http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com
Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr/Embassy Glyndŵr
Tel: 07787926981: E-mail: llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com

A REMINDER:
Unfortunately, Pobl Glyndŵr ignore too much the great historic achievement of Glyndŵr's capture of Castell Harlech in 1404 and that it was then held by the Cymry up to 1409. Not only do we ignore this great achievement but we further disregard the significant fact that Harlech was the Royal Capital of an Independent Cymru for nearly five full years. We also ignore the truth that whilst Prince Owain held one parliament at Machynlleth on 21 Mehefin 1404, he actually held at least two parliaments at Castell Harlech, one on 1 Awst 1405 and the other in August of 1406. Both these anniversaries have received scant attention in regards to commemoration or much deserved celebration of these important events or in recognition of Harlech as Glyndŵr's Citadel. Its high time we Pobl Glyndŵr did something about that and thus this reminder. Read on…

What to do? Apart from the event of the Pennal letter of 31 Mawrth 1406, this year marks the beginning of the end for this last great struggle for our homeland's Independence. The Cymric military successes up to 1405 went into reverse after the ''Bloody Spring Battles'' in Gwent during 1405. These reverses continue into 1406 and into 1407 and by Mis Medi of that year the English take back Castell Aberystwyth. It is however the very harsh winter of 1407 into mis Mawrth of 1408 that weakens Cymric resolve amongst the people and the now weakened and divided Army of National Liberation but still, Owain Glyndŵr and his Royal Court holds out at the Citadel of Castell Harlech - the general Army Head Quarters. The order of the day is now to sustain a defensive war but, finally, Castell Harlech falls to the English after a siege that proves disastrous to Owain Glyndŵr - personally as well as military. There are plenty of Glyndŵr books out now to enable one and all to read in detail the history of this episode in the Glyndŵr War of Independence but, suffice to say here that Glyndŵr escapes and continues to lead the Cymric war effort until 1416 when his son Maredudd takes over to lead in a ''die hard'' guerrilla resistance in the mountainous regions of Gwynedd - and particularly in Meirionnydd which in time becomes the centre of ‘Gwerin Owain’ resistance following Maredudd's surrender in Ebrill 1401. The big question we now pose is, when and how Pobl Glyndŵr are going to annually commemorate and celebrate these patriotically stirring events that took place at Harlech in the years between 1404 - 1409, yes! that's the question?

So, some creative thinking needed! First when to celebrate? Ideally, commemorating the two parliaments calls for an August date but, that would be too close possibly to the ''National Agricultural Show'' in Builth and the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol so, not a very good time to hold a major Pobl Glyndŵr patriotic commemoration although, we have suggested to 'Senedd 04' that perhaps they could hold one of their regular meetings there and thus regularly mark the anniversaries of the two parliaments. For a much larger event, we would suggest that such could be held annually on and about 23 Ebrill, yes! St George's day and why not? as it's kind of significant as a letter was sent on this day by the English garrison to the English parliament seeking further military support. This letter indicates that the garrison was under attack from the Cymry by land and by Glyndŵr's Franco – Breton support from the sea so, we know that it is from this date that Castell Harlech comes under a successful siege. In the first instance, the Cymric forces are led by a local commander, Robin Holland of Eglwys Fach, leading local Glyndŵr forces, thus, we would suggest that the matter of getting an annual commemoration off the ground should fall on the shoulders of Pobl Glyndŵr Meirionnydd/Gwynedd.

To date, it has been the ''commercial interest'' of Harlech that has organised Glyndŵr events as part of a local ''Tourism Initiative'', we can only say that they have done an excellent job that has not entirely ignored local Glyndŵr interests and it is to these ''commercial interests'' that we must thank for making sure that there are loads of 'Baneri Glyndŵr' flying in Ardal Ardudwy. However, in addition to the above, we need a more ''Cymric contribution'' that will reflect the interests and ambitions of Pobl Glyndŵr in Achos Glyndŵr. So please, do not just think on it but do something about it. There’s a need to keep in mind the fact that as we, year by year, mark the 600th anniversaries of the War of Independence from 1400 onwards, our remembrance and commemorative recognition will, of necessity, need to focus much on this “last stand” at Harlech and its very sad, and a lost opportunity to focus attention on Harlech, if there is no local annual commemoration in place. So, If anyone wants to make a go of the above suggestions and needs help do request such from Siân at the Embassy. Let’s see some enthusiasm as befits the heroic defence of Castell Harlech against the might of an English siege.