welshrepublicandebate

[dai]

I received the following email from Gethin Gruffydd, which had several pictures in it that cannot be supported here - but send me a private message and I can forward the whole thing to finterested parties. After protesting against the Queen on March 1st he went down to Pembrokeshire to visit the scene of the failed Napoleonic invasion / liberation of Wales. He suggests having an ANNUAL WELSH REPUBLICAN CONVENTION COLLEGE.


From : gethin gruffydd
Sent : 07 March 2006 15:27:22
To : <Undisclosed-Recipient:, >
Subject : LLWYBR HENRY DAVIES ABERGWUAN - GARREG WASTED 1797 COMMEMORATIVE TRAIL (Section of Pembs Coastal Pathway)..

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LLWYBR HENRY DAVIES ABERGWUAN - GARREG WASTED 1797 COMMEMORATIVE TRAIL.

(Section of Pembs Coastal Pathway).

Please Pass On To Others with an interest.

Remembrancer and Hedge Teacher


ADFYWIAD GWERINIAETHOL.

Below is an account of an ''Welsh Republic Day'' (22 - 2 - 2006) outing to Abergwuan and Garreg wasted, later we went on to St David and concluded the day worn out but feet up before a brilliant real log fire in a Tafarn down by lower Solva Harbour (my first visit back there since the 60's, when I and a mate slept rough there and next morning jumped into the sea for a pre breakfast wash. Brilliant summers morning and a terrific breakfast over an open fire by the lime kilns. Yes! I am a victim of the 60's but surely they were radical times, not a bit like now) . Oh yes! where was I Hhhmmm!!! 2006...Outing skirted the Preseli Mountains into Cwm Gwuan via Llanychaer and quick visit to lower Abergwuan and then on to upper Abergwuan. Sian and her daughter, Tina went for a look around and I went off to Capel Hermon (opposite Town Library) to find the grave of Henry Davies. Small church yard but looked at all the grave stones with no luck and as I was about to turn away disappointed I noticed this one large grave, the main surface was difficult to read but at bottom was a smaller enjoined stone surface with dedication to Phoebe the wife of the Ref Henry Davies of Llangloffan,(see photo below). Henry Davies was a local non - conformist dissident who held radical ideas and following the ''French Invasion'' the local ''Brit - Taff' Mob paraded his burning effigy around the town of Abergwuan. However, Henry Davies was hardly a ''Welsh Wolf Tone'' but he's the nearest we have to such if only as a ''Radical Dissident'', he certainly deserves to be remembered and have flowers put on his grave which we did. Could not find 'Blue, White and Red' or 'Green, Red and White' but managed 'Yellow and Red' which I placed, whilst Sian and Tina placed 'Violet Flowers' which of course have radical connotations between juices of the French revolution and radicalism of the Suffragettes. Other Photos are of the ROYAL OAK where as it say above the door, the peace treaty was signed. This Tafarn has gone through serious renovations since I last seen it in the 60's the ''Surrender Table'' is still in there plus much more ''Memorabilia and Ephemera'' regards the 1797 Invasion and the 100th anniversary in 1897 (see the commemorative poster).The Tafarn today has an excellent Restaurant and an out door beer garden all of which makes it ideal to call in on for 'Welsh Republic Day' on 22 February and Bastille Day on 14 July Celebrations to upset the local ''Jemimas''...''Vive Le France''.

Llwybr Henry Davies (Pictures Below): is part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal pathway I have renamed and declared in memory of Henry Davies, this smaller pathway starts at Abergwuan and works back through history to Garreg Wasted. From Abergwuan proceed to Goodwick sands where the French surrendered, from there proceed to Llanwnda and the church of St Gwyndaf. It is said that the French broke into this church and got drunk on the communion wine, over my shoulder in the next photo, though you cannot see it is the farm of Trehowel. This farm was where the French made their head quarters. Just down from the church and around a corner you come to a track, very muddy in February, this is the track you must follow (not like I who shot off down another track carrying my Welsh Republican Flag [ GETHIN IS A FAN OF THE GREEN RED WHITE VERSION ] through fields and over barb wire fences, making life difficult for myself). The pathway is marked by small signposts and marker posts, just keep your eyes open and you will soon find yourself heading down into a ''dingle'', here you will find a small bridge over a small stream making it's way down to the sea.(Nearing 60 and overweight walking in and out of this ''dingle'' nearly had my heart leaping out of my chest). On the way back I had a sit down and then dedicated the bridge as 'BONT HENRY DAVIES' (and why not at least it is a 'Bridge' unlike that ''Senedd''). This 'Dingle' is an ideal place for 'HEDGE TEACHING'.

Photos below shows the approach to Garreg wasted and two of Garreg Coffa Garreg Wasted 1797, one looking out to Sea towards Ireland and the other inland back towards Llanwnda. The Welsh Republican Flag I placed there was on ''White Wash Wednesday'' 1 March 2006 flying in Welsh Republican Protest against the English Queen opening the fraudulent ''Senedd'' Assembly.


A cilantro History and Other Matters

2006 marks anniversaries of the beginnings in 1946 of the first Welsh Republican Movement and start of its demise in 1956. It is very sad to look back on these positive most dynamically politically aware early republicans and see what they achieved. Later ‘Welsh Republicans’ of WRM II and the W.S.R.M also achieved a great deal but today the question begs to be asked ‘Whither Welsh Republicanism’ this in mind I would suggest that those of a ‘’Republican persuasion’’ may fruitfully discuss and debate annually at a Welsh Republican Convention – Weekend College as described below:


Proposal to hold annually at Abergwaun an Annual Welsh Republican Convention College.



A long Weekend of Lectures and talks, discussions and debates plus Workshops and seminars also Social entertainment’s and trips to local sites of conference - College related interest. Also Possibly film shows and if time a trip to the 1798 History interpretative centre in Wexford with over night stay? Possibly all held over ‘Bastille Day’ weekend commemorative celebrations which would facilitate better a trip to the Wexford ‘United Irishman’ interpretation Centre in Ireland. Ferries to Ireland of course available from Abergwuan.



Subject: The Fishguard Fiasco 1797.



What if: events of that day had witnessed at Garreg Wastad on Wednesday 22 February 1797 instead of a hostile reception, there had been a most welcoming reception of a ‘United Welshmen’ Movement leading a workers and peasants army. What if? on that day along side the French and Irish Tri – colours had been raised the Green, Red and White Tri – Colour of a Welsh Republican Cause that in 1797 succeed to establish a Welsh Republic or lay down the Foundations of a truly Nationalist Republican struggle for Welsh peoples emancipation. A struggle that perhaps may have not seen the later divisive and diverging causes of the Industrial Urbanising Workers as in the Chartist Struggle that led to Newport 1839 rebellion and the Agrarian Rural Peoples struggle that led to the Rebecca Rebellion of the 1840`s eventually lead on to where they did lead to and increasingly so up to the present day, of Cultural Liberal Nationalism and a British Socialism. Separate Roads to deperate Freedoms?



Introduction: In 1745 Rural discontent was widespread throughout Wales against background of Jacobitism, in 1746 David Morgan Welsh Jacobite Rebel is executed for supporting ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ but Henry Lloyd escapes to the continent and fame as mercenary and significant writer of military matters. They are in a minority. The majority of Welsh ‘’Movers & Shakers’’ as from 1715 – 1745 have become Hanoverian loving ‘Ich Dien Ancient ‘’West Britons’’ or as I prefer to call them “WELSH ANGLO – SAXON PROTESTANTS’’ it is they who produce ‘’Welsh Cultural Renaissance’’ later to be foundation of ‘’Welsh Cultural Nationalism’'. Welsh Republican roots however, will not be in Hanoverian or Jacobitism but in the Jacobinism of 18th centaury France and later the dissident radicalism and Jacobinism of a "potentially" Republican Wales? However, a ‘Republican Wales’ then was not to be and why not is your quest to find out why and put right? However, take note that recent revisionism in Irish history puts forward the idea that the largely peasant followers of Wolf Tone were more motivated by an older Bardic tradition of Jacobitism rather than the Jacobin ideas of the French Revolution.



22 – 2 – 1797: Which brings us to what is best described as the “Fishguard Fiasco” of 1797. In brief, a French Expeditionary Force sent to invade Britain landed near Fishguard and, after a couple of days of getting drunk, were rounded up, largely, by a group of Welsh juices wearing Red shawls and Tall cook hats - or so the story goes. The only problem is, local historian Syd Walters strongly disputes "his history" and when one realises that the same story exists in Ilfracoome, then it all smacks pretty much of not so much tall hats, but more like tall tales. However, Syd Walter’s book is a queer hybrid version of a pro – Brit old school ‘Ich Dien’ Welsh History. There are oddly many of these ‘’Hanoverian Taffies’’ still alive and kicking in Pembrokeshire at least three who regularly write to the Western Mail wanting St David’s cross included in the Union Jack. The theme Syd pitches is that you can blame the Irish Catholics for the whole plot to invade, here Syd deals in conspiracy theory which in a round about way speaks of the Brit Anglican Establishment cooking all this up with Irish Catholics to "do down" Welsh Dissidents as Henry Davies and others (eight locals were put on trial for plotting with the French). In other words blackening the good and righteous Welsh Non – Conformists. Yes! All rather convoluting in conspiracy theory but still Syd as a lot of local knowledge and he should not entirely be discounted. Further, keep in mind that our history of this event was produced by the local "Ich Dien Taffies" and the ferociously Anti – French British Establishment. Thus of course the French would be a bunch of ‘’Drunken Criminals’’ wouldn’t they, led by evil Irishmen and a mad cap aged American?



What If – Alternate History is an interesting way to approach history? Is an attempt to look at Welsh history in a different way - as in the nature of a fictional approach but seeking a factual reality? Commencing on the road of, if not completely deconstructing Welsh history then, at least, looking under some stones that some would prefer, were not turned over.



A PERSONAL POST SCRIPT OF SOME RELEVANCE - A TALE OF TWO PATHS.

See Photos Below;

( The Bridge End Inn, Llanychaer and the Abergwuan Inn, Abergwuan. )

After leaving school I had worked for short time at Maesteg, Neath and Gorseinon. I then ended up in Somerset, I had become a nationalist in my last years of school via a Welsh speaking farmers son who I had become friendly with. I did not actually join Plaid Cymru until I was in Somerset and being sent their literature encouraged me to return to Wales and head for Abergwuan where later in the summer Plaid Cymru would hold a conference. I had arrived months early and outside the Royal Oak 'tossed a coin' as which road to go down and fate decided I headed into the Gwuan Valley and by evening had reached the Bridge End Inn. Stopping there for a drink, as the Inn filled up with locals, mainly farmers and farm workers holding a celebration. I soon joined in and before the night was out the pub landlord agreed to let me sleep in a caravan outside in exchange for the next day cutting the grass and nettles in his back garden. I also that night talked myself into a burrito with a local farmer and there I stayed in the Gwuan Valley for a few months prior to the Plaid Cymru Conference. During this period when I had time off, I got to know the area quite well and was most impressed by local rural community life. I also had two occasions to call in on D.J.Williams for a cup of tea and a chat which of course meant a lot to me, as he was of course one of the 1936 heroes. Later I would meet Toni Lewis who would remain my friend up until he died last November 2005, we would spend the following years getting each other into trouble but there you go, it was the 60's? Meic Stephens later of the Welsh Arts Council was there with his 'Nationalist Flags' and ''rebel songs'' . One night at the Abergwuan Inn I would meet some ''Real Radical'' Patriots; Ray Smith and his mate, who I have regarded as a mate to some extent, none other than OWEN JOHN TOMOS A.M. some 40 odd years later I am out side the Assembly protesting against the English Queen and unlike Leanne Woods A.M. he stays inside the Assembly recognising the English Queen, such is the workings of time and tide? Like I said I am a victim of the 60's (You have to see the film Field of Dreams to comprehend that fully as it's from there I pinched that line).

Ymlaen I'r Weriniaeth.

For Further Information on ''Welsh Republicanism'' request documents.

Yn Ffyddlon.

Hwyl!

G.Gruffydd.
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[dia]

"Nearing 60 and overweight walking in and out of this ''dingle'' nearly had my heart leaping out of my chest"

If only....
Try harder.

[dai]

I recieve regular emails from Gethin promoting his ideals and ideas, and today this came which I'll post up to broadcast his new blog http://anturysbrydcofiwn.blogspirit.com and to remind us about Cilmeri.

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>From: "apgruffydd" <gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com>
>To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
>Subject: ER COF AM TONI LEWIS 8 TACHWEDD 2005 and other Adfywiadwyr News.
>Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 11:11:57 -0000
>
>Please Pass On To Other Patriots Today, Not Tomorrow. Diolch yn Fawr.
>
>Adfywiad Gwladgarol Cymru
>
> Er Cof Am
> Anthony H. Lewis
> Adfywiadwyr Gwladgarol
> 8 Tachwedd 2005.
>
>
>Annwyl Pawb.
> To remind, it is the first anniversary of Toni's death. I would also remind as there seems a need to remind that it was Toni Lewis, then as President of the PATRIOTIC FRONT who very much was responsible for founding of the annual Cilmeri Commemoration. As co - founder with Toni of this annual patriotic gathering I myself would like to remind patriots that this Rali Cilmeri of then 'Adfywiadwyr Gwladgarol' (Alternative Radical Nationalists) became very much a font of patriotic opposition to the English Monarchy's claim to sovereignty over our homeland. Further, this commemoration became focus for our Patriotic Resistance to the Investiture of an Englishman as ''Prince of Wales''. I shall never grow tired of reminding patriots of these facts especially as I witness so many ''Cilmeriaid Newydd'' being ignorant or mis - informed of this 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' history. There is further need to even remind ''Hen Cilmeriaid'' as too many of they seem to have LOST THE PLOT as they meander toward the sentimentality of their ''Good Ole Boy'' patriotic peripheralism that does not see annual patriotic reunion with patriotic purpose other than lifting pint pots, slapping each others backs and awarding themselves more worthless medals and discussing each others kilts. This was not the Cilmeri Commemoration that Toni, I and other Radical Nationalists initiated in 1966. Thus on this first anniversary of Toni's death, I say this, it is time for all to affirm their patriotic pact and pledge in annual reaffirmation with our Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri and this means that one and all who annually gather at Cilmeri are committed to prepare hence to oppose and resist INVESTITURE III or what bloody point is there left to this annual commemoration nought but parading, posing and posturing? In these matters I am sure I speak for Toni and many of my friends and comrades who he has now joined with in the 'Cave of Heroes', true fellow 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' as those who with Toni and I were arrested, tried and imprisoned for being true to our Patriotic Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri. All you have just read is me at my optimistic best but for the pessimism Now Read On, you may think I have myself ''lost the plot'' but no I am just disillusioned by the prevailing 'Devolution Dilettantism' that prevails but even worse after all these years I see that ''Knee Jerk Patriotic Peripheralism'' and ''Tartan Taffery'' also prevails over and above true RADICAL NATIONALIST STRUGGLE: See below Important Message:

I have done a Blog: CILMERI COMMEMORATION 1966 - 2006, An Antur Ysbryd Cofiwn 40th Anniversary Tribute, I have done this as a tribute to Toni, Contribution to 40th Anniversary Commemoration success and most importantly that it is of necessity I make sure the history of Cilmeri Commemoration is known but also personally for myself ''boxed and lidded'', so I can move on as I have no desire to be a ''victim of the 60's'' nor have to endure all to sadly the ''Dieing embers of to Dream of Freedom''. Far too many follow the Pied Pipers into the token patriotism of ''Tartan Taffery'' for my liking plus until you have rooted out the ''Devolution Dilettantes'' that are the weeds that poison the ''Sacred acre of Cilmeri'', I am afraid the true Patriots Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri will be forgotten and die with the passing of the days? I am of the opinion that next time around resistance to Investiture III may never arise from within the ranks of Y Cilmeriaid, nor from within Gwynedd and certainly not from within ranks of Y Crachach Newydd - England's Client Tribe in Wales but from other quarters but not a million miles away for sure? However, seek out for some passed 'Adfywiadwyr Gwladgarol' and Ysbryd Cofiwn history at following web address:

http://anturysbrydcofiwn.blogspirit.com

Lots of history coming on line and photos in this blog, do enjoy. It is a pretty patriot friendly blog being ''nice'' to most and far from negativity, I hope it will be seen as a postive gesture and contribution to revived success of annual Rali Cilmeri. It has been posted today but I guess it will take time for it to come on line from what I understand of this tech stuff? So I guess you will have to search for it? try Cilmeri Commemoration and Antur Ysbryd Cofiwn. I hope it appears in time for the first anniversary of Toni's death, this Wednesday 8 November. I shall not be at Cilmeri myself, my ''last picture show'' was last year. If anything I have need to focus and be at Aberedw on 9th but may see you on 10th at Parc ar Irfon and Abaty Cwm Hir, maybe? Despite the ''Patriotc Front Adfywiad Gwladgarol Retroism'', in reality I am shaking the grass from between by toes and retreading coal dust. This leads me towards another history, other historic events, other heroes and a new flag to struggle under and that must be a RED ONE!

.....and in this respect I remind all you ''Welsh Socialists'' attending Rali Cilmeri hence annually to commemorate:

3 Mehefin 1831 and the Massacre at the Castle Inn. Merthyr Rising 1831.

You may commemorate by visiting Cefn where the ''Workers Army'' assembled on 1 June 1831 and on the Saturday following 3 June lay wreaths at ''Plas 3 Mehefin 1831 (Site of Castle Inn) where last year I set up this 1831 Commemorative Installation (See photo below). After which why not visit Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and later have a picnic in Cyfarthfa Parc.

G.ap Gruffydd (c) 2006.

As for ''Self Styled Welsh Republicans'', I suggest you get yourselves down to Garreg Wasted on 22 February annually to discuss and debate your ''Republicanism''. Get out of the Closet, Sorry! I meant Forums and take some fresh sea air to clear your heads of all this confusion you have, you might then just see your way foward towards your Welsh Republic via the ''Rock of Garreg Wasted'' more so than the ''Rock of Cilmeri''.

G.ap Gruffydd (c) 2006.

Further Information on all the above from my ANM&S History Archive, on request. Including ''Welsh Republican'' stuff.

Hwyl!

Gethin ap Gruffydd Welsh Remembrancer.
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[capitalman]

Do local events at the Stone not start at about 11.oo with the respectable
elements, Local members of House of Lords and get more radical and interesting through the day?
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Cymru Rydd!