Rebel Yells!!! or Reactionary Squeals???

I am a bit in a rush now, to get ready to take my annual holiday in the Land of the Yellow Cross, no not Pays de Galles but Gwlad Cathar, visiting my favourite haunts up and around Monsegur and in the VILLE de FOIX (wait for it, pronounced 'fwa', wonderful!). So, after I complete this post and mail the link out to you, just lay back and enjoy! or maybe it will really rattle your cage and get you gagging for some grumble and grunt in your blogs or in forums? Whatever. I hope it contributes to some real ''Storm and Stress'' HARD CORE DEBATE ABOUT NATIONALISM, as all this SOFT CORE DISCUSSION ABOUT INDEPENDENCE in 'Gwlad Blogger Cymru'' is really boring the pants of everyone (put up or shut up, I say!), plus all this ''LOVE IN COALITION WITH COLONIALISM DOWN IN THE BAY IS GETTING TO BE PAINFULLY PALE RED (I have been chastised for useing the word PINK as in ''PINK PACT'' but lets not go down that road again please). I guess Dr Hunter ''Child of Lincoln'' and Roy 'Jac' Jones ''Son of Jefferson'' got this started but I butted in with comments in this blog and in my 'I'r Gad Blog http://brwydr.blogspot.com . Since, Cambrians Confedrate sympathizers have piled in to prove there was/is such a good thing as a Yankee hating ''Cambrian Confederates'' out there in the ''Old & New South''. I was reminded of an erstwhile turncoat ''Welsh Confederate'', Sir Henry Morton Stanley perhaps keeping up a good Welsh Tradition of Changing sides, as the fortunes of War shift. Much like the politics of our bright sparking Assembly inspired ''New Wales'' Politics. See:

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Sir Henry Stanley - Biography
Though his sympathies were with the Union, he enlisted as a Confederate, ... In 1897 he made his last journey, to South Africa, just before the Boer War. ...www.imdb.com/name/nm1197506/bio - 20k - Cached - Similar pages

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In course of commenting on these matters, I mentioned Welsh Sympathies for the Boer in the battle with the Brits, as result of this I was sent information on a contemporary Afrikaaner song that has been really causing a controversy since 2006 when an Afrikaaner folk musician brought out an hoped for Afrikanner version of the 'Flower of Scotland'. This song about Boer ''Bitter Ender'' die hard De la Rey completed with an immensely powerful video has been to the fore front of a revival in the fortunes of a new Afrikaaner Nationalism. Much advanced with renewed interest in Afrikaaner Language, Culture, Religion and Folk Music. Evidently, this has become an issue this year, due to fourth coming Rugby World Cup as fear grows the song might become a Rugby Anthem for ''White South Africans''.

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The De la Rey uprising : Mail & Guardian Online
The long-dead South African Anglo-Boer War hero, General Koos de la Rey, has become a new cult figure for many Afrikaners as the result of a song by...www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=299200&area=/insight/insight__national/ - 100k - Cached - Similar pages

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YouTube - DelareySouth Africa Afrikaans Bok Van Blerk - Delarey. ... New De la ...5 min - www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGh4lA1S7yc NB THIS IS THE AFRIKAAN VERSION BUT FOLLOW THRU AND THERE IS AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUBTITLE VERSION.

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IOL: De la Rey song is music to Bulls fans' ears
The ballad, which has taken the Afrikaans music scene by storm and has already ... De la Rey battle: Loftus conquered · Ignore De la Ray's Loftus ban - ...www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=79&art_id=vn20070223011341466C577996&set_id=1 - 69k - Cached - Similar pages

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It seems since 2006, the song has become immensely popular with White South African Rugby Supporters and is often sung in their Rugby Clubs, here the comparison with Scotland is obvious but not I imagine in any other ''Boer/Afrikaaner'' sympathies. Although it is quite interesting that whilst many in Wales in times of the Boer and later South African War were passively sympathetic to the Boer struggle against the English/British Imperialism, the Irish and Cornish were really radically supportive, don't know about the Scots though? have no time left to check that out. interestingly some Welsh, or rather Englishman but so called ''Welsh Patriot/Welsh Remembrancer'' Owen Rhoscomyl, as a great Liberal Nationalist/Empire Loyalist went off to fight against the Boer to help save the British Empire. Oh! the complexities of so called ''Welsh Nationalism'' (also see Cultural Nationalist O.M.Edwards, another Liberal Brit). On the other hand, the Irish so things very differently. Much info on much to do with this subject can be found via links below:

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http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Wales+and+the+Boer+War&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

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http://www.google.co.uk/search?source=ig&hl=en&q=IRISH+NATIONALISM+AND+THE+BOER+WAR&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

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Second Boer War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This was followed by some early Boer military successes against the ..... Lloyd George and Keir Hardie were members of the Stop the War Committee (See the ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Boer_War - 111k - Cached - Similar pages

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The Boer War Remembered
Source: Bentley Brinkerhoff Gilbert, David Lloyd George: A Political Life (Ohio State Univ. Press, 1987), pp. 183, 191. 31. T. Pakenham, The Boer War, pp. ...www.ihr.org/jhr/v18/v18n3p14_Weber.html - 58k - Cached - Similar pages

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David Lloyd George - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Although born in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, England and therefore a Mancunian by birth, Lloyd George was a Welsh-speaking man and Welsh by descent and ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lloyd_George - 145k - Cached - Similar pages

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Beriah Gwynfe Evans - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
... Evans would join the infant Plaid Cymru. Evans broke with Lloyd George on the subject of the Boer War, being a Liberal Imperialist in his sympathies. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriah_Gwynfe_Evans - 17k - Cached - Similar pages

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[RTF]
COF CENEDL: WELSH REMEMBRANCERS AND
File Format: Rich Text Format - View as HTMLOne of the key purveyors of the delights of imperialism was Owen Rhoscomyl alias Robert Scourfield Mills alias Captain Owen Vaughan, a Southport-born ...www.bretagnenet.com/celtcong/bloaz/kembre%202001.rtf - Similar pages

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1998/payton
19 Significantly, the pro-Boer sympathies of the Cornish were not reciprocated by the Boers themselves, the Cornish not only despised as 'Uitlanders' but ...www.psa.ac.uk/publications/psd/1998/payton.htm - 25k - Cached - Similar pages
Fantastic Victoriana: N

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So there you go stacks to read, study, think on, discuss and then DEBATE NATIONALISM/Welsh Nationalism, THEN AND NOW! NOT LEAST OF COURSE THE MATTER OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL NATIONALISM COMES INTO ALL THIS BIG TIME, SO RAGE! RAGE! RAGE ON, TIME FOR SOME ROCK AND ROLL NOT TWMPATH DANCE! Me, I have lit the fuse and now retire far away for a bit of R&R. While you can give serious thought to all the above and that other controversial Rugby World Campaign promoted by Embassy Glyndwr, to get patriots to cover up the 'Three Brit Feathers' with a specially made cloth 'Bathodyn Glyndwr', for info on this, check out their blog: OWAIN GLYNDWR COMMUNICATES. Plus whilst your over in 'Byd Glyndwr' consider if your up to GALWAD GLYNDWR and the call for a great rally to SAVE OUR SOVERIEGNTY on 15 Medi 2007 in Corwen/Caerdrewyn, IT's UP TO YOU OK!

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PS: Where do I stand on the great Boer Question? HHHhhhmmm!!! then, in those old times of their armed struggle against the Brits, and in the 60's with the Boer historically still. However, poiltically in the Sixties, as my own ''Knee Jerk Patriotism'' disappeared I started to look towards the Black Consciousness Struggle of Steve Biko and more and more towards the BLACK MUSLIMS and later towards the BLACK PANTHERS. So before you get too overwealmed with this Afrikaaner ''Flower of Scotland'', look into the struggles of the native peoples in these times, not least of course the ZULU.

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PPS: One last hot pointed barb, for you to D&D, consider this question: ARE THERE ANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN OUR 'CRACHACH' and the below:

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Afrikaner Broederbond - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This page refers to the Afrikaner Broederbond. For its later incarnation see .... "The Rise of the South African Reich" (html). African National Congress. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrikaner_Broederbond - 45k - Cached - Similar pages

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Yes! I guess I will hear the outraged sqeals all the way to the top of Montsegur?

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See some of you in September, but must now take a break, refresh myself for much more Patriotic Work and a bit of Autumn VKC with some ''Cracker'' called John Roberts aka ''SION'' and his Macywiaid aka ''Hornets'', sigh!!! Have had a few hysterical emails off him accusing me of undermining nationalist struggle, attacking good nationalists and he and his ''Welsh Republican'' mates are going to get me? I hope by post 'Dydd Glyndwr' this character has got a bit less hysterical and actually sends me details reagards what and who he is talking about? If he thinks, I am undermining the nationalist struggle, then obviously over the latter few years he's had his head stuck where the Sun does not shine. As for attacking ''Good Nationalists'', well there must be 100's, if not 1000's I do not attack or criticize, those I do - DESERVE IT, as I will have to clarify in greater detail as from SAMHAIN 2007, when I will have more time to deal and dump the debris of ''Welsh Nationalist Republicanism'' aka ''Good Ole Boys'' et al. For further illumination do visit my other blogs:

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* The Welsh Patriot http://welshpatriot.blogspot.com/

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* Adfywiad Gwladgarol http://adfywiad.blogspot.com/

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No use emailing me until after 1 Medi 2007 ok!

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For now Ta! Ta! Hwyl!

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Gethin.

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PPS: Personally, I do not support the Welsh Rugby Team any more, as long as they wear that ''feather duster''. nor do I watch them play any more. Actually I think we should revive Bando or C'napan as the true National Game.

Cilmeri or Aberedw - The Choice Is Yours?

Statement:

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Two reasons motivating the below programme:
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1: If we are to accept and promote fully the patriotic historically correct account of the events of the 11 Rhagfyr 1282 then surely we must focus our priority and greatest attention on Aberedw and not Cilmeri.
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2: However, a tradition has grown up around Cilmeri since an annual Patriotic Rally was founded there in 1966, founded I may add with a radical political nationalist agenda and purpose. Although Cofiwn and later the Abaty Cwm Hir Heritage Trust sought to tone the politics down in favour of historical commemoration, there has always been place for ''Patriotic Politics''. However, in recent years this has led to there arising conflict between so called ''Moderates'' and ''Militants'' coming to an head in 2004, see link below:
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icWales - Llywelyn rally creates rivals
Dec 7 2004. Tryst Williams, Western Mail ... was responding to comments by Dr John Davies, one of the organisers of a commemorative rally held in honour of ...icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/tm_objectid=14951376&method=full&siteid=50082&head... - 87k - Cached - Similar pages
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Statement Continued: Taking into consideration 1: above and realisation that the Cilmeri Rally will always have an ''Extremist Edge'' plus must carry on the tradition of being the font and focus of continued Cymric Resistance to English Pretenders being foisted upon us as 'English Princes of Wales'. In regards to this we should note that 2009 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Investiture in 1969 of Carlo as ''Prince of Wales'' also 1969 was the year in which took place the PF/FWA trial in Abertawe of Anti - Investiture Activists. Thus I would agree with radical patriotic sentiments that seek to make of the 2009 Cilmeri Rally one that has themes to mark this anniversary as well as be a reminder to the English Crown who would claim sovereignty over our homeland, that our Cymric Resistance to a Foreign Monarchy will continue in opposition to any future Investiture and that the annual Cilmeri rally will continue to serve this great Patriotic Purpose.
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* Taking all above into account, realising that many patriots, not least those with children may not wished to be involved in a Cilmeri Commemoration which is also a radical rebel rally. Thus I have arrived at the below alternative, in main to promote the Aberedw historical truth of 1282 whilst Cilmeri Commemoration contains another historical truth, the truth of 1969 which gives it another patriotic purpose other than one of commemoration of 1282 - Which would be better served in recognition of Aberedw and not Cilmeri as true location of the murder of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. It would however be perverse to organise a counter commemoration to the one held at Cilmeri annually since 1966, thus the below programme should be seen as an option to be involved in, perhaps alternatively with the Cilmeri Commemoration. My main purpose, is to promote what I had not done in the past, much due to my own ignorence of the historical truth of Aberedw and the ''English'' inspired false history of Cefn y Bedd/Cilmeri. One can read more of this historical truth in the writings of Anthony H. Edwards (his works are listed in blogs noted below) but please remember that the truth will be better appreciated if one actually walk the landscape of the sad events of 10, 11 & 12 Rhagfyr 1282.

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Cofia 1282 - 2007 Annual 'Ysbryd Cofiwn'
Central Cymru Commemoration.
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Proposed Programme for Community Group/Family Outing Field Trips.
Times Given Are A Rough Time Table Only.
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Dydd Sadrwn 8 Rhagfyr 2008 as from 11 am to 12: 30 pm - Walking in footsteps of Milwyr Llywelyn - in area of Rhosferig where Byddin Llywelyn pitched camp on 10 Rhagfyr 1282. Rhosferig may be reached via Eglwys Llanganten from where you may walk to Parc ar Irfon, site of the massacre of Byddin Llywelyn III either during evening of 11 Rhagfyr 1282 or on the 12 Rhagfyr 1282. If making the walk, do wear walking boots and all weather clothing, you may if you wish reach Parc ar Irfon by Car, about 12: 30 - 1:00 pm please lay flowers or bunches of Ivy close to the flag pole outside Builth Golf Club House in memory of the massacred soldiers, alternatively throw your tributes into the River Irfon from Bont ar Irfon close by.
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For full account of this truthful historical account, read the booklet by Anthony Edwards Ghosts on the Fairway, further details in other postings in this blog.
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1:00 - 2:00 pm Break For refreshments at the Cae Beris Manor Hotel, following which visit Builth Castle then onto:Same Day at Aberedw about 3 - 5:00 pm - Visit Castell Llywelyn at Aberedw for your Commemorative Gathering and later place floral/Ivy tributes in memory of the assassination of Llywelyn III at the Yew Tree nearest to entrance of Eglwys Aberedw. During the evening you may retire to the Seven Stars Public House in Aberedw, we suggest you book your meals in advance.
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Dydd Sul 9 Rhagfyr 2007: if Staying overnight in Central Wales, we suggest you make your way to Abaty Cwm Hir by 11:00 am for your Remembrance Service at 11:30 pm by the Cofiwn Memorial near to high alter, marking place where Llywelyn III was buried. Dinner 12: noon may be had in the Happy Union Tafarn close by.

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After which you may visit other sites associated with Hanes Llywelyn III in Central Cymru as Cilmeri where mistakenly a memorial was placed to mark an English Account of the events of 10, 11 & 12 Rhagfyr 1282 but nevertheless worth visiting the memorial and having final evening refreshments at Tafarn Llywelyn before departing for home.
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Remember to Wear a Ivy Leaf and a 1282 Black Ribbon.

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USEFULL INFORMATION REGARDS WEEKEND PRE XMAS BREAK.
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Builth CastleHistory, location details and photographs of the former castle at Builth Wells.www.castlewales.com/builth.html - 11k - Cached - Similar pages
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Aberedw Castle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe remains of the Aberedw Castle, also known as Castle in Elvayl Huchmenyt [1], are located in the small village Aberedw located in historically known ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberedw_Castle - 19k - Cached - Similar pages
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Aberedew a Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Church.Aberedew a Church in Swansea and Brecon. ... There are many references in Kilvert to Aberedw and the nearby rocks which was a popular beauty spot in ...www.churchinwales.org.uk/swanbrec/churches/builth/5928.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
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ourpasthistory.com: Masonry CastlesCaer Beris Motte, Llangantan; Llanganten, Brecknockshire, Earthworks. Castell Blaenllynfi, Blaen Llyfni; Blaen Lleveny; Blaenllyfni, Brecknockshire ...www.ourpasthistory.com/medieval/?c=Masonry-Castles - 70k - Cached - Similar pages
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Builth Wells Hotel :: Caer Beris Manor Hotel in WalesCaer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells. Mid Wales. Fine Welsh cuisine in our restaurants, well stocked bar and comfortable accommodation.www.caerberis.co.uk/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages
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Abbey CwmhirThe ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote and delightfully scenic location typical of those chosen by the ...www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
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The Eating Out Guide - Seven Stars InnA warm welcome awaits you at The Seven Stars Inn, a 13th Century Inn situated in the peaceful village setting of Aberedw where Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, ...eatingoutguide.uk.com/business.asp?id=1527 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
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Happy Unionvillage pub in abbeycwmhir,powys called the happy union with a strange pub ... The Happy Union Inn , a pub that does not lean towards modern day pubs in ...www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk/id6.html - 18k - Cached - Similar pages[ More results from www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk ]
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Prince Llewelyn Inn, CilmeriPrince Llewelyn Inn, Cilmeri. Home ~ HoWL ~ Cilmeri ~ Map. 01982 552694.www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/cilmeri/llewelyn.htm - 2k - Cached - Similar pages

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Have a good and useful weekend.
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Hwyl!
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Gethin ap Gruffydd.
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Local Cofia 1282 Events and Activities.

If you cannot make Aberedw or Cilmeri commemorations and any way, as 11 Rhagfyr this year is a week day, you might wish to organise local community events and activities. why not set up 1282 exhibitions in your local library or community centre, of course encourage schools to do something appropriate. Organise commemorative Cofia 1282 Dinners or Cultural Evenings, set up local Cofia 1282 Remembrance Cross ''Gardens'' (as in picture of such at Cilmeri) or if you want to make a protest, lay bunches of Ivy on the doorstep of your local Authority or whatever (Tourism Information Offices etc), as I did on steps leading into the Assembly of Appeasement with English Imperialism and Colonialism.
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Other Useful Information.

* Cofiwn Archive Blog http://cofiwn.blogspot.com

* Cilmeri Tribute Blog http://anturysbrydcofiwn.blogspot.com

* I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign http://brwydr.blogspot.com

Also See on Web

OWAIN GLYNDWR COMMUNICATES.

http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com

In Defence of Cadw but with some reservations?

This may seem a bit rich coming from me but whilst I agree greatly with what Mr Tomos has to say in his letter (Western Mail 3 Awst 2007), I must point out some positivity that is coming from Cadw in these latter years.

* When Embassy Glyndwr was organising a Glyndwr event in Caernarfon in 2001, Cadw contacted the local organisers and offered free use of Caernarfon Castle for conclusion of the event.

* Cadw when requested to flying of 'Baner Glyndwr' annually on 'Dydd Glyndwr' at their Castles agreed without any need to press them, other than they stating there were restrictions re availability of flag poles and custodians to take care of.

* Cadw agreed to meet with representation from 'Ysbryd Cofiwn' sympathisers to discuss more Welsh Themed Living History Interpretations in their Castles, that we have not had this meeting yet is our fault not that of Cadw.

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Now just in case anyone thinks I am ''toadying up'' to Cadw I am not, as you will see below I shall be pressing them with regards to, in 2008 - 725th anniversary of Conquest 1283 Completed. Also of course 25th anniversary of their Festival of Castles in 1982 and thus wonderful opportunity for they to make ammends for their festival of Conquest and Colonisation 1283. (see below). However, let me point out some ''Home Truths'', no one hates more than I seeing every year English Re-Enactment Groups employed by Cadw to put on largelly displays of English Medieval history in Castles around Wales. But here'e the problems, so very few Welsh People are keen to be involved in presenting Living history or Welsh Medieval Re-enactments, plus one as to take aboard a major problem in the world of Re-enactment. This problem is the matter of INSURENCE, thus many smaller re-enactment groups are going to the wall because of high insurence costs, a situation has then arisen where only the major players get a look in. So, you are seeing the ''Big Boys'' in the high saddle, as the Plantaganet Society, Knights of Long Shanks and Regia Anglorum, this is because these Societies also do a lot of TV/Film work and get huge fees which subsidise their existence. Another great problem is that our ''Crachach Dominated Culture'' largelly promotes liesiure cultural activities that are orientated toward the Eisteddfod and be S4C related, in service of sustaining a Welsh Language Industry, not be bothered with medieval re-enactment. Equally, it is the same reason as to why we get so much Shakespeare in Cadw castles, but do not blame Cadw for this, if that is all that is on offer. Again the truth of the matter is, on the one hand 'Theatre Cymraeg' has it's eye on other prize areas not such that requires them to entertain around the Castles of Cymru. Meanwhile 'Anglo - Welsh' theatre is in it's own little, largelly ''Anglicised World'', whilst ''Anglicised'' people are given a diet of Dr Who rather than any Welsh Princes. Add to this a general dis-interest of youth in history let alone the medieval period unless it is fantasy related and fits in with Computer games. So, little wonder Cadw has got problems in presenting Welsh History, thus instead of moaning about Cadw why not get involved in Welsh Living History Interpretation. See following link to TEYRNAS GLYNDWR http://teyrnas.blogspot.com In conclusion suffice to say, lets not blame the English for denieing us our history, as that's a lie and an huge false nationalist myth, which I will deal with again.

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I agree with Mr Tomos that Cadw should do a lot more in visibly promoting a more ''Patriotically Correct'' version of Welsh History, I will deal with this further below. However, again lets not pile all the stones on Cadw, what about the new VISIT WALES TOURISM AGENCY, now run out of the Assembly. I recently had their new tourism brochure and it did it's very best to skip over Medieval Wales, but they are not alone in endeavouring to make Wales a place with no history of Conquest and Colonisation. Many local Authorities see Cymru only existing as a pre dark age landscape of Romano - Celtic and earlier times, then their brochures jump a 1000 years and we arrive in a ''New Wales'' of Outdoor Skills and Golf Courses. AGAIN, PLEASE LETS NOT BLAME THE ENGLISH OK! the Welsh are very good at shooting themselves in the foot for any verity of usually gutless reasons. So, I suggest contact your local AM's to put more pressure on this VISIT WALES operation run out of the Assembly, then put pressure on your local authorities, perhaps we can leave Cadw off the hook in many areas. Not least regards a WELSH BATTLEFIELD REGISTER, see I'r Gad http://brwydr.blogspot.com/

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Cadw c'mon! Just when they thought they were off the hook, along comes 2008, 725th Anniversary of 1283. What a wonderful opportunity to put the record straight regards that Castles of Conquest Building programme celebration of 1983. Now before I go on rabbiting about Cadw failiures of the past, I want patriots to re read what I have said above and rather than considering protest be a lot more positive and seek to work with Cadw representation in your ''Castle Community''. Now, back to Cadw, I want you and patriots to consider the following:

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Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council
Commemorating the legacy of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803-1806.www.lewisandclark200.org/ - 2k - Cached - Similar pages NB: This Commemoration took aboard what it meant to Europeans and to the First Nation Peoples, so why not a commemoration that informs on the history of the Conquored and Colonised of 1283/84 in 2008/9.

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Below is information on the fourthcoming 150th Anniversary Commemoration of

the American Civil War 1861 - 2011. Yes! they are that far ahead in the planning of what is becoming a contentious matter in some areas, not least in the ''New South'' regards a demand for much improved interpretation of slavery issues, than was done in the Civil War Museums of the ''Old South''. The Federal Government intends to withhold grants unless there is a fairer more balanced view in any Southern Commemoration in 2011. OK Cadw! the point is following on 1282, we Welsh were pretty much an enslaved people, Ethnically, Socially, Culturally and economically. So, hows about some action in this area in 2008/9, maybe with at least with Informative brochures and Interpretation Boards that tell this story, never mind, this time around how great and grand the English Castles are. Certainly, I shall be posting up ideas and potential initiatives for patriots to be involved in, but this time around the emphasis will be on Positivity rather than Protest. In the meantime study below and inform me of your own suggestions, ideas or proposals. gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com

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150 Years After the Civil War Can We Finally Remember It the Way ...
Mr. Cook, Professor of American History at the University of Sheffield, UK, is the author of Troubled Commemoration: The American Civil War Centennial, ...hnn.us/articles/41285.html - 20k - Cached - Similar pages
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Civil War Memory: Civil War Sesquicentennial
Here is the description for Troubled Commemoration: The American Civil War .... lead a forum about maximizing Civil War history assets from 2011 to 2015 ...civilwarmemory.typepad.com/civil_war_memory/civil_war_sesquicentennial/index.html - 119k - Cached - Similar pages

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Richards Center Home
The purpose of the event is to help societies plan for the commemoration of the Civil War sesquicentennial in 2011. News: The Society for the Civil War ...www.richardscenter.psu.edu/ - 11k - Cached - Similar pages

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Here's a link below for Dr Jeffrey Hunter and Roystan 'Jac' Jones, no doubt Dr Hunter and our pacifist ''Crachach'' Welsh establishment are well ahead on the Lincoln Birthday anniversary in 2009. Maybe, my tip off will see 'Jac' arise with a ''Rebel Yell'' to commemorate the birth of Jefferson Davies (of Welsh descent), by when, who knows some one may have wrote an article on the 'Welsh Who Fought For The South'. (see my earlier post CONFEDERATES REMEMBERED).

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The Filson Civil War Field Institute Homepage
The coming bicentennials of the births of Jefferson Davis (1808) and Abraham Lincoln (1809), and the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War (2011 ...www.filsonhistorical.org/cwfield1.htm - 10k - Cached - Similar pages

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Myself am focusing on a Croes Naid Campaign to draw attention to our stolen National Treasures, I am holding a meeting soon to discuss this with a few patriots in Gwynedd. This campaign will be based, begin and conclude in Gwynedd over the years 2008 - 2009. More Information in due course. Whilst your waiting start making 'Baneri Croes Naid' as one pictured here, made by Toni Lewis shortly before he died, this original has been presented to 'The 18' Cilmeri Honour Guard, for their worthy honouring of Toni at his Cilmeri 2005 tribute.

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On subject of National Treasures see below, also go to following link Cenedl Glyndwr http://cenedl.blogspot.com

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Last but not least:

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When will ''Hwntws'' stop being so ''Gwyneddcentric'' and realise that our South has a great history of Resistance to Anglo - Norman conquest and Colonisation, not least in the example of Llywelyn Bren. How many ''Hwntws'' know what the below picture shows or where it even is? if interested in finding out, let me know and I will take you there on my 2008 journey to remember the noble Southern Freedom Fighter Llywelyn Bren. Please note, I will be posting an item on this in my I'r Gad blog soon.

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That's it for now folks!
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Hwyl!
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Gethin.

Welsh Confederates Remembered.

Dr Jerry Hunter seems to have stirred up a Cymric Confederate Contraversy, his new book on Welsh involvement in the American Civil War has caused the hackles of ''Confederate Sympathisers'' Roystan Jones of Abergynolwyn and Billy E. Price of Alabama to rise up in defence of the Welsh who fought under the 'Stars and Bars' and 'Southern Cross'.

Of course both have good points and also make the point that history is subjective, is that not the truth? I include here our own history of course or how else would Glyndwr be all but forgotten for five centuries, sent into the shadows as a ''papist rebel'', then just how is it Dic Penderyn ends up a Martyred Hero and the Radical Insurrectionists Lewis Lewis is also sent to the shadowy corners of Welsh History. Today, it's more the case of again the rebels history retreats whilst Y Crachach roll out their own history of cultural nationalist struggle with a nod to 'Cofia Dryweryn' as being respectable but radical revolt against an English Prince of Wales not so? In the 60's, I but a young patriot and for while member of Plaid Cymru, I fell for the Liberal Nationalist myths that would see the Boer as heroes in gallant struggle against English Imperialism. So it was such not an huge leap to in time to come to favour the history of the gallant rural ''Old South'' against the might of the Industrial North, I still have this sneaking sympathy for the Southern Soldiers when watching films as 'Gods and Generals' or 'Gettysburg' (both fantastic film for incredible battle scenes and amazing military strategies as Rolling up the enemy from the flank and 'the Hinged Gate' used at Gettysburg). Jeffrey Hunter throws out the casual remark about Southern President Jefferson Davies being of Welsh Descent but there were indeed many others not least Roger Catesby ap Jones, surgeon commander of the CSS Virginia in the final clash with the Northern iron clad, Monitor. On the extreme side there is Jesse James, was he not of Welsh Descent but hardly a character to be proud of claiming, both he and ''Old Tom Brown'' were equal in their acts of bloody brutal terrorism (see the Bleeding of Kansas and Jesse's post Civil War career). My own interest in the ''Old South'' is not one just of Miltary Interest regards the Civil War but more so regards Battlefields preservation etc, which is pretty good in America when it comes to the Civil War. See I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign Blog http://brwydr.blogspot.com In researching the web for information in such connection of use to my I'r Gad work, I have discovered major issues on presentation of the Civil War particuarly in regard to the ''Old South'' and what is today called the ''New South''. Into this mix has arisen an huge and bitter campaign regards flying of the old Confederate Battle Flag both ''Offficially'' and in it's ''unofficial'' use, the issue of flying the Union Jack in Wales pales compared to the battle over to fly or, not to fly ''The Southern Cross''. Just do search on the web and you will see what I mean, of course the whole issue over ''The Southern Cross'' has become tarnished regards it's later use by the Ku Klux Klan and a later ''Segragationist South''. Before we become lost in all this, I must remind Welsh Patriots that there is also the matter of Slavery and Slave Rebellion, as that of Nat Turner in 1831. An history that stretches from then to the post Civil War period to the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960's, not least note the Atlanta Olympics has a great turning point, in turning away by some from the ''Old South'' to a ''New South''.

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Nat Turner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nat, remembered today as Nat Turner, (October 2, 1800 – November 11, 1831) was an American slave whose failed slave rebellion in Southampton County, ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_Turner - 38k - Cached - Similar pages

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I guess in a Welsh Context, I would be the ''Old Wales'' and such as Adam price the ''New Wales''. Yes! I guess I am the ''Dinosaur? or maybe one of the ''Legion of the Rearguard'' as my Old Comrade would prefer to call those about to fade away or die, but still a few Grey Wolves about to snap at the heels of all those ''Gombeens' and ''Shoneens'' born and bred in this ''New Wales'' of the Sham Senedd. Yes! I wandered away for a moment, please excuse the lapse, now where was I? Oh Yes!

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One more Welsh Conferate, to haunt Dr Jerry Hunter.The picture opposite of a grave stone in a Welsh Cemetary is of a number of members of the same family. What is very interesting is also noted on the grave stone is the name of a son, not bueried but memorialised on this stone. For this Son of Wales, died fighting for the Conferacy and was buried in the ''Old South'' in a Confederate Civil War Cemetary. If anyone may have an interest in following this up, perhaps Billy E. Price of Alabama (if any one knows of how to contact he, please inform him of this item) for it will take some one Southern based to add some final detail. This is one piece of research I am happy to pass on, I already have one major Confederate Welsh Connection project on line, which has been taking me years working on and I am far from finnished. for information on Dr Jerry Hunter and his work, see links below. Also I have added link to the Rythems of Resistence Multi Cultural Carnival in Abertawe this month of August. Although myself would preferr Tartan Taff Druming to Salsa Drumming, to repeatitive, but still otherwise Carnival A-OK!

Dr Jerry Hunter - School of Welsh at the University of Wales, Bangor
Dr Jerry Hunter is a Celtic scholar who possess an international perspective. ... His eagerly awaited study of Welsh writing from the American Civil War, ...www.bangor.ac.uk/adran_cymraeg/staff/jerry.php.en - 26k - Cached - Similar pages

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News and Events at the University of Wales, Bangor
Jerry Hunter, Sons of Arthur ,Children of Lincoln: Welsh Writing from the ... Welsh Writing from the American Civil War is the first book-length treatment ...www.bangor.ac.uk/news/full.php.en?Id=289 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages[ More results from www.bangor.ac.uk ]
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Swansea Bay Summer Festival - Swansea MAS Carnival 2007 'Rhythms ...
Swansea MAS Carnival 2007 'Rhythms of Resistance'. Saturday 25th August. Location: Walter Road to National Waterfront Museum. MAS Carnival Kids MAS Carnival ...www.swanseabayfestival.net/index.cfm?articleid=3670&articleaction=print - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
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For those of you interested in some Living history, check out:
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American Civil War Society (UK) Ltd - ACWS Home Page
ACWS - American Civil War Society - UK Re-enactment (ACWS) Home Page. Largest UK American Civil War Re-enactment Society, Voted 'Best Large Re-enactment ...www.acws.co.uk/ - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
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Gethin.

I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign: A Wake Up Call.

Ignorance is bliss!

So to sweep aside the ignorence and place more light on work already done and now being set aside in the shadowy corners by persons whose motives may be opposite and counter to mine, than they would want others to be aware of. Not I may add Aida Birch of Neath who strikes me as a person of genuine concern but still maybe paraphrasing what she may have heard others speak or write of, who have not qualified their statements by recognising my work to date. Lets get this straight, I have never in 40 years of working for any Patriotic Welsh Cause, sought or taken the ''Saxon Shilling'' for my labours. All my effort and enterprise is arrived from a Patriotic enthusiasm and at great expense over the years being funded out of my own pocket as is my time freely given. Further, I have never sought to hide who I am or what I am to advance any cause, I am not only a Patriot but also a Radical Political Nationalist, thus much what I do is to serve political and patriotic purpose. That often works against me in some areas but I will not and never will water down or back peddle on my brand of patriotism, what you see is what you get, like it or lump it, it's your problem not mine. Having said that I hope much of what I have done and am still doing will also serve non - political ends and be of value to people and communities and not simply serve my patriotism, if it was that alone then indeed it would be a vanity. I am not a vain person, it bothers me not if I get credit or recognition, to achieve is my goal! However, now I must come out of the backroom and fight my corner, not to claim credit or to boast but simply to thwart what may be the most awfull example of DILETTANTE OPPORTUNISM I have ever witnessed, well that is how it is appearing to me. I do so in main, as at this moment in time when much has been achieved and we need to advance, all of a sudden up pops a so called ''Welsh Battlefields Society'' (have seen letter they have sent out announcing their existence) whom will do nought other than confuse patriots and distract from more positive pupose. Thus I'r GAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See below extract from Ancient Monuments Board meeting minutes of July 2005, I rather imagine their concern regards a Welsh Battlefields Register was prompted by letters I and others in our I'r Gad WBfC had written.

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AGENDA ITEM 11 - WELSH BATTLEFIELDS Officials advised that there had been some pressure on Cadw to compile a Register of Historic Battlefields similar to that published by English Heritage. Professor Griffiths explained that The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales was researching the subject for Ordnance Survey map depiction. A list of 75 possible sites had been reduced to a draft list of 22 principal battle sites. Some of the sites would benefit from further research through, for example, place-name study, antiquarian bibliographical searches, reviews of aerial photography and discussion with local groups. The identification of precise sites was, however, problematic. 11.2 The Board agreed that it should await the outcome of further research before reconsidering the practicality of a register being compiled. The Board would look again at progress at its December meeting. This is extracted from the below minutes. (Geth Note: It was on being informed by both RCAHMW & Cadw of above that I decided to cease campaigning for an immediate Register, as they confirmed they would work towards one and temporary issue an advisory list to local authorities etc).

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AMB minutes July 2005
AGENDA ITEM 11 - WELSH BATTLEFIELDS. Officials advised that there had been some pressure on Cadw to compile a Register of Historic Battlefields similar to ...www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/upload/resourcepool/AMB%20Minutes%20July%2020059123.htm - 22k - Cached - Similar pages
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Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it, it may perhaps be somewhat uncompfortable for the truth to be known, but the call by Aida Birch of Neath, is a rather belated call for setting up of a Welsh Battlefield Trust, I have been making this call for many years and have been pro-active in such campaign for at least the last five years, see over 25 posts in my blog I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign. Please all pay attention to latest postings concerning a so called ''Welsh Battlefield Society'' which appears to me as no more than Fforwm Hanes Cymru by another name, which also appears to me to be too concerned with the grabbing of grants rather than getting on with the job as I have been doing with no grant or subsidy other than out of my own pocket. It is not my intention to repeat what I have already said in I'r Gad Blog, other than to stress if Aida and others who had attended their Coed Lathen meeting referred to in her letter took a look at my blog, they will see that they are just repeating what I have already said a great many times. Further, Aida paraphrases me much in matters, I have campaigned for and made a a number of achievements in. I do not expect the Western Mail or ''Official Bodies'' concerned to give me any credit but they all know as well as I do that I have long ago corresponded with them regards these matters, without appearing to make any great claims, I think it is right to say that I have contributed much over last five years in moving such forward. I find it very baffling that of the 40 odd people attending meeting referred to regards Coed Lathen on 3 June this year, no one present knew or had courtesy to mention my campaign but it seems now most people present may have been misinformed and led off, on a wild needless goose chase when there are really more important things to do than set up another FfHC talking shop. As for example just stop talking and lets see some action from one and all. all you have to do is set up a local Battlefield Research Group, see my blog for useful information and get on with it, simple! Other than that rather pointless setting up a so called ''Welsh Battlefield Society'' when there is now in existence a Welsh Section of the Battlefield Trust. I suggest in future patriots look before they leap and not so foolishly follow pied pipers up blind allyways and achieve very little other than distract from more positive purpose.

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Hopefully all will now be more fully informed. If everyone gets on line then perhaps much more will be achieved but I do not exactly know what this ''Welsh Battlefield Society'' hopes to achieve that has not already been achieved by I'r Gad and will hence be advanced via the proposed local Welsh Battlefield Research Groups. Future progress will also now be more greatly achieved by others more proffessionally concerned as RCAHMW, CADW & O.S. I now suggest a visit be made to my campaigning blog I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign http://brwydr.blogspot.com/ Where I suggest for starters you read the following posts (noting these are based on material as letters and articles being written as from 2003 but dated this August 2007, as date of post to blog.:

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* I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign Begins.

* Open Letter - A Cause For Concern.

* I'r Gad Objectives.

* I'r Gad Reports Up Dated.

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There are at least another 20 Posts you can read in your own good time, but I strongly suggest you read the above four posts first. In main, so you are not misled into wasting time on work already done when you might use that time and effort in a much better direction as just getting to it, setting up your own locally community based WELSH BATTLEFIELD RESEARCH GROUP. All the information you need to do this and successfully advance your work locally will be found in this blog, or upon request I might be able to supply further information or at least point you in best direction. It is not neccessery that you directly associate local endeavours with I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign, nor officially affiliate even, we, where ever possible encourage local autonomy and resist the ''Dead hand of centralism'' and ''Dictatorship by Committee''. To conclude please note again our present official stance and objectives:

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1: In main I believe the campaign we set out on some years ago has been won, I now trust to the RCAHMW, Cadw and O.S. to fulfill their promises and committments. This is in regard to seeing Welsh Battlefields are marked on maps and that eventually a Welsh Battlefield Register is produced. In past I have been a severe critic of Cadw but in recent years they have proved a body that will listen and accept reasonable propsals as flying of 'Baner Glyndwr' on 16 Medi 'Dydd Glyndwr' from Castles in their care. I am sure they will work towards a Welsh Battlefield Register or in the first instance produce a list for care of Welsh Battlefields.

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2: Further, to above priority now is for one and all to campaign for the Welsh Assembly to enact legislation for Preservation and Protection of Welsh Battlefields. The Welsh Assembly is also in best position now to see that Welsh Battlefields and their history are promoted, done through their Visit Wales Operation run by their now Internal Tourism Department, established to replace the defunct former Welsh Tourist Board (the only body that ignored my efforts and requests for them to assist in the campaign). To this end, I request you write letters/send emails to your A.M. and be persistant in follow ups, do not take the promises of politicians too serious untill you see them ACT ON AN ISSUE!

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3: Regards working towards a Welsh Battlefield Conference and Welsh Battlefield Trust, I am off the oppinion that the best way forward is via the Welsh Section of The Battlefield Trust wales@battlefieldstrust.com <wales@battlefieldstrust.com

I further suggest that if ever anyone feels the great need to join a ''body'' and feel good about doing something then, I strongly urge you to join the Battlefield Trust and within that body help advance, develope and advance it's work in Wales. This is a patriotic pragmatic step forward not just more ''knee jerk patriotism''.

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4: Other than the above, priority must be in local activity in your own community with establishing of a local Welsh Battlefield Research Group in organisation of research study and survey of local Battlefields, then by various means make local community aware of the battlefields in their are. If all the survey work done satisfies bodies as RCAHMW and O.S. guide lines then work may be embarked on to win local official recognition (RCAHMW & O.S. will see to maps) with getting local authorities to put up sign posts and history interpretation notice boards. Long term this will also involve working towards raising funds for a Battlefield Marker and/or Memorial (I have a post to publish soon regards a common shared logo to include in markers and memorials), this will require a major effort and will take much time to fulfill, so before embarking on such project do make sure you and others have the enthusiasm to carry the intended project through and do not stand in the way of others who may have similar objectives of their own locally. Here, at best I'r Gad can offer this blog as a platform information and coordination, to this end please send in any local reports worth posting up in I'r Gad Blog to advantage of others.

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5: In conclusion, What of I'r Gad WBfC now? As stated above I consider things to be moving ahead very well in most areas, so I feel best purpose that I can serve in this direction now, is in main sustain I'r Gad Blog as a source of information and Interest but still with a campaigning edge. In first instance I shall continue to work with Sian Ifan in her Tarian Glyndwr campaign and borrow from there the Patriotic Provisional Registration Campaign. Secondly, I'r Gad will also see itself as a body ready to launch campaigns in defence of our Welsh Battlefield Heritage where ever such is threatened by intrusion upon their landscape by whatever source of harm. Here, I will need the full support of local people to keep me informed of any such threat, this is where WBRG's would really be of use by establishing a WELSH BATTLEFIELD WATCH. However, note in this area individuals can play a part by becoming the 'Eyes & Ears' of a National Welsh Battlefield Watch by simply informing me of any news and information that will be of concern to I'r Gad in this direction. (See future posting on this in I'r Gad Blog http://brwydr.blogspot.com ) NB: In this are local WBRG's should liase with local and regional Archaelogical groups and associations.

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6: Battlefield Commemoration. since Cofiwn initiated such many years ago, I shall continue to promote commemoration of important anniversaries of Welsh Battles. Ones I have already began promoting this year, are those in connection with the 1282 - 3 War of Independence and the fall of Gwynedd. See Cofiwn Archive Blog http://cofiwn.blogspot.com

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Other developments in this area as follows:

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* I am suggesting to various bodies that a National Welsh Battlefield Interpretation Centre be established in Builth Wells, which will also make study of Welsh Miltary History at home and abroad. In this direction, I am proposing best bodies associated with this project be, of course Builth and Powys Local Authourities, the official bodies aforementioned plus the National Museum of Wales and Miltary Museum Curator Archivist Historians. There are a number of reasons why I suggest this be based in Builth which are already detailed in I'r Gad Blog, there is another reason and that is, close by there is the National Welsh Show Ground. Part of my project plan in this area is to tie in with the NWBIC the propsal of holding in this showground Welsh Miltary History Living History Re-Enactments as an initiative to advantage of the local community in areas of local liesiure activity and to advantage as a tourism draw. In this connection see work by Sian Ifan in Teyrnas Glyndwr Living History Blog http://teyrnas.blogspot.com

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* In association with an existing Wales Guided Tours Service, I am preparing a Welsh Battlefields Tour Project Programme. I am drawing up a series of Battlefield trails based on specific medieval period military history themes, details of which will gradually be made available in postings to I'r Gad Blog.

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* There already exists a number of books on Welsh Battles, none at present as good as available to other nations. Historian Paul Remfry has done much work on Welsh Castles and Battlefields, his web work often referrs to fact that he his doing a book on Welsh Battlefields but I have no idea if it has ever been published? However, I have heard that there is to be published soon a new book on the subject, more details when they become available. I myself am working on a Welsh Battlefield Information Wall Chart (similar to that sponsored by THE TIMES for the Battlefield Trust) associated with our development of a similar web site, both projects will also inform on Welsh Medieval Military History. The Book on Welsh Battles I had been working on, will now not be published as such but will allow general style & themes to become material content for the Web site which will be very much based on similar to that of the Battlefields Trust - Battlefields Resource Centre, see link below:

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Battlefields Resource Centre

It is essential reading for anyone visiting a battlefield, an invaluable education resource and contains important information for those investigating or ...www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/ - 30k - Cached - Similar pages[ More results from www.battlefieldstrust.com ]

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Both these ventures are quite major projects and will thus require sponsorship, this is being looked into as is possibility of having an Stondyn I'r Gad at the National Eisteddfod in Caerdydd next year.

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For further Information on I'r Gad, the first and foremost Welsh Battlefield Campaign, for real! click on to the following link http://brwydr.blogspot.com

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Gethin. I'r Gad Initiative Motivator.