A Cornish Commemoration

1549 GLASNEY COMMEMORATION AT PENRYN

This was held just a week or two ago and the Grand bard spoke of the Bishop’s expression of regret for the bloodthirsty murders of 10% of the Cornish by the English back in 1549. Crowds attended the event this year and just a few of us posed by the memorial stone for a photograph, kilts, St. Piran’s flags, the flags of other Celtic Nations all on show. I was proud to be there and again realised that despite those who say we must look forward and not back, I say we must also keep an eye on the past, for a house built without foundations will not stand for long. The evening was occupied by a stunning performance by ‘All Folked Up’, Jack Bolitho’s group (visit them here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=189243579) and we witnessed expert musicianship on the guitar, mandolin, banjo, bagpipes, flute, whistle and others. How Culture SW fails to recognise the fact that we are Cornish not English defies me ! The following day, I went to see my old pal, Graham Hart playing to a very lively crowd in Falmouth. Great performers all of them (see Graham’s latest website: http://www.campaigncornwall.com/) and indeed they all call for a change to the old tired ways which have caused the near death of Celtic Culture in our Country and believe that sport, culture and music will lead the way – and so it shall!