"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Forward and Onward with the People
Those few of us who are not already brow-beaten and brainwashed (should we say Brown-washed?) have a duty and a responsibility (for the sake of Wales/Honour/Truth/Justice/Equity/Sanity or whatever is deemed to be lacking) to seriously consider the deteriorating state of society under the present authoritarian and bureaucratic regime, and the means whereby true democracy can be restored to the constitution along with government and corporation accountability. Those of us who are aware of the realities and not the spin and hogwash that is fed to a gullible public on a daily basis are exhorted to step out of the shadows and be counted. Few people with the necessary character, calibre and integrity are prepared to risk their reputations and careers for the sake of the greater good but it is these very people who will be in the vanguard of change. Britain has become a state without a soul.Time-worn eternal values and civil liberties have been drastically eroded over the past 20 years and the time has come to put a stop to it all and restore these priceless attributes to the people of the British Isles.
Sit Back and Watch a Video from Plaid Cymru
Paste in the browser window to watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nshjVw8feV4
Then, read about what is happening within Plaid Cymru, the Party of Wales......
(and about time, too!)
http://independent-wales.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nshjVw8feV4
Then, read about what is happening within Plaid Cymru, the Party of Wales......
(and about time, too!)
http://independent-wales.blogspot.com/
Ireland Awaits Unification
LONDON (AFP) - Thousands of people were Saturday attending a day of marches which was a symbol of sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland but has since been rebranded as a family-friendly pageant.
The Protestant Orange Order's annual marches marking their side's victory in the 1690Battle of the Boyne frequently sparked violence during "the Troubles", the civil unrest which plagued the British province until only a few years ago.
A reminder of the divisions which the parades still provoke came when an Orange Hall in Rasharkin, northeast Northern Ireland, was damaged in an apparent attempted arson attack early Saturday.
A bomb alert also delayed the parade there for several hours.
Many on the Catholic side steer clear of the parades, of which there are 19 across Northern Ireland this year, now been rebranded as an "Orangefest".
While-ever these politico-religious marches continue there will be no permanent settlement in Ireland. Re-branding them makes no difference whatsoever. The outcome
for Ireland will inevitably be unification, the just solution for Ireland, and those who perpetuate division and intolerance are obstacles in the way of progress.
(Alan in Dyfed)
The Protestant Orange Order's annual marches marking their side's victory in the 1690Battle of the Boyne frequently sparked violence during "the Troubles", the civil unrest which plagued the British province until only a few years ago.
A reminder of the divisions which the parades still provoke came when an Orange Hall in Rasharkin, northeast Northern Ireland, was damaged in an apparent attempted arson attack early Saturday.
A bomb alert also delayed the parade there for several hours.
Many on the Catholic side steer clear of the parades, of which there are 19 across Northern Ireland this year, now been rebranded as an "Orangefest".
While-ever these politico-religious marches continue there will be no permanent settlement in Ireland. Re-branding them makes no difference whatsoever. The outcome
for Ireland will inevitably be unification, the just solution for Ireland, and those who perpetuate division and intolerance are obstacles in the way of progress.
(Alan in Dyfed)
Scottish Government Tackles "Ageism"
From the Scots Independent....
The Scottish Government has launched a very positive campaign this week, which some of you may have seen on TV and in the newspapers aimed at ending ageism in our society. I have been particularly impressed by the television adverts which, unusually for public service broadcasts were both entertaining and thought provoking.
Ageism affects both young and old alike and the latest ads are a good way to highlight how stereotypes, often reinforced by misleading tabloid headlines, lead to irrational tensions and fears between young and old.
Like those issues related to religion, gender and colour, people of all ages need to look at individuals as people, regardless of who they are and make their decisions on that. Good and bad doesn't run between people, but often runs through them.
All of us have been young at some point, even me, and most of us will end up being old. What we need to start doing is to communicate and I am certain this latest campaign by the Government will lead to some positive dialogue on that front. It is a long overdue initiative, but a positive step in the right direction
New Light on the Holy Grail
The search is still on to find the resting place of the Holy Grail and the spotlight has moved to Wales. Paste this into the browser window and read on:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/07/12/welsh-claim-to-origins-of-the-holy-grail-91466-21328768/
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/07/12/welsh-claim-to-origins-of-the-holy-grail-91466-21328768/
Friday, 11 July 2008
Equal Status for Wales and Scotland a Prerequisite of Total Devolution
AMs want same powers as Scotland
Jul 11 2008 WalesOnline
THE vast majority of Assembly Members want Wales to have the same powers as the Scottish Parliament.
Approximately 80% of AMs who took part in an Ipsos MORI poll said they wanted the Assembly to have law-making and tax-varying powers.
All Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru AMs wanted Scottish-style powers, as did 75% of Labour AMs and two out of three Conservatives.
It was also revealed that nine out of 10 read the Western Mail.
Health minister Edwina Hart was considered the most impressive AM, but only gained support from 17% of those questioned. Around six out of 10 could not think of a colleague who stood out. Thirty-six of the Senedd’s 60 AMs were interviewed last autumn for the poll. When asked how the economy would perform over the next 12 months, only the Conservatives though it would get worse. Two-thirds of Labour AMs predicted an improvement.
The research further states: “Our survey suggests that the general public have a fairly good grasp on which issues are devolved to the National Assembly, at least in terms of the correspondence that AMs receive. Their postbags tend to be dominated with letters and approaches on issues such as health, housing, transport, care of the elderly, education and so on (all of which are devolved issues), with very few indicating that they are approached about non-devolved issues such as crime and law and order.”
Jul 11 2008 WalesOnline
THE vast majority of Assembly Members want Wales to have the same powers as the Scottish Parliament.
Approximately 80% of AMs who took part in an Ipsos MORI poll said they wanted the Assembly to have law-making and tax-varying powers.
All Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru AMs wanted Scottish-style powers, as did 75% of Labour AMs and two out of three Conservatives.
It was also revealed that nine out of 10 read the Western Mail.
Health minister Edwina Hart was considered the most impressive AM, but only gained support from 17% of those questioned. Around six out of 10 could not think of a colleague who stood out. Thirty-six of the Senedd’s 60 AMs were interviewed last autumn for the poll. When asked how the economy would perform over the next 12 months, only the Conservatives though it would get worse. Two-thirds of Labour AMs predicted an improvement.
The research further states: “Our survey suggests that the general public have a fairly good grasp on which issues are devolved to the National Assembly, at least in terms of the correspondence that AMs receive. Their postbags tend to be dominated with letters and approaches on issues such as health, housing, transport, care of the elderly, education and so on (all of which are devolved issues), with very few indicating that they are approached about non-devolved issues such as crime and law and order.”
Truth Knows No Borders
"Labour in Westminster is authoritarian, promotes inequality, is responsible for rising child and pensioner poverty and has promoted corporate greed - allowing the city of London to lend to people who couldn't afford it, just to perpetuate a housing and consumer boom."
From the blog Welsh Ramblings.
From the blog Welsh Ramblings.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
U.K. - A Resurgent New Landscape Envisioned
It is quite clear to those who keep their eyes and ears open and who peruse the media that Britain is in a state of social and moral decay. It would seem that the government believes that Britain never had it so good, and that the economy is robust and can withstand this minor blip which is not, we are told, leading us into recession let alone depression. However, depression is what is sweeping across the country (or countries that make up the state of Britain). We read of stories of criminals getting away with murder, and that burglars will not be sent to jail (partly because it costs too much to accommodate them and because the prisons are overflowing). We read of individuals being arrested for defending their homes and families from the onslaught of mindless thugs and yobs. Is this the kind of society we grew up in and were told was admired throughout the world? Britain - the land of the free, the home of democracy? Where a man's word was his bond?
Not on your life!
Is there so much apathy and complacency among the populace that nobody is prepared to stand up against this unacceptable state of affairs? Society is gripped by fear and insecurity, physical and economic. The government has borrowed billions, and is once again in a financial predicament where it appears that the only way to buy time is to borrow more. Immigration is totally out of control. Who knows what the situation will be when the Conservatives regain power as they surely will, in England at least? As for Scotland, the SNP will reap a windfall of support from across the whole of Scotland and the stage will be set for independence. The same will apply in Wales as even the most ingrained Labour voters, and the trade unions, will see that this government is at the least incompetent and inept and has lost control of the economy and society. At worst, it is deliberately pursuing a policy of pushing society into greater state control. Society is being led into a strait-jacket of rules and regulations and surveillance measures, ranging from ubiquitously positioned cameras to the collection of DNA and identity information (which is then lost and compromised).
Wales rejects this kind of society and so does Scotland. These proud nations rebel against the prospect of remaining a part of this degraded state of Britain, where real values are considered worthless and people of spirit and dignity are treated with contempt or are abused or ignored. There still remain those who are willing to stand up for their principles despite the certainty of being shouted down by those who believe they are in control of the reins of power. These politicians are desperately attempting to win back popular support by twists and turns and backtracking and even u-turns but are they to be believed? Do they really expect the public to forgive and forget and re-elect them into power after all the muddied water that has passed under Westminster Bridge?
Time moves on and we move with the changes. It is the only way, and we should look forward with optimism and expectation towards the creation of a new society with its roots way back in the past when times were different and true values were accepted and practised in an atmosphere of genuine respect and trust. The onset of independence will revitalise all the nations of the British Isles, and England too will rise to the event and sing its own anthem, fly its own flag and hold its own parliament. The United Kingdom, established in 1801, is no longer valid, constitutionally or realistically. Thus the old Britain will be relegated to the tides of history and a new spirit will emerge. The four/five(?) British nations will stand independent and interdependent alongside all the nations and cultures that make up the European confederation. That day will come! It will be here sooner than you realise.
Addendum
Professor Patrick Minford of Cardiff University Business School said: “How long it will last is a very serious issue; it could be several years. It is very hard to see a quick resolution.”
Meanwhile Professor David Brooksbank, director of enterprise at Uwic’s Cardiff School of Management, said all indications pointed to a major down turn in the economy.
He added: “The situation is clearly very worrying. Technically we are not in recession, in terms that we have not seen two quarters of negative growth, but we are in for a very rough ride.
Not on your life!
Is there so much apathy and complacency among the populace that nobody is prepared to stand up against this unacceptable state of affairs? Society is gripped by fear and insecurity, physical and economic. The government has borrowed billions, and is once again in a financial predicament where it appears that the only way to buy time is to borrow more. Immigration is totally out of control. Who knows what the situation will be when the Conservatives regain power as they surely will, in England at least? As for Scotland, the SNP will reap a windfall of support from across the whole of Scotland and the stage will be set for independence. The same will apply in Wales as even the most ingrained Labour voters, and the trade unions, will see that this government is at the least incompetent and inept and has lost control of the economy and society. At worst, it is deliberately pursuing a policy of pushing society into greater state control. Society is being led into a strait-jacket of rules and regulations and surveillance measures, ranging from ubiquitously positioned cameras to the collection of DNA and identity information (which is then lost and compromised).
Wales rejects this kind of society and so does Scotland. These proud nations rebel against the prospect of remaining a part of this degraded state of Britain, where real values are considered worthless and people of spirit and dignity are treated with contempt or are abused or ignored. There still remain those who are willing to stand up for their principles despite the certainty of being shouted down by those who believe they are in control of the reins of power. These politicians are desperately attempting to win back popular support by twists and turns and backtracking and even u-turns but are they to be believed? Do they really expect the public to forgive and forget and re-elect them into power after all the muddied water that has passed under Westminster Bridge?
Time moves on and we move with the changes. It is the only way, and we should look forward with optimism and expectation towards the creation of a new society with its roots way back in the past when times were different and true values were accepted and practised in an atmosphere of genuine respect and trust. The onset of independence will revitalise all the nations of the British Isles, and England too will rise to the event and sing its own anthem, fly its own flag and hold its own parliament. The United Kingdom, established in 1801, is no longer valid, constitutionally or realistically. Thus the old Britain will be relegated to the tides of history and a new spirit will emerge. The four/five(?) British nations will stand independent and interdependent alongside all the nations and cultures that make up the European confederation. That day will come! It will be here sooner than you realise.
Addendum
Professor Patrick Minford of Cardiff University Business School said: “How long it will last is a very serious issue; it could be several years. It is very hard to see a quick resolution.”
Meanwhile Professor David Brooksbank, director of enterprise at Uwic’s Cardiff School of Management, said all indications pointed to a major down turn in the economy.
He added: “The situation is clearly very worrying. Technically we are not in recession, in terms that we have not seen two quarters of negative growth, but we are in for a very rough ride.
A Welsh American Goes Largely Unrecognised
Buried in an unmarked grave in Trinity Church in New York’s Wall Street is a man who sacrificed all for his new country, and in fact was one of its founders. Who signed one of the most significant documents of the modern age, in fact gave birth to the modern age.
Francis Lewis is a name forgotten in his native land. He is Almost forgotten in his adopted country. He is remembered in the US by a couple of street names, and a high school in Queens, NY (Francis Lewis High School). Yet this man sacrificed all on gospel proportions. He lost all his property (reputedly the second wealthiest man in the colonies). His Library. And worse of all his wife (who was captured by the British and imprisonment eventually killed her). Finally by signing the declaration, sealed his fate as a traitor. He was truly a martyr.
He was born in 1713 in Llandaff, Wales to the Rev. Francis Lewis and Ann Pettigal. He was orphaned at 5 and was sent to live with a maiden aunt in North Wales who taught him Welsh. After that he was sent up to Scotland where he learnt Gaelic (probably one of the few that spoke) He went to Westminster school where he gained a reputation as a classical scholar. He finally settled in New York, where he was a merchant. Where he married the sister of his partner, Edward Annesley. He and Anne had seven children (3 of whom survived). He was caught up in the French Indian Wars, captured at Fort Oswego (probably the inspiration for the “Last of the Mohicans”). Apparently, his Welsh was the reason that he was spared by the native chief, who thought it was a Indian language. He was shipped back to France in a box!
When he was released he continued his business in New York, making his fortune and retiring from his work whilst he was in his 50s. He became active in secret societies such as the “Sons of Liberty”. He was elected in1775 to the New York Provincial Congress. He was later elected a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776.
History records that neither he or his fellow delegate William Floyd (of Welsh descent) did not contribute to he debate, or vote on July 4th (because their colony had not instructed them to) they assented on July 19th and signed on August 2nd. With this act Lewis sealed his fate, his house was destroyed and his wife imprisoned. He was regarded as a man of high integrity with a powerful intellect . In 1779 he retired from politics (worn out by the death of his wife) and died in New York in 1803 in relative poverty. His son Morgan, went on to be Governor of New York, and founder of New York University.
It is a shame that this great son of Liberty should remain in obscurity. There is no monument to this great man in the land of his birth. This should be of concern to all Welsh. The National Assembly should erect a monument to celebrate his tercentenary of his birth in 2013. Welsh societies in North America should look at him, and not focus on mythical names such as Madoc. This a real hero! Celebrate him.
Michael Cridland
Dodge City
Kansas
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
The Lost Land of Wales
Wales has lost land on its eastern border,not from the incursions of the sea, but from the encroachment of the Mercians and Saxons and the establishment of the Marcher lordships in an attempt to pacify the borders. The western areas of Shropshire and Herefordshire were Welsh-speaking well into the 19th Century, and many Welsh place-names exist there today, though they are mispronounced by the resident population.
It is interesting to note that the people of Oswestry would like the town to revert to Wales, just as the people of Berwick on the Scottish border wish their town to revert to Scotland.
The following story tells of the loss of the western territory, Cantre'r Gwaelod, through the action of the sea. The remnants of the ancient forests can still be observed at low tide.
(alanindyfed)
This tale is one of two stories of a similar theme attached to Cardigan Bay in Gwynedd. This story is the later one of the two and explains how a realm was lost to the sea through debauchery and drunkenness. There are traces of walls and roadways under the sea at Carmarthen bay, they can be seen at low tide and may have given rise to the legend of the 'Lost Lowland Hundred'.
Many centuries ago in the area where the river Dyfi (Dovey) meets the Atlantic Ocean, a great kingdom stood far out in the low lying land. The kingdom was called Cantref y Gwaelod and its many towns, farms and gleaming cities were protected from the sea by a series of sluices and dams.
The area was ruled over by a Prince called Gwyddno, who had ruled well for many years. In fact he had been so successful that the kingdom enjoyed a great period of prosperity, and the Prince and his subjects were want to overindulge in the more pleasurable aspects of life. As time went on the drinking, parties and wanton debauchery were the talk of the whole of Wales.
During this time the man in charge of up-keeping the solid defences against the sea was called Seithenyn. He was a Prince of Dyfed, and a man of high status in keeping with the importance of his task. At first he was diligent in all aspects of his role, but as time wore on he became addicted to the pleasures of the Court, in a state of drunken stupor most nights as well as much of the day, he began to neglect his duties. In time the dams became weather beaten and crumbling, and the sluices began to stiffen with rust. Many parts of the defences became leaky and with every pounding tide of the winter the dam became weaker.
One man began to notice the decay and the danger from the ever-encroaching sea. His name was Teithryn, and he was in charge of the Northern stretches of the dyke. While his vigilance in tending the Northern dams ensured they were sound his fears were ignored by courtiers, too busy with the nights entertainment to worry about the grumbling of a dam keeper.
Seithenyn also ignored his fears, he was by now a hopeless drunkard and in no fit state to be in charge of such a weighty responsibility.
One day in the depths of winter during the highest tides of the season, Teithynin, who was well versed in weather lore, saw the warning signs of a gigantic storm brewing. That night during the inevitable feasting, Teithryn drank very little and for the last time tried to warn the people of the approaching disaster. They laughed at him and told him to enjoy himself and stop worrying about something that could never happen
When he knew there was little time left, he went to the safety of high ground, and left the courtiers in their drunken stupor.
When the storm came it was the most furious in living memory, it brought before it a huge storm surge which swept over the dam as one great wave. Seithenyn cursing and shouting at the waves ran at the water with his drawn sword in an attempt to send back the waves, he was drowned instantly by a mighty weight of water.
The whole of the kingdom vanished beneath the waves that night, out of the thousands of people only a few escaped. As well as Teithryn the vigilant Northern keeper, Gwyddno and a few of his subjects managed to drag themselves to shore, they lived in poverty for the rest of their lives lamenting their selfish ways.
Some of the ancient roadways and part of the dam system, is said to be still visible out in the bay during the lowest tides of the year.
It is interesting to note that the people of Oswestry would like the town to revert to Wales, just as the people of Berwick on the Scottish border wish their town to revert to Scotland.
The following story tells of the loss of the western territory, Cantre'r Gwaelod, through the action of the sea. The remnants of the ancient forests can still be observed at low tide.
(alanindyfed)
This tale is one of two stories of a similar theme attached to Cardigan Bay in Gwynedd. This story is the later one of the two and explains how a realm was lost to the sea through debauchery and drunkenness. There are traces of walls and roadways under the sea at Carmarthen bay, they can be seen at low tide and may have given rise to the legend of the 'Lost Lowland Hundred'.
Many centuries ago in the area where the river Dyfi (Dovey) meets the Atlantic Ocean, a great kingdom stood far out in the low lying land. The kingdom was called Cantref y Gwaelod and its many towns, farms and gleaming cities were protected from the sea by a series of sluices and dams.
The area was ruled over by a Prince called Gwyddno, who had ruled well for many years. In fact he had been so successful that the kingdom enjoyed a great period of prosperity, and the Prince and his subjects were want to overindulge in the more pleasurable aspects of life. As time went on the drinking, parties and wanton debauchery were the talk of the whole of Wales.
During this time the man in charge of up-keeping the solid defences against the sea was called Seithenyn. He was a Prince of Dyfed, and a man of high status in keeping with the importance of his task. At first he was diligent in all aspects of his role, but as time wore on he became addicted to the pleasures of the Court, in a state of drunken stupor most nights as well as much of the day, he began to neglect his duties. In time the dams became weather beaten and crumbling, and the sluices began to stiffen with rust. Many parts of the defences became leaky and with every pounding tide of the winter the dam became weaker.
One man began to notice the decay and the danger from the ever-encroaching sea. His name was Teithryn, and he was in charge of the Northern stretches of the dyke. While his vigilance in tending the Northern dams ensured they were sound his fears were ignored by courtiers, too busy with the nights entertainment to worry about the grumbling of a dam keeper.
Seithenyn also ignored his fears, he was by now a hopeless drunkard and in no fit state to be in charge of such a weighty responsibility.
One day in the depths of winter during the highest tides of the season, Teithynin, who was well versed in weather lore, saw the warning signs of a gigantic storm brewing. That night during the inevitable feasting, Teithryn drank very little and for the last time tried to warn the people of the approaching disaster. They laughed at him and told him to enjoy himself and stop worrying about something that could never happen
When he knew there was little time left, he went to the safety of high ground, and left the courtiers in their drunken stupor.
When the storm came it was the most furious in living memory, it brought before it a huge storm surge which swept over the dam as one great wave. Seithenyn cursing and shouting at the waves ran at the water with his drawn sword in an attempt to send back the waves, he was drowned instantly by a mighty weight of water.
The whole of the kingdom vanished beneath the waves that night, out of the thousands of people only a few escaped. As well as Teithryn the vigilant Northern keeper, Gwyddno and a few of his subjects managed to drag themselves to shore, they lived in poverty for the rest of their lives lamenting their selfish ways.
Some of the ancient roadways and part of the dam system, is said to be still visible out in the bay during the lowest tides of the year.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Cymru for the Cymry
Would Wales be better off governing itself instead of being misgoverned as a part of Britain? Yes it would, immeasurably.
Britain is itself being maliciously misgoverned and popular opinion affirms this as evidenced by recent opinion polls which place the Conservatives far ahead of Labour. Yet Conservative solutions and attitudes to society offer no solace to the people of Wales.
Without the ameliorating effects of governance by the Welsh Assembly, which removes Wales from direct British rule in a number of key areas, Wales would be in a far worse situation than it is in today.
It is indeed undeniable that Britain is heading into recession, whatever the government sources issue in the way of propaganda. No doubt the government will claim that this is the result of 10 years of Tory misrule before the 10 years of Labour misrule when the national resources were squandered by a profligate Chancellor-cum-Prime Minister. Wales would have no part in the type of expensive and risky foreign adventures initiated by the Bush-Blair unholy alliance. 19th Century political mentality has no place in contemporary Wales, which draws its strength from its own national spirit and history, a history which has been ignored and largely untaught within the country which spawned it.
Change is in the air and cannot be stopped as it is a natural and inevitable process leading to a new birth of Celtic consciousness throughout Britain. A population of 10 million is insistent in its call for retribution, and there are many in England who, besides supporting the unification of Ireland, also give their tacit support to Scottish and Welsh independence and the emergence of England as a separate nation within the European federation.
We should also remember our Celtic cousins in Breizh, Ellan Vannin and Kernow.
They deserve the right to control their own futures and destinies just as much as Alba and Cymru do.
(following a comment from nitrotab)
Britain is itself being maliciously misgoverned and popular opinion affirms this as evidenced by recent opinion polls which place the Conservatives far ahead of Labour. Yet Conservative solutions and attitudes to society offer no solace to the people of Wales.
Without the ameliorating effects of governance by the Welsh Assembly, which removes Wales from direct British rule in a number of key areas, Wales would be in a far worse situation than it is in today.
It is indeed undeniable that Britain is heading into recession, whatever the government sources issue in the way of propaganda. No doubt the government will claim that this is the result of 10 years of Tory misrule before the 10 years of Labour misrule when the national resources were squandered by a profligate Chancellor-cum-Prime Minister. Wales would have no part in the type of expensive and risky foreign adventures initiated by the Bush-Blair unholy alliance. 19th Century political mentality has no place in contemporary Wales, which draws its strength from its own national spirit and history, a history which has been ignored and largely untaught within the country which spawned it.
Change is in the air and cannot be stopped as it is a natural and inevitable process leading to a new birth of Celtic consciousness throughout Britain. A population of 10 million is insistent in its call for retribution, and there are many in England who, besides supporting the unification of Ireland, also give their tacit support to Scottish and Welsh independence and the emergence of England as a separate nation within the European federation.
We should also remember our Celtic cousins in Breizh, Ellan Vannin and Kernow.
They deserve the right to control their own futures and destinies just as much as Alba and Cymru do.
(following a comment from nitrotab)
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Wales Has Musical Talent
The X-Factor moghuls have criticised Welsh musical talent. Wales brims with talent and has always led the way. Step forward and be recognised....
Send us video clips of you showing off your talents and we’ll put the best on our website, walesonline.co.uk. Then the whole of the world will be able to see just how talented a nation we are.
Simply send your clips to www.walesonline.co.uk/yourvideo
andrew.dagnell@mediawales.co.uk
Send us video clips of you showing off your talents and we’ll put the best on our website, walesonline.co.uk. Then the whole of the world will be able to see just how talented a nation we are.
Simply send your clips to www.walesonline.co.uk/yourvideo
andrew.dagnell@mediawales.co.uk
Friday, 4 July 2008
The Small Nations Festival - Gwyl y Cenhedloedd Bychain 2008
(Thanks to Rhobert ap Steffan)
Welcome to the new website of the Small Nations Festival, a celebration of the music of Wales and other small nations.
Here you will find the best of Welsh and International music in all its wonderful variety, all packed into one week-end (11-13 July) in the most idyllic setting, near Cilycwm, Llandovery, mid Wales.
Small Nations Festival is, and will remain, a small festival with a total capacity of 1500.
www.smallnations.co.uk
© 2007–2008 Small Nations Music Ltd.
Welcome to the new website of the Small Nations Festival, a celebration of the music of Wales and other small nations.
Here you will find the best of Welsh and International music in all its wonderful variety, all packed into one week-end (11-13 July) in the most idyllic setting, near Cilycwm, Llandovery, mid Wales.
Small Nations Festival is, and will remain, a small festival with a total capacity of 1500.
www.smallnations.co.uk
© 2007–2008 Small Nations Music Ltd.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Government Fears Cultural Terrorism
It appears that the Immigration Department fears an onslaught of foreign culture
by preventing musical groups from attending the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Shame on them - and I repeat "Shame on them".
Let Cymru free to invite the world to perform and entertain the people of Wales!
Immigration official’s visit after Llangollen visa woe
Jul 3 2008 by Rhodri Clark, Western Mail
ONE of Britain’s most senior immigration officials will be a guest of honour at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod next week, as the event tries to shake off the visa woes of recent years.
The Eisteddfod was founded after the Second World War to promote peace and understanding through the international language of music, and features hundreds of dancers, singers and instrumentalists from around the world.
But tightened security in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York in September 2001 left many groups of performers struggling to obtain visas from UK embassies for their Llangollen visits.
The low point was the 2004 Eisteddfod, which came after a furore over Bulgarian and Roman- ian asylum-seekers being given easy UK entry because of what the Home Office admitted were “serious failings” in the immigration service. The Government responded by promising to “toughen visa procedure”.
One group of Ukrainian folk singers spent a week camped outside the British Embassy in Kiev in a desperate attempt to secure visas to travel to Llangollen.
An Indian dance troupe which had competed in Llangollen annually for a decade was refused visas, and the mayor of a Bulgarian village turned away a coach-load of British tourists in protest after a local dance group was refused visas for Llangollen.
In 2005, dancers from Macedonia complained of humiliation after being forced to dance outside the British embassy to prove to officials they were genuine performers.
But Eisteddfod organisers are confident there will be fewer visa problems at this year’s event, where Mark Sedwill, international director of the UK Border Agency, will be a day president.
Mervyn Cousins, the Eisteddfod’s executive director, said Mr Sedwill’s visit would be part of the improved dialogue and relationship between the Eisteddfod and officials tasked with controlling immigration to the UK.
by preventing musical groups from attending the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Shame on them - and I repeat "Shame on them".
Let Cymru free to invite the world to perform and entertain the people of Wales!
Immigration official’s visit after Llangollen visa woe
Jul 3 2008 by Rhodri Clark, Western Mail
ONE of Britain’s most senior immigration officials will be a guest of honour at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod next week, as the event tries to shake off the visa woes of recent years.
The Eisteddfod was founded after the Second World War to promote peace and understanding through the international language of music, and features hundreds of dancers, singers and instrumentalists from around the world.
But tightened security in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York in September 2001 left many groups of performers struggling to obtain visas from UK embassies for their Llangollen visits.
The low point was the 2004 Eisteddfod, which came after a furore over Bulgarian and Roman- ian asylum-seekers being given easy UK entry because of what the Home Office admitted were “serious failings” in the immigration service. The Government responded by promising to “toughen visa procedure”.
One group of Ukrainian folk singers spent a week camped outside the British Embassy in Kiev in a desperate attempt to secure visas to travel to Llangollen.
An Indian dance troupe which had competed in Llangollen annually for a decade was refused visas, and the mayor of a Bulgarian village turned away a coach-load of British tourists in protest after a local dance group was refused visas for Llangollen.
In 2005, dancers from Macedonia complained of humiliation after being forced to dance outside the British embassy to prove to officials they were genuine performers.
But Eisteddfod organisers are confident there will be fewer visa problems at this year’s event, where Mark Sedwill, international director of the UK Border Agency, will be a day president.
Mervyn Cousins, the Eisteddfod’s executive director, said Mr Sedwill’s visit would be part of the improved dialogue and relationship between the Eisteddfod and officials tasked with controlling immigration to the UK.
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