Annual Cilmeri Commemoration Programme Proposals.

Annual Cilmeri Commemoration 2006: Proposals to concerned 'Cilmeriaid'.

Posted 7 Tachwedd 2006.

ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com
Please note all pictures are G.ap Gruffydd (C) Ysbryd Cofiwn. No reproduction without permission.

2005: Pictures shows the ''Sacred Acre'' made presentable by flag display courtesy of the members of 'Balchder Cymru', their enthusiasm and efforts are applauded.

The following proposals are actually more suggestions but put forward so that others concerned with organising Cilmeri Commemoration may at least consider. Who exactly organises Cilmeri I do not know so the following could be proposals taken aboard by anyone. These proposals are in main of concern with the 1966 - 2006, 40th anniversary ''founding'' Cilmeri Commemoration. They may be taken as given with genuine concern for future of the Cilmeri Commemoration but with particular concern regards the fourthcoming 1282 - 2007, 725th Anniversary Commemorations taking place throughout the land through the year and concluding at the annual Cilmeri Commemoration (Also at Aberedw as from 2006) in December of that year. You will have already noted my concern is in main with new developments regards commemorative work at Aberedw, reasons for which have already been given in posting future posting Cilmeri 2006 to Aberedw 2007.

2005: Picture shows patriots gathered at Cilmeri cenotaph listening to speeches, following tribute to Toni Lewis made earlier by Gethin ap Gruffydd.

REMINDERThat 2006 Marks 40th Anniversary of the founding in 1966 by the Patriotic Front of the annual Cilmeri Gathering, that's your first off reminder. Your second reminder is that Llywelyn ap Gruffydd 'Tywysog Gwynedd' and 'Tywysog Cymru' was killed on 11 Rhagfyr 1282 at Aberedw, this is the patriotically correct line that patriots hence should follow. However, we still support the now annual tradition of annual gathering at the 'Sacred Acre' to hold Rali Cilmeri around the Cenotaph Coffad 1282. For it was close by at Rhosferig were 'Byddin Gwynedd' pitched camp on 10 Rhagfyr 1282 and whom after Llywelyn III was assassinated were themselves slaughtered at the 'Massacre of Parc ar Irfon' on the 12 Rhagfyr 1282. Athough commemorative activities are suggested by ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN INITIATIVE on the same day at Aberedw, all agree that Cilmeri and it's commemoration ceremonies annually held on the Saturday may remain the main focus of 1282 Commemoration due not least it being more central and convenient regards parking and parading. At least this may remain the position for 2006 commemoration which may be the "Last Picture Show'' for some if certain matters are not delt with regards the Cilmeri commemoration. Matters I have brought to the attention of those concerned whom I believe are taking aboard and acting on my suggestions. as I would argue is the correct thing to do. We now also annually may commemorate there at Cilmeri that this Radical nationalist rally it is our longest running patriotic gathering, particularly of 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' who will ever oppose and seek to thwart Investitures of any English Prince as 'Tywysog Cymru'.

2004: Picture taken at Capel Pennal is of Toni Lewis in a ''tradional Cymric Costume dress'' as befits his rank of Gwent Commandant F.W.A./P.F. Volunteer. Toni then as president of the PATRIOTIC FRONT may be seen as the founder organiser in 1966 of the first Rali Cilmeri as gathering in main of ''Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol'' (Radical Alternative Nationalists). Further information on all this will be posted up soon.

SEE BELOW REGARDS PROGRAMME PROPOSALS

TO IN MAIN PREVIOUS CONCERNED ORGANSIERS AND EVENT SUPPORTERS.

REMINDER Perhaps needless to say but i will, a special effort must be made to encourage a large turn out for this 40th anniversary Cilmeri gathering, at which ''Adfywiadwyr'' must reaffirm their

A Patriotic Pact and Pledge with the Covenant of the Ethos of Cilmeri.

Picture by Toni Lewis represents symbolically the long night our home land is plunged into following the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd in 1282.

This Covenant is our declaration that we not only attend commemoration to 'Cofia 1282' and the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd but also to remind ourselves and others that we gather at Cilmeri as ''Cilmeriaid'' to declare that ever we shall oppose the English Monarchy claiming sovereignty over our homeland. Further, that as ''Cilmeriaid'' we annually swear following reading of this covenant that we will resist all further investitures of English princes of Cymru. I would suggest that this covenant be read out to conclude the DAY OF COMMEMORATIONS AT CILMERI, followed by the National Anthem, then I suggest followed by the ''Patriotic Baptisms'' (organised by B.C.) and this year at least a torch light parade with 40 torches or 40 candles led by CAMBRIA BAND back to Tafarn Llywelyn. This has been done once before and it looks excellent on film, which we hope to have on DVD with other Cilmeri footage by Cilmeri 2007, hopefully? To make torchlight procession look effective there is need for the Sun to have gone down and darkness truely prevails, this may not be possible to carry out every year but for 40th anniversary an effort be made.

Picture by Toni Lewis symbolically represents the new golden dawn as annually ''Adfywiadwyr Gwladgarol'' gather at the Cilmeri cenotaph but only for as long as they remember why they are there. Others may assemble annually at Cilmeri just to 'Cofia 1282' but ''Adfywiadwyr Gwir'' gather there annually to reaffirm the patriotic pact and pledge to the Covenant of the Ethos of Cilmeri, swearing to continue opposition to the English Monarchy. I can personally see no reason for so called ''Welsh Republicans'' to be there unless it is for this purpose, so stand fourth ''Welsh Republicans'' or move on to Garreg Wasted which is perhaps the rock you need to stand around waving your Tri - Colours? (See future posting on subject of ''Republicans'' at Cilmeri.

Cilmeri 2006 is important as 40th Anniversary and thus I hope tribute will be made to it's founder Toni Lewis, then president of the Patriotic Front. However, in 2007 we will be marking the 25th anniversary of the great 1982 Cofiwn Cilmeri gathering and at same time the 725th anniversary of 1282, thus the big one? So, Cilmeri 2006 must be the launching platform for Cilmeri 2007 and thus it is a priority that all problems are sorted and presentation made better not least in public declarations. I would suggest a possible best way forward to solve problems and differences so no one need feel that compromises of patriotic principles or that convictions have to be set aside. All that is needed is the recognition that the annual Cilmeri gathering is a DAY OF COMMEMORATIONS in four parts/ceremonies at the Cilmeri cenotaph and they be as follows:

2005: Picture shows Gethin ap Gruffydd rising up 'Baner Llywelyn' at Rhosferig, following which this flag is taken across the ''Killing Ground'' to Parc ar Irfon. If wishing to do the same wear good boots as protection against mud plus really check out the pathways on maps as the signposts are often hidden away by hedge growth or may have been taken town. It is so easy to meander of course so take care.

Prologue: ''Osgordd Gwynedd'' will assemble at 11:00 am annually with others from meeting place at Eglwys Llanganten and walk to Rhosferig to rise up 'Baner Llywelyn'', then also the flag of Aberffraw/Gwynedd and of course Cymru Rydd. Please note those who wish to do so may later in the day or on the morrow lay flowers near Builth Golf Course at Parc ar Irfon where 'Byddin Llywelyn' were massacred. Ivy leaves may also be thrown into the waters of Afon Irfon from Bont Rhosferig which is close by.

2005: Picture shows Afon Irfon taken from Bont Rhosferig, a river that runs red with the blood of our Welsh Warriors through the veins of all true patriots. My God! that's a bit over the top and romantically ''Ultra Nationalist'' but it sounded so poetic as it went through my mind. HHHhhhmmm!!!! Am I getting a bit too ''Retro'' here? What ever, remember scatter Ivy on the waters of the Irfon in memory of the massacred 'Byddin Llywelyn'. Slaughtered probably on the 12 Rhagfyr 1282. See the wrttings of Welsh Historian Anthony Edwards which i will make more detailed mention of soon.

These are addidtional annual 'Cofia 1282' commemorative activities that Ysbryd Cofiwn initiated last year as well as a walk across the ''battle field'' (Killing ground) from Rhosferig to Parc ar Irfon. Note very muddy at this December time of year which I found to my cost, as i carried 'Baner Llywelyn'' along this route in tribute to Toni Lewis who had died month previous. I had then placed this 'Baner Llywelyn' at the Cilmeri Cenotaph after presenting it to representatives of Gwynedd. The following day this 'Baner Llywelyn' was presented to representatives of ANTUR LLYS RHOSYR who now have it in their safe keeping. So to proposals and they are just that but made after much thought with many consideratios to the fore, I see below as best way to avoid future problems that no doubt will arise as often stirred up by the English Secret Service 'Agents Provocutuers' who as well make of Cilmeri Commemoration an annual ''Jam Pot'' event. Though today they are more likly to use ''Honey Trap'' web sites, does that make you paranoid? No need if you are careful and question of all you see and read, so you have been warned. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!

P1: 12 Noon an Opening Ceremony by representatives of Antur Llys Rhosyr and of ''OSGORDD GWYNEDD'', supported by Cymdeithas Gwenllian and other 1282/Llywelyn ''Direct Interest bodies''. P1 Ceremony Convenor will be?

P2: 12: 30 pm. During this part/Ceremony ''history Societies'' will place wreaths, I suggest this be organised by Fforwm Hanes Cymru. This will be kept formal and simple with verbal tributes also allowed as requested. P2 Ceremony Convenor will be ?

P3: 1 - 2: 00 pm be regarded as an ''OPEN HOUR'' for representatives of other organisations and local authorities will be allowed to lay wreaths and make verbal tributes, This will particularly be an important feature of 2007 Day of Commemoration. Personally i consider it appropriate and thus suggest that Antur Llys Rhosyr * organises this. P3 Ceremony Convenor will be?

* I would hope in time a 'Cymdeithas Llywelyn ap Gruffydd' be established and then would they be responsible for Part Three as noted above. I find it amazing there exists a Cymdeithas Gwenllian and not a Cymdeithas Llywelyn III, After all there exist a number of societies to commemorate Owain Glyndwr but none for Llywelyn the last native prince of Aberffraw and of Gwynedd, if anyone is interested in establishing such I would of course assist to such end. Especially if it meant such society could assume responsibilities regards commemoration 1282 - 2007, 725th Anniversary of 1282 in Gwynedd, nationally and contribute to Aberedw and Cilmeri 2007.

NB: I hope it is not lost on one and all that I have suggested this programme so there are no argument about ''extremists'' or ''moderates'' and it is very clear who is organising what and which part is ''historical'' and which part is ''political''. So hopefully that will help sustain much ''unity and solidarity''. I also propose on basis of this, there is no need for central committees and time wasting as each part can be 'Autonomous' and each part have it's own organisers to get on with the organising of and publicity for it's particular part/ceremony/contribution. BEING CLEAR WHO IS ORGANISING WHAT AND WHEN, TIMES ETC AND PUBLICALLY DECLARING SUCH. For the sake of some central coordination and liaision I suggest that ANTUR LLYS RHOSYR or 'OSGORDD GWYNEDD' (Or a Cymdeithas Llywelyn?) , I propose is responsible and for calling of a meeting at future suitable time, of all present and other ''bodies'' with an interest in a Cilmeri 2007. Thus. can it be any easier and any less of a burden or problem that as above and below. I THINK NOT!

However note, that regards 2007 event, if it is desired to repeat the event of a march led by a BAND into and around Builth Wells as in 1982; then this programme will have to be ''telescoped'' to allow for such a ''Long March''. Though in 1982 remember we bussed it to the big bridge and marched in from there, the same may be repeated or from the Towns car park deciding in advance if as in 1982 the conclusion is in the car park. Off course as different from 2006 the 2007 event will cost much more money. Any meeting to discuss all this needs to appoint a financial director to get on with this; issuing appeals and chasing grants etc. My personal contribution is with others of ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN getting our Cilmeri Film Archive on to DVD so all may have a copy?

2 - 3: 00 PM BREAK AT TAFARN LLYWELYN.

2005 Picture taken by? if i am informed who by I will give credit. Picture shows march from Tafarn Llywelyn to the Cilmeri Cenotaph but what's wrong? well as far as i am concerned. No not the march itself that is organised in an attractive and orderly fasion with 'THE 18 TEILU' of the ''Baner Brenhinol Cymru - Honour Guard''. However something is not ''historically correct'' and I will deal with this more fully else where in another posting on subject of: USE OF BANERS AND FLAGS AT CILMERI AND OTHER HISTORY COMMEMORATIONS but note i mention again below.

THE TRADITIONAL RALLY 'ADFYWIAD GWLADGAROL' CILMERI.

P4: 3:00 pm start of the traditional annual 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol' Radical Nationalist Political Cilmeri Gathering preceeded by traditional march form Tafarn Llywelyn to the Cenotaph for an hour of Patriotic Political Speeches, Patriotic Songs and traditional Union Jack Burning. Concluding with reading and reaffirmation of the Patriots Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri, Anthem and patriotic baptisms and then the torch light parade back to Tafarn Llywelyn possibly this will take place by 4:30 pm, so should be dark? Back at Tafarn by 5:00 pm for an evening of Patriotic Socialising. Organised by the Patriotic Society 'BALCHDER CYMRU' who as last year are responsible for 'Sacred Acre' site preparation. P4: Ceremony Convenor Adam Phillips?

2005: Picture shows some members of ''THE 18'' making tribute to Toni Lewis following the Rali 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' of 2005. An ''anonymous wriiter'' in one of those ''republican forums'' has criticized 'THE 18 TEILU'' confusing them possibly with a previous ''Meibion Glyndwr Colour Party''. As I suggested the idea of 'THE 18' to BALCHDER CYMRU as an initiative with purpose for carrying in time of all the old medieval baners of our Gwledydd and royal tribes of the Cymru, complaints about ''uniforms'' are unfounded. The ''18 TEILU' (Teilu preferable to Tuelu, see laws of Hywel Dda) are note wearing nothing more ''militeristic'' that might be worn by the St John's Ambulance Brigade, please note the use of Ivy leaf as Beret Badge and the chest bands made up of the ''Royal Colours of the Cymry''. So please give the lads a break as they are doing a good job, myself I possibly would have gone for Red Shirts and Yellow Bandanas with great big green ''Basque Style Berets'', am I being an ultra nationalist fashion victim? or just being ''militeristic'' influenced by that heroic Italian Patriot and ''Republican/ Royalist'' GARIBALDI? (see picture following picture below). Alternative to Garibaldi is Mazzini and I suggest that Cilmeri's so called ''Welsh Republicans'' read up on he and his disillusionment with Garibaldi and why, just might to give them some good political education in which they are definatly lacking me thinks! Available on request my articles on ''Welsh Republicanism'' as a failed ''Political Ideology'', this may be useful? Myself whilst having a touch of the ''Garibaldis'' in the 60's, these days put myself more in the Mazzini Camp.

Picture shows Adam Phillips and the Balchder Cynru ''Red Shirts'' (not quite a 1000 but give them a few more years?) at Cilmeri Commemoration 2002?

2006:Picture shows a Garibaldi Inn sign, where is it? I know but do you? I am very interested to know how this public house got this name, is there a Garibaldi connection to Cymru? I know some one has put on the web that Garibaldi's grandmother came form Wales but I think that is a ''wind up'' surely? In London I once had flat overlooking Mazzini's exile cottage which enthused me to read up on the RISORGIMENTO aka the Italian Resurgence. learnt that Mazzini was visited in London by Thomas Gee but know of no other ''Welsh Connections'', do you? Yes! I have gone of track a bit but not totally of track, see my criticisms of so called ''Welsh republicanism'' soon to be published else where. DETAILS IN DUE COURSE.

I would suggest you prepare to attend with black flags with 1282 in white letters there on to remind firmly that we are there in the main to mourn the death of our prince Llywelyn III and slaughter of the warriors of Gwynedd. However, out of defeat shall arise victory, so let the White Eagles Fly

Preferably 'Heraldic Eagles' prominently to the fore after all this is an gathering to commemorate an historic event, these 'Heraldic Eagles' are the ones that should be seen displayed at the 'Sacred Acre'' (site of the Cilmeri cenotaph) and by 2007 hopefully enough will have been made to have put up on flag poles with the 4 Lions Passive and 1282 Black Flags along side of the road from Tafarn Llywelyn to the 'Sacred Acre'.

I am not opposed to the 'White Eagle Cross' flag but regard this more as a ''political flag'' to be used at protests but I am not opposed to they being carried on the march from Tafarn Llywelyn or carried by patriots around the cenotaph during the ''Adfywiad Gwladgarol'' (traditional radical nationalist) cenotaph ceremony which annually hence I suggest be the closing contribution to a DAY OF COMMEMORATION AT THE CILMERI CENOTAPH.

2005: Pictures shows close up 'Baner Llywelyn' rised up at Rhosferig prior to Cilmeri Commemoration of 2005.

However, before the Eagles can fly the Lions must roar in the wind and by this I mean that there is a need to make many more 'BanerI Llywelyn', that is the 4 lions passive the Royal Standard of Gwynedd which also needs to be to the fore. The one shown above was made by Toni Lewis RIP, However, it will be more than welcome if others pitch into some flag production and make some more 'BanerI Llywelyn/Gwynedd', Toni was very much our Patriotic Herald in Chief and made 100's of flags in his time for us but it is so difficult to get patriots to even make one flag. I and a few others do so but if we want to make COFFAD 1282 in 2006 and 2007 spectacular we need patriots to start making more flags asap. Anything else need be said? Not by me but I am sure you willl have your own views and opinions which I suggest you discuss amongst yourselves and make decisions on. All I have contributed above are but suggestions not even affirmative proposals, it's up to you?

2004: Picture shows Adam Phillips of 'BALCHDER CYMRU' helping Toni into the ''Sacred Acre'', in many ways it is quite symbolic and I should not have to explain why as in the following year Toni would die. Over recent years many of our ''Hen Cilmeriaid'' have passed away but it is good to see that a younger ''Cilmeriaid Newydd'' are replacing them as future ''Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol'', I hope? We shall see in time as it will be this generation that they will have to rise in resistance to another ''English Pretender'' seeking title of 'Tywysog Cymru'. I guess for us ''Grey Beards'' it is all over but for showing a little guidence but protesting? Give me a break! Time I moved on, I have done 45 years of this ''Patriot Game'' now time i sat back and just wrote an history.

2005: Picture shows an 'A' but where is it? look out for the 'A' at ABEREDW.

This year 2006 I will be for most part spending day at Aberedw to advance developments there for 1282 - 2007, 725th Anniversary commemoration. In 2007 I will be around at least for the march into and around Builth Wells, so if i do not see you this year I will at COFFAD 1282 - 2007, hopefully?

Gethin.