Cilmeri to Aberedw 2006 - 7 and beyond.

Cilmeri to Aberedw 2006 - 2007 and beyond.

ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com



Pics: G.ap Gruffydd(c) 2005.

The below is working towards:

725th Anniversary of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and the conquest of Cymru.

Introduction

My role as a ‘Welsh Remembrancer’ began in 1966 when I helped Toni Lewis organise the first gathering of patriots at Cilmeri, although then I was more concerned with advancing the Patriotic Front and in following years up to 1969 in forwarding the struggle against the Investiture of an Englishman as Prince of Wales. It was only after imprisonment in 1969 and then after self imposed exile to Dublin 1970 – 72 that I returned to Cymru more fully aware of the power and potential use of history in political struggle. I had learnt much in Ireland and upon return to Cymru founded the National Commemoration Association which in but short time became Cofiwn. The history of all this I will inform of at another time in further postings, I must of necessity now cut to the chase and get down to the immediate work ahead. Even though Cofiwn demised some years back I have ‘’inherited’’ it’s archive both textual and in film, much has already been deposited at the National Library of Wales in the Ty Cenedl Collection but much still remains for me to record and archive. Thus it is with two 1282 Cilmeri anniversaries on the horizon I must focus attention on in this period in my life, first regards the founding of the annual Cilmeri gathering in 1966 to the formation of Cofiwn and Cilmeri thereafter up to 1982. This year of 2006 we mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Cilmeri gathering and in 2007 we mark the 25th anniversary of the great Cofiwn organised gathering in 1982. Of course 2007 marks the 725th anniversary of 1282 and the murder of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, not at Cilmeri but at Aberedw.

Pic 2005:Hills above Aberedw.

Thus you will note below certain new developments in association with these anniversaries across 2006 into Rhagfyr 2007, in the main it means my attention will in practice be given over to producing of a book and a DVD film on the aforementioned subject matter. You will be kept fully informed of developments in this area which will be tied in with an exhibition all to be made public at the 1282 – 2007 commemoration. Other than this I am prepared to research and present ideas for commemorative events and activities keeping in mind that in 1982 Cofiwn held a year long programme of events and other activities in communities throughout the land. Information on such I begin to present below for your attention.

Potential Programme.

I have no intention of organising a great deal as I and others did with Cofiwn in 1982 for the 700th anniversary of 1282 but I am prepared to do some research and put forward ideas others as appropriate may wish to embark on. Plus providing other information and assistance as and when possible. This time around first and foremost I shall be focusing on promoting the patriotic correct history of 1282 as now made clear to us by Historian Anthony Edwards in the following pamphlets, which I advise you obtain and they are:

* Marwoliaeth Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Y Gwirionedd.

* The Massacre at Aberedw.

* Appointment at Aberedwy.

* The Ghosts on the Fairway.

* Letters of a Peacemaker.

Regards this more truthful account of this chapter of our history, it now provides us with a dilemma. That of the Cilmeri Cenotaph and annual Cilmeri commemoration held there sice 1966. The latter may continue to be a focal point for purpose of visiting to lay wreaths or flowers if wished but many may feel as I do that the annual Cilmeri Commemoration not only is some what of a distraction from the truth but some even consider it has reached it's ''Sell By Date''. If we are to promote a more patriotically truthful account of the last days of Llywelyn III we need to focus more attention on Aberedw rather than Cilmeri. Thus with this in mind note the following potential annual TAITH COFFAD 1282 we are promoting as journey to sites associated with the days of 10, 11 and 12 Rhagfyr 1282. I have devised a programme to follow annually individually or as groups over period of one or two days as may please them, I have provided times that may be followed but not observed strictly but simply as a guide.

Pic 2005: Having raised Baner Llywelyn at Rhosferig, in this photo I am setting out to walk to Parc ar Irfon. If doing the same at this time of here wear good walking boots as the ground is very muddy. Further note that even though pathway maps are available from Builth TIC the paths themselves are not marked well at all.

* 11: 30 am. I have suggested than an Osgordd Llywelyn/Plaidwyr Gwynedd Opens day of 1282 commemoration by rising up Baner Llywelyn at Rhosferig (Lluest Llywelyn 10 Rhagfyr 1282) and continuing opening ceremony at Cilmeri at 12: noon with representatives of Llywelyn III Interest Societies. If such fails to do so then individuals may continue as they please. NB 11:00 am meet near Llanganten Church, near pentre Cilmeri for short walk to Rhosferig. (Continued observance of Eglwys Llanynys event only undermines the true account of the murder of Llywelyn III, for if he had been at Llanynys then it means he was returning from Aberedw and that of course was not possible as he was dead). All welcome to attend this event which also opens the annual 1282 commemoration in central Cymru, if you arrive late then rise up your own ‘Baner Llywelyn’ and then continue our COFFAD TAITH 1282 as noted below.

Pic 2005: Afon Irfon at Bont Rhosferig Parc ar Irfon.
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* 12: 30 Please place tributes at Parc yr Irfon and throw ivy into waters of the Irfon from Bont Rhosferig to mark event of the massacre of Byddin Llywelyn on 12 Rhagfyr 1282.

* 1: 00 Refreshments Break/Lunch at Caerberis Hotel near by or if wished in Builth.

* 2: 00 Visit Builth Castle.

* 3: 00 Visit Aberedw Castle.

Pic 2005: Remains of Castle at Aberedw, suitable for a respectful commemoration but I suggest one that is strictly non - political, the politics can be left at Cilmeri and an Aberdew commemoration be one of more historical signifigance. If interested in helping to organise or attending such this coming 9 Rhagfyr 2006 and there after let me know, I have no intention of organising such myself but others may wish to do so. If there is sufficient interest shown I will put people in touch with one another, they may then jointly organise an event and possibly during course of day discuss future commemoration in years to come as an ''alternative'' to the more political Cilmeri Commemoration. This arrangemone should suit most including ''Stifyn'' and then if staying in central Cymru over 'Cofia 1282 Rememberence Weekend Cilmeri cenotaph and Cofiwn Llywelyn memorial at Abaty Cwm Hir may be visited on the Sunday.

* 3: 30 Placing 1282 Rememberance tributes at Yew Tree by Gate in Aberedw Church in memory of Llywelyn ap Gruffyd, his priest and 18 of his body guard killed at Aberedw.

Pic 2005: St Cewydd's Church at Aberedw.

* 4: 00 Evening meal at the Severn Star Restaurant in Aberedew.

Pic 2005: The Seven Stars Tafarn at Aberedw, I recommend the menu, the meals are excellent. I suggest you book in advance. If wishing to stay in Aberedw the Saturday night, go on web to search out local B&B accomodation.

This year and in other years, you may take all the time you wish spending an evening at the Seven Stars. However, in 2007 be mindful of the fact that as it will be a special year some effort will me made to encourage some ''body'' to organise a major evening social either at the Caerberis Hotel or in the Wye Side Arts Centre. The above programme is a constructive alternative to spending most of ones time in Tafarn Llywelyn, when some thing bigger needs to be organised for 2007.

National 1282 Rememberance Sunday: If having stayed the night in Ardal Builth in the morning you may visit Cilmeri cenotaph (if not visited Saturday) and Abaty Cwm Hir, placing tributes there at the Cofiwn memorial in memory of Llywelyn III buried there in 1282. Dinner may be had in local Tafarn 'The Happy Union'. Further, to these commemorative events there is also such being held at Cofeb 1282 Caernarfon and at Llys Rhosyr, near Aberffraw, Ynys Mon. As well during 'National 1282 Remembrance Sunday' we ask one and all where possible to place crosses at the gates of English castles throughout the land, especially at the Edwardian Castles in the north particularly at gates of Caernarfon Castle. More information will be made available in due course.

Remember to wear The 1282 Rememberance ‘Cofiwn’ Ivy: Start to wear the ‘Cofiwn Ivy’ on the 1st Rhagfyr and conclude on 12 Rhagfyr annually also why not light 1282 Rememberance Candles on 11 Rhagfyr in memory of Llywelyn III, his priest and Teilu (the 18) also Byddin Gwynedd who met with death by muder and masscare during these three sad tragic days of Rhagfyr 1282. Last but not least as most of the events described above take place usually on weekends prior to or following 11 Rhagfyr annually, you could also on the 11 Rhagfyr organise suitable rememberance events and activities in your communities. Further, declare reagard 1 – 12 Rhagfyr as a ’1282 Rememberance’ period within which you can organise, as example an 1282 Exhibition in your local library and encourage schools to organise activities to inform children on the year of 1282. Much else you could do, similar to that promoted by Embassy Glyndwr regards promotion of 16 Medi ‘Dydd Glyndwr’. See their website and blog: Owain Glyndwr Communicates.

1282 Black Flag Campaign over period 1 – 12 Rhagfyr annually: Hang from your own flag pole and otherwise as you can creatively imagine where to place? Certainly in Caernarfon I would suggest there take place a 1282 commemorative march form Cofeb 1282 to the gates of Caernarfon Castle with plenty of 1282 Black Flags endeavouring in time to be able to march around that ‘Castle of Conquest’ with 100’s of 1282 Black Flags (Focusing patriotic minds on an Anti - Investiture III Campaign) and maybe similar in Builth Wells to mark 725th anniversary of 1282 in 2007. Busy time ahead.

1282 – 2007 PROPOSED NATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME: Has stated above during 1982 Cofiwn members with other patriots organised a monthly series of commemorative events through out the land. The majority of these events back then turned out to be highly successful. Of course back then in 1982 there was much more patriotic unity and solidarity plus of course many more nationalists than there are today. However, let’s be optimistic and hope we can achieve what was achieved in 1982. Keeping in mind that it was these monthly events held all over the land that during course of year enthused patriots toward a massive mobilisation in Rhagfyr of that year which made possible 3000 patriots gathering at Cilmeri and then marching in and around Builth Wells.This commemoration concluding with a wonderful patriotic evening at the Wye Side Art Centre, hopefully such will be repeated in 2007. The 1982 Commemoration is all on film, may look some what vintage stuff but still fantastically stirring. So let’s go for it yes? Next year will be marked by commemorations prompted by the 'Antur Ysbryd Cofiwn' and hopefully organised by numerous groups in that connection, these events will be of local and national consequence.Now whose up for organising the ‘’kick off’’ at Castell Caergwle on the 31 March 2007 for a weekend commemoration which will conclude on 1 April 2007 ‘Sul y Blodau’ with a patriotic gathering at Hawarden Castle, anyone interested to contact.

Pic 2006: Castell Caergwle.

This historical event which will be of national import is that which marks the anniversary of the start of the 1282 war, this began when Dafydd III from his base at Castell Caergwle launched an attack on Castell Hawarden. This castle is not so far away from Castell Caergwle in an area heavy with history associated with the period of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and his brother Dafydd. Note Dafydd was captured in 1282 and executed in Shrewsbury by means of being hung, drawn and quartered, there is a small plaque on bank in town centre recording this tragic event that took place on 3 Hydref 1282. Coffad 1282 Commemorations will take place in Caergwle on and around Palm Sunday of 2007 and hopefully thereafter will become annual event, if local patriots so wish?

The photo shows the flags of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and of his brother Dafydd, view is toward Castell Hawarden to the east and England. Further information on the 1282 - 2007 Commemoration will be available soon, we shall provide details from where you may in time find information on this commemoration and ourselves help to publicise. The event described above regards episode that started war of 1282 took place on the eve of Palm Sunday in March of 1282, we can see that this is obviously an important historical event worth commemorating and certainly one that as an important anniversary stands fourth as the event to launch the 1282 - 2007, 725th anniversary commemoration. If you are keen to be involved in this commemorative event, help organise or participate in any way or have ideas then do get in touch asap.

Pic 2005: Castell Penarleg

NB: This Commemoration will be patriotic and positive, I have absolutely no time for ‘’knee Jerk Patriotism’’ nor ‘’belligerent pointless flag waving ultra nationalism’’. So anyone out there who imagines this will be a good idea to ‘’play silly games’’ or ‘’pull off stupid stunts’’. Then spend their time in the pathetic solitary pass time of fuelling their futile fantasies in ‘’rubbishy republican’’ web forum ‘’Dream Factories’’. I have one thing to say to you and that quite simply ‘BUTT OFF OK!’ There is a time and place for some patriotic flag waving but with some real sensible patriotic purpose and not of the nature and content as forementioned this is no more that ‘’Pathetic Peripheralism’’. Please note that this Antur Ysbryd Cofiwn is about a serious patriotic purpose and we do not want to see it used as a platform for ‘’patriotic plonkers’’, now I cannot be any more to the point that that accept by saying once more ‘BUTT OFF’. On the other hand those with earnest serious intentions and no devious motives are always welcome to participate in the type of serious endeavour that seen Cofiwn achieve a great deal over the years. For those who are not aware of this, this blog will inform you and remind others who have forgotten not least ‘’fair-weather friends’’.

Gethin.