A TRIBUTE TO THE ANNUAL CILMERI 1282 COMMEMORATION

A Tribute to the Annual Cilmeri Commemoration.

YSBRYD RALI CILMERI 2006. Posting 3 Tachwedd 2006.

gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com

INTRODUCTION: I am motivated to set up this Initiative as largelly a personal one to give form to much outstanding work I have to engage in over the years ahead, in main with regard to my work with Cofiwn. I have ''inherited'' what may be regarded as the 'Cofiwn Archive'' and although much of this has been deposited with the Ty Cenedl Collection at the National Library of Wales, I have kept repesentative archive copies with purpose of one day providing me with material to write a book on history of Cofiwn. I am also considering producing a ''Scrap Book'' style publication so that copies of various ''ephemera'' may be reproduced as well as plenty of photographs. Futher to this I have an important collection of Cofiwn films much of it taken in an age before video, all of which needs to be edited and reproduced. Much of this material is about the ''Cilmeri Rally Story'' and on the Cofiwn Commemoration of 1282 - 1982, 700th anniversary also 'Gwaith Cofiwn' in general. I am very much motivated as well as seeing urgency to some how bring all this material to a wider patriotic audience as well as make available to the general public over the commemorative years ahead. This work is part of my Antur Ysbryd Cofiwn and in the first instance I shall give priority to the Cilmeri story for reasons I explain below. The story of Cofiwn very much begins with and evolves out of the Story of Cilmeri and so here is that story or at least the story through the eyes of people who worked in the spirit of Cofiwn. This simply means that pobl Cofiwn had more than just an annual reunion of peripheral patriotism in mind with their annual organisation of Cilmeri gatherings and 1282 commemoration generally. To pobl Cofiwn the Cilmeri gathering was but a focus upon and around which we would annually launch an all Cymru promotion of national 1282 rememberance. The purpose never being simply to entertain patriots or indulge in ''Knee Jerk Patriotism'' but to advance as means by which we educated peoples as to their nations history. However, not this alone as since the 60's there has always been an hard ''political edge'' to the annual Cilmeri gathering and that was to be found in the very ethos of it's roots in the 1960's.

Quite simply this Ethos of Cilmeri is found in the gathering being a Rally of 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' opposed to the English Monarchy having sovereignty over our homeland, this of course is best implied purposefully in an unwritten ''Patriots Pact'' of those who become one of 'Y Cilmeriaid'. This pact quite simply states that those who become one of 'Y Cilmeriaid' are sworn to ever motivate and prompt opposition to an Englishman has Prince of Wales and to the last continue encourage resistance to any further Investitures of English Princes of Wales. I suggest not to make Patriots Covenant to this purpose lessens the patriotic purpose of the annual Cilmeri gathering, unless all are reminded ''Who Will Avenge The Murder Of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd'' and struggle to restore our Homeland's freedom lost between the years 1282 - 83 - 84.

However, in recent years I detect that some who gather at Cilmeri are becoming forgetful of their Patriotic Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri, whilst others have ''lost the plot'' and ignore such altogether altogether. Some never had gained any idea of the patriotic pact but just went along for the ride or to advance their own self interests or pathetic brand of ''knee Jerk patriotism''. Thus this 'Tribute to Rali Cilmeri' will not simply record and inform on history but also continue to promote the unwriiten ''Patriots Pact'' of a Covenant with the Ethos of Cilmeri. At same time I will attempt to put forward ideas and initiatives that may improve on how the annual Cilmeri Rally is organised, attempting to resolve certain difference and criticisms of Rali Cilmeri. There is also great need to resolve issues regards the ''old cherry'' of arguements over so called ''Moderate and Extremist'' which is a devious forms of Black Propaganda spread by the enemies of our cause to undermine our struggle. This does not suprise me that this is occurrring again in recent years as we draw closer to INVESTITURE III.

Let us look to the truth of the matter and it is quite simply this, those who over the years who have been amongst the most enduring supporters of the Ethos of the Covenant of Cilmeri and have long attended Rali Cilmeri over the years are indeed amongst the most committed radical patriots and largelly seen as the ''Alternative Nationalists''. Sadly there are those who view these people as so called ''EXTREMISTS'', this is of course a nonsense that only serves to devide and conquor. However, within much criticism about the annual Cilmeri gathering there are serious concerns by ''MODERATE'' that in part are genuine. Examples would be on such issues of drunkeness on occaision witnessed at last year around the cenotaph itself, so i am told. The issue of burning of Union Jacks, hhhmmm!!! what's wrong with that? I must respect arguements against this but i am not going to labour against such. My particular pet hate is having to listen to mindless ''Anti - English Sentiments'' which usually evolve out of concerns about Yr Hen Iaith and inward migration, I have no problem with speakers at the Cilmeri cenotaph raising matters of concern about the laguage and the 'Mewnlifiad' but when such start bordering on talk that have sentiments more akin to a from of ''Radical Racism'' I would hope our cause has no time for such.

Suffice to say personally I consider matters 'Cymraeg' should be left to patriots of Cymuned and CyIG who know what they are talking about and do so in relation to campaigns they organise. It will be noted further on in my recommendations to improve on Rali Cilmeri that the DAY OF COMMEMORATIONS be always opened by ''Gwynedd/Llywelyn III Interests'' and personally I feel that it is here that Cymraeg the native language of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd be given priority in speech making. Hopefully Rali Cilmeri will always retain that 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol' hard radical nationalist patriotic and political edge but then there are those as ''STIFYN'' who cannot it seems accomodate this kind of Cilmeri gathering. I myself in 1982 when organising the 700th Anniversary of 1282 commemoration put history before the politics and other 'Adfywiadwyr' patriotic beliefs. So I have some little sympathy with those who have no interest in any Cilmeri Commemoration that seems without organisaed patriotic purpose. However, for they there are good alternatives which I suggest further on.

Suffice to say essentially those with more interest in the history than the politics may if they wish focus on Aberedw rather than Cilmeri and two possibilities are presented a TAITH COFFAD 1282 in central Cymru or an ABEREDW COMMEMORATION as more the alternative to the ''traditional'' Cilmeri Commemoration complete with it's patriots covenant. Quite simply on Saturday of the Rali Cilmeri those who have more interest in the history may hold a commemorative event at Aberedw in style they see befitting without the ''radical rabble rousing'' of those who in particular follow the so called ''Athenian Democracy'' path as furthered by certain ''Arwyr Gododdin'' . Those who decide to stay the weekend in central Cymru may then visit Cilmeri on the Sunday prior to attending Commemoration at Abaty Cwm Hir, where all may converge upon to conclude a 1282 commemorative rememberance weekend. So there it is this introduction essentially informs regards what is on line, do not expect to see it all happen over night. Do note that I am considering in time a web site dedicated to the Cofiwn and Cilmeri story so will be on the look out for your own memories and photographs etc. As always I welcome advice and suggestions and even help, so you know where to contact me and do so if you wish. You of course might have differing views and oppinions to myself your welcome to them but this blog is the way I witnessed much and see it or perhaps see it as it should be. Now read on:

2006 marks the 40th anniversary of the annual gathering of patriots at Cilmeri, founded in 1966 by Toni Lewis R.I.P. (d: 8 - 11 - 2005) then President of the PATRIOTIC FRONT. This gathering of, in main an 'ADFYWIAD GWLADGAROL' (Radical Alternative Nationalism) from 1966 up to 1969 became platform for patriots opposed to the English Monarchy having claim to sovereignty over our homeland. These years witnesses this now annual Cilmeri gathering becoming the font and focus of an 'Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol' opposition and resistance to the imposition of an Englishman as Prince of Wales, then being planned for an Investiture in Caerfon for July 1969*.

* The aforementioned 'opposition' and 'resistance' to the English Crown represents the very 'ETHOS OF CILMERI', although on times it would seem a number of patriots who gather there have ''Lost the Plot''. Thus at the 2006 - 4oth Anniversary Rali ''Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol?'' at Cilmeri, I would suggest a reaffirmation by Patriots with a renewed 'ETHOS OF CILMERI COVENANT' be made and is written in stone unto eternity, to testify to our continued struggle against the English Monarchy and of their predenders being made ''Princes of Wales''. We must ever 'COFIA 1282'.

Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn(C) G.ap Gruffydd. Shows tribute to Toni Lewis at Cilmeri 2005. The flag resting at memorial is turned up side down to note some one has died. That morning I had carried this flag in tribute to Toni from being raised at Rhosferig to Parc ar Irfon and then it was taken to Cilmeri and placed as above whilst i made personal tribute to Toni. This flag had been made by Toni and later that day I handed it over to representatives of ''pobl Llywelyn'' of Gwynedd, they the next day presented to representatives of ANTUR LLYS RHOSYR who now have it in their safe keeping. I have requested however, if possible they annually return with it to the Cilmeri gathering to rise up during the Gwynedd opening ceremony to a Day of Commemorations. Further details will be posted to this blog in due course.

The rest is history which may be read of else where not least of course in 'TO DREAM OF FREEDOM' by Roy Clewes and published by Gwasg Lolfa, much has been left out of this book which I will attempt to add to in time. However, the main immediate purpose of this YSBRYD RALI CILMERI material and my ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN INITIATIVE is to focus priority attention on important fourthcoming anniversaries associated with the annual Cilmeri gathering and national rememberance of 1282. The aforementioned 1966 - 2006, 40th anniversary and ''Founding'' Commemoration will be remarked on in passing but in the main ANTUR YSBRYD COFIWN is more concerned with the fourthcoming anniversaries associated with the history of the conquest of Cymru between the years 1282 - 3 - 4. First regards 1282 - 2007, there are in this connection two associated anniversaries being marked in 2007and they are:





The 25th Anniversary of the great Cofiwn Cilmeri gathering of 1982, this will give me opportunity of occaision to dwell on the history of Cofiwn as well remind of the 1282 - 1982, 700th anniversary commemorations Nationally and locally. As part of this Commemoration a Cofiwn ex - members and supporters reunion event will be organised, if interested in attending do get in touch. Quite possibly key to this event we hope shall be first ''public'' viewing of the Cofiwn Cilmeri film? Further, we have loads of archive material to make available and hopefully much will be useful as ideas and inspiration to the below.





The 725th Anniversary of the events of 1282 which of course focuses on the tragic death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd or rather his assassination, thus murder at Aberedw on 11 Rhagfyr 1282. So began the final chapter in the story of the conquest of Cymru 1282 - 3 - 4, a story i shall retell based on the research and writtings of historians Anthony Edwards and Edgar Pritchard and not of the ''establishment historians'' for reasons you will become aware of in time with further postings to this blog. Suffice to say that in 1982, I admit Cofiwn got much wrong which I will now attempt to ''Patriotically Correct'. Such will also require that I promote organisation of a commemoration in 2007 that will promote this more truthful account of our history and so direct more attention to Aberedw rather than Cilmeri. However, this will not be at expense of the Cilmeri based commemorations this or next year but afterwards in future years depends on other patriots themselves as they will be presented with choice of main focus of annual commemoration. Although Aberedw will receive my preferred attention this does not mean that Cilmeri Commemoration will be completly ignored as further postings will make clear, I must however to advance the truth focus on Aberedw and draw attention to events that occurred there on 11 Rhagfyr 1282.

Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn (c) G.ap Gruffydd. Shows the old thorn tree that had grown over the alter of ABATY CWM HIR, the thorn tree no longer exists unfortnunatly other than in this photograph. You will also note in the photograph that placed on the tree is a simple wooden and painted plaque I had made. The purpose of this was to declare that Cofiwn would return and see to it that a proper fitting memorial would be established there. The wooden cross in forground marks the place where memorial would be, sure enough this was achieved as photo below shows:


Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn (c) G. ap Gruffydd. Shows the Cofiwn memorial eventually placed close to the high alter under which Llywelyn ap Gruffydd had been bueried in December of 1282. Cofiwn many years ago had initiated an annual '1282 Rememberence Sunday' gathering at Abaty Cwm Hir which continues to this day organised by the Abarty Cwm Hir Heritage Trust, more on they in due course. By the way did you realise that 2006 marks the 50th Anniversary of the setting up of the present memorial at Cilmeri, more on this too in due course. In which I will suggest as to why so called ''Welsh Republicanism'' (Patriotic) became doomed in 1956 and later in the 1960's as Cymric ''Romantic Royalism'' in commemoration of Princes and the struggle of a 'Native Cymric Aristocracy' against conquest in the middle ages became so ''irristable''. ''Welsh Republicanism'' and even ''Welsh Socialists'' (patriotic) down to the present day often make an appearence at Cilmeri gatherings and no doubt will continue to do so in the future not least at CILMERI 2006 and 2007 or maybe alternativelly at ABEREDW?.

I

conclude for now but will return to certain matters mentioned above at another time and explain much else, for now that's it but stay ''tuned in'' much informitive and interesting material on the way; including lots of photographs. Addresses are given, so you know how to get in touch to have your say, provide information and even offer aid and assistance with organisation of 1282 - 2007 commemorative events and activities I will propose be held from time to time in true continuing 'YSBRYD COFIWN'. Just be patient, it is all on the way.

Er Cof Am Toni Lewis 8 Tachwedd 2005.

I dedicate this posting to the memory of Anthony H. Lewis

Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn (c) Gethin ap Gryffydd. Shows Mab Toni and freinds of Toni at Cilmeri Tribute to Toni 2005. Anthony Lewis died on the 8 Tachwedd 2005, dear much missed Toni has not lived to be at the Cilmeri 2006 Commemoration but I am sure he will be remembered by one and all as it's founder. Toni over the years was one of the committed 'Cilmeriaid' and his spirit will live on, seen in still flying 'Heraldic Flags' he made over the years. I have recently ''inherited'' a number of new flags made by Toni, passed on to me by Mab Toni following Toni's death. I post up picture of one of these below, of Toni's Croes Naid Celtic Cross flag to promote our awareness of this most important national treasure siezed by the English in 1283. To remind England over the coming important 1282/3/4 anniversary years that we want it back and much else too, see posting in near future on the stolen national treasures of the Cymry. While your waiting why not attempt making your own Croes Naid Celtic Cross flag to fly at Cilmeri, Aberedw and else where over the commemorative years ahead.

Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn (C) G.ap Gruffydd. Shows the new Croes Naid Celtic Cross Flag, I shall put up soon a posting on Cymric heraldry and patriotic flags suitable to be made and used at commeorative and other events.This one shown here should not be too difficult to make: Purple cloth and some gold acryllic fabric paint and a bit of sewing.

Post Script:This introuction has had much to say about Cilmeri and the annual gathering held there on or about 11 Rhagfyr but note ''change is in the air'' and for some this years annual 'Rali Cilmeri' will be the ''Last Picture Show''. The reasons why will be given in the next posting. The penultimate final word on Cilmeri is made in the two pictures below, please pay attention. I have no particular ''Axe to grind'' in this matter but ''I have been there and bought the T - Shirt'' so I know what I am talking about. In recent years there has been arguements raised again on matters of ''Moderacy'' and ''Extremism'' at the annual Cilmeri gathering, I think in reality this may be also be percieved in the differences between what is percieved as ''official'' or ''cultural nationalism'' with an ''Alternative Radical Political Nationalism'' as represented by those who were part of the great 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol' during the 1960's. Further note what is often referred to as ''Welsh Republicanism'' is in reality a form of ''Romantic Militant Nationalism'' encouraged by patriotic bard Harri Web pitching for the ''Romanticism'' of Welsh Medievalism over and above his rather ''Romantic Republicanism''(See fututre posting). Myself as an 'Adfywiad Gwlatgarol' of the 1960's am of the oppinion there is room for every shade of ''Nationalist Oppinion'' at Cilmeri but there is not room for ''ambiguity'' as was case in Rali Cilmeri 2005. I have dealt with this in greater detail in correspondence with concerned 'Cilmeriaid' and present percieved ''organisers'', hopefully this matter will be sorted out.

The thrust of my proposals are simple that the annual gathering is seen as a 'DAY OF COMMEMORATIONS'' where a number of societies organise their own contributions but make it clear who they are publically and at what time their annual ceremonies take place. Further, with the 2007 anniversary in mind even though i consider myself as an 'Adfywiadwr' and an ''Alternative Nationalist'' I recognise that I am of a minority and that to ensure an huge success for Cilmeri 2007 the best image of this annual event must of neccessity be put forward for public presentation, thus see what i say below:

First:

Pic: Ysbryd Cofiwn (c) G. ap Gruffydd, shows myself in 1982 at a 70th Commemoration 1282 at Llandeilo.

Why I should be pointing I cannot remember but it is apt now, as I want to point out to patriots that resting on a table behind me is a Cofiwn commmisioned large two pole painted 1282 - 1982, 700th anniversary banner. This cost Cofiwn money but it was worth it as it appeared at all our 1282 Commemorative events in 1982 and for many years to follow but then it ''disappeared?'', not unusal as over the years many of our ''Heraldic Flags'' have been ''Liberated'' and stolen? However, I wish to point out that a new one is needed for the 1282 - 2007 - 725th Commemoration which i suggest this time around be sponsored by ''pobl Llywelyn'' of Gwynedd. I propose such then be used at 1282 Commemorative events in 2007 but presented for safe keeping to ANTUR LLYS RHOSYR. After all I do not consider it to be quite appropriate for all to march up from the Tafarn Llywelyn to the Cilmeri annually behind a Denis Coslet F.W.A. Commandant BALCHDER CYMRU banner, as after all it was Llywelyn ap Gruffydd who died for Cymru in 1282 and whom we go to central Cymru to annually remember. Although 'Balchder Cymru' would be quite entitled to march behind such banner as representative of their contingent in any parade but I still do not consider it appropriate to be to the fore at Cilmeri. At a Denis Coslett FWA commemoration yes but at any historical commemoration no other than as suggested. Makes sense yes!

SECONDLY:

Pic: (C) Unknown, i will credit if told. The 2005 parade as it marches up to the Cilmeri Memorial.

Now i have absolutly no problem with Banners remembering contemporary patriots espcially 'Cilmeriiad' who have passed away as Denis Coslett, Dai Bonner, Vivian Davies or Cayo and not least Toni Lewis and sadly many others being at Cilmeri in particular. Indeed this year I would suggest a special effort be made to produce such banners representing our contemporary heroes and where baners are not possible why not have their photos enlarged to A3 size and displayed on poster placards. However, having said that please all patriots note that first and foremost the Cilmeri Commemoration is marking an anniversary set in medieval Cymru. At same time others must appreciate that if it where not down the years for these ''Adfywiadwyr Gwlatgarol'' and other alternative nationalist 'Cilmeriaid' there would not be a Cilmeri Commemoration gathering today. So a balance must be struck! Regards other events as perhaps organised by Embassy Glyndwr then blatant ''Political banners'' would be out of place as they will be at the Ysbryd Cofiwn event at Aberedw which will have strictly ''medieval themes''. Cilmeri commoration is different due to the history as to why and when the commemoration was founded but still I have tried in various proposals attempted to make all happy with best way to move forward. See future postings on this subject soon.


Yn Ffyddlon.

Gethin ap Gruffydd.