We recieved this email from Sue Bowen Cornish activist and convenor for the Celtic League
We back you all the way Comrades
Neges o Gernyw/Message from Kernow
Celtic League Kernow Branch.
Dear Member.
This letter is going to all who are currently registered as Cornish Branch members.
I apologise for the length of this communication but our branch has been thrown into some confusion since September by rumours, speculation and in some cases lies. To reassure members it will be necessary to relate the whole sorry story of what appears to me, to have been a joke at the expense of a gullible press who seem to print dramatic myth over hard facts.
In 2006 a teenager, recently left school, daubed graffiti over the walls of his ex school in Bude saying “Teach Cornish” and signed it CNLA. Later other walls in Bude were sprayed all with the signature of “CNLA”.
In this fashion was a mythical Cornish National Liberation Army created from the testosterone fuelled imaginings of a young man.
Anyone with their ear to the ground knew darned well that this was simply an attempt to attract attention and it succeeded, for within a very short time people in Kernow were getting calls from the press asking to be put in touch with this mythical organisation. Such requests were rebutted because it simply did not exist. The press finally obtained an interview with Jack Bolitho who, whilst disclaiming to be a member, did drop a number of hints to the contrary off the record. As the young man was at the time a member of the Celtic League we naturally investigated the press claims and hold a copy of the transcript as given to the press. But not published.
Discussion took place and it became more and more obvious that the press were seeking sensationalism. Drama over truth.
During the course of early 2007 both the press and television persisted in contacting League and non league members for interviews and filming. They were persistently rebuffed.
It now becomes clear that someone contacted by email one of the television documentary makers and declared that the CNLA existed. I’m uncertain as to how or what went on then, but this culminated in a crew from a Welsh television consortium coming to Kernow to make a film about the CNLA. Someone fronted as a member of this myth and told a great heap of bull, although at no point were threats against persons or property made. The film intimated that contacts had been made between the mythical organisation and the Free Wales Army which the TV crew should have known, was destroyed in 1969 when a number of people were arrested for parading about in uniforms, and one year sentences handed down. The FWA as an organised group dissolved 39 years ago.
The Sun on Sunday newspaper after the program was broadcast, picked up on an email sent to people who were not necessarily CL members, showing the whole thing as a bit of a laugh. The paper, in dramatic fashion, made a mountain out of a very small molehill.
Singer Graham Hart made a song about the CNLA and broadcast it on Youtube. This bit of tomfoolery clearly inflamed the beneficent state, and it seems to me that orders went down to destroy this myth.
That culminated in September with dawn raids upon four people, two of whom happened to have been branch members at the time. It seems that search warrants were issued to at least one of these people for an alleged fire arms offence, whether this applied to all of them I do not know. However one of these was also a member of the Stannary and was told to resign from the league. All four were released on police bail to report back on Jan 16th and without charge.
At this time, only one of those arrested and interviewed is a branch member. Tony Leamon. As such I shall concentrate upon him.
Tony is unmarried and cares for his 94 yr old Father. His mother is as I speak in hospital for a second breast mastectomy and in a life threatening situation. Tony himself has leukaemia which is only under control by powerful drugs.
Tony was arrested and his house searched, amongst items taken were a computer, his mobile phone, a Cornish Flag of St Piren, and a book by John Angarrack. It would seem that John’s books and St Pirens banners, constitute some sort of threat.
With Tony being financially disadvantaged, I went down to Falmouth to give him a lift to the police station on Jan 16th at 11am, along with another branch member for support. A further branch member turned up whilst we were there. We met his Mother who is due to go into hospital the following day for the operation mentioned above.
I waited for four hours in the police station car park for Tony to be released. Questions via a speaker grill to the police office guarding what is euphemistically called “The Custody Suite”, asking when Tony would be released were met with a curt “Don’t Know, Hours yet”.
By Four in the afternoon I had to return to the farm to help my husband with the evening feeding of our sheep flock. Tony’s Mother insisted on waiting for Tony. She rang me about 6pm to say she had waited out in the cold of this January day for a further hour and a half, and then had to leave to get the last bus home. She also enquired at the jail speaker grill, explaining that she was Tony’s Mother, and with the same uncaring result.
At 9pm after 10 hours of what one assumes was interrogation, Tony was released penniless onto the streets of Camborn some forty miles from home and with no buses available to get him home. He rang me and I jumped in my car to help him get home. Again accompanied by the branch member who had come with me earlier in the day.
When we met Tony he was in a terrible state. Seemingly the interrogators had thrown all sort of accusations at him, from financing terrorism (Tony hasn’t got two brass farthings to rub together), They quizzed him on email addresses appearing on his computer, and it seems that they also took my car number whilst I was waiting for him, and questioned him as to whom I was. No one is safe in this much vaunted democracy it seems, I mean safe from the government gauliters. Forget muslim fundamentalist terrorists, our own protectors appear to be doing their job for them because poor Tony is now in daily fear.
It seems that one of the original four arrested, Folk Singer Graham Hart (No conection with the League), broke down and told police that Tony and our Secretary Mike Chappel had tried to recruit him into this mythical army. Having quizzed both Tony and Mike it seems that just the opposite took place. However I cannot say more at this stage because it may well end up being sub-judicial if Graham Hart is charged with other offences. It may be that when police searched his property they found illegal substances, which may possibly explains why Graham has tried to implicate others and gain police sympathy. I don’t know, and you must treat this as speculation only at this time.
As the situation is now, Tony has to report back to the police station in Camborn on March 26th, and is presently still on bail. I will again offer him my services as a taxi if he so desires.
The net result of all this witch hunting is that two of our branch members, Tony and Mike are suffering terrible mental stress. Neither are well equipped to cope with it. Tony is not only disabled, but penniless, and has very little in life to look forward to bar further incarceration in Camborn police station surrounded by hostile interrogators. That he has held up so well at present, is something of a miracle.
Mike Chappel who as we know spends half the year at his small home in Spain which is where he is now, far from his beloved Kernow is terrified of arrest when he does come back. He also, is now on heavy doses of anti depressants and heart drugs. Lest you get the idea that these guys are wimps, Mike has several commendations for police bravery.
I will inform you now, that until proven otherwise, no one in our branch or any where else has the right to condemn anyone. I do believe that it is a principle of law that one is innocent until proven guilty.I for one have no intention of deserting any of our members. My own adherence to Celtic honour would not allow me to hold my head up if I did.From my understanding neither of these branch members has done anything to hurt anyone or anything. Guilty of a bit of tomfoolery with a gullible press is maybe, all they might have done.
What other branch members choose to do is up to them, but I will offer any assistance I can, even it be so lowly as to act as taxi driver, and offer consolation and advice to both of them. Those who wish, can condemn me as they see fit, but it is at times like this, when faced with adversity, that the true Cornish are seen for their honour, whilst others run to cover their backsides.
You will all be aware that the league does not countenance violence, nor do I. We do not need any such acts to assist our endeavours to free our nation from London domination, a state that will inevitably come about through peaceful means, and the exposure of unfairness and outright skulduggery.
All I see at present is a possible act of regrettable buffoonery by otherwise honourable men, and that is only assumption. Our Secretary Mike Chappall has also been implicated by word of mouth and rumour. NO ONE will know the FACTS until and if, any charges are brought and a case heard in court. Even then we shall have to use our own judgement for we all know how the state reacts to any threat to its cloying power in support of the rich and powerful. We’ve seen it in the past and will see it in the future.
Only three people have formally left the branch as a result of this; ‘slop and caudle’. There may, after this communication be others. Whatever happens our branch WILL continue, we will emerge perhaps slimmer but a whole lot fitter.
A branch meeting will be held after March 26th when Tony et al, attend bail once more. Meanwhile as branch convenor I would like each of you to reply to this newsletter affirming or otherwise, your intention to stay with the branch.
With all best wishes.
Sue Bowen
Convenor.
Cilmeri 07
Cilmeri was a great succes this year with Balchder Cymru providing the 18, the Band and the Torch Lit Ceremony
Possibly the wettest Cilmeri ever!
more pics to follow
Day out
Patriots Day Oct 6th Llanymddyfri (Llandovery)
On October 9th 1401 Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan the lord of Llanymddyfri (Lladdovery) was executed by Henry IV in the town square for refusing to betray Prince of Cymru Owain Glyndwr.
We remembered him and all other Cymru Patriots with a march and procession.
This day wass to remember the past and present patriots and also to look forward and drive towards a free sovreign state of Cymru
We met at Llanymddyfri railway stn car park at 2.30pm and marched behind the black banners of rememberance and a Glyndwr standard led by a lone banner bearer with the national flag and the following crowd carried other Cymru flags as they followed Cambria band who were wearing all black as a mark of respect to the butchered town chief.
The troupe in their all blacks warm up ready for the off giving the waiting crowd a taste of what is to come
(more photos soon)
Dan Keating -"No Surrender" RIP
"Dan Keating (105 years) regarded 'peace process' as a Surrender Process"
Oration delivered by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, President Republican Sinn Féin at the funeral of Republican Veteran and Patron of Republican Sinn Féin Dan Keating in Co. Kerry on Friday October 5.
"We stand by Dan Keating s grave in all humility, for this was an Irishman and a Kerryman who gave more than 90 years of service to the All-Ireland Republic of 1916 and the First (All-Ireland) Dáil. But we are fiercely proud of his long lifetime of service.
For more than four score and ten years since he first took the Oath of Allegiance to that Republic, Dan fought in defence of it, stood by it and adhered faithfully to it until his death last October 2 at the great age of 105 years. He was an inspiration to succeeding generations of Republicans, never deviating from the hard road of service and suffering, striving to place All Ireland and its future in the hands of the Irish people.
Uinseann Mac Eoin, in his book The IRA in the Twilight Years1923-48, published in 1997, gives us a glimpse of Dan Keating:
A man who has travelled to almost every All-Ireland final in Croke Park and whose fighting goes back into Tan times.
Tall and spare, at more than 90 years of age he is not stooped, carrying himself with an easy grace; his face soft, not weather beaten. Yet he has spent much of his life standing, having been a barman, in a string of public houses in Dublin; for a number of years in London, and then back again in Dublin, two cities that are well known to him.
Dan joined Fianna Eireann at the end of1916 and went on two years later to enrol in the ranks of the Irish Republican Army, first with Kerry No 1 Brigade, and later with Kerry No 2 under its Brigade O/C, John Joe Rice. His combat duty included the highly successful ambush of British forces in his native Castlemaine in1921. Later he saw service in the Castleisland ambush where casualties were also inflicted on the occupation forces, but four of his Volunteer comrades were also killed in action. Following the Treaty of Surrender, Dan fought against Free State forces in Limerick and Tipperary before being captured and interned in Portlaoise jail and later in Tintown Camp on the Curragh. Released in 1924, he was back in harness in the Republican Cause.
He endured several short terms of imprisonment in the 1930s, before going to England to take part in the 1939-40 Sabotage Campaign there. He soldiered alongside Sean McNeela of Mayo, JJ Reynolds of Leitrim and Richard Goss of Dundalk. Back in Ireland, Dan was interned without trial at the Curragh 1940-44. A Republican leader whom he met at that time and respected greatly was George Plant of Tipperary. The re-organisation of the Republican Movement afterwards was long and difficult. Larry Grogan of Drogheda, Frank Driver of Kildare and Mick McCarthy of Cork were men he looked up to.
When he retired from work and settled in his native Co Kerry in 1978, Dan threw himself into local Republican activity. In 2004, he was elected by the Ard-Fheis of Republican Sinn Féin to be its Patron. This was in succession to Comdt-Gen Tom Maguire of Mayo, Michael Flannery of Tipperary and New York and George Harrison of Mayo and New York. Dan Keating attended and spoke at Ard-Fheiseanna, gave interviews to newspapers, and on radio. He was at all times very clear as to what was
required: Ireland was one country, one nation and one people. The English government had no right to be in any part of Ireland; they must go and then the Irish people, acting as a unit, would decide their own future. He accepted that this would be best resolved through a four-province federation, as proposed by Republican Sinn Féin, under one over-arching
national parliament.
When he was chosen as Munster Honoree at the annual dinner of CABHAIR (the Prisoners Dependants Fund organisers) some years ago the citation included the following:
Dan' s other great interest is Gaelic games, and indeed between football and hurling he has attended over 138 All-Ireland senior finals, including replays, which must be a record in itself. He now resides at Ballygamboon, Castlemaine.
During his long, healthy and adventurous lifetime, Dan has seen many splits and deviations from Republican principles, but he had remained loyal and true, and there is no more fitting recipient of this honour than this noble son of Kerry.
Dan Keating regarded the so-called peace process as a surrender process and would not accept any British government presence in Ireland, regardless of how it was presented to the Irish people.
Long may his ideals live in the hearts of the Kerry people he loved and the Irish people to whom he gave a lifetime of service.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Dan's Wanted poster along with his comrades
Good riddance to the British army
Good riddance to the British army
Stephen McGahan West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin
After 38 we are finally saying good riddance to the majority of the British army in Ireland.
In Tyrone they have left their mark. Through collusion with unionist paramilitaries, their shoot to kill policy and the deployment of the SAS in this area many homes in the district have been affected by their actions.
This weekend we in Ógra Shinn Féin will be hosting a 'Slán Abhaile' weekend in Omagh to conclude our successful demilitarisation campaign in Omagh. However we must not get complacent. There will still be 5,000 members of the British army based in the north. Until complete separation from Britain is achieved Irish republicans will not be complacent.
After 38 year we will be glad to see the back of the British army. Quoting the words of James Connolly speaking about the British interference in Ireland ‘The British government has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland and never can have any right in Ireland”.
For Republicans this still remains the premise!
posted by Ógra Shinn Féin
Army stands down in Northern Ireland
By Jonathan Saul Reuters - Tuesday, July 31 02:25 pm
CROSSMAGLEN (Reuters) - The army watchtowers have gone and British soldiers no longer search homes looking for wanted men but for many in Northern Ireland's border towns the trauma of conflict still burns.
The British army ends on Tuesday its 38-year role supporting police in Northern Ireland, its longest ever military operation.
In Crossmaglen, a heartland for Irish nationalists in the British-ruled province who want a united Ireland, residents are still dealing with the legacy of fierce clashes between Republican gunmen and British forces.
"The British army ran a war through this area and the people were at the rough end of it," said Terry Hearty, a local councillor with Sinn Fein, political ally of the outlawed IRA guerrilla group.
British troops were sent to Northern Ireland in 1969 to help quell unrest over civil rights which erupted between the majority Protestant population -- who want Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom -- and local Catholics.
More than 3,600 people, including around 2,000 civilians and 1,000 members of the security forces, were killed over the following three decades. Paramilitary groups were responsible for over 3,000 deaths while security forces killed around 300.
Violence largely ended with an IRA ceasefire in 1997 and in May of this year politicians from both sides of the sectarian divide entered into a new power-sharing government. But for many in the region, scars have yet to heal.
YEARS OF HARASSMENT
"It was difficult for us to live with years of harassment from the British army and the constant searches. I am glad they have gone," said Naoise Short, 55, a hardware store owner.
Travelling overland in South Armagh during the 1970s became so dangerous the British army began using helicopters to transport troops and supply its bases. It became known as "Bandit Country" because of the levels of lawlessness.
Many homes in the area close to the Republic of Ireland fly the Irish tricolour flag and monuments honour the IRA's South Armagh Brigade, one of the province's deadliest guerrilla units.
The end of military operations means the British army will now have only a "peacetime garrison" where, as in other parts of Britain, troops will now be trained for deployment to world trouble spots such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Troops in Northern Ireland will number no more than 5,000, compared with 27,000 at the height of the conflict in 1972.
As a sign of the changes here, police who once patrolled in armoured vehicles with army escorts are now seen in standard squad cars or on bikes.
But a mistrust of the Protestant-dominated police force remains in places such as Crossmaglen. Military escorts for police officers in the area only ended last month.
Police area commander Chief Inspector Sam Cordner said progress was being made.
"It is all about engagement and building on relationships, and one thing will feed the other," he told Reuters at his office in a heavily fortified police station in nearby Newry.
"We do have small pockets of dissident activity which, if not properly controlled, could cause us damage," he said. "I think we are well equipped to deal with that."
CNLA
Group threatening chefs claims Welsh links
Jun 14 2007
by Gareth Morgan, Western Mail
AN EXTREMIST group which has posted threats against celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver is claiming links with the Welsh cottage-burning campaign of the 1980s.
Police are investigating the threats which relate to businesses that the celebrity chefs own in Cornwall.
An extremist group, named the Cornwall National Liberation Front, claims the chefs have “alienated” locals. It warns of attacks against their restaurants.
The CNLA boasts funding from America and from Welsh activists responsible for burning holiday homes in Wales in the 1980s.
The group, previously known as An Gof, has a history of extremist action and was linked to a series of attacks in the 1980s, notably exploding a bomb at a courthouse in St Austell. It feels strongly about its Celtic links and separates the Cornish people from the English.
Police in the area say they are taking the threats seriously.
Stein has extensive business interests in the north Cornwall port of Padstow, including a restaurant, hotel and fish and chip shop.
Oliver has set up one of his charitable Fifteen restaurants at Watergate Bay, also on the north Cornwall coast, training disadvantaged young people from the county.
The CNLA said in an email received by the Plymouth-based Western Morning News newspaper that local people had approached their activists “for assistance”.
The email described Stein as “this English newcomer”.
The email said it was “common knowledge” that Stein and his businesses were “held in contempt” by Cornish people who live in the Padstow area.
“His vehicle and those of his clients and customers are also bona fide targets for our activists,” the email said.
The CNLA described Oliver as “another incomer who has caused the inflation of house and other living costs at Cornish expense”.
The email added, “One of our activists was a member of Free Wales Army who were responsible for burning of English holiday homes in that country creating for the Imperialists another ‘rosy glow’ from the heat of the fires.
“At an unspecified date, Rick Stein will himself feel a ‘rosy glow’ in our Cornish port of Padstow.”
The Free Wales Army and Meibion Glyndwr were the groups linked to the burning of hundreds of homes, caravans and cars in Wales. The protest 20 years ago was against rural homes being sold as holiday cottages to people from England.
Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday they take “very seriously any threats to commit criminal offences against individual, business, public service or the Crown and we will vigorously investigate any pre-meditated or publicised planned criminal activity”.
The spokesman said, “In any circumstances where specific threats are made, we will look to work with potential victims of crime. We have made immediate contact with proprietors of various businesses and are actively working together, with a view to ensuring that appropriate crime prevention measures are maintained.”
Representatives of Stein and Oliver did not wish to comment.
David Whalley, leader of Cornwall County Council, said, “These people are not working in the best interests of the people in Cornwall. In fact, this is unacceptable behaviour. I understand there may be frustrations about not being able to get affordable housing, but this is not the way to achieve it.”
Dick Cole, leader of Mebyon Kernow, which campaigns peacefully for greater self-government for Cornwall, said the CNLA was simply “wrong”. He said, “I am saddened that we seem to have a handful of people running around Cornwall masquerading as some pseudo-terrorist group, threatening business and their customers.”
Result no 1
Just recieved this from a very good and active Cymuned Activist - a bit of good news and an indication that protesting WORKS- Da Iawn Carrie
"I am writing to inform you of several developments regarding the planned new village for Erddig. I’d like to begin with some great news. Thanks to your objection forms , the Council have decided to reject plans for 72 apartments on Wrexham Road in Rhostyllen. This just goes to show the impact these forms and your effort have had. This is a very positive step in the right direction, the Council recognised that the development was not based on the housing need from within the community and also that it was not in the best interests of Rhostyllen.
As some of you may be aware, we have had some problems arranging a public meeting with regards to the Erddig development. The community Council refused us permission to use the Parish Hall , even though the National Trust have used the very same Hall for several public meetings and displays. You may have read in the press that Bersham Sports and Social club also refused us permission. According to the manager this was because two members from the community council were also on their board. We view their decision as totally undemocratic, we want a public meeting for local residents to come along and share their views about this development. A second request for use of the Hall has been submitted to the Council , relating to an offer from Mr Mark Pritchard in the press. We will hear the result of this on the 12th June. We will do everything possible to have this meeting within the community of Rhostyllen .If this is not an option, we will be forced to have the meeting in Ruabon. We will let you know the date and venue as soon as the community Council reach their decision.
On a much more positive note, we have arranged a meeting with Mr Lawernce Isted ( chief planning officer WXM Council) to discuss the Erddig development. Several local residents will also be attending to present local concerns. This meeting is arranged for the 12th June, we will be sending out an update soon after with a date for the public meeting and also details of the meeting with Mr Isted.
The application for 223 houses on Erddig ground was submitted to the Council on the 30th May, the company submitting the plans is Countryside properties (Northern Ltd) from Warrington. They have applied for planning permission for :
1 - Construction of two new footpaths/Cycle ways and erection of three footbridges.
2 - Fel 1 no. Ash tree
3 - Residential development 223 dwellings and construction of new vehicular access and pedestrian accesses. (granted in outline under code number P/2004/0940 ).
At present, they only have Outline planning permission. This is why your objections have been so important. The council must consider these while making a decision whether or not to grant this company full planning permission. NOW is the time to ask everyone you know to fill in an objection form if they haven’t already done so. Give me an e mail / phone call and I will get copies out to you if needed. Alternatively, the online objection form can be found at Homes4Locals.com
Thank you for the work you have put in to date, we are already seeing results!"
Results No 2
More evidence that objections can stop the developers - you just have to make the effort to object!!!!!!
Welsh Republicans - Never Forgotten
Family and Friends of various families pay tribute to dead republicans at a recent rememberance weekend
Protestors outside the Wrecsam Guildhall on 24/03/2003
Republican Sinn Féin election Manifesto, Feabhra/February 2007
Republican Sinn Féin is taking the opportunity of the present election in the Six Counties to put before the electorate a positive programme for an end to English rule in Ireland. We seek national independence for ALL 32 Counties of our country.
Believing the Stormont Assembly to be an obstacle to Irish national liberation, our candidates will not, when elected, take part in that body. They will act as spokespersons at home and abroad for those opposed to English rule here and make themselves available to sit in an All-Ireland parliament of the future.
For close on four decades Republican Sinn Féin has adhered to the noble concept of ÉIRE NUA – a totally New Ireland of the four provinces, including a nine-county Ulster. With optimum devolution of power and decision-making to strong regional boards and local councils, every section of our people would have maximum control over their own future based on local majorities. A community of communities is our aim.
Our social and economic programme, SAOL NUA, A New Way of Life, is based on Republican, Democratic Socialist, environmental and self-reliance principles. We seek an end to exploitation of humankind by any section and wish to “cherish all the children of the nation equally”.
In particular we reject English police, English courts, English laws in Ireland. Those who accept these institutions here betray the many generations of Irish people who have struggled valiantly for long-downtrodden humanity.
What the Provisional leadership is doing is in direct conflict with the 1916 Proclamation of the Republic and with the Declaration of Independence of the First (All-Ireland) Dáil. Their recent decisions also conflict with the high ideals for which so many men and women of all creeds have struggled, suffered and died over the centuries.
To approve of and work the institutions designed deliberately by a foreign power to subjugate and hold us down as a people is to strengthen English rule here and weaken our effort for national liberation.
A previous generation smashed Stormont. Efforts are now under way to undo the gains which were made then and Stormont is to be re-imposed on us. Vote Republican Sinn Féin and smash Stormont again.
No to English police, courts, laws and institutions; Yes to English withdrawal, Yes to ÉIRE NUA (A New Ireland), Yes to real All-Ireland democracy. People of the Six Counties! Do not give away what earlier generations won for us by their sacrifices. Stand by the Republican prisoners who are a living reproach to those who allowed the political status won by Bobby Sands and his comrades on hunger strike to be ended under the Stormont Agreement of 1998.
Remember an English government more than a century ago attempted to “kill Home Rule with kindness”. Those who came before us did not allow that to succeed. You, today, must not permit the advances already made to be given away by those who are selling us out step by step to the English government.
To those of the Unionist persuasion we would say that this new Stormont arrangement can only lead to continuing instability which is not in the interest of any section of the community. We would ask them to look again at our ÉIRE NUA proposals for a four-province federal Ireland which, we believe, is the blueprint for a true and lasting peace in Ireland.
The 1916 Proclamation declared “the right of the Irish people to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible”. Stand by that right in this election. Vótáil Republican Sinn Féin. Seasaimis leis an bPoblacht Uile-Éireann
Death of Scott Activist Andrew Lumsden
I've just heard that Andrew Lumsden has died suddenly. Andrew was a passionate advocate of the Scottish independence cause and was our SNP candidate in Midlothian in 1992. He was about 35 at the time and hit Midlothian like the political equivalent of a tornado. An economics lecturer from Galashiels he had an instinctive grasp of the local politics in Midlothian and he could speak to the people in a honest and forthright manner.
Andrew was a massive and lasting inspiration to me and all the other SNP activists in Midlothian. He was a very fine speaker and a staunch socialist. He was one of the first people who really inspired me in politics and he had the fight and heart to take on Labour in their heartland.
Andrew believed he could win in Midlothian and he convinced his young team of activists that we could win as well. Even though the SNP didn't win the election we saw a massive increase in our vote (from around 4,000 to over 10,000 votes) and the series of public meetings that he spoke at and organised were very influential in later local government successes in the area.
The Free by '93 campaign was a watershed one for the SNP, it was extremely hard fought and Andrew was our candidate for a full three years before the election during which he tirelessly worked to build up the party in the area.
Andrew helped local miners in their successful bid to re-open Monktonhall colliery he took their campaign to the European (he was always a very strong advocate of the benefits of independent EU membership) and Westminster Parliaments and while their campaign was led by the miners themselves Andrew made a massive political push on their behalf and he joined the consortium when the pit was re-opened.
Along with Jim Sillars and Alex Neil he spoke at Miners clubs right across Midlothian and he gave the Labour party a real fright. He exposed the closure of Greenhall high school and we made school closures a central part of our local election campaign just after the general election in 1992.
Andrew was by far the best SNP candidate we ever had in Midlothian and we have never seen his like again. He was a massive inspiration to everyone who met him and his socialist values combined with his strong political nous had a lasting impact on us all.
Andrew and Alex Neil wrote an influential joint paper 'Poverty Amidst Plenty' about the economics of independence that can be read here:
I have enclosed a couple of Andrew's Press Releases from the Advertiser including his controversial call for elderly voters to abstain from voting if they couldn't bear to switch from Labour!
It really was an amazing campaign in Midlothian and Andrew encouraged me (and others like Dave Moyes and Brian Archibald) to support him by writing press releases and letters and he gave us free reign to write anything we liked on the campaign's behalf.
His faith in my abilities was a great boost to my confidence at the time and his astute political advice over many years afterwards was invaluable to me personally.
The funeral is being held next Wednesday, 14th Feb at Cloyster Chapel, Warriston Crematorium at 2.30pm.
His wife Sheila can be contacted at: shiela@lumsden.biz
Any one out there remember the 13 AWST and the anniversary of the execution of Dic Penderyn in 1831? Radical Adfywiadwyr made their tributes at Caerdydd and Port Talbot.
Pic courtesty Iestyn Cilmeri
Martyrs remembered all over Cymru
AlwynJones and George Taylor the Abergele Martyrs were remembered in silent tributes in different parts of Cymru at precisely 2pm on 1st July.
The map above shows just some of the rememberance event locations.
Next year we aim to give out specific details of where to go on the day.
If you held a minutes silence for them or did something in your own way let me know and i'll update the map.
A memorial service was held at what is now known as the “Martyrs” Stone near the summit of Moel Fammau.
Patriots sang the anthem at the ancient burial chamber of our forefathers in Pentre Ifan.
Whilst silences were observed in many other areas of the land including Bow St near Aber
Patriot Owain Williams remembered them at Gwynnus a place linked to Llywelyn Fawr near Nefyn.
Simple Floral tributes were placed on the Martyrs Graves in Abergele.
An Ex pat remembered them near the West Hagley area in the Midlands (close to one of the targeted piupelines)
The service at the “Martyrstone” Moel Fammau
After a brief introduction the Roll of Honour of dead patriots was read out.
Followed by Harri web’s poem Thoughts in an area of outstanding natural beauty
You haven’t lived they said to me,
Until you’ve seen our hills, our sea,
Our mountains strong from age to age,
Our fortresses and our heritage,
So, dutifully here I stand
To view the splendours of our land,
The castled crag, the fabled shore,
So now I’ve lived, and I’d say more;
Until you’ve known this shame, this stress,
This beauty that is meaningless,
That’s bought and sold on every side,
You haven’t lived-you haven’t died.
(from A Crown for Branwen Gwasg Gomer , Llandysul Dyfed + all good stockists)
We then planted two geraniums (recommended to live near the forest) one either side of the stone.
Wedyn un o LimrigauDewi Prysor
Mae Cymru’n cael ei choloneiddio,
Ond faint ohonom sy’n hidio
Bod hen gymunedau
A iaith ein cyndadau
Yn marw wrth I ni ildio?
(from “Limrigau Prysor” Carreg Gwalch Cyf Ysgubor Plas, Llwyndyrys, Pwllheli, Gwynedd , http://www.carreg-gwalch.co.uk/+ all good stockists)
Finally to illustrate the magnitude of the occasion a passage from Roy Clews book “To dream of freedom”
At the Castle Hotel in the small North Wales seaside town of Abergele, some 40 miles from Caernarfon two men, Alwyn Jones aged 22, and George Taylor, 37, were playing darts during the evening of the 30th. Both married with young children, they worked for the Abergele Urban Council and were well known and popular figures in the area. They were also members of a cell of the Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru……
At 10.40 p.m. George Taylor left the premises, and a little later with a parting joke to the landlady of the Castle, Alwyn Jones followed him. Just before midnight they were together in a passageway which led between Government offices off Market street Abergele. As they set up the gelignite bomb they had brought with them it exploded. Alwyn Jones was blown forty yards, George Taylor died in the passageway. Both Corpses were a bloodily mutilated, unrecognisable wreckage of bone and tissue. The MAC had suffered its first casualties.
A minutes silence was observed after this reading then we sang the national anthem.
Note- whilst the Authors and printers have been credited for their work they have not yet given permission for these works to be displayed. I am sure they would be pleased to have thair work attributed to such men.
Merthyron Abergele Martyrs
July 1st
Time YOU paid tribute to them
Cofiwch nhw / Remember them
They died trying to resist the Investiture of a Foreign prince of Wales "Gwell Anghau Na Chywilydd" Better death than disshonour
Pictures Copyright ALTERNATIVE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT HISTORY ARCHIVE
Diolch "Iest" am y llyniau
"Fe godwn ni eto bois fe godwn ni eto"
Protest news -july
In a Lightening strike Slient protest Balchder Cymru demonstrated against the British Crown.
An Un Named B C Protestor left it until Pretender to the Welsh Throne Charles Windsor left his function in the Theatr Clwyd building and stood silently right opposite and OVERLOOKING the royal car (which had its windows open) whilst the "prince" and "princess" of Wales milled about the salivating pathetic crowd waiting to greet and bow to them outside. The silent protestor Turned his back to the couple as they made their way towards the car in black panthers style -no fist raised just head hung in shame at the rest of his nations apathy towards this situation.
The royal couple must have thought "strange for someone to come all this way to see us then turn away as we approach" -OR they thought "those bloody nashies again!"
I have to say the protection was pathetic- I would not like to see this man hurt, wouldnt do us any good - they just pop the next idiot into the post (the only way we will win is when the system deems English princes of Wales as not fit for the Welsh people and make us a republic or give us a Welsh prince) no, the thing is that if a protestor can get that close then a suicidal extremist would have a field day!
It was nice to hear the (small) crowd talk amongst themselves on the way back down the hill "Told my husband where i was going-to see Charlie and Camilla, bloody pathetic he said- only going for a nose i said" and "that was an ok way for a hour off work, do we have to go back now?"
These people dont really give a damn about the rights or wrongs of it all - they only want to see someone famous, they'd have been there if Garden Invaders were re-designing the theatr lawns!
The late great Kenneth Griffiths
the BBC obit- but i personaly remember some of Kenneth Griffiths "colourful" speeches in Cilmeri. The man was at the least -passionate and above all honnest. He will be missed - He will be remembered.............
Kenneth Griffith
Born:
12 OCT 1921
Place of Birth:
Tenby
Famous For: A character actor, writer and controversial documentary film-maker
"I am an actor but what I am now is a Welsh Puritan preacher - I preach sermons about history through my documentaries"
Biography: Tenby-born Kenneth Griffith, who died in June 2006, carved a career of note as an actor and acclaimed documentary film-maker. Kenneth served in the RAF during World War II and gained stage experience with the Old Vic and in repertory. He appeared in more than 80 films, making his debut in 'Love on The Dole' in 1941.
Kenneth was a familar face on the large and small screen from the 1940s onwards, and from the late 1960s he combined this acting work with his other 'role' as a distinctive and uncompromising documentary film-maker.
He was renowned for tackling controversial subjects, including the Boer War (on which he was an expert) and Ireland.
1947 saw him play the lead in 'Shop in Sly Corner', playing a vicious blackmailer. From this point on he would go on to play parts in over 80 films, along with notable appearances in TV dramas.
Some of the films you may have seen Kenneth in included 'Lucky Jim', 'I'm All Right Jack', 'Tiger Bay', 'The Whisperers', 'The Lion in Winter', 'The Wild Geese', a memorable cameo in 'Four Weddings and A Funeral', 'The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill, But Came Down a Mountain', and 'Very Annie Mary'.
Kenneth's television appearances include 'Lovejoy', 'Minder', 'Colditz', and a fan-favourite supporting role in cult 1960s television series 'The Prisoner'. In his first appearance in the latter he played Schnipps (aka 'Number Two'), a character dressed as Napoleon who wants to destroy London, before going on to play a pivotal role in the series' infamously surreal climax. The series' creator Patrick McGoohan was so confident in Kenneth's abilities, he gave him the freedom to write from scratch his character's key speech, which formed a central part of the series finale.
Kenneth's documentary career also saw him gain acclaim and notoriety in equal measure. Whether tackling the stories of Roger Casement, Zola Budd, Indians Untouchables leader Dr Ambedkar, Thomas Paine, Cecil Rhodes or Napoleon, Kenneth was unafraid to inject his own powerful authorial voice into proceedings.
According to the British Film Institute's screenonline website, "perhaps his most famous, and contentious, work" was 'Hang Out Your Brightest Colours: The Life and Death of Michael Collins', made in 1972 for ITV, about the IRA leader assassinated in 1922.
The film was banned by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), and not shown until 1994.
Kenneth remained a film-maker who challenged 'establishment' views. In 2001 he told 'The Stage' magazine: "I am totally blacklisted as a film maker by British televison. But I have a smile on my face because of the age that I am and the fact that I am old and doddery now.... "I am an actor but what I am now is a Welsh Puritan preacher - I preach sermons about history through my documentaries."
In 1993 BBC Wales showed five of his documentaries, including the Michael Collins film.
Kenneth Griffith died at his London home on June 25 2006.
Insult to our Heritage
According to the South Wales Evening Post 21 June 2006 p10 - a report: Council refuses to fly the flag.
A request to fly 'Baneri Glyndŵr' on 16 Medi/September on the Owain Glyndŵr Community Centre at Waunceirch was rejected following a ''passionate speech'' by Cllr Elwyn Jones who is also the present Mayor of Neath and Port Talbot Council. Mr Elwyn Jones is quoted as saying:
"we are a council representing all people of all colours and all races within Blaenhoddan''.
If you want to know more contact Cllr Elwyn Jones of Blaenhonddan Community Council.
Other than that any suggestions regards taking this matter further?
Oddi Wrth.
Sian Ifan. (contact us from the contact balchder cymru page with suggestions - we will pass them on to Sian)
Peacefull Protest goes well
The protest against the flying of the Union flag at the TIC site in Llanymddyfri (Llandovery) went very well.
Regular visitor to the town and protest organiser Mr John Gamble hand delivered a polite letter to the TIC asking for them to consider the removal of the flag. The reasons being APART from the fact thet Cymru is NOT represented on it, that the town chief and lord Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan was sumarily executed (Dissembowledand dissmembered) in front of his own townsfolk (historyProtest news) near this spot.
The monument to Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan who was slain by Henry IV in 1401
Protestors outside the Tourist Information Centre
We were later Joined by Local Town Council Clerk Selwyn Thomas who did not see why it was flying in the first place and welcomed our sugestion to swap it with the Glyndwr or St Davids banner
3- June 1831 massacre
Gwrthryfel 1831 Coffad 2006
ALL ROADSLEAD TO MERTHYRON 3 JUNE 2006
Bara Neu Waed. Merthyr Tudful 3 Mehefin 1831.
In memory of the 26 people shot down by soldiers this day. In memory of heroic leader of this Welsh Workers Insurrection, Lewis Lewis, Lewsyn yr Heliwr and with him three others transported to Austrailia. Not least in memory of the final retribution, the execution of Dic Penderyn, Welsh Workers Martyr
13 August 1831 .
''SAETHWCH YN OL FECHGYN.....
.....SAETHWCH YN OL. !''
The Rallying call of Lewis Lewis, following the massacre at the Castle Inn.
Time Line of Insurrection:
31 May: Radical Workers Rise up a Red Flag on Hirwaun Common.
1 June: A Workers Army is established based at the ''Barrio'' of Cefn.
2 June: Workers and People continue to carry out ''Natural Justice'' actions.
3 June:
Troops arrive from Brecon and take up position at Castle Inn, a massacre follows.
4 June: workers seize the Town.
5 June: Workers fully in command of town.
6 June: Troop reinforcements arrive in Merthyr.
7 June: At a confrontation at Twyn y Waun, the Riot act is read and troops level their muskets, the crowds nerves give and they retreat back to Merthyr or flee into the hills and beyond. The Insurrection is at an end.
Trech Gwlad Nag Arglwydd
Cymru 1797 - 1848
The
Revolutionary Years.
Protest news
17th June 3pm outside Tourist Centre in Llanymddyfri / Llandovery Mid Wales
What for ? -
read the story bellow then go to the bottom of the page
In the middle of the town, stands the remains of a Norman castle first mentioned in 1116. The castle itself was captured by the legendary Lord Rhys in 1179 and remained in Welsh hands until 1282 when recaptured by Edward I. Henry IV stayed at the castle during the Owain Glyndwr struggle for Welsh independence. He actually witnessed the hanging, drawing and quartering of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, a Welsh patriot who is remembered by the imposing monument to him on the castle mound. (from the following site) http://194.130.49.212/gatewaypage.cfm?cisref=22&siteref=1&CFID=677113&CFTOKEN=2f26c9096b5655dd-7B882D0F-BDBA-DF5B-6ABC17E52AE9F0D7&jsessionid=8030588881148828790031
Maddened with anger and frustration, Henry had Llywelyn dragged to Llandovery where, at the gallows in front of the castle gates, he was publicly disembowelled and dismembered. The torture lasted for hours before death released him from his agony. His salted remains were sent to other Welsh towns for exhibition in order to deter patriots from joining Owain's army, but ironically this barbaric act did quite the opposite. (from the following site)http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/sites/llandovery/pages/llywelyn.shtml
Llewelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan was the Welsh "Braveheart". He was publicly executed in Llandovery square by the English King in 1401 for refusing to betray the hiding place of Owain Glyndwr and the cause of Welsh freedom. This dramatic monument in his honour stands high on the castle mound. He may be invisible in his steel cloak but he will certainly never be forgotten as he watches over the town. http://www.ukattraction.com/south-wales/llewelyn-ap-gruffydd-fychan-monument.htm
So our reason...
Today near the spot Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan was executed flies the butchers apron (british flag) from the Tourist centre - so that when tourists come and read and learn about the great man and the herioc resistance to the crown they are reminded of just who did this crime against our people by looking up to see the banner that flies in that place -Not on our watch! i urge you to join us .....Balchder!
independence caged?
Scottish Left Review
Issue 34, May/June 2006
"read this and be worried -Very worried"- Adam
Christine Grahame MSP examines whether Special Branch spying operations against the SNP represent the thin edge of British establishment dirty tricks against the party of independence.
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you. How true. The extent of `British intelligence' in Scotland, that greatest of all oxymorons, took my interest last summer after my office uncovered the fact that a significant number of documents, 32 in all, which contained the title `Scottish National Party' were held at the Public Records Office in Kew in Surrey. Two of these, one marked `SNP General, 1974 to 1976' and the other `North Sea Oil, Scottish National Party' had been closed for 50 years. These files require the personal approval of the Lord Chancellor and a special advisory Council to extend the closed period for such documents from the nominal 30 years to 50, but they had clearly deemed that the information contained within them was too sensitive for Scottish eyes.
Later, similar documents obtained under Freedom of Information by my colleague Kenny MacAskill determined what might rest in those closed files; the `black secret' that the British state has repeatedly tried to keep from the people of Scotland for decades. The secret? That Scottish independence would give us free access to an oil wealth other nations will only ever dream of. Instead the British government decided to deliberately suppress this knowledge and have left large swathes of our population in poverty for 30 years or more, and ultimately they conspired over the best way to `take the wind out of the SNP's sails'.
Following on from this I requested under Freedom of Information the number of files held by Special Branch offices in Scotland which contained the title Scottish National Party and also what period these files related to. Asking for the number of files as opposed to what is in them would, I believe, establish that a process of surveillance was being routinely carried out against the SNP. Initially Fife Special Branch came back and said they held no files on the party. Then Dumfries and Galloway responded and applied the seemingly innocuous `section 18' from the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 where they could `neither confirm nor deny the existence of such files', but, and this is where it started to get interesting, `if the information is held we consider that it would be exempt from disclosure under the following sections [of the Act]; national security and defence, investigations by a public authority and finally law enforcement.'
The use of Section 18 is a bit of a black hole in terms of the Act. On the face of it the application of this `exempting section' neither confirms nor denies anything. Yet the sub exemptions which lead on from it make it clear what information may be lurking away in the background. The notion that SNP files held by Special Branch could be exempt because their potential release was so sensitive it may endanger UK national security and defence was intriguing and equally a little baffling. That did not last long however. No sooner had I started to ponder the who, what and where aspects of how the SNP posed a threat to UK national security when a second email came through from Dumfries and Galloway Police. The content was in typical ponderous police prose but went something like this: "OK, sunshine, its like this see. We seem to have made a wee mistake, er… about the reasons we can't show you the `maybes aye, maybes no' files. Actually they wouldn't be exempt for national security reasons… the reason we can't tell you if we hold this information is because it would put at real risk the lives of all those grasses, I mean informants, we're already using inside the Nat party. Over and out."
Then, like the classic animated Bagpuss TV stories, all the other mice on the mouse organ fell into line and every other police force came back and applied the exact same set of exemptions; "that disclosure would prove the existence of `information received in confidence' by informants and as a result, would place them at risk", which led neatly to the second exemption which they applied under `health and safety', by which they clearly meant the health and safety of the informants. I later determined, through my own `well placed police source' that after I lodged my request for information the Metropolitan Police in London contacted every police force in Scotland advising them how to respond to what is meant to be entirely Scottish legislation. Dumfries had unfortunately responded too quickly it seems and were left in the embarrassing position of changing the exemptions to files which `may or may not exist', an interesting concept in itself. According to my police source Fife Constabulary had left the rest in a bit of a quandary, seeing as every other force apparently did hold files on the SNP. Fife Police were meant to have followed the same line, but as we all know it tacks a lang spoon to sup wi' a Fifer. ACPOS, the Association of Chief Polis Officers in Scotland and a body which really is a law unto itself and accountable to no one, not even Scottish Ministers, also got themselves into a right froth about my request.
The use of informants and surveillance operations against the principal democratic political opposition in Scotland should be abhorrent to all true democrats. It is clear such tactics are being deployed against the party and I know from my own police insider that these files are `current and active'. What I'm trying to determine is the extent of this activity. It could well be that what we're seeing is directly connected to the options the British Prime Minister (Harold Wilson) and successive unionist governments of both Tory and Labour considered and implemented back in the mid 1970s; a strategy aimed at taking the `wind out of the SNP sails'. Ironic really given that it was Wilson's own well founded paranoia about the reach of the security service and covert intelligence which resulted in his introduction of the Wilson Doctrine, a convention which banned covert surveillance gathering by MI5 on MPs and which incidentally does not extend to cover MSPs. Indeed very recent reports show clearly that the real powerbase of the British establishment, the senior military generals and senior select Royals, both of whom had an arm lock around the neck of the Wilson administration for its duration, were quite prepared to use military force to ensure the sovereignty of their class and their view of how Britain should be. The SNP clearly had the capability to upset that apple cart and potentially still does.
The notion therefore that we are dealing with some benign and tolerant British establishment which cares neither one way or other whether Scotland goes its own way is a complete illusion. The reality is quite different and a long way from the cosy consensus politics we are so familiar with in Scotland today. The cosy politics ignores the true nature of the British establishment figures and organisations that are racked against Scotland and any attempt by us to see real social justice and prosperity redistribution take place. Amongst the documents that Kenny MacAskill uncovered was the thinly-veiled threat that the rump UK would have to use armed force to secure `its' strategic economic interests if Scotland chose independence. Professor Noam Chomsky described that disclosure as a'bombshell' and concluded that genuine democrats across the world, including those in the US, would be rightly horrified to learn of it. The use of violence is of course nothing new for the British state and only a few years ago Jack Straw said during a BBC Radio 4 interview: "…the English are potentially very aggressive and very violent. The English have used their propensity towards violence to subjugate Ireland, Wales andScotland." – an open admission of this fact.
Of course officially sanctioned state violence is still quite likely the weapon of final choice for the British establishment if `their' state and their power base are threatened by a democratic move to independence in Scotland. Before that situation arises we can expect to endure the full weight of non-violent, democratically subversive activities directed towards those who seek a better and fairer future for ordinary Scots. This process is already well underway and has been active for years; a sort of modern version of the `rough wooing' tactic used by England against Scotland in the 16th century. Again I learned from recently released documents that supposedly independent state broadcasters like the BBC had, until relatively recently, an MI5 officer in place who personally vetted all BBC editorial appointments. Blue Peter and Andy Pandy will never seem quite the same again! Furthermore I established that it was previously routine for all BBC staff to sign the Official Secrets Act. Staff in other news organisations don't sign this censorship Act so why should BBC journalists sign it when it can so seriously impede their journalistic investigations? This policy is clearly designed to prohibit scrutiny of key government policy areas and wouldn't have been out of place in the offices of Pravda. MI5 officers also used to stamp the personnel files of potential subversives within the BBC with a green Christmas tree. I asked under FoI for the number of personnel files which presently had such a stamp only to be told that "following a review of the personnel department all green Christmas tree stamps were removed". Presumably MI5 and BBC chiefs have a more electronically friendly way of monitoring the reds under the bed, or Nats under the mats in our case.
The accepted wisdom promoted by Blair and his predecessors is that such tactics are the sole preserve of totalitarian regimes like North Korea. If such tactics are being deployed here then clearly we need to look closely at what actually defines democracy in a supposedly modern society like Britain and who are `legitimate' targets for such democratically subversive operations. Devolution is designed with three strategic functions: to distract the public and political herd in Scotland away from questioning whether there is actually exists fundamental political democracy and at the same time it deceives us into thinking that we are working within a purely civic political environment. Crucially however its main function is to act as a block to Scottish independence.
Caught cage-like no one should be deluded into thinking that we can simply saunter over and open the door to freedom. That exit door is padlocked shut and guarded by the British State which, in the shadows and with stealth, stalks, watches and listens. It is a cliché "that dark forces are at work" but the limited evidence gleaned so far would appear to support this. The Information Commissioner will shortly reach his decision on whether Special Branch should release the number of files it holds on the SNP and I hope the extent or otherwise of police informants will be exposed. If the outcome of those investigations reveals widespread use of informants and police agents at the heart of the SNP then very serious answers will be required from the Labour Justice Minister, to whom all police officers are ultimately accountable.
Christine Grahame is Shadow Minister for Justice and a former solicitor. She is a member of the SNP National Executive Committee.
Cymru Marks 1916 Uprising
To Mark the 1916 Easter Rising Adam went to the "Frongoch" Stone in Frongoch near Bala in North Wales a spot near the Internment camp that housed over 1800 Irish Voulenteers from the uprising.
The camp became famous in later years as the "University of Revolution" and it is said that from this place the plans were made for the following rebellion against the crown.
Dan's Wanted poster along with his comrades
Family and Friends of various families pay tribute to dead republicans at a recent rememberance weekend 
Protestors outside the Wrecsam Guildhall on 24/03/2003
andrew_bolton.jpg
Pic courtesty Iestyn Cilmeri
The monument to Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd Fychan who was slain by Henry IV in 1401
