31 May 1831.Marking an Important Anniversary.
Why Not Symbolically Rise up the Red Flag Annually?
I Did it last year, who will do it this year?
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Photos below: Hiwaun in distance, photo taken from Blaen Cadlan (home to Lewis Lewis) , other photo is of the Hirwaun Football Club, on site of previous Castle Hotel, where ''Radical'' would assemble and hold meetings in earlier times.
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Our First Outing To Hirwaun Common and a Gate barred Our Way.
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It is here on the 31 May 1831 that the Red Flag is raised as a political banner, and at not at the Paris Commune of 1871. Is there a Statue, a sculpture or even a plaque in Hirwaun to record this historic event? No! Why not? If Llantrisant has an excellent statue for Dr Price, why no statue for Lewis Lewis aka Lewsyn yr Heliwr, the ''Heroic Leader'' of the workers struggle, and of the peoples insurrection of 1831. INDEED WHY NOT? If anyone in Penderyn/Hirwaun Area, is interested in such memorialising Initiative then do get in touch please, as this should become a popular priority. Below two visual interpretations of the 'Rrising of the Red Flag on Hirwaun Common', on which possibly memorial sculptures could be based. Such project might take many years to become reality, but in the mean time, why not at least a plaque and mural? Surely, there are artists in area of Penderyn/Hirwaun who could work with the community on such memorail scheme, not least children/schools could be involved in the mural work. There, that's something to involve both teachers and perents within these communities, and do remember stacks of grants etc available for this sort of community heritage initiative and artistic endeavours. I will aid and assist where and when possible, in main with provision of all kinds of useful information.
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1: Contemporary Visual Interpretation (Unfortunatly Artist Unknown).
.2: Visual Interpretation printed in the London Times in days following the Insurrection.
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There are a number of public footpaths on to Hirwaun Common, and in recent years I have campaigned for them to be more clearly marked. I have been informed this is work in progress, for further details contact R.C.T. Council, they can provide information regards provision of maps also contact local Ramblers groups for details of walks on the common, plus of course do a web map search and print out. A WARNING, if you are planning a walk, to note that the Common can be very wet and marshy, so plan your walks in the Summer or after a long period of good weather. See three photos below of an easy access to the common direct from Hirwaun itself via local Sports Club and playing fields, this is also best route for those who wish to organise an ANNUAL 31 May 1831 COMMEMORATION. This route allows possibility of holding march - pageant 'life & times' parade from Hirwaun to the Common with various social events and activities being held for families/children in the playing fields plus more youth and adult events being held in the Sports Club in evening. Something largelly for the local communities of Penderyn & Hirwaun to consider? 
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For those who want to hold something more political, why not an annual 31 May 1831 RED FLAG RALLY on the common, above route will also take you to a good location for such with parking space for your transport close by. Plenty of Pubs in Hirwaun for you to later Socialise in, or in time organise entertainments in, I believe the local Menter Iaith uses the Football Club, see above photo. I am sorry but it is not possible for myself to be pro-active in organisation of anything but will help as possible. Do get in touch if you want such help in such usefully political initiative to advance the cause and struggle of Welsh Socialism.
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A political poster silk screen printed in the 1970's, obviously inspired by 31 May 1831.
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To annually mark anniversaries of Insurrection 1831, why not publically fly a Red Flag as from 31 May to the 6th June. You can do it personally but why not also propose your local authority does so, and why not request the Welsh Assembly to do so as well. The Welsh Assembly flies 'Baner Glyndwr' on 16 Medi annually, so why not the Red Flag on the 31 May annually, I see no reason why they should refuse, after all this date is as historic as 'Dydd Glyndwr'. Please send in photos to me of Red Flags flying in this period with details of where or whetever, such will encourage this campaign to spread. Further, do not forget in same period wear the Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful ''Bloody Friday'' 3 June 1831 ''Massacre'' Remembrance Ribbon.
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PS: You got to make it yourself ok! I did, so can you?
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Now, onward, lets take the Red Flag to Merthyr Tudful, but via Cefn Coed y Cymmer first, see next posting...
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Lotta Continua!
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Gethin Gruffydd.
