INSURRECTION 1831 COMMEMORATION 2008.

.

.

Annual Ceremony of Rising up of the Red Flag on Hirwaun Common.

Saturday 31 May 2008

.

.

Annual Merthyr Rising Commemoration

Sunday 1 June 2008

.

.
Further information in due course or if you wish some details in advance contact myself at g.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com

TOWER COLLIERY CLOSURE TRIBUTE.

Hirwaun 25 - 01 - 2008
.

The Last Day

.

Continued:

.
Thank you to the Miners of Tower Colliery for all you achieved, a great example to Workers at home and abroad. You are an inspiration to the People of Wales, may we follow in your footsteps to provide prosperity and well being for our Country and Communities in the years ahead.
.
Gethin Gruffydd.
.

Above photos were taken by Sian Ifans, you may reuse but please credit, diolch.

.

1831 ALIVE: Living History Interpretation Society

.

.

On 30th May 1831 political reformers gathered at Twyn y Waun on Merthyr Common and then marched into Merthyr Tudful, the next day 31st May 1831 another reform gathering was held on Hirwaun common however, this Reformers Rally was hi – jacked by militant radicals more concerned with holding their own ''Natural Justice Protest''or maybe a preplanned Insurrection. They then and there sacrificed a calf and dipped a white Reform flag in it’s blood, and thence raised their Red flag. This flag and their slogan of 'Bara Neu Waed' were to the fore in events of days to follow most prominently on 3 June with attack on the Castle Hotel in Merthyr. Here the town’s mayor called upon the''Riotous Rabble'' to disperse – the rest is history – one of the most infamous events in Welsh history the massacre of at least 28 people and subsequently, imprisonments, transportations. Not least the hanging of Dic Penderyn on 13 August 1831 was to make this event amongst a number of events most remembered in our history.

.

1831 ALIVE! requires a Riotous Rabble, We are seeking people who might be interested in carrying out ‘Living History Interpretations’, and radical dramatisations. We are in the first instance looking for a group of enthusiasts to establish as a Gwreiddiau Goch. This will be a core group of enthusiastic participants who would put a lot of effort and endeavour into this exciting initiative and in time other associated projects. These core group enthusiasts would fully help to develop 1831 ALIVE! in all areas that will eventually make the whole a workable reality. In the first instance however, they would certainly fulfil many needs regards immediate project priorities in development and performance, in particular players of key roles in the unfolding drama of June 1831.

.

In association with above we shall in time be developing a Treftadaeth Goch, much of our intended Living History presentations are intended to be ''Open Air'' performances and pageants, usually as part of bigger events as festivals and commemorations. Thus there is need of a broader platform of participants plus individuals with other skills useful to the whole. Those who are likly to participate here, are those who perhaps are not able, or would not want to give the time required to participate in the above 'Core Group'. Treftadaeth Goch is more a Living History Re-enactment Initiative, an enterprise for those more interested in partcipating in educational and entertaining presentations. In main as recreational activity, a past time attempting to create with some authenticity the period 1831 - 1839.

.
In time we do have the idea that it might be possible that out of the above we may be able to establish as well a CWMNI THEATR y FANER GOCH? So, if at all interested in any of this, do contact me at addresses given, this is all in development stage thus all contribution of aid and assistance, ideas and suggestions very welcome, but more so than anything active involvement. Of course at moment planned presentaions will focus on organising for the annual Insurrection 1831 Commemoration events and activites, in Hirwaun and Merthyr.

.
Sian. Ifan.