RADICAL SOCIALIST STAND ON MONARCHY, English or otherwise!

.

Traditionally in Wales, Merthyr Tudful and Llanelli were 'hot beds' of radical Socialism, not least during the years of the 1911 Coronation and Investiture. These major English Royalist events were greatly accepted by 'Liberal' and 'Cultural Nationalist' Wales but, in 'Southern Socialist Wales' such were not so over wealmingly accepted and celebrated.

..

However, by 1969 Southern Socialist Wales had become more muted in condemnation of the investiture of this year. Opposition was in the main more campaigned against by a radical Alternative Nationalism. Of course how could it be any different with a Labour Government in power in Wales and England with the Welsh Labour establishment has every bit as keen on Investiture 1969 as Lloyd George and 'Liberal Wales' were regards the 1911 Investiture.

..

.

The below is all I can find of contemporary relevance >

..

Emancipation & Liberation » Jubilee

On May 30th, the Socialist Alliance will be holding an anti-Jubilee rock concert in .... Our Stuff the Monarchy campaign isn't just about the Jubilee – it's ...

republicancommunist.org/blog/tag/jubilee/ - Cached

.

Maybe the Welsh Radical Left could get it's act together

for Anti - Diamond Jubilee campaigning 2012.

*************

.

2010 is aniversary year of the 'Cambrian Combine Lock Out', better known as the Tonypandy riots, a strike which lasted into 2011. At the same time Llanelli was to witness it's own riots that left two workers dead, killled by English Soldiers drafted into the area. Against such back ground of Industrial unrest it's not suprising that Socialist activists and workers had little time and sympathy for the Coronation and Investiture ceremonies of 1911.

.

See below some provisional information on Llanelli Riots 100th Anniversary Commemoration 2011, noting that no doubt that the present day English Monarchy and their fellow travellers in Wales will be keen on celebrating with 100th anniversary commemoration of 1911 Investiture in Caernarfon and else where? No doubt the visit to Caernarfon this coming Tuesday by Elizabeth II is to prepare way for such, it appears there will be some Nationalist protests at this visit and during 1911 - 2011 100th Anniversay Investiture commemoration - celebrations in 2011 in Caernarfon.

.

However, Socialist in Wales today appear as reluctant to protest on 27 April 2010 in Caernarfon as they were in 1969. Although Ian Bones 'Class War' were very much to the fore at least in Swanse and Llanelli during 1969, pity ''Welsh Anarchists'' are not to fore re Anti - Monarchist Protest and demonstratons today, why not I do not exactly know? Hopefully they will however get involved in the below 'Workers' 1911 - 2011 - 100th Anniversary Commemoration?

.
..

NB:

.

Suggested Commemorative 2011 Llanelli Events.

.

1st May Day 2011 Commemoration, I am requesting 'Calan Mai' organise this?

.

22 June 2011 on & around - Welsh Republican Anti - Monarchy event.

.

13 July 2011 on & around - Welsh Nationalist Anti - Investiture Rally.

.

August 2011 - Council Official Commemoration - All support.

*

The below book will be very illuminating regards Welsh Socialist opposition to the Coronation and Investiture of 1911, such being very radical and 'in the face' of English Monarchy and 'Welsh Establishment'. If only and I would suggest as very important that the 'Left in Wales' will show their 'Radical Red' colours of Anti - Monarchism Welsh Republicanism on 27 April 2010

.

A book that is a must read asap, even a must buy and, note in particular Chapter Six!

..

.

Also See >

.

Tonypandy Riot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Tonypandy Riots of 1910 and 1911 (sometimes collectively known as the Rhondda ... The riots were the culmination of an industrial dispute between workers and the ... History of theCambrian Combine miners' strike and Tonypandy Riots ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonypandy_Riot - Cached - Similar

..

Tonypandy Riots Centenary Events - Rhondda Cynon Taf

1. 5 Feb 2008 ... The main reason for the miners' disputes of 1910-11 was the change in the wage ... The commemorative events will also focus on the positive outcome of the strike ...as a failed uprising for the miners of the Cambrian Combine who were forced to return to work under the terms of the colliery owners. ...
   www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/stellent/groups/.../content.hcst?lang...
   ...

   Tonypandy 2010

2. 2010 marks the centenary of one of the most significant industrial upheavals in Welsh history.... at various locations in and around the mines of the Cambrian Combine, ... that ensured work could continue in the nearby Glamorganshire Colliery. The Tonypandy Riots relate to specific events in early November 1910 ...
   www.tonypandy2010.com/ - Cached
   ..

Remembrance of a Riot. The Story of the Llanelli Railway on eBay ...

26 Jan 2010 ... Product Category : Books Title : Remembrance of a Riot. The Story of theLlanelli Railway Strike Riots of 1911. Authors : John Edwards ...

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Remembrance-of-a-Riot.-The-Story-of-the-Llanelli-Railwa_W0QQitemZ360229321878QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100126?... - Cached

.

Riots centenary | Llanelli Star; Dyfed (UK) | Find Articles at BNET

1. 21 Apr 2010 ... Riots centenary from Llanelli Star; Dyfed (UK) provided by Find ... The 1911 riots saw two innocent men shot dead by the Army and four ...

   findarticles.com/p/news-articles/llanelli.../riots.../ai_n53245853/ - Cached

   ..

2. Cylchgronau Cymru - Cylchgrawn Hanes Cymru / Welsh History Review ...

   - 18 Apr - [ Translate this page ]
   THE LLANELLI RIOTS, 1911 ON Saturday, 19 August 1911, a series of events occurred in the tin-plate town of Llanelli which came to be known to contemporaries ...

   cylchgronaucymru.llgc.org.uk/browse/viewpage/llgc.../getText - Cached

   ..

   1. BBC - Radio 4 The Long View - school strikes of 1911.

      - 18:36
      Image of children's strike at Bigyn school, 1911. ... pupils in neighbouring schools as they marched and sang their way through the streets of Llanelli. ...
      www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/.../longview_20030408.shtml - Cached - Similar
      ..

   2. A-Infos (en) Britain, *Organise! #63* - schools out!

      Llanelli in the Rail and Coal industries in 1911 which led to 600 troops being sent in ... of two local men, prior to the school strike. ...
      flag.blackened.net/af/org/issue63/school.html - Cached
      ..

   3. GENUKI: Llanelli

      Waun-eos Weaving Mill, Pwll, Llanelli, Records [1902]-[1911] "The weaving ..... riot: the story of the Llanelli railway strike riots of 1911, [Llanelli, Wales], ... 1980], and undertook work on Llanelly School, Cleaves New Cross Hands ...
      www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/CMN/Llanelli/ - Cached - Similar
      .

   4. What's your favourite Welsh riot? [Archive] - urban75 forums

      - 18 Apr
      17 posts - 11 authors - Last post: 2 Aug 2006

      During the Llanelli railway strike 1911 - they shot dead 2 people. ... high used to routinely invade the "posh" catholic school up the road ...
      www.urban75.net/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-150577.html - Cached
      .

..

www.gwales.com - 9780948469022, Streic! Streic! Streic!

- [ Translate this page ]

1. Hanes streic y gweithwyr rheilffordd yn Ne Cymru ym 1911. Canolbwyntir ar y digwyddiadau yn Llanelli, ... Gweld rhagor o deitlau gan 'Robert Griffiths' ...
   www.gwales.com/goto/biblio/cy/9780948469022/ - Cached
   .
2. ..

   Killing no murder: South Wales and the Great Railway Strike of ...

3. Streic! Streic! This new edition corrects and extends that work, while remaining in ... Robert Griffiths is general secretary of the Communist Party. ...
   www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-murder-South-Railway.../1907464018 - Cached
   .
   So Comrades! Make ready for 2010 and 2011.
   .
   G.G.
   
   

LLANELLI RIOTS 1911 to be commemorated 2011.

.

1. Rail riots to be remembered

   17 Apr 2010 ... LLANELLI councillors have backed moves to commemorate the centenary ...The 1911 riots saw two innocent men shot dead by the Army and four ...
   www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/sa15/Rail-riots-remembered/.../article.html
   .

   Rebellions, Uprisings and Strikes in Wales

   • 1740 Armed miners riot in Rhuddlan over low wages. Troops called in.

   • 1758 Two deaths when Cilgwyn quarrymen marched to Caernarfon to seize corn.

   • 1783 Lead miners rioted in Aberystwyth over high corn prices.

     "General" Period of the French Revolution

   • 1793-1801 Despite starvation and malnutrition, food was still being exported. Food riots resulted throughout rural Wales, e.g. Machynlleth, Llanbrynmair, Denbigh, Bangor, Aberystwyth, Bridgend and Fishguard ( as well as in Swansea). Bala saw much coming and going of troops. (the years 1795/6 (Barmouth, Machynlleth) and 1799/1801 particulary were famine years).

     • 1795 As magistrates met to raise men for the armed forces, 500 men lead by John Jones, marched into Denbigh and imprisoned the magistates. From there, they marched thruout the North East, stopping the export of corn.
     • 1800 Corn riots in Caernarfon, also Pembrokeshire and West Wales.
     • 1801 Towards the end of the campaign, two miners (Samuel Hill and Aaron Williams) hanged after a disturbance in Merthyr Tydfil.

   • 1797 The farcical attempted invasion at Fishguard provides the excuse for a strong clampdown on radicals.

   • 1809 Llandeiniolen, over enclosures of common land and waste land. This followed by similar protests in 1812 at Mynydd Bach, Ceredigion.

   • 1816 Riot in Merthyr Tydfil and Tredegar during miners strike. In Merthyr, JJ Guest barricaded himself into his home, Dowlais House and William Crawshay took refuge in a farmhouse. Troops were brought in to disperse about 8.000 workers. In Tredegar, roops were sent in and one worker was killed - but the threat of wage reductions was withdrawn. Troops fire warning shots in Aberystwyth as protests take place over enclosures.

   • 1817 Four weeks of unrest in Amlwch caused by high food prices. This followed on from the run-down of the copper works at Parys Mountain. When the copper works were in full production, Amlwch had a population of about 10.000.

   • 1818 Troops used against crowd in Carmarthen who were trying to stop the export of food. This was a sympton of distress in the countryside and further protests stemming from this cause occured at Abermiwl (1819), Maenclochog (1820), Mynydd Bach, Ceredigion (1820-27 , War of the Little Englishman), Dryslwyn (1826) and Llanwnda (1827). During the 'War of the Little Englishman', about 600 men under Dai Smith oppose an Englishman seeking to enclose the land.

   • 1822 Army opened fire in Gwent during miners strike (starting the Scotch Cattle movement).

   • 1830 Battle of Chirk Bridge

   • 1831 Riots in Mold and Carmarthen, after the defeat of Gray's bill to reform the franchise.

     31st May Rising of the Red Flag on Hirwaun Common

     A Prologue To The Hirwaun/Merthyr Insurrection 1831 .

     An Introduction

     The of 30th and 31st May 1831 at respectively Twyn y Waun and Hirwaun Common. With Thomas Llywelyn’s march on Aberdar And Lewis’s march on the court of request we witness discontent brewing into wide spread disturbances that would by 1 June 1831 burst fourth as the first major Welsh Insurrection since time of Owain Glyndwr. It is common amongst Welsh historians who have inherited the Victorian historians ''respectable crachach mantle'' to be almost apologetic for the Welsh ''having a rush of blood to the head'', as the English chroniclers often accused us of having in medieval times. The same case is made for Owain Glyndŵr as it is for the 1831 Insurrectionists, say nothing that promotes idea it may have been ''Plotted and Planned'' in advance.

     (In the 1920s, infant mortality (for under 5s) was 479 per thousand. The ironworks employed 9.000.)

     The Lamb Inn: It was here that Lewis Lewis was held prisoner in the cellar after is capture in area of Ystrad Fellte.

     Part of the former Penderyn Mineral Railway, the 2.6km section runs from Pontpren to Penyard road on the National Park border in Hirwaun. The former railway line follows the old packhorse route between Penderyn and Hirwaun, along which the quarry company built their tramway to carry limestone to ironworks in the Valleys. This was originally drawn by horses, and later by steam locomotives. Since the railway closed the route suffered years of neglect and has been returned to its former glory by the BBNPA. Part of the former Penderyn Mineral Railway, the 2.6km section runs from Pontpren to Penyard road on the National Park border in Hirwaun. The former railway line follows the old packhorse route between Penderyn and Hirwaun, along which the quarry company built their tramway to carry limestone to ironworks in the Valleys. This was originally drawn by horses, and later by steam locomotives. Since the railway closed the route suffered years of neglect and has been returned to its former glory by the BBNPA. Further and full details can be obtained via the web from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

     They do indeed have a leaflet on the pathway between Penderyn and Hirwaun. If you would like to contact them on (01874) 623366, or by email at mountain.centre@Brecon.org, giving postal address, they would be happy to send one to you by post.

     The Church of St Cynog and The Red Lion on hill above Penderyn. ( Note, can be approached from 2 directions).

     There is a connection between Lewis Lewis, the church and the cemetery, what?

     The government had originally decided against a seat for Merthyr. In Spring 1831, Crawshay lowered wages.

     Lewis Lewis led a march against the debtors court to regain goods confiscated from the poor. The Courthouse was destroyed.

     Mathew John presented the rebels' terms to Penydarren House.

     Magistrates became under siege at the Castle Hotel. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were sent to Merthyr, from Brecon. and on 3. June, they defended the Castle Inn firing on a crowd who were storming the inn - 24 were killed and 70 wounded. But the military eventually abandoned the town.

     The Red Flag was raised.

     On the 8 June a further 1.000 soldiers were sent in, and 12.000 supporters from Monmouth were headed off by about 500 soldiers.

     The uprising was followed by a lockout lead by J.J. Guest, supported by Lord Melbourne (Home Secretary, later PM).

     4.000 unionists

     Nov 31 unionists cease to exist

     Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis) was hanged in Cardiff for his role in the disturbances - allegedly for stabbing a soldier. A plaque outside the library in Merthyr Tydfil refers to him as a martyr of the working class. Lewis Lewis was transported for life.

   • 1832-34 The Scotch Cattle protest is at its peak. In 1834, Edward Morgan is hanged in Monmouth Prison.

     In the late 1830s/early 1840s, there are two main protest movements operating - the Chartists and Rebecca. Some sources attempt to show that these two movements were different threads of the same overall protest. In this simple expose, I will just assume that Chartism was concerned with promoting Democracy, and Rebecca was operating against turnpike trusts and workhouses.

   Chartism

   • 1839 As a result of the charter of 1838

   • In April 1839, Chartists take over Llanidloes for a week, shortly after Henry Hetherington, the Chartists' Trasurer, had visited the area.

     On 20. April, three London policeman had been sent to Llanidloes. On the following day. a crowd attacked the Trewythen Hotel, releasing the man that the policemen were holding and ransacking the hotel.

   • Chartist leader, Henry Vincent, had been imprisoned in August. Vincent was followed around by government spies and in May 1838 he was arrested for making inflammatory speeches. On 2nd August he was tried at Monmouth Assizes and sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. He was denied writing materials and only allowed to read books on religion.
   • On November 4 1839, Chartists from the valleys converge on Newport. They marched down Stow Hill, and at least 22 were shot dead by the army during a disturbance at the Westgate Hotel.

     The eight leaders were sentenced to death, which was commuted to imprisonment or transportation. Queen Victoria knighted the mayor who ordered the random execution.

     South East of Chepstow along the Wye, there is the Willow Tea Room, where there is an plaque commemorating the fact that three leaders were transported from here to Tasmania.

     The museum where you can see exhibits from this event is situated in John Frost Square, named after the leader.

   In 1841, William edwards stood as a Chartist candidate in Monmouth, receiving no votes - the only time this has happened in Welsh elections.

   Rebecca

   • 1838 Militia have to defend Carmarthen Workhouse

     1839

     • Jan There was an attempt to burn down the new Narberth Workhouse.

     • 13. May First gate to be attacked was Efailwen, nr. St. Clears. This had only been opened about a week beforehand. The trust re-erected the gate, but on 6th June, protestors returned and, despite the presence of several policemen, they destroyed the gate and the house.

     • Within a week of the destruction of the efail-wen gate, the Maes-gwyn gate was also destroyed.

   • 1842 Carmarthen Workhouse ransacked

   ---

   • 1856 Troops are sent to Talargoch, Flintshire during a lead miners strike.

   • 1857 Troops are sent to Aberdare during the 7 week miners strike.

   • 1869 Four striking miners shot dead by troops.

   • 1875 A bitter coal strike leads to the bankruptcy of the Amalgamated Association of Miners.

   • 1880s Riots in Denbighshire against payment of tithes. Llangwm, Mochdre, Denbigh.

   • 1893 Hauliers went on strike.

   • 1896 One year stoppage in the North Wales slate quarries.

   • 1898 Six-month lock-out (March-September) in the coalfields of South Wales. Miners forced back and Mabon's Day is lost. Afterwards the South Wales Miners Federation is formed.

   • 1900-03 Three-year dispute in the North Wales slate quarries. In 1902 Riot Act read in Bethesda during the 3-year long lock-out from the Penrhyn Quarry. This becomes the longest lasting industrial dispute in history. Troops brought in.

   • 1900/01 The Taff Vale strike. The courts decided to companies were allowed to sue for damages against the Union, thus severely curtailing the power of strikes. The Liberal governemnt of 1906 changed the law, nullifying this decision Some sources claim this decision created the Labour Party.

   • 1910 A dispute at the Cambrian Collieries descends into rioting from 1. November as management tries to bring in blacklegs to cover for the 30.000 strikers. In November, Churchill orders the cavalry in, followed later by infantry. One man dies in the ensuing troubles. On November 22, the infantry had used bayonets. Apart from the Army, police reinforcements from Bristol and London had been brought into the Rhondda and Aberdare. The problems lasted until January.

   • 1911 The Army shot dead two men during a strike in Llanelli - this strike leading to a national rail strike in 1912. Several days of rioting in Swansea.

   • 1915 Coal strike in July. The government made striking a criminal offence, but the strike went ahead from the 15-21 July. Lloyd George traveled to South Wales on 19. July and the government made concessions.

   • 1919 Mutiny aboard HMS Kilbride at Milford Haven over delays in demobilization. There were five army mutinies in Britain during this period. One of the worst was a mutiny at Kinmel Camp, Rhyl by Canadian soldiers wanting to go home, which ended with 5 dead.

   • 1925 The attitudes of the coal-owners in the anthracite areas, lead to a riot in Ammanford during strike by coal miners who controlled the town 10 days. 58 sent to prison.

   • 1926 General strike, leading to a ten month coal strike. Serious clashes during the last 8 weeks of the miners strike.

   • 1931 Riot at Maerdy, Rhondda. 33 people sent to prison.

   • 1933 Riot at Bedwas. 11 received prison sentences.

   • 1934 Bedlinog sack members of the Fed. Police are sent in.

   • 1935 On the 3. February, a reduction in unemployment benefit is announced, leading to protests. About 300.000 people take to the street. On February 4., the National Assistance Board Offices in Merthyr Tydfil were attacked and records damaged. The government refrained from carrying out its measures until November 1936,when it was introduced in a modified form (the parliamentary opposition to these measures was lead by Aneurin Bevan). Riots at Blaina, Gwent ended in 10 people being sent to prison. Disturbances concerning the Taff Merthyr Colliery in Bedlinog ended with 32 people being sent to prison. The trail was the largest mass trial to have ever taken place in Britain. In Abertillery, twelve people were acquitted for singing anti-royalist songs.

   • 1936 Anti-fascist demonstrations against Moseley in Tonypandy

   • 1991 Four nights of rioting in Ely, Cardiff.

   
   Credit Welsh Theme Park Website.

   ---

   .
2. G.G.

REMEMBER 1910: WINSTON CHURCHILL'S BACK BUT SO TOO IS THE BULL! Remember Edward Morgan 'Tarw Scotch' Leader hanged 6 April 1835.

.

.

Much is being done regards the 1910 Tonypandy Riots connection, see links >

.

1. Tonypandy Riots Centenary Events - Rhondda Cynon Taf

   5 Feb 2008 ... 2010 will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the famed Tonypandy ... The main reason for the miners' disputes of 1910-11 was the change in ... The commemorativeevents will also focus on the positive outcome of the ...
   www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/stellent/groups/.../content.hcst?lang...
   .

2. Tonypandy 2010

   Welcome to Tonypandy 2010. Commemorating The 100th Anniversary ... The TonypandyRiots relate to specific events in early November 1910 when strikers, ...
   www.tonypandy2010.com/ - Cached
   .

3. NOTES | The Powerhouse of the Glamorgan Colliery, Llwynypia | The ...

   The Powerhouse, the engine house of the Llwynypia pit in the Rhondda, will becommemorated as the starting point of the Tonypandy Riots. In 1910 ...
   www.flickr.com/photos/johnrw/4294831783/ - Cached
   .

.

However, nothing is being done to mark 175th anniversary of the execution of Edward Morgan, we must not let the year 2010 pass without us remembering well the Tarw Scotch, their long struggle nor the brutal treatment of it's leaders and followers. I am thinking of a number of commemorative events and activities but I am somewhat over stretched with work at moment and will advance according to time and money I can spare on such initiatives. But note for sure I will be launching a Commemoration prompter statement soon to promote the launch of an Edward Morgan Posthumous Pardon Campaign some time in May, possibly May Day? if you want further information or, even want to aid and assist in anyway do get in touch asap. Not least with you own ideas which will be very welcome.

.

.

Last but not least, remember my new blog: Adfywiad Goch Cymru on line soon, 1st May Day launch.

..

G.Gruffydd.
.

RED REMEMBRANCER BACKS RAPE OF FAIR COUNTRY FILM.

...

Letters above from Western Mail.

.

G.G.

WELSH CHARTIST COMMEMORATION CONTINUES:

.
Been away from this blog for far too long, but see below for some new year starters:
.
'The Chartist Church Sit-In of April 1839' will be commemorated at St. Pauls Church, Newport at 12am on Saturday 24th April.

See attachment for details

To keep up to date with Chartist history activities in south Wales - check out the website
People Power: The Chartist Story www.newport.ac.uk/chartist

Les James

Research Associate, South Wales Centre for Historical and Interdisciplinary Research
University of Wales, Newport

Tel: 029 20613359.
.
Posts on way this month:
.
*

In association with the 1910 - 1911 Cambrian Colliery Lock Out and 1911 Llanelli Riots 2011 Commemorations note: Llanelli and Merthyr in 1911 were hot beds of radical left Anti - Investiture opposition, protest and campaigns, now making ready for 2011 and the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Investiture. I am proposing that there be held a radical left May Day Celebration in Llanelli 2011, perhaps organised by Calan Mai? Followed by an Anti - Monarchist Conference/Weekend School be held in Merthyr on and about mid July (Investiture 1911 was held in this period), but who will organise? Llafur maybe or perhaps the Dic Penderyn Society or? Whomsoever, let me know and I will help as and when I can.

.

I do not think the Nationalists are up for any protest campaigning against any 1911 celebrative events in Caernarfon. That's their problem, not least Gwladgarwyr Gwynedd. However, Welsh Republicans might arise by 2012 ready for some radical Anti - Diamond Jubilee campaigning as in 1977 but not so much in 2002 re Golden Jubilee Celebration. We shall see! but hopefully all Anti - Monarchists will fully participate one way or another, in which ever way best suits them and they feel compfortable with?

.

* THE BULL IS BACK, see next post for further information.

.

Gethin.

MY RED REMBRANCERS NEW YEAR WISHES in Memory of the Merthyr 'Red Week' Rising 1831.

.

The Signs below or similar are put up on all roads leading into Merthyr Tudful, why be shy about a great chapter in Welsh and Working Class History?

. .

In addition, Herian is taken to task for forgetting to include the Merthyr Rising on their Illustrated Southern Wales History Map - Poster, not forgetting to include when republished. Council puts up plaque on site of the massacre of 3 June 1831 and, lets see an annual major ceremony organise in memory of those massacred. Not least let us see a statue of Lewis Lewis errected close to site of massacre, c'mon Merthyr Council Newport has loads of statues, plaques and murals re their 1839 Rising so why are you so shy about the Merthyr Rising? Last but not least why is there no major Merthyr Red Week 1831 Festival focused on Merthyr Tudful but also in association with Hirwaun and Aberdare and, I do mean on scale of the Tolpuddle Martys Festival, see link for ideas > Tolpuddle Martyrs News & Events - 2 visits - 14:17 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2010 - 16-18 July Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2009 - 17-19 July View photos from the 2009 Festival (More details) ...www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/news_frms.html - Cached - Similar -

.

Whilst on subject of Workers Festivals, what about that May Day proposal by Calan Mai blog> Calan Mai Calan Mai is the 1st May – On this day Mayday rallies, marches & cultural events happen all around the world, there is scarcely a capital city in Europe ...calanmai.wordpress.com/ - Cached - Similar - Any movement on this? I still consider Abertawe best location for a National May Day event and, for all the same reasons. However, it would be a shame not to hold May Day events all over Wales, so if anything starts to move then let me know and I will assist and participate as best can.
.

G.Gruffydd.

REMEMBER NEWPORT RISING 1839 - 2009: What's New? A New Charter! or just a remix?

.

Unfortunately I could not get down to Newport for any of the commemorative events but have been informed that last Saturday at a Chartist Convention in Newport a new People's Charter was launched. From what I was told it all sounds the usual sort of well intentioned ''left stuff'' that comes from such gatherings that are prone to attract a lot of progressive reformers with bag loads of social conscience and concerns as Plaid AM Leanne Wood.

.

The problem is we have heard all this before coming out of Social Forum Cymru and just where are they these days? it strikes me that any new people's Charter coming out of Newport's Chartist Convention 2009 should have had more in common with CHARTER 88 who are still in existence. Plus Charter 88 does allow space for devolution within it's 10 demands, so at moment my first response to this Newport people's Charter is that it's more or less SFC ideas in a remix and, in such a way so as to allow Plaid's Left to indulge themselves with Labour and other Welsh Left elements. Of course it will all come to nothing and be no more than a reformers statement of wishful thinking and not of radical intent towards action. Not least most obviously much will be set aside by participants as the 2010 BGE and 2011 Assembly Elections, plus Referendum on more powers for the Assembly approaches.

.

However, lets not overdo the scorn or be too critical as despite my not seeing these contemporary 'Cymric Chartists' being able to advance their worthy intentions other than via politics and political action, some good may arise out of it all. But I suspect it will be someway down the road and, will have to wait until the dust settles following the 2010 and 2011 elections aforementioned. Just maybe, if these new Welsh Chartists can keep their 'act together' then just maybe therein are the foundations of a Welsh left of centre Radical Republican Front aka Democratic Alliance against the Tories in Wales. Maybe, if following these elections Labour in Wales does really bad and Plaid Cymru right wing elements consider a getting into bed with the Tories in the Assembly to sustain a 'One Wales' Coalition, then what? Maybe real radical left elements in both Plaid and Welsh Labour will see it is time to set up a WELSH PROGRESSIVE PARTY, that way is not so 'wishy washy' way for a new Welsh Charter with real radical intent to head in direction of, maybe? think on it!

.

For further details on Chartist Commemorations see below links.

.
Home (chartistcymruorg)
2009-10. This website provides a hub for Chartist commemoration activities in ... The Newport Chartist Mural commemorates the Chartist March on Newport, ...sites.google.com/site/chartistcymruorg/Home - Cached - Similar

.
BBC - South East Wales Historical Figures - John Frost
Pay tribute to John Frost, leader of the Chartist Rebellion in Newport. ... He is commemorated in Newport by John Frost Square, which has a mural depicting ... Newport, on 31st October 2009 from 9.30am til 5pm will give a range of views ...www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast/halloffame/.../johnfrost.shtml - Cached - Similar
.
Chartist Newport's Page - Chartist Network Cymru
Posted on March 18, 2009 at 10:00am —. Chartist Newport ... Blackwood to commemorate the 169th anniversary of the Newport Chartist Rising of 4 November 1839 ...chartistnetworkcymru.ning.com/profile/ChartistNewport - Cached - Similar
.
3 Chartism - a set on Flickr
Chartism marks modern Newport's birthright and the signs of Chartism are ... Chartist Tower, Newport by ArtNewport · Commemorating Chartism by ArtNewport ...www.flickr.com/photos/.../sets/72157594558292036 - Cached - Similar
.
Newport (Gwent), South Wales Tourist Information on AboutBritain
On the banks of the River Usk with its own Cathedral and Castle, Newport has ... Chartist Murals - Mosaic mural off John Frost Square which commemorate the ...www.aboutbritain.com/towns/newport.asp - Cached - Similar
.
Newport Rising - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nevertheless the imprisoned Newport Chartists were regarded as heroes and ... proudly commemorate the rising and local activities are often held to mark the anniversary ... This page was last modified on 5 September 2009 at 18:06. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Rising - Cached - Similar
.
Gethin Gruffydd.
.

MERTHYR TUDFUL THE FUTURE, this is what is to be done: REMEMBERING MERTHYR RISING 1831 big time for starters?

.

On one of my all to rare visits to town of my birth, casually walking around Merthyr town centre one night I happened to take a short cut down and an alley way to the bus station. Much to my joy I discovered the man with the Red Flag (now where have I seen this before, why in this blog!) had been painted up as a mural, fantastic! but would it not be much better to see this mural painted up much bigger and in a more public space. Whatever, lets be thank full for this, it's a beginning I hope?

.

.
For perhaps with all the money being provided to Merthyr as part of the South Wales Valleys Heritage Tourism Initiative, I hope Merthyr will spend not a small sum on promoting the Insurrection of 1831 as both public information and as an Heritage Tourism attraction. What, did I hear Herian say? it strikes me as rather odd that they have left this most significant event off their illustrated poster of Southern Wales 'Industrial Revolution' history.
.

One could start thinking there is a conspiracy to ditch and dump the Merthyr Rising 1831, given its revolutionary theme and instead go more on Chartism believing that can be sold on as a sound step towards Political Democracy and Industrial Trade Unionism. Thus more marketable, sad if true and hopefully there are those in Merthyr who can think and act beyond such narrow dimensions of commercialising Heritage Tourism as someones sanitized, maybe politically censored view.

.

..

If what I am saying above is only half true, then that's still bad enough to warrant a modern day Workers History Revolutionary Reaction asap and why not meet at the Court of Requests, now a public House (see info below) to discuss matters presented in this post. People living in Merthyr will have to take the initiative, if it is determined to prepare an 1831 Initiative to take advantage of the millions being made available to South Wales Heritage Tourism Regeneration Initiatives (see web for further info). See Link to Cordell Country Merthyr Tudful Accommodation in Tour Four Area The Court of Requests (12) is the next pub on the left a short distance down Dynevor. This was the hated Court of Requests........administered by a certain ...www.cordellcountry.org/flash/tourm.html - Cached - Similar -.

. .

In the first instance I would myself consider more public 1831 sinage around and about is needed asap, not least leading into Merthyr Tudful, the naming of area around site of Castle Inn as PLAS 3 MEHEFIN 1831 with there being presented a Large Mural depicting the Massacre and later a sculpture depicting that tragic event. C'mon Merthyr, Newport as more that one sculpture depicting their 1839 Rising, and let us see Lewis Lewis being remembered as much as Dic Penderyn, the Welsh need to stop being Martyrs all the time.
.
Now if there are those who might think this is no good for tourism, I suggest you view below links to just see how the Australian Town of Ballarat deals with the Eureka Stockade Miners Rising as an Heritage Tourism project, they are far from being so shy as our 'Timid Taffs'.

.
Eureka Centre Ballarat Eureka - Eureka Stockade Gardens - 16:16 3 Dec 2004 ... The Website for Ballarat's Eureka Centre. Home of the Eureka Stockade. ... The Eureka Stockade gardens is the site set aside by the people of Ballarat East in the ... The first an interpretive artwork was commissioned. ...www.eurekaballarat.com/index.php?option=com... - Cached - Similar -

.
Eureka Centre Ballarat Eureka - The Eureka Precinct - 16:16 The Eureka Centre, at the Eureka Stockade, is a unique architectural masterpiece, one of Ballarat's icons. Its huge Eureka Sail, symbolising the flag of the ...www.eurekaballarat.com/index.php?option=com... - Cached - Similar -
.

The Eureka Centre and Stockade Gardens, Ballarat, Victoria The Eureka Centre and Stockade Gardens, Ballarat, Victoria - At the beautifully designed Eureka ... Coach Parking; Interpretive Centre; Interactive Centre ...australia.shopsafe.com.au/.../ballarat/the_eureka_centre_and_stockade_gardens-historical_sites_heritage_locations.htm - Cached - Similar -
.

Anne Beggs Sunter Contested Memories of Eureka : Museum ... The paper analyses the development of the Eureka Stockade Centre in Ballarat, and compares this public interpretation to other attempts to present the story ...www.historycooperative.org/journals/lab/85/sunter.html - Similar -by AB Sunter - 2003 - Cited by 1 - Related articles
.

Rough guide to Australia - Google Books Result by Margo Daly - 2003 - Travel - 1232 pagesThe site of the Eureka Stockade (see box opposite) is in Eureka Memorial Park, and the nearby Eureka Stockade and Interpretation Centre (daily 9am-4.30pm; ...books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=1843530902... -

.
Victorian Heritage Database - EUREKA STREET BALLARAT EAST ... The prime above ground elements are the Eureka Monument, Drinking Fountain, Memorial Gates, and Eureka Interpretive Centre. The Eureka Stockade Monument is ...vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/heritage/7032 - Cached - Similar -
.

Eureka Stockade Interpretive Centre - Cox Architects : The Eureka Stockade Interpretive Centre commemorates one of the defining moments in ... over the roof and is aligned on an axis with Ballarat's main street. ...www.cox.com.au/projects.aspx?projectId=2368...3096 - Cached - Similar -

.
Last but not least and most important, an annual 1831 Merthyr Rising Commemoration, please and , a big one. The below link might give you some ideas as other posts in this blog may.
.

Eureka Rising - celebrating a rebellion is a time of tyranny, Jan 2005 The mission of our Eureka Rising culture collaboration, as presented to the Mayor of Ballarat David Vendy at a meeting on 30 October and later confirmed in ...www.peacebus.com/Eureka/Eureka150.html - Similar -
.
Why not an annual dawn walk from Cefn Coed to Merthyr Town Centre, to mark anniversary of the 3 June 1831 Massacre but let us not make this represent a 'March of Victims' but more a march representing a people with the commitment and courage to fight for what they believed in:
.

Liberty over Tyrrany,
Justice over Oppression
and
Freedom from Exploitation.
.

I might be up for doing this myself next year as an informal walk, if no ones up for organising proper. Will let you know if this Merthyr 1831 Dawn Walk looks like getting anywhere, if interested contact me. Please note my email system is off line at moment but hope to correct soon ok.
.. .

Gethin Gruffydd Red Remembrancer.
.

CHARTIST COMMEMORATION CYMRU 2009 - 2010: Fourth Coming Events.

.

.

Further and full info off the web.

.

G.G.

.

HIRWAUN CHARTIST DAY 19 September 2009.

.

Well attended event, but I thought that the Chartist Connection with Hirwaun was a bit laboured, personally I am of the opinion that Hirwuan is better sticking to the history of it's prominent position regards the 1831 Insurrection on the whole ignored and otherwise played down by those historians; Huw Williams and Les James who were the giving talks at this event.

.

.

For me the most illuminating matter that came out of the talks was the strength of the Scotch Cattle in the Cynon Valley, I was aware of a Scotch Cattle incident in Aberdar about 1850 when a 'bomb' was thrown into the house of a black leg. However, there is more to the Scotch Cattle and the Cynon Valley than that which requires some looking into. I am further aware that the Scotch Cattle were a product of the 'Black Domain' that is of the Gwent Coalfields, so perhaps it is no surprise to find them in the Coal mining area of the Cynon Valley but still quite a leap from Gwent to there, and in time to, from the 1830s to the 1850s. Interesting, a matter to be further looked into.
. .

.Highlight of the day was talk given by John Humphries on John Rees, labelled as the ''Man with the finger on the trigger''. The Man from the Alamo - Google Books Result by John Humphries - 2005 - History - 322 pagesRees' spectacular journey from the bloodied sands of Texas to the last armed uprising on British soil is only one of the stories told in this history book.books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=1589803353... - .This talk sparked off a lively debate as historian Les James took on the author Humphries, as Humphries doubted if there was a great political purpose the Newport 1839 Rising, and certainly saw no evidence in his research for a planned uprising.

.

On the other hand historian present believed there was such motives but both would have disagreed with Ifor Wilks that there was any 'Welsh Nationalist' motives ploting to establish the beloved 'Silurian Republic' fondly favoured by past and present day Welsh Republican Romantics. Whilst Republican David Lawrence suggested that John Rees might have been an Agent Provocateur, and put forward reasons worthy of consideration. I threw my bit into the debate which I will not repeat here, as if you read this blog you will come to know my line of reasoning in such area and related matters.

.

These Chartist events are certainly worth attending, and there are plenty more on way. Information on which I will publish on the next post.

.

.

Gethin Gruffydd.

A Short Interlude: WHY IS THERE NO REVOLT - When So Many Have Been Conned! or should that be Crapped On?

.

.

Where's the Revolution?

.

G