The Red and Green Pact 2007. Yellow Poppy or Red Rose wins?

Socialism in Wales...which way now? to the left? or to the right?
The Likes of Lord Dafydd Elis Tomos, and ''Welsh Republican'' Lady Leanne, no doubt have a ''Secret Agenda'' which would not care if PLAID demised. Their dream being that the ''Popular Progressives'' within the present PLAID would merge with similar ''Democratic Devolutionists'' within Welsh Labour and will in time come to establish a WELSH SOCIALIST PARTY.

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However, do others have another ''Secret Agenda'', keeping in mind that there exists within PLAID plenty who have no sympathies with any kind of Socialism, as many Cultural Nationalists and former supporters and sympathisers of the 'HYDRO GROUP' as Dafydd Wiggley. The question thus begs to be asked is; have PLAID cut Welsh Labour down to size? and whilst certain Labour ''Orange Men'' seek to ''Hug Plaid but at same time slowly smother them to death''. May it not be the case that Plaid is out to Castrate Welsh Labour?

Whatever, there are plenty within Welsh Labour Ranks that welcome the RED/GREEN PACT, and may welcome the loving attentions of the likes of Lord Tom and Lady Leaane that seek to see set up a Welsh Socialist Party?

as the RED CHOIR for starters.

However, lurking under the bed to spoil the best layed plans of Lord Tom and Lady Leaane are the likes of those who follow in the Old British Labour Tradition of Anuerin Bevan.

The likes of another Lord and Lady, yes! Mr & Mrs Kinnock, then there's Kim Howells plus the likes of the laughing lads below, the two Vallies ''Bother Boyos'' Chris Bryant and Leighton Andrews.

So! how far does all this take us toward RED COMMUNE CYMRU, somehow I do not think it will advance such or Welsh Socialism very far. After weeks of watching, a bunch of ''Power Crazy Politicians'' carve up the ''Welsh Government'', and possibly the Country and Communities too? I am of the oppinion that it's time to advance the idea of ''DEVOLUTION ALL AROUND'' and by that we need to seek in struggle the advance of AUTONOMY OF THE PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, and parhaps to this end purpose what we need in the first instance is a bit of Ian Bones CLASS WAR, or should I say.....

..............................CRACH WAR CYMRU!


Whilst your thinking about that, read up on the great debate regards the RED/GREEN PACT, hhhmmm!!!! if you mix Red and Green does it not make YELLOW? That's the colour of the PLAID POPPY not Labour's RED ROSE? Is that an ''Hidden Esoteric Message?'', Anyone out there believe in 'Conspiracy Theory?'.

Now look at the following Blog Roll for sensible Socialist discussion of devolution:

Communist Party, Wales.
That is why the Communist Party called earlier this week for a Labour-Plaid "pact for social and national progress" in Cardiff Bay. A Plaid-Lib Dem-Tory ...www.welshcommunists.org/index.php?id=57 - 15k - Cached - Similar pages

Weekly Worker 679 - Thursday June 28 2007
Having fought within their party to reject the ‘All-Welsh accord’- the ... On June 28 - two days after Labour and Plaid AMs had formally agreed the new ...www.cpgb.org.uk/worker/680/plaid.htm - 22k - Cached - Similar pages

Wales goes Red and Green « Rebellion Sucks!
The Labour Party in Wales voted to share power with Plaid Cymru in the National Assembly on Friday night. The Welsh Communist Party writes: ...charliemarks.wordpress.com/2007/07/07/wales-goes-red-and-green/ - 43k - Cached - Similar pages

Welsh Independence: Workers’ parties and the national question in ...
In Wales, the options are: enter Welsh Labour and agitate for change, build up either Respect or the Socialist Party of Wales, or join Plaid Cymru and ...independent-wales.blogspot.com/2007/05/workers-parties-and-national-question.html - 114k - Cached - Similar pages

labour
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate is John Sydney Cartwright. .... image The Plaid Cymru-Labour pact to run the Welsh Assembly government is ...www.britishblogs.co.uk/categories/labour/ - 79k - Cached - Similar pages

UK Political Blog Feeds
And isn't it awful that the Labour party in Wales should shoulder some ...... Cymdeithas welcomes commitment to Welsh Language in Labour/Plaid Pact ...www.voidstar.com/ukpoliblog/index.php/cid/7 - 245k - Cached - Similar pages

FIN!

Trech Gwlad Nag Arglwydd 2007.

ANTI - WINDMILL PROTEST MARCH AND DEMONSTATION NEAR CARNO WINDFARM
ON SUNDAY 8 JULY 2007. Organised by a

number of Country Side Concerned Organisations

and Groups opposed to the Windmilling of Wales.

Supported by members of Cymdeithas Lewsyn yr Heliwr.

In the Spirit of Pobl Cefyl Pren, Rebecca and Scotch Cattle, Popular Protest continues in Cymru. Assembly or no Assembly, the people will always have to take to the streets and the hills in defence of their communities and land from oppression, exploitation and injustice.

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Rural Revolt, is not just about Rebecca.

Rural Protest.
'Trech Gwlad Nag Arglwydd'
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Popular Protest in Cymru begins with the 16th century land wars, a much hidden and secret history in which Anglo - Welsh Gentry, to take full economic advantage of the 'Tudor' annexation of Wales to England, needs to expand their land. This witnesses the beginnings of major land enclosures of previously seen ''unproductive land'' as well as what was long percieved as ''common land''. The Tudors 'Protest Reformation' of course legitimised stealing of land of the Catholic Church, most notably that belonging to the Monastic houses. The acquisition of these lands in Wales would not cause as much problem of protest as the siezure of other aforementioned common lands. Much of this, especially in otherwise fairly remote locations which had often been settled by those, whom prior to the Owain Glyndwr revolt had been Serfs and Bond people. The Owain Glyndwr ''Rebellion'' had ''liberated this 'class'' to provide Owain Glyndwr with his largelly ''Peasant Army'' known as the ''Barefoot Welsh Doggis''. An example prior to the War Lord Grey, Glyndwr's 'Bete Noir' had some 183 Serfs, following the war he had just 8, and they were buying their freedom. Multiply this by what, it is not easy to know how to go about that, but I guess you get the idea of the possible numbers that provide basis for a growing ''underclass''.

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Following this last great war of Independence, may of this class had joined with those who had not ''come into the Kings peace'' to become the ''Rebel Outlaws'' known as the 'Gwerin Owain'. Others, of a fast growing ''underclass'' would become retainers ''hired thugs'' of the Gentry, Border Cattle Rustlers, or common thieves and beggers. The vast majority however, would occupy, the then ''unwanted land'' and establish 'Tai un Nos' townships, their small peasant communities and attempt to eke out a living, which they did for many years untill the advent of the Tudors would prompt into existence a new economic order. I have no need to say much on the great 'land encloures' of this period (See on web), other than to say they went on up to the 19th century. However, in their first instance in Wales it is interesting to note the following example of this history: It is an irony that the new economic order would prompt the descendants of Glyndwr's great general Rhys Gethin, with his thuggish retainers burn down the 'Tai un Nos' township of the peasantry occupying the common land in Dolbadarn. The irony being of course that it was proable that those peasants were the descendents of Owain Glyndwr's "Bare foot Welsh Doggis" who had provided the largely "peasant army" led by the famouse Rhys Gethin. Sad! However, when the Anglo - Welsh Gentry tried to drive the peasants from their land in Cwmwd Caio at a later period, the people would to rise up and call out "Trech Gwlad Nag Arglwydd" a cry for justice against oppresion and exploitation, that as echoed down the ages as also a rallying call raised again at Merthyr 1831 and Newport 1839, also of course during the great Rebecca Rural Rebellion and earlier in other land struggles as ''Rhyfel y Sais Bach'' 1819 - 1826. (* see below)

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There is much else hidden away concerning rural protest, that of the rural worker and rural strikes, of such you can read in the excellent book:The Rural Revolt That Failed (ISBN 0-7083-1024-9 )!<Farm Workers' Trade Unions in Wales, 1889 - 1950>!!David A. Pretty pp xiv291 1989 hardback. Like their counterparts in the south Wales coalfield and slate quarries of Gwynedd, the farm workers were also ready to stand up for their rights when the occasion demanded. They too have a history of labour disputes and strikes. History books have concentrated on the more familiar topics, particularly the Rebecca Riots and the Tithe War. Until now little attention has been paid to the grievances and struggles of the agricultural working class. This book traces the roots of their discontent, and for the first time concentrates on the efforts made by local labour leaders to organize the men into farm workers' unions. This scholarly and serious study, based on meticulous and scrupulous research will make an enormous impact on the study of Welsh social history. It rejects utterly the conventional view and offers a radically new interpretation of Welsh rural life.`...as an anthem to the neglected pioneers of the rural labour movement his book deserves a warm welcome.' (Times Higher Education Supplement)`...this is a book which should alter prevailing perceptions of the pattern of rural discontent and trade unionism over the last hundred years.' (Albion) Price: £35.00 THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ IF YOU WANT TO FILL THOSE DARK AREAS OF WELSH HISTORY WITH SOME LIGHT. GO OUT AND GET IT ASAP!

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EDUCATE TO BE FREE

Agitate and Organise for Struggle.

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The Symbol of the Pitchfork, has long been associated with ''Peasant Revolt'' and 'Agrarian Disturbence' in our own times, the painting of a 'Red Pitchforks' was seen in rural areas of Brittany as representing present times rural protest campaign activities. Often in the late 2oth century there were a number of ''economic'' motivated rual protests in Cymru by Welsh Farming communities, regards issues as 'Milk Quotas' and importing of cheap foriegn foods. In 2000 Tony Blair's Labour Government caused a large scale ''rural rebellion'' on issues as 'Fox Hunting', which give rise to a so called ''Country Side Movement''. However, it's largelly ''conservative'' aspirations rather than having any larger ''scocial aspiration'', ensured it's eventual decline, despite a little ''nationalist opportunism'' in seeking to introduce matters concerning ''language decline'' to this last great rural revolt. This ''Rural Revolt'' was not without some success, as a North Wales leader of this ''rural revolt'' became an A.M. to the National Assembly of Wales, lagelly on stregnth of being pro-active on farmers issues and ''rural rights'' campaigns over petrol taxation increases. Today, in a decline and demise situation for Welsh Agriculture, farmers rather that protest will more likly turn to ''land tourism busniesses'', rent out land for ''Windmiling Farming'', or sell land for ''Bungalow Building'' on the outskirts of rural villages. Issues in rural areas at present concern farmers - V - Supermarkets, again regards cheap foreign imports, otherwise socially, there are rural community issues as employment of ''cheap foreign labour'' in crop picking and in 'Abatiors' etc. All a far cry from Rhyfel y Sais Bach and the struggle against Land Enclosures, surely the supermarket issue is the one that must cause greatest concern as an issue, for it is they who are not only messing up our own rural communities but also those in the third world. Time to rise up the ''Red Pitchfork'', maybe?

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In time I shall prepare and publish a feature on Rhyfel y Sais Bach 1819 - 1826.

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Gethin Gruffydd.

1831 Insurrection: Aftermath 1831 - 39.

In Dev:

Parc Castell Cyfarthfa: 1831 Festival - Potentials & Proposals.

This picture shows one ot the two entrances to Parc Cyfarthfa, so no problem getting into the park but in 1831 opposite this entrance was a farm in which dragoons had been stationed to guard the Castle from attack by the workers. I picked this gem of information up, off ae web genealogy site, a descendant (now living in America) of the owners of the farm in 1831 had been handed down this piece of family history. History is never far away from us, and that includes myself, I was born in Merthyr Tudful and brought up in Adam and Eves Court, Pondside, in the small district of Caedraw. It is very much in and around this district that people begin to assemble in the early hours of the morning of the 3 Mehefin 1831. to later march to Cefn Coed y Cymmer to ''greet'' the Scottish Soldiers being sent from Brecon, the people then followed the Soldiers into Merthyr Tudful , where they were stationed in the Castle Inn to protect the towns establishment. The people surround the Inn and the rest is history, after failed negotiations, the people sought to enter the Inn and the troops open fired. Over 28 people were killed, and this day 3 June 1831 became known as ''BLOODY FRIDAY''.

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Photos here are of myself and grandfather, in Caedraw, other photo is taken from close by his grave outside Cefn Coed y Cymmer. The view in the photo is of the Cefn ridge where the ''Workers Army'' set up positions to resist further troops being sent from Brecon, which they successfully did by halting delivery of munitions to the Soldiers stationed at the Castle Inn. Dragoons later had to rescue the munition waggons.

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I have started off, this post in this personal way so as to emphasise the connections that people and communities have with their local history. It was whilst on an outing to Merthyr last summer we had opportunity to talk with young local people in a pub we had called at, we were pleasantly suprised just how aware and proud they were of the 1831 Insurrection and struggle of the opressed against exploitation. My mam, herself born and bred in Merthyr first told me of the ''Merthyr Riots'' but it was then reading Alexander Cordells books in the 60's which revived my interest in this 1831 Insurrection. There is another reason why I emphasize in this introduction the ''people connection'', and that is because the festival I talk of should be one, I hope very much about the ''Life and Times'' of working people, often just referred to as the ''mob'' or ''Riotous Rabble''. Such a festival would record history, in it's lasting connections; political and otherwise but hopefully dwell a great deal on people, not particularly just the often referred to ''Great and Good'' of history. Photo above is my brother and I with mam, following our summer outing to Merthyr Tudful, here we are having a break in Parc Cyfarthfa, where mam played as a small girl. Now well into mid eighties, physically weak and with memory diming, she nevertheless enjoyed her own journey back into her past. This personal introduction, is also my personal tribute to my mam and her parents, with a big thank you, for making of me Merthyr born, if not Merthyr bred. Can think of no better town to be born in, in historical terms, the town that rose up in revolt, that is the WELSH INSURRECTION 1831. So, let's really commemorate it big time......

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Here, first off, I must mention work of the local Dic Penderyn Society who over the years have annually organised commemorative activities, including an excellent 1831 Exhibition at Merthyr Town Library. However, in this post, I particularly want to mention the previous 1831 Festival held in Parc Cyfarthfa, organised by local Labour Party and Trade Unions. This it seems was a ''One Off'' but having read information on this Parc Cyfarthfa 1831 Festival, I consider this worthy of a revival, or template for a new 1831 'Life & Times' Festival in Cyfarthfa Parc, so the foundations have been built, now I suggest we continue to make it a platform for greater things. Such I cannot pro-activelly get involved with, and anyway it is an 1831 Initiative, that needs to come out of Merthyr Tudful itself, with full envolvement of 1831 history enthusiasts in Merthyr Tudful and surrounding districts. I can however, offer other aid and general assistance in a verity of ways, which may be seen in this 'Red Remembrancer Blog' . If interested to make contact via lewsyn.yrheliwr@ntlworld.com

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Whilst waiting on such 1831 festival, which may be a long way down the road? why not on or around 3 June, annually vist Parc Cyfarthfa, there is a wonderful museum in the ''Castle'' and a restauraunt, plus.......................

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Excellent gounds, with playing areas for the children, band boxes and a parc cafe (see pic of green wooden hut), plus plenty of picnicing places..........




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For a 1831 RED PICNIC.


This post is in continuous development also see previous 1831 Postings plus see future post on :

Antur 1831 Alive!

Also see:

Theatr y Faner Goch.

and 'Riotous Rabble'.

Living History Initiative and outdoor theatre interpretations of the ''Life and Times'' associated with Insurrection 1831.

Fin for now.

Bloody Friday 3 June 1831

The Merthyr Rising 1831.

Insurrection 1831 Information.

31 May 1831, Hirwaun Common, Rising Red Flag.

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).

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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.