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Heroes Lager to raise 1million for Forces Charities

A new premium bottled lager is to be launched in February 2010 to help raise more than 1million a year for forces charities - and to help provide long-term care for our Nations Heroes. Heroes Lager is being launched by a not-for-profit company called Beer Brands, which has announced that Afghan Heroes will be one of the first charities to benefit.

Beer Brands is owned by Waless oldest brewing family and the company will donate all profits after cost from the sales of the lager to four military charities. The other charities will be announced over the next few weeks. Simon Buckley, sixth generation of the world famous Buckley brewing family, said: This lager is being brewed to the very highest standards and will become one of the nations favourites. Our aim is to raise significant amounts of money for the charities by making this lager widely available, and to give the consumer an easy opportunity to support our Nations Heroes.

This new product will be available throughout the UK in supermarkets, pubs and off-licences and will cost no more than other well known brands. Heroes Lager will have broad market appeal to those serving in the forces, their families, and the millions of UK citizens who really want to help the nations armed forces personnel. We are convinced that this product is going to raise significant sums for the charities, and become a highly popular lager brand. Denise Harris, founder of Afghan Heroes and whose son Corporal Lee Scott died in Afghanistan in July 2009, said: Were delighted to be associated with this new lager and hope it will generate significant funds for our charity.

Not only will people be able to support those affected by the conflict in Afghanistan, they will be able to raise a glass in honour of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Afghan Heroes was set up by a band of mothers who lost their sons in the bloodiest 24 hours to date of the Afghanistan war in July 2009. Their mission is to establish a support network so that those who have lost loved ones due to the conflict know there is someone who can help them get over their loss. The mothers have also raised funds to send a box of goods to every front line solider currently serving in Afghanistan.

For further information please visit www.afghanheroes.org.uk

The end of 2009 is upon us all and time to make any last-minute, tax-deductible donations you may need to make this fiscal year!

We urge you to consider the Meriwether Lewis Memorial Eisteddfod Foundation , the non-profit corporation created to put on the Left Coast Eisteddfod .

In 2009, we presented our inaugural event, not without its growing pains but still successful for our first year. Niall Griffiths, Chris Keil and Chris Needs appeared at our first authors' event and read from their work to a very appreciative audience at the Portland Central Library as part of Welsh Literature Month in the library system. Chris Needs charmed the mayor of Portland, Sam Adams, and seminars and readings at the event were very well received and we've gotten a lot of great feedback.

With the 2010 ( Oct 3rd -10th ) event, we plan to repeat and expand on the success of the author's events. Both Chris Keil and Niall Griffiths have kindly said they'll come back and we hope to add more authors to this list. We're looking at possibly adding film and live theater to 2010's events, as well as educational components

1) Sponsorship: do you have a business based in Wales or a Welsh or Celtic-related business here in the US? If so, please consider advertising with AmeriCymru. We are particularly concerned to work with accomodation providers, tour companies, cultural, artistic and technologies ventures. Contact Ceri Shaw or Gaabriel Becket to create your tailored sponsorship package at americymru@gmail.com. Act now to ensure maximum exposure.

2) Donations: Anything you donate to our non-profit corporation, the Meriwether Lewis Memorial Eisteddfod Foundation, can be claimed as a tax-exempt donation on your 2009 taxes. Every cent you donate will be used to make the Eisteddfod a bigger and better occasion and to prepare similar future events. There is a donate button which pays directly into the Foundation bank account at the top of the left hand column on every page of the site. Any amount, great or small, is appreciated. If you do not feel comfortable using the PayPal donate button, please do not hesitate to contact us at americymru@gmail.com to make alternative arrangments.

ALL DONATIONS ON BOTH THE AMERICYMRU AND MLMEF SITES GO TOWARD FINANCING THE 2010 LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD ( OCT 3-10 2010 ). WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND SEEING YOU ALL AT THE LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD IN PORTLAND NEXT YEAR. DIOLCH YN FAWR, AMERICYMRU!

Last night, Thursday 10th December 2009, a unique bilingual Mass was held in a small Church in Dolgellau , launching a year of celebrations for Saint John Roberts , of Trawsfynydd, who was executed 400 years ago at Tybyrn . The year of celebrations will run from the 10th of December 2009 until the 10th of December 2010. The sequence of events taking place throughout the year will lead up to a landmark event to be held in Westminster Cathedral, London on 17th July 2010 where, for the first time ever, the Head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, and Head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, will unite with Wales religious leaders to celebrate the life of one of Wales Saints.

Last night, the 10th of December, at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Dolgellau, Bishop Edwin Regan celebrated a bilingual Mass where people from all denominations, and of no denomination, gathered. A number of priests from Wales and beyond concelebrated the Mass alongside Father Joshy, the Parish Priest who originates from India, and who is learning Welsh. Father Joshy also took part in the opening service at this years National Eisteddfod in Bala.

Sue Roberts, Vice-Chairman of the Catholic Circle (Cylch Catholig), who is organising the year-long celebrations alongside the Saint John Roberts working group said: The Mass is a very special one, with Dolgellaus Nuns of the Carmelite Order receiving special permission to leave the Convent to join us. This is a very rare event. Only once before have the Nuns been in the parish church, despite the Convent being only a few hundred yards from the church.

Amongst those attending the launch last night was Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, who said The remembrance of the martyrdom St John Roberts is an opportunity to reflect on the devastating effect of mixing religions and political prejudice and the lack of tolerance among people of different beliefs. Being present at this special Mass in Dolgellau is a chance to remember the importance of our Catholic tradition in Wales and our vital relationship with the rest of Europe.

Also attending were Delwyn Evans - the Mayor of Dolgellau, and a number of County Councilors from the town and Meirionydd. Canon Andrew Jones - the Rural Dean of Llyn and Eifionydd - represented the Bishop of Bangor - the Right Reverend Andrew John, and Brother Dewi Jones attended from Ireland, a fluent Welsh speaker (full name: Alun Idris Jones). In addition to this, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, Her Majestys Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, a representative of the Royal Family was also present at the launch.

The music on the evening was in the capable hands of Paul Booth, former Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, who had put the words on Saint John Roberts written by Father David Jones to music. They were performed by Tim Hughes for the first time during the service.

A banner commissioned by Mrs Sue Booth made specifically for the year of celebrations, was carried for the first time during the churchs procession at the beginning of the Mass. The banner will appear at each event throughout the year.

Also present in the congregation was Marian Rees of Tal-y-Llyn whose relations built the Church. The remarkable stonework of the church matches some of the towns ancient buildings.

Following the Mass, a reception was held for all attendees where Keith OBrien (an expert on the history of Saint John Roberts) gave a presentation on the life of the Saint.

Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols sends greetings to honour Wales Saint Dear friends in Christ, It gives me great pleasure to send greetings from Westminster on this feast day of St John Roberts at the beginning of the year long celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom. St John Roberts was a man who showed his great love for Jesus Christ in the courageous way he spent himself tending to the spiritual and physical needs of the people in that turbulent time. It is good to know that he is praying for us as we follow Christ in our challenging world. As I send these greetings I look forward with great expectation to the celebrations in Westminster Cathedral on 17 July next year. May God bless you all.

Bishop Edwin Regan said Although the name St John Roberts isnt as well known today, he is a major figure in our religious history. In fact, he is better known across the continent in France and Spain (and also in North Wales). He founded an important monastery in Douai in France before returning to Britain. He was the first Monk to return to Britain following the Protestant Reformation The hostility between the Catholics and Protestants was at its height at this stage he continued. A Catholic priest could only expect to live for approximately 2 years in Britain during that period....It's so positive to see so many Christians from varying churches unite to honour This Holy Man".

Sue Roberts continued: John Roberts was one of our boys.. He was only 33 years old when he was executed. His courage and dedication is still a beacon for everyone here in Wales, and it is important that we remember him. He is a Saint for the whole of Wales.

The highlight of the year-long celebrations will be the pilgrimage from Wales to Tyburn in July 2010, which will culminate in a magnificent service in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday the 17th of July. A number of prominent and important people from Wales will be taking part in the service, with every Archbishop and Bishop of Wales in attendance, both Catholic and Anglican. In addition to this, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will be giving an address in Welsh This will be the first time the Welsh language has been officially used in Westminster Cathedral. Lord Dafydd Ellis-Thomas will be unveiling a mosaic for Saint David and the Cathedral Choir, The London Welsh Chorale, Huw Edwards, Dafydd Iwan, Rhys Meirion, Guto Harri, Mali Fflur, Alwena Roberts and others will also be taking part in the celebrations.

A message from the Archbishop of Wales for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts:

My brothers and sisters within Christ,

It is encouraging to know that the memory of St John Roberts has brought together Anglicans, Nonconformists and Catholics together during the past year, as co-pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). It was also suitable preparation for the year of celebrations which we officially launch here tonight. It is a privilege for us as Anglicans across Wales to share these celebrations and pray for our Catholic brothers and sisters. Im sending my best wishes and regards and I look forward to being with you at Westminster Cathedral in July.

In the name of Christ

Barry Cambrensis (The Most Reverand Dr Barry Morgan)

Archbishop of Wales

A message from the Bishop of Bangor for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts:

My fellow Christians here in this part of Wales,

During the past year - my first year as Bishop of Bangor - it has been a privilege to learn about St John Roberts and in particular his life as one of the first generations of Anglicans in Trawsfynydd and as a Catholic man in Europe. One of the notable benefits of his lasting presence is the way his memory here in North Wales brings Christians together - especially Catholics and Anglicans. My heart warms knowing that Welsh Christians from many denominations began the celebrations last year in Spain and tonight I pray that the launch of the year of celebration of his martyrdom is one of blessing and encouragement. I offer my best wishes and my blessing.

In the name of The Risen Christ

The Right Reverend Andrew John

Bishop of Bangor

More Images From the Mass

The Prince and the Patriot , published this week, is a lively account of the political divisions and deep resentments surrounding the investiture 40 years ago of Charles Windsor as Prince of Wales.

Author John D Rogers, who was himself involved with Plaid Cymru at the time, was inspired to write the novel after encountering a suspicious character.

In 1965, when I was at university in Leeds, Mr Rogers said, I met a 30-year-old alleged student who told me he was a Liverpool Welshman and had been in the Foreign Legion. He wanted to make contact with Plaid Cymru members so he could help the Welsh cause. As I was active in the Welsh Society and had started a West Riding branch of Plaid Cymru for ex-pats, I was quite flattered.

However, events soon started to take a sinister turn.

One day my mother told me he had turned up at the door asking questions about me and wanted to know who belonged to Plaid in Liverpool, where she lived. Later on, he suggested that I should help him to do something about the Clywedog reservoir then being built, and reminded me that he had explosives experience. It was then that the warning bells started to ring. I refused his offer and never saw him again. Some time later, I found out that this person was working for MI5.

In the novel, which should appeal to teenage readers and young adults of both sexes, sixth-former Geraint, completely uninterested in politics, finds himself suspended from school for making a stand for the Welsh language. Soon afterwards he joins Plaid Cymru and begins campaigning for them, eventually also becoming a member of the secretive Liberation Army of Wales. Strongly opposed to the investiture, planned for July 1969, the LAW members turn their attention from blowing up water pipelines to a plan to kidnap Charles before the ceremony takes place.

However, the book is not all about plotting and politics. Geraints burgeoning love affair with English girlfriend Melanie plays a major role as she tries to warn him of the agent provocateur aiming to expose the plotters.

John D Rogers lives in Nantymoel, South Wales. A retired English teacher (although he still teaches part-time), he has also spent time in the Merchant Navy. The Prince and the Patriot is published by Y Lolfa and is available in book shops and www.ylolfa.com for 6.95.

A new humorous and whimsical novel published this week, The Carmarthen Underground , explores the possibility of an alternative Carmarthen filled with secret agents, spies and thugs. Beneath the towns busy streets lies the hub of a sophisticated organisation whose officers are dedicated to the protection of Wales and its people from ruthless predators who are determined to undermine the country, its language and its culture. But is there an enemy within? The agents of Carmarthen Intelligence must find out or risk all they and the veterans of the Battle for Wales have strived for.Author Gaynor Madoc Leonard was inspired by a quote in William Knox's book The Pan-Celtic Phrasebook (also published by Y Lolfa) which asks: Is there an underground train in Carmarthen?

The underground in the title doesnt just apply to the train but to the organisation, Carmarthen Intelligence, she explains, which happens to be situated underground at Guildhall Square.

One day I just sat down at my computer and started typing. I had no idea what the story would be at the point, but I was talking to an author who repeated that well-known rule: Write about what you know. I know Carmarthen! As the first chapter progressed, I realised that this would be an alternative Carmarthen. On the face of it, everything would be familiar to anyone who knew the town but it would be Carmarthen with a twist.

I wanted it to be amusing and not only to the inhabitants of the town or Welsh people in general. I hope that they will see that the book is written with affection for both Carmarthen and Wales. Perhaps it will make people look at the town with a new eye.

Gaynor was born and brought up in Carmarthenshire, in a Welsh-speaking family. Despite spending most of her life in England, where she worked for some years in the City of London, she visits her home country regularly and has a particular love for the Towy Valley.