Blogs

The Latest From Cymuned


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-30
What is Cymuned? (Community)From their site:- " Cymuned is working for a better future for the communities of Wales. We believe that a stronger voice is needed for our communities - we believe that people like YOU should play a part in making the decisions that effect YOUR community." * Would you like to see a housing market that makes it possible for local people to stay in their communities, and to keep the nature of those communities alive?* Would you like to see a local economy which strengthens small, local businesses, so that people can get good quality work in their own communities?* Would you like to see stronger communities where people all know each other and where its possible to maintain small schools, local surgeries and local shops?* Would you support having public institutions in the Welsh-speaking areas using Welsh as the language of the workplace?* Would you support making sure that schools in the Welsh-speaking areas give their children a fully bilingual education? Here is the latest communication from Cymuned We will reproduce more as and when we receive them and urge all members to consider supporting this organisation and its work in any way they can. "An advance notice to start with. The long running Rhostyllen campaign, which Cymuned have supported from the start, is reaching another milestone. The National Trust's (NT) annual general meeting will be held in Liverpool onSaturday 1st November, and some of the campaigns members have forced a vote on two motions, that the proposed housing development on the grounds of Erddig stately home be halted, and that those responsible for the development be removed from office. If you are a member of the NT, it would be great if you could get there to vote, but at least make sure that you support both motions in the postal vote. If you are not a member, then join the crew of Rhostyllen residents who will be protesting outside - This vote could set an important precedent for the future. For more details about the protest, go to www.Rhostyllen.com On to the work at the heart of Cymuned. The work of communicating with the Fro's councils is ongoing as we convince them to follow Gwynedd Council in adopting the Welsh language as their internal language of work. Thanks to all the staff members of the councils who have contacted us - if you work for one of the councils and haven't been in touch yet, do it now, by answering this email.The resurrection of the magazine EinGwlad / OursAlone is also moving apace. If you are interested in submitting articles on subjects relevant to Welshness and the Welsh Nation, (in Welsh or English) then get in touch to discuss your ideas.On Wednesday 8th October, Cymuned will be attending the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Human Rights Enquiry in Cardiff. We will be submitting statistical evidence to show the background and importance of our work, and to show the inequalities surrounding the Welsh language even in its heartlands.Thank you to David who sent a very politely worded note to Panorama pointing out that amongst the Scottish, English, Irish, Moslem and other contributors to their programme 'True Brits', no Welsh people were heard, no mention was made of Wales or the Welsh language, and no hint was given as to what our contribution might be to this 'Britishness'. It will be interesting to hear their response.News form the Fro to close. The Quarryman's Arms (Y Cwari) in Llanllyfni is under threat after its owner applied for planning permission for 5 houses on the site, to be built after he's demolished the pub. Permission has already been given for 12 houses on another site, and another application is awaiting permission. Its unlikely that the owner will get permission to demolish a successful (or at least potentially successful) pub, but we will be watching this situation closely. If you live in the area, get in touch with Llanllyfni Community Council to support their stand against these plans.Until next time!IestynCymuned, 64 Stryd Fawr, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5RR, CYMRU"
Posted in: default | 0 comments

Master of The Crwth - Digon o Grwth


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-29


An in depth interview with the Master of the Crwth together with seventeen original tracks. A major resource for lovers of Welsh and traditional Celtic music everywhere. Click below to read the full article:

Master of The Crwth - Digon o Grwth




Posted in: Music | 0 comments

UK Cheese Festival at Cardiff Castle


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-28
"Cardiff Castle has broken the mould by becoming the long-term home of the UK's leading cheese festival."... MORE HERE .
Posted in: default | 0 comments

Welsh Food Fortnight


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-28
"Farmers markets and food festivals are highlighting the quality and increasing diversity of produce being made in Wales, Abbie Wightwick discovers as Welsh Food Fortnight gets underway".... MORE HERE .
Posted in: default | 0 comments

A Brief History Of Wales, cover There have been many books written on Welsh history over the years, but for a concise overview of the subject, A Brief History of Wales will be hard to beat. Author Gerald Morgan says he appreciated “the impossibility of the task… a history of Wales in twenty thousand words! But fools rush in…”

However, Morgan has proved himself more than equal to the challenge by writing a gripping narrative of conquest, resistance and survival. This should come as no great surprise, since he is a respected historian and teacher who admits he has “been in love with the history of Wales since I was ten years old…” This book will be a boon to those who have long-sought after the ‘holy grail’ of an easily digestible, pocketable and, above all, affordable introduction to the history of Wales. It may be brief, but all the most important characters and dates are there, from the Night of the Long Knives to the 1905 victory over the All Blacks, from Welsh Indians to the 1904 Revival.

Amateur historians, tourists, schoolchildren and those merely wishing to brush up on their history will all enjoy reading this book. As Morgan himself says: “I have tried to gain some small grasp of the complexities of history, and have tried to grasp the extraordinary changes which have taken place in Wales during my lifetime.” He has succeeded admirably in these ambitions, despite the inherent difficulties involved.

A Brief History of Wales is the third book by this prolific historian to be published in as many months, following Ceredigion Coast Path – From the Teifi to the Dyfi (Cyngor Ceredigion) and Castles In Wales (Y Lolfa) – both of which were published in July.

Gerald Morgan lives in Aberystwyth and likes to describe himself as a teacher and historian in that order. After teaching English at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold, and at Ysgol Gyfun Aberteifi, he served 22 years as head teacher of Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, then of Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Aberystwyth. A second career saw him teaching Welsh and local history in the Extra-Mural Department of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published books and articles on a wide range of subjects, including Ceredigion: A Wealth of History and Nanteos – A Welsh House and Its Families.


REVIEWS OF GERALD MORGAN TITLES

''A well-organised, articulate and stimulating work... beautifully illustrated'' – Richard Moore-Colyer on Ceredigion: A Wealth of History.

''A splendid study, balanced, sensitive and nicely setting local events and trends within the wider Welsh and British context.'' David W. Howell on Nanteos – A Welsh House and Its Families.

Posted in: New Titles | 0 comments

The Physicians of Myddfai


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-23
Recently there has been some interest on this site in the village of Myddfai. in Carmarthenshire. I thought the following links about the famed "Physicians of Myddfai" might be of interest to some of our members. The Physicians of Myddfai The Physicians of Myddfai John Cule The Physicians of Myddfai (BMA) Myddfai Memories The physicians of Myddfai legend and legacy
Posted in: default | 0 comments

What Did The Romans Ever Do For Wales?


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-23
Well it seems they may have given us the leek! Read more HERE .
Posted in: default | 0 comments

'Secret' Welsh Eco-community Wins Long Legal Battle


By Brian y Tarw Llwyd, 2008-09-23
This may be old news to those of you in Wales, but this kinda stuff just tickles me pink... er, green. This is truly an inspiration to those of us who love and respect the earth. The first link refers to the article mentioned in the title of this blog. The second link is to the folks the 1st article is talking about. By the way, there are great pics at the second link, a guest book to post messages, and a place to order a book showing how they did it, and how you/we can do it too... Enjoy!http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/secret-welsh-eco-community.phphttp://www.thatroundhouse.info/
Posted in: default | 4 comments

Exclusive Interview with David Western


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-22
"The Fine Art of Carving Lovespoons" An Interview with David Western.What is a lovespoon and what is it for? Are there comparable or similar customs in other cultures?"A lovespoon is a heavily ornamented, non-functional gift of love or strong emotion. How's that for dry? Originally, it was a handmade spoon given by its maker to the girl who had captivated his heart in the hopes its acceptance would lead to the beginnings of a courtship. The custom was known throughout Wales and was known to exist in Sweden, the Alpine regions and even down to Hungary; it is even reputed MORE HERE
Find more photos like this on Americymru
Posted in: default | 0 comments

Large Majority Favors Further Devolution


By Ceri Shaw, 2008-09-22
One of the biggest surveys in Wales to gauge public understanding of the political scene has shown that 70% of people want Wales to have either full or partial devolution. NEWS WALES ARTICLE HERE
Posted in: default | 0 comments
   / 536