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The Left Coast Eisteddfod 2009What is the Left Coast Eisteddfod?

Americymru is planning to hold a major event in Portland in August 2009. The "Left Coast Eisteddfod: a celebration of all things Welsh and in particular of the American Welsh heritage which has so enriched the history of this nation. In order to promote and raise funds for this event, a charitable foundation - "The Meriwether Lewis Memorial Foundation" is in the process of being established. The foundation is asking for support from members and supporters of this site, and others, to achieve the following objectives:-

1. To raise funds for a talent competition modelled on the Welsh National Eisteddfod which will both provide a showcase for local talent in the various competition categories and introduce the American public to the concept of the "Eisteddfod" . It is hoped that this event will be the first of many and that future events will be held ( perhaps on an annual basis ) in other U.S. cities.

2. To raise funds for a vendors area which will provide a showcase for Welsh and Celtic businesses and craftspeople to promote their talents, goods and services, foster connections between Welsh and American businesses and craftspeople and hopefully create commercial partnerships.

3. To raise funds for a series of concerts which will feature Welsh and Welsh American performers of both traditional and contemporary music and introduce a wider audience to Welsh and Welsh-American arts and talents.Thus far a number of artists have expressed an interest in performing at this event.

Why Support A Party in Portland?

Because it will be so much more than that. As can be seen from the above list it will be a true gathering of the tribes. It is hoped that it will be the first of a new breed of Welsh event in the USA . One which showcases contemporary Wales and the Welsh American heritage in equal measure. An event which attracts widespread popular support and participation and moves Welsh heritage into the mainstream of American culture.

We are seeking contributions of all sizes. If every member of this site could contribute $10 dollars we would be well on our way to establishing a new American Welsh tradition. We are also seeking commercial sponsors and grants.

All donations welcome. Please help if you can. ( for all enquiries please email americymru@gmail.com )

I wonder if you saw the story about Seb (The Lord) Coe in the Western Mail last week? According to one of the London papers, while discussing the proposed 'British' football team, one journalist asked about the pposition of the Welsh and Scottish Associations. Mr Coe denies that he answered "F*** 'em," and the London paper in question withdrew the story

But stories like this make a man think. Did you know, for instance, that there is an official petition on the Assembly web site, calling for a Welsh team at the London Olympics? Alex Salmond, Scottish first minister, has already fired the first salvo in Scotland's battle, so the more signatures the merrier on this petition. Go to THIS URL , tick the box marked "Petition to establish a Welsh Olympic Team for the Games in 2012 ," and give your details. Remember to get your friends to sign it as well.

There is an interesting symposium coming up in Bangor University's Management Centre. The symposium, under the name 'Cymodi - Reconciliation' is organised by the Welsh Language and Heritage Centre at Nant Gwrtheyrn, and North Wales Police, and will discuss discuss language as both a source of conflict and a tool for reconciliation with particular regard to minority languages. For more information, go to www.cymodi.org .

Remember the Rhostyllen protest to be held outside the National Trust AGM in :Liverpool on 1st November. Go and show your support if you can.

Lastly, for your information, there is a court case in Abergele on the 22nd October where a lady will be alleging discrimination on the grounds of race against an international company based in Llanberis, in the heart of Welsh Speaking Wales. The source of the complaint is that the company would not here her evidence in Welsh at an appeal hearing against her dismissal, despite the fact that Welsh is by far her stronger language. We thought that attitudes such as this belonged to the last century in the Fro Gymraeg. We await the judgement with interest.

Until the end of the monthIestyn* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Dewi Sant told us to "Do the little things."To see what he had in mind, have a quick look at: www.cymuned.net/ymlaen/dewisant * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Are you a dreamer or a doer?Cymuned can't survive without YOUR help.Have a look at: www.cymuned.net/ymlaen/ourfuture to hear how to make things change.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Cofion cynnes/Warm regards,Pwyllgor Gwaith Cymuned(the Cymuned Executive Committee)cymuned@cymuned.orgwww.cymuned.orgP.S. Stickers should not be put on public property.Cymuned, 64 Stryd Fawr, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5RR, CYMRU

Member Hugh Roberts was interviewed about americymru this morning by Jonsi on Welsh-language Radio Cymru . Click on the Jonsi Show page link and you can hear the interview.

Ceri Shaw was interviewed about americymru by Roy Noble on English-language Radio Wales . This show will air on this Thursday, 9 October 2008, at 2:30pm in Wales.

Interview with Gareth Evans HERE ! On the Coast2coast USA charity ride for the Noah's Ark Appeal Fund:- Coast2Coast USA

In the wake of the recent " Western Mail " article about this site other Welsh media have started to take an interest in us. Two radio interviews will be broadcast next week..The BBC are interviewing Hugh Roberts ( in Welsh ) at approximately 5 a.m. on Monday morning. The interview will be broadcast on the "Jonesy" show on Radio Cymru. It will be a live broadcast.At 8 a.m. also on Monday morning, they will be calling us and pre-recording an interview for the "Roy Noble" show on Radio Wales. They havent told us yet when that will be broadcast. We are assuming some time next week. We will update this blog as soon as we have any further information..

This was on our earlier games page and now, by request, we bring back the Sheep Tranquilizer Game.The object is simple: as sheep try to escape across the pasture before you, blast 'em with a hypo and stop them in their tracks!You will find the game HERE.

The National Library of Wales has commenced a project to:- " digitise every book, periodical and newspaper about Wales and make the material free to the world through its website."This includes 250,000 hours of video and more than 800,000 photographs. Full story HERE .

Huge, flesh-eating slugs have been found in Wales. The gigantic, flesh-eating, so-called "Ghost Slug," named because of its white color and the fact that it hunts at night, is armed with rows of razor-blade teeth that it uses to engulf its prey alive, piece by piece, one end still hopelessly kicking while the other is helplessly devoured.

The National Geographic reports that the monstrous, flesh-eating creature's origin remains a mystery and that it is not known how serious a threat it is to Britain's native flora, which include humans.

As can be seen in the photograph* below, a giant slug in Cardiff could be very dangerous and cause incredible damage.

[* artist rendering]

Today's Western Mail carried this article by reporter Robin Turner, "Americans can log on for taste of Cool Cymru," about americymru.For us Americans, the Western Mail is the national newspaper of Wales. I guess the closest thing we come to it is maybe the New York Times or the Washington Post .The article goes on to say: "FIRST there was SWS Social, Welsh and Sexy. And now there is Americymru.com so Welsh Americans can celebrate cool Cymru too..... Today Welsh heritage group Americymru has launched a US social networking site Americymru.ning.com aimed at Americans of Welsh descent getting together to celebrate their roots." Read the rest of Turner's article here on Wales Online.

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"