I drove into Machynlleth on Saturday the 20th to be pleasantly greeted by a sea of Glyndŵr flags. Every shop, pub and cafe along Maelgwyn St had the flag flying from its flagpole and so did the Senedd-Dŷ which stayed open all day until 5pm allowing visitors the opportunity to visit and browse the excellent exhibition within which now, of course, includes a 'large as life' copy of the Pennal Letter and, the good news is, that the Senedd-Dŷ now has secured funding to employ a local bilingual person to man the Senedd-Dŷ for six months but unforunately, only English speakers have shown an interest in the job to date so c'mon Welsh speakers, there must be plenty of them in the Mach area who would love to work in such an interesting building even if it is only for six months.The custodian of the 'Glyndŵr Crown', Elfyn Rowlands had carried out his duty magnificantly and bought the crown into Machynlleth to be displayed to the people of Machynlleth and the rest of Wales but, not only had he done that, he had also set up an exhibition on the history of Cefn Caer and Owain Glyndŵr and had organised a sound system for, both, the speakers and for the loud playing of patriotic songs which served well to attract a crowd to the entrance of the Senedd-Dŷ for the annual Civic Ceremony of the displaying of the crown - the symbol of Welsh sovereignty.
Speeches were delivered by last year's Mayor, Mr Bob Dunn, and by the new Mayoress, Mrs Sylvia Rowlands and it was very encouraging to see an increase in the number of councillors and their wives at this year's ceremony but very sad to witness the absence of the town council's clerk, Mr Parsons, who has been a loyal supporter of the annual 'Dydd y Coroni and Dydd y Senedd' event since 2004 but was, sadly, unable to attend this year as he has just come out of hospital following treatment. Embassy Glyndŵr wishes him a speedy recovery.Mr Bob Dunn, during his speech, revealed that plans are underway to ensure the growth of this event as a civic event by next year alongside a major Gŵyl y Coroni Festival and it was great to see all round enthusiasm amongst all present to cooperate to ensure the success of such venture.
Any local group or school in the Machynlleth area interested in being part of the Gŵyl y Coroni Venture should make known their interest either to John Duckett at the Owain Glyndŵr Hotel or to Bob Dunn and/0r Sylvia Rowlands, both of which can be located at the Council's new headquarters at 'Y Plas' (Used to be Celtica)
It was 'low key' this year but, nevertheless, a successful afternoon with passers by stopping to look at and enquire about the crown and its significance and last, but certainly not least, praise must be given to John Duckett for, in the first instance, purchasing all the Glyndŵr flags and then, spending all of the Friday and Saturday morning, up a ladder all around Machynlleth, placing them on flagpoles. Are there any more like him around Cymru I wonder? Also, Gwyndaf's contribution in regards to the sound system and music must be applauded, it certainly drew the crowds and created a brilliant patriotic celebratory atmosphere. Dydd y y Senedd and Gŵyl y Coroni 2010 looks very promising. We will, of course, keep you all posted as news of developments arrives at the Embassy.
Siân.
