17 May 2008

I'R GAD: WHAT WE WANT DONE. At Moment Politelty and Passively Requested But Our Patience Could Run Out Fast!

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1: Cadw registration of Welsh Battlefield Sites becomes more of a reality at same level of attention as given by English Heritage to English Battlefields, this includes Cadw publishing a booklet as they have done with their registered Welsh Landscapes.
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2: Cadw assumes they are responsible in so far as being pro - active in having these Welsh Battlefields, ones noted by RCAHMW marked with plaques or otherwise plus with RCAHMW they produce informative and interesting leaflets to be placed in Libraries and Tourism Information Centres etc.
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3: RCAHMW continues their work in this area, and hopefully their associated archaeological trusts throughout the land gives Welsh Battlefield sites much more attention. Perhaps between them these ''bodies'' could see published a comprehensive book on Welsh Battlefields, being mindful of the fact that the O.S. book on British Battles, does not include any Welsh Battles.
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4: That the O.S. confirms that it will identify these Welsh Battlesites on their maps and in their publications. Perhaps cooperating with Cadw & RCAHMW in aforementioned book plus explain why on earlier O.S. Maps some Welsh Battlefields were marked, then on newer maps disappeared?
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5: The National Parks and Forestry Commission, please note your responsibility and role regards Welsh Battlefield Preservation, Protection and Promotion. If unsure consult above ''bodies'' but best of all view via web the great job being done by the American Parks Service with Battlefields that fall within their boundaries of responsibilities.
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6: Local Authorities in Wales, please wake up, via the web just see how far ahead are local authorities in England regards Battlefields in their areas. Note their contribution to English Battlefield Registration, please be aware of your education responsibilities and requirements here but also potential regards local leisure and tourism. Local Authorities, you are responsible for Tourism and Local Leisure brochures you could include in such much more of our medieval history, many of you ''cop out'' as much as Cadw and Visit Wales. NB: I am doing a survey on this, results of which will be posted some time in June, I hope, it would help if Welsh Battlefield enthusiasts could do some local checking and supply me with some information.
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7: Educational bodies both national and local, you have much to do, to catch up on in this direction. This includes Welsh History University Departments, is there not room for specialised subjects as Welsh Military History and Welsh Battlefields. In this area I am sure local Adult education could be far better connected to battlefields in their localities.
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8: Visit Wales Tourism, c'mon do I have to tell you, that with all your ''niche'' tourism and marketing you cannot think up and develop one to do with Welsh Military History and Welsh Battlefield Interests and tours. Go see Visit England and Visit Scotland and realise how bloody pathetic you are in this area, not least please put on your websites more Welsh Medieval History regards our Conquest and Colonisation 1094 - 1294. Not least asap, do put 1282 on your website timeline, stop being so immature or is it ignorance, most likely gutlessness, yes!
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9: Welsh Military Museums, as at Cardiff, Brecon and Caernarfon and other? could be somewhat more interested and broader in interest regards Welsh Military History. Perhaps, they could work towards establishing a Welsh Military History Society similar to the one in Ireland, see via web IRISH MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY.
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10: A Welsh Medieval Military History and Battlefield Interpretation Centre be a priority for establishment, similar to centres at Hastings, Bosworth and Culloden. Such I personally prefer to be established in area of Builth Wells in association with, an annual Welsh Medieval Mobilisation to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground, that is an event similar to the annual Tewkesbury and other Medieval Festivals. Further, also in association, an annual Welsh Military History/Battlefield Conference be held in Builth Wells area.
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11: To assist with all the above and much more, I feel it is imperative that a Welsh Medieval Interest body is established similar to that of Herian which is concerned with Southern History of the Industrial Revolution Period. All the above and below mentioned ''bodies'' need to be brought together to discuss this, with representatives from they appointed to a working party to develop and advance a ''Medieval Herian'' asap. Anyone out there got a good name to suggest for such a Welsh medieval interest body? if so let me know please.
12: WAG gives full support to all the above and other Welsh Medieval Interest Initiatives as my suggested TIROEDD y TYWYSOGION CYMRU, Bryn Mawr Medieval Farm Heritage Trust, Cefn Caer - ''Ty Glyndwr'', Canolfan Owain Glyndwr plus Embassy Glyndwr's work to establish a Bro Glyndwr - Bro Dyfi in association with an annual Medieval Festival in Machynlleth (for further info on that, see at http://cenedl.blogspot.com/)
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Well that's for starters, if I or you can think of more requests, let me know and I will add them. Now, what can you do to support above requests. First and foremost set about establishing a Local Battlefield Site Research Group (see previous posts) and get down to some serious study and surveying of your local Battlefield site, focus public promotion around my suggestions for a Welsh Battlefield Day local community event and activities. Other than that, instant speedy priority in a personal or/and groups 'LETTER CAMPAGN' in direction of officers and Representatives of all aforementioned ''Official Bodies'' plus the media, national and local. NB: this is very urgent ok, as for why? see over at http://ymgyrchtreftadaeth.blogspot.com/ Start winding yourself up for a MEHEFIN 2008 - MONTH OF ACTION - Perhaps with 22 Mehefin as a Welsh Battlefield Day 2008, given it's connection to the capture of Dafydd III on that date in 1283 (see at http://brenhinolcymru.blogspot.com), keeping in mind that the Battle of Bryn Derwin was also fought in Mehefin 1255. The Battle of Llandielo was fought on the 17 Mehefin 1282 and not least of course there was the Battle of Bryn Glas, an Owain Glyndwr Victory on 22 Mehefin 1402. Thus Mehefin some what of a good month for battles, so are you up for some I'R GAD to radically resurrect a Welsh Battlefield Campaign?
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I'r Gad! I'r Gad! I'r Gad!
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Gethin.