Embassy Glyndwr was initially established in London in 1999, originally set up to act as an embassy to the world in promotion of Hanes Glyndwr, However, for a verity of reasons which we have explained elsewhere, we soon became over involved in Wales regards organisation of commemorations and other Gwaith Glyndwr. This left a much unfullfilled purpose, in so far that our work in promotion of Hanes Glyndwr throughout the world has not been given the attention we had hoped to provide. This is now about to change as we embark on a new seven year programme part of which will see us at long last give more attention to our original purpose, but we can only do this successfuly and achieve as much on the world stage has we have done in Wales with the help of the the Welsh Exile Community or has we would describe ''Pobl Glyndwr in disporia''.
It is main ambition in this direction to see established a world wide organisation of ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'', this would be a FOUNDATION GLYNDWR INTERNATIONAL. I admit straight off, that I am inspired here by the Richard III Foundation which works throughout the world as a charitable educational organisation, with a platform of aims and objectives plus programme of events and activities world wide which is most admirable. I am thus drawing your attention to this Richard III Foundation as an example for us to follow with regards to establishment of a FOUNDATION GLYNDWR INTERNATIONAL, this is not something that cam be instantly done by Embassy Glyndwr alone based as we are in Wales. The successful establishment of such will take in, and consider the views and oppinions, ideas and proposals of ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'', so please give such your attention and consideration and do inform us on your thoughts on these matters. Noting that we hopefully will see F.G.I. established here in Wales on occaision of our developing annual 'Dydd y Senedd' Glyndwr festival in Machynlleth/Bro Dyfi on and about 21 Mehefin 2008. Thus we have about a year to think this over and come up with proposals to suit successful advance of this world wide umbrella and platform for promotion of Hanes Glyndwr and of his Cenedl Glyndwr.
Further to above please take aboard the following matters and areas in which such a Byd Glyndwr - Foundation Glyndwr International would be involved in:
a) In the first instance we designate a specific medieval period in which we are to work, the period of 1282 to 1485 more or less, at same time we do not wish to see Byd Glyndwr just mean a narrow time span within Medieval Wales alone. We are considering that as our work will increasingly be international, so too would we broaden interests in study of the medieval world in an international context. Thus by Byd Glyndwr we also mean the world in which Glyndwr lived, the same medieval period in comparative studies of medieval history be it in Europe, the Americas or in the Southern hemisphere. This era is of course a world of dynamic change and the Wales of Glyndwr did not escape the winds of such change, and whilst time and location would contstrain our Embassy staff in wriiting of such histories abroad, it is hope that ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'' would be able to contribute as and when possible. A further post will enlighten more on work in this are, suffice to say for now that I am working on a post personally to imitiate work in this direction, this post will look into other ''national heroes'' involved in comparative struggles in and around the times of our national hero Owain Glyndwr.
b) Central to a F.G.I would be the organisation of a bi annual gathering - Conference with symposium and workshops etc, in area of Machynlleth & Bro Dyfi, possibly being held in week prior to, or following the National Eisteddfod. As it is in this period it appears that most ''Welsh Exiles'' return to Cymru for an holiday. However, much will be detirmined by ''feed back'' by potential members of a F.G.I. as we cannot second guess when Welsh people abroad have their holidays and are most likly to return to Wales. Many may wish to attend the developing Machynlleth Glyndwr Festival in June or take a long autum break in the Gwlad Glyndwr of Corwen - Glyn Dyfrdwy, so please do inform us as to when you are most likly to return to Wales for a long or short holiday or even if you would be prepared to return to Wales, especially for a Glyndwr event. Much of what we do here in Wales, in a F.G.I. connection will be detirmined by information you supply us with, so please do.
c) Of course F.G.I. would have organised ''Branches'' in a number of countires or regions of countries eventually and would be responsible for promotion of Hanes Glyndwr and Gwaith Glyndwr in these world wide locations. not least promoting observation, recognition and commemoration of our three main celebratory ''Glyndwr Days'', which are:
* 28 Mai 1354 Glyndwr's Birthday (see Elusen Glyndwr Charity work).
* 21 Mehefin 1404 'Dydd Glyndwr' aka 'Dydd Coroni Glyndwr'.
* 16 Medi 1400 'Dydd Glyndwr' aka ''Independence Day.
Not above alone, ''Branches'' would be expected to organise other events and activities as their own Byd Glyndwr Historical Conferences and Symposia etc. Not least with academic areas as it is within such as Universities and colleges internationally that F.G.I. may best advance an educational interst in Owain Glyndwr and medieval Wales in which he lived. Of course work in this area may expand into schools and the wider communities by means of work with libraries and adult education etc. Plus other work similar to as we carry out here in Wales.
d) There is another important area in which the F.G.I. would work and which is why we call it a Foundation - thus a charitable body which will raise funds for major Glyndwr project work at Home here, in Wales as well as abroad. At moment we have projects we would like Byd Glyndwr - F.G.I, to assist with in Wales, they are as follows:
* A Founding Fathers Memorial Initiative for the Gwlad Glyndwr of Corwen & Glyn dyfrdwy with propsed project in villages of Glyndyfrdwy and Lidiart y Parc, more details in due course. If you have a specific interest in this area let us know.
* Support for Cefn Caer - Home to Coron Glyndwr - Symbol of National Soveriegnty, here there are a number of developments in which you can help. There are major renovation development plans for Cefn Caer which requires there being set up a CYFEILLION CEFN CAER, even though you may not live in the locality or Wales, and thus be available to take an active part, you may become an ''affiliate friend'' and otherwise support and recieve in time a newsletter. Embassy Glyndwr is assisting in setting up of such a ''Friends Organisation'' but once established will be an ''Independent body''. However, we are taking a more pro - active role in promotion of there being set up in the orchid of Cefn Caer an artistic appreciation of Coron Glyndwr in a dveloped are we may call 'ARDD GLYNDWR'. More information on this and making appointments to visit Cefn Caer and view Coron Glyndwr also if you wish booking a place at one of the splendid medieval banquets held at Cefn Caer. More information will be found on our CENEDL GLYNDWR Blog http://cenedl.blogspot.com
* Supporting as best as possible Canolfan Senedd dy Glyndwr, not least in re-development, in this area we are engaged in a project to provide the ''Canolfan Newydd'' with a very special opening day gift, more details in due course. In this connection you may in particular wish to see the F.G.I. particularly patronise our TEYRNAS GLYNDWR http://teyrnasglyndwr.blogspot.com/
SIAN ADD ANY OTHER IDEAS HERE ON OK.
Hopefully above will give you some idea as to what we are about with this initiative, please provide us with your feed back via llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com Next post will look into F.G.I. in greater detail.
Sian Ifan.
