iCambria - The Blog of Wales » Editor’s Letter April 2008

Editor’s Letter April 2008

THIS YEAR I WAS RATHER SURPRISED by how little there seemed to be in the way of celebration - and support - of St.David’s Day in the media. Usually, in the evening, there is a Noson Lawen, several concerts perhaps, and a show or two with, say, Mike Doyle or Max Boyce on at least two channels - but not this year. The television and papers seemed dominated by sport with little time or space given over to our national day. Cardiff, though, was ablaze with flags and banners, and the National St. David’s Day Parade taking a quantum leap was absolutely magnificent, a real spectacle.

This year, Cardiff Council and the National Assembly gave it their support and that made all the difference. It was a beautiful albeit rather windy day and, of course, a Saturday, which meant it really could be a family outing. The atmosphere and camaraderie made attendance well worthwhile and there was plenty to see and hear. When the Parade reached the Senedd there was a programme of performances and a number of other events and activities had been laid on in the Bay.

The National St. David’s Day Parade was born of a challenge. Many in Wales will be unaware of its history. Six years ago our founder and publisher Henry Jones-Davies was invited by a friend to the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham. The entire city was given over to celebration, green beer, green costumes, with the local radio and television stations broadcasting live from the city centre. More than a quarter of a million people were out on the streets, joining in. Henry’s friend, Peter McAleese, a Glaswegian of proud Irish descent, jocularly remarked “I bet you Taffs couldn’t organise anything like this on St David’s Day!” Henry replied “Just you wait and see!” and determined to do something about it.

At the Cilmeri Commemoration in December that year Henry announced from the Prince Llywelyn memorial stone that he would carry the Ddraig Goch, alone if necessary, through the streets of the capital on St David’s Day the following year. A number of others present, including Adam Price MP, Gareth Westacott, David Petersen and Rhobert ap Steffan also pledged to be there. Like most great initiatives in Wales it started with a small determined band of believers and enthusiasts - in the words of Hilaire Belloc ‘From quiet homes and first beginning, out to the undiscovered ends’. The first parade, attended by just 600 people, took place on 1st March 2004. Since then the event has grown steadily with this, the fifth St. David’s Day Parade, attended by many thousands. Watching the huge procession with pipe and brass bands, dancers and flags work its way from the National Museum and City Hall past the Castle, down St Mary Street and Lloyd George Avenue through columns of cheering onlookers was a joy. As we passed the Pierhead Building a fellow walker looked up towards the new Senedd and told me that just hearing the very word ‘Senedd’ still gave her a thrill and the sight of the building filled her with pride.

Siôn Jobbins’ article on language is more than usually thought-provoking; I look forward to hearing what you think. There are those who say the fight for language has taken the fire out of the fight for autonomy: it is an emotive and sensitive subject. Take a look too at the challenging article by Rhydian Fôn James about the pressing need for affordable housing for young Welsh people.

Frances Jones-Davies