Thursday 20 December 2012

SILVER FOX REVIEW: BOOKS FOR XMAS RECOMMENDED BY EMBASSY GLYNDWR.




A review of Jenny Sullivan’s two novels Silver Fox Part 1 & 2.

Let’s first look at the first of these two novels, Silver Fox…The Dragon Wakes which came off the press in 2010, The story is set in Wales during the period of Owain Glyndŵr and the Welsh War of Independence and although the main historical characters in this war, as we know them, have been placed as secondary to the main fictional characters portrayed in the storyline of the novel, the geographical locations and main historical events of the war, as gradually revealed via the narrative of the three principal characters Elffin, Rhiannon and Llywelyn, are as accurate as they can be from historical records available. This illustrates the outcome of intensive and thorough research into the history concerned prior to venturing on the project.

The descriptions of the battle scenes are very detailed and imaginative - especially in regards to the Bryn Glâs Battle; any reader with an ounce of imagination can visualise the frenzied fighting and sprays of blood as a target was hit, and can hear the clashing of weapon upon weapon and the thundering of the horses' hooves as they charged across the battlefield.

Overall, Silver Fox…The Dragon Wakes is a novel that has been constructed and developed skilfully by a very imaginative mind. It has all the elements needed for a good historical story i.e., an unique history and setting, strong characters that have transcended time to guide us through the storyline, love, passion and a sprinkling of subtle sex.

The storyline ends in May 1403 with the burning of both Sycharth and Llys Glyndyfrdwy by the English under the young Prince Hal (Henry V) and with one of the main fictional characters, Llywelyn on his way to join Glyndŵr's army heading south.

The sequel, ‘Silver Fox…The Paths Diverge’ follows the story from May 1403 to April 1407 with the principal Characters Elffin, Llew, Rhiannon, Siobhan, Ceridwen, Jack and Siwan finally  travelling into exile to France on the ship ‘y Groes Sanctaidd’. Siobhan, Siwan and LoÏc were amongst a number of well constructed and interesting characters that had been introduced to this sequel which, again, has been constructed very skilfully as a continuation of what, undoubtedly, is a very interesting story based on the historical account of the Owain Glyndŵr’s War of Independence.

But, at the end of the day, Silver Fox is a fictional story and the author is quick to admit that she has taken some liberties in the telling of the story. For example, apart from the creating of fictional characters, she has portrayed the Lady Marged (Owain Glyndŵr’s wife) as a ruthless conniving woman who, whilst being totally loyal to Prince Owain Glyndŵr, would go to any lengths to ensure that her offspring were married off into the right blood lines. She’s also, in passing, portrayed Iolo Goch as a paedophile which probably won’t go down well with any descendents he may have still in existence but, on the whole, the storyline is credible and evocative and presents the reader with a realistic insight into how both the peasant and 'Uchelwyr' lived, and what they wore and what they ate on a daily basis in the early 15th century.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed both the prequel and the sequel of Silver Fox and found it extremely difficult to put each book down once I had started reading them. This story is an excellent fictional angle on the Owain Glyndŵr history and very raunchy in parts – especially in the prequel. I have spent more than half of my life studying and promoting the history of the Owain Glyndŵr War of Independence and am confident in my mind that Silver Fox part 1 and 2 could be adapted into a very interesting television series that would have worldwide appeal. I hasten to stress here that the reason I say series rather than a film (which everyone craves for) is that the storyline is based on characters associated to Prince Owain rather than on Prince Owain himself. Yes, a film on Prince Owain Glyndŵr and his Great War of Independence is desperately needed but, such a film will need to be a very powerful epic with Glyndŵr as the central figure. Such a film would be produced on the lines of Braveheart but would be even better as the Glyndŵr story is a much stronger one than the William Wallace story in my view.

But, whilst we’re waiting for someone to come up with the perfect script for a great Owain Glyndwr epic film and a major production company or a syndicate of companies that can come up with the finance to produce such a great epic, let’s see if there is a production company out there with enough foresight and funding to produce Silver Fox as an interesting and unique Television series.

Siân Ifan

C.E.O. Embassy Glyndŵr 

You may Copy Below and pass on via email and facebook:


Tuesday 11 December 2012

THE NEWLY FORMED PLAID GLYNDŴR UNDER SCRUTINY



Here is the link to the website of the newly formed Plaid Glyndŵr:

Home - PLAID GLYNDWR

www.plaidglyndwr.com/CROESO! PLAID GLYNDWR. Estabished November 2012. The Plan: Initially we intend not to set our sights to high and fail our target as other new parties have ...
And now, my conclusions on it:



Many of you may recall that I had called for the establishment of a Plaid Glyndŵr via my Owain Glyndŵr Communicates and associated blogs in 2007 and had a major article published in the Cymro weekly newspaper about two years ago which again suggested such a development. But, whilst I called for the setting up of such a party, I did stress then that due to all the other 'back room' patriotic work load I find myself committed to tackling in the coming years, I was in no position to launch such a party myself, I was merely planting a seed to see if anything would blossom out of it. Therefore, initially, I was excited to learn about the newly established Plaid Glyndŵr and rushed to read its aims and constitution on its website to see if it was worth joining but, alas, I must report that going through the website and then, its blog, both of which had very little content,  just led to disappointment and utter frustration as I will endeavor to explain.  
When we initially called for a New Plaid Glyndwr more than 5yrs ago, we did so out of pure frustration with Plaid Cymru as a 'supposed' nationalist party that was meant to be serious about defending Cymric communities and Cymric resources but which are definitely not doing that, being more concerned, these days, in trying to prove to their Westminster masters that they are 'competent politicians' and in placing Lords in the English House of Lords. So that I do not have to repeat here all that I outlined then, please read my article released Nov 2011 in this link
   http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/who-is-capable-of-starting-plaid.html
But, from what I can see from Dennis Morris's new Plaid Glyndŵr website, there's been little thought accosted to laying 'strong' foundations followed by strong development to this new party.  According to the website, the 'plan' is to fight local and community elections and it then states that their 'ultimate' aim will be to fight Assembly Elections. Morris then states that... "we have no desire to be part of the UK or its political system"  but, if their 'ultimate aim' is to fight Assembly seats, they will be part of that system wont they or, does Morris believe that we will have a Senedd with full powers in Bae Caerdydd by the time he and his party are ready to fight seats there? er...that's Independence - so, if that's the case, why exactly would his party need to exist and what would their campaigning manifesto be?

At this present time, their Manifesto, I presume, is what they have listed as their ideology which can be found on the 'Background page' of the website but, it is just a short list of 'sound bites', no in depth information as to how they intend to structure this ideology into positive action at all.
So, no real Manifesto and no constitution of any kind and, as a closing statement on this Background page, Morris states... "Plaid Glyndwr is a republican party, our principles will embrace openness and accountability" Well, no sign of that so far is there if there is no comprehensive Manifesto and no constitution!
Really, as far as I'm personally concerned, I have already decided from what I've already discovered thus far from this 'sad' website that this particular attempt to set up the Plaid Glyndŵr that I had envisioned is a complete 'non- starter' but, let's continue through the rest of this lacking website in sufferance - to the 'Membership Form' page where we find that the membership fee to join this party is...wait for it, £10 for a lifetime membership!  What, to finance the costs of the every day running of the party, the 'fighting of elections and other campaigns? What planet is Dennis Morris on? You couldn't run a small pressure group without a regular annual income not to mention a serious political party that's promising to campaign in Local and County - and in time, Assembly elections! Again, no thought or foresight evident in making such an important decision as this, its as if any old figure was pulled out of the air and stuck on the membership form.
Now, let's turn to the 'blog' link on the website where four issues are given the briefest of airing namely:
1. Water... More regurgetated 'sound bites'. This issue has, for over 135 yrs been on the political agenda in Cymru and this new 'so called' political party is offering no clarity whatsoever as to what their strategy will be to ensure that the issue is, as they state..." resolved favorably towards Cymru and its people".

2. Housing: This is merely a letter/cutting from the Daily Post. The letter was penned by Dennis Morris and is on the need to address Housing Issues. More 'sound bites'. Nothing to accompany the letter outlining what the new party's strategy will be as a means of tackling the problem?

3. Plaid Glyndŵr and Wind Monsters: First two paragraphs were o.k. - as 'regeretrated sound bites' go then, we come to the next paragraph:
  
"However our negative attitude could change to these turbines if Cymru had over all control, if Cymru profited from the energy harvested on our mountains. If the energy was to be stored in a Welsh grid and sold onto England as a profit, or used to help subsidise local’s fuel bills, then our position could change.
and...

Although we oppose these turbines we won’t be forming any alliances with most of these anti-turbine groups that has popped up recently, we recognise that many of these organisations only have their own interests in mind such as the fall in value of their holiday home, we know the type.

Our anxiety about these turbines is of a nationalist concern only, Plaid Glyndwr desires only what is best for Cymru and its people".

In other words, Dennis Morris's new party would be happy to fill our nation up to the brim with gigantic heaps of what will, in time, become scrap metal that just will not consistently work without the back up of power stations, so long as Cymru had overall control over these monstrosities. Never mind the fact that our motherland will be totally ravaged and polluted with thousands of tonnage of cement to create bases for these useless monstrosities. Never mind the fact that our unique bird and other wild life habitats will be destroyed. Never mind the fact that our tourism industry will be destroyed and never mind the fact that our ancient burial grounds, byways and battlefields will be destroyed and all this, before we even begin to look into the physical effects of these monstrosities on the health of our people! Again, no signs of any foresight thought or research into the subject before declaring such a naive aim. If thorough research had been carried out, Mr Morris should have come to the conclusion that wind turbines have and do not work 'anywhere' without the necessary back up - and here, in Cymru, we have better alternatives such as Community run hydro power (which could make every community in Cymru self sufficient) along with solar, bi-mass etc.

The last small paragraph on the blog tells us that this new Plaid Glyndŵr intends to put forward candidates to fight seats on Ynys Môn in next May's (2013) County, Town and community elections. That's barely six months from now! Is the election budget going to come out of the party's £10 lifetime membership fee or, is Dennis Morris hoping that his lottery numbers will come in soon? And why concentrate on Ynys Môn, what is so special about this Ynys to this new party? Dennis Morris himself lives in Pembroke and the only other declared member of the party (the Membership Officer) lives in Wrecsam so, very odd that they are focusing their attention on Ynys Môn? 

Now for the 'big' issue (even taking precedence over the shambolics I've outlined up to now) that decided for me that 'no way' was I going to join this new party. Note, that I can't even bring myself to call it Plaid Glyndŵr anymore because, it doesn't come anywhere near the Plaid Glyndŵr I had envisioned and outlined in Owain Glyndŵr Communicates in 2007 and in the same blog in more depth last year; this shambolic 'hi-jack' of that idea and concept is an embarrassment to say the least!

Before any 'real' well researched Manifesto and/or any 'real' thoroughly discussed Constitution had been produced or any 'real' open and transparent meeting had been held to openly discuss and allow opportunities to amend the aforementioned documents, I find that, apart from the website, this party is focusing on advancing its membership on 'Facebook' of all places. Such a 'fantasy island may be suitable if you are looking to recruit 'fantasists' who are more than willing to join 'anything' and, more than often, for very dubious reasons such as to carry out the work of WECTU of collecting the names of patriots or potential patriots, of 'wrecking' and of the character assassination of members of groups that may prove to be a threat to the English State and it's hold on Cymru. Facebook is, without doubt, the best weapon that 'those in control' have ever had on society and already I have noticed how some very 'dodgy' and shadowy characters, to say the least, are turning their attention to this new party ready to jump on it like fleas - and infiltrate they will - as this party, by recruiting in this way, has opened the flood gates for them rather than recruit in the professional sensible way that a serious political party would - and as I outlined last year in my previous article in Owain Glyndŵr Communicates. 

A new facebook group calling itself 'Plaid Glyndwr' states that they are...
  

"a discussion and information gathering group for Plaid Glyndwr. We are not officially associated with Plaid Glyndwr but maintain contact with the party's founder, Dennis Morris, to receive information directly from him"

Really? do not be fooled, this facebook group which was opened about two weeks ago has already invited 96 'friends' to join and is very much associated with the new Plaid Glyndŵr. It is already posting some of the 'sound bites' off the official website and is a 'snare' for unsuspecting patriots and others out there. I would advise 'sensible' and 'true patriots' to 'unfriend' and disassociate themselves from this group before they find  themselves paying £10 for a life membership to a political party that has not got the experience or professionalism to get anywhere. Also, joining the f.b. group could very well mean that you are being 'name farmed' for WECTU - even if it is unintentional. The fact that this new party is already operating in this very unprofessional shadowy and most nontransparent way will have shot the ship out of the water before it was launched - if its aim is to be a serious political party - and from what I've already seen, I very much doubt that.


So, let's get to the hundred dollar question, Is this 'offering' a serious alternative to Plaid Cymru? What do you think?  A Party with no Manifesto, no Constitution; a party that has not had a public transparent meeting to discuss its Constitution,  Manifesto and strategy?  No, of course it isn't. Due to the fact that this party has declared itself a 'Party' in such an unprofessional and nontransparent way, it certainly does not have the mandate of the Cymric Nationalist Fraternity and, most certainly, is not anywhere near up to scratch to oppose Plaid Cymru.


So, what now? Without doubt, there is most definitely a need for an 'able' alternative nationalist Party to Plaid Cymru, one that can deliver for Cymru and all its citizens without compromise. The true Plaid Glyndŵr, the one I envisioned when I sowed the seed, must be launched on very strong foundations. It must have a well thought out Constitution and a well researched and thought out Manifesto and strategy of operation before such is taken to a public meeting to discuss and amend openly before a full Convention of potential members. Only then, could the new true Plaid Glyndŵr be launched and press statements of the launch issued by a newly elected experienced Press Officer, and membership sought and branches set up in every community in Cymru...and certainly not via facebook! 


The new true Plaid Glyndŵr will embrace and re-enstate Cymric Sovereignty as was done by our last true Prince of Cymru Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr in June 1404 and will recognize and declare itself always, as a Cymric National Sovereignty Party that has the quality, and the mandate of the Cymric people to have supreme independent authority over Cymru in order to guarantee the best Interests of Cymru and its citizens. Towards such ends, the new true Plaid Glyndŵr , if to be true to its National Sovereignty Party status, must, in final recourse,  see as neccessary, the eventual abolishment of the Assembly in Cardiff and, in it's place, a restoration of Senedd Cenedl Glyndŵr. 


We, at Embassy Glyndŵr, thence propose the establishment and advance of the true Plaid Glyndŵr as a serious alternative to Plaid Cymru, to pursue an uncompromising nationalist struggle for Welsh Independence - and we stress that such will only be possible if such a proposed PLAID GLYNDŴR states clearly that it is a Cymric National Sovereignty Party.


We know that there are intelligent and able patriots out there that can deliver this mandate, some are within Plaid Cymru, good Cymric patriots that are disillusioned with the way that this party is being led and compromised - but who remain as members, partly out of loyalty and partly as there is no credible alternative. There is hope, there can be a credible alternative and we hope that in the near future, we will be able to declare that a public meeting will be held at a Central Cymru venue where a dedicated and intelligent group of Cymric patriots; Nationalists, republicans and socialists will be able to offer a Constitution, a well researched Manifesto and a proposed agenda for the true Plaid Glyndwr - Cymric National Sovereignty Party, to the public meeting, in the hope that a 'peoples's mandate' will be delivered there and then, authorizing the setting up of the new true Plaid Glyndŵr and the appointing of a democratic Central committee. 

Until such time, despite your frustrations and feelings of despair at the state of Cymru, please do not commit yourselves to another 'shambles' or worse - if the members of Dennis Morris's new party are recruited through facebook - as they are! What has happened here is, to a great degree, my fault - and I accept full responsibility. I should not have planted the seed of a Plaid Glyndŵr and then not protected the seed and cultivated it until its birth. I left it vunerable to be 'hi jacked' by the wrong people! But, hopefully now, we can get the right people together to give the seed a rebirth and a chance to grow and flourish so that it can fight for Cymru. So, please be patient for a few more months until you hear from us again with information as to when and where the Public Meeting to introduce the true Plaid Glyndŵr will be held.


'Tros Gymru - Cenedl Glyndŵr!

Siân Ifan


C.E.O. Embassy Glyndŵr

Below is further Information on Dennis Morris and his Politcal C.V as far as I am aware. He first came to my attention when, with Adam Phillips of Balchder Cymru, Paul Edwards of the Red Dragon Movement and himsef as Cymru 1400, established Mudiad Rhyddhad Cymru with Dennis Coslett (ex FWA) as President. This came to nothing with BC continuing as BC whilst Dennis Morris since, has run a number of webites and blogs such as Eryr Gwyn, The Informer and recently the Reclaim Cymru Alliance which for a short while he advocated until he founded this new Plaid Glyndwr which I have analysed and found cause to critcise above.

Balchder Cymru - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balchder_Cymru
The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's general notability guideline. ... The new movement was named 'Mudiad Rhyddhad Cymru' with the aims of ...

And below is more of our writings to promote and cultivate the idea of a real Plaid Glyndwr: 

SOFRANIAETH. S.O.S. SAVE OUR SOVEREIGNTY.: Introduction ...

sofraniaeth.blogspot.com/2008/01/introduction.html
9 Jan 2008 – SOFRANIAETH. S.O.S. SAVE OUR SOVEREIGNTY. Campaigning For Welsh Independence - Arguing For Action - Struggle For Sovereignty ...


Also noting that Sofraniaeth as given ground to the below:

Movement for a Sovereign State of Wales / Mudiad Gwladwriaeth Sofren Cymru  



SOFREN CYMRU MANIFESTO.

A new organisation to campaign for full Welsh sovereignty
Other Information on Embassy Glyndwr - Plaid Glyndwr I?

Plaid Glyndwr - Welsh National Sovereignty Party, why not?

owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com/.../plaid-glynd...
6 Jul 2007 – Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com. PLAID GLYNDŴR. Welsh National Sovereignty Party. Manifesto of Mobalisation.

WHITHER PLAID GLYNDŴR - A New National Independence Party?

owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com/.../who-is-capa...
7 Nov 2011 – WHITHER PLAID GLYNDŴR - A New National Independence Party? Despite the occasional technical hitch which derives from working with ...

GALWAD GLYNDŴR

galwadglyndwr.blogspot.com/
14 Sep 2012 – Cofiwch chwifio eich baner Glyndŵr heddiw o ffenestri eich tai os nad ....is Plaid 'Green' Cymru, failed and rejected reformist Welsh Nationalist ...