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The Colwyn Bay Festival of…

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The Colwyn Bay Festival of 1910. Proclamation at Y Fanerig Picturesque Gorsedd Rites at The Flagstaff. Quaint Ceremonial Successfully Conducted. A Remarkable Concert. Mr. Whitehead's Generosity and Glowing Tribute to Welsh Genius. The great initial: ceremony of "proclaiming the Royal Welsh National: Eisteddfod of 1910 Was performed on Tuesday, amid intense public initecest and enthusiasm which even the heavy rain could not quench. Rarely, if ever, before has the Gorsedd pro- clamation, at which the sanction to hold a Na- tional, Eisteddfod, is formally given, been at- tenid.ed by guich a large concourse of people. "What was as remarkable as the number of spec- tators was the interest displayed by the large proportion of English people present. Nearly all the places of business were closed in the afternoon, and the townspeople gave themselves up to EisitedcLfodic rejoicings. The principal events of the day were the pro- cession of bards and public to the Flagstaff, where, by the unique generosity of Mr. White- head, the .sacred Goirsedd circle of unhewn and historic ISltOllleS has been created the Gorsedd ceremony presided over by the venerable Arch- druiid; a luncheon given to the bands by Mr Whitehead at The Look-Out a remarkable concert in the Victoria Pavilion in the after- noon and a representative banquet in the Im- perial Hotel at night. From start to finish the proceedings were martoed by the utmost enthu- siasm—enthusiasm was the dominant note— wihich augurs well for the success of the Colwyn Bay Eisteddfod in the September of next year. THE PROCESSION. Thousands of people congregated1 in the vic- inity of the Council Chamber, shortly before half-past ten o'clock, to see the procession formed in the grounds of the Council Offices, It was in the Council Chamber that the bards put on their picturesque Dobes, and it was in the strong room adjoifning that were stored over- night the priceilesa regalia of the Gorsedd. First of all in the pageant came the Old Col- wyn Silver Band (conducted by Mr Hezekiah Jones), with their traditional Welsh goat. Next came the Fire Brigade in uniform, fodloiwedi by representatives of the governing and educational authorities and the magisterial bench. The Bards, Druid Bards, and Ovate Bardls, wore the ,Costumes, peculiiar to their orders, the colours being light blue ("the colour of thei sky, as an emiblem of the celestial origin of poetry), wihitte ('" the colour of light, denoting the praruity of religion and mo-rals") and green (to represent living vegetation, an emblem of gtiowth and progress"). Among them were Mr Alfred Perceval Graves, of Harlech (Cerddtotr Kiill- amey) Mr J. Arthur Williams, Bangor (Pen- 'Cerd:d' Soiriol) Mr J. Kelt Edwards (Pwynitil Meirion), Mt Elis Pierce, Dolwydde'len (Ellis o r Nant) Mr Owen Owen (Castellfryn), Mr Vilil- centt E varus (Virusent), General Secretary of the National Eisteddfod Association, Londoni; Mr W. Edward Williams (Gwiilym Rhug), Mr E. E. Kelly (Clan Madtoig), Ciolwyn Bay; Llifon, loan "Vytchant (Mir John yauighan, Old Colwyn), Huiwco Penanaeai, EdI'ir ALed, Morus Meirion, Gwyirufe, Deiaitiol Vychan, Bwlchydd Man, Pen- Tilyin., Tudtuir Clwyd (Rev. T. Frimistoin, Old Colwyn), Tcdyfan, Peinicerdld Oipwig (Rev. James 'Salt), Dr. Spinither James (" Spinther "), Eifion- ydd (the Gorsedd Secretary), and Llew Tegid. The Archdlruiid, the Rev. E. Rees (Dyfed), of Cardiff, wearing his chaplet of oak leaves and acorns and goilden torque, sat in a motor-car axxjoimpanied by Mr. David Giamble, J.P. (Chairman of the District Council), and Mr. T. H. Morgan (Vice-Chairman). The nexic motor contained, in addition to some of the leading officials of the Gorsedd, Mr J. Prichard- Joines, J.P., D.L., of London and Anglesey, and Mr and. Mins T. J. Williams, Coed Derw, Colwyn Bey. This was .succeeded by a motor in, which rode the Hon. Mrs Brodirick, of Coed Coch, who is so proud of her bardie title of Gwendolen, Another motor contained Sir J. Herbert Roberts, M.P. (whose bardic title is Gwenalilit"), ac- companied by his little son, Master David Ro- berts, and- his sister, Miss Roberts, of Tan'rallt. Then came a carriage containing Mrs Gamble, Mrs Aimphilett, and Mrs Barnato, who had been chosen to perform an important item in the Gor- ,sedd ceremony. Next came members and offi- cials of the Eisteddfod Committees, prominent arnonjgst whom were Mr James Amphlett (the 'Cihaiirmtan of the Executive Committee), Mr T. R. Roberts (the General Secretary), the Rev. W. 'Hughe-, (the Hon.1 General Secretary), and Mr. Wili1;am Jones, North and South Wales Bank (the Treasurer). The members of the general public came next, and the progress of the cavialcadie down Hiawar- den-road, up Station-road, and then. up to the Flagstaff was watched by an immense concourse of spectators. THE SACRED CIRCLE. Despite the heavy rain, a great throng (trooped' into the ground's oif the Flagstaff, a privilege which was greatly appreciated because of the great beauty of the upl.andi demesne, anid surrounded the Gorsedd cir,cle of unhewn stones. Not only has Mr Whitehead given the land for the purpose and defrayed a portion of the great cost of removing the stones, but he has also gnanted permission for the circle to re- main there for all time as a memorial of the Colwyn Bay National Eisteddfod. The circle .stands upon an eminence 600 feet above sea level, which commianids a glorious panoramic view of sea and coast line and mountains. From here can be seen many of the Carnarvon- shire mountain peaks, the Island of Anglesey., the Great Orme!'s Head, the uplands of Flint- shire, the Wirrtali Peninsula, and (oni very clear days) the New Brighton Tower. On, Tuesday the strong north-weist wind blowing over the sea-Sltriaing to say, very little of it was felt at the Flagstaff—brought with it a succession of n^itasqiualls, which could be seen approaching from off the Irish Sea for some time before they delivered their moist burden upon, the Gorsedd throng, and could: be followed in their course afterwards across the plateau of Brynymaeni arud up the valley of the Cfonway. In addition to the unique circumstances of its existence in such a pl^ce, the circle is excep- tional by reason of the historical and other associations connected with the various stones composiiing it. The central, stone, called the Maem Llog, or Logan stone, from which the proclamation and; other speeches are made, weighs over ten hundred-weights, and consists of a huge local blue granite found in the grounds of Eithimog, and given by Mr David Lewis, who also, presented' anolthelr stone. The other donmls of stones, all, of them from histori- c,al spots in the diisitrict, are Mr. W. Hiorton, J.P. (Biryn Dinarth), the Countess of Dundonlald (Gwryoh, Castle), the Right Hon. the Lady Augusta Mostyn (Gloddaeth), Mr C. B. Jones. Mortimer, J.P. (Bryn Efeteddfod), Mr J. M. Parter (Biraeside), Miss Hughes (Pant-y-Ffrith, Gllan Ctonway), the Hon. Mrs Brodlridk (Coed Coch), Mr J. Eden (Lletty'r Dryw, Odd Oolwyrn), Mr David Moirrns (PeuiWys), and Mr T. J. Jones (Dinarth. Hall). There are twelve stones in all, and they stand near the Look-Out." • THE ANCIENT RITES. .None but the members of the Gorsedd are supposed to be allowed within the circle, and it was interesting to observe that they included one lady, in the penson of Gwendolen'' (the 'Hon. Mrs Brtodrick), who is descended from one of the Royal Tribes of North Wales. Instead of a roibe, she ware a green ribbon, on her left arm. For special reason, a few non-members were per- mitted to be seated inside the Gorsedd circle, these including Mrs Gamble, Mrs Amphlett, and Mrs Barnato, and Mr J. Prichard-Jones, who was Treasturer of the Londbn- National Eistedd- fod. The Archdtauid, Dyfed, was cheereed on as- cending the Mlaen Llog, where he was accom- panied by Cadvan wearinig his gold crown. The effect of the picture was heightened by the pres- ence of the Gorsedd banner, a remarkably fine piece of work bearing a mysterious design. At the outset, Mr Hezekiah Jones blew a blast upon the Corn Gw!lad," whose trumpet niotes reverberated amongst the neighbouring hiillis and valleys. Then the Archdruid and some of his leading colleagues were seen to raise on high the Gorsedd sword, which is of great size and elaborate workmanship. The swoird, partly unsheathed, was touched upon. hilt and ,scabbard by the bardsi, and three times the ATchdmuidi shouted the challenge A oes Hedtdwoh ?" ("Is it Peace?") And each time the answer of the; mrultitude was Heddwch!" (" Peace "). The sword, was then completely ,sbeathedi, ISO to remain for twelve months and a day." The meaning of this portion, of the ceremony is given by Arlumydd Penygarn, whose striking presence was greatly m'igsed on, this occasion, and who says that in ancient times the Bardic circle was sacred against armed force, and the sheathing of the sword is sym- bolical of a truce. Then Gwynedd (the Rector of Aber) recited1 the impressive Gorsedd' prayer. Dyfed, after reading the proclamation, ex- pressed regret that the weather did not admit of their meeting in the face of the sun, the eye of light, but at any rate they were able to carry out, the ceremony in the open air and on the greensward. The Bardls were not sun-wor- shippers, but they worshipped the Creator of the S/un and of light. And where could they meet in a better place than in thee air and amidist the beauties' of nature? Proceeding, the Archdruid said that Wales had arrived at a period when more di-stinctifon, was attached to the National; Eisteddfod, than to any other gathering in. the Principality, and the reason for that was not far to seek. It was an institution which had in the past, as it was doing in the present, done much to foster the national life and to encourage the study of literature, poetry, and science among the people, and so to- enrich the literature of Wales. He hoped that the com- petitors who took pant in the C'olwyin Bay Na. tional Eisteddfod would have as their object not so much the mercenary matter of the prizes awarded, nor the distinction They would receive on the platform- of the Eisteddfod as the foster- ing of the literature of the country. (Applause.) lit was one of their dutites to. maintain the punity of their language and literature, and he could not help feeling that one of the miracles, of the age was the present flourishing condition of the Welsh language, which he felt sure no powers would ever be able to quench. (Cheers.) Llew Tegid, still witty in spit-e of the raiin, created laughter by remarking that the Colwyn B'ay Eisteddfod) was being proclaimed in the riain, but woiuild be held, amidst rejoicings. (.Laughter, and applause.) With regard to thte ceremony in1 which they were then engaged, Some peOlpLe maintained that the Gorsedd, was a very old institution. Some said it dlated back 3,000 years; while others contendedJ it was merely 3100 years oild. (Laughter.) They were told by some that it used to be the senate, the court of law, and the university of their ances- tors, and that students formerly caime to it from alii the countries of Europe. They were further toild by its advocates that its ceremonies were siacred, its customs essential, and its degrees of great honour. Others maintained that its cere- monies were vanities, its customs- out of date, and its honours mere toys. Probably the true path lay in. the middlle of the road. (Laughter.) 'The Gorsedd had its duties to perform, and its own sphere to work in. ^Cheers). It did not rival their colleges. It would, be some time yet before more than one out of every 1,000 of the population of NVales wo,uild go to college, and it woulld be the duty of the Eisteddfod to take care of the remaining 999. (Applause.) Its dfuties were to foSlterr literature, poetry, and patriotism. It had already done a great d'eal for those in. its examintationis which were not so simple as some people would, have them believe. A spirit of reform had just been introduced into. the GOT- sedd, and he hoped that that spirit would not rest untill the rules of alliteration were revised and other rules established in. connection with the chair and crown. It was also the duty of the Goriseddi to give dignity tOI Welsh patriot- ism and to revive in the Welsh nation, that (bold spirit of independence which characterised it in ages past—'some of the spirit of Ioilio when. he replied to the lackey of a certain lord in Lon- don, who wo.uld nort admit him into his mas- ter's mansion, and offeired to strike him:- Strike a Welshman, iif you dare, Ancient Britons asi we are, We were men of great renown, Ere Saxon, wore a crown." He hoped both the Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd, each of which was essential to the existence of the other, would be utilised to fost-eil Welsh na- tionalism in its highest sense, so as to make Welshmen not onlly cultured in poetry, litera- ture, and art, but aliso independlent in, spirit and worthy of their ancestors. (Cheers.) Eos Dar, the great and acknowledged master of an art peculiar to. W.ales, now sang some of his delightful pemiillion, accompanied on the harp by the clever Ap Eos y Berth. Then was witnessed a very pretty ceremony, Mrs Gamlble, Mrs Amphlett, and Mrs Barnato advanced to the Maen. Llog and presented to the Archdruid the Corn Hinllas (or Horn of Wel- come), with its silveir-gilt dragon-stan d of silver- gilt decorated with gemis and enamels, together with a comu-copiia containing bouquets of plans symbolical of the CJ-orseddic s-easoiris, and consistfing- of trefoil, vervain, corn-, and mistle- toe. As in past years, the bouquets were kindlly pires,eint,ed by the Hon Mrs Herbert of Llanover and the Hon Mms B'uilkeley Owen (Gwenrhian Gwynedd). On receiving the gifts the Archdruid pretendled to drink from the horn a draught of the tradi- tional Welsh mead, once the popular beverage of the country. Bardic addiresses followed from Spinther, Pen- tlyin, Eillir Aled, HuWICo Penimaen, Moras Meir- ion, and Llifon. The Archdruid, to the regret of all present, an- nounced that Sir T. Marchanit Williams (Mar- si ant), of Merithyr Tydfiil, was prevented by ill- ntess from attending, and thus the audience de- prived of the pleasure of listening to one of bis spirited addresses. His place on, the Maen Ll6g was taken by Cadifan, one of the Archdruid's' right-ihand men. 'He had f-aey intended to addtesis the Gorsedd on a matter of some importance to the institution, but, as he explained, the conditions, w-ere not of the pleasantest, and his experience of forty years had taught him that a meeting such as that was not the best opportuniity for duelling upon any subject which concerned the future of the Eds- teddlfod. The address thus withheld will pro- bably be given at one of the bardic gatheriti-gs at Colwyn Bay next year.

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