21.4.18 News release – Gorsedh Kernow Proclamation in Newquay.

Bardh Meur speaks at Gorsedh Kernow's Proclamation ceremony, Newquay on Saturday 21st April 2018

Bardh Meur speaks at Gorsedh Kernow’s Proclamation ceremony, Newquay on Saturday 21st April 2018

Gwarnyans Gorsedh Kernow 21es a Vis Ebrel 2018, areth Bardh Meur Merv Davey, Telynyor an Weryn / Gorsedh Kernow Proclamation 21st April 2018, Grand Bard Merv Davey’s speech.

“As an old Newquay boy the town is very close to my heart and I am proud of its place in Cornwall’s story.  Newquay is a symbol of modern Cornwall where we respect and celebrate our history at the same time as embracing the new and the opportunities of the future. It is the home of the traditional Cornish sport of gig racing and it pioneered the surf board and wet suit technology that gives us year round surfing in Cornish waters.  The town also leads the way with a modern tourist industry which, far from being the destructive force that it was in the past, works to promote Cornish traditions like our fishing industry and, of course, our Cornish cuisine. Recent research commissioned by Visit Cornwall shows that the Cornish language is becoming an important part of the Cornish Brand. It is with some pride that I can point out that Newquay lead the way here with welcome signs in Cornish some fifty years ago.  In fact the very first words I learned in Cornish “Dynnergh dhewgh hwi” – “Welcome to you.”

Gorsedh Kernow's Proclamation ceremony. Newquay Saturday 21st April 2018

Gorsedh Kernow’s Proclamation ceremony. Newquay Saturday 21st April 2018

 

“Dynnargh Kernow”  – “The Cornish Welcome” is an important part of our Cornish identity and our cultural heritage.    We are a community defined by our shared sense of identity, a strong identity shaped by the powerful landscape around us and the special history of the people who live within it.  We have a long tradition of welcoming people into our community and ensuring that they feel part of it. Real Cornish culture is not just for those born in Cornwall! It is there for one and all to share and cherish. The distinctive black and white Cornish Tick Box Bus is currently campaigning across Cornwall for our own Cornish tick box in the coming census. When you catch up with the bus you will find many reasons for identifying yourself as Cornish. It is wonderful to be Cornish by birth but to be Cornish by personal choice and commitment, to be Cornish on purpose, now that is powerful!”

Mayor of Newquay Cllr Margaret North joins Gorsedh Kernow's Proclamation procession

Mayor of Newquay Cllr Margaret North joins Gorsedh Kernow’s Proclamation procession

“The UK Government has formally recognised our language and the Cornish as a national minority alongside the Scottish and Welsh. With this recognition come responsibilities for the Government. Gorsedh Kernow calls upon the UK Government to deliver on these responsibilities right now and from here on in! This means supporting Cornish language and culture on a par with the support provided for other national minorities in the UK. This means a Cornish tick box in the next census. It also means that the BBC, as a government agency supposedly representing all the nations of Britain, should properly provide Cornwall with media platform, with a BBC Kernow, as it does for the other nations.”

Bardh Meur ha Kannas Bardh Meur, Gorsedh Kernow Proclamation Newquay

Bardh Meur ha Kannas Bardh Meur, Gorsedh Kernow Proclamation Newquay

“The 21st century is Cornwall’s century. Politicians know this; businesses know this; and the bards of Gorsedh Kernow firmly believe that the cultural route is a powerful way forward for Cornwall. Our distinctive culture is our strongest asset. It underpins our sense of community and our future health and wealth. So let us play to our strengths and be assertive in our support for our precious culture.  At this very moment Cornwall Council is preparing a set of proposals to the UK Government called “New Frontiers”. This is the next stage in our devolution journey. New Frontiers is an opportunity for Cornwall to realise the potential of her distinct culture and community identity. Gorsedh Kernow calls upon Cornwall Council to fully recognise and incorporate Cornish culture in proposals for further devolution.”

Kernow Bys Vykken!