Gorsedh Kernow – The Celtic spirit of Cornwall
Joint Press Release for immediate use issued Monday 26th September 2016 on behalf of Gorsedh Kernow and Launceston Town Council by Delia Brotherton, Gorsedh Kernow Communications Officer.
Gorsedh Kernow announces host town for 2017
Grand Bard Merv Davey, Telynor an Weryn
“In years gone by this was the furthest into Cornwall that officers of the crown felt safe to venture,” said the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Merv Davey, Telynor an Weryn “and since that time this splendid town has continued to live up to its motto of loyalty.”
The Grand Bard’s words were spoken as a joint declaration with town mayor Cllr Brian Hogan that the North Cornwall town of Launceston would host the 2017 Gorsedh Kernow Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture and bardic ceremony.
“We are delighted that the bards of the Cornish Gorsedd have accepted our invitation to hold their celebrations here next year,” said Cllr Hogan, “especially in the 100th anniversary year of the birth of bard Charles Causley, Morvarth, teacher, writer, revered poet and son of Launceston.”
Accepting the invitation on behalf of fellow bards, Dr Davey expressed a wish for openness and decisiveness among Cornish people as they grapple with the issues facing a modern Cornwall.
“We are faced with an ever increasing threat to our precious Cornish culture,” said the Grand Bard, “and we face one of our toughest challenges persuading the government to Keep Kernow Whole by agreeing to the smallest of changes to legislation.”
Pointing out the obvious contradiction by Government of Cornwall’s official recognition in 2014 of the Cornish as a National Minority alongside Wales and Scotland, the mayor of Launceston made his views plain.
“The people of Cornwall have fought long and hard to preserve their sense of identity. They are not keen on centuries of history being pushed aside because of Government red tape. There’s a lot of anger around here. Cornwall is passionate about its own identity” said mayor Cllr Brian Hogan.
Launceston
“Launceston has always worn its Cornishness with pride,” he continued, “and as a town at the very edge of these potentially catastrophic changes to our 1000 year old border with England we wholeheartedly echo the words of the Grand Bard.”
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Further notes
Gorsedh Kernow exists to maintain the national Celtic Spirit of Cornwall and to give expression to such spirit, and to encourage the study of Cornish history and literature, the Cornish language, to foster Cornish art, music, dance and sport and to link with other Celtic countries.
Gorsedh Kernow’s Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, which includes the bardic ceremony where new bards are initiated, will be held in and around Launceston from Wednesday 30th August (opening date to be confirmed) and conclude on Sunday 3rd September 2017.
Charles Stanley Causley, CBE and FRSL – Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature – (24th August 1917 – 4th November 2003), and bard of Gorsedh Kernow whose bardic name is Morvarth (Sea Bard), was a Cornish poet, schoolmaster and writer. His work is noted for its simplicity and directness and for its associations with folklore, especially when linked to his native Cornwall.
For further information about Launceston please visit the Town Council website http://www.launceston-tc.gov.uk/default.aspx
or telephone 01566 773693
For further information about Gorsedh Kernow please contact Delia Brotherton, Myrghwyn Melynor, Communications Officer,
email communications@gorsedhkernow.org.uk
or visit the website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk
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