[Imc-cymru] Big Pit 16 july International Brigade. 11am.

[ilyan]

*_Oh dear, I have been advertising it as from 10 am   _*anyone turning 
up then can hold a meeting to remake Indycymru.  There should be an IWW 
stall, and Welsh Monarchists might be delighted to have bought a CD with 
a Queens speech on it there.  As might Republicans, and even 
Democrats.   Even the sensible people who reject all politics might be 
delighted to have a copy of that speech for £3.   Speeches from Death 
Row, and a President, also included.
Ilyan
*_
_*

> On Sunday, 16th July 2006 the South Wales International Brigade 
> Memorial Trust, in conjunction with The Big Pit Mining Museum at 
> Blaenavon, will be hosting a day to celebrate the tremendous 
> contribution that was made by the Welsh Miners and their communities 
> during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-9.
>
> When General Franco, aided by Hitler and Mussolini, staged a military 
> coup to overthrow the elected government, the struggle in Spain 
> resonated throughout Wales, particularly in the South Wales coalfield 
> communities.
>
> Many Welsh miners and trade unionists had been active in confronting 
> the evil of fascism at home, opposing Mosley�s blackshirts wherever 
> they tried to hold rallies, in London and throughout South Wales. When 
> the call went out to support the beleaguered Spanish government, it 
> was answered by hundreds of miners, who risked, and gave their lives 
> to defend freedom. The Valleys towns were in the depth of poverty, yet 
> they collected food, money and clothes for the Aid to Spain commitees 
> which were set up throughout the Valleys.
> After the bombing of Bilbao, thousands of Basque children were 
> evacuated , and many found a safe haven in Caerleon and elsewhere.
>
> A plaque to the International Brigades, made out of Welsh slate and 
> funded by the generosity of those who want to keep alive the ideals 
> which motivated the Welsh miners to go to Spain, will be unveiled at 
> Big Pit.
>
> The last International Brigader living in Wales, Alun Menai Williams, 
> an ex miner, was to have been the guest of honour at the event at BIg 
> Pit, but tragically died this week. His compassion, humanity and 
> courage exemplified the spirit of the International Brigades, and the 
> day at Big Pit will serve as a tribute to him.
>
> Opening the exhibition about Wales and the Spanish Civil War will be 
> Hywel Francis MP, author of �Miners Against Fascism�. His father Dai, 
> general secretary of the South Wales NUM , helped organise aid to 
> Spain throughout the coalfields, and his was the most active trade 
> union in Britain to provide support for Spain. Paul Flynn MP, Tower 
> Colliery NUM, and political representatives from all over Wales have 
> been invited to attend.
>
> Côr Cochion will provide music, with its repertoire of songs from the 
> antifascist struggle, and will launch their new CD of songs from the 
> Spanish Civil War. An extensive display of books about the Spanish 
> Civil war will be on sale, including the memoirs of Alun Menai 
> Williams from the Rhondda, and of Edwin Greening from Aberdare, whose 
> daughter Mary will be helping to unveil the plaque.
>
> The whole day promises to be an exciting event. It is a unique 
> opportunity to explore the part Wales played in this, the opening 
> salvo of World War 2.
> The event begins at 11 a.m.
> For further information please contact Ray Davies/ Wendy Lewis on 
> 02920 889514,
> email wendy.lewis2 at aladdinscave.net
> or Sharon Ford, Learning Officer, Big Pit: National Coal Museum on 
> 01495 790311.