On the 12th June 2019 Welsh Assembly Member for Swansea East Mike Hedges used his 90 second statement to draw attention to our society and the work we are doing. Below is a written transcript of the Speech Mike Hedges gave to the Senedd.
“I want to highlight the work of the Calon Lân Society in Swansea. The sixteenth of March 2020 is the hundredth anniversary of Daniel James, who was was better known as Gwyrosydd, the writer of one of, if not the favourite Welsh hymn, ‘Calon Lân’. Daniel James came from Treboeth in Swansea.
His father died when he was young. He became a puddler at Morriston ironworks, and then worked at Landore tinplate works.
The recently formed Calon Lân Society are intending to hold a number of events and projects culminating in the publication of the complete poetical works of Daniel James and their translations into English. Also, on the centenary of his death on 16 March, it is intended to have a mass singing of ‘Calon Lân’ in iconic locations in Wales and worldwide, hopefully including the Senedd.
Other projects include a memorial stone in the grounds of the King’s Head public house where he wrote a number of hymns and poems, commemorative stained glass windows in the six local schools to Treboeth, poems and pints, which I’m sure best exemplifies him, and concerts to be held at Ysgol Gyfun Bryntawe and at capel Caersalem.
I thank the Calon Lân Society for what they are doing to commemorate the life of a working-class Welsh poet and hymn writer from Treboeth in Swansea."
We have even managed to download a clip of Mike Hedges giving his speech to the chamber, we are so thankful for this opportunity for our society being mentioned and praised. The story of Daniel James Gwyrosydd is one that needs to be told and as a society we are delighted that we are having an impact in spreading our common heritage.
We are very thankful to Mike Hedges for the support he has offered our society, since the video clip was posted by the Welsh Assembly it has been viewed by hundreds of people. As March 2020 approaches we are increasing our following and building the enthusiasm ready for the big day of celebrations. #CalonLan2020
Sam Pritchard Secretary of the Calon Lan Society
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