- Wed 19 Nov | A public lecture by Joe England: Merthyr Chartism: From Dic Penderyn to Henry Richard | St David's Church Hall, Merthyr Tydfil, 7.30 pm | Organised by the Dic Penderyn Society (check) | For details contact Mr Viv Pugh, Tel 01685 377883
In the autumn 1839 there was much plotting an planning which culminated in the march on Newport on the 4th November 1839 when thousands of men from across south Wales marched to The Westgate. Over twenty died in this protest to seek the vote for all – and three of the leaders were convicted of treason and exiled to Tasmania.
In 2008 almost a month of activities is planned to commemorate some of the pioneers of democracy – across South East Wales
Join in and remember these pioneers of democracy.
Wednesday 15th Oct - 1st Chartist Lecture
Talk by Prof. Angela V John, at Merthyr Tydfil Town Library starting at 7pm. “Deference in Dowlais? Lady Charlotte Guest and the Chartists.”
FREE entry – phone for more details 01685 377883
Saturday 1st Nov: Chartist Convention
09.30am start at Newport Museum and Library
10.30am guided 'chartist walk' to the Westgate Hotel
11.30am – 4.30pm continues at St Mary's Church, Stow Hill.
Explore the Chartist stories – Programme includes: 'Chartist Trials' documents and artefacts on display; a guided walk; talks by leading chartist historian Prof Owen Ashton and by people who have discovered chartist ancestors; films about the Chartists – old and new.
Entrance is FREE, but as last year's event was a 'sell out' please book tel 01633 414859 (Rosalin). Lunch is available (bread and soup).
Sunday 2nd Nov: Chartist Coach Tour
Knowledgeable guides will take us around sites in south east Wales connected with the Chartist Movement – such as Blaenavon, Bedwellty House and Blackwood.
Departs St Woolos Cathedral 9.30am. Returns 5.30pm.
Tickets £7 per person. Contact HERIAN to book 01685 723968.
Monday 3rd Nov: Songs of Praise
At Salem Chapel, Blaina - Local Council of Churches Presents Songs of Praise. Commencing at 7pm.
Tuesday 4th Nov: Chartist Remembrance
A group of children from Newport will retrace the steps of the Chartists down Stow Hill to the Westgate Hotel 1.30pm.
At 6pm - annual commemoration at the Chartist memorial stone in the churchyard of St Woolos Cathedral, Newport.
Tuesday 4th Nov: Peter Karrie in Concert
At Salem Chapel, Blaina, the star of Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables performs, supported by Ebbw Vale Male Choir.
Commencing at 7pm, tickets £4.50
from Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council 01495 292817.
Thursday 6th Nov: Trial & Transportation
The pupils of Ystruth School, Blaina present “Trial and Transportation” about the Chartist leaders at Salem Chapel, Blaina.
Starts at 3pm. FREE.
Friday 7th Nov: Annual Chartist Meal
The traditional Chartist Meal will be accompanied by a performance from Val Williams, Story Teller and Actress, entitled “The Chartist Wife”.
The audience is encouraged to wear period dress circa 1840 and to join the fun at Nantyglo Rugby Club.Commences 7.30pm. Admission £5.00. Tickets available from Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council Tel 01495 292817.
Wednesday 12th Nov : Discovering your Chartist Ancestors
Colin Gibson – from Gwent County Records will give an insight into recent discoveries about family connections with Chartist Ancestors at Blaina Library at 2pm. FREE
Contact HERIAN with any queries
