Cymdeithas y Cymod (the Fellowship of Reconciliation), along with Heddwch ar Waith/Peace Action Wales, have organised an event at Mynydd Epynt on 21 September to mark International Peace Day and to raise awareness of the history of Epynt and the fact that the army remains on the land, 84 years later.
Robat Idris, Chair of Cymdeithas y Cymod explained: “It is very appropriate that Cymdeithas y Cymod visits Epynt on International Peace Day. The Epynt is a vast area of land that was in the possession of the Welsh people for centuries. In 1940 over 219 men, women and children from 54 households were ordered to leave their homes by the Government in order to create an area to practice warfare. This land remains in the hands of the Ministry of Defence for the same purpose to this day.”
Cymdeithas y Cymod are asking people to congregate near the Epynt Way Visitor Centre by 2.00 on this day for a simple commemoration. Everyone will then form a line holding banners and placards and stand silently for 10 minutes. This dignified silence will be a stark contrast to the sound of gunfire that can often be heard in the area. The placards will then be left to remind visitors of the history of the area and how an entire Welsh community was lost in order to practice for war.
Sam Bannon, Co-ordinator of Peace Action Wales added: “Peace Action Wales was established by Cymdeithas y Cymod and CND Cymru with the aim of working in partnership with other progressive peace and justice organisations to create a campaigning network that would ultimately lead to the creation of a Peace Nation. How can we achieve that vision when this beautiful piece of land is still in the hands of the Ministry of Defence?”
Picture: Graham Horn / wikipedia