NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
The National Illiam Dhone ceremony is held each year on the 2nd January at Hango Hill, Castletown the place of execution of the 17th century patriot William Christian.
The iconic ruin of the old summerhouse forms a grim, though misleading, back drop. It was in fact constructed after the events of Jan 2nd 1663 when Dhone met his death with dignity at that place.
The ceremony which was initiated in the 1960s and has been held on an annual basis since 1979 allows a platform for speakers in Manx and English to render contemporary comment on Manx political and cultural affairs.
The event is organised by Mec Vannin and the Manx branch of the Celtic League and as President of Mec Vannin I generally open proceedings with a few remarks and then introduce the speakers. A wreath is laid in memory of Illiam Dhone and the National Anthem ends proceedings.
Although this is an event organised by the Nationalist organisations it is an event at which all are welcome.
I would imagine this year there will be comment about the dire circumstances many of our countrymen face with taxes and charges seemingly fired at them on a daily basis by this current government of charlatans.
Indeed this Illiam Dhone ceremony will be held in a social climate where some of our countrymen face the grim option of whether to ?eat or heat?. An economic model we were promised would deliver a ?caring and prosperous? society has delivered instead, for some, a community of deprivation and debt.
Ironically, William Christian was condemned by a treacherous House of Keys. It seems not a lot has changed after all these years!
I hope as many people as possible will turn up to Hango Hill to demonstrate not just their respect for a man who stood four square for his people, but also to illustrate the contempt and disdain for the current government which in effect has turned its back on the people today.
Events at the Hill commence at 2:00pm on the 2nd of January and this site will (together with the Mec Vannin web site) shortly give details of speakers.
Finally, a copy of the Mec Vannin free newspaper Yn Pabyr Seyr is in preparation and will be available at the Hill. If you thought the Tynwald Day edition was hard hitting wait until you see the next one!
I hope there will be a good turn out on the day!
BERNARD MOFFATT
Issued by: The Celtic News
04/12/15
??THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Celtic League established in 1961 has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It promotes cooperation between the countries and campaigns on a range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, military activity and socio-economic issues
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