Dydd Dewi Sant precedes celebrations of Kernow/Cornwall's own patron saint, Peran Sen/Saint Piran, on the 5th March. In Kernow a Parade will be held in the city of Truro, but the biggest event will be the customary march across the dunes at Perranzabuloe to Saint Piran's cross on Sunday, where a play is acted out about the life of Saint Piran.
This year, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Dan Rogerson, has tabled a House of Commons motion, which is backed by all the other four Liberal Democrat MP's in Kernow calling for Saint Piran's day to become a Cornish public holiday.
The motion says the day is a "valuable opportunity" for the people of Cornwall to celebrate their "unique heritage, language, culture and aspirations".
Bodmin Town Council already gives its employees a day off on the 5th March in celebration of the saint. The Celtic League will be writing to other Councils in Kernow/Cornwall (see below) requesting that they consider the possibility of making March 5th a holiday and would like to encourage other people to do the same.
"03/03/08
Dear Sir/Madam
Saint Piran's Day Holiday
I am writing to you, this Pirantide, to ask if your Council has considered making Saint Piran's Day holiday for your employees on 5th March.
You may already be aware that Bodmin Town Council already give their employees a day off for Saint Piran's Day and we are writing to all Town Councils in Cornwall, including Truro City Council, to enquire if they would be willing to do the same. Also all five of Cornwall's Members of Parliament now support the campaign to make Saint Piran's Day a public holiday.
We would also like to know if your town council has ever discussed this possibility and if not, whether you would be willing to do so in the future.
We would welcome some feedback on this issue and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary"
Related items on Celtic News at:
Celtic League J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
03/03/08
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