'The Loving Cup', a silver ceremonial cup and inscribed with the words of Shakespeare, will tour 50 English cities as the emblem of a campaign to raise the profile of St. George in England. However these words will be on the lips of Truro City Councillors on the 12th March 2007 as they hold a reception in honour of the English saint.
But why is the Cornish city of Truro part of the campaign?
The Mayor of Truro , Councillor Peter T Lang, accepted the offer of hosting the cup, despite the fact that Cornwall has its own patron saints, most notable St. Piran. St. Piran's Day celebrations are held on and around 5th March and every year sees a growing number of people taking part.
Organiser, Bruno Peek, who managed the Queen of England's Golden Jubilee commented,
"We are asking everyone who calls England their home to take part in a national day of celebration."
Despite claims that the Mayor of Truro is unsure which side of the Tamar the city is situated, the decision to host the cup was voted on by the City Council itself.
The Kernow Branch will hold a meeting next week to decide whether to stage a protest and meanwhile the General Secretary of the League has written the following letter to Mayor Peter T Lang:
"Dear Mr Lang
I was disappointed to learn that Truro City Council had voted in favour of being one of the cities to host the Loving Cup - dedicated to the campaign to raise the profile of St. George in England.
As you will no doubt be aware Kernow/Cornwall has its own plethora of patron saints with St. Piran being one of the most important among the people of Cornwall. St. Piran's Day, held on March 5th, is even celebrated every year in Truro with a march through the city, similar to the march that takes place in Cardiff every year in commemoration of the Welsh patron saint, David.
Despite the fact that proceeds from the ceremonial tour of the cup will go to English charities, could you please explain why Cornwall's only city would want to take part in a celebration that involves only English cities and the promotion of an English patron saint. Surely the money would have been better spent on the celebration of the Cornish St Piran, with monies raised going to Cornish charities?
Truro is the only city in all of the Celtic countries to 'officially' celebrate St George in such a way. Admittedly there are many English people who live in the city of Truro, but so too in Cardiff, Cymru/Wales.
What sort of message do you think your Reception of the 'Loving Cup' send out not only to the press, but to those institutions and organisations internationally that individuals and organisations in Kernow/Cornwall campaign so tirelessly with to increase the rights of the Cornish and Cornwall?
I await your answer with incredulity and bemused curiosity.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot"
Any one seeking information about possible times and venues for any protest by Kernow branch over this issue should contact the Branch Secretary, Michael Chappell, at:
michael.chappell [at] ...
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
17/02/07