National anthem motion

All children in Wales should leave school being able to sing the national anthem, according to councillors in Gwynedd.
The sight and sound of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau – or Land of my Fathers – being sung by tens of thousands of passionate Welsh men and women is a familiar one at many sporting events.
But according to Cllr Owain Williams, more needs to be done to ensure that all of the nation’s school children learn the words to all three verses in Welsh -which according to convention is the only language it should officially be sung.
Addressing Thursday’s full council meeting in Caernarfon, Cllr Williams’ motion urged the authority to ensure that schools to teach pupils the national anthem in its entirety and calling on the Senedd to contact all other county councils so that they also comply.
“You only have to watch a Football or Rugby match to see it being sung with great gusto – it was worth being in France in 2016 and I’m sure the Red Wall will sing it just as heartily this summer wherever the matches are played,” he told members in Caernarfon.
“When I was a child – many centuries ago by now! – I was taught the words but I wonder how many here know the words to all three verses?
“It’s important, that having passed motions on the need to teach Welsh history at out schools, that the words of the anthem are taught to all children not only in Gwynedd but across Wales.”
James Evans composed the song – originally known as Glan Rhondda – as he walked along the river bank in his home town of Pontypridd in January 1865.
When he came home he sang it to his father, Evan, asking him to write some words, who in just a day managed to come up with three verses.
About a week later, it was performed by Elizabeth John from Pontypridd, in the vestry of Tabor Chapel in Maesteg.
But it was thanks to the National Eisteddfod, held in Chester in 1866, that it was finally elevated to national anthem status.
A visitor to that Eisteddfod wrote: “When I see the enthusiasm which these Eisteddfods [sic] awaken in your whole people I am filled with admiration.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter