Beasley Plaque Unveiling
On Saturday 18th April 2015 a colourful crowd assembled in the sunshine to witness the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at the former home of Trevor and Eileen Beasley in Llangennech, sponsored by Plaid Cymru. The Beasleys had fought a long and hard battle in the 1950s to persuade the Council to produce Welsh language tax bills. Eileen, a teacher, and her husband both became councillors for Plaid in 1955 and continued their fight. Their campaign of civil disobedience, involving numerous court appearances and confiscation of their goods by bailiffs, is deemed to have been a major catalyst in the formation of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Society. Gareth Hughes, Llanelli's famous silent movie star turned missionary had written letters of support to the Beasleys in the 1950s.The proceedings were opened by Llanelli Community Heritage's Lyn John and Colin Robbins. There were speeches from Roger Price, the Mayor and Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidate Vaughan Williams. The Beasley's daughter, Delyth talked to the crowd about her parents and their struggle but perhaps the most moving speech came from Councillor Glendon Davies, who unveiled the plaque. He had been one of those who had opposed the Beasleys in their struggle and, on the day, apologised for that stance. There was a vibrant atmosphere around the small yellow cottage in the sunshine, complemented by harp music from Delyth Jenkins (of the duo DnA).
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