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Dic Penderyn pardon gathers steam

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A memorial: Erected to Dic Penderyn

A memorial: Erected to Dic Penderyn

NEARLY two centuries after he went to the gallows protesting his innocence, a campaign seeking a posthumous pardon for one of south Wales’ best-known martyrs is under way.

Richard Lewis, more commonly known as Dic Penderyn, was a miner working in Merthyr Tydfil at the time of the Merthyr Uprising of 1831. Along with another man, Lewis Lewis, he was convicted of wounding a Scottish Dragoon who was part of the force brought in to quell the disturbance. At least sixteen of the protesters were killed, and it is considered that this figure represented a deliberate underestimation.

Although the soldier was unable to identify either of his ‘assailants,’ the pair were convicted. Lewis Lewis had his sentence commuted to Transportation after the testimony of a special constable, who Lewis shielded from rioters, was heard.

The case caused outrage across south Wales and further afield. A petition demanding a pardon for Richard Lewis received 11,000 signatures, and it was widely believed that he had been targeted for his involvement with workers’ rights groups. A Quaker ironmaster who initially went to comfort Lewis during his incarceration, became so convinced of his innocence that he convinced the trial judge that the conviction was unsafe.

However, the Home Secretary at the time, Viscount Melbourne, who had described south Wales in Parliament as ‘the worst and most formidable district in the kingdom’, granted a two-week stay of execution but refused to review the sentence. It has been subsequently claimed that his refusal to review Lewis’ sentence was motivated more by the desire to make an example of someone than through any legal motivation.

Richard Lewis was hanged at the old Cardiff Jail on August 13 1831. He was just 23 years-old. His last words were “O Arglwydd, dyma gamwedd” (“Oh Lord, here is iniquity”). He was buried in Aberavon.

The Merthyr Uprising is considered to be one of the touchstones of industrial action in south Wales, and Richard Lewis has long been considered a martyr by workers and Unions alike. One of the solicitors campaigning for his pardon, Bernard de Maid, has said that ‘the irony of this is if he had not gone to the gallows, Wales would have had one hero less’.

Richard Lewis has been the subject of many songs, poems, and works of fiction. Gwyn Thomas’ All Things Betray Thee was a thinly fictionalised treatment of the Merthyr Uprising, and when researching his novel The Fire People, Alexander Cordell claimed to have found new evidence that proved Lewis’ innocence.

In 2000, Mr de Maid began proceedings to challenge the original decision, pointing out that the testimony of 12 witnesses who stated that Lewis was innocent was not heard at the original trial.

Jane Hall, a descendant of Lewis, who lives in St Dogmaels, has been involved in the campaign, which was started by her late mother, since 2000, along with her four sisters. At present, the National Assembly is joining in calls to the Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove to ‘grant Richard Lewis a pardon at the earliest possible opportunity’.

The petition has received cross-party support, and has been signed by Labour AM Joyce Watson, and Preseli Pembrokeshire’s Paul Davies, among others. Eighteen AMs have already signed.

Speaking to the Herald, Mrs Hall said that the original conviction had been a ‘major injustice’. “I know there have been many injustices in the world since, but in this case 16 people were killed by soldiers that night and that wasn’t enough. They had to make an example. The family has always considered that a great wrong was done to an innocent man. It would be rather nice if history could be righted.”

When we asked Mrs Hall how the appeal was progressing, she told us that it was ‘a wait and see game’.

“It’s in the lap of Michael Gove now,” she added.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. tomos

    July 9, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Why bother?

    What next ? Tony Blair arrested for his war crimes in 200 years time?

  2. D Morris

    July 10, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    The trial was also held in English, Dic could only speak & understand Welsh. It is said that he was singled out for shouting “Down with the King” during the riots.

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Community

Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away

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TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord, whose vibrant personality and dedication to music left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Baker, who had a rich and varied career spanning cruise ships, radio, and live entertainment, was known for his infectious energy and ability to bring people together. He spent much of his working life at sea, where he served as a Cruise Director, fostering talent and encouraging performers to take the stage. Many have shared their memories of his support for emerging artists and his ability to read a crowd, ensuring that every event he was part of was filled with ‘goooooood times’—a phrase he was known for.

After his time on the high seas, Baker became a familiar voice on the airwaves, joining Herald Radio before later moving to Pure West Radio. His passion for music extended beyond broadcasting, as he briefly ran The Tiddly, a popular pub near Haverfordwest, which became a hub for local musicians and entertainers. The venue, under his leadership, was a space where talent flourished, and many recall fond memories of late-night sessions filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie.

His impact on the local music scene was immense. Baker was instrumental in promoting up-and-coming artists, offering them opportunities to perform at festivals and gigs. Fellow musicians, DJs, and friends have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow at his passing.

Leading the tributes, Baker’s mother, Phyllis Oostermeijer, shared her heartbreak: “It’s with a broken heart I have to share with you that Matt has gone on another journey. I know he will kick his heels up and make everyone happy. That was his life, to bring love and Gooodtimes to all.”

Nick Carey described him as “a true legend” who introduced him to talented people and encouraged everyone to perform. Cruise industry colleague DjFly Gertos paid tribute from Saint John, Antigua, recalling their time working together from 2007 to 2009: “I did not lose a boss, I lost a friend.”

Thomas Jordan, a fellow performer, shared: “He was a hell of a showman, performer, and all-round great guy! I had the absolute privilege of playing alongside him for numerous events with the Travelling Tiddlys band. The Pembrokeshire music scene will not be the same.”

Others have remembered his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for musicians, including Gareth Sanders-Swales, who noted that Baker was one of the few who “gave an 8-year-old drummer a chance to play in his open mic nights.”

His time as a Cruise Director also left a significant mark. Many entertainers credited him with helping them advance their careers. Sonia Wingert, a fellow cruise ship entertainer, recalled how Baker played her album on his radio show and remained a supportive friend over the years. “He always played my album on his radio shows back home, so very kind and thoughtful. My heart is broken to hear he has left us so, so young.”

Friends and colleagues from across the globe have shared tributes, remembering Baker for his warm personality, quick wit, and boundless enthusiasm. Whether performing magic tricks, telling jokes, spinning records, or running a bar, he brought joy to those around him.

Jason Fubar, a close friend, summed up the sentiments of many: “Hard words to write here as one of my very good friends passed away this morning. We’ve spent many a mental night together—cruises, nightclubs, and belly laughs all the way along. A truly talented soul, one that lit up a room when he walked in. So many happy and fun memories with you, brother.”

Matt Baker’s passing leaves a void in the music and entertainment world, but his legacy of uplifting others and creating unforgettable moments will endure. His family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched will remember him as a man who lived to entertain and bring people together.

Rest in peace, Matt Baker.

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Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing

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WALES Against Animal Experiments returned to the Senedd to hand in more than 1,500 paper signatures supporting their online petition. The petition, which calls on the Welsh Government to scrutinise research funding and shift towards human-relevant medical technologies, has already surpassed the 10,000 signatures needed to be considered for debate.

Campaigners say the petition reflects growing public concern over the ethical and scientific failings of animal testing. They argue that modern alternatives, such as Organ-On-a-Chip and 3D bioprinting, offer safer and more effective research methods.

A spokesperson for Wales Against Animal Experiments said: “The outdated practice of experimenting on animals must come to an end. Many scientists now recognise that animal-based research lacks credibility, and we are working alongside leading organisations to push for a transition to cruelty-free science.”

Dr Andre Menache, a medical research expert and member of the Alliance for Cruelty-Free Science, has backed the petition. He said: “I warmly congratulate everyone in Wales for surpassing the 10,000-signature mark. I am fully with you and happy to provide scientific support to any Welsh MPs interested in this issue.”

Supporters can still sign the petition online at petitions.senedd.wales.

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Community

Pembrokeshire attraction opens to public to support local charity

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A POPULAR Pembrokeshire attraction will be welcoming non-residents next month to raise funds for a vital local charity.

The Blue Lagoon at Bluestone will be open to the public on Tuesday, April 15, with proceeds going to Point Youth Centre in Fishguard. The charity, which supports young people with drop-in services, structured activities, free meals, training, and counselling, will receive 75 per cent of the ticket sales from the event.

Before the Covid pandemic, the Blue Lagoon was regularly open to day visitors who could enjoy the pool, waterslides, wave machine, and jacuzzis alongside holiday park guests. However, this stopped during lockdown and was never fully reinstated, leading to frustration among locals.

Now, the water park opens to the public on selected evenings to support the Bluestone Foundation and local charities. The upcoming event will provide families with a chance to enjoy the facility while giving back to the community.

“These events provide an opportunity for community members to enjoy the Blue Lagoon while directly contributing to local causes,” said a Bluestone spokesperson.

The event runs from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, with tickets priced at £11.55 for adults and children. Entry for children under four costs £2.88. Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-lagoon-event-in-support-of-fishguard-goodwick-young-persons-trust-tickets-1116390406759

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