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Trip to Le Conquet with Llandeilo Twinning Association

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:13:55 GMT

We recently had the pleasure of travelling with the Llandeilo Twinning Association on their visit to Le Conquet in Brittany, where we received a wonderfully warm welcome.

We would particularly like to thank Catherine and Jean-Jacques for receiving us and for the interest they showed in Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles), his remarkable story, and our campaign to establish a monument to him here in Wales.

The visit provided another fantastic opportunity to spread the word about what we are trying to achieve and to strengthen the connections between Wales and Brittany. We were delighted by the interest shown in the project and are hopeful that the visit may lead to further links between our communities.

One particularly exciting idea discussed was the possibility of encouraging children from the two towns to communicate with one another on a pen-pal basis. This could be a wonderful way for younger generations to learn about each other's history, culture and language while building friendships across the Channel.

We would also like to give a very special thank you to the children who performed the Breton national anthem as part of the welcome. It was particularly special for us as Welsh visitors to hear it, as the Breton anthem, Bro Gozh ma Zadoù, shares the same tune as the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. It was a wonderful reminder of the close cultural connections between Brittany and Wales and a memorable moment during our visit.

Our sincere thanks go to Catherine, Jean-Jacques, the Llandeilo Twinning Association and everyone in Le Conquet who made us feel so welcome. Visits like this help us continue spreading awareness of Owain Lawgoch while building the kind of cultural connections between Wales and our friends across the Channel that are at the heart of what we are trying to achieve.

Diolch yn fawr – Merci beaucoup!

Nous avons récemment eu le plaisir de nous rendre au Conquet, en Bretagne, avec l’Association de Jumelage de Llandeilo, où nous avons reçu un accueil extrêmement chaleureux.

Nous souhaitons tout particulièrement remercier Catherine et Jean-Jacques pour leur accueil ainsi que pour l’intérêt qu’ils ont porté à Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles), à son histoire remarquable et à notre projet visant à ériger un monument en son honneur au Pays de Galles.

Cette visite a été une nouvelle occasion formidable de faire connaître notre projet et de renforcer les liens entre le Pays de Galles et la Bretagne. Nous avons été ravis de l’intérêt suscité par notre démarche et espérons que cette rencontre permettra de créer de nouveaux liens entre nos communautés.

L’une des idées particulièrement intéressantes évoquées lors de notre visite serait d’encourager les enfants des deux villes à correspondre entre eux, à la manière de correspondants scolaires. Ce serait une merveilleuse façon pour les jeunes générations de découvrir mutuellement leur histoire, leur culture et leur langue, tout en créant des amitiés de part et d’autre de la Manche.

Nous souhaitons également adresser un immense merci aux enfants qui ont interprété l’hymne breton dans le cadre de notre accueil. Ce moment a été particulièrement émouvant pour nous, visiteurs gallois, car l’hymne breton, Bro Gozh ma Zadoù, partage la même mélodie que l’hymne national gallois, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Ce fut un merveilleux rappel des liens culturels étroits qui unissent la Bretagne et le Pays de Galles, et l’un des moments les plus mémorables de notre visite.

Nous adressons nos sincères remerciements à Catherine, Jean-Jacques, à l’Association de Jumelage de Llandeilo ainsi qu’à toutes les personnes du Conquet qui nous ont si chaleureusement accueillis. Des rencontres comme celle-ci nous permettent de continuer à faire connaître l’histoire d’Owain Lawgoch, tout en développant les liens culturels entre le Pays de Galles et nos amis de l’autre côté de la Manche – des liens qui sont au cœur de ce que nous cherchons à accomplir.

Diolch yn fawr – Merci beaucoup !

Spreading the Word at the National Eisteddfod

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:01:45 GMT

We recently had the opportunity to attend the National Eisteddfod of Wales, where we spent time talking to people about Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles) and our campaign to establish a monument to him here in Wales.

It was fantastic to speak with so many people who showed a genuine interest in Owain's story, what we are trying to achieve, and the links between Wales and France. Many wanted to learn more about the project and were keen to see greater recognition for this important part of Welsh history.

Every conversation helps us spread the word a little further, and the interest we received at the Eisteddfod was another encouraging sign that awareness of Owain Lawgoch and our campaign continues to grow.

Diolch yn fawr to everyone who stopped to speak with us, listened to our story, and showed their support!

The First Owain Lawgoch Festival

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:10:45 GMT

Remembering Owain Lawgoch – 22 July

22 July marks the anniversary of the assassination of Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles) in 1378 – a pivotal moment in Welsh history.

This year, we were pleased to see the anniversary marked with a celebration at the Gower Heritage Centre , bringing together people who share a passion for Welsh history and the legacy of Owain Lawgoch. It is always encouraging to see growing interest in remembering one of Wales' most significant, yet often overlooked, historical figures.

As our campaign continues to build support for a permanent monument to Owain Lawgoch here in Wales, events such as these help to ensure that his story continues to be shared with new audiences and future generations. They also highlight the importance of recognising the historical links between Wales and France, where Owain is commemorated as Yvain de Galles .

We would like to thank everyone involved in organising and attending the event for helping to keep Owain Lawgoch's legacy alive.

We'll be adding more photographs and information from the day in the near future, so please check back soon for further updates.

For more information about our campaign, visit https://www.lawgoch.org/ .

Growing Support for the Owain Lawgoch Monument Project

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:05:47 GMT

Over the past year, support and awareness for the Owain Lawgoch Monument Project has continued to grow across Wales, and we would like to take a moment to sincerely thank the organisations, groups, and individuals who have helped us gain momentum and spread awareness of this important cause.

In particular, we would like to thank the Welsh Battlefields Association and the Owain Glyndŵr Association for their encouragement, historical knowledge, and continued interest in helping raise awareness of Owain Lawgoch and the shared Welsh–French history connected to his legacy.

We would also like to thank everyone who attends the annual Cofio Llywelyn commemorative weekend gathering in Cilmeri. The passion shown by those who continue to honour Welsh history and identity year after year has been a major inspiration to us. Events such as these demonstrate that there is a growing appetite across Wales for greater recognition of the figures and stories that shaped our nation.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everybody who has donated to the project so far. Every contribution, no matter the size, has helped us continue raising awareness, travelling between Wales and France, building connections, and keeping the vision of a Welsh monument to Owain Lawgoch alive. The support we have received from ordinary people who care deeply about Welsh history and identity has been both humbling and inspiring.

As our campaign continues to gain attention both in Wales and internationally - particularly through our links with Mortagne-sur-Gironde in France, where Owain Lawgoch is already commemorated as Yvain de Galles - we hope to see more institutions and local authorities across Wales recognise the cultural and historical significance of the project.

We understand that formal processes can often take time, but we firmly believe this is a project of national importance that deserves wider support and recognition. The growing public interest surrounding Welsh history, combined with international attention coming to Wales through events such as the Tour de France, presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote an important part of our national story.

It is also important to remember that this movement is not something new. In 2028, it will be 25 years since representatives connected to the Welsh Government and Welsh cultural organisations supported the establishment of the monument to Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles) in Mortagne-sur-Gironde, France, using Welsh slate. At that time, the importance of commemorating Owain Lawgoch abroad was clearly recognised. A quarter of a century later, we believe the time has now come for Wales itself to honour that same legacy here at home.

Through continued community support, passion, and dogged determination, we remain committed to ensuring that Owain Lawgoch finally receives the recognition he deserves here in Wales.

Kevin's Welcome at Mortagne-Sur Gironde 2025

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 12:31:25 GMT

Kevin's Welcome at Mortagne-Sur Gironde 2025

On the 22nd of July 2025, the date of Owain Lawgoch's assassination, Kevin and the team were honoured to receive a warm welcome from Mayor Stéphane Coutier and the staff at the tourist office in Royan, Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Their hospitality and interest in Owain Lawgoch’s story remind us how widely his legacy reaches beyond Wales. One day, we hope to see a lasting tribute here at home as well — a monument in Wales dedicated to honouring Owain Lawgoch’s life, courage, and enduring place in our history.

With the help from local businesses here in Wales, we are helping to build roots and share the history of our two great countries and towns. In the video below we see the mayor of Mortagne-sur-Gironde reading a letter from Christiane Racine, the owner of a Welsh vineyard: Sticle Vineyard offering for him to come over to Wales and celebrate Owain Lawgoch and strengthen the bonds between our two regions.

Below you can read the letter that mayor Stéphane Cotier is reading in both English and French, offering a meet and greet here in Wales to share the history and culture of our two regions.

What a welcome Kevin had at Mortagne sur Gironde in 2024

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:30:59 GMT

Kevin welcomed at Mortagne by Mayor Stephane Cotier

Kevin’s epic 1600-mile cycle ride to Mortagne sur Gironde and back last year was to start fund raising for a monument in Wales in recognition of 14C Welsh soldier Owain Lawgoch to match the fantastic one they have at Mortagne sur Gironde. (See picture)

Kevin (and back up driver Jim) was given a huge welcome on arrival and hospitality was generously provided for Kevin for the duration. . They were accompanied by a group of local riders from Royan to Mortagne, followed by a welcoming party and reception by the Mayor Stephane Cotier.

At Mortagne there is a special interest in forging links with Wales with such an important historical Welsh connection. In 2003 a very successful fund-raising effort in Wales enabled the monument to be erected at Mortagne (with a terrific joint ceremony there as well). This continuing effort by Kevin Bowen follows years of trying to raise interest in getting a monument here in Wales.

Not deterred by the very modest interest so far by authorities here in Wales last year, Kevin and his whacky musician pals are revisiting Mortagne this July to continue their quest to raise funds but are not cycling. They are instead driving down with stops both in the UK and France. They have contacted many interests and supporters and will be arranging publicity and music at these stops en route. They plan to stay at Mortagne for a few days around the date of Owain’s assassination on the 22nd. July.

It is hoped this will further raise interest and set in motion a serious fund-raising activity for a monument to Owain Lawgoch

More details will be available soon about the trip on this website and in the meantime, Kevin will be continuing his efforts publicizing it with meetings of interested parties and the media. He will be contacting the Mayor at Mortagne again and hopes that an event can be set up with suitable publicity there.

The departure dates are :-

Ferry Plymouth - Roscoff………17July 2025
Mortagne for a few days around …22 July Event 2025
Ferry Roscoff - Plymouth…..31 July 2025
Return Celebration Parkmill Heritage Centre, Swansea (to be announced )

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Trip to Le Conquet with Llandeilo Twinning Association

Spreading the Word at the National Eisteddfod

We recently had the opportunity to attend the National Eisteddfod of Wales, where we spent time talking to people about Owain Lawgoch (Yvain de Galles) and our campaign to establish a monument to him here in Wales.

It was fantastic to speak with so many people who showed a genuine interest in Owain's story, what we are trying to achieve, and the links between Wales and France. Many wanted to learn more about the project and were keen to see greater recognition for this important part of Welsh history.

Every conversation helps us spread the word a little further, and the interest we received at the Eisteddfod was another encouraging sign that awareness of Owain Lawgoch and our campaign continues to grow.

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Diolch yn fawr to everyone who stopped to speak with us, listened to our story, and showed their support!

The First Owain Lawgoch Festival

Remembering Owain Lawgoch – 22 July

Growing Support for the Owain Lawgoch Monument Project

Kevin's Welcome at Mortagne-Sur Gironde 2025

Kevin's Welcome at Mortagne-Sur Gironde 2025

What a welcome Kevin had at Mortagne sur Gironde in 2024

Kevin welcomed at Mortagne by Mayor Stephane Cotier

The departure dates are :-

Publicity/music stops along the way in UK and France.