Walk to save S4C - Message to the BBC from Gwynfor Evans' memorial stone

garn-goch-taith2-s4c.jpgMembers and supporters of Cymdeithas yr Iaith have been carrying a stark message from Gwynfor Evans' Memorial Stone near Bethlehem to the BBC studios in Carmarthen today (Monday 18th April) to draw attention to the serious crisis facing S4C, and to warn the BBC not to cooperate with the government to undermine the channel Gwynfor fought for.The protest march took place from Garn Goch to Llandeilo before some of the participants ran the remaining 14 miles from Llandeilo to Carmarthen. A short meeting was held at Gwynfor Evans' memorial stone where Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Plaid Cymru candidate for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) addressed the crowd along with the Rev Guto Prys ap Gwynfor (a son of Gwynfor Evans) who reminded them of Gwynfor Evans's key role in the campaign that led to the establishment of S4C.garn-goch-taith-s4c.jpgSioned Elin, Chair of Carmarthenshire Branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"The runners have emphasised the need for urgency if the channel is to be saved. Every one of us needs to act now. By trying to continue with these cuts, the Government and the BBC are ignoring the united voice of Wales. The future of the world's only Welsh language TV channel hangs by a thread, which is a direct threat to the language itself. As well as facing enormous cuts, S4C risks being gobbled up by the BBC. The Government is trying to save ninety-four per cent of the money it use to give to the channel, a cut that's totally unfair. After 2015, there's no certainty that any money will go to the channel at all. "Those running expect to arrive at the BBC studios in Carmarthen when the evening news programmes will be transmitted. They will have a clear message for the BBC - "don't co-operate with the Conservative government in London to undermine the channel which Gwynfor Evans worked so hard to establish."Sioned Elin added:"The campaign is very important to people here and this is only one event amongst many that have been and that will be held. I can only press on people to join with us on our campaign."