The Breton Gorsedd - 2005

Over the week-end of the 17th of July, my wife and I went to Brittany as delegates to the Breton Gorsedd. As is usual each year, this Gorsedd takes place at Brasparts, which is situated some 40 miles or thereabouts from the ferry port of Roscoff.

We left Plymouth on the ferry at 3 o’clock on the Thursday afternoon before, and after 6 hours at sea, we reached Roscoff somewhat before nine o’clock (that’s 10 o’clock French time). The crossing was perfect – with the sun shining and the sea like a sheet of glass.

Although the ceremony did not take place until the Sunday morning, we went so early for two reasons – first, because a 5-day ticket was the best deal and second, we had the chance of a couple of free days to visit a few places around the country.

The ceremony is held at Brasparts on a piece of land which was bought specially for the purpose by the Grand Druid Gwync’hlan of the Breton Gorsedd. Unfortunately this year Gwync’hlan was unable to attend the Gorsedd because, for a start, he is around 80 years of age, cannot walk far or stand for a long time, and is now living in Toulouse in the south of France, which is of course, a long way from Brasparts in Brittany. His place therefore was taken by his Deputy Per Vari Kerloc’h, who is perhaps around 30 years younger than Gwync’hlan.

After the ceremony, I was talking to Per Vari and some of the other Bards about Gwync’lan, and they are of the impression that he will now retire, and his place taken by per Vari. I do not know how many years Gwync’hlan has been the Grand Druid, but in the Breton Gorsedd when someone is made Grand Druid, it is for life. However, some believe that this should be changed, and that they in Brittany should follow the pattern of Cornwall and Wales, and that is to have a new Grand Druid every three years.

Breton Gorsedd 2005

One thing which I have not as yet mentioned is the weather. Over the days that we were there it was very, very hot, with the sun shining out of a cloudless sky. And it was no different on the day of the Gorsedd. We arose in good time and after having breakfast, we went into town to robe for the ceremony. This was at ten o’clock and already it was very warm. I knew that for me with my heavy bardic robes it would be a very uncomfortable hour or hour and a half because of the heat, so, I don’t want to tell you what I wore – or didn’t wear – beneath my Bardic robes! However, along with the rest, I survived, and enjoyed an excellent Gorsedd, even though it was somewhat different to ours here in Cornwall.

After the ceremony we all went, along with a few members of the public, to the Town Hall, where we enjoyed a fine lunch. As usual this year, my wife and I made many new friends, something we do without fail each time we go to Brittany.

Barth Mur Tewennow

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