somersetdiscussion.myfreeforum.org

User Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 15

The definitive resource for the history of the somerset flag is ed's webpage at
www.somersetflag.com
Go have a look!

cj x

Guest

I'll be also adding a history of Somerset page as well in the near future, plus a few pages on Somerset institutions and culture.

Newbie Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Congrats, Ed, on a great site.

I will be watching with interest the developments now that the local MP has taken up the cause. Will he make some headway, all will everything get bogged down in PC red tape?

Guest

It will be interesting to see what happens. I know Mr. Heath is a good man and as an MP and former County Councillor he has a lot of clout. Fingers crossed! Very Happy

For the benefit of everyone who hasn't read David Heath's email to me, here it is.

Dear Mr Woods

Thank you for your e-mail about the flag for the ceremonial county of Somerset.

I think this might prove more difficult than it would at first seem. I'm aware from my time as a County Councillor that the red dragon rampant carrying a mace with the motto sumorsaete ealle was awarded to the administrative County of Somerset at its creation in 1885. It of course relates back to an ancient device representing the county and the rallying call of King Alfred's troops before the decisive battles with the Danes. It is a coat of arms specifically relating to Somerset County Council, although, as you say, it is very commonly in use by others.

I strongly agree with you that it would be nice if it had more currency throughout the historic county, and indeed when I was leader of the County Council, I made it a requirement that the county flag was flown outside County Hall each day. So I have a great deal of sympathy for what you say.

However, the other local authorities which now comprise the historic county, will have their own grant of arms and devices.

The only thing that would unite the ceremonial county would be if the arms in some form were available to the Lord Lieutenancy. I have therefore written to the Lord Lieutenant to enquire as to the status of any such armorial bearings.

I will of course let you know when I get a response.

DAVID HEATH MP

Guest

On 3rd September I got this message from Michael Faul at the Flag Institute, who ratify flags.

Dear Mr Woods

At the Flag Institute we are very much in favour of the adoption and widespread use of county flags. Britain is a chronically "un-flaggy" country. Hence the more county flags are adopted and used the better.

Recently there was a competition in Devon for a county flag and it produced a very handsome design, which is in growing popular demand. Next week there is a judging on a proposed flag for Lincolnshire. Some of the proposals are very good, There are also others.

The problem with the flag of a county council is that it is just that, the flag of the council, not of the people of the area. Use of such a flag implies legally that the person using it is an official of the council or is acting on behalf of it. This does not mean that it cannot become the popular flag. For it to do so will mean a resolution by the council, effectively accepting that the citizens may use the flag freely.

Alternatively, a different flag might be devised, perhaps using the colours and emblems on the council flag in a different form. This could then be the popular flag, while the council retained the official version. This may be the way the council would prefer, as thus it could retain the existing flag purely for official use.

If, as you say, the flag is available from retailers and is becoming popular, it might be worthwhile to start a campaign. This would necessarily involve the local media, newspapers, television and radio. It could either be for the present official flag to become a popular emblem, or for a new design. Perhaps if the two options were offered, a real debate on the matter could be engendered. The results of such a debate would probably have more chance of acceptance by the majority of people.

Should you wish to discuss this matter with me further, I must tell you that for the next week (i.e. until Monday, 12 September) I shall be away from home on family visits. Alas, the nearest I shall get to Somerset is Basingstoke (new grandson!).

Yours sincerely

Michael Faul
The Flag Institute
York, England

My next move, when hopefully Mr. Heath gets back to me and the legal bit has been figured out, will be to go to the newspapers and drum up support for a petition. I'll then send this to the Flag Institute. That's the plan.

Guest

David Heath strikes me as an intellegnet and decent man from what I have read, and I'm glad he took the time to look in ot this for you! Good luck with the campaign ed!

cj x

User Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Columbia, SC

I have made up an alternative version of the Somerset flag, which is basically the Welsh flag altered to your red on blue colour scheme, for no other reason than that I think Y ddraig gogh (sp?) looks better than the dragon on the county council flag. Anyone agree? Disagree?

User Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 15

I like it, but a bit too Cymric for me. Can't we have good old fashioned Englis White dragon? Smile

I'm pretty sure the dragon of Egland was white, and the one of Wales was red, but I'm not so sure if we don't need something more original Smile

A dragon dormant, oppressed by the heel of London's boot, noir?

Smile

Makes me sound like some kind of rabid Tory Blair hater. I'm far from it, I just think that genuine rural issues are ingnored by Westminster, the Countryside alliance, and the Countryside Movement alike. Smile

cj x

User Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 15

BTW, there is a capacity to create polls on the site so maybe we could post the new proposed flag and create a poll to go with it? Just look under this widow when replying for the siimple poll creating commands.

cj x

Site Admin Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 28

It stands out well in that colour scheme, but I'm not sure how well it would go down in Wales and Somerset. If we could get the opinion of a Welshman it would be helpful.

Ed

Newbie Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

There is an English White dragon flag, the Pendragon.

We list it on our website, perhaps an official Somerset flag could be based on that Dragon ?

http://www.1000flags.co.uk/#2320X3327