Argyll Home Service Radio | News from the Commonwealth

[Argyll]

Argyll Home Service Radio
from the Argyll Broadcasting Company



Good evening and welcome to all of those listening on our new long wave frequencies across Europe. This is the news from the Commonwealth on the 28th May 1954, I'm Peter Cruickshank in St Alban.

Decisive victory for the Scotian People's Party in the COI elections
The final tallies of votes cast in the election to the Council of Islands have shown a clear swing to the Scotian People's Alliance in all five of the provinces. The results indicate that the SPA will now enjoy a majority of seats on the Council allowing them to end their coalition with the Social Democratic Federation. The leader of the SPA last night made a speech at his party's offices in Kinloch: "[in Scotian] The people of the Islands have once again spoken clearly and loudly to show that they do not wish to be ruled by the elitist government in St Alban but wish to be free to make their own decisions and to live amongst their own culture." The prime minister Alain Wilde released a statement last night stating that he wished the SPA well in forming a government but reiterated that the Islands are strongest when part of the wider Commonwealth.

Ferry founders off coast of Hwicce
This evening rescuers are continuing their efforts to retrieve passengers from the stranded hull of the ferry MS Rattigan which foundered on rocks just south of St Jude's Head en-route to Hwicce. It is thought that there have been no fatalities but a number of passengers have suffered major injuries and have been taken to hospitals in Tingwall. The ferry foundered this morning as it left the city and quickly began to take on water. Crown Governor for Hwicce, Iian Rees made these comments this evening: "the ferry is, for the moment safe and not taking on any further water. The passengers with the worst injuries have been removed to hospital and we are currently waiting for the final few passengers to be removed to safety before we begin to think about the cause of this terrible accident". A representative for the Northern Ferries Group said a full investigation would be taking place.

King visits naval shipyard in St Drostan
King Alfred VII has today visited the shipyards in Port Stanley where the newest ships in the Royal Navy's fleet are being built. He was shown around by the Admiral of the Fleet and enjoyed dinner on the deck of a new destroyer which is due to be launched next week. The king made a brief speech which was broadcast live on the Home Service: "Today I am proud to be standing on board these fine new vessels and I look forward to their many years of service protecting our Commonwealth and assisting those nations in need".

Prince Waldr of Dietsland dies in automobile accident
A brief statement from the Minister of State for Dietsland announced last night that Prince Waldr Sigurdr has died whilst involved in a motoring accident. The King and Prime Minister both sent their condolences to the Royal Family and citizens of Dietsland and will fly to the capital on the 30 May to attend the funeral.

 

[Argyll]

This is the Home Service and now for the news from Argyll at midnight on 29th May 1954, I'm Peter Cruickshank in St Alban and these are the headlines.

> King to attend marriage of Imperial Prince Giuseppe and Princess Débora in Tiburtina
> Premier Martinique of Belmont invited to the Commonwealth as part of her diplomatic tour
> New Council of Islands legislature led by the SPA put forward referendum plans for independence
> One man dies in hospital after Hwicce ferry founders off St Jude's Head

 

[Argyll]

The time is 8pm and this is the Argyll Home Service, St Alban calling. We will now join Jonathan Thomas for this week's edition of The World this Week. The headlines are read by Euan Trehearn

> Bishop of Petroc arrested on fraud charges in connection with ongoing investigations into church finances
> SPA announces radical reforms to introduce a nationalised health service on the Islands
> Foreign Minister Owen Lennan hints at economic basis for upcoming diplomatic talks with [MENTION=666]Belmont[/MENTION]


JT: The fall-out from the Council of Islands election is beginning to settle over the Commonwealth's political scene and we're joined in the studio by three commentators to discuss the wider implications of the success of the Scotian People's Alliance. Iain Llewis is the Crown Governor of Wight and a member of the SPA, Owein Duke is the shadow foreign minister in the National Liberal Party and Quentin Williams is an MP from Scotia and the whip for the Social Democratic Federation.
All: Good evening.
JT: Good evening, I'd first like to tackle the glaring issue of greater autonomy for Scotia within the Commonwealth and how that affects the national political scene, Iain?
IL: I honestly believe that the huge success for the SPA has enormous consequences for national politics, the fact is it shows a very clear desire on behalf of the Scotian people for, if not total independence then certainly the transfer of a greaty deal of powers from St Alban.
OD: No, sorry, I completely disagree, a vote for the SPA is a protest vote during a period in which the established political parties are increasingly unpopular. They have always done well in elections to the Council of Islands and come the general election later this year we will see equilibrium restored on the Islands
QW: If I may, I actually agree with Owein here, if ever there was more of a political flash in the pan I'm yet to see it. We saw it five years ago when the SPA was formed and come the general election they only gained four MPs despite being the main opposition on the Council of Islands. Yes, Scotian independence is now bound to be a national talking point and in that way the SPA have succeeded in one of their aims but to think that they are a lasting political force would be foolish.
IL: How pompous you sound and how offensive to all those in Scotia who voted for us. If you weren't genuinely worried about our impact in the general election then why has your government recently released a white paper on devolving judicial powers to the Council of Islands?
QW: That white paper has been in committee for nine months.
JT: Gentlemen, it's obvious that the issue of Scotian is highly divisive here but do you think that mainlanders view the issue with apathy?
OD: Yes and no, they look on with interest but they can't register their vote for the SPA so the issue seems very abstract, when Mr Llewis gets his way and we have to show our passports on the ferry then I think they'll be much more interested.
QW: We have a strong unionist government in St Alban, come the next election we will continue with a strong unionist government, there is very little chance of the SPA being part of any coalition so I don't think mainlanders have anything to worry about.
IL: What tosh, the make up of the Commonwealth is set to fundamentally change in the next decade just as it did in the 1930s. Anyone who thinks otherwise is burying their head in the sand.
JT: Mr Williams mentions the dim prospects for the SPA gaining national power but do you think there is a concern that this will lead to an increase in direct action by Scotian nationalists?
OD: Well we're already seeing it, at the moment it's little more than civil disobedience but I think there is a fear that we could be returning to the era of the 1920s in the Commonwealth and no-one wants that.
IL: The Scotian nationalist cause is a peaceful one, protest and civil disobedience have long been legitimate methods of protest in a nation where the system of government is still set up to ignore the interests of Scotians.
QW: I have no problem with protests but the growing prevalence of the Scotian Front is of ...
IL: Oh, really, all forty members of it, just another storm whipped up by the unionist press.
QW: I wasn't claiming that they were a viable threat yet but we've seen an increase in nationalist feeling as evidenced by this week's results so it seems foolish to imagine that the extreme end of that won't increase too.
IL: Perhaps they'll have forty-five members next week.
JT: Well gentlemen I'll have to end it there, thank you for your time.

 

[Argyll]

Good evening, this is the Argyll Home Service, St Alban calling. The headlines at eight o'clock on the 30th June 1954 are read by Moira Lewes.

> King Alfred attends Dietsland state funeral amid vocal criticism back home.
> Four members of the Scotian Front arrested in Bute on charges of planning a domestic attack.
> Lucie O'Reil the actress and director has died at the age of 77 at home in St Winifred.\
> PM Alain Wilde rails against referendum plans put forward by Council of Islands

 

[Ivernia]

CUALLACHT SCANNÁN RÍOGA NA GAELRÍOCHT
Royal Film Guild of Ivernia

The Royal Film Guild of Ivernia, and on behalf of the Directors, Actors and People we represent wish to express our heartfelt condolences for Ms. Lucie O'Reil, the great Argyllan Actor & Director. Her work was an impact that will not be soon forgotten in your lands or ours. We in Ivernia know that she shall be an inspiration for years to come to the actors and directors, from Argyll or Ivernia.

We in Ivernia hope her passing was peaceful, in her native home of St. Winifred.

 

[Argyll]

Good evening, this is the Argyll Home Service, St Alban calling. The headlines at eight o'clock on the 30th June 1954 are read by Moira Lewes.

> Argyll takes seat in International House sending musician and former Ambassador to Dietsland, Evelyn Glennie
Prime Minister Alain Wilde announced at a press conference today that the musician Evelyn Glennie was to represent the Commonwealth to the newly formed International House. The concept of an intergovernmental centre for diplomacy was praised by the Prime Minister:- "it is a historic day in Europe, a day when we can see diplomacy moving toward peace. Evelyn Glennie is a highly experience diplomat and will relish the role with her usual courage and with". The organisation will be initially located in old government buildings in Alderburgh, Ivernia until a competition can be held for a purpose-built headquarters.
> Democratic Movement all but wiped out in Belmont elections as Liberals head up governing coalition
The foreign minister Owen Lennan released a statement at lunchtime congratulating the new coalition on their electoral success, he went on to say that he hoped the new government would be receptive to the idea of upcoming talks with the nation's Premier and to the new diplomatic ties between the two nations.
> Fourteen hurt in accident at the National Cross-Country Skiing championships in St Petroc
> Discussions continue in the Council of Islands around the timing and wording of the independence referendum

 

[Argyll]

Good afternoon, before this evening's live broadcast from the Commonwealth Festival of Opera in Tingwall we will go to Annabell Wool with a brief update on news from Church House.

> Church of Argyll bishops vote to allow the introduction of female members of the clergy
The first step was made last night toward the introduction of female ministers in the Anglican Church of Argyll. The houses of Laity, Bishops and Clergy all voted in the majority for the new article of church writ which paves the way for the first female vicar to be ordained, potentially as early as next month. It is the latest modernising move made by the church since the appointment of Archbishop Wilem Yorke last summer. The Archbishop was stood outside Church House after the vote last night when he made a brief statement: "there are those in the media, in our schools and in our government who believe that the church is a dying being, that it is only a matter of time until it falls into irrelevance and obscurity but here, today we have shown with a strong and decisive decision that the church is well and truly alive and looking forward, not back. It will be an honour for me to ordain the first women priests when the church's writ makes its way to being law next month". Conservative bishops who voted against the proposals are thought to be staging a meeting this evening to discuss their options. Some have mooted succession from the CoA but Bishop of St Winifred Jules Tindall ruled out the possibility in front of reporters last night. It is not yet known what reaction the changes will bring from the wider Anglican congregation in Gunnlandia, previous modernising moves have met with vocal opposition from the Anglican Church in [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION] in particular.

 

[Ivernia]

You must be registered for see links

Eaglais Naofa na nGaelríocht
Holy Church of Ivernia​

2ú Meitheamh 1954

In light of recent decisions made my the Holy Anglican Church of @

You must be registered for see links

the Holy Church of Ivernia wishes to enact an Assembly of our two Anglican Churches. Our two Churches, in recent times, and more and more progressively drifted apart. Mostly in part, due to the continuing and persistent reforms and changes by our Colleagues within the Argyll Branch of the Anglican Church of Gunnlandia.

The Holy Church of Ivernia, and the Archbishops of Ivernia's Bishops interred therein, wish to meet with the Archbishops' Bishops in a meet. A meeting in which the two Churches will attempt, God's Good Will providing, to seal the Fissure that is clearly and startlingly opening up between our two most Beloved Celtic Congregations. Within this meet we hope that the Argyllan Bishops will not only explain their actions, which appear drastic and without due process and forethought to the Ivernish Clerical Body, and the Ivernish Bishops will have a chance to speak with this new and reforming Church and have it's opinions heard and the Old Ways and Traditions of God defended and properly discussed.

The Holy Church of Ivernia does promise, in the name of all us Good Christians that we shall receive the Church of Argyll's works with open ears. We shall listen to our Westerly Neighbours, for are we not brothers in both the blood of our men and the rite of our God?

We wish to have this Congregation of the Anglican Church of Gunnlandia, at the swiftest convenience for our two Churches. Whether it would be held in Alderburgh, the Primate of our homeland, or in the Primate of Argyll is does not matter, for with the Lord we are neither Strangers nor Guests in His house.


Signed under due Relevance to our Lord,

The Most Reverend,

Dr. Ragnall Mac Cloud, Archbishop of De Danaan, 33rd Primate of All Ivernia.

God be praised.

 

[Argyll]

You must be registered for see links

2nd June 1954
Church House, Cathedral Court, St Alban
to, Dr. Ragnall Mac Cloud, Archbishop of De Danaan, 33rd Primate of All Ivernia and the Holy Church of Ivernia

The Church Council of Argyll wishes to formally accept the invitation of the Church of [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION] to form a Congregation at the earliest possible convenience. It is our belief that the greater Anglican Congregation of Gunnlandia would enormously benefit from a frank, honest and faithful discussion of the future direction of our faith.

We have long believed that the Church needs to evolve if it is to survive in an increasingly secular society. We regret the feelings of the Ivernian church toward our recent changes in writ. It is with great sadness that I, too have seen the fissure grow and with that in mind I extend the hand of friendship and brotherhood to the Church of Ivernia.

The Church of Argyll would be honoured to host our Ivernian counterparts in the chapter house at St Alban Cathedral. In attendance will be our four archbishops as well as a representative from the laity.

Archbishop of St Mark - Wilem York
Archbishop of St Matthew - Euan Winchfield
Archbishop of St Luke - Alfred Bunce
Archbishop of St John - Petyr Poole
and Juliette Marshall representing the laity.

Myself and my brothers in faith look forward greatly to meeting the Ivernian delegation.

Yours, in faith,
Wilem York
Archbishop of St Mark

 

[Argyll]

The headlines from Argyll this afternoon;

> Foreign Ministry seeks parliamentary approval to negotiate 'Gunnlandian Union' at International House
> Conference between Ivernian and Agryllian churches underway despite egg attack by senior priest
> AR extends more rail services to Alderburgh amid cross-Gunnlandia high-speed rail discussions
> Six tourists severely injured after tour boat collides with Cathedral Bridge in St Alban

 

[Argyll]

> Northican Church conference results in vote on splitting into 'high' and 'low' Northican congregations
> Diplomats given go-ahead to discuss Gunnlandian Union by Parliamentary vote
> Powercuts in Westhoek and Yarlemouth blamed on high temperatures and ongoing industrial action
> Council of the Islands votes to approve government bid to purchase and nationalise the Northern Ferry Corporation

 

[Thaumantica]

OMMEROTH
Commonwealth Foreign Service


THE Ommelander Commonwealth welcomes this sort of peace seeking by Argyll, a true spotlight in to the future, and encourages her Gunnish neighbors to follow Argyll's example wholly and without reservation.

 

[Argyll]

>Northican Congregation comes to an end with major reform
As the bishops stood outside St Alban Cathedral posing for photos for the press the line between the newly formed High and Low Churches could not have been clearer. The Agyllian bishops in pastel shirts and tweed jackets looked almost out of place amongst the Gothic architecture and next to the elaborately robed bishops from the Church of Ivernia. Despite the handshaking and smiles the two groups of bishops were now officially divided along theological lines in a historical move that will shake the Northican church to its core.

The Church of Argyll will now fall under the Low Church of Gunnlandia which has been formed to accommodate more theologically liberal Northicans across Gunnlandia. The headquarters of the new Low Church will be within Church House in St Alban and it is thought it will be broadly run as an extension of the Church of Argyll. It is thought a number of conservative bishops who had protested against the ordination of women will secede to form their own congregations under the High Church which is based in Ivernia. Bishop Timothy Weg of Kingswood St Edmund is one of the bishops rumoured to be moving to the High Church, last night he spoke to reporters at Kingswood Minster; "it is with a heavy heart that I see the split from our Ivernian brothers made official, I believe there are many congregations in this country that feel more of an affiliation with our neighbours than with the distant Church in St Alban".

The changes will be explained to congregations this Sunday where a message from Bishop Wilem Yorke will be read out. Some critics have hit out at the Church of Argyll for giving up on reform of the wider Church and leaving nations like Ivernia with, as one vicar described an "oppressive, small-minded and exclusive" theology. The general reaction from those within the Church of Argyll has been positive as it allows them more autonomy and control over theological and liturgical issues.

>Foreign Minister and diplomatic staff travel to Alderburgh for Gunnlandian Union meetings
Yesterday evening Foreign Minister Owen Lennan stepped aboard the Two Capitals Express en route to negotiations taking place in Alderburgh for the formation of a Gunnlandian Union. The GU will be formed of Argyll, [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION], the [MENTION=1085]Free Cities League[/MENTION] and [MENTION=1517]Saaremaa[/MENTION]. The Argyllian government is thought to be pushing for a free trade area with passport-free movement from coast-to-coast and an end to tariffs and quotas in all major industries across Gunnlandia. It has also been reported that Lennan will be keen to see the addition of a human rights charter which would see something similar to the Argyllian Charter of Rights applied across the continent.

Shadow Foreign Minister Owein Duke was interviewed yesterday for the World at One programme; "Whilst I wish Mr Lennan the best of luck in Alderburgh I cannot help but feel he is over-reaching attempting to turn Gunnlandia into his own liberal utopia. It is our view that the GU will be a waste of time and resources at a time when we should be looking to protect our own assets and not welcoming other nations to come in and trample over our delicate national economy". Mr Lennan replied at St Alban station yesterday; "If we do not make efforts to work together with our neighbours and encourage them to trade with us we may as well just turn our back to the world again as we did under Mr Duke's previous government and tell everyone that Argyll is closed for business. It is 1954 and we wish to be a modern nation on a modern continent".