Saturday, September 20, 2014
The Welsh town that voted 'yes' to independence on Thursday
Whilst Scotland was busy voting no to independence on Thursday a Welsh border town was conducting its own ballot.
To be fair, Hay-on-Wye has form on this when, in 1 April 1977, Richard Booth conceived a publicity stunt in which he declared Hay-on-Wye to be an 'independent kingdom' with himself as its monarch.
According to the Western Mail another bookshop owner, Derek Addyman organised his own vote to coincide with the day Scotland decided whether to go it alone.
Locals cast their votes outdoors in the Cheese Market in a swing bin liner between 11am and 3pm. The question they were voting on was: “Do you want Hay to stay independent?”
The paper says that 530 people voted with 483 votes in favour giving an overwhelming nod for independence.
Should add an edge to the literary festival next year.
To be fair, Hay-on-Wye has form on this when, in 1 April 1977, Richard Booth conceived a publicity stunt in which he declared Hay-on-Wye to be an 'independent kingdom' with himself as its monarch.
According to the Western Mail another bookshop owner, Derek Addyman organised his own vote to coincide with the day Scotland decided whether to go it alone.
Locals cast their votes outdoors in the Cheese Market in a swing bin liner between 11am and 3pm. The question they were voting on was: “Do you want Hay to stay independent?”
The paper says that 530 people voted with 483 votes in favour giving an overwhelming nod for independence.
Should add an edge to the literary festival next year.
