17 July 2012
The August 31st deadline of an important appeal is fast approaching, with sponsors still needed to mark next year's centenary of the largest mining tragedy in British history at the Universal Colliery, Senghenydd.
440 men and boys tragically lost their lives in the 1913 disaster that affected almost every single household in the community. The Aber Valley Heritage Group are in the process of planning a National Memorial at the site of the tragedy to mark the 100th anniversary and as a tribute to every Miner and miner's families across Wales.
Local people, relatives of the victims and anyone who would like to help are being encouraged to 'Sponsor a Tile' for a memorial wall which will accompany the National Memorial ensuring everyone killed in both the 1901 and 1913 disasters in Senghenydd are never forgotten.
Each tile will feature a name for representing the men and boys whose lives were cut short in the devastating explosions, as well as their age, address, and the name of the sponsor.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Planning at Caerphilly County Borough Council, has expressed his support of the appeal. He commented, "I would encourage anyone who can to sponsor one of the tiles that will make up the memorial wall. Every single man and boy who tragically died at the Universal Colliery deserves to be remembered, and it will provide a fitting tribute to mining communities across Wales."
Each tile costs £50 to sponsor and will be made during workshops with school children, led by ceramic artist, Ned Heywood. At present 302 name tiles have been sponsored, so there are still a large number of names left that need a sponsor.
The Aber Valley Heritage group have raised £100,000 for the memorial so far, with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Caerphilly County Borough Council and local Community Councils.
To receive a sponsorship form call 02920 830444/5 or email senghen.heritage@btconnect.com or visit www.abervalleyheritage.co.uk
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