First Minister given tour of National Mining Memorial and heritage museum

First Minister Mark Drakeford paid a visit to Senghenydd on Thursday, where he was given a tour of the National Mining Memorial and Aber Valley Heritage Museum.

The First Minister was invited to the village by Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member Hefin David, who joined Mr Drakeford on the tour alongside Caerphilly County Borough Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard.

During the visit, committee members of the Aber Valley Heritage Group spoke with Mr Drakeford about the future of the memorial, which was created in 2013 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Senghenydd Mining Disaster.

The disaster, which happened on October 14, 1913, claimed the lives of 440 lives – making it the worst mining disaster in British history.

After the visit, Senedd Member Dr David said: “The monument and the museum are an important part of not only our local history here in Caerphilly, but that of all mining communities across Wales.

“It’s vital that we think about how we can sustain and protect it going forward, which is why I invited the First Minister here today.”

He added: “This is a place of such rich history and it always strikes me as very poignant every time I visit. It’s important that we protect that – so I will continue to work with the team of volunteers here to ensure its preservation in to the future.”

Broadcaster Roy Noble, who is a patron of the Aber Valley Heritage Group – as well as a former teacher in Senghenydd – thanked Mr Drakeford for his visit and said: “We are very appreciative of the visit from the First Minister and from his comments.

“He clearly felt the emotion and poignancy of the memorial and where Senghenydd is in the history of mining and industrial heritage – not only in the valley but in all areas of Wales.

“I hope that this year – the tenth anniversary – it is recognised as the National Memorial of Wales, Senghenydd and every disaster of Wales, as recognised around the gardens.”

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru councillor Lindsay Whittle, who is the chair of the heritage group’s committee, also thanked the First Minister for attending and said there was now a “glimmer of hope” for the future.

After the visit, Mr Drakeford spoke of the importance of mining in Wales’ history and said it was “essential we use those lessons to inform our future.”

He added: “Thank you to the volunteers at the National Mining Memorial for welcoming us and for their vital work in preserving our history for the next generation.”