People wanting to adopt a tile to help raise money for a mining memorial in the Aber Valley have until August 31 to do so.
Four-hundred and forty men and boys died in the 1913 disaster at the Universal Colliery, Senghenydd. The Aber Valley Heritage Group are in the process of planning a National Memorial at the site of the tragedy to mark its Centenary next year.
The tiles will accompany the National Memorial with each tile featuring a name representing those whose lives were cut short in the disaster.
Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for planning at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “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 345 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