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A memorial commemorating the former Windsor Colliery in Abertridwr has finally been unveiled – replacing the deteriorating memorial which once stood in its place.
A ceremony to unveil the new, redesigned memorial was meant to happen in March 2020, but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
The ceremony, organised by the Aber Valley Heritage Group, was held on Tuesday, September 20 – with around 200 people in attendance.
The colliery, which opened in the late 1890s, closed in 1972 when it was merged with Nantgarw Colliery, which itself closed in 1986.
There were a number of disasters during Windsor’s existence, claiming the lives of 155 men and boys in total.
Former Windsor Colliery worker Noel Griffiths, who helped with the research for the memorial, unveiled it alongside broadcaster Roy Noble, who is a former teacher in Senghenydd and is the patron of the Aber Valley Heritage Group.
Children from the nearby Ysgol Ifor Bach, Nant y Parc and Cwmaber schools sang at the ceremony, as did the Aber Valley Male Voice Choir.
Among those attending the service was 89-year-old Mary Morris, whose late husband, Kenneth Arthur Morris, was the last manager of Windsor Colliery. His name is on the new memorial.
Speaking about the event, Mrs Morris said: “It was brilliant. The memorial is really outstanding – I want to thank everyone who gave money to build this.
“I’m so proud. It’s lovely to see his name on there and the family is so pleased.
“It’s lovely to see so many people here and especially the children singing – it’s moving.”
Plaid Cymru councillor Lindsay Whittle, who is the chair of the Aber Valley Heritage Group, spoke at the event. He later told Caerphilly Observer: “It was a pleasant day. The valley came together after what has been a depressing ten days following the death of the Queen.”
He also spoke about his personal connection to the colliery and said: “My uncle Billy was one of the 155 who didn’t come home.”
Aber Valley councillor John Taylor, also spoke of his personal connection to the colliery and said: “My family came here because of the colliery. My great-grandfather was one of the sinkers.”
Cllr Charlotte Bishop, who also represents the Aber Valley ward, said the memorial is “a fitting tribute to the men who lost their lives”.
She added: “Having them recognised makes a big difference to the valley.”
Caerphilly’s Labour MP, Wayne David, was also in attendance. He praised the “excellent” turnout and said: “Clearly a number of people have made a tremendous effort to make this memorial what it is – a real tribute to the men who worked in the colliery and gave their lives.”
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