Charity money originally collected 140 years ago after a major flood in the Cwmcarn Valley has been released after the efforts of local residents and councillors.
In 1875, a dam, which was located on what is now Nantcarn Road, burst and a tidal wave of water rushed down the valley having a devastating effect on the former flannel factory. Twelve people lost their lives – including the Hunt family who owned the business.
Following nationwide publicity, a fund was set up by the Lady Mayoress of London and Lady Llanover to establish a cottage hospital to help the suffering of the residents of Cwmcarn and surrounding area.
The money originally collected was a total sum of between £350 and £400. The money was not enough to achieve the hospital and the money remained tied up in trust and then the Charity Commission.
Residents of Abercarn and Cwmcarn, Cllr Ken James, Cllr Denver Preece and the Cwmcarn Residents’ Association, have now successfully got hold of the funds – now worth £18,000.
Doctors surgeries in Risca and Abercarn were invited to submit a funding request for new equipment – in keeping with the original spirit that the money was collected for.
The funds were released and Risca received a cheque for almost £6,000 while St Luke’s Surgery in Abercarn got the same.
Dr William Thompson of Abercarn Surgery, said: “We at St Luke’s surgery are very happy to receive these funds from the Cwmcarn Memorial Cottage Hospital Fund, and are grateful for the opportunity to spend this money to improve the healthcare and service to the local population, honouring the original intention of the fund.”
Dr Susan Emerson, of Risca Surgery, added: “We are extremely pleased with the funds donated by the Cwmcarn Memorial Cottage Hospital Fund, the funds will support significant improvements to the way we deliver primary healthcare for our patients within the community.”
The remainder of the money will be retained by Cwmcarn Residents’ Association to create a lasting memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Cabinet Member and Local Member for Cwmcarn, Cllr Ken James, said: “It has been a long battle with the Charity Commission to release the funds and after many years we are so pleased that we were able to present cheques to local doctors surgeries and we will now work with the Cwmcarn Residents’ Association to create a community memorial.”
For readers who had not heard of this disaster I recommend the excellent book by Tony Jukes “The Cwmcarn Dam Disaster” published by Danygraig books. This book is available at the Winding House Museum and through The Bedwas & Trethomas History Society.
The dam itself is described in the book as “an accident waiting to happen” and the breach was finally caused after a day of unrelenting rain. More than 5 inches of rain in a single day being recorded. In those days people could not blame this on ‘climate change’ and, rather quaintly to our modern eyes, simply called it ‘bad weather.’