A remembrance service has been held at the National Mining Memorial in Senghenydd to mark the 106th anniversary of the Senghenydd Mining Disaster.
On October 14, 1913, an explosion tore through Universal Colliery, killing 439 miners to become Britain’s worst ever mining disaster. The final death toll was 440 after a rescuer perished.
Also honoured at the service were the 81 people who died in the 1901 mining disaster in the same colliery.
The service was the first one held since the death of Jack Humphreys, who was the chair of the Aber Valley Heritage Group and who was instrumental in bringing the national memorial to Senghenydd.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, who is the current chair of the Aber Valley Heritage Group, spoke at the service, saying: “I will never fill Jack Humphreys’ shoes, but it’s an honour to walk in his footsteps.”
He later told Caerphilly Observer: “I wanted today to go well. It’s the first service without Jack Humphreys – he worked tirelessly for the community.
“There’s so much effort put in by volunteers here, it’s second to none.”
Also speaking at the service was radio and television broadcaster Roy Noble.
Around 200 people attended the service, including 72-year-old Phil Morgan, who was the last person in the colliery before it closed in 1979.
Mr Morgan, who had travelled down from Shropshire to be at the service, was involved with the filling of the pit before its closure.
He said: “ “It was something that had to be done. It was a strange feeling saying goodbye.
“I feel a great affinity with those who were lost in the disasters.”
Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Wayne David MP, Hefin David AM and Caerphilly County Borough mayor Cllr Julian Simmonds.
Aber Valley Community Council chair Cllr Deborah Daniels, and Cllr Peredur-Owen Griffiths, chair of Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn Community Council, also laid wreathes, alongside Malcolm Bull of Aber Valley Heritage Group and representatives from Big Pit and the Senghenydd Memorial Trust.
Pupils and staff from Cwmaber Junior School, Cwmaber Infants School, Ysgol Ifor Bach and Nant y Parc Primary School sang at the service and later laid wreaths.
Pupils and staff from St Cenydd Comprehensive School were also in attendance, as was interim council leader Cllr Barbara Jones, Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert, the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken and the the High Sheriff of Gwent.
Aber Valley ward councillors Cllr Lyndon Binding, Cllr John Roberts and Cllr John Taylor were all in attendance.
Gill Jones MBE, secretary of the heritage group, said: “I thought the service was excellent. It’s always a pleasure.
“It’s good for children to know about the disaster.”
Hefin David AM said: “This wonderful service takes place in October every year but the memorial garden and the mining museum on Gwern Avenue are open all year round.
“I would urge anyone to visit and spend some time remembering the life of the old Senghenydd community.”
Dr David AM added: “This is the first year without Jack Humphreys, but his presence was felt throughout the service.”
The Aber Valley Heritage Group is currently looking for new members and volunteers. Anyone interested in getting involved can call the group on 02920 830445 or email senghen.heritage@btconnect.com.