Miners who lost their lives during the Risca colliery disasters in the 1800s have been commemorated with a memorial plaque.
The plaque, which was unveiled in Waunfawr Park, Crosskeys on Sunday, March 1, commemorates the 35 miners who died in the 1846 disaster at Blackvein colliery, the 10 victims of the 1853 Blackvein disaster and the 142 miners killed during the 1860 disaster at the same pit.
The 120 miners who died during the 1880 disaster at Risca North colliery are also remembered on the plaque.
In total, more than 350 men and boys lost their lives at the two collieries between 1842 and 1880.
Among the attendees were members of the Blackvein Miners Memorial Society, alongside Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden and mayor Julian Simmonds, who all made speeches.
Speeches were also made by Blackvein Miners Memorial Society secretary Stephen Lyons and Rev Marc Owen of Moriah Baptist Church in Risca, while a wreath was laid by Rita Griffin, who is a related to three of the men who died during the disasters.
Mr Lyons said: “I’m very happy the area now has it’s own plaque to the miners.”
The society has raised around £15,000 since it was set up in January 2017 by Mr Lyons and his wife, Helen, in January 2017.
Mr Lyons said: “After I started this, I was doing my research and found out my wife had relatives who died in the 1860 disaster.”
The society was originally set up to manage the Greenmeadow burial ground in Risca, where a number of the 1860 Blackvein disaster victims are buried.
The society replaced the rotting fence at the burial ground and installed a visitor information board and a memorial stone to the 14 victims buried there. The society also bought grass-cutting equipment for the site, before turning its attentions to securing a plaque for Waunfawr Park.
Rhianon Passmore AM said: “In Islwyn we are indebted as a community to the Blackvein Memorial Society led by Stephen Lyons, who has campaigned over many years alongside local community leaders for this memorial plaque.
“I wish to thank all those who have contributed to making this dedication to our community. We will not forget those who gave their lives in our mines.”
Funding for the plaque was raised by Blackvein Miners Memorial Society and donations from members of the public.
Caerphilly County Borough Council, Risca East Community Council, the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation and Monmouthshire Building Society also made donations towards the plaque.