Prestigious honour bestowed upon miners
Those who risked their lives and toiled in difficult conditions to shape the communities and industry of our county have been granted the Freedom of the Borough.
A landmark decision to bestow the honour on those who worked as miners or were/are associated with the industry was ratified at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Annual General Meeting last week.
Mayor Cllr Robert Smith will present the Freedom of the Borough to representatives of the miners during a commemorative event being held at the Rhondda Heritage Park on Sunday, June 21.
The event has been organised in the wake of a successful celebration held at the popular tourist attraction last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the closure of Lewis Merthyr Colliery, the site of which it is based upon.
This year sees the 25th anniversary of the miners’ strike and it was decided to organise a commemorative event to ensure residents of all ages across the county can mark the area’s unique history.
It will begin with a Miners March from Colliery Street, through Trehafod to the Rhondda Heritage Park. It is hoped miners from across South Wales will join the march, which begins at 10am.
Original lodge banners that have been loaned by the Museum of Swansea will be proudly held high during the march, which will arrive at the Rhondda Heritage Park in time for the start of the day’s activities at 11am.
Cllr Smith will unveil a plaque to commemorate the event and scrolls will be presented to each miner who attends. The Freedom of the Borough will be presented to a figurehead of the mining movement at the ceremony.
Cllr Smith said: “The decision to grant the Freedom of the Borough on those in and associated with the mining community of South Wales was an important one and I am proud to be able to lead the presentation ceremony.
“I hope as many miners, and those associated with the industry, join the march and the day’s events so they can receive this honour and be formally recognised for the massive and selfless contribution they made towards the industry and communities of this county.
“As well as celebrating this honour, the day will also mark the 25th anniversary of the strikes and will also offer family friendly entertainment at the Rhondda Heritage Park. It is going to be a special day and I look forward to seeing as many people as possible there.”
The Freedom of the Borough ceremony will take place at the start of the second Lewis Merthyr Day at the Rhondda Heritage Park.
Sponsored by Colliers’ Cheese, the day will feature music and performances, speeches from former miners, poetry and Wenglish workshops, screenings of the “Fan House” film exploring the rich social and cultural life of the valleys, photographic exhibition, outdoor play, children’s activities and more.
There will also be a cheese and butter shop and tasting thanks to Collier’s Cheese. It runs from 11am to 5pm and all are welcome.
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Last revised on: 28/5/2009