Lewis Merthyr Remembers Coal Strike
April 6, 2009
A full day of events is being held this summer at the Rhondda Heritage Park to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Miner’s Strike.
The former Lewis Merthyr Colliery will play host to a day of nostalgia to remember the long, bitter months of the strike a quarter of a century ago, on Sunday June 21st from 11am to 5pm
The a fun-filled day will include a series of special events provided by choirs, brass bands, school children and theatre companies. This will mark the second annual “Lewis Merthyr Day” and organizers are hopeful that many former miners and their families will come along to share their memories of the 1984 strike.
Exhibitions of old photographs of the colliery will also be on show throughout the day, along with old film footage of the changing face of Rhondda’s coal industry. Many items were shown in a special exhibition at Maerdy Library but the demand was so great from the public to view them that it has been decided to put them on display again at the Rhondda Heritage Park.
It is also hoped that a march will be arranged for the many colliery banners to be displayed to the wider communities.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation Cllr Robert Bevan, who once worked at Lewis Merthyr Colliery, said: “Last year’s Lewis Merthyr Open Day was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the closure of the pit, so it just goes to show that only a few short months after this occurred the miners came out in strike against the widespread demise of their industry.
“Many of us have vivid memories of that struggle to save the very industry that created valleys like the Rhondda. This will be an opportunity to pay tribute to all those involved in the fight and to share memories of 25 years ago.
“With so many attractions on offer, including children’s activities, choirs, brass bands and the performing arts, we are certain there’ll be plenty of entertained guaranteed for everyone, regardless of their age.”
The 25th anniversary of the Miner’s Strike will take place on Sunday June 21st 2009. Admission is free. For further details contact Rhondda Heritage Park on 01443 682036.
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