Turning back time at heritage park

Apr 24 2008 by Jonathan Evans, Pontypridd Observer

A FULL day of events is being held this summer to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the closure of Lewis Merthyr Colliery.

The Trehafod Colliery, which closed in 1983, survived the bulldozers and developers when it was transformed into the Rhondda Heritage Park.

Now the award-winning centre welcomes tens of thousands of visitors per year and is recognised as one of the top heritage and cultural visitor attractions in South Wales.

But having happy family day-trips to the park is in complete contrast to how the site once operated as a working pit, during a time when coal was king.

On June 21 a fun-filled day will be held at the park with a series of special events provided by choirs, brass bands, school children and theatre companies.

It will also be a perfect opportunity to welcome back the proud workforce that ran the colliery. A reminiscence corner will be set up for former workmates to remember their lives underground and record those memories so that future generations can understand what life was really like during the height of the coal industry.

RCT Council’s head of libraries and museum service Gill Evans said: “This promises to be a memorable and enjoyable day for our many visitors.

“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 fun guaranteed for everyone.

“We also hope to attract many of the former workforce to share their memories with us of their time at Lewis Merthyr Colliery so that their stories can be preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate.”

For further details contact Rhondda Heritage Park on 01443 682036.