First Minister launches plans for Welsh National Mining Memorial

Welsh labour’s First Minister Carwyn Jones has visited the site of the worst mining disaster in British history to launch a major appeal for the first ever Welsh National Mining Memorial.

In total 440 men and boys were killed in 1913 following a huge explosion at the Universal Colliery site in Senghenydd. The disaster affected the lives of almost every household in the Aber Valley and sent shockwaves around the world.

The Aber Valley Heritage Group invited the First Minister to the village to launch an appeal for a poignant Mining Memorial. The project is moving forward thanks to financial support from Caerphilly County Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (£48,800) and various community contributions.