A memorial dedicated to the memory of miners from the Birchrock/Graig Merthyr Colliery was unveiled today, Saturday (Oct 7) by theLord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan D Byron Lewis Esq., KStJ, FCA.
The memorial which has been funded by the general public is in memory of the miners who died at the colliery and the 280 miners who volunteered to fight during World War1, 44 of whom never returned home. The memorial is now a permanent reminder and is located at the Dulais Glen Gardens.
The unveiling was attended by Colonel Lance Patterson, the Lord Mayor of Swansea Phillip Downing, Mayor of Pontarddulais Jane Harris and Deputy Mayor Clive Mathias as well as former miners and representatives of the Graig Merthyr Memorial Group who have worked tirelessly to provide the memorial.
The service was conducted by Reverend John Gillibrand and music was provided by the Pontarddulais Town Band.
One of the most poignant stories was of Tyrone Dark who died at the Betws Colliery in 1987. Tyrone’s wife and family were in attendance and spoke of his great sacrifice to the community. Tyrone’s great-nephew Jack Dark (6) was also at the event and showed a keen interest in the historic memorabilia on display at the Pontarddulais Rugby Club where civic dignitaries and invited guests listened to speeches by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Reverend John Gillibrand, Rebecca Evans AM and the former Graig Merthyr manager.
Llanelli Online is producing a film of the event, which will be uploaded here in the very near future.
Watch our interview with Lauren Phillips and Julia Dark the daughter of Tyrone Dark who died at Betws Colliery in 1987
Graig Merthyr Memorial from Llanelli Online on Vimeo.
