On Friday 8 November 1867, the whole district of Ferndale and Blaenllechau was shaken by two consecutive explosions at Ferndale No.1.
Rescuers were hampered by roof falls, and with the air so foul, with some trepidation the furnace which powered the ventilation was relit. It took a month to recover the remains of the 178 men and boys, with most bodies showing signs of severe burning, and many so badly disfigured it made identification impossible.
Teenage boys as young as 12 perished and at the subsequent enquiry, the lamp keeper stated that safety locks had been tampered with, and incidents regularly occurred that breached the company’s rules. Although reported to the mine manager, these breaches were ignored. This was later disputed by fellow miner’s from the Aberdare valley.
On Wednesday 8^th November at 5.00pm, to commemorate the event the community will congregate for a short service at the Ferndale Miner’s Memorial in Greenwood Park (which was erected in 1988), with the community following in the footseps of many miner’s to Penuel Chapel, in Duffryn Street, Ferndale.

At 6.00pm at Penuel Chapel, the young men and boys will be remembered through an evening of reflection and reminiscing by children from Darran Park Primary School and songs from Cor Meibion Morlais and music from Tylorstown Silver Band. There will also be poetry readings, film and the launch of a community exhibition outlining the development of the coal mines, the disasters and what followed as a result.
Organisers Ferndale Grassroots are grateful for all the support received to date but are still seeking relatives of those who lost their lives or who have any memorabilia, photographs etc. relating to Ferndale Colliery, which could form part of the week long exhibition.
‘We are keen to ensure that those who lost their lives are remembered by all generations in the community and we have been working with both young and old to bring this significant event in the life of Ferndale to the fore. Thanks to a grant from RCT Together, we believe it will be an event fitting for the occasion.’
This is a ticketed event (due to capacity) and tickets can be booked via email: ferndalegrassroots@gmail.com, Facebook: Ferndale Grassroots or contact Catherine on 07792 423493.

Ann Davies