Ex-miners and schoolchildren joined forces to reenact a significant historic event in the village of Rhondda, marking the anniversary of a pivotal miners’ strike. The community of Maerdy came together to commemorate the original Maerdy March of 1985, with pupils from Maerdy Community Primary School taking the lead. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with various schools, community members, and former miners participating in the recreation of the iconic march.
The reenactment took place on Thursday, March 6, as pupils retraced the steps of local miners who, after a year-long strike, walked back to work at the pit as a unified group. Led by ex-miners holding authentic banners from four decades ago, the children marched through the village towards the Maerdy Wheel Pit. This symbolic act not only brought the generations together but also vividly brought local history to life.
Headteacher Helen Gregory of Maerdy Primary School expressed that the school places great emphasis on local history projects, with this year’s focus being the 1984/85 miners’ strike. Nicola Jones, a Year 1 teacher known for her passion for history, organised the event to ensure that the children experienced the significance of the strike firsthand. The march, initially conceived as a small-scale project, quickly gained momentum, attracting hundreds of participants who cheered on the procession as it passed through the village.
The heartwarming initiative aimed to instil a sense of pride in the village’s heritage among the children. Gregory highlighted the importance of educating the younger generation about their mining history and the solidarity shown during challenging times like the strike. The day was described as “absolutely lovely” as the pupils actively engaged with the ex-miners, demonstrating a keen interest in their community’s past.
The culminating point of the march was at the Maerdy Pit Wheel, where a memorial stands in remembrance of the men and boys who tragically lost their lives in a mining disaster back in 1885. The use of original banners from the 1985 strike added an authentic touch to the proceedings, further connecting the present-day participants with the historic event they were commemorating.
As the reenacted march weaved through the village streets, spectators lined the pavements and windows, showing their support for the procession. Roads were closed with the assistance of local authorities to ensure a safe passage for the marchers. The community spirit was palpable as former colleagues reunited, and the village echoed with cheers and goodwill, underscoring the significance of the event in honouring the mining heritage of Maerdy.
The event concluded with a poignant moment as the same vicar who had rung a bell in 1985 to signal the miners’ return to work reprised the gesture on that Thursday. The villagers, proud of their mining history and the resilience of their community, came together to celebrate a chapter of their past that continues to inspire unity and solidarity. The day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of commemorating and passing down the heritage and traditions that shape a community’s identity.