South Wales Miner's Museum
A MUSEUM which celebrates the mining heritage of South Wales has
been offcially opened.
The heritage of the South Wales valleys will be brought to life
at the new £300,000 South Wales Mining Museum, situated opposite
the Afan Forest Visitors Centre.
The museum, which was opened by BBC Controller Meinir Richards
on Thursday, November 27, houses a unique exhibition detailing the
many facets of coal mining in the South Wales coalfields
communities.
Leader for Neath Port Talbot Council councillor Derek Vaughan
said: "An important collection of artefacts previously at risk of
being lost forever will be displayed, leaving a lasting legacy of
mining for future generations in the Afan Valley."
The original museum, which featured a traditional miner's
kitchen as a main attraction, was developed in1975 and was housed
in several demountable buildings.
With the deterioration of the current facility, the South Wales
Miner's Museum (SWMM), members put forward proposals to build a new
home for the museum to continue exhibiting machinery, equipment,
buildings, literature and photographs of historical and educational
interest.
SWWM with the support of Neath Port Talbot Council and Neath
Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Services, secured funding from
the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Facilities and Activities
programme.
They also received a grant from the Department for Economy and
Transport, Neath Port Talbot European Objective One Key
Funding, Neath Port Talbot Council and the Heritage
Lottery Fund.
The museum has worked closely with a range of partners,
including the National Coal Museum, local schools, historical
societies and organisations to ensure as many people as possible
benefit from the new facility.
Councillor Vaughan added: "This is another good example of how
voluntary organisations can work together with key partners,
including the local authority and the NPTCVS to develop much needed
resources for our local communities to enjoy and celebrate the rich
history of Neath Port Talbot."
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Last Updated: 28.11.2008 at 16:00