HERITAGE NEWS
BLAENAVON WORLD HERITAGE SITE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3 - JUNE 2006
World Heritage Day 2006 This year organisers have decided to combine World Heritage Day and Garn Lakes Big Pit on top of Countryside and Recreation Fayre into one big weekend of events and activities for all the World! the family! The weekend of 24th and 25th June 2006 promises to be better than ever with a Page 2 host of exciting acts and street entertainment taking place throughout the day. Operation World Heritage Day’s line up on Saturday 24th June includes BBC Wales TV and Blorenge Radio presenter Owen Money and his Page 4 band the “Soul Sharks” who will be Ironworks providing comedy and toe tapping musical entertainment during Uncovered! the day. A fantastic Victorian Page 8 Fair complete with Victorian Spring Festival fairground rides and traditional Page 11 stalls including Giant Test of Strength, a Donkey Derby, Helter Skelter and Swing Boats will also dazzle the crowds! Come along and take part in the traditional Heritage Costume Parade which will start at 1.30pm from the top of Broad Street / King Street and wind its way through the town centre before finishing in the Lion Street Owen Money and the Soul Sharks Car Park. This is a great day out for all the family. It’s an opportunity for the local community to get together and enjoy one big town party! Public address for both events will be provided by Dil in aid of MYPT, a UK charity that helps orphans and disadvantaged young people in Romania. For more information on World Heritage Day please visit www.world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk or telephone 01633 648812. Garn Lakes Country Crafts & Recreation Fayre 2006 The annual Garn Lakes Country Crafts & Recreation Fayre will be taking place on Sunday 25th June 2006. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year will have a variety of activities, exhibitions and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Garn-yr-Erw Fishing Club will be giving visitors fishing tuition and demonstrations. Have a go at canoeing on the lake, take part in the mountain bike challenge or scale the heights of the climbing wall! Wind-Dreams will have kites you can try out and buy. Try your hand at archery or see how well you can steer a coracle. As well as all of these fantastic activities there is a craft marquee, hog roast and locally made ice-cream. Exhibitors include Sustrans, the cycling organisation; Brecon Beacons National Park and Torfaen County Borough Council’s Countryside Services. Entry is FREE to all visitors. Cars will be charged £1 to park. But take advantage of the FREE Vintage Bus which will pick up visitors from various points around the World Heritage Site. For further information, or if you would like to exhibit at the fayre please contact Katie Gates, Countryside Services, Torfaen County Borough Council, Tel: 01633 648329, email: [email protected]. BLAENAVON HERITAGE NEWS BLAENAVON HERITAGE NEWS
Heads We Win! Big Pit on top of the World! Launch of Govilon Heritage Trail We’ve got a Winner! Big Pit National Coal Museum saw a fantastic year in The village of Govilon, nestling at the foot of the 2005. As well as attracting a record number of visitors Blorenge, is proud to be a part of the World Heritage the museum won the prestigious Gulbenkian Award Site. Govilon Heritage, a grassroots community group, for Museum of the Year along with the Sandford Award is making the rich history of this village available for Heritage Education. Peter Walker, Keeper and Mine to residents and visitors alike. They run a growing Manager said “last year was a tremendous time for community website, www.govilon.com, and have re- us at Big Pit. Almost 157,000 people visited us during published the wonderful little book of residents’ stories, 2005, and after winning the Gulbenkian Prize for best “Govilon Heritage - The Village of Govilon in Living UK Museum, we’ve continued to go from strength to Memory”. They have just opened their new Village strength.” Heritage Trails. Three easy walks, described in an Alun Pugh, Welsh Assembly Minister for Culture, Welsh attractive leaflet with a colourful, detailed map, take Language and Sport said “being chosen as Museum the visitor around many features of interest including of the Year is a fantastic achievement for Big Pit and the oldest Baptist Chapel in Wales; the route of one that the museum fully deserves. Thanks to the Crawshaw Bailey’s Tramroad; historic Govilon Wharf; the canal aqueduct; the site of an ancient forge which dedication and enthusiasm of its staff as well as the Congratulations to town. Traders in the may have given the village its name and, of course, the recent redevelopment work, Big Pit is now a world-class Mrs Sharon Jones of town have welcomed this two village pubs! Interpretation Boards are also being Pedestrian finger post sign attraction”. After staying open throughout the winter, Blaenavon, on winning campaign and hope that installed around the trails. Blaenavon benefited from club viewing areas, Big Pit is looking forward to another excellent year and the first prize hamper residents will continue £185,000 grant funding refurbishment of has a range of activities planned for the whole family The new leaflet, price 20p, is available from local shops in the local “Shop @ to support their local from the Heads of the gateways and street this summer. and tourist information centres. Blaenavon” campaign. town”. Blaenavon Project Valleys – a new Welsh furniture and restoration As part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Mrs Jones, pictured and Marketing Manager, Assembly Government of walls. The car park Heritage Site, Big Pit is key to telling the story of the with her daughter Cath Thomas said “the initiative aimed at tackling improvement works at industrial heritage of South Wales. As well as taking the Georgia aged 9, wins a campaign has been the social, economic and Pontypool and Blaenavon world-famous underground tour, visitors can experience hamper packed full of aimed at encouraging physical regeneration of Railway have had a the Mining Galleries where modern mining methods local produce all kindly local residents into the the Heads of the Valleys major impact providing are brought to life, or stroll through the Pithead Baths supplied by the traders town centre and to area. The money was their visitors with much exhibitions and learn about the industry that shaped of Blaenavon. The use their local shops. spent on installation of improved facilities. modern Wales. With facilities to educate and entertain campaign, which runs Blaenavon is a small pedestrian finger post Street lighting has also all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. through March, April town and like many other signs within the town been replaced around and May, has sought to similar towns is operating centre. The signs have the town. Executive encourage local residents in an increasingly been designed in the Member for Regeneration, to support their local competitive market. World Heritage Site brand Councillor Neil Lewis traders by rewarding local Unless we continue to and have been placed said “these projects are custom with a free raffle support these businesses in locations encouraging tremendous and are part ticket for the prize draw. we could lose them visitors to follow a route of a much welcomed Chair of the Blaenavon and the identity of this right through the town long term strategy aimed Traders and Tourism wonderful town centre”. which takes in the main at encouraging the Association, Mrs Barbara The campaign has been retail area helping to regeneration of the town Lewis of Morris Butchers supported by European support local businesses and wider area within said “the campaign has Objective 1 funding. and encourage trade. Torfaen extending down sought to support local Blaenavon Park also the Valley to include businesses and promote got a face lift with Trevethin, Pontnewynydd, to local residents the improvements to the Abersychan and variety and quality of rugby and bowling Snatchwood”. Govilon Heritage Trail goods on offer in their
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We’re off! Bant â ni! Operation Blorenge It was like the Are you the Outdoor Type? Construction works on the Dechreuwyd ar y gwaith Over the Easter weekend several organisations, with Oscars! Could you be a Volunteer Ranger? first of seven sites to be adeiladu i adnewyddu a police helicopter in support, followed up last year’s improved within the town saith safle yng nghanol successful operation to raise awareness and deter Blaenavon Workmen’s The World Heritage Site Volunteer rangers have been very active with nine of centre over the next three y dref dros y tair blynedd arson on the Blorenge. The mountain is an important Hall hosted a spectacular our volunteers successfully completing a First Aid and Mountain Safety training years have commenced. nesaf. Bydd y cynllun, habitat for many species of plants and animals and film premiere which course. They carry out various improvements ranging from clearance of overgrown The £1.7 million scheme, gwerth £1.7 miliwn, sydd it is essential that the landscape is protected. The celebrated the vegetation at St. Peter’s Church to Red Grouse surveys on the Blorenge. Their which is jointly funded wedi ei ariannu ar y cyd organisations that took part included the Fire and culmination of the SWICA continued efforts are much appreciated and we hope that the number of people by the Welsh Assembly gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Rescue service, Gwent Police, Torfaen County Borough Film Forge Project. The getting involved will continue to grow. The volunteer rangers undertake a range of Government and Welsh Cymru ac Awdurdod Council, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and evening included twenty activities to suit all abilities throughout the year. If you are interested in taking part in Development Agency, will Datblygu Cymru yn gweld Forestry Commission. short films which brought volunteer ranger activities, please contact Alvin Nicholas, World Heritage Ranger on see the transformation of ardaloedd adfeiliedig photographs of old 07980 682749 or e-mail [email protected]. some of the most blighted y dref yn trawsnewid. Blaenavon to life with areas of the town. Prince Maes Parcio Stryd y local peoples’ recorded Street Car Park is the Tywysog yw’r cyntaf i’w reminiscences. Twelve first site to be improved adnewyddu a bydd yn multimedia animations and will see the car park cael ei drawsnewid i based upon local history transformed into a first faes parcio ymwelwyr and tales were designed class visitor car parking o’r radd flaenaf gan and created by year facility incorporating gynnwys gwybodaeth six pupils from visitor information and a dadansoddiad i Hillside and St. interpretation together ymwelwyr yn ogystal â Peters Primary with a footpath link to chyswllt llwybr troed i’r Schools. Don’t the new World Heritage Ganolfan Treftadaeth Byd worry if Centre. Local contractor, newydd. Ymgymerwyd you didn’t Galboola are undertaking y gwaith gan y cwmni get a the works which will lleol, Galboola a fydd chance include Broad Street yn cynnwys Maes Parcio to enjoy Car Park, Boot Lane, Heol y Nant, Lôn Bwt,^ Llys the event, Bethlehem Court, Lower Bethlehem, gwaelod Heol all of the Broad Street, the rear of y Nant, tu cefn 32-39 films will be Volunteer rangers Easter 2006. L to R: Alvin Nicholas, World Heritage Site Ranger, Brian Jones, Gerry Woodhouse, 32-39 Broad Street and Heol y Nant a’r ardal ger shown at Sue Woodhouse, Robert Gillard, Kieran Mullins, Dil Caddick the area adjacent to 57 57 a 60 Heol y Nant. Blaenavon and 60 Broad Street. World Ydych chi’n hoffi’r awyr agored? Ymgyrch y Blorens Heritage Day on Saturday Dros benwythnos y Pasg parhawyd ar waith a Allech chi fod yn Geidwaid Gwirfoddol? 24th June. ddechreuodd y llynedd gan nifer o sefydliadau, Mae Ceidwaid Gwirfoddol Canolfan Treftadaeth y Byd wedi bod yn weithgar iawn gyda chefnogaeth hofrennydd yr Heddlu, i godi gyda naw o ein gwirfoddolwyr yn cwblhau hyfforddiant mewn Cymorth Cyntaf a ymwybyddiaeth ac atal llosgi bwriadol ar y Blorens. Diogelwch Mynydd yn llwyddiannus. Maent yn ymgymryd â amrywiaeth o welliannau Mae’r mynydd yn gynefin pwysig i lawer o fathau o yn cynnwys clirio gordyfiant yn Eglwys San Pedr i gynnal arolwg o aderyn Coch y blanhigion ac anifeiliaid ac mae’n hanfodol bod y Grug ar y Blorens. Mae eu hymdrechion parhaus yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi’n fawr dirwedd yn cael ei diogelu. Y sefydliadau a gymrodd a gobeithiwn y bydd y nifer o bobl sy’n ymwneud â’r cynllun parhau i gynyddu. rhan oedd y Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub, Heddlu Mae’r ceidwaid gwirfoddol yn ymgymryd ag amrywiaeth o weithgareddau ar gyfer Gwent, Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Torfaen, Awdurdod gwahanol alluoedd drwy’r flwyddyn. Os oes gennych ddiddordeb cymryd rhan yng Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog a’r Comisiwn ngweithgareddau’r ceidwaid gwirfoddol, cysylltwch ag Alvin Nicholas, Ceidwad Coedwigaeth. Treftadaeth Byd ar 07980 682749 neu e-bost [email protected].
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The UK’s First World Heritage Local Group Improves Greenspace Heads of the Valleys Cycleway Travel by Train! Centre Future Blaenavon Sustrans, the UK’s improved in recent The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway is a rather in partnership with leading sustainable years by Brecon Beacons modest member of over a hundred Heritage Railways the British Trust for transport charity behind National Park rangers in the UK. Its runs on a line that was closed to Conservation Volunteers the National Cycle working with local passengers in 1941, to goods a few years later and and the Greenspace Network, has received volunteers through a finally to coal in 1980. The line suffered grievously in Project, funded by Torfaen planning permission for programme of work the early sixties during the ‘out with the old in with the County Borough and the improvements to the funded by Monmouthshire new’ that pervaded our society then, and, as a result, Big Lottery Fund, has Heads of the Valleys County Council. Visitors what remained of the built environment was scant to started an environmental Cycleway, NCR 46 will also be able to the point of non-existence. project opposite Prince between Abergavenny explore local village So is the railway truly a Heritage Railway? Visitors Street Post Office. pupils from local schools. and Brynmawr. When heritage trails such to Heritage Railways do not necessarily arrive with Weeping willows, roses The Group hope that complete this will enable as those promoted at lofty ideals in mind, not for them the worthy notion and native wild flowers the project will lead to long-distance users to Llanfoist, Govilon and of ‘interpretation’, but rather a day out with the kids have been planted with other similar projects travel on mostly off-road Clydach Gorge. and a ride on the train, a cup of tea, and pop and bag the aim of creating a around the town. Future sections via Merthyr to The cycleway starts at of crisps for the youngsters. On the face of it, we are pleasant space that local Blaenavon meets at west Wales. the Llanfoist Crossing simply a tourist attraction. residents and visitors can 6.45pm on the first The current phase will Gateway Car Park near enjoy. Volunteers from Thursday of each month provide a continuous Abergavenny, where cast the Future Blaenavon at the Torfaen Voluntary route between iron interpretive panels Group worked hard to Alliance offices at Abergavenny and Clydach are being installed to create the space with Church View, and all are with the next phase celebrate the importance the enthusiastic help of welcome! extending the cycleway of transport systems in to Brynmawr. The route shaping the industrial The restoration and conservation works of St Peters follows the gentle incline landscape. The cycleway School was completed in December 2005. Internal of the former Merthyr is within easy walking and works on the project has started and will continue to Abergavenny railway cycling distance from both up until the opening of the World Heritage Centre passing many natural and the bus and rail stations in 2007. This work will involve constructing the new Under a brooding sky, one of our elderly Diesel Multiple Units rasps noisily historic sites which offer in Abergavenny, via up the bank to Whistle Inn, offering peerless views of the workings at Pwll-Du link building between the two former school buildings spectacular views over the Routes 42 and 46 of the – a central element in the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape which will house a café and reception area. Other work industrial landscape and National Cycle Network will involve landscaping the surrounding grounds. Our heritage is our trains. They may be rather an the Brecon Beacons to the through Castle Meadows. eclectic collection, and some, by traditional museum The World Heritage Centre will explain the story of the north. Visitors arriving from the standards are relatively modern. But ‘heritage’, insofar Blaenavon Industrial Landscape through the eyes of the Users can access the A465 can use the car as railways go doesn’t stop with the Victorian age, people who have lived and worked within it up to the World Heritage Site park and picnic site below and most of our working engines are ex-steelworks present day. Local residents are invited to contribute via a network of rights Clydach south village locomotives, entirely at home in our neck of the woods. their stories and memories, however ordinary they of way connecting as a base to access the We also run elderly Diesel Multiple Units which provide feel they may be, to the project. If anyone has any to local villages, the cycle route and explore stunning views of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape photographs or memories that they would like to share Monmouthshire and the World Heritage Site. unparalleled elsewhere in the area. Above all, we talk with us, please contact a member of the Blaenavon Brecon Canal, Hills For further information to our passengers, giving them all the ‘interpretation’ Project Team on 01633 648326. Over the summer Tramroad and the visit the Sustrans website they need. They go away, not only having been we will be exhibiting plans of our proposals locally Iron Mountain Trail. (www.sustrans.org.uk ). exposed to both visual and aural experiences, but and inviting the community to give us their views and These paths have been having established a personal relationship with our suggestions for the Heritage Centre which will be the volunteers. first of its kind in the UK devoted to the interpretation Heritage? We think so. Come and see for yourself! of a World Heritage Site. Future Blaenavon Prince Street works
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Ironworks Uncovered Newly furnished cottages at Major improvements for key Many of you will have have also been opened Torfaen Council has also included erection of new Blaenavon Ironworks tourist attractions noticed the improvement up at the junction with undertaken significant natural stone walls and works taking place, in the Gilchrist Thomas improvements at signage, planting of trees Torfaen County Borough, partnership with Cadw, industrial estate and the Gilchrist Thomas and improving wildlife in partnership with many to the perimeter of the signs erected with the Industrial Estate itself habitat in the area. The other organisations has Blaenavon Ironworks. aim of drawing attention by creating a high works were financed by been very busy over the winter period improving The unsightly fencing to the Ironworks and quality avenue aimed the Welsh Development landscape from some the environment of many has been removed and to encourage visitors at improving the image Agency and Rural Key of the key car parks of the town’s key visitor replaced with high quality travelling from Big of the estate and route Fund. through the EU Boundless attractions ahead of steel railings. Views Pit to stop and visit. to Big Pit. Works have Parks, Naturally! Project. the tourist season. The Bespoke World Heritage Pontypool and Blaenavon Site branded information Railway car park has been boards are being installed the focus of intensive at twelve of these sites improvement work with which aim to encourage impressive information visitors to explore the 1841 cottage and meeting points being landscape and visit erected and improved Assembly Minister attractions in and around surfacing and street for Culture, Welsh Blaenavon World Heritage furniture being installed. Language and Site. Sport, Alan Pugh This has been the recently visited culmination of Blaenavon to much work in the formally open the 1790 cottage World Heritage newly furnished and decorated Engine Row cottages Site aimed at at Blaenavon Ironworks. The cottages – part of what creating quality later became known as Stack Square, were built by the gateways to the proprietors of the Ironworks to attract key employees. Erected in around 1788, when the works was first established, they continued in occupation until 1971 and are a rare survival of early company housing. Two of them have been newly furnished to illustrate occupancy at different periods in the history of the ironworks. Gwaith Haearn Wedi ei Ddadorchuddio The first is shown as it might have appeared when almost new in 1790. It has been recreated as the home Mae’n siwr^ i chi sylwi ar Mae golygfannau wedi deithio o’r Pwll Mawr. waliau cerrig naturiol y gwaith o atgyweirio’r eu hagor yn ogystal Mae Cyngor Torfaen newydd ac arwyddion of an experienced iron worker from the west Midlands, gwaith haearn sy’n wrth gyffordd stad Council wedi sicrhau wedi eu codi, plannu attracted to Blaenavon by better employment prospects digwydd mewn ddiwydiannol Gilchrist gwelliannau arwyddocaol coed a gwella cynefin and comparatively good housing. partneriaeth gyda Cadw, Thomas ac arwyddion yn Stad Ddiwydiannol bywyd gwyllt yn yr ardal. The second cottage is shown some fifty years later, in i ffiniau Gwaith Haearn wedi eu codi gyda’r Gilchrist Thomas ei hun Ariannwyd y gwaith gan 1841, by which time cottages and works had declined Blaenafon. Mae’r ffens bwriad o dynnu sylw gan greu rhodfa o safon Awdurdod Datblygu in status. According to the census of that year, one ddiolwg wedi ei thynnu ymwelwyr i’r Gwaith uchel wedi ei anelu at Cymru a’r Gronfa house in the row was occupied by nine members of the a rheiliau o safon uchel Haearn a’u denu i wella delwedd y stad a’r Allweddol Wledig. McCarthy family from County Cork, in Ireland. It has wedi eu rhoi yn ei le. ymweld wrth iddynt ffordd i’r Pwll Mawr. Mae been furnished as their home.
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We’re so very European! Talking Japanese! Spring Festival On the 30-31st March, assign value to these John Rodger who producing areas in the Spring arrived in Blaenavon this year in great style with Blaenavon welcomed industrial artefacts, and spearheaded the world. the Spring Festival providing a host of exciting events visitors from Hengelo explore innovative means Blaenavon bid for World John Rodger said “this is and activities throughout the weekend of 31st March (Netherlands), Stuttgart of preserving them, Heritage Status has a wonderful opportunity – 2nd April. This year saw a variety of events taking (Germany), Nantes was at the heart of the been invited to present a to present the importance place from cookery demonstrations, poetry readings, (France), Australia and ‘sustainability agenda’ paper on the Blaenavon of Blaenavon and Britain’s children’s storytelling and a flea and collectors market. Medway (Essex), who underpinning this two day World Heritage Site at a leading contributions to The event began with a watercolour demonstration by came to attend a two Conference. conference to be held in the Industrial Revolution renowned artist David Bellamy and a Blues spectacular day Industrial Heritage To gain a local perspective Japan on 28 May 2006. which created the world at Blaenavon Rugby Club. Rugby fans also got the Conference organised by on ‘our heritage’, a local The meeting includes as we know it”. chance to meet Wales’s rugby legend John Dawes and Torfaen Council as part photographic competition heritage experts from Broadcaster David Parry-Jones who provided a candid of the REVIT project – a was run. A first prize of Japan and Germany and insight into the pressures faced by captain and coach in European Interreg IIIB £250 was sponsored will be held at the site this county of high expectations. initiative. by HERIAN - a unique of the Iwami – Ginzan REVIT is a transnational partnership with a mission Silver mine in Shimane project between six North to bring alive the amazing province on the west West European countries. story of the world’s first coast of Honshu, Japan’s The project’s mission is industrial nation. The top largest island. The silver to contribute towards three places in the open mine dates from 1309 improving efficiency category went to Allan and was in its prime in and sustainability of Scriven, Rob Lloyd and the middle of the 16th brownfield regeneration Elisabeth Bullimore. The and 17th centuries when projects. In regions under sixteen winners Japan was one of the such as the South Wales were David Malson and most important silver Iwami – Ginzan Silver mine valleys, the legacy of Lewis Barber. A book is the Industrial Revolution currently being compiled lives on in the relics of of all 110 entries, and Blaenavon Property abandoned mineshafts, will be sent to all who Improvement Grant old collieries, slag participated in the Daniel Morden - children’s storyteller heaps and abandoned competition. The Blaenavon to a maximum of £1000. tramways. How we Regeneration Partnership Community buildings will has launched the be offered up to 100% Blaenavon Property of eligible costs up to a Improvement Grant, maximum of £1000. As which provides funding funds are limited, the for external improvements grant will be offered on which enhance the a first come first served appearance of the basis. Anyone interested facades of commercial in applying for a grant is and community buildings asked to contact Rebecca within Blaenavon town Hartley on (01633) centre. The grant is 648293 for an application offered at a rate of up to form and copy of the 80% of eligible costs for terms and conditions. commercial buildings up David Bellamy - artist Some of the winning entries
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Coming Events Music in the Coalfield at Big Pit, Music on the Patio Garn Lakes Country Fayre Some of the best Brass Bands and Male Voice Choirs 25th June 2006, Garn Lakes from around south Wales bringing their music to visitors For further details phone: 01633 648066 in a series of free Sunday afternoon concerts during May and June. All concerts start at 2.30pm, and will be Fossil Hunt Guided Walk taking place on the Patio outside the Pithead Baths: Thursday July 27th 10.30am-1.30pm 28 May – Beaufort Male Voice Choir (5km / 3 miles / Moderate) Meet at the Ironworks Car 4 June – Tredegar Town Band Park, Blaenavon. A walk looking at the geological 11 June – Blaenavon Male Voice Choir diversity of the World Heritage Site. 18 June – Markham & District Colliery Band Railwayana Display Make Merry Music at Big Pit Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th, July Try your hand at playing a range of musical Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway instruments, and have a go at making your own For further details phone 01495 792263 instrument to play in our mini-concert. DMU and DEMU Week Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June. 11am – 3pm Tel: 01495 790311, www.museumwales.ac.uk , Monday 21st- Saturday 26th August [email protected] Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway For further details phone 01495 792263 Birds of Hill and Moor Guided Walk Fourth Grand Transport Rally Saturday June 10th 10.30am – 3pm (9km / 51⁄2 miles / Moderate). Saturday 27th & Monday 28th August From Foxhunter Car Park. A circular walk around Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway Mynydd Y Garn Fawr. Bring Binoculars if your have For further details phone 01495 792263 them. Ask the Wardens / Junior Ranger Activities Fathers Day Special Sunday August 27th 10.30am (Junior Ranger Sunday 18th June Activities on the hour from 12) Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway From Keepers Pond car park. Rangers will be on hand For further details phone 01495 792263 to answer questions and provide information about the landscape. Children can take part in regular Junior Minescapes of the World Heritage Site Guided Ranger activities such as wildlife spotting to earn a Walk badge and Junior Ranger Pack! Weather dependent. Wednesday June 21st 10.30am – 2.30pm To book place on any of the walks or for further (8km / 5 miles Moderate) From Big Pit - meet at the information call Alvin Nicholas on 01633 648045 main entrance. or mobile: 07980 682749 Keeper and Mine Manager Peter Walker will give a talk about the geology and industrial archaeology of Blaenavon Blues Weekend the Blaenavon area, followed by a walk through the Thursday 5th October - Sunday 8th October 2006 industrial landscape. For further details phone: Peter Cottridge on 01495 792946 or e-mail: [email protected] Blaenavon World Heritage Day 24th June 2006, Blaenavon Town Centre For further details phone: 01633 648002
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