HERITAGE regenerating

Edition 2 - Winter 2014 INSIDE... reborn Parry unplugged loco! Iron Bridge found YMCA rescue? HERITAGE REGENERATION CONFERENCE Your Heritage Special Report Needs You!

HERITAGE regenerating Merthyr Tydfil - an independent FREE magazine produced locally and supported by the Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Forum HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 2

Regenerating Your heritage magazine CONTENTS Sion's farewell Canolfan Soar’s Heritage Soar's Sion farewell ...2 Officer Sion ap Glyn has left Merthyr Tydfil for new Iron Bridge found ...3 challenges – with thanks from local groups for his Cokeworks revealed ...4 efforts. Sion has played a major part Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Forum Cyfarthfa Leat & Tramway ...5 in heritage events and and SHARE project events. projects in the town over the Members of the Merthyr YMCA rescue plan ...6 last two years. Digital Heritage Group – in He organised a series of which he has played a lead HERITAGE CONFERENCE bilingual heritage events at role – paid tribute to his SPECIAL Soar - which has also hosted commitment. Merthyr Fights Back ...7 Penderyn Square Council chief Gareth ...8 Work continues on laying out of Penderyn Square in front of the Old Town Hall. Regeneration news ...9 Contractors Griffiths have been making rapid progress on the £900,000 project in High Street, How you can get involved ...10 Pontmorlais and along Castle Street.

Trevithick's locomotive ...11 Patterns of Merthyr

Huw's 'terrible tales' ...12 As Heritage Merthyr magazine goes to press the Patterns of Merthyr hoardings artwork is going up at the Vulcan House finds ...13 Old Town Hall. The work by Kartoon Kings is based Parry: unplugged at Soar ...14 on ideas from community groups. More Old Town Hall news on page 7. Old Town Hall: 'pride' ...15 Family History YOUR HERITAGE NEEDS YOU ...16 HERITAGE Martyn Johnes of Swansea University gave a talk on Christmas REGENERATING MERTHYR TYDFIL Past to the Merthyr Tydfil branch of Your heritage magazine is the Family History produced by buzzards-pr Society. and media. Contact us at The group meets on the second [email protected] Tuesday of every month at Canolfan Soar. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 3

Regenerating Iron Bridge rescued

The Iron Bridge – for years the symbol of our lost heritage – has been saved and recovered for possible restoration. Well, parts of it, anyway. There was an outcry when the arched bridge – dating back to 1800 and one of the world’s oldest iron bridges – was demolished in 1963. The story goes that the council of the time had given an undertaking that the bridge would be dismantled carefully and the parts stored for possible restoration. Taking the structure to bits Remains of the 1800 Iron Bridge in storage - a parapet panel above and cross beams below. Above right - the bridge and Ynysgau Chapel. was no easy task – and large parts were damaged, lost or destroyed. The story of What survived was kept by the local authority – and for Merthyr Tydfil's the best part of the last 30 years this ironwork was left Iron Bridge piled up outdoors at various The old Iron Bridge was points in Cyfarthfa Park. commissioned and paid for Now the ironwork has been by ironmaster Richard retrieved, given a clean up Crawshay. and put into storage in It was designed and built by . Watkin George, the principal It's far from complete, of engineer at the Cyfarthfa Iron course. But heritage volunteers Works. have been surprised to find Work started in 1799 and was that so many pieces have completed in 1800 - making it survived one of the world's first iron "The Iron Bridge – much of it – loads that the bridge supports bridges. has been rescued. I was would have needed to bear. Together with the stone built amazed at how much of it They are also going to come Jackson’s Bridge upstream, it there is left," said Merthyr Tydfil up with ideas for putting the was the principal means for Heritage Forum's Joe England. remaining bits back together - crossing the Engineering students at The not in a bridge but perhaps in throughout the 19th century. College Merthyr Tydfil have an arched memorial that Black and white photo - been given the challenge of celebrates the original. courtesy of Alan George's Old working out the stresses and We'll bring you more news soon. Merthyr website. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 4

Regenerating Cyfarthfa miracle

Over 1,500 local people took a once-in-lifetime opportunity to see some of Merthyr Tydfil’s industrial heritage unearthed by archaeologists. For one day only the excavations on the site of the old Thorn Lighting factory were opened up for visitors. On view were the remains of the Cyfarthfa ironworks - a canal, tram lines and the The foundations of the Cyfarthfa cokeworks sparked huge interest - foundations of the coke works 1,500 people visited the site in one day. with its massive hot air flues. Then the earth-movers roared back into action to cover up Crawshay's works the remains so a new DIY store and car park can be built on Opened in 1765 by industrialist the site. Anthony Bacon, the works Archaeologists from the were flattened to ground Glamorgan Gwent level after World War One. Archaeological Trust (GGAT) Richard Crawshay, who say the Cyfarthfa coke works is acquired the lease in 1786, one of the most important turned Cyfarthfa into the industrial revolution sites in greatest single ironworks in the Wales. world in just 20 years - The Cyfarthfa ironworks site providing the iron needed to extended far beyond the site fuel the industrial revolution. of the excavations. Below the Admiral Nelson paid a visit to coke works are the massive Cyfarthfa in 1802 – the works stone and brick remains of the supplied cannons and furnaces. survey first. cannonballs for the fleet. An A large plateau stretches to "Standing on the spoil tip artillery piece was fired in the river Taff whose banks are overlooking the works, you Nelson’s honour – but the shot realise they're truly vast,” said lined with high stone walls built landed in and the Trust’s Martin Tuck. tragically killing a youth. to channel the water as a The Trust has created a Crawshay is said to have source of energy for the works. ‘virtual’ 3D map of the sworn at his workforce because The upper site – the coking excavations and is covering they didn’t give Nelson his area - is now being cleared them up again to protect usual hero’s welcome. ready for a new DIY superstore. them for the future. He adopted a crest with a pile However, the planners Archaeologist Rowena Hart of cannon balls – the family’s stipulated that the Glamorgan said that this would preserve brand - to show his debt to the Gwent Archaeological Trust them for future generations to Royal Navy. carry out a full archaeological excavate again. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 5

Regenerating Tramway revived!

Take a few steps along a new footpath in Merthyr Tydfil and you are carried back to a world of ambitious ironmasters and their toiling workers. There’s a secret valley with a fast-flowing river that’s concealed by birch trees. High overhead are the concrete spans of one of Wales’ busiest highways – the Heads of the Valleys Road. This - almost forgotten down the years - is the Cyfarthfa Leat and Tramway. Two centuries ago Richard Crawshay commissioned the Cyfarthfa Leat - restored. The old stone blocks were in danger of collapse at several places. Below - the stone 'setts' on the old tramroad. tram road to bring limestone from the Old Quarry to After strolling down from his world famous Cyfarthfa Cyfarthfa Castle to the lake, Ironworks. leave the park and cross the Three decades later his road at the new pedestrian grandson William Crawshay II lights. built the leat – a stone channel An old wagon or dram marks hewn out of the rocky hillside – the start of the tramway and leat. to bring water to the furnaces At first there's little sign of the and mills at Cyfarthfa and past. The leat walls are now Ynysfach. lined with modern brick. A small A £1.6 million restoration wooden arch across the project, funded by the pathway would be more at Heritage Lottery Fund, has Below: the start of the leat at the old quarry - an A465 flyover home in a garden centre than rescued both the leat - its stone looms beyond the trees. an old ironworks. blocks were in danger of But after a short walk collapse - and the tramway. alongside the old leat the The result - a spectacular new pathway plunges down to the heritage walking route. bank of the Taf Fechan and Starting at Cyfarthfa Castle it the tram road. runs through the park and On one side there's rushing continues along the leat and water - on the other walls of tramroad before looping back solid stone work supporting the to the Cyfarthfa Furnaces on its leat waterway. return to the castle. Finally, the path emerges on This must be one of the most the open floor of the Old historic ironworks trails in Wales. Gurnos Quarry. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 6

Regenerating YMCA - a way back?

The YMCA – one of Wales most inonic derelict buildings – may be preserved for future restoration. For decades the Edwardian building – one of Welsh architect Sir Percy Thomas most notable early works – has been left to decay and rot. But the Carmarthenshire Building Preservation Trust has stepped in – negotiating a deal to buy the YMCA from its private owner and submitting a listed building application The derelict YMCA at Pontmorlais. Below - Claire Deacon of the for preservation work. Carmarthenshire Trust outlines a rescue plan for the building. If the application is appalling condition – almost approved and grant funding the entire roof has collapsed - agreed then the Trust – which an independent survey has completed the restoration of found that the shell is sound Llanelly House in Llanelli town and can be secured if some centre last year – well get to of the upper tiers of masonry work on safeguarding the are removed. YMCA structure. Claire said that the Assembling a funding experience the Trust had package for a complete gained over the last 10 years restoration will take longer – at Llanelly House would be but the Trust is confident it will vital in the YMCA rescue. be able to work with Merthyr Llanelly House – one of the and buzz of what was in the Tydfil County Borough Council finest Georgian town houses in house in the 1760s,” explained to revive and rebuild the Wales – won huge popular Claire. YMCA over the next few years. support in the BBC’s “The whole project was Claire Deacon, the Trust’s Restoration series in 2003. about restoring the house so Chief Executive, revealed the The Carmarthenshire Trust it's fit for today and earns an ambitious plan at the Heritage was set up and over seven income but also creates a Regeneration Conference. years raised £5.5 million for the ‘wow’ factor for the centre of She said that the Trust plans renovations. Work began in Llanelli.” office and possibly education 2011. Now fully restored and open uses for the renovated YMCA. “We wanted to recreate again, the house is a popular Although the building is in an something of the atmosphere restaurant and visitor centre. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfil 7

Regenerating MMeerrtthhyyrr hhiittss bbaacckk Heriitage Conference Report The 'fight back' campaign against Merthyr Tydfil's critics in the press and media won applause at the county borough's recent heritage and regeneration conference. An audience of local volunteers and organisations heard reports on the progress being made in the public, private and non-profit sectors to revive Merthyr Tydfil's heritage and to regenerate its economy. Officers from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, led by Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Regeneration Conference in full session. Chief Executive Gareth Below - Joe England's keynote speech. Chapman, outlined how £25 million of grants and investment is starting to bring results. There are City Region? more features on regeneration on the next two pages. Heritage Forum Chairman Heritage Forum Chairman Joe Joe England has warned England told the Conference - that more effort and supported by the EU-funded investment is needed in SHARE project - that the 'fight Merthyr Tydfil if the town is back' is making headway. not to lose its special "When we held our first heritage identity in the proposals for conference three years ago," he a new Cardiff city region. said, "Merthyr Tydfil was under “Just as there was a attack in the media and the setting for our first heritage press. REDHOUSE. The whole building conference in 2010, so "I want to say something about has been rejuvenated and will there is a setting for this the 'fight back' that has - with Canolfan Soar - be a conference," he said. happened since then. wonderful centre bringing life "There is talk of a Cardiff "We have begun holding events to our High Street." city region – and we are 24 that celebrate our heritage - that Mr England said that the miles from Cardiff. show we are proud of our history conference had been a "It’s important Merthyr and that tell others about it. showcase for heritage and Tydfil does not lose its "That is important because regeneration with positive special identity. We must Merthyr Tydfil is a town that was news on Vulcan House, not lose it." made by its people. Gwaelodygarth House, the Mr England said that "Also, there has been a lot of YMCA and the old Iron Bridge. heritage is still very much work on our old buildings. Most "This has been a great part of the local culture and importantly, there is the conference - with the council should be cherished by all. restoration of the Old Town Hall or fully involved." HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfil 8

Regenerating GGaarreetthh ssppeeaakkss oouutt Heritage Conference Report Gareth Chapman, Chief Executive of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, is always ready to thump the pulpit when it comes to spreading the word about Merthyr Tydfil. He’s proud of the pace of regeneration of the town and county borough – and has delivered a challenge to people from Cardiff, Wales and beyond to come and experience Merthyr Tydfil for themselves. “Tell me - where is there another town in the Valleys Gareth Chapman, MTCBC's Chief Executive. Below - record passenger that has been as successful in numbers at the Cyfarthfa Miniature Railway in Cyfarthfa Park. getting the investment as Merthyr Tydfil has been over the Pontmorlais area.” the last five years?” he asked. Gareth outlined more of the Gareth - speaking at the projects that have been heritage and regeneration supported by the local conference supported by the authority – pointing out that EU funded INTERREG project many local people are Share - said that the local unaware of what is being authority’s role has been to achieved. lever in grants and investment. "There are people in this town The council has focused on who are not aware of what’s providing the incentives and on our doorstep. inducements to others to get "And there are people in involved in business and Below: enterprise event at the Cardiff have not even been community regeneration. new College in Ynysfach to Merthyr Tydfil. They believe “There are a lot of other we all wear white socks and funding streams for people to miners’ helmets,” he joked. take advantage of. Gareth introduced the “It’s all happening here in council’s latest tourism Merthyr Tydfil,” he said. “And promotion video – Discover there are a lot of funding Merthyr Tydfil – to applause streams that people can take from the heritage conference advantage of. audience of volunteers. “For example, we have the The three minute video is Town Heritage Initiative that available at the Visit Merthyr offers grants that are starting website: to regenerate the whole of www.visitmerthyr.co.uk . HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 9

Regenerating RReeggeenneerraattiioonn nneewwss Heritage Conference Report Five years in the making – Bike Park Wales is a £1.6 million partnership project that’s turning Merthyr Tydfil into a sports and tourism destination. The aim was to create the first private sector managed mountain bike centre in the UK. The bike trails and the uphill bike and rider ferry service opened in the summer. The paths range from beginner level to advanced, elite rides. There have already been over 17,000 visits. Bike Park Wales is also attracting elite mountain bike race events. THI work underway Merthyr Tydfil County Work has begun on the first their properties. Borough Council’s Chris Long grant assisted renovation Russell Shurmer, manager of said that the bike park has scheme in Pontmorlais – and the Pontmorlais THI, has already provided 12 jobs for more improvement schemes reported big interest in the local people. are about to get under way. grants with applications for 31 “There is connectivity (from The Pontmorlais Town Heritage out of the 79 properties. Bike Park Wales) to the Initiative (THI) was awarded £1.5 Work on preparing viable accommodation sector and million by the Heritage Lottery schemes and submitting plans to other attractions,” he Fund two years ago and a grant for approval is well underway – explained. “And there are scheme was set up to and there will be more builders sub-contract arrangements encourage owners to refurbish on site soon. for locally sourced goods and services. “From an economic Merthyr still rising development perspective, we were able to steer the The £1 million Merthyr Rising Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon developer and attract project – which has been Taff has gone into administration. investment. exploring the history and But Merthyr Tydfil County “It’s a really good story - heritage of west Merthyr Tydfil – Borough Council is optimistic showing how we feel we is still aiming to complete its that the original ambitions can should be managing projects ambitious programme of still be achieved. going forward. footpaths, bridal ways and “This is a nice project,” said “There’s high footfall and a interpretation. Chris Long. “Especially since it lot of the visitors stay in the A change of management is sits nicely up against the local area and spend money being mooted as the original Gethin Woodlands and Bike in the town centre as well.” project leader Groundwork Park Wales.” HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 10

Regenerating How you can get involved Digital Heritage Group

Merthyr Tydfil's new Digital Heritage Group and Canolfan Soar hosted a People Collections Wales day. Heritage Minister John Griffiths AM (left) was there with Sion ap Glyn and volunteers. For information on digital heritage contact Steve Brewer by email: [email protected] Merthyr Tydfil Sign up online

Historical You can sign up to free Society updates from Heriitage Regeneratiing Merthyr . The Historical Society aims to We plan to produce three advance the education of more editions of our free the public by promoting the magazine in 2014. study of the local history and There will be news and views architecture of Merthyr Tydfil. of heritage projects and New members are welcome events in Merthyr Tydfil. - and all are invited to the Go to HeritageMerthyr.co.uk Historical Society's talks (non- members are asked for a Merthyr Tydfil and you can sign up for free nominal £1 donation). information. These are held on the first Heritage Monday of the month at HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill Canolfan Soar. Regeneration Trust Regenerating The Historical Society's next talk will be on Monday 3 The Trust's volunteers campaign February 2014 starting at to protect and preserve buildings, HERITAGE Regeneratiing sites and artefacts of historical or Merthyr Tydfili is produced 7pm. and published by buzzards-pr Clive Thomas will be architectural interest for the benefit of local people. and media on behalf of the speaking on ' Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Forum. Colliery: a coalfield giant'. For information on the If you would like to find out more This magazine is supported Historical Society and future about the Heritage Regeneration by the EU funded INTERREG events contact the secretary Trust you can contact the Trust project Share. Ceinwen Statter: Chairman: Contact Heritage Merthyr telephone: 01685 373231 Morgan Chambers. by emailing: email: [email protected] Telephone 01685 386501 or write to him at: [email protected]. or write to: If you would like 21 Llwyn yr Eos Grove 'Uplands'. Lane information on the Heritage Bradley Gardens Cefn Coed Forum email , Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 0GD Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HE [email protected] HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 11

Regenerating Trevithick's legacy

This is the National Museum of Wales’ Penydarren Locomotive as you’ve never seen it before – being hoisted onto a low-loader for a journey by road to North Wales. Once there the replica of Richard Trevithick’s original 1804 steam engine was dismantled for repair, boiler testing and an overhaul. Soon the locomotive – built in 1981 – will be steaming again at the National Maritime Museum in Swansea. The Penydarren Locomotive is hoisted onto a low loader for the journey Merthyr Tydfil Heritage to the Boston Lodge Works in North Wales for overhaul and repair. Regeneration Trust will be celebrating Trevithick’s historic The National Waterfront journey from Penydarren to Museum at Swansea is on 21st February – now home to the working on the 210th anniversary. replica of the Penydarren Students from the College Locomotive built in 1981. Merthyr Tydfil are creating a That project successfully drama about Trevithick and proved that Richard the ironmasters that they will Trevithick's original plans - set stage in the community. out in contemporary drawings of 1803 and 1805 - After that Trevithick Day will was a practical steam become an annual event engine capable of hauling because what happened The Heritage Trust team visit Porthmadog's Boston Lodge Works wagons on iron tracks. back in 1804 when Trevithick A team from Merthyr Tydfil drove his locomotive for nine Heritage Regeneration Trust and a half miles hauling five visited the Ffestiniog and wagons with a load of ten Welsh Highlands Railways' tons of iron and 70 passengers Boston Lodge Works in changed Merthyr Tydfil. Porthmadog to see the The town that in 1804 was engine being renovated. Plans of the replica have known for making cannon been located and the and cannonballs became heritage trust is planning to famous as the town that steam a Penydarren replica made iron rails for the world. in Merthyr Tydfil once again. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 12

Regenerating Old canal ramble

Volunteers organised a broad range of heritage tours and walks in Merthyr Tydfil as part of Open Doors Wales. There were library visits, opportunities to see two of Cefn Coed’s historical chapels, a special tour of Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and a Trevithick Trail guided walk in the Taff Valley. The programme was the most extensive offered yet by local voluntary groups - there were 20 separate events held over a fortnight. On the return leg, after Tydfil's ironworks - through the The Trevithick Trail walk crossing Pontygwaith Bridge the countryside above Quakers' brought enthusiasts to walking group followed the line Yard (picture above) and back Pontygwaith Farm on the Taff of the old Glamorganshire to the starting point in Trail. Canal - so vital for Merthyr Abercynon. Huw's 'terrible tales' win applause Huw Williams has unleashed ‘Terrible Tales’ is inspired by some shocking horrors of the television and book series Merthyr Tydfil’s history on ‘Horrible History’. children from local schools Despicable and gruesome with his ‘Terrible Tales’. crimes are revealed – the tale Several of his short dramas of a worker who sold based on true stories were his wife, a farmer plagued by performed recently by Huw elves at the time of the English himself and volunteers from the Civil War and the battle of Merthyr Tydfil Library Service. Maes y Faynor. The shows nearly brought Huw is writing more 'Terrible the house down. Tales'. You have been warned. Merthyr Tydfil The membership of this long of Merthyr Historian - has just established group of been published. Historical Society volunteers is the driving force Copies (£12 + £2 p&p) can behind one of Merthyr Tydfil's be obtained from: The Historical Society meets at great local history publications Keith L. Lewis-Jones Canolfan Soar on the first and resources - the Merthyr 20, Grover's Field, Abercynon Monday of each month to hear a Historian. Mountain Ash, CF45 4PP presentation on local history. Volume 25 - the latest edition Telephone: 01443 742498 HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 13

Regenerating Tale of Vulcan ale Vulcan House has revealed some of its forgotten past as a brewery, foundry and centre for Chartist leaders - thanks to an investigation led by the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT). The trust was called in at the start of a housing project that has savws the façade of the Grade 2 listed building. Wales and West Housing is building 15 flats in all. Six are new. The other nine are being built within the preserved shell of Vulcan House. GGAT display of bottles and pottery from Merthyr Tydfil heritage sites The archaeologists from GGAT dug out the site's old Other finds included leaders, was living at Vulcan courtyard areas – their efforts stamped malt kiln tiles that House with his family at that producing some quality finds. showed the brewery used a time. A large water wheel pit was hypocaust underfloor heating Archaeology activity days uncovered. This proved that system to help the beer were organised for children of the bags of barley and hops making process. Cyfarthfa Junior School – to used to make the beer at the In Victorian times the show how GGAT works on an brewery – one of the oldest in brewery was converted for historic site. the town – would have been use as a brass and iron Displays of finds at the events lifted by water power. foundry. included a display of bottles – Cobbled floors and a section And research confirmed that locally sourced from finds that of early tramroad were also Matthew John, one of the date back to Vulcan House's discovered. Chartists’ most charismatic later foundry era.

SSHHAARREE - Safeguarding Heritage And Rural Economies The SHARE project – rural areas more sustainable Safeguarding Heritage and and attractive. Rural Economies – links Merthyr Tydfil County Merthyr Tydfil with Borough Council and the organisations in four other National Trust are partners in European countries. SHARE and the project is The overall objectives are funded through the to promote strong, European Regional prosperous communities, to Development Fund's safeguard skills and make INTERREG IVB Programme. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 14

Regenerating Parry - unplugged

Dr Joseph Parry – the ‘little boy from Merthyr’ who became the town’s most famous composer – has been revealed as a true pioneer of music in Wales. Parry’s life and work was celebrated in his home town as part of the 110th anniversary of his death. A day of lectures on how Merthyr Tydfil was influential in shaping the musical tradition of Wales was held at Theatr Soar on Saturday (1 June 2013). Musical experts Professor Trevor Herbert, Professor Gareth Williams and Dr Rhidian Griffiths Dr Rhidian Griffiths gave a passionate lecture on the life and music of Joseph Parry at a day celebrating Merthyr Tydfil's musical heritage. spoke about Parry, the historic Cyfarthfa iron works silver band He encouraged women to It was hugely successful in and the town’s choral tradition study and perform music – Wales and was given over 500 in Victorian and Edwardian despite the male conventions performances in his lifetime. times. of the academic world at the Dr Williams said that these Dr Griffiths, former Director of time. operatic works can now be Public Services at the National “Parry was a pioneer, he did regarded as musical theatre Library of Wales, won applause more than anyone in his time rather than grand opera – and from the Theatr Soar audience to create strengthen and that it was clear Parry’s best when he said that 2013 was foster an audience for Welsh work were his hymns (pre- time for a re-appraisal of music,” explained Dr Griffiths. eminently ‘Aberystwyth’) and Parry’s achievements. “He was composing and congregational pieces. He suggested that critics in performing all the time. He was He added that too little credit the past had focused on the always going round the is given to Parry for his novel shortcomings of Parry’s major country giving concerts. He use of ‘spiky’ rhythms – a classical compositions – in was developing that tradition reflection of his upbringing in particular, how he went ahead of Welsh music – participative Merthyr where the noisy crash- with public performances of Welsh music. bang sounds of iron-making new work without revising and “We have Parry creating an where part of everyday life. reviewing it. authentic voice of Wales to The Joseph Parry lecture was On the other hand, Parry carry beyond its borders.” part of a heritage day that achieved much. Parry, who rose from humble focused on Merthyr Tydfil's He was an educator par beginnings in Merthyr’s Chapel musical heritage. excellence, and the first Row, completed eight operas. The event was supported by ambassador for the music of The first of these was ‘Blodwen’ the EU funded INTERREG Wales as well as its first – it was also the first full scale project Share in conjunction professor of music. opera by a Welsh composer. with the Heritage Forum. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 15

Regenerating Merthyr and proud

The Old Town Hall has been transformed. Only two years ago a derelict ruin, it is now a magnificently restored arts and creative industries centre – and there’s only weeks to go until the public opening on St David’s Day. Expectation is building. And the Heritage Regeneration Conference heard some glowing reviews. Here’s what Gareth Chapman, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Above: the Old Town Hall restored with the last stained glass panels in Chief Executive, had to say. place. Below: MTHA's Wyn Clement and Paul Berry. “What a superb building – it’s amazing what has been done. Local - from “Even the cells have been converted into sound booths start to finish for the students." Wyn Clement and Paul Berry - Heritage Forum Chairman Joe both members of Merthyr England said he was confident Tydfil Housing Association staff that the restoration project - are proud that they’ve would have a positive impact played a part in one of the on Merthyr Tydfil’s town centre. most exciting heritage restoration projects in Wales. “The restoration of the Old Wyn as the Client Town Hall or REDHOUSE is Representative and Paul as excellent. The whole building Clerk of Works provided has been rejuvenated and it valuable technical skills and will be a wonderful centre experience for the Old Town bringing life to our High Street,” Hall from the very start. he added. They took the lead in the The £8 million restoration preparation work that was project has been led by the carried out before GRAHAM Old Town Hall’s owners Merthyr Construction, the main Tydfil Housing Association. The contractor. moved on site. Both continued to give architects are Austin:Smith-Lord support throughout the and the main conractor restoration until final GRAHAM Construction. completion. HERITAGE Merthyr Tydfiill 16

Regenerating Your heritage needs you! Volunteer groups have urged local people to stand up for our heritage. Here's what they are saying: Cyfarthfa Furnaces - a site of world heritage importance that needs local and national support. "As volunteers, we campaign to preserve, As local volunteers, we say ‘about time too’! protect and promote the heritage of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Merthyr Tydfil – once the iron-making deserves credit for the way it is taking on huge capital of the world. challenges like Cyfarthfa Castle. And the wider Of course everything must be done to Cyfarthfa complex has not been overlooked. highlight Merthyr’s extraordinary history but This is just a beginning. There is indeed much critics overlook recent encouraging more to do. developments. A few weeks ago 1,500 people went to see Let us set the record straight. the remains of the Cyfarthfa coke ovens. These Since 2010 we have seen some stunning people were passionate about our iron works heritage projects at the heart of the heritage – rightly so. That’s the passion we want regeneration of our town. for all our heritage projects. Listed buildings like the Old Town Hall, Flooks, We urge you to support our events – many are Vulcan House and Soar have been restored and free – or take part in a project. revived. Together we can make a difference."

...and here's who signed up to this appeal Joe England, Merthyr Tydfil Digital Heritage Group Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Forum Dr Hefin Jones, Morgan Chambers, Friends of Cyfarthfa Park Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Regeneration Trust Sion ap Glyn, Ceinwen Statter, Canolfan Soar Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society Huw Williams, Steve Brewer, Museum and Heritage Group of Cyfarthfa