An event so terrible and so, comparatively, recent. It saw the loss of 144 people, 116 of which were children - I feel the day shouldn't pass without mention - Aberfan 21/10/1966 R.I.P.
I remember it happening, but not until many years later did I hear how the disaster fund was administered.A horrendous disaster and sickening in the way it was handled.
... The most controversial aspect of the recovery was that after the National Coal Board and Treasury refused to accept full financial responsibility, the Fund ended up having to contribute £150,000 for the removal of the remaining tips overlooking the village. Despite the outrage of donors, villagers and the local MP, it was not until 1997 that this money was repaid to the Fund. The fact that the original disaster fund was seen as being plundered by Government for safety work on the tips remained with local people for over 40 years. It was felt that the fund should have been used solely for the victims and the memorial.
I think that's why it made such a powerfull impression on my young mind . I lived in a similar small active mining village and the school looked much like ours did did too.I was eight and lived in a Northumbrian ex-mining village surrounded by spoil heaps (much less threatening but prone to bursting into flames). It made an enormous impression...