Historic Blue Plaque Commemorates Tonypandy Riots Centenary - 30 Ebr 2010

Historic Blue Plaque Commemorates Tonypandy Riots Centenary

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has presented the Blue Plaque to the Rhondda Powerhouse Trust for safe-keeping until it can be placed on the iconic Powerhouse in Llwynypia once it is restored.

The plaque commemorates the central role that the Powerhouse played in the Tonypandy Riots of 1910 and marks one of the key events in Welsh and industrial relations history.

One hundred years ago this year the momentous events around the Cambrian Collieries dispute ultimately led to rioting in the streets of Tonypandy; attempts to take over the Powerhouse in order to stop the colliery working; police being called in and troops being dispatched to the Rhondda on standby.

The Blue Plaque was selected by local historical societies from 180 nominations as one of 30 to be placed around the county borough to mark famous people, places and events of the past as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded scheme.

Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Robert Smith said: "I am delighted to hear of the Rhondda Powerhouse Trust’s attempts to take ownership and restore the building and ultimately turn it to good use.

"In this way the past can be linked to the future and remind all of us of why the community spirit is still so strong in the county borough."

In accepting the Plaque, Chair of the Trust, David Birch said: "It is a great honour to receive the Blue Plaque and we look forward to unveiling it on the building once it is in a fit state to receive it.

"The trustees of Rhondda Powerhouse are awaiting the outcome of our grant bids in the hope that work can begin on this magnificent building as soon as possible."

For almost three years Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Libraries & Museums Service has been working closely with various voluntary organisations and individuals to determine 30 sites in the county borough as yet unrecognized for their historical background with the placing of a Blue Plaque

Due to £49,200 of Heritage Lottery funding, the project has set out to identify icons, events and buildings, culminating in the placing of blue plaques to commemorate their history and achievements.

For further details regarding the commemoration events to mark the centenary of the Tonypandy Riots, visit www.tonypandy2010.com

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