HUNDREDS of miners who died in a series of disasters at two Gwent pits in the 19th Century have been honoured through the installation of a memorial stone.

This year’s St David's Day celebrations had a sombre feel at Waunfawr Park, Cross Keys, as a plaque was unveiled commemorating the 307 men and boys who died in four separate incidents at the Blackvein and Risca North Collieries.

South Wales Argus:

The plaque with wreaths laid by Blackvein Miners Memorial Society secretary Stephen Lyons and Rita Griffin, a relative of three miners who died in the disasters. Picture: Stephen Lyons

The stone is at the location of the mouth of the Blackvein Colliery. Thirty-five died at the colliery in an explosion in 1846, and a further 10 in another explosion just seven years later. A third explosion at the pit in 1860 killed 142 men and boys.

Also commemorated are the 120 who died at the nearby Risca North Colliery in an explosion in 1880.

Members of the Blackvein Miners Memorial Society attended the unveiling, with Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden and Mayor of Caerphilly county borough Cllr Julian Simmonds also present.

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A blessing ceremony was led by Reverend Marc Owen of Moriah Baptist Church, where he blessed the plaque with prayer and holy water. Blackvein Miners Memorial Society secretary Stephen Lyons laid a wreath on behalf of the society, and Rita Griffin laid a wreath on behalf of the families of the victims - she lost three relatives in the disasters.

“I think that, given the weather, the ceremony went very well. Chris Evans gave an excellent speech, and his thoughts were echoed by the leader of the council, Cllr Philippa Marsden and the Mayor, Cllr Julian Simmonds," said Mr Lyons.

“The importance of such a memorial was remarked on by many. The fact that Risca now has a memorial to lost miners is greatly appreciated by the community.

“The society is especially grateful to the impromptu band of musicians who came to play hymns, and to the Friends of Waunfawr Park for providing refreshments.”

South Wales Argus:

Rev. Marc Owen, Cllr John Ridgewell, Stephen Lyons, Chris Evans MP, Cllr Philippa Marsden, Cllr Julian Simmonds and Karen Simmonds. Picture: Stephen Lyons

Funding for the memorial plaque came from members of the community, the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, Monmouthshire Building Society, Risca East Community Council, and Caerphilly council.