Press Releases

Aberfan clock donated to Wales’ national collection

A key item linked to the Aberfan disaster has today (Thursday 3 February 2022) been officially donated to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ permanent collection. A small clock that stopped at 9.13am, the moment the Aberfan disaster struck, are now part of the collections at St Fagans National Museum of History and will be on display in the ‘Wales Is’ gallery from 16 February 2022.

The clock has since been kept safely at the home of Mike Flynn, the son of Mike Flynn (senior) who attended the scene on 21 October 1966. Mike Flynn was a postman who was a paramedic (for the paratroopers) in the Territorial Army at the time.

The clock has today been transferred to the care of Amgueddfa Cymru for future generations to remember one of Wales’ worst disasters.

Mike Flynn, said, “I am delighted that Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales has accepted the clock. It’s a significant day, the clock has found a proper home at St Fagans National Museum of History where it can be displayed for the public to see.”

Sioned Williams, Principal Curator of Modern History at St Fagans National Museum of History, said, “We’re very grateful to Mike for donating the clock to Amgueddfa Cymru, enabling us to tell the story of an important part of Welsh history. From the 16th of February it will be on display in the ‘Wales Is’ gallery which explores the stories of Wales across the ages, and available for all to see. And, we at St Fagans look forward to working further with Mike and the community in Aberfan to share this important part of Wales’ history.”

Amgueddfa Cymru is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support. The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. 

 

ENDS