Press Releases

Staff from Big Pit: National Coal Museum have been working with communities in north Wales to tell the stories of the coal communities. And the result of the research, Glo: North Wales, The Forgotten Coalfield? will be launched formally at the Amgueddfa Cymru stand on the Eisteddfod Maes on Wednesday 3 August at 11am by Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration & Heritage.

Ceri Thompson, Coal Curator for Amgueddfa Cymru, said: “We have found working with the communities in north Wales particularly rewarding. At Big Pit, we have extensive knowledge of the coal industry in south Wales but working in north Waleswas more challenging due to the distances involved. But, working with the North Wales Miners Association Trust and other community groups, we succeeded in putting together a collection of interesting, and sometimes harrowing, tales. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who contributed or helped us research the magazine.”

 Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration & Heritage said: "The Glo project is history at its best - bringing to life real people and real stories. The story of the coal industry in north Wales is one that deserves to be better told."

Keith ‘Tattoo’ Evans, whose story appears in Glo, added “For many years, coal mining in the area was seen as something to be forgotten, there didn’t seem to be much interest in the industry that created many of north Wales’ communities. Over the last few years though, interest in the history and the legacy of coal mining appears to have grown.

“I worked in the industry for many years, at a number of pits around the area, and I have to admit that I’m quite proud that Big Pit has published this magazine with my story in it. I go out to schools with another former miner and talk to the children about our time in the pits. Glo will be a big help to us as it contains stories that will be very similar to those of the children’s own relatives.”

Glo is produced annually, and is free of charge. It is also available to download from Amgueddfa Cymru's website at  http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/rhagor/glo/. Previous editions covered such subjects as Bevin Boys, Nationalisation, Poles working in coalfield communities, 1984/85 Strike and Mineworkers.