Well 2016 saw the first Iconic Event for No 4 (Wales) Region when we ascended to the top of Wales at Snowdon.
It follows that the Iconic Event 2017 would therefore see us descending to the bottom of Wales so to speak, together with a bit of your actual historical culture.
The final Saturday in September was the appointed time and the Royal Mint at Llantrisant was the appointed starting place. Despite the weather being wet, it failed to dampen our enthusiasm for the start of the weekend events. Here we were to learn how the generous Welsh people produce millions upon millions in UK coin coinage to give away to the remaining deprived Nations within the UK. In fact we also produce coinage in international currencies, plus various medals including the Police Long Service, all to be given away through our generosity.
Our guide for the tour turned out to be retired South-Wales officer, Phil Bryant. Our Region Secretary Denis had worked with Phil’s father many many years ago, which only goes to show how old Denis now is. As you would expect from a retired Copper, the tour was full of humour and digs from Phil towards those members of the party who were retired members of a special club to which he himself had some association – all very secretive to the other members of the party. For those who have never visited the Royal Mint, the site of all those thousands upon thousands of one pound coins churning out of the chute directly in front of you really raises the urge to lean forward and grab a handful. A shame about the big glass screen and alarms between you and the cash though.
Prior to our leaving the Mint, Phil did assure us that he would join the IPA once he had reviewed it all on the website. He certainly had a fair knowledge of the Association already as he reminded us that IPA members used to attend the Training Department and chat to the newly qualified Probationers when he himself was once an instructor.
We then all headed east, accompanied by the rain, towards the market town of Abergavenney. Here we gathered for a fine meal at an Italian Restaurant, washed down with bottles of that disgusting stuff called alcohol. Several of the party remained in or close to the town overnight, whilst the other members decided to return to their homes for a decent night’s sleep prior to the following days events.
First thing Sunday morning saw the group gathering on a wind and rain swept hillside above the historic Valleys town of Blaenafon. This is an area of immense history from the days of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Here we all met at the world renowned industrial museum of Big Pit, formerly one of the biggest and deepest coal mines in the country and now preserved to enable the public to get a simple taste of mining for the ‘black diamonds’. Hence we say were going to the bottom of Wales for the 2017 Region Iconic event.
Before descending 300 feet via the cage, we were stripped of all our articles that contained batteries, including key rings, phones, watches and even the pedometers that people wear to identify their walking distance. We were advised in great seriousness by our guide Bill that the form of battery contained in these items could easily set off a gas explosion. So no one was going to argue against that statement.
Next we were kitted out with the helmets & headlights. Indeed, wearing the helmet was not for show. Once you are down in the actual mining areas you constantly hear the guide calling out ‘duck’ – and that’s not to tell you that there are low flying fowl in the area. The constant sharp ‘crack’ of helmets hitting the low roof area and the occasional cussing was a reminder to listen what you were being told. Very often the roof height dropped to around five foot, making walking uncomfortable for taller people. However, Bill did tell us that when he worked in the mines himself he frequently worked on his side in tunnels two feet high, and you would remain in that position for the eight hour shift, including whilst eating your food. He was never short of identifying the extreme dangers of working down in the mines, although when asked if he would encourage his son to work in that profession should the opportunity arise again, he said he would. Very strange, but anyone knowing the mining community will quickly identify the immense strong bond that these men have towards each other. It is sad that with the demise of the mining industry in this country we saw a whole way of life swept aside. Within the Welsh Valleys it broke the chapel communities that gave rise to the wonderful choral singing that is so identifiable with male voice choirs.
On leaving the Big Pit we headed a mile down the road to the UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) site of the Blaenafon Iron Works. This is a large open museum (and free) where visitors are able to view the old furnaces and workers cottages, as well as listening to extremely loud descriptive commentaries played out against the background and roar of the furnaces.
By now the wet weather was really sweeping through the valley, but it didn’t deter a member of the office team who had offered to present a basic guide to the buildings and museum area once she had heard we were members of the IPA.
For anyone who has never yet visited the South Wales area, we would really encourage you to take in all of these aforementioned activities, which are all children friendly, although you should contact the Big Pit first to identify any age restriction. The other point that would need to be mentioned as regards the Big Pit is that whilst the entrance to the mine is at road level, the restaurant area is at the top of an extremely long and steep walk up the hillside. There is no road up to this level for the public.
So now we start working on ideas for the 2018 event, which we hope will be held in the Dyfed Powys Branch area of the Region.
Denis Hunt – Region Secretary
