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Communities across the Diocese of Llandaff will come together to mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan Disaster, remembering with prayer and solemn reflection the 144 people who lost their lives on 21st October 1966.
On that morning, 116 children and 28 adults were killed when a spoil tip collapsed and swept down the mountainside, engulfing Pantglas School and nearby homes. The tragedy devastated the close-knit community of Aberfan and left a profound mark on Wales and beyond.
At the Aberfan Memorial Garden, which now stands on the site of Pantglas School, the memory of those who died remains at the heart of the community. 60 years on, the grief of that day is still felt deeply, and the anniversary provides an opportunity to remember and honour those who died, alongside all whose lives were changed forever.
As part of the commemoration, prayers will be offered for the people of Aberfan and for all who continue to carry the weight of loss and remembrance.
The Bible reminds us of God's enduring presence in times of sorrow:
"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18
A private commemorative service for the community of Aberfan will take place at St David's Church, Merthyr Tydfil, on Tuesday 20th October at 7pm. At the same time, an alternative service of remembrance will be held at St Matthew's Church, Treorchy.
On Wednesday 21st October at 9am, the bells of St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, will ring a half-muffled peal to mark the anniversary. Half-muffled ringing is traditionally reserved for funerals and occasions of remembrance. The peal will take approximately three hours and will consist of the full 5,040 changes of a method known as Grandsire Triples.
The band of bell ringers will include representatives from all six dioceses of the Church in Wales, Bangor, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea and Brecon, Llandaff and Monmouth, together with ringers from Hereford Diocese, which retains historic links with Welsh churches following Disestablishment.
Meanwhile, St Elvan's Church, Aberdare, has created Aberfan Angels, a moving installation of 144 origami angels made in memory of the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives in the disaster.
On Wednesday 21st October, the anniversary itself, Bishop Mary will join the congregation at St Elvan's for a service of remembrance, to which all are welcome. For the occasion, the church choir has been reformed and will lead a service of Choral Evensong, offering music, prayer and reflection in memory of those who died and in support of all who continue to mourn.
As the Diocese joins the nation in marking this significant anniversary, thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Aberfan, whose loss continues to be felt across generations. Through acts of remembrance, prayer and community, the lives of those who died are honoured and their memory continues to endure.
