The life of “formidable and tenacious” coal mining leader Des Dutfield was celebrated and remembered during a ceremony at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum.
Mr Dutfield, who was from Trebanog and died aged 81 in 2021, was the last president of the South Wales area of the National Union of Miners and was admired for his fierce support for working men and the protection of the coal mining industry.
It was fitting the event, including the unveiling of a plaque to honour Mr Dutfield, was held in the museum that now stands in the footprint of Lewis Merthyr Colliery.
For it was at Lewis Merthyr Colliery that Des Dutfield first worked, and where he held his unforgettable “stay down” strike following the National Coal Board’s decision to close the colliery in 1983.
Then Lewis Merthyr Lodge Secretary, Mr Dutfield led the men as they refused to leave the mine, staying underground for four and a half days.
Despite the strike, the colliery closed and the 450 Lewis Merthyr Colliery workers moved to other mines. Mr Dutfield moved to Abercynon and began his rise through the ranks of the National Union of Mineworkers.
The celebration event on October 11 was organised and funded by Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park Museum with Mayor Cllr Dan Owen Jones in attendance.
The event was opened and introduced by David Owen, a former coal miner and chairman of the Association of Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park. Cllr Robert Bevan of Tylorstown, himself a former coal miner at Lewis Merthyr Colliery, was Master of Ceremonies.
The rich, fascinating history of coal mining and industry in the Rhondda was brought back to life by a series of guest speakers, including former Lewis Merthyr Colliery miners Ivor England and Mike Richards and Mark Adams, local historian.
The plaque, in memory and honour of Des Dutfield, 1940-2021, was unveiled by Mayor Cllr Dan Owen Jones.
Music and songs were played throughout, thanks to performances from Cor Meibion Morlais, Lewis Merthyr Band and Maerdy Community Primary School.
Also present were the South Wales National Union of Mineworkers Banner and Sian Williams, South Wales Miners’ Librarian.
Also supporting the event were Ferndale History Group, The Maerdy Archive, Glamorgan Family History Society, Rhondda Historical Society and Cynon Valley Historical Society.
Cllr Dan Owen Jones, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “What an honour it was to be involved in a celebration of the life of the formidable and unforgettable Des Dutfield.
“The Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park have put on a poignant event which is only fitting for a Rhondda man of such stature and they should be applauded for today’s ceremony and the plaque which will be a lasting tribute and celebration of Des Dutfield.
“The former coal miners of Lewis Merthyr Colliery were able to share their stories and bring those scenes from the 1980s back to life during an event that was also enjoyed by our future generations, the schoolchildren whose grandfathers or even great-grandfathers would have been a part of this story.
“A moving and fitting event and I urge those who were unable to attend today to spend time at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum so they, too, can enjoy our rich and important history brought back to life.”
David Owen, Chairman of the Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, said: “It is a privilege for us as Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park to organise the presentation of this plaque in honour and memory of Des Dutfield. Des worked tirelessly to defend miners and their industry and the coalfield communities of which we are all a part”.
You can download a copy of the programme from the Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park here.
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, home to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience, stands in the footprint of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery. The huge chimney and Trevor and Bertie engine houses remain and form part of an award-winning visitor experience.
Former coal miners lead the Black Gold Underground Experience, sharing their personal stories and memories with guests as they take them on a tour underground and back in time.
Suitable for all ages, the experience is the only one of its kind to have former coal miners as tour guides. Visitors can also enjoy interactive and digital exhibition and displays and seasonal events such as Halloween Spooktacular and Santa’s Toy Mine – tickets for both are on sale now here
Find out more about A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum here:
