Maerdy Primary School are making local history come alive by re-enacting the famous Maerdy March. On Thursday, March 6, pupils from Maerdy Community Primary School commemorated the miners’ strike by conducting a memorial march from the school to the Maerdy Wheel Pit. The school are ensuring that the children are aware of the importance of the local mining community and the history that the area carries.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the historic miners of Maerdy marching back to work after being on strike for a year, Pupils from years 1-6 have been learning about the miners’ strike and have now re-enacted the famous walk back to work which took place in 1985. The pupils were joined by some of the Miners who conducted the original march who brought with them the original banner.
Helen Gregory, Head Teacher of Maerdy Primary School, said: “At Maerdy Primary, we are dedicated to making local history come alive for our learners and ensuring that our children are aware of the importance of the mining community in Maerdy. To mark the 40th anniversary of the march, and to bring learning alive for the learners, we have re enacted the march in honour of the miners.
“The children have learnt valuable local community lessons and met some inspiring people from the original strike. As a community we are proud to mark this occasion as a school and appreciate all the support of those who joined us today on our memorial march.”
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:“It’s fantastic to see Maerdy Primary bring this historic lesson to life for the pupils. The miners’ strike is an important piece of history for the area, and to see the pupils re-enact the famous walk back to work, accompanied by some of the miners who took part on the original walk, is brilliant to see. We are very proud of the pupils and I’m sure this experience will leave a lasting impression on them!”
