Torquay holds memorial service to mark 60th anniversary of Aberfan disaster
The memorial service, held at Torre Abbey Gardens, honoured the 116 children and 28 adults killed in the Aberfan disaster and paid tribute to the kindness shown by Torquay residents in the aftermath.
School children, local officials and residents gathered in Torquay today (October 21) to mark the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.
The memorial service, held at Torre Abbey Gardens, honoured the 116 children and 28 adults killed on October 21, 1966, when a slag heap collapsed and engulfed Pantglas Junior School and nearby houses in the Welsh village of Aberfan.
Father Peter March, the Mayor of Torbay’s Chaplain, led the service, which paid tribute not only to those who died but also to the kindness shown by Torquay residents in the aftermath of the tragedy.
As part of the commemoration, children from Cockington Primary School planted roses, while children from Torre C of E Academy read prayers.
The Mayor of Torbay, Councillor Hazel Foster, spoke during the service about the support offered by Torquay to families affected by the disaster.
The service also heard from local resident Paul Lidstone, who shared his experience as a young auxiliary fire fighter who was called up to support the rescue mission following the disaster.
Speaking to the Torbay Weekly, Cllr Hazel Foster said: “What should have been an ordinary day at school for the children of Aberfan turned to tragedy with so many young lives lost.”
“In 1966 many in Torquay wanted to do what they could to support the families who had lost so much, with the families leaving a heartfelt thank you in the form of a rose garden.”
“Today we remembered those lost in the Aberfan Disaster and the kindness shown by so many in our bay in response.”
The response from Torquay took many forms in the aftermath of the disaster.
The then Mayor of Torquay, Alderman L. S. W Howard, opened an Aberfan Disaster Fund at Torquay Town Hall, allowing residents to make donations to support the impacted community.
Fundraising events were also held across the town.
These included a Choral & Band Festival at the Town Hall, children at Sherwell Valley Junior School giving up sweets for a week and some Torquay youngsters taking part in a sponsored Five Tors challenge.
Some residents also offered their homes for a week’s free holiday to families who were affected by the disaster.
As a lasting gesture of gratitude, the Aberfan families who visited the town planted roses in Torre Abbey Gardens, alongside a memorial plaque that remains there today.
Six decades on, the memorial service offered an opportunity for the local community to honour those who lost their lives and reflect on the compassion shown by Torquay in the wake of the disaster.