Thank you Richie for the very sensitive way you remembered the Aberfan Disaster. My partners first family were so lucky to be pulled out alive. He sat here with tears running down his face. Here in Wales it is remembered in school and every year ❤❤❤
Aberfan holds a deeply poignant place in the heart of South Wales. Today, the roads and villages surrounding it are cloaked in the serene beauty of green hills. As we ride home from Brecon or the Owl’s Nest, we pass by and reflect. It’s hard to imagine that in the 1960s and 70s, this now-peaceful landscape was dominated by black slag heaps and an unforgiving industrial presence. Yet, even amidst this transformation, the memory of Aberfan endures. The tragedy remains etched in our collective soul-a sorrow that cannot be forgotten, and a testament to the lives lost and the resilience of those who carried on.
I remember the Aberfan disaster as if it happened yesterday. I was 10 years old, living in Ullapool, which is now on the NC500 route, and I recall how emotionally difficult it was for everyone in our village. Kids, teachers, and the whole community. Ullapool reflected the whole of the UK in being shocked and deeply saddened. Tragic event.
Same here I was a young boy watching the news with my late dad, hearing that a spoil heap had slipped down into the village and buried the school and killing all those poor children and teachers very sad
I eas a kid (about 8) and remember the disaster well. It shocked the whole of the UK to the core. Brilliant that a new generation bring it back to peoples minds. Well done sir
I had a lady who used to work from me in Merthyr Tiddfil many years ago who was a survivor, unfortunately her brother did not make it. She campaigned for years for compensation and recognition from NCB. You just can’t imagine the devastation it left for all those families. She told me she continued to have flashbacks and nightmares 😢
Was 9 years old and at school here in Northern Ireland when the headmaster came in and told us something awful had happened at a school in Aberfan Wales. Didn't realise the extent or the appalling toll or the horror until I got home. Every time I hear or see the name "Aberfan" I'm still taken back to thoughts of 1966. RIP
My father, god rest his soul, helped after the event, he was born in Penrhiwceiber, Woodfield Terrace and would have been around 27 at the time. When it happened they went up and over the mountain over to the school. He never mentioned it much but when I was older I knew it had left a deep profound impression on him, it kept him awake sometimes at night. He passed away back in Febuary, I miss you Dad.
I’m not surprised you didn’t know of it Richy, I was born in 70, my mum told me about it when I was a child so I’ve always been aware of it. A few years ago there was a documentary film about it but other than that I don’t recall ever seeing much about that terrible day. I cannot imagine the impact of a tragedy like that on a community and country.
Grew up in South Wales and was very aware of this. Just like now, no one was held accountable, Inquiry was a waste of time, all brushed away under the carpet. Tragic loss that need not have happened.
Thanks Richy for the education regards Aberfan. It's horrific to think of even now. Britain in general has had a hard history. My condolences to any remaining relatives of the deceased. ❤️
Some lovely biking roads in Wales and I am glad they're right on my doorstep. Fair play for mentioning the Aberfan disaster, had gone through the area a while back and it had dawned on me just how serious a disaster it was at the time now I wasn't around back then so only know of it from what I had learned growing up though I felt for the people and families who had lost loved ones or their homes when it happened but then it had made me think, it happened on my mothers birthday and she'd of only been 3 at the time. My father remembers it well enough and his own grandfather had mined in the area for years but aye, need to get myself out more on the bike now next year :D
I remember the Aberfan disaster very well. I was 14 at the time. A year later was the Stockport air disaster. There is a memorial near the town centre (Lower Hillgate) to the 72 that died.
Aberfan, such a sad disaster, many generations lost.. Its only up the road from me, yet ive never visited, i dont think i got the heart to ! RIP to all those that lost their lives.
@@RichyVida The site of the school is now a memorial garden. All of the victims are buried in a cemetery close by. Having visited both it is heart wrenching.
My daughters didn't even learn about Aberfan in school. In sw Wales. I was disgusted and taught them the history. I have a friend lives in the village and I can't pass the cemetery entrance without thinking about it. Sadly Merthyr have seen a landslip this winter very much the coal tip cause. On the up. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
I remember Aberfan, my aunt, came into our house from her house two doors down braking her heart, Both her and my father attended that school, before leaving Wales because their fathers work,
A truly awful disaster that touched the whole nation. I was 6 at the time and remember the news programmes on television vividly to this day. Pit hills were a commonplace and menacing sight in those days; gone now most of them thank God, (you may remember the one on Sleetmoor Lane). Those poor children and parents.
Can't believe you guys didn't know about Aberfan. We did a whole term in senior school learning about the disaster, back in the mid 90's. I assumed it was part of the national curriculum. Any fans of the TV series, The Crown would know about too. The royals, especially the Queen were an absolute disgrace.
Aberfan is a very moving place. The site was f the school is now a memorial garden, if you visit the graves of the children and adults who died in the disaster, they’re on a hill overlooking the village made a White Marble. I visited twice when in the area, and both times I’ve left in floods of tears. If you’re in the area, I would recommend visiting. When you get home, you’ll hug your own children, just that little bit tighter! 😢
2:30 Ah, Dolgellau! Mate, you zipped right past MotoCamp Wales without stopping. If you don't know it, that's a lovely place to bunk next time. Stayed there last June. Climbed Mount Snowdon via Crib Goch and Cader Idris the day after. Nice change from all the riding ;-)
Seriously!? Everyone knows about Aberfan, surely? Strangely - it was on the 5th anniversary of Aberfan , that the Clarkston Disaster occured- Mostly mothers who were the victims - so largely forgotten. Even becoming known as "Scotland's forgotten disaster".
Unfair to criticise Richy for being unaware of Aberfan disaster as it was before he was born. How many people are aware of the Senghenydd mining disaster in 1913 in which 439 miners lost their lives or the Lynton and Lynmouth flood in 1953. The passage of time dims the memory. I think you may enjoy taking a ride through Monmouthshire to Abergavenny and along the heads of the valley road. Many spoil heaps survive to this day but grass has grown over them.
I’m glad that you did the research on this. Such a tragic event that claimed the lives of 116 young innocent children. Searching for fuel….. ‘please dismount the bike`😂😂
It was 1966, not the 90s, and yes, a large number of children were killed -- 116 to be precise, as well as 28 adults. People have said in the past that if you visit the village, you will notice whole age groups missing from the population; they were mostly between 7 and 10 then, so they will be people in their mid to late 60s now.
Thank you Richie for the very sensitive way you remembered the Aberfan Disaster. My partners first family were so lucky to be pulled out alive. He sat here with tears running down his face. Here in Wales it is remembered in school and every year ❤❤❤
Aberfan holds a deeply poignant place in the heart of South Wales. Today, the roads and villages surrounding it are cloaked in the serene beauty of green hills. As we ride home from Brecon or the Owl’s Nest, we pass by and reflect. It’s hard to imagine that in the 1960s and 70s, this now-peaceful landscape was dominated by black slag heaps and an unforgiving industrial presence. Yet, even amidst this transformation, the memory of Aberfan endures. The tragedy remains etched in our collective soul-a sorrow that cannot be forgotten, and a testament to the lives lost and the resilience of those who carried on.
Beautifully written. Thank you 🙏
I remember the Aberfan disaster as if it happened yesterday. I was 10 years old, living in Ullapool, which is now on the NC500 route, and I recall how emotionally difficult it was for everyone in our village. Kids, teachers, and the whole community. Ullapool reflected the whole of the UK in being shocked and deeply saddened. Tragic event.
Same here I was a young boy watching the news with my late dad, hearing that a spoil heap had slipped down into the village and buried the school and killing all those poor children and teachers very sad
I eas a kid (about 8) and remember the disaster well. It shocked the whole of the UK to the core. Brilliant that a new generation bring it back to peoples minds. Well done sir
I’m sorry I never knew about it 😔
I had a lady who used to work from me in Merthyr Tiddfil many years ago who was a survivor, unfortunately her brother did not make it. She campaigned for years for compensation and recognition from NCB. You just can’t imagine the devastation it left for all those families. She told me she continued to have flashbacks and nightmares 😢
That’s terrible 😔
Was 9 years old and at school here in Northern Ireland when the headmaster came in and told us something awful had happened at a school in Aberfan Wales.
Didn't realise the extent or the appalling toll or the horror until I got home.
Every time I hear or see the name "Aberfan" I'm still taken back to thoughts of 1966.
RIP
😔
My father, god rest his soul, helped after the event, he was born in Penrhiwceiber, Woodfield Terrace and would have been around 27 at the time. When it happened they went up and over the mountain over to the school. He never mentioned it much but when I was older I knew it had left a deep profound impression on him, it kept him awake sometimes at night. He passed away back in Febuary, I miss you Dad.
I’m not surprised you didn’t know of it Richy, I was born in 70, my mum told me about it when I was a child so I’ve always been aware of it. A few years ago there was a documentary film about it but other than that I don’t recall ever seeing much about that terrible day.
I cannot imagine the impact of a tragedy like that on a community and country.
I was born in the 80's and we learned about it in senior school, Teesside, history or English. I had thought it was part of the national curriculum.
Old enough to remember Aberfan being reported, shocked and saddened the whole country 😢
Aberfan is a very emotional place to visit. Many of the victims were my generation
I will make it my mission to visit and pay my respects as soon as I can.
My father as a young press photographer for the SUN newspaper covered this disaster. I remember him telling me over the years about this tragedy.
calling the S*n a newspaper is like calling arsenic a seasoning.
Grew up in South Wales and was very aware of this. Just like now, no one was held accountable, Inquiry was a waste of time, all brushed away under the carpet. Tragic loss that need not have happened.
Yeah, it's always the same.
Thanks Richy for the education regards Aberfan.
It's horrific to think of even now.
Britain in general has had a hard history.
My condolences to any remaining relatives of the deceased. ❤️
Some lovely biking roads in Wales and I am glad they're right on my doorstep.
Fair play for mentioning the Aberfan disaster, had gone through the area a while back and it had dawned on me just how serious a disaster it was at the time now I wasn't around back then so only know of it from what I had learned growing up though I felt for the people and families who had lost loved ones or their homes when it happened but then it had made me think, it happened on my mothers birthday and she'd of only been 3 at the time. My father remembers it well enough and his own grandfather had mined in the area for years but aye, need to get myself out more on the bike now next year :D
I remember the Aberfan disaster very well. I was 14 at the time. A year later was the Stockport air disaster. There is a memorial near the town centre (Lower Hillgate) to the 72 that died.
Aberfan, such a sad disaster, many generations lost..
Its only up the road from me, yet ive never visited, i dont think i got the heart to !
RIP to all those that lost their lives.
I think I’ll be paying it a visit as soon as I can. Gutted to learn about this and sorry I didn’t know about it.
@@RichyVida The site of the school is now a memorial garden. All of the victims are buried in a cemetery close by. Having visited both it is heart wrenching.
Even after all the training causes accidents that I’ve seen even though this one is before my time it’s still upsetting
My daughters didn't even learn about Aberfan in school. In sw Wales. I was disgusted and taught them the history. I have a friend lives in the village and I can't pass the cemetery entrance without thinking about it.
Sadly Merthyr have seen a landslip this winter very much the coal tip cause.
On the up. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Wow that’s crazy. Why wouldn’t they teach them all about it?! Being so close, too.
I remember Aberfan, my aunt, came into our house from her house two doors down braking her heart,
Both her and my father attended that school, before leaving Wales because their fathers work,
A truly awful disaster that touched the whole nation. I was 6 at the time and remember the news programmes on television vividly to this day. Pit hills were a commonplace and menacing sight in those days; gone now most of them thank God, (you may remember the one on Sleetmoor Lane). Those poor children and parents.
Remember it well I was 9 at the time. It really must have been the first news story that shocked me, there has been plenty more since.
Can't believe you guys didn't know about Aberfan. We did a whole term in senior school learning about the disaster, back in the mid 90's. I assumed it was part of the national curriculum.
Any fans of the TV series, The Crown would know about too. The royals, especially the Queen were an absolute disgrace.
Aberfan is a very moving place. The site was f the school is now a memorial garden, if you visit the graves of the children and adults who died in the disaster, they’re on a hill overlooking the village made a White Marble. I visited twice when in the area, and both times I’ve left in floods of tears. If you’re in the area, I would recommend visiting.
When you get home, you’ll hug your own children, just that little bit tighter! 😢
Oh I’ll make it my mission to head down there just to pay my respects. 😔
Beautiful ❤ love seeing the roads I know and love from your perspectives merry Christmas to you all 🙏
2:30 Ah, Dolgellau! Mate, you zipped right past MotoCamp Wales without stopping. If you don't know it, that's a lovely place to bunk next time. Stayed there last June. Climbed Mount Snowdon via Crib Goch and Cader Idris the day after. Nice change from all the riding ;-)
Thanks for the info! Will remember it! Cheers
Seriously!? Everyone knows about Aberfan, surely? Strangely - it was on the 5th anniversary of Aberfan , that the Clarkston Disaster occured- Mostly mothers who were the victims - so largely forgotten. Even becoming known as "Scotland's forgotten disaster".
I never even heard of it if I am honest
Gill's great uncle Dai was the assistant head teacher at Aberfan and died in the disaster. They found him under a desk with kids underneath him. 😢
Oh no? I’m sorry to hear this. Terrible 😔
@RichyVida cheers pal, such a waste of life. I never met him obviously but by all accounts he was a lovely bloke.
Unfair to criticise Richy for being unaware of Aberfan disaster as it was before he was born. How many people are aware of the Senghenydd mining disaster in 1913 in which 439 miners lost their lives or the Lynton and Lynmouth flood in 1953. The passage of time dims the memory. I think you may enjoy taking a ride through Monmouthshire to Abergavenny and along the heads of the valley road. Many spoil heaps survive to this day but grass has grown over them.
Great couple of days mukka
I’m glad that you did the research on this. Such a tragic event that claimed the lives of 116 young innocent children.
Searching for fuel….. ‘please dismount the bike`😂😂
It was covered in an episode of the crown. Really hard to watch !
I’ve never seen that, so maybe put on my TV list now Yellowstone is complete.
It’s excellent, especially the early seasons. Turns out Prince Phillip was a cool dude.
Blimey, showing my age now but I remember this when I was a kid of 10 years old. Also the year England won their first and only World Cup in England.
❤❤❤❤
Is the Tash any bigger
Massive by the time we left, Dave!
@ 😂😂😂😂must have been theGuinness
He’s probably had to shave twice since he woke up
Nicely done piece on Aberfan, thank you
😔
Where’s pilts
It was 1966, not the 90s, and yes, a large number of children were killed -- 116 to be precise, as well as 28 adults. People have said in the past that if you visit the village, you will notice whole age groups missing from the population; they were mostly between 7 and 10 then, so they will be people in their mid to late 60s now.
Dude, watch the whole video. 4:52 onwards.