Here we are in 2012 worrying about the "credit crunch" and eurozone "debt crisis". Talk about a reality check. 144 people, 116 of them aged between 7 and 10 years killed needlessly in the blink of an eye. RIP the innocent babies of Aberfan.
OFF-Topic question : Why British coal industry was disbanded coal mines shut down and miners left unemployed? It's weird for me because for me every country should be as much independent as possible when it comes to energy supply .
oal board were a disgrace making the people pay to level their killer tip!!!.tony blair no better not paying interest on the money.and why did previous governments not pay the money back? rip all them that died
i was 16 years of age when disaster happened and 45 years later it is still a nightmare and i will watch this every day, my heart still goes out to these people who lost there children, daughters sons brothers and sisters parents and grandparents, the people my sound alright but believe me they were heartbroken xx.
I watched a DVD called "aberfan, the disaster" after an hour of watching slag heaps sliding down mountains, schools being engulfed, and people dying in their homes, I could only conclude the disaster was on disc 2
so glad you did this. i have begged a couple friends who are authors to look into this before all the living witnesses are gone....for such a momentous disaster, there has not been enough, imho, witnessing and public attention.
my god i remember this as if it was yesterday,, and to this day the coalboard have not addmitted that they caused that disaster, life is soooooo cruel xx
I was such a small child at the time. We were driving back from Cardiff to Abercanaid and the police stopped us on the road. We had to drive the long way home. And the worst thing is that we went on playing on the tips. For years. No-one told us the tips weren't safe. No one did anything.
I cryed almost all the way through this sad reminder of my childhood. although living in the u/s now i can still remember the mass graves as you drive through that 1 valley. My heart still goes out to the people who lost a special family member or loved one which most did. Good speed my thoughts are still with all my welsh friends.
Such a dreadful thing to happen. I was 10yrs old at the time this happened and was terribly upset by the disaster at the time. I am now 55, but am still brought to tears when I read or see anything related even after all this time. Those poor families, my heart goes out to them. The Coal Board (if it still exists) management team should be very very ashamed.
Thank you for posting. This brings a real pain in my heart. My mum, from Wales, would tell me about Aberfan when i was a child in the US & cry. Aberfan was something that touched my parents nerves at the very mention. Llke good Welsh parents, they talked, told me the stories, of Aberfan, the coal mines, the history. Now, as an adult, I know that this cruel disaster will never be forgotten, the names of the victims will be read for an eternity. This is why I am here. God bless. x
I have been told that our family lost several (distant) cousins in this terrible event. I would have only been 2 years old at the time, so I remember nothing of it directly. Nevertheless I do still feel a great sense of loss and I'd just like to thank the creators of this exceptionally poignant documentary for their efforts.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
What OTHER kind of Wood doesn't float? Kay Wood...
What? I'm killing all of you so you gain an appreciattion for DEATH and sanity instead of insanity and "gushing with empathy by visual cue"...like a fucking dog.
Almost got us a Yule fire here... Japan.. pick it up will ya?
)': So sad, I did a project on this disaster, and as i approched the cemetry i saw a mother of twins putting flower down, I was so upset, but the teacher who died in this disaster who tried to protect the chilfren in a corner,but sadly they all died, she was a real hero . R.I.P To all the children & teachers who died. so sad
Obviously, the last 2 comments, a mockery of the whole incident, were made by someone who cannot put a sentence together without using an expletive!, albeit abbreviated! Just to correct the below - it was a National Coal Board Slagheap, turning into slurry, which was directly attributable to the deaths of a generation of children, and teachers. Lest we NEVER forget! AND PLEASE - SHOW A MODICUM OF RESPECT FOR ALL WHO PASSED OVER THAT DAY!
@The31415927 ......you just a gutless fuk who would not dare go to wales and open your filthy mouth with the same abusive remarks...cowardly fuk i hope you die a slow painful death ..hopefully you will be subjected to torture beyond horror...total coward...
YES - IT WAS A HORRIBLE DAY FOR ALL MY FRIEND! - YET IT IS THE TRUTH - NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! IT IS AS CLEAR IN MY MIND NOW, AS IT WAS THEN. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE EVENTS OF THAT DAY OR SUBSEQUENT DAYS, AS LONG AS I LIVE!
Later, as the fund started, and toys and other donations started to come into the old Education Office Hall at Pontmorlais, I was there, helping - sorting! It will remain in my mind forever, and I`m so sorry to all who read that the order of my prose wrongly comes out in reverse - so read the lower comment firstly, then the middle, and lastly the top - and all will be in context. By the way, I am NOT the late Mr Beynon`s son - have not seen him for oh so long!
Furthermore, not a bird to be heard, or in sight - a huge rumle - the mist/fog lifted - to reveal the scene - the siren in the pit sounded - then it all began - the rest - is history! - Never to be forgotten - and God Forbid, never to happen ever again! - I hope! All that was 44 years ago - I was in my early teens then - but I can truly and honestly say that although not at the scene, I ` did my bit `. The miners needed feeding - I helped to serve in Merthyr Vale school
I remember that morning oh so well. Mr Beynon, the Deputy Head who died, cradling 2 children in his arms as the mudslide amassed them actually collected me, and his son, Philip, to take us to Cyfarthfa where we were pupils. He would be dead within the hour. It was a sunny day, I seem to recall, in Merthyr Tydfil that morning, but fom personal stories I have been told ( sources very close to me ) - as one drove into both Merthyr Vale and Aberfan that day - in the air - a strange eeriness.
I was only 13 when this tragedy occurred. As children we were being fed a diet of news reel horror from Vietnam and other man made conflicts / disasters. Our little emotions and senses were being blunted by such visual images at the time. So this hardly touched me when it occurred. I am now a parent of two lovely girls and it breaks my heart to see such images. I cannot believe the control and dignity of the bereaved. God bless those who died and God be with those who survived.
I was 12 when this happened. I was on the bus going to school and everyone was talking about it. When I got to school there were lots of children crying and our teacher was crying. The headmistress called an assembly for us all to pray for the people of Aberfan then the school was closed out of respect. I remember going back home on the bus and everyone was quiet or crying. This was in Swansea. I think I cried all week. I'll never forget Aberfan and I always cry when I see stories about it.
my great grandad died because of bad diseased lungs working in the mines Carnigee god rest your soul and my ggreat grandad we lost many men to the mines. So soooooo sad.
I WAS CLOSE TO ABERFAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND I WAS TELLING MY DAUGHTER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED HERE 40 YEARS AGO , I WAS CURIOUS WHY THIS DISASTER HAPPENED , ITS SHOCKING .GREAT DOCUMENTRY
@Zorroscamp I wasn't born until 14 years later but I should imagine for those like yourself who lived through this awful time, it is something that you remember for as long as you live
This terrible tragedy haunts the world and should never be forgotten. When I visited Wales, back in the '80s, we traveled near the village and I immediately remembered... Thank you for posting this. It is heartbreaking, horrible, but people need to know... ;(
The national coal board were so cold hearted,to pull money out of the pokets of grieving people for a disaster that was all down to them.I wonder if their consience let them sleep at night,scum of the earth.
may their souls continue to rest in peace, Amen. Almost all the victims were those innocent kids and their teachers at school, if only the coal waste had held steady for few more hours, they would have been alive today!!! Last day at school before their holidays and death came calling. May the lord bless their souls Amen. Continue to rest in peace , Anem.
I always knew this was a most terrible tradgedy whch could have been avoided,however i didnt know that the coal company refused to accept responsibilty and that the people affected had to foot the bill for the remaining waste to be removed.That is totaly awful.
my gran had friends who died in the disaster. so i feel a strong sense of compassion for all who were involved on that sad day. i was 6 when it happened, and my brother was 7. the same age as some of those beautiful little ones who perished. i send my deepest love to the people of Aberfan. may love and healing be around you always. all my love, xxxxx
When news of this terrible disaster came on the radio, my friend's dad left work in the West Midlands and rode his motorbike to Aberfan to try to help. A very well made documentry of a heartbreaking event.
I can`t imagine the panic going through the parents minds as they were digging for their children amidst tons of coal (my God). A tradgedy that could have been prevented, but a great tradgedy non the less. r.i.p the lost 144
Me and my drama class are currently doing a play about the disaster that happened at aberfan. I am touched by this and all the survivores and parents quotes that we all learned and read. I hope we can film our play and put it on youtube. RIP children and teachers of the Aberfan School
I was seven years old and living in Huntingdonshire when this tragedy happened. I still remember it very vividly. I remember my Mum crying. I remember the pictures. Your documentary is very well done. Thank you.
Just found out about this disaster from a welsh guys from the town today. fucken hell just terrible. I would have hung the mines management. Man o man.
As a 19 year old I worked alongside Eddie Thomas (Boxing) inside the school that day,I had driven my car to a position adjacent to the school across the valley,I worked at first on the roof of the school,there were so many people digging and we were getting nowhere,so I climbed through the window into the school to be confronted by a sight that will remain with me all my days.I was an Apprentice stonemason with Mountain Ash UDC my mate Ted Palmer from the village lost a niece in the tragedy.
@Runrigfantasy praying for you....for Ted Palmer and his family, and for you and your mind at having seen such horrors...may Healing come to you and to all those families and volunteers.... the officials who were so hardhearted need prayers too...of a different sort because their malady is far far worse than any injury those dear children and teachers suffered...
I worked there over the following week and we were taken care of by the Sally Army.I will never forget the children of Aberfan and I visit the graves every chance that I get when I return home to Wales from germany where I now live .I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this Film.Dave Williams
I remeber this day well, watching on our old black and white telly. As a 7 year old Welsh child I was terrified that this could happen to my school, too, as our village was also overlooked by imposing slag heaps, although not near any buildings as in Aberfan. I will never forget this day and the sadness and fear it brought to my family, and how we felt for those bereaved families and the lost little children and adults in this terrible, terible tradegy
I am remembering this awful anniversary today which is the day before my 43rd birthday. I was born the day after this terrible tragedy and my parents said they felt so sad that they were just about to become parents for the first time and all these poor children and adults had lost their life. I always say a silent prayer on the morning even though I wasn't actually there. Rest in peace all you little ones. Sue
OMG. How irritating this doesn't have the commentary. This has the best footage I have seen plus the interviews. I could really use this in my classroom. Most moving.
Get the audio back on here please (whoever removed it) - show some respect for the departed!! people need to be able to see and hear this documentary. Thank you
i absolutely agree with you, pobtro.. it is a disgrace and an afront to those who wish to mourn. This is obviously a sympathetic film-making and should not be hamstrung by rigid compliance to copyright laws on just the audio. This needs to be addressed.!
i think its a disgrace that youtube has muted this video its obviously a tribute to the disaster and a bit of common sense should of been used and left alone.
I was nine when the disaster occurred and still remember that day. I was a pupil at an army school in germany at the time. Special services were held in classrooms the next day with newspaper clippings tacked to the walls. I gave a week's pocket money to the fund and was 'delighted' to learn that the NCB got their mits on it. for 'cleaning up' operations.
Since then I have visited the memorial gardens while passing the area and paid my respects.
My Dad teaches student engineers and has used this documentary to stress the importance of getting the soil mechanics right. I know he would be very grateful if your commentary can be replaced as this documentary has been a very powerful tool. Hopefully any of the students he teaches will show more care and responsibility than was shown here.
NB the coal dust in the muck ignited due to friction -The kids char-broiled. Older kids on the way to their school were caught in the "blast" as it rushed by stripping them of clothes and inflicting terrible burns. The colliers had told of the danger but were considered too ill-educated to be listen to. The Government stole donations to families to make site safe. Repaid on 40th anniversary WITHOUT interest. The Government owned the pit & became invisible until
Sorry guys this has now been muted due tot he fact that I have music by Linkin Park in its contents even though this is only a college project and don't make any profit from.
Im glad you all liked it and have learned things that really should not be forgotten and I feel strongly about this. Rachel.x
@misshoppy Thank you so much for this disturbing but moving clip. I was eight at the time and now 52yrs. I can distinctly recall the teacher telling us about the disaster in class that very day and it has always stayed with me. I hope to one day visit the memorial and pay my respects. Thank you once again xx
@misshoppy they really complained about you using Linkin Park music for this?!?!? i am so sorry. it is that sort of greed that led to this disaster in the first place. How much top-profit money should one make for writing some music and performing it? or from digging up fuel out of the earth? a fair profit and reasonable and safe standards do not seem too much to ask...but no...they want obscene profits and could not care less about the safety or the consumers. Be decent and humane!
Over £1m was raised worldwide following this disaster, but only £50 went directly to those affected, also the people of Aberfan had to raise over £150,000 to remove the tips because the NCB refused to accept resposibily for this disaster. This is a well made documentary my friend. I was only a baby when this event happened and only learnt about it years later. Coming from a coal mining area, my grandfather was a collier, my sympathies are with the people of Aberfan. Great docaumentary pal.
that woz really good but sad, my dad told me my gramp when over to help from cumbach watchin that makes me more prowed to b welsh shows hw much ppl stick together and help eachother out x
The interviews really bring out the valley character. It shows why we're such a great country! And it shows how we were truly stabbed in the back by the English government. This was a crime against humanity, and heads should have rolled!
Ni anghofir byth blant diniwed Aberfan, bu farw o ganlyniad i ddiffyg gofal llywodraeth dra-arglwyddiaethus, di-ofal a di-gydwybod. Trychuneb mor ofnadwy.
The british government is terrible =[, our school is number 1 priority for something on the british board of education but after 2 years nothing has been done, i expect that the british government dont really care and that is why things like this happen R.I.P to all
bubby963- Yes, but I presume you mean the government of 1966 (Harold Wilson's)- a tragedy like this is highly unlikely to happen today. Industrial accidents were much more common then. Safety IS a bigger priority today.
I remember it like yesterday. I was nine and lived only a few miles away. This made me cry today as I watched, I was too young to understand the horror as a child. Shame on the NCB, shame on the British government.
I've just been at a drama course and we did a play on Aberfan. It was beautifully done. We were all very emotional about the subject and my heart goes out to everyone who lost their lives and to their families. I cannot stress enough how sad I was when our director told us the story. Most of us were in tears and the ones that weren't were strong people who very rarely cry. RIP precious souls.
"He's under the rubble". What a stoic stalwart Salt of the Earth Welsh woman is that lady. What a magnificent front. A Welsh miners wife. A rare breed.
I know it might seen churlish to be critcal given the subject matter, but if I can point to what for me was a weakness in the video, I would say it is the narration (not the content but the delivery) - but still a moving account. What reaction did you get from your tutor?
my grandfather roy smart attended aberfan he was one of the miners that helped.he came all the way from caerphilly.this is very sad and i think how lucky i am to have my children.r.i.p to all who sadly got taken away .u have gone to a place were no-one can hurt u now.god bless and sleep tightxxx
A quick look at Wiki's account of the disaster that was waiting to happen will also prove how the rich and powerful didn't do so badly. Those people would probably like to forget what happened that day (and why it happened).
Perhaps a number like 116 or 140 will jog their memories.
very sad and moving and so close to home, i live litrally the other side of Aberfan in the Cynon valley Mountain Ash and i remember my grandad saying he and all the other miners ran over the mountain to help.. an avoidable tradagy! why is it safety always comes second when money is involed in this country! it's disgusting!
A very sad and avoidable tragedy. Maybe if one is religious the grief may be less, but nonetheless, the loss is still great. A very well scripted and narrated documentary, which describes well the whole sad and tragic event. Thankyou.
Before the slag heap burried the school, the Headmaster had been complaining for years. He publicly stated that the debris would avalanche down on his school, but nothing was done.
The town's leaders were more afraid of having to close the mine and losing the jobs.
I find it absolutely disgraceful that a grieving village had to put up the money to remove the potential threat of the other tips. Where was the givernment in all of this? Surely they could have made the coal board remove them under order? A really good documentary. Well done.
My family were all from Glynneath,which is not far. Although this happened before my life, it is still so shocking and sad. Is there a remembrance service for this disaster?
Well done for making this film - and for choosing it as your project. My cousin John Evans was one of those miners who went to help. He found women clawing at the earth with their bare hands. He is a big man, well over 6ft, and he could not move them away.
That tip was a manifestation of greed - everyone who makes cuts to increase the profit margin should be shown your film.
I just showed my 12 year old son this documentary. I remember my parents the night it happened. Dad thought it was the pit behind his village school where he grew up as he heard the news on the train from London. So many villages were put in this situation. It could have been anyone of them. Those poor little children and teachers. I'll never forget....none of us will.
My Grandad was one of the miners there looking for the children, still today after all these years he still finds it hard to talk about it, the only thing he has told me about it is that he used to go to sleep at night and here the childrens cry's. Im verry proud of him for helping at tht sad time.
i went to visit after and was so scared what i seen you got to visit the graves to relise but end of the day do these assholes run the country care think about it and yes i did cry more than they will
A great documentary. Simple and honest. But very, very moving. 144 people, 116 of them children. Not the fault of the NCB, apparently. Which is why the money from donations had to be spent by the villagers on removing the remaining tips. "No, I'm afraid he's underneath the rubble". Can you imagine those brave words being spoken at such a tragedy today? So quietly, so hopefully, so politely? Those few words are enough to make anyone cry. Is it really only 40 years ago? Seems like a different age.
I remember this on the news and both my mother & father crying. Our family history was in the Scottish mines so this hit hard for them. But to Philip230357 you must remember that G-d did not creat the slag heaps - man did. G-d did not refuse to make them safe - man did. G-d was present in the hearts of the millions who watched, prayed, and donated to the village. Man will always find ways to do the WRONG things - we must trust G-d for the strength to cope when things go badly.
I hope Lord Roben Chairman of the NCB rots in hell for his arrogance,lack of sympathy and utter contempt of the people of Aberfan.He was a leader of at one time one of the most powerful industries in the world capable of wiping out their negligance the NCB.Was the demise of the NCB a bad thing after all I think not!!!
THAT MEANS GOODNIGHT LOVE
sandi43able 6 days ago
NOS DDA CARIAD
sandi43able 6 days ago
This is such a sick tragedy that's happened. The poor children+teachers+parents! Bless their hearts rest in peace thinking of you all x.
SophieHoskins97 2 weeks ago
so sad
RIP
matochi506 2 weeks ago
Here we are in 2012 worrying about the "credit crunch" and eurozone "debt crisis". Talk about a reality check. 144 people, 116 of them aged between 7 and 10 years killed needlessly in the blink of an eye. RIP the innocent babies of Aberfan.
joelg34 1 month ago 4
Rest In Peace
ValentineVagabond 2 months ago
OFF-Topic question : Why British coal industry was disbanded coal mines shut down and miners left unemployed? It's weird for me because for me every country should be as much independent as possible when it comes to energy supply .
garden2010city 3 months ago
RIP. So very sad.
BarbieMeg73 3 months ago
twq memories i will never forget ABERFAN 21st october 1966 and my youngest grandaughters birth 21st october 2011.
pendantbabs 3 months ago
oal board were a disgrace making the people pay to level their killer tip!!!.tony blair no better not paying interest on the money.and why did previous governments not pay the money back? rip all them that died
burnleyfan11965 3 months ago
thinking of those dear children and teaching staff and others 45 years later God bless xx
mrstaffytoots 4 months ago
You cant like this clip,you also not unlike this clip.A sad day for Wales 45 years ago today
PETEREM100 4 months ago
£50 POUND EACH PER FAMILY, 144 CHILDREN AND ADULTS DIED, 1MILLION POUNDS WAS DONATED TO THE FAMILYS, THE REST OF THE MONEY DISSAPEARED
pendantbabs 4 months ago
ABRFAN DISASTER MAN MADE????????? OH YES I THINK SO, WE WOULD NOT ACCEPT IT TO-DAY
pendantbabs 4 months ago
can we please have a follow up to this story? i know 45 years is a long time but i think 80% OF THIS COUNTRY would like to now xx.
pendantbabs 4 months ago
i was 16 years of age when disaster happened and 45 years later it is still a nightmare and i will watch this every day, my heart still goes out to these people who lost there children, daughters sons brothers and sisters parents and grandparents, the people my sound alright but believe me they were heartbroken xx.
pendantbabs 4 months ago
I watched a DVD called "aberfan, the disaster" after an hour of watching slag heaps sliding down mountains, schools being engulfed, and people dying in their homes, I could only conclude the disaster was on disc 2
Cancerape 4 months ago
I was doing my homework and i had to write what happend on my b-day and my b-day was on october 21st :O
bluethewolf222 5 months ago
@bluethewolf222 my b-day is on october 21st too :D
And I was doing my homework too but it was about Aberfan Disaster
anyone9991 5 months ago
Very moving and it brought back vivd memories from my childhood. Thank you for the piece.
yeojohn 5 months ago
so glad you did this. i have begged a couple friends who are authors to look into this before all the living witnesses are gone....for such a momentous disaster, there has not been enough, imho, witnessing and public attention.
revpgesq 5 months ago
my god i remember this as if it was yesterday,, and to this day the coalboard have not addmitted that they caused that disaster, life is soooooo cruel xx
pendantbabs 6 months ago
I was such a small child at the time. We were driving back from Cardiff to Abercanaid and the police stopped us on the road. We had to drive the long way home. And the worst thing is that we went on playing on the tips. For years. No-one told us the tips weren't safe. No one did anything.
TheMimifur 7 months ago
I cryed almost all the way through this sad reminder of my childhood. although living in the u/s now i can still remember the mass graves as you drive through that 1 valley. My heart still goes out to the people who lost a special family member or loved one which most did. Good speed my thoughts are still with all my welsh friends.
GT03235 8 months ago
Such a dreadful thing to happen. I was 10yrs old at the time this happened and was terribly upset by the disaster at the time. I am now 55, but am still brought to tears when I read or see anything related even after all this time. Those poor families, my heart goes out to them. The Coal Board (if it still exists) management team should be very very ashamed.
petcatznz 8 months ago
It wasn't fair for these children, they didn't even get the chance to grow up into adults.....
magmablood2 9 months ago
I was born 6 weeks after Aberfan disaster.
I was raised with the stories of the tragedy.
It's horror beyond comprehension.
The way the families were treated was a disgrace.
My thoughts are with everyone this terrible happening affected
X
kevinkoda 11 months ago
Thank you for posting. This brings a real pain in my heart. My mum, from Wales, would tell me about Aberfan when i was a child in the US & cry. Aberfan was something that touched my parents nerves at the very mention. Llke good Welsh parents, they talked, told me the stories, of Aberfan, the coal mines, the history. Now, as an adult, I know that this cruel disaster will never be forgotten, the names of the victims will be read for an eternity. This is why I am here. God bless. x
aliepally 11 months ago
I have been told that our family lost several (distant) cousins in this terrible event. I would have only been 2 years old at the time, so I remember nothing of it directly. Nevertheless I do still feel a great sense of loss and I'd just like to thank the creators of this exceptionally poignant documentary for their efforts.
From a scion of the Hopkin/Jones family.
Uinta1964 11 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What OTHER kind of Wood doesn't float? Kay Wood...
What? I'm killing all of you so you gain an appreciattion for DEATH and sanity instead of insanity and "gushing with empathy by visual cue"...like a fucking dog.
Almost got us a Yule fire here... Japan.. pick it up will ya?
I'm TOO SEXY.
The31415927 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
beautifully and poignantly told. A very moving piece so many congratulations well deserved. Brian Langtry
brianlangtry 11 months ago
beautifully and poignantly told. A very moving piece so many congratulations well deserved.
brianlangtry 11 months ago
)': So sad, I did a project on this disaster, and as i approched the cemetry i saw a mother of twins putting flower down, I was so upset, but the teacher who died in this disaster who tried to protect the chilfren in a corner,but sadly they all died, she was a real hero . R.I.P To all the children & teachers who died. so sad
struvs123 11 months ago
ahh lord those poor families and children>...........*sniff sniff*
Rinishka 11 months ago
HEY CHRIS WALLEY!!!!!
POLO!!!
REBECCA WITH A 'K', I LOVE YOU!!
Shortdude1993 11 months ago
Obviously, the last 2 comments, a mockery of the whole incident, were made by someone who cannot put a sentence together without using an expletive!, albeit abbreviated! Just to correct the below - it was a National Coal Board Slagheap, turning into slurry, which was directly attributable to the deaths of a generation of children, and teachers. Lest we NEVER forget! AND PLEASE - SHOW A MODICUM OF RESPECT FOR ALL WHO PASSED OVER THAT DAY!
truefactsth 1 year ago
We'll keep a welcome in the hillside...
The31415927 1 year ago
@The31415927 ......you just a gutless fuk who would not dare go to wales and open your filthy mouth with the same abusive remarks...cowardly fuk i hope you die a slow painful death ..hopefully you will be subjected to torture beyond horror...total coward...
agaichapter25 10 months ago
F*ing SLAG!
The31415927 1 year ago
6.54/7.10. Subtitles would be handy ?
MrJuno6 1 year ago
YES - IT WAS A HORRIBLE DAY FOR ALL MY FRIEND! - YET IT IS THE TRUTH - NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! IT IS AS CLEAR IN MY MIND NOW, AS IT WAS THEN. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE EVENTS OF THAT DAY OR SUBSEQUENT DAYS, AS LONG AS I LIVE!
truefactsth 1 year ago
:'( this is horrible. RIP to everyone that died <3
OneDirectionForeverx 1 year ago
Later, as the fund started, and toys and other donations started to come into the old Education Office Hall at Pontmorlais, I was there, helping - sorting! It will remain in my mind forever, and I`m so sorry to all who read that the order of my prose wrongly comes out in reverse - so read the lower comment firstly, then the middle, and lastly the top - and all will be in context. By the way, I am NOT the late Mr Beynon`s son - have not seen him for oh so long!
truefactsth 1 year ago
Furthermore, not a bird to be heard, or in sight - a huge rumle - the mist/fog lifted - to reveal the scene - the siren in the pit sounded - then it all began - the rest - is history! - Never to be forgotten - and God Forbid, never to happen ever again! - I hope! All that was 44 years ago - I was in my early teens then - but I can truly and honestly say that although not at the scene, I ` did my bit `. The miners needed feeding - I helped to serve in Merthyr Vale school
truefactsth 1 year ago
I remember that morning oh so well. Mr Beynon, the Deputy Head who died, cradling 2 children in his arms as the mudslide amassed them actually collected me, and his son, Philip, to take us to Cyfarthfa where we were pupils. He would be dead within the hour. It was a sunny day, I seem to recall, in Merthyr Tydfil that morning, but fom personal stories I have been told ( sources very close to me ) - as one drove into both Merthyr Vale and Aberfan that day - in the air - a strange eeriness.
truefactsth 1 year ago
I was only 13 when this tragedy occurred. As children we were being fed a diet of news reel horror from Vietnam and other man made conflicts / disasters. Our little emotions and senses were being blunted by such visual images at the time. So this hardly touched me when it occurred. I am now a parent of two lovely girls and it breaks my heart to see such images. I cannot believe the control and dignity of the bereaved. God bless those who died and God be with those who survived.
milliebut 1 year ago
2:50 that's a woman in major shock, she is so calm. Despite burning inside. Very British!
ojideagu 1 year ago
I was 12 when this happened. I was on the bus going to school and everyone was talking about it. When I got to school there were lots of children crying and our teacher was crying. The headmistress called an assembly for us all to pray for the people of Aberfan then the school was closed out of respect. I remember going back home on the bus and everyone was quiet or crying. This was in Swansea. I think I cried all week. I'll never forget Aberfan and I always cry when I see stories about it.
crimsonabsinthe 1 year ago
Comment removed
milliebut 1 year ago
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milliebut 1 year ago
Sad beyond words.
gracebawden 1 year ago
i was 7yrs old, but i remember my mother crying at all the news reports, its something so terrible it has always stayed with me.
grettoz 1 year ago
well done, very well made ............. made me sob . i was 8 i remember the news that day
kitkat6026 1 year ago
my great grandad died because of bad diseased lungs working in the mines Carnigee god rest your soul and my ggreat grandad we lost many men to the mines. So soooooo sad.
Romanchial 1 year ago
omggggggg! thats megarr sadd! i feel megarr sorry for themm tbhh://
Gemma;;xxxx
Gemma11Kaylee12 1 year ago
I WAS CLOSE TO ABERFAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND I WAS TELLING MY DAUGHTER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED HERE 40 YEARS AGO , I WAS CURIOUS WHY THIS DISASTER HAPPENED , ITS SHOCKING .GREAT DOCUMENTRY
2252604 1 year ago
This is a really good documentary about the Aberfan disaster.
Rhysyable 1 year ago
only £50 out of £1.5m? wow :(
bubby963 1 year ago
I remember this happening. The shock around the nation was incedible, all those small lives lst. It was heartbreaking.
Zorroscamp 1 year ago
@Zorroscamp I wasn't born until 14 years later but I should imagine for those like yourself who lived through this awful time, it is something that you remember for as long as you live
Moss235 1 year ago
we're doing work on this in school
TheBlueSoup 1 year ago
This terrible tragedy haunts the world and should never be forgotten. When I visited Wales, back in the '80s, we traveled near the village and I immediately remembered... Thank you for posting this. It is heartbreaking, horrible, but people need to know... ;(
Rhiannon12866 1 year ago
The national coal board were so cold hearted,to pull money out of the pokets of grieving people for a disaster that was all down to them.I wonder if their consience let them sleep at night,scum of the earth.
Carbon657 1 year ago 6
may their souls continue to rest in peace, Amen. Almost all the victims were those innocent kids and their teachers at school, if only the coal waste had held steady for few more hours, they would have been alive today!!! Last day at school before their holidays and death came calling. May the lord bless their souls Amen. Continue to rest in peace , Anem.
pinnacare1 1 year ago
I always knew this was a most terrible tradgedy whch could have been avoided,however i didnt know that the coal company refused to accept responsibilty and that the people affected had to foot the bill for the remaining waste to be removed.That is totaly awful.
Carbon657 1 year ago
:{ god rest all there souls makes me sooo sad crying now
jojolalafifi 1 year ago
very good
mrspivvy 1 year ago
my gran had friends who died in the disaster. so i feel a strong sense of compassion for all who were involved on that sad day. i was 6 when it happened, and my brother was 7. the same age as some of those beautiful little ones who perished. i send my deepest love to the people of Aberfan. may love and healing be around you always. all my love, xxxxx
yvetimms59 1 year ago
was up there today, to visit the Memorial, its a nice tribute, shocking but you feel peaceful. rip all x
ymlaencymru1 1 year ago
I saw a doco on this tragedy on cable tv and shed tears. Hell visited Aberfan that day. RIP to all those who died.....lest we forget.
lancemckellar 1 year ago
I remember this, it was terrible.
ann2shoes 1 year ago
gosh i have never herd of this, thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will pass this on so no one forgets....
bzylizzy 1 year ago
...no comment of this tradgedy
shadowkid543 1 year ago
When news of this terrible disaster came on the radio, my friend's dad left work in the West Midlands and rode his motorbike to Aberfan to try to help. A very well made documentry of a heartbreaking event.
BlackCountryBloke 1 year ago
Nobody can stay indifferent. Though it happened a long time ago and very far, I'm moved very much by the tragedy. RIP.
WitchSwamp 2 years ago
this is so sad
fannerboyz 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing this video. It's beautifully made. We must never forget this dreadful tragedy which could have been prevented.
JamesMorganLondon 2 years ago 2
lest we forget
LORDwilliamsDJ 2 years ago
I can`t imagine the panic going through the parents minds as they were digging for their children amidst tons of coal (my God). A tradgedy that could have been prevented, but a great tradgedy non the less. r.i.p the lost 144
NewWaveWiz 2 years ago
Me and my drama class are currently doing a play about the disaster that happened at aberfan. I am touched by this and all the survivores and parents quotes that we all learned and read. I hope we can film our play and put it on youtube. RIP children and teachers of the Aberfan School
Firechild14 2 years ago 7
@Firechild14
How strange I also did this in 1993 when at school
Moss235 2 years ago
Maybe drama teachers think that the subject of aberfan is moving when performed as a play
Firechild14 2 years ago
I was seven years old and living in Huntingdonshire when this tragedy happened. I still remember it very vividly. I remember my Mum crying. I remember the pictures. Your documentary is very well done. Thank you.
caitsmum 2 years ago 2
Just found out about this disaster from a welsh guys from the town today. fucken hell just terrible. I would have hung the mines management. Man o man.
goblinking169 2 years ago
A superb documentary, thanks very much for this.
themeekwanderer 2 years ago
rip children xxxxx
VdiamondheartV 2 years ago
As a 19 year old I worked alongside Eddie Thomas (Boxing) inside the school that day,I had driven my car to a position adjacent to the school across the valley,I worked at first on the roof of the school,there were so many people digging and we were getting nowhere,so I climbed through the window into the school to be confronted by a sight that will remain with me all my days.I was an Apprentice stonemason with Mountain Ash UDC my mate Ted Palmer from the village lost a niece in the tragedy.
Runrigfantasy 2 years ago 8
@Runrigfantasy praying for you....for Ted Palmer and his family, and for you and your mind at having seen such horrors...may Healing come to you and to all those families and volunteers.... the officials who were so hardhearted need prayers too...of a different sort because their malady is far far worse than any injury those dear children and teachers suffered...
revpgesq 5 months ago
I worked there over the following week and we were taken care of by the Sally Army.I will never forget the children of Aberfan and I visit the graves every chance that I get when I return home to Wales from germany where I now live .I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this Film.Dave Williams
Runrigfantasy 2 years ago 3
Thanks for this mate. Why not research where all that money went ?
3NUNS 2 years ago
I can't find words,to describe my feelings.I was a small boy,I remember this.I've never forgotton it X
ramone112 2 years ago
still an incredible and chilling documentary achievement here
2:48, that brave mother, amazing hope and heart-breaking resignation
martinevans123 2 years ago
Intensely moving, and a very good documentary. Thank you very much for sharing it with us, Rachel. May they all rest in peace...
Gwedephine 2 years ago
I remeber this day well, watching on our old black and white telly. As a 7 year old Welsh child I was terrified that this could happen to my school, too, as our village was also overlooked by imposing slag heaps, although not near any buildings as in Aberfan. I will never forget this day and the sadness and fear it brought to my family, and how we felt for those bereaved families and the lost little children and adults in this terrible, terible tradegy
observer3438 2 years ago
I am remembering this awful anniversary today which is the day before my 43rd birthday. I was born the day after this terrible tragedy and my parents said they felt so sad that they were just about to become parents for the first time and all these poor children and adults had lost their life. I always say a silent prayer on the morning even though I wasn't actually there. Rest in peace all you little ones. Sue
SueTye1 2 years ago 2
beautiful tribute and very moving, well done x
lamplass88 2 years ago
Thanks, this help me soo much with my welsh home work, Thumbs up
TheXShadowXvampire 2 years ago
Well done!
Incidentally, it appears the sound is back on.
WpgLwr007 2 years ago
Thank you all for your comments, I am trying to solve the audio problems. Hopefully it will be resolved very soon.
Rachel.x
misshoppy 2 years ago
Aberfan is not forgotten X
ramone112 2 years ago 2
What a wonderful presentation...Would it be possible to send me the original video with audio so i could use this at university ?
Thanks
MrWelshegg 2 years ago
OMG. How irritating this doesn't have the commentary. This has the best footage I have seen plus the interviews. I could really use this in my classroom. Most moving.
lascauxII 2 years ago
Get the audio back on here please (whoever removed it) - show some respect for the departed!! people need to be able to see and hear this documentary. Thank you
LindsayT7 2 years ago
A terrible shame there is no audio.
uberglove 2 years ago
i absolutely agree with you, pobtro.. it is a disgrace and an afront to those who wish to mourn. This is obviously a sympathetic film-making and should not be hamstrung by rigid compliance to copyright laws on just the audio. This needs to be addressed.!
Cymro1971 2 years ago
i think its a disgrace that youtube has muted this video its obviously a tribute to the disaster and a bit of common sense should of been used and left alone.
pobtrons 2 years ago 4
I was nine when the disaster occurred and still remember that day. I was a pupil at an army school in germany at the time. Special services were held in classrooms the next day with newspaper clippings tacked to the walls. I gave a week's pocket money to the fund and was 'delighted' to learn that the NCB got their mits on it. for 'cleaning up' operations.
Since then I have visited the memorial gardens while passing the area and paid my respects.
How could I not?
LudgerBW 3 years ago 2
My Dad teaches student engineers and has used this documentary to stress the importance of getting the soil mechanics right. I know he would be very grateful if your commentary can be replaced as this documentary has been a very powerful tool. Hopefully any of the students he teaches will show more care and responsibility than was shown here.
telfordp110 3 years ago
NB the coal dust in the muck ignited due to friction -The kids char-broiled. Older kids on the way to their school were caught in the "blast" as it rushed by stripping them of clothes and inflicting terrible burns. The colliers had told of the danger but were considered too ill-educated to be listen to. The Government stole donations to families to make site safe. Repaid on 40th anniversary WITHOUT interest. The Government owned the pit & became invisible until
phoebepeploe 3 years ago
Sorry guys this has now been muted due tot he fact that I have music by Linkin Park in its contents even though this is only a college project and don't make any profit from.
Im glad you all liked it and have learned things that really should not be forgotten and I feel strongly about this. Rachel.x
misshoppy 3 years ago
Hi there. Any chance you can send me the original. I do drama work based on the drama and your footage and interviews look most moving. Moira
lascauxII 2 years ago
@misshoppy Thank you so much for this disturbing but moving clip. I was eight at the time and now 52yrs. I can distinctly recall the teacher telling us about the disaster in class that very day and it has always stayed with me. I hope to one day visit the memorial and pay my respects. Thank you once again xx
shirlnw99 6 months ago
@misshoppy they really complained about you using Linkin Park music for this?!?!? i am so sorry. it is that sort of greed that led to this disaster in the first place. How much top-profit money should one make for writing some music and performing it? or from digging up fuel out of the earth? a fair profit and reasonable and safe standards do not seem too much to ask...but no...they want obscene profits and could not care less about the safety or the consumers. Be decent and humane!
revpgesq 5 months ago
I was 9yrs old when this tradgey happened, we were all in shock. All the schools took a silent prayer for these poor inocent victims.
timmiesgirl1957 3 years ago
Thanks for making that video. I have just finished reading a book about the trajedy. So where did all the financial aid that was sent go!!!!!!!!
jobirgheidi 3 years ago
Over £1m was raised worldwide following this disaster, but only £50 went directly to those affected, also the people of Aberfan had to raise over £150,000 to remove the tips because the NCB refused to accept resposibily for this disaster. This is a well made documentary my friend. I was only a baby when this event happened and only learnt about it years later. Coming from a coal mining area, my grandfather was a collier, my sympathies are with the people of Aberfan. Great docaumentary pal.
billybop65 3 years ago
Writer is 5th from the right at 1 min 44 secs.
Not shown is Prince Charles(Prince Of Wales) who is just out of shot in the very same line.
Also not shown is that everyone was in tears.
caractacus3 3 years ago
that woz really good but sad, my dad told me my gramp when over to help from cumbach watchin that makes me more prowed to b welsh shows hw much ppl stick together and help eachother out x
tttka91 3 years ago
The interviews really bring out the valley character. It shows why we're such a great country! And it shows how we were truly stabbed in the back by the English government. This was a crime against humanity, and heads should have rolled!
Ni anghofir byth blant diniwed Aberfan, bu farw o ganlyniad i ddiffyg gofal llywodraeth dra-arglwyddiaethus, di-ofal a di-gydwybod. Trychuneb mor ofnadwy.
ronaldinhollew 3 years ago
No words could ever describe the tragic loss of life that day......
penfloyd 3 years ago
i was 5 yrs old when this happenend and i remember it. i am 47 now. those poor children.
viviennewebster1 3 years ago
Really amazing.
kittenball1 3 years ago
one word OUTSTANDING
caerleonborn 3 years ago
The british government is terrible =[, our school is number 1 priority for something on the british board of education but after 2 years nothing has been done, i expect that the british government dont really care and that is why things like this happen R.I.P to all
bubby963 3 years ago
bubby963- Yes, but I presume you mean the government of 1966 (Harold Wilson's)- a tragedy like this is highly unlikely to happen today. Industrial accidents were much more common then. Safety IS a bigger priority today.
CULAVE 3 years ago
I was at the drama course too, we even got to speak with a survivor, Gaynor. We were all crying and the songs were so sweet.
JennMandaVids 3 years ago
I remember it like yesterday. I was nine and lived only a few miles away. This made me cry today as I watched, I was too young to understand the horror as a child. Shame on the NCB, shame on the British government.
witchespoint 3 years ago
I was 6 but can still remember crying .
I will always remember that day
nytramrellim 3 years ago
I've just been at a drama course and we did a play on Aberfan. It was beautifully done. We were all very emotional about the subject and my heart goes out to everyone who lost their lives and to their families. I cannot stress enough how sad I was when our director told us the story. Most of us were in tears and the ones that weren't were strong people who very rarely cry. RIP precious souls.
xxxxxxxxxx
psychofairy52264 3 years ago
hi its Jennifer from YMT
JennMandaVids 3 years ago
The last day of term ? I didnt know that; Poor Souls; Bless them;
MommyDearest65 3 years ago
Brilliant work! Although I have to ask, why is it that children or innocent people are most of the victims in tragedys?
leafninja1415 3 years ago 2
Well done. No ... brilliantly done. Thsnks.
ChifleyLIB 3 years ago
Beautifully done,thankyou for posting.So sad,those brave wonderful people.
sliby01 3 years ago 2
my father was in the army and he aided in digging the children out. he says its a sight he'll never forget.
charlieglue 3 years ago
"He's under the rubble". What a stoic stalwart Salt of the Earth Welsh woman is that lady. What a magnificent front. A Welsh miners wife. A rare breed.
BlackCountryLad 3 years ago 3
I remember Aberfan. It stunned the whole of Britain. The miners lot. Tragic it was.
BlackCountryLad 3 years ago
RIP - Aberfan
samboe88 3 years ago
I was born October 21, 1966. I feel some sort of connection to this incredible tragedy. I would like to visit Aberfan one day.
BLACKMAGICNIGHT 3 years ago
Nicely done.
harwetopa 3 years ago
A shy and fragile leaf now greens in a bright and plastic room, on tender stem it offers forth to cast its earthen womb.
Fed by a valley's tears that watched it leaf and grow, to tell of ones that sleep the night
In Aberfan below.
One day those sleepy flowers will leave that sunsealed land, and wink away the night that no one understands.
To tell us why that summer fades in a single afternoon, and why that day in Aberfan did autumn come so soon?
su79nioj 3 years ago
I know it might seen churlish to be critcal given the subject matter, but if I can point to what for me was a weakness in the video, I would say it is the narration (not the content but the delivery) - but still a moving account. What reaction did you get from your tutor?
snapshotofharlech 4 years ago
my grandfather roy smart attended aberfan he was one of the miners that helped.he came all the way from caerphilly.this is very sad and i think how lucky i am to have my children.r.i.p to all who sadly got taken away .u have gone to a place were no-one can hurt u now.god bless and sleep tightxxx
cezplyr520 4 years ago 2
rip 2 all the children and teachers that lost their lives on this tragic day
playgirl20078 4 years ago
A quick look at Wiki's account of the disaster that was waiting to happen will also prove how the rich and powerful didn't do so badly. Those people would probably like to forget what happened that day (and why it happened).
Perhaps a number like 116 or 140 will jog their memories.
Hats off to you, Aberfan. TS.
timboslayer 4 years ago
very sad and moving and so close to home, i live litrally the other side of Aberfan in the Cynon valley Mountain Ash and i remember my grandad saying he and all the other miners ran over the mountain to help.. an avoidable tradagy! why is it safety always comes second when money is involed in this country! it's disgusting!
pdrums777 4 years ago
A very sad and avoidable tragedy. Maybe if one is religious the grief may be less, but nonetheless, the loss is still great. A very well scripted and narrated documentary, which describes well the whole sad and tragic event. Thankyou.
Gobblercat 4 years ago
This is really well done,
And has helped me with my GCSE loads!
thanks so much.
almost cried aswell :(
unasaki 4 years ago
Before the slag heap burried the school, the Headmaster had been complaining for years. He publicly stated that the debris would avalanche down on his school, but nothing was done.
The town's leaders were more afraid of having to close the mine and losing the jobs.
MondoBeno 4 years ago
can richdinick hec
toothygeek 4 years ago
@toothygeek what? is this polish? did you lose control of the keyboard? please post a translation.
cinnamonbrandylite 3 years ago
what?...
toothygeek 3 years ago
I didn't understand 'can richdinick hek', posted a year ago by toothygeek. If I know what language it is, I can use babelfish.
Not that important - I just would like to know is it praise for the video, criticism, or what.
Helen
cinnamonbrandylite 2 years ago
Neither.
toothygeek 2 years ago
I find it absolutely disgraceful that a grieving village had to put up the money to remove the potential threat of the other tips. Where was the givernment in all of this? Surely they could have made the coal board remove them under order? A really good documentary. Well done.
chizzywoo 4 years ago 2
My family were all from Glynneath,which is not far. Although this happened before my life, it is still so shocking and sad. Is there a remembrance service for this disaster?
djcox101 4 years ago
Well done for making this film - and for choosing it as your project. My cousin John Evans was one of those miners who went to help. He found women clawing at the earth with their bare hands. He is a big man, well over 6ft, and he could not move them away.
That tip was a manifestation of greed - everyone who makes cuts to increase the profit margin should be shown your film.
Corcochion 4 years ago 3
Poor children and adults. My parents were four years old then. Well done to everyone who tried to help.
KevCityboy 4 years ago
I just showed my 12 year old son this documentary. I remember my parents the night it happened. Dad thought it was the pit behind his village school where he grew up as he heard the news on the train from London. So many villages were put in this situation. It could have been anyone of them. Those poor little children and teachers. I'll never forget....none of us will.
simon4189 4 years ago
My Grandad was one of the miners there looking for the children, still today after all these years he still finds it hard to talk about it, the only thing he has told me about it is that he used to go to sleep at night and here the childrens cry's. Im verry proud of him for helping at tht sad time.
bethld1985 4 years ago 3
i went to visit after and was so scared what i seen you got to visit the graves to relise but end of the day do these assholes run the country care think about it and yes i did cry more than they will
mountain002 4 years ago
things will never change think of mr brown
mountain002 4 years ago
A great documentary. Simple and honest. But very, very moving. 144 people, 116 of them children. Not the fault of the NCB, apparently. Which is why the money from donations had to be spent by the villagers on removing the remaining tips. "No, I'm afraid he's underneath the rubble". Can you imagine those brave words being spoken at such a tragedy today? So quietly, so hopefully, so politely? Those few words are enough to make anyone cry. Is it really only 40 years ago? Seems like a different age.
martinevans123 4 years ago 2
It does seem like a different age - I remember it though.
FIFEKET 4 years ago
I remember this on the news and both my mother & father crying. Our family history was in the Scottish mines so this hit hard for them. But to Philip230357 you must remember that G-d did not creat the slag heaps - man did. G-d did not refuse to make them safe - man did. G-d was present in the hearts of the millions who watched, prayed, and donated to the village. Man will always find ways to do the WRONG things - we must trust G-d for the strength to cope when things go badly.
vegetation6 4 years ago 2
Bravo! Well said!
harwetopa 3 years ago
evan people from merthyr vale went to the school as well so a generation is missing from the two villages
gingerbadboy 4 years ago
This and the Dunblane shootings really got to me.
vitoduval 4 years ago
Very sad, a lot of people had premonitions of this including my dad. RIP
billybingo2006 4 years ago
I hope Lord Roben Chairman of the NCB rots in hell for his arrogance,lack of sympathy and utter contempt of the people of Aberfan.He was a leader of at one time one of the most powerful industries in the world capable of wiping out their negligance the NCB.Was the demise of the NCB a bad thing after all I think not!!!
RYAN2642 4 years ago