Friends of the Mid
Preserving and celebrating our unique heritage
Looking Ahead
In 2024 the Tonypandy Heritage Partnership is submitting a bid for Heritage Lottery Funding.
Part of that bid will be used to create a heritage trail around the perimeter of the Mid Rhondda Athletic Field celebrating its unique sporting, political and social history.
The heritage trail will link with the one created at the Cambrian Countryside Park.
We are currently seeking permission to create a mural on the side of Iceland, Tonypandy, which was once the site of the Empire Theatre of Varieties..
Back to the Future
The late and much-lamented Paul Nagle was integral to the success of our campaign. Paul once stopped the great John Bevan from scoring a try in a corner of the field.
We intend to erect a plaque in Paul's honour.
John Geraint was a successful TV producer. He is one of our Vice-Presidents. John hosts the highly popular podcast 'John on the Rhondda'.
This year he won funding from the Heritage Lottery to establish Heritage Radio sites across the Rhondda. One is planned for the Mid.
The tip in the photograph is now the site of Ysgol Nantgwyn.
Working with other organisations like Rhondda Radio, Friends of the Mid aims to help reconnect the community with its unique history. We all have stories to tell and a greater understanding of our past can only instil in us a greater sense of pride in knowing where we come from, our roots.
THANK YOU!
A big thank you to everyone who shared their stories about the Mid and what it meant to them and, also, to all those who have registered as Friends of the Mid.
WHAT NEXT?
Friends of the Mid intend to keep you informed of any new developments regarding the Mid Rhondda Athletic Field, and we will also seek your views and opinions.
Although the Mid is back in council hands there remains exciting possibilities as to how it can best be utilised to provide a special place for the whole community.
We will hold our AGM early in the New Year and are currently seeking a new treasurer.
If anyone is interested, please email:
philiprowlands@ymail.com
