Aberfan - 40 years on

dinahsmum · 21-10-2006, 09:10 AM

I suppose only a small proportion of members (the more mature element

) will remember the disaster happening? I do, and remember that it was a huge news story. I hate to think what current media would make of the story if it happened now ... think it would become a ghoul-fest.
I was a bit surprised that they did a minute silence before the Heineken Cup rugby at Ospreys v Sale last night. More than surpised actually - irritated. Don't see how that can help anyone and think it may do more harm.
There was a radio article this morning saying that residents actually hate anniversaries as they are never able to 'forget' (how could they?) when reporters descend and bring back memories.
Think if I had lost a child(ren) there I would have wanted to pack up and head for Canada or Australia. You wonder just how those parents (who should now be grandparents or great grandparents) ever managed to carry on.

CathyW · 21-10-2006, 11:35 AM

RIP little children.

yola · 21-10-2006, 12:07 PM

I don't really remember it at the time, being only tiny - but I remember my Mum telling me about it a lot. I suppose as she'd just recently had her 1st child at the time (me), it made quite an impact on her as a new mother.

I too suspect I would have liked to get as far away from the memories as possible, but maybe others feel that they are somehow deserting their lost children if they moved away. Either way - a devastating tragedy for all involved and I agree DM, worth a quiet, reflective thought rather than some kind of mawkish 'remembrance'.

alexgirl73 · 21-10-2006, 01:37 PM

I wasn't born when this happened, but I remember hearing about it over the years. I feel that as the years pass, then quiet reflection is better than huge public services, but I also suppose it depends on the wishes of those left behind. God bless all those lost and their families.

Naomi · 21-10-2006, 01:40 PM

In our local school they had a special assembly whereby the teachers told the local children the story of Aberfan. I thought it was a good thing to do as most children were not aware of the tragedy.

For one village to loose so many of their inhabitants in one day is devestating. I'm surprised that there is an Aberfan to talk of today but it's good to see that Aberfan has managed to pick itself up and carry on. I'd have up'd sticks and left if I had been there.

My heart goes out to all those who were affected

Kim · 21-10-2006, 07:44 PM

I was only 4 when this tragedy happened, but remember being told about it when I was old enough to understand and we also did something about it at school. I remember we had to do some sort of dance preetending we were trapped in the school, even at that age I thought that a bit bizarre.

RIP little children, so incredibly sad, even now.

logoes · 21-10-2006, 08:01 PM

I remember it well, we only had a black and white TV then, I think it would have been even more horrific in colour. With a baby of my own I found it doubly sad. I also had a friend with whom I had lost touch who came from the valley and I've always wondered if she was anywhere near. Each time Aberfan is mentioned I wonder once again. Logoes

Welcome to our Cat Forums!
				Welcome to our CatForums! You are seeing this message because you are viewing our cat forums as a guest. You can continue to browse our many cat related areas as a guest but you are more than welcome to register and join our friendly community of Cat Lovers! ... And for free! Doing so will also remove this message and some of the ads, such as the one on the left. Please click here to register.