Aberfan memorial tree carries a leaf for each of the 144 victims
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A memorial tree at Ynysowen Community Primary School carries 144 leaves, one for each person killed in the Aberfan disaster. The Prince of Wales unveiled the sculpture on Wednesday 21 October. Details published by Merthyr Tydfil council on Friday explain how the design remembers the victims and involves a new generation of pupils.
The meaning of the leaves and doves
Silver leaves honour the children who died, gold leaves commemorate school staff and green leaves remember residents. Eight doves rise from the tree to represent the eight classrooms of Pantglas Junior School. Rhayader metalwork company ArtMetal made the sculpture, which was commissioned by Ynysowen school. Pupils contributed drawings and ideas to help shape its design.
A place for remembrance and learning
The council says Clogau Gold helped fund the project. It describes the memorial as a permanent place for reflection, remembrance and education. The unveiling formed part of the disaster’s 60th-anniversary commemorations.
Background and supporting figures
Where this sits
144leaves each represent one victim;8doves represent eight classrooms. The design preserves individual remembrance without identifying people.
Council released detail23October about an unveiling21October, a distinct design report from the already-covered royal speech.