We’re thrilled to share our heritage film with you following Voices of the Valley.
This event was a true celebration of community and history, which provides a great source of inspiration for Wildfox in how we can embody the spirit of the Valleys and the ethos of its industrial heritage and capture the dramatic ties to the landscape into resort design.
Our sincere thanks go to our partners who supported us with the event, community members who shared their stories and to the South Wales Miners Museum who have worked tirelessly to safeguard the history of coal mining for future generations.
“Voices of the Valley was an opportunity for us all to reconnect and celebrate the Afan Valley and neighbouring communities. We welcome the opportunity for Wildfox Resorts to celebrate the industrial history of the Valleys and the role it has played in communities here for centuries. The event gave us a chance to look back, reflect and most importantly, learn more about the unique and personable history of the area and its communities.
“We were touched by some of the stories and artefacts shared, and were left with a great sense of pride and excitement for our future plans. Thank you again to all those that attended and helped us along the way – it was a team effort and hopefully the start of many more occasions to come” – Claire Pearce, Director of Sustainability and Development at Wildfox Resorts.
Voices of the Valley reflected the ongoing work being delivered by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council who recently launched their draft Heritage Strategy, which aims to ‘Restore, Regenerate, Repurpose’.
Cllr Steven Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council spoke at the South West Miners Museum – “We will continue to work hard to facilitate positive investment into the area, championing our heritage and connect and transition our communities to new opportunities. The Wildfox Resorts focus on adventure and wellbeing is a natural fit with the dramatic landscape of the area and gritty backbone of the mining communities we are all proud of.”
The occasion was not only filled with incredible stories, but incredible music too. The boom in coal mining sparked the formation of Welsh male choirs up and down the country, in representation of the teamwork and comradeship of miners; and once industry declined, choirs soon became a sense of purpose and pride for many.
We were very pleased to be joined by the Maesteg Gleeman who performed a rendition of songs that reflected the local Valleys. The group proudly showcased the social, industrial and cultural ties between mining and Welsh musicality, which raised many hairs, and the need for tissues among the room!
John Summers from the Maesteg Gleeman said “The Maesteg Gleemen were proud to support Wildfox Resort’s heritage event. We have been going for 65 years and the choir plays an important role in all our lives and brings us so much joy. We chose to sing a number of songs that paid respect to our mining heritage including ‘Working Man’, and the atmosphere created and conversations held on the day was touching to be a part of”.
This filmed has been created and produced by local photographer, David Griffin - https://davidgriffin.co.uk/