BHG Newsletter - Brymbo Heritage Project

Edition 1
June 2015
Brymbo & Tanyfron Community Newsletter
25 Years since the Closure of Brymbo Steel Works
The 27th September 2015 will mark 25 years since the closure of Brymbo Steel works. The
Steelworks and former Iron works has a rich industrial history and in order to
commemorate there will be a number of events held in Brymbo throughout September.
In 1792, the great
‘Ironmaster’ John
Wilkinson purchased
the 500 acres that
made up the Brymbo
Hall estate, moving
his ironworks from
the less mineral-rich
Bersham. The
ironworks thrived under Wilkinson’s
management until his death in 1808, which
resulted in production being low and
eventually closure in 1832 due to trading
conditions. Robert Roy reopened the works in
1840, with the involvement of Henry
Robertson and the Darby family from 1842
onwards being instrumental in expanding the
ironworks.
Brymbo became the first site in Britain to
use modern methods to produce steel,
with its reputation for quality growing
worldwide. By 1959, Brymbo become one
of the few steel plants in the UK to adopt
‘All Electric Arc’ furnaces.
Iron remained the main product of Brymbo
until 1883, when steel trials were undertaken.
The trails with steel making proved to be
successful, with Brymbo entering full steel
production by 1885 with the basic open hearth
process.
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The last steel was made at Brymbo on
September 27th 1990, with the gradual
closure of each department following.
Help us to commemorate 25
years since the Steelworks
closure by getting involved
with some of the proposed
events running throughout
September such as:
Exhibitions
Children’s Workshops
Community Choir
Stalls
Performances
Alternatively, you can let us
know your ideas on how you
can help
“I’m delighted
to see the
community
coming
together to
mark this
important
anniversary in
Brymbo’s
history”
Colin Davies,
Chair of Brymbo
Heritage Group
Brymbo & Tanyfron Community Newsletter
Page 2
Commemorate at the Crick- Saturday 5th September
Afternoon Exhibition of Brymbo
Iron & Steelworks Memorabilia
This commemorative exhibition will
include photos of the former Iron &
steel works along with a range of
artifacts dating back to 1790s.
Plus there will be a selection of the
fossils uncovered on site dating back
to over 300,000,000 years ago!
The exhibition will be held between
1.30-4.30pm at the Brymbo Sports
and Social Complex.
Month of
Proposed
Events
so far!
Anyone with any relevant items that
could be included in the exhibition—
Please contact Mr Gareth Lloyd on
(01978) 752577.
Local Male Vocalist Davi Chris
+
70’s & 80’s Tribute Band
One Stop Boogie
+
Disco
Tickets: £6.00
On Sale at the end of July
Evening Entertainment 7.30pm till
Late
*There will be a raffle on the night with all proceeds going towards
erecting a memorial on the roundabout on the new road.
The Kids get Creative - 11th September 2015
On 11th September children from at least 5 local Primary
Schools will explore the rich heritage of the former Steel &
Iron works.
The pupils will take a tour of the Steel works site to see how it
stands today as well as gaining insight into its past and plans
for the future.
The children will also take part in 2 workshops hosted at
Brymbo Enterprise Centre. In the morning they will take part
in an art workshop and in the afternoon all the students will
come together in a workshop with Wrexham’s Community
Choir. All pupils will be invited to take part in live performances at the Commemoration Event taking place at the
Steel works on the 27th September.
Brymbo & Tanyfron Community
Page 3
Rememberance Service with Pupils Friday 25th September
In the morning of
Friday 25th
September, there
will be an informal
Church service with
pupils from local
schools in St Mary’s
Church, Brymbo, led
by Canon Pam
Powell.
“It is so important that our youth understand the significance of the rich history
of the area and its importance for the
future in which we can make a
difference”.
Canon Chancellor Pam Powell
Included in the
service will be
performances of
songs prepared by
local schools earlier
in the month in
conjunction with
Wrexham Community
Choir.
The service will be
centered around
remembrance,
gratitude, loss and
looking forward to
the future of Brymbo
and its regeneration.
Remember The Past, Celebrate The Future - 27th September 2015
The last steel was rolled
in Brymbo Steelworks on
27th 1990. To
commemorate this,
Brymbo Heritage Group
are organizing a day
long commemoration
event held at the
Former Iron and
Steelworks.
 Tours
 Stalls from local groups
 Performances (including
If you would like to get
involved in the preparations for
this day please contact us using
the information overleaf.
Wrexham Community Choir)
 Storytelling (see below)
 Light Show & Fireworks
 Ghost Tours and more!
Some of the events
include:
Sharing Your Stories
Brymbo Heritage Group want to revive the tradition
of stories being passed from generation to
generation but we need you to help us!
We will work with you when required to help you
craft your story and build your confidence
The aim is for a small group of people to share their
stories
with others during the commemoration event
on 27th September.
For more information please contact Kasia on
[email protected] / 0800 772 0981
Dates for the Diary
Proposed Commemorative Events
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Saturday 5th September, Commemorative Exhibition during the day from 1.30-4.30pm &
Cabaret/ Music Concert 7.30pm till late- Brymbo Sports & Social Complex
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Friday 11th September, Brymbo Steel works Past & Present school workshop
Brymbo Enterprise Centre.
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Friday 25th September, Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church, followed by
Commemorative Performances by Wrexham Community Choir
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Sunday 27th September, Commemorative Open Day at the Former Iron and Steel works
including tours, talks, stalls, performances including Brymbo Male Voice Choir and a music
concert with a Light Show & Fire works.
Other Up & Coming Local Events
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Friday 26th June, 3.15—5.00pm St Mary’s School Summer Fair
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Saturday 5th September 2pm, Autumn Fair
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Messy Church, 11am, 5th, 12th, 26th August, Brymbo School, 11am, 19th August Bwlchgwyn
Community Hall
For more info, to get involved and
to stay updated…
Brymbo Heritage Events
Email:
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Saturday 4th July, Wrexham History
Fair, 9am—4pm, Wrexham Museum
[email protected]
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Saturday 15th August, Open
Day,10am - 4pm, Former Iron and
Steel works
Website:
www.brymboheritage.co.uk/commemoration