Join Llafur, in collaboration with the Cyfarthfa Foundation, to explore the rich history of Merthyr and the next steps in the story of its heritage. Including a variety of talks, panel discussions and the inaugural Cyfarthfa Foundation public lecture. Also including the Llafur AGM 2025.
As part of Cyfartha’s bicentenary year, we are pleased to share that the Cyfarthfa Foundation have been working in partnership with Welsh People’s History Society, Llafur, to host their annual conference here in Merthyr Tydfil. This exciting event will take place around the theme of ‘History and Heritage in Merthyr’ and will be held in Theatr Soar on Saturday 29th November.
The day will also see the inaugural ‘Cyfarthfa Foundation Public Lecture’ take place, hosted by special guest Dr Stephanie Ward.
Programme
- 9.45-10.00 – Welcome – Cyfarthfa Foundation & Llafur
- 10.00-10.20 – Keynote: Geraint Talfan Davies (Chair, Cyfarthfa Foundation) - A new Cyfarthfa - which stories to tell?
- 10.20-11.30 - Industrial beginnings
Dr Marian Gwyn - Iron and Empire - Anthony Bacon and the global roots of Cyfarthfa
Huw Williams - A Crawshay Comes to Town!
- 11.30-11.40 – Short break
- 11.40-13.00 - Politics, society and internationalism
Dr Marion Löffler - Merthyr's European Connections
Dr Martin Wright - James Keir Hardie MP: Merthyr, Wales and the World
- 13.00-14.00 – Break (Llafur AGM, 13.15-13.45)
- 14.00-15.10 – History, culture and art
Professor Jane Aaron - Representing the ‘New Woman’ in Wales: Remembering Ursula Masson
Dr Peter Wakelin - Activism and Inspiration: Dowlais and the Merthyr artists
- 15.10-15.20 – Short break
- 15.20-16.20 – Panel - The Stories We Tell - History, Heritage and Next Steps
Chaired by Jess Mahoney (Chief Executive, Cyfarthfa Foundation)
- 16.20-16.30 - Closing remarks
- 16.30-17.00 – Break
Cyfarthfa Foundation Public Lecture | Darlith Gyhoeddus Sefydliad Cyfarthfa, 17.00-18.00:
Dr Stephanie Ward - The Women of Merthyr: Town, Region and Nation | Merched Merthyr: Tref, Rhanbarth a Chenedl
This event will take place in-person, is free to attend and a warm welcome is extended to all!
Tea and coffee will be provided during the breaks throughout the day. Light buffet options will also be provided in the break after 4.30pm, before the Cyfarthfa Foundation Public Lecture.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to attend or have any queries about accessibility for this event, please contact us via enquiries@llafur.org