Memorial Clock Appeal
Stop Press: The newly restored clock was returned to Treharris Library on Tuesday, 7th November 2006 - why not call to have a look at it one evening as it is now has an illuminated face. Please help to look after it
Good news from Groundwork Trust. It appears that they have secured a grant to do much of the refurbishment needed to the area either side of the clock. Details to follow....
Update 16 February 2007, Some time since the original commitment and verbal confirmation of funding, Groundwork have written to us to inform us that they have "formally dropped" the scheme from their programme.
They had committed to provide the following key elements after the repairs to the clock:
1. Moving the later commemorative plaque to the right hand side of the original entrance
2. Providing a gravel base each side for commemorative crosses
3. Replacing the existing wreath holder and adding a new wreath holder to the right hand side of the entrance
4. Alter the railing on the right hand side to allow access to the new wreath holder, etc
Background to the scheme
Not everyone in the area realises that the clock fixed to Treharris Library is the official war memorial for the village.
A combination of factors requires major refurbishment of the clock and an official appeal will be launched shortly.
The target amount is £7,000
Objective set last year:
"We aim to raise the funds by August 2006".
Outcome?
Funds needed for repair were raised by April 2006!
We are please to announce that due to a combination of grants and personal donations the fund stands at £7,004.33 as of 20 April 2006.
We had an initial donation of £2,300 from a local fund administered by the three local ward councillors and number of charitable, institutional and personal gifts.
The order has been placed and the clock is due to be collected on 12th September to ensure that it is returned "as new" before the 11 November deadline.
Collections are still being made, including personal donation of £100 on the 22 August and we are continuing the collection to ensure that the clock and site are refurbished by 2007.
You can make your contribution directly into the fund by paying into:
HSBC Bank:
Treharris Memorial Clock Fund
Ask library staff for details of how to pay the money in...
The appeal will link to existing local committees and organisations like Communities First.
The Library Service will co-ordinate information about community activities and is arranging for an appeal account into which anyone can pay funds toward the costs. The account will be managed by local representatives of business, the church and community organisations.
If you want to help please e-mail us at library.services@merthyr.gov.uk
Contributions and forthcoming activities
Rolf Harris, whose grandfather founder the Treharris Fforest Lodge of Freemasons in 1896, has donated an original signed self portrait for auction.
Local councillors have used a special fund to give a substantial contribution toward costs.
The BBC have made a donation of £50
Individuals have begun to give donations of variable amounts - from 50p to £50. The highest personal donation is now set at £100, equal to the highest amount from an organisation, the local Labour Party, although the Labour Party have also donated a bottle of whisky signed by the Prime Minister as a future item for auction courtesy of Dai Havard MP.
The Merthyr Express has helped tremendously by publicising the appeal.
HSBC Bank are operating the account free of charge and have promised to make a contribution toward the fund.
Mr Howard Jones of Penpedairheol has very kindly donated 25 books copies of his book on the History of Nelson Handball Court (the court and its players 1860 - 1940) to be sold at £2 each towards the clock fund.
The Library Services is donating 250 copies of our latest book "Valley Lives Book 4: War and the Merthyr Tydfil Valley" for local and online sales with all proceeds of the cover price of £2 (plus postage and packing if applicable) going to the fund. We also expect a small donation with every sale of these particular books.
If you can help - please email us
library.services@merthyr.gov.uk