Minutes:
The following announcements were made:
Ø The Leader of the Council, Councillor A Morgan OBE, paid the following tribute to the late Tyrone O’Sullivan OBE who sadly passed away on the 27th May at the age of 77. Tyrone was born into a mining family in Abercwmboi, and he was well aware of the dangers of the pits, losing both his great-grandfather at Maerdy, and also his father at Tower when Tyrone was just 17. Despite this, Tyrone entered the pit as an apprentice electrician and soon became a leading figure in the Union movement – famously never losing a vote for industrial action in 22 years as an underground NUM Branch Secretary. He played a leading role in the 1984-85 strike, eventually organising picketing in Wales, the south of England, Essex, and South Yorkshire. His most infamous accomplishment was persuading the fellow miners of Tower to commit £8,000 each from the redundancy money as the basis for a £1m down payment to take over the Tower site after its closure. The Leader added that as many will remember the sight of the 239 miners marching back to work in January 1995 – a year after the mine shut - following the successful buyout. Tower remained open for a further 13 years, and today the popular Zip World Tower is situated on the site. The Leader recounted a memory with Tyrone during a trip to North Wales and, on behalf of the Local Authority wished to pass his condolences to Tyrone’s wife, Elaine and family.
ØCouncillor A O Rogers, as ward councillor for Tower Colliery, also paid tribute to the late Tyrone O’Sullivan OBE, referring to the many tributes and comments that have been made about him in recent weeks. He added that many would agree his legacy will be his leadership and the fight to keep Tower colliery open and the successful buyout of the mine by the miners. Councillor Rogers spoke of Tyrone’s vision for young people having opportunities, to give them a future, to build and develop the communities post mining, such as Zip World providing local employment for the many not the few.
Ø Councillor R Lewis wished to congratulate Abercynon R.F.C on a successful season of rugby being crowned champions of East Central Division 2 and securing promotion. The whole team, support staff and volunteers have done the whole community proud. Cllr Lewis, on behalf of Cllr Dennis, wished the team well for the next season.
Ø Councillor S Emanuel, on behalf of Councillor W Jones, congratulated Maggie Davies, a resident from Blaenrhondda who ran the London marathon in memory of her late husband Paul and has raised over £4000 for Brain Bank which is a dementia charity.
Ø Councillor Ros Daviscongratulated Mr David Ferns, who lives in Porth. He completed the London Marathon on 23 April, in 3hrs :40 minute and raised over £600 for Tommy’s, the baby charity that funds research into miscarriage, still birth and premature birth. It was an exceptional personal achievement for David and great news for the charity.
Ø Councillor K Johnson wished to congratulate a young resident of Llantwit Fardre, Coral Brush-Davies, who has been invited to China as a member of Team GB to compete as a solo amateur in the Elite 2023 Dance World Cup. Cora will be the first ever soloist in her age group to be invited as part of Team GB and is the only Welsh competitor. She will represent Efail Isaf and the Dance Crazy Studios in Llantwit Fardre where her talent has been developed. Councillor Johnson requested the mayor send a letter to Coral on her achievement and sought the permission of the Presiding Member to circulate the details of a Just Giving Page to all Members following the meeting.
Ø Councillor Sheryl Evans congratulated Abercwmboi RFC on their recent promotion to Division 1 of the Welsh Rugby Union East Central League. This is a well-deserved achievement for the whole team, players, coaches and everyone involved with the Club. Councillor Evans wished them luck for the next season.
Ø Councillor A S Foxwished to pay tribute to a remarkable young resident from Penrhiwceiber who attends Penrhiwceiber Primary School. Oliver Wilson was born with cerebral palsey 11 years ago and takes on every challenge set before him with a smile on his face. He took part in trials for the England Cerebral Palsey team and has now been selected and offered a place on this prestigious team. Councillor Fox was sure that all Members would like to join him in wishing Oliver every success for the future.
Ø Councillors G O Jones and E Dunning wished to present a petition on behalf of residents calling on traffic calming measures in Bronllwyn Rd and surrounding streets in Gelli.