The BTM Band has provided part of the musical backing for a new CD entitled, ‘A Miner's Song’, which commemorates the centenary of the Senghenydd Mining Disaster, which occurred on the 14th October 1913.

439 lives lost

The explosion and subsequent release of poisonous gas, killed 439 miners, making it the most lethal and tragic mining disaster in British history.

The death toll included eight 14 year old boys, whilst the mine management was subsequently fined just £24 – the equivalent of 1 shilling 1½d per life lost.

Celebrities

Many well known celebrities including Aled Jones, Paul Potts, Sian Phillips, Dennis O’Neill and Ioan Gruffudd are featured, with spoken contributions by Hollywood actor Michael Sheen and boxer Joe Calzaghe. The voice of the great Richard Burton is also heard.

Over 300 local musicians, choirs and bands from around South Wales also take part in a recording that was made at several locations in the UK and abroad.

Being located only a few miles from Senghenydd, BTM was honoured to have been asked to be part of this important landmark in the history of miningBTM Band

Honoured

BTM's contribution was recorded at its own studio ‘BTM Sound’ in Bedwas.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Being located only a few miles from Senghenydd, BTM was honoured to have been asked to be part of this important landmark in the history of mining."