Tuesday, June 05, 2007

The Three Miners

After the work was completed there was some funds left in the budget.
These fantastic sculptures were made to represent the former three colliers that were worked in the park. Former miners who worked in Bargoed and Britannia Collieries helped with the design of these magnificent monuments.
They stand on a hill in the park near to the Angel Lane entrance and can be seen from throughout the park.



11 Gateways into Bargoed Woodland Park

The artwork at each of the main 11 gateways into the Bargoed Woodland Park are a credit to the artists and thanks must go to them and all involved in the whole project.

Special thanks go to the members of Bargoed Town Council who gave their time voluntarily attending numerous meetings and community involvement days to help with the project.

Also to Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Forestry Commission Wales' programme "Cydcoed - Woods for All".


The next step is the construction of:-


"ANGEL WAY"


The Bargoed Relief Road

Friday, June 01, 2007

The Peoples Gate

This gateway was the last to be added and became known as the People's Gate.
A community meeting was called with the artist KevinHughes in the local church hall.
There they talked of what they wanted their gate to be like.
It was that the park is for all generations and all members of the community, from birth to old age.
In the metal sculputre you can see a businessman, children playing, a pregnant girl, a busy mum, teenagers and an elderly gent with a walking stick.
The gate raises in a swirl then goes on up a post to reach to the sky.
The gateway was just what those at the community meeting had in mind and everyone was really pleased with the outcome.
It is situated on Commercial Street the main road through the village of Aberbargoed.
In the same area as the old "Buckets" used to cross the highway all those years ago.

Britannia Totem Poles

Here is another of Robert Koenig's Totem Poles.
This one is situated at the Britannia Terrace entrance to the park and depicts squirrels and birds found nesting in the woods.



Children's Hands- Britannia

Here is another of Kevin Hughes' Gateways.
This one is at
Britannia!
The leaves and hand prints were made with the help of children from the local primary school. The children made hand prints and also collected leaves from the park from which Kevin took his inspiration.
Unfortunately some of the hands and leaves were made from copper and most have been removed by memorabilia seekers but the gateway is still beautiful.


Where the Primroses Grow

This metal sculptured gateway was designed and made by
Kevin Hughes
of Bristol
Kevin spent many hours with the pupils of Lewis Boys School who helped with ideas for the design.
This gateway is at the Pengam traffic lights adjacent to one of the schools entrances.




Sportsman of Gilfach

Here is a Sportsman carved out of a single tree by
Robert Koenig.
The sculpture is to represent the various sports activities in the area.
Gilfach houses a very active Y.M.C.A. with numerous football teams training there.
So it is appropriate that he graces the Gilfach entrance to the park.

Unfortunately my picture doesn't do him justice.