A proud tradition of world-famous famous events, people, places, music and culture is being celebrated in Rhondda Cynon Taf with the introduction of a major new Blue Plaque Heritage Trail.

For almost two years Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Libraries & Museums Service has been working closely with various voluntary organisations and individuals to determine 30 sites in the county borough as yet unrecognized for their historical background.

Due to £49,200 of Heritage Lottery funding, the project has set out to identify icons, events and buildings, culminating in the placing of blue plaques to commemorate their history and achievements. A series of articles appeared in the local and national press along with television and radio coverage to encourage people to nominate their own site.

Following consultation with community representatives and historical societies, an audit was carried out to catalogue all existing memorials, statues and plaques in Rhondda Cynon Taf. People, places or events which already have a plaque commemorating them are ineligible for a Blue Plaque, as are anyone who died less than 10 years ago.

More than 180 nominations were received and representatives of historical societies in each area met with Council officers to undertake the unenviable task of deciding which areas will receive the Blue Plaques.

With so many historical buildings and events from colliery strikes, riots and even pioneering cremations in the county borough’s history, coupled with being the birthplace of a vast array of celebrities from the worlds of music, sport, cinema, literature and the political arena, the decisions were taken after a lengthy consultation process.

Pontypridd has been assured its own fair share of Blue Plaques with many already unveiled in the popular county town. From the world of music and culture some of the successful sites include the birthplace of the world-famous opera singer Sir Geraint Evans from William Street, Cilfynydd.

From the world of sport, Pontypridd boxer Freddie Welsh has been remembered with a Plaque on the building where he once trained opposite Pontypridd Train Station. This was unveiled by another of Ponty's great sporting sons in champion boxer Dai Dower.

A Blue Plaque will also be placed on Pontypridd’s famous Round Houses to remember chartist, surgeon, druid and pioneer of cremation Dr William Price.

William Price and another has been sited on Gelliwastad Club & Institute to remember its former owner Dr Richard Griffiths who built the tramroad that helped begin the Rhondda coal trade.

Historic buildings are also to received Blue Plaques, including Nantgarw China Works and Navigation Inn, Abercynon where the officers of the Glamorganshire Canal Company were located.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Cllr Robert Bevan said: “This is an exciting scheme and one which will raise the profile of the county borough to both local and wider communities.

“The support from community organisations, especially historical societies in offering advice on the merits of each nomination has been massive and together we have managed to decide on 30 locations evenly spread throughout the whole of county borough to receive one of the Blue Plaques.

“With the development of a Blue Plaque Heritage Trail visitors will be enthralled by the sheer wealth of history we have to offer, while many long-time residents will also be surprised at the importance of buildings near their own homes.

“We have an incredible heritage in Rhondda Cynon Taf and one which we remain justifiably proud of. This is our opportunity to showcase the people, the places and the events of our county borough to all those individuals who live in, work in or visit Rhondda Cynon Taf.”