David Collier (for Friends of Saron)

Friends of Saron is a community group based in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil. Our principal aim is to rescue the graveyard of the former Saron Welsh Independent Chapel in the village from the effects of over 30 years of neglect. We also work to celebrate all aspects of our local heritage by promoting a range of community engagement activities for residents from all age groups.

Like many other valleys communities Troedyrhiw grew with the iron and coal industries. For the workers and their families and the tradespeople and professionals who supplied their wants religion was extremely important. The 'cause' that was to become Saron Chapel was founded in 1820 with its members initially meeting in houses, the Old Mill and the Harp Inn before the first chapel building opened in 1835. A rapidly growing congregation meant that a second, and much larger, building was constructed by 1852.

For most of its existence Saron Chapel exerted a profound influence on the lives of many Troedyrhiw people literally 'from their cradles to their graves'. Saron Chapel closed in 1983 and the buildings were demolished in 1990 but the graveyard has survived in a more-or-less intact state to this day.

Friends of Saron is determined to ensure that a vital part of the historic fabric of our village will, once again, become a community asset which we can all be proud of.