As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy, many people will be unaware of the dramatic events that unfolded in the Caerphilly county borough as the ‘unsinkable’ ship was sinking thousands of miles away across the Atlantic.
On April 14th 1912 the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and Artie Moore of Pontllainfraith picked up a distress signal on his homemade wireless radio over 3,000 miles away at Gelligroes Mill. Although he alerted local Police, no one believed him until the tragic news was published two days later.
The County Borough museum, the Winding House in New Tredegar opens its fascinating new exhibition on Friday 6th April.
‘The Titanic, the Mill and the Signal: Artie Moore and Titanic’s SOS’, focuses on amateur radio enthusiast, Artie Moore from Gelligroes Mill, who received RMS Titanic ‘s SOS signal, on his home-made radio receiver. The new exhibition will also explore the story of Titanic and some local links in this 100th anniversary year of her sinking.
Helen Willson, Principal Museums and Heritage Officer said, “The story of Titanic has long held fascination for many people and here in Caerphilly County Borough, we have an amazing local link. On the night of 14th April, 1912, Artie’s home-made receiver picked Titanic’s SOS signal after she struck the iceberg, and so he was one of the first people in the world to learn of her fate.”
The Titanic, the Mill and the Signal: Artie Moore and Titanic’s SOS will open on Good Friday, 6th April and will remain on display for the rest of the year. The museum is open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-5pm and admission is free.
The FREE Titanic-themed events continue throughout April. On Saturday 14th April, Gelligroes Mill will be open to the public from 10am-4pm, where Blackwood and District Amateur Radio Society will be setting up a special event station in recognition of Artie Moore’s receiving the Titanic’s signal. There will also be a guided walk around the Gelligroes area for visitors to retrace Artie’s footsteps.
On Sunday 15th April, at 2pm, the classic 1958 film about the sinking of Titanic, “A Night to Remember”, will be on show at the Winding House. Admission is free but booking is essential. To round up the month of Titanic events, the museum will also be hosting an engaging talk, “The Loss of RMS Titanic” by Lieutenant Commander Ray Davies (Royal Navy, retired), on Saturday 21st April, at 2pm. Booking is also essential for this free and informative event.
For further information or to book your place call 01443 822 666 or go to the Winding House website.
