A “VERY positive” meeting was held in Penrhyndeudraeth earlier this month to discuss plans for a memorial sculpture on the site of an old explosives factory.

Once the biggest factories of its kind in Europe, Cooke’s Explosive Works — known locally as Gwaith Powdr — originates from 1865 when explosives were manufactured from guncotton, starch and India rubber in an area known as Cooke’s valley.

It was reported in the Cambrian News that, following the efforts of a local history group, Friends of Gwaith Powdr, and those of Gwerin y Coed (Woodcraft Folk Wales), who have been documenting the memories of people who worked there, a sculpture will be commissioned for the site.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Hefin Williams, of Deudraeth Cyf, said an initial meeting between members of the community and professional sculptor Howard Bowcott on 5 April went “very well”.

“It was a very positive meeting,” said Mr Williams. “Unfortunately there was no decision made, but everyone thought it was a great idea.

“The meeting allowed people to have an idea about what kind of monument it could be. It is now a matter of everyone going away and reflecting on what was discussed in the meeting.”

Mr Williams added: “One of the ideas for the look of the sculpture was for a slate slab with information on it.

“But we don’t want the names of former staff on it, especially those of people who died at the factory."

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