Town centre festival to commemorate the life and times of local hero ‘Twm Sbaen’

A festival to celebrate the life and times of a Welsh miner who was jailed for his part in the Spanish Civil War is to be held in Wrexham in April.

A short biography released by organisers notes Tom Jones was brought up in Rhos, and was a miner in Hafod, Vauxhall and Bersham collieries who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War against the fascists in 1937. Further details in the Flintshire archives notes he worked in the chemical industry, for Monsanto, during the Second World War, and in 1945 became general trades organizer for the Transport and General Workers’ Union at Shotton, Flintshire, and later was made district officer in Wrexham.

He was one of hundreds of Welsh people who went to defend the Spanish Republic against Generalissimo Francisco Franco’s military coup, he made his way to Spain through France after telling his family he was going to Colwyn Bay for the weekend.

While fighting for the democratic republic as part of the International Brigades he was injured and imprisoned by Franco’s forces spending two years in the notorious Burgos prison and was sentenced to death but was finally released in 1940 after the UK Government paid Franco a £2m ransom.

The festival on Saturday, April 6th, starts with a march from Queen Square around the town behind the Cambria Band. Organisers say it is being supported by trade unionists and community activists in the area and “There will be an afternoon of music, films, talks and discussions in Ty Pawb in the town centre and then an evening of music from local and international artists.”

One of the festival’s organisers added: “The date marks the 80th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War’s end and is our way to remember the contribution of Wales generally and Twm Sbaen specifically in the fight against fascism and to remind ourselves of the similar battles that continue.

“The village of Rhosllanerchrugog has a great tradition for nicknames, so it was no surprise that Tom soon became known to everybody as ‘Twm Sbaen’ following his exploits in Spain. We’re delighted his family are supporting the event along with local trade unionists and activists.

“The day will feature a wide variety of music, films, poetry, talks about the history of the International Brigades and Welsh volunteers as well as other more contemporary challenges we face. Any organisation wishing to have stalls on the day should contact us 07747 792441 or via the Facebook page.

“There has been wide support for the event and we’re delighted that we can commemorate the life and times of this local hero.”

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/TwmSbaen/