Arthur Daikin Edwards – ‘The Duke’

Maggie’s grandfather. Originally from the north, when the slate quarries closed before the First World War, he walked to South Wales and found work in the coal mines. He became an active member of the NUM and the Labour Party. He taught himself law so that he could support and advise Union members and better negotiate with the Coal Board. He became Chairman of both the local Council and of the Miners’ Welfare (social club).

Later, he was expelled from the Labour Party for being ‘too left wing’ – sounds familiar? In response to complaints that he held too much power in the valley, he stood down from both roles … and his daughter, Pearl, then joined the Council and his son, Lex, took over at the Miners’ Welfare! On election days he would walk through the streets ringing a hand-bell, just to remind people to turn out to vote … and who they should vote for!

Sadly, I only met him once. He was a charming man and showed me his collection of photos, including himself with a group of Russians who accompanied Bulganin on his visit to the UK in 1959. ” ‘course” he said “they all been liquidated now.” – as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

We went out for a curry. As we walked down the street, everybody we passed shook his hand and paid their respects (Maggie told me that when he bought flowers for his wife’s grave, handing over a pound note, the florist would give him back a pound in change). He asked what I’d like to drink and I suggested water (it was lunchtime). “Have you seen what that stuff does to iron?” he said. Oh well, a pint it was!

The newspaper article which follows gives some idea of his stature. I wasn’t aware of his ‘title’ until, attending a Gas Board meeting at the Wales Gas HQ in Cardiff, I met one of our managers from Bridgend. Over lunch I asked if he knew of Arthur Edwards. “The Duke!” he said in an almost fearful way – I don’t recall he said much else. Probably not a Labour man, then?

When he died I was told 9 coach loads of people attended the funeral. Perhaps they wanted to make sure he was dead? But no, an extraordinary man who did a lot of good in his life and a beloved role-model for Maggie.