A BOOK has been published commemorating the 50th anniversary of residents saving the Dulas Valley from being submerged in water.
The then Severn River Authority had planned to flood the valley, to the north of Rhayader, destroying good grazing land and displacing well over 200 residents.
Marian Harris’s book, ‘The Dulas Valley Victory – And The Tryweryn Factor’ catalogues the battle of local people to defend their homes and land.
During the public inquiry that led to the planning inspector refusing permission for the scheme, it soon became apparent cost implications were being placed before the needs of the area.
Indeed it was the first time a community had gone head to head with a river authority and won.
Marian was secretary to Gareth Morgan one of a formidable team of lawyers assembled to represent the local people. This also included the late Emlyn Hooson QC, a local resident and Member of Parliament, and Martin Thomas QC (now Lord Thomas of Gresford) as Junior Counsel.
Marian’s father was chair of the local Defence Committee so she was ideally placed to record events as they unfolded.
At a recent book launch publisher Myrddin ap Dafydd, the incoming Archdruid of Wales, explained to a large audience that the book was of significant importance, outlining the wrongdoings Wales suffered at the hands of the Westminster government.
The impetus for writing the book was the sadness Marian and others felt for previous lost communities – notably Tryweryn, but also the author’s determination that current and future generations within the Dulas Valley should not forget what might have been lost had the River Authority had its way.
Published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, the book costs £9 and is available from local bookshops.