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| Bevan plaque for NHS anniversary | Bevan plaque for NHS anniversary |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A plaque to mark 60 years of the NHS is to be unveiled in Tredegar, the birthplace of the service's founder Aneurin Bevan. | A plaque to mark 60 years of the NHS is to be unveiled in Tredegar, the birthplace of the service's founder Aneurin Bevan. |
| It will be set on a new memorial stone at the site where he held meetings to speak to his constituents. | It will be set on a new memorial stone at the site where he held meetings to speak to his constituents. |
| Health minister Edwina Hart, who will unveil the plaque later, said it was a fitting tribute to the area's MP. | Health minister Edwina Hart, who will unveil the plaque later, said it was a fitting tribute to the area's MP. |
| Tredegar town clerk Dr John Evans said: "We are very proud. The NHS is the envy of the world." | Tredegar town clerk Dr John Evans said: "We are very proud. The NHS is the envy of the world." |
| The new stone stands about 40yds (37m) away from the Aneurin Bevan memorial stones at the top of Sirhowy Hill. | The new stone stands about 40yds (37m) away from the Aneurin Bevan memorial stones at the top of Sirhowy Hill. |
| The four stones were placed there in the 1970s to represent the MP and the three major towns in his constituency - Ebbw Vale, Rhymney and Tredegar. | The four stones were placed there in the 1970s to represent the MP and the three major towns in his constituency - Ebbw Vale, Rhymney and Tredegar. |
| The new stone, like the originals, comes from Trefil quarry, but is smaller, standing at around 6ft (1.82m) tall. | The new stone, like the originals, comes from Trefil quarry, but is smaller, standing at around 6ft (1.82m) tall. |
| He said he would 'Tredegarise' the whole of the health service of Britain Dr John Evans, on Aneurin Bevan | He said he would 'Tredegarise' the whole of the health service of Britain Dr John Evans, on Aneurin Bevan |
| Ms Hart said: "It is a fitting tribute to the man and to Tredegar, which is often described as the inspiration of the NHS, to be here today to unveil this new stone to mark this very special occasion." | Ms Hart said: "It is a fitting tribute to the man and to Tredegar, which is often described as the inspiration of the NHS, to be here today to unveil this new stone to mark this very special occasion." |
| Aneurin Bevan's plans for the NHS were inspired by the work of the Tredegar Medical Aid Society, which gave healthcare to local workers in return for a small weekly fee. | Aneurin Bevan's plans for the NHS were inspired by the work of the Tredegar Medical Aid Society, which gave healthcare to local workers in return for a small weekly fee. |
| Dr Evans said: "Tredegar town council is proud to commemorate the magnificent achievement of our most famous son. | Dr Evans said: "Tredegar town council is proud to commemorate the magnificent achievement of our most famous son. |
| "Nye's vision brought healthcare within the reach of the poorest members of society. Health was no longer the preserve of the rich. | "Nye's vision brought healthcare within the reach of the poorest members of society. Health was no longer the preserve of the rich. |
| "He saw it could work locally and he said he would 'Tredegarise' the whole of the health service of Britain." | "He saw it could work locally and he said he would 'Tredegarise' the whole of the health service of Britain." |
| Dave Galligan, head of health at Unison, which helped organise the event with the town council, said: "The NHS is a success story and a wonderful institution. We should applaud those such as Bevan at the foresight and integrity that led to today's NHS." | Dave Galligan, head of health at Unison, which helped organise the event with the town council, said: "The NHS is a success story and a wonderful institution. We should applaud those such as Bevan at the foresight and integrity that led to today's NHS." |
| The unveiling ceremony will include music from Tredegar Town Band, Tredegar Comprehensive School choir and Cardiff's Red Choir. | The unveiling ceremony will include music from Tredegar Town Band, Tredegar Comprehensive School choir and Cardiff's Red Choir. |
| A message from Michael Foot, Aneurin Bevan's successor as the area's MP will be read, along with poetry from local author Patrick Jones. | A message from Michael Foot, Aneurin Bevan's successor as the area's MP will be read, along with poetry from local author Patrick Jones. |
| Celebrations | Celebrations |
| Meanwhile, events are also taking place around Wales to mark the anniversary. | Meanwhile, events are also taking place around Wales to mark the anniversary. |
| The North Wales NHS Trust is giving every baby born at Wrexham Maelor Hospital a teddy bear, and a giant birthday card will be signed by staff working at the time of the anniversary. | The North Wales NHS Trust is giving every baby born at Wrexham Maelor Hospital a teddy bear, and a giant birthday card will be signed by staff working at the time of the anniversary. |
| Cakes have been given to every community hospital in Powys to hold a special afternoon tea for patients. | Cakes have been given to every community hospital in Powys to hold a special afternoon tea for patients. |
| And in Cardiff, Velindre Cancer Centre is holding a Diamond Ball, followed by an auction and raffle, with prizes including lunch with the Wales rugby team. | And in Cardiff, Velindre Cancer Centre is holding a Diamond Ball, followed by an auction and raffle, with prizes including lunch with the Wales rugby team. |