Herbert Thomas was a master of the art of elocution who captivated audiences throughout the country with his impressive presence and natural gift of the spoken word.

He spent the whole of his working life at Cambrian Colliery in Clydach Vale and gave years of service as a lay preacher and Rhondda Borough Councillor.

Herbert was first elected to the Council in 1953 and became Mayor of the Rhondda from 1968 to 1969, receiving the honour of being an Alderman of the Borough in 1969.

Naturally these gifts as a public speaker worked to his advantage in the political arena. As an elocutionist his success was outstanding, winning a record 200 eisteddfod prizes and receiving the first prize on three consecutive years at the Porthcawl Miners' Eisteddfod in the Champion Recitation category.

Herbert was a member of the famous Mid Rhondda Garrick Dramatic Society and appeared at the Old Vic in London during the final of the British Drama League.

He first appeared with the Treorchy Male Choir in Hermon Chapel, Treorchy in 1957 and for the next 21 years appeared in a phenomenal 152 concerts as elocutionist.