bevan used the local workingman s medical aid society, as the blueprint for the national health service — which turns 70 later this week. our wales correspondent, sian lloydets for bevan day in traditional style. hundreds joined the local band on a banner march to remember this former mining town's famous son, and to commemorate 70 years of the national health service he founded. i think we're all paying homage to nye, and if he were here today, i'm sure he would be incredibly proud. i've brought my son, as well, who thanks the nhs, had some life—saving operation when he was six weeks old, so it is really quite emotional to be here today. aneurin bevan was labour minister for health, when, in 19118, a new service to deliver free health care for all was launched. what he'd seen in his hometown was said to have provided the blueprint to "tredegar—ise" the uk, as he put it. the town's medical aid society saw miners and steelworkers contribute to a fund that paid for people's health care, who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford it. there were political messages today from senior labour figures, including the leader, jeremy corbyn. but, above all, a fe