This article is about the particular significance of the year 1989 to Wales and its people. Incumbents Secretary of State for Wales – Peter Walker Archbishop of Wales – George Noakes, Bishop of St David's Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales – Emrys Deudraeth Events 22 February – While out canvassing for the Conservative Party in the Pontypridd by-election campaign, MP Sir Raymond Gower is taken ill and dies, occasioning a by-election in his own seat of the Vale of Glamorgan. 23 February – In a parliamentary by-election at Pontypridd, caused by the death of Labour MP Brynmor John, Dr Kim Howells retains the seat for Labour. 27 February – Newport County A.F.C., bottom of the GM Vauxhall Conference (highest division outside the Football League in England), are declared bankrupt in the High Court with debts in the region of £330,000. The club was in the Football League for nearly 70 years until last year. 5 April – Newport County lose a final appeal in the High Court against their winding-up order, and officially go out of business. They are expelled from the GM Vauxhall Conference for failing to fulfill their fixtures, having not played any scheduled matches for nearly two months. They are subsequently reformed and are expected to compete in the English lower leagues. 4 May – In the by-election for the Westminster Parliament brought about by the death of Sir Raymond Gower, John Smith wins the Vale of Glamorgan seat for the Labour Party after 38 years of Conservative control. 27 May – John Evans of Fforestfach becomes the UK's oldest man ever; Evans dies the following year, but the record stands until 2009. 20 June – The new Penmaenbach Tunnel opens on the A55 road. 26 August – Closure of Oakdale Colliery, the last mine in Gwent. 7 December – The body of an unidentified girl is found by workmen in a derelict house in Cardiff. The remains are eventually identified by forensic scientists as those of 15-year-old Karen Price, who had gone missing in 1981. date unknown The Open University begins offering a course in Welsh. Newly qualified doctors are allowed to take the Hippocratic oath in Welsh for the first time. The House of Lords ceremony for the swearing-in of a new QC is conducted in Welsh for the first time. Wales' first purpose-built Sikh gurdwarah opens in Cardiff. Val Feld becomes head