The community of Pontnewydd gathered yesterday morning to mark the centenary rededication of the Pontnewydd War Memorial.
Residents, families, veterans, local councillors, Senedd members, community representatives, Lord Paul Murphy, Philip Alderman (Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent), Shereen Williams (High Sheriff of Gwent) and members of the Royal British Legion came together in front of the memorial on Lowlands Road for a moving service led by Canon Brian Pippen (Royal British Legion Branch Chaplain) and Revd Jon Dickerson of Richmond Road Baptist Church.
The ceremony included hymns, prayers, the Roll of Honour, the Exhortation, the Last Post, the Kohima Epitaph, and the laying of wreaths. Music was provided by Piping Hot Cwmbran and Cwmbran Brass Band.
Gary Mapleloft, chair of the Royal British Legion’s Pontnewydd Branch, read the roll of honour, Don Carr shared historical reflections and Deb Norman played the Last Post.
People were told about the community effort that brought the War Memorial into being and about the memorial’s story since it was unveiled on 11 November 1925 by Major General Lord Treowen, Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment.
Tributes were paid to Reverend Canon Harald Thomas, who had hoped to lead today’s service before he passed away in May 2025. Harold’s father, John, fought at Mametz Wood in the First World War and later helped organise the construction of the memorial.
Following the service, attendees were invited to gather for refreshments at Cwmbran Rugby Club.