Pontnewydd Cenotaph
Pontnewydd Cenotaph has had a facelift and a new Roll of Honour installed to remember the fallen of the two World Wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45. It is being officially unveiled on Sunday 1 October. A marching parade will leave Pontnewydd Royal British Legion at 10.30am, led by the Welsh Piping Band, a detachment of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and veterans organisations from across Torfaen.
The event is an opportunity for the communities of Pontnewydd, Upper Cwmbran and Croesyceiliog to come together to celebrate the heroism and sacrifice made by the fallen of this area of Cwmbran in the two World Wars.
The work was undertaken through a partnership between the Pontnewydd Branch of the Royal British Legion and Torfaen Council. The Cenotaph was first built in 1925. The granite façade has been cleaned and the metal posts and chains around the base of the memorial have been replaced by low railings. A granite "Book of Remembrance", in identical stonework, is at the foot of the Cenotaph and will bear the names of the 26 men of the Pontnewydd, Upper Cwmbran and Croesyceiliog area who lost their lives during the Great War, and the 41 men who died during the Second World War of 1939-45.
Once the Parade arrives at the Cenotaph, the granite Book of Remembrance will be unveiled by the Mayor of Torfaen Mary Barnett, and the Cenotaph will be rededicated by the Rev David Dunn, Royal British Legion Chaplain (Pontnewydd). This will be followed by a Service of Remembrance similar to the traditional Armistice Day Service.
The occasion will be attended by senior military personnel, local Councillors and schools. Members of the public are welcome to attend.