Funding for War Memorial in Merthyr Tydfil

FUNDING of £10,000 will help renovate and conserve the war memorial in Troedyrhiw Park in Merthyr Tydfil.

Following a grant application made by local councillor Gareth Lewis to the War Memorial Trust, the war memorial at Troedyrhiw Park will benefit from grant funding of £10,000 to renovate and conserve the monument.

The war memorial lost its rifle through a theft a couple of years ago and the money will be used to reinstate the rifle to replicate the original marble design.

Work will also involve the repainting of the faded inscriptions of those lost during World War I and World War II, the re-pointing of the memorial construction joints, a realignment of displaced steps and a stone cleanse.

The monument was originally paid for by public subscriptions and was unveiled to the community on September 28, 1921 by Major-General CJ Deverall. It carries the names of 56 local men that died in World I and 17 local men that died during World War II.

The renovation will coincide with the centenary of its unveiling to the community.

Cllr Lewis said: “I am really pleased that grant funding has been approved for this project. War memorials are touchstones to our past and preserving them maintains the link between those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and later generations who benefit from the freedoms for which they fought.

“War memorials also remind us of the full cost of war so we can hopefully learn the lessons which help us avoid conflict, and further loss, in future.

“I look forward to seeing the works being carried out and will inform residents when complete.

“My sincere thanks to committee members at Troedyrhiw Ex Servicemen’s Club for their continued support throughout this renovation project.”