This year was especially significant for Pontrhydyfen. Our village war memorial—originally unveiled in 1924 to honour the Fallen from Bryn, Pontrhydyfen, and Tonmawr—was sympathetically restored. Nearly a century after its first dedication, the memorial once again stood proud, renewed for future generations.

The Rededication Ceremony

Relatives, residents, and invited guests gathered at the Blue Scar Club for a moving rededication ceremony. The event was supported by the armed forces, an army chaplain, and local dignitaries, who together helped us pay tribute to those who served.

Guests were also able to explore our bilingual exhibition: “Faces of the Fallen – Stories of Lives Lost.” Here, they read biographies and viewed photographs of many of the men whose names are inscribed on the memorial, bringing their stories vividly to life.

The Exhibition

Although the ceremony itself could not be opened to the wider public due to space limitations, the exhibition was made available at the Blue Scar Club on Saturday & Sunday, 15th–16th November, from 11:00 to 3:00 pm.

The display traced the lives of 55 men—their journeys before enlistment, their service, and the families they left behind. Visitors saw:

• Photographs of the men who served
• Newspaper reports from the era
• Accounts of civilian casualties
• Images of men and women who returned home after service

It was a deeply human record, reminding us that behind every name lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and community.

Invaluable Support

This project was made possible thanks to grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and NPTC, as well as the dedication of countless individuals who contributed research, photographs, and memories.

Special thanks went to Wilson Morgan Memorials, whose craftsmanship and care in the restoration ensured that the memorial will continue to stand as a beacon of remembrance. Their short film documenting the restoration beautifully captured the effort and devotion behind this project.

As the village gathered, Pontrhydyfen joined the nation in honouring those who served. The restored memorial was not just stone and inscription—it became a renewed reminder of lives lived, sacrifices made, and the enduring strength of community memory.

Lest we forget.