We had long thought that Ystradowen is one of the few villages without a memorial to mark all those who had lost their lives whilst in service. After a consultation with residents the YCSA purchased the Remembrance Bench to be situated on the village green. A small group of committee members and a few villagers prepared the concrete base and secured the bench.
All was arranged in something of a rush in order to get the Warhorse Bench made, with bilingual text, installed and secured in time for Remembrance week 2023. We were very grateful that local families offered to make contact with representatives of the Forces which enabled us to arrange a short but important ceremony to inaugurate the bench on Sunday 5th November 2023.
Chris Howard welcomed everyone on behalf of the YCSA and gave a brief introduction to the background of the event.
Then the Reverend Dr Angela Cooper from Cowbridge Ministry said a prayer and blessed the bench with Holy Water.
A wreath was laid by Squadron Leader Bennett, followed by 2 minutes silence.
We thanked all the villagers who attended and we were delighted with their responses and feedback. The bench itself is a lovely addition to our village. A place for all to reflect and for children to ask questions about the past.
Thank you to Mike Davies for taking the photos!
Ystradowen 