Constructed in the 1970s

For a long time, Ystradgynlais did not have a war memorial in the form of a cenotaph, and the plaques in St Cynog's Church seem to have played that part. In the late 1970s, The Valley Star newspaper was part of a campaign to establish a memorial, that would later become the monument by Parc Gorsedd that was replaced in 2016 by the current Ystradgynlais war memorial. The original monument can be seen in these photographs.

The above image is from a newspaper report on a Remembrance Day ceremony at Gorsedd Park, Ystradgynlais, around the original 1970s war memorial.

The photographs below of the Ystradgynlais war memorial were taken in early 2011.

A close-up of the plaque upon the 1970s war memorial in Ystradgynlais.

The Valley Star Article

For a long time, Ystradgynlais did not have a war memorial in the form of a cenotaph, and the plaques in St Cynog's Church seem to have played that part. In the late 1970s, The Valley Star newspaper was part of a campaign to establish a memorial, that would later become the monument we all know down by Parc Gorsedd. The date on the long-shot of the newspaper article appears to be 4th May 1978, implying that the war memorial would have been inaugurated in time for the November 1978 Remembrance Day commemorations. If anyone can confirm this, please email yeargroup@hotmail.co.uk

Ystradgynlais district has had the strange distinction of being the only area in South Wales without a war memorial.

The local British Legion is, however, doing something abbout that. A committee under the chairmanship of Mr Ieuan Jenkins, of Station Road, had had plans drawn up.

A 10ft tall limestone plinth has been donated by Hobbs Quarries Ltd and has been brought down to the Gorsedd field by the Wimpey Company.

Two offers of metal plates - one in stainless steel, the other in titanium - have been received on which the names of war dead can be inscribed.

The committee are now finalising that list of names and are extremely anxious that none should be missed out.

The Valley Star, therefore, publlishes the list as it at present stands. If anyone knows of names which ought to be inclluded they should contact Mr Ieuan Jenkins, 3 Gorsafle, Station Road, Ystradgynlais.

The list is presented here, alongside from the article.

This is an artist's impression of the proposed new war memorial. It may cost £2000 to build, although some materials and services have been given free. Tenders for the erection will be examined next week and it is hoped the memorial will be in place, in the Gorsedd field by November 11.

Click on the picture above to open it in a window of its own.

This photograph of the completed war memorial in Ystradgynlais allows for a comparison with the plan above, being an oblique view at more or less the same angle.

This photograph shows the Second World War names of the fallen commemorated upon the Ystradgynlais War Memorial, and may be compared for reference with the initial list compiled by the Valley Star newspaper. As the new 2016 war memorial had completely new plaques, incorporating spelling corrections and additions, the original plaques are now housed in Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall.