The 100th anniversary of Rhayader’s war memorial has been marked with a special ceremony
A special ceremony rededicating Rhayader’s war memorial to mark its 100th year anniversary, has taken place.
The commemoration included hymns, readings, prayers, speeches and an official dedication.
In addition to those lives lost in the first and second world wars, the crowds further dedicated the war memorial to those from the community who have died in the service of their country in wars and conflicts since.
It was followed by the Remembrance Sunday Service which included the laying of wreaths by various organisations, a two minute silence, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille and the recitation of the exhortation and Kohima epitaph.
It was followed by a town service in St Clement’s Church, Rhayader.
The special services were attended by The Right Rev John Davies, former Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, The Rev Robert Simpson of the Gwastedyn Group of Churches, Pastor Ronald Downey, Bethel Baptist Chapel and The Rev Tudor Thomas Botwood and Councillor Clare Evans Mayor of Rhayader.
Councillor Evans said: “We give thanks and remember all those from the parishes of Rhayader, Cwmdauddwr, Abbey-cwm-hir, Llanwrthwl, St Harmon and Nantmel who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
“We also remember the sacrifice made by the families of those whose loved ones were taken from them.
“After the further dedication, our War Memorial will also commemorate those from our community who have died in service in wars and conflicts since.
“The sacrifice made by all those in the service of their country is the reason we enjoy the relative peace we have today and for this we are eternally grateful.
“Erected in 1924 the War Memorial remains steadfast at the very heart of our town and our community. More than a landmark or a timekeeper; the striking clock stands over us as we gather in remembrance and in celebration; whether that be in the height of summer at carnival time, or in the depths of winter at Christmas and at New Year.”
The war memorial was unveiled and dedicated on September 18 1924, it was designed by architect B Lloyd.
Built in a free classical style, square plan, mainly bathstone with grey-brown stone tower walls, it has a dark stone plinth. A pavilion roof with small gothic-arched louvres bears a cross.
The upper part has a tapering tower with a clock to each face. The lower part has columns to corners and open pediments containing figures supported on cornices above inscribed panels recording the names of the fallen in both the First World War and the Second World War.
The figures include a soldier (to the west), winged female figures (peace), and a Welsh Dragon defeating the German Eagle (to the east).
It was erected on the square in Rhayader in honoured memory of the men of the parishes of Rhayader, Abbey-Cwm-Hir, Cwmdauddwr, Llanwrthwl, Nantmel and St Harmon who gave their lives in the Great War 1914 to 1919 and the ‘Second World War 1939 – 1945’.
The re-dedication to include those who died in the Second World War took place on November 7 1948.
The war memorial cost £1200 to erect from public subscriptions. The clock mechanism was donated by Mrs Mary Ann Lewis in memory of her late husband Evan.
There are 88 names engraved on the memorial representing the losses incurred during WW1 and 20 names for WW2.
