Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has completed restoration work at Ferndale Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day, ensuring the memorial was in excellent condition for the annual service.
The work was carried out by Ivor Phillips Sculptors in Aberdare and included a full clean of the cenotaph, along with the installation of new granite tablets commemorating those who served in World War II. An additional name, James Breeze, has also been added to the memorial. James Breeze served as a Stoker 1st Class on HMS Stevenstone, and his inclusion ensures the cenotaph continues to honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The restoration forms part of the Council’s wider programme to preserve and maintain war memorials across the County Borough, following guidance from the War Memorials Trust. Since 2022, the Council has worked closely with local community groups and volunteers to carry out essential maintenance and improvement works.
As part of this wider programme, two historic World War I plaques have been relocated to Tonypandy Library following the closure of St Andrew’s Church. One plaque lists the names of local servicemen who lost their lives during the conflict, while the other commemorates those who served with the British Expeditionary Force between August and November 1914. Both plaques are now part of the library’s heritage display, ensuring they remain protected, accessible and preserved for future generations.
The Council has confirmed that its memorial cleaning programme will resume in Spring 2026, when weather conditions improve, with further restoration work planned across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said:
“Our war memorials are an important part of our heritage and a lasting tribute to those who served. The restoration of Ferndale Cenotaph, including the addition of marble tablets and James Breeze’s name, ensures that every individual is remembered with dignity.
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving these monuments and our heritage for future generations – while supporting the local Armed Forces community.
“I want to thank everyone who played a part in this project, and I look forward to continuing these efforts across Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2026.”
The work supports the Council’s wider commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant, which Rhondda Cynon Taf Council first signed in 2012 and reaffirmed in 2018. The Council also holds the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council also provides a dedicated Veteran Advice Service, which has supported more than 1,000 veterans and family members to date. The free and confidential service offers advice and assistance to those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces. The service can be contacted on 07747 485 619, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, or by email at [email protected].
