A range of parades and services have been organised across Bridgend County Borough to commemorate Remembrance 2021.
This year’s Remembrance Sunday will see Members of Bridgend County Borough Council lay wreaths at the majority of war memorials in the county borough, paying their respects and reflecting on the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
A number of services and parades have also been arranged for members of the public to mark the day.
Bridgend Town Council is co-ordinating two Remembrance events. The first is a Children and Family Remembrance Parade and Service that has been arranged specifically for younger children and families. Taking place in Bridgend town centre on Saturday 13 November, the parade leaves the top of Wyndham Street at 10.40am before arriving at the War Memorial in Dunraven Place a few minutes later where there will then be a short Remembrance service by Reverend Rachel Wheeler. The event has been tailored to provide an opportunity for primary school-aged children to learn more about the importance of Remembrance.
Meanwhile, On Sunday 14 November, a Remembrance parade led by the City of Swansea Pipe Band, will leave from Adare Street (outside former H Samuel shop, at the junction with Elder Lane) at 10.40am and will take place within the pedestrianised streets of Bridgend town centre.
At 10.50am, a commemorative service will be conducted by Reverend Rachel Wheeler at the war memorial in Dunraven Place with the Bridgend Male Voice Choir and Lewis Merthyr Brass Band taking part in the event.
Hand sanitiser dispensers will be available in the area and it is recommended that people wear face coverings to protect themselves and others from Covid-19.
Remembrance events taking place elsewhere across Bridgend County Borough this year include:
- Maesteg – on Remembrance Sunday, a parade will assemble at Maesteg car park from 10am. It will then proceed to the Cenotaph via Llynfi Road and Talbot Street. On arrival at the Cenotaph, the Remembrance Service will commence, including the blessing of the wreaths. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am and wreaths laid.
- Caerau – On Remembrance Sunday, a parade will leave St Cynfelins Church at 10.45am and walk to the Caerau Memorial. A Remembrance service will commence upon arrival at the memorial, including the blessing of the wreaths. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am and wreaths laid.
- Coychurch – On Remembrance Sunday, Coychurch Lower Community Council and St Crallo’s church in Coychurch will be holding a short act of Remembrance at the Williams Memorial Hall, starting at 10.50am with the national silence at 11am.
- Llangynwyd – At 10.30am on Friday 12 November, the Royal British Legion will lead the parade in single file from outside Llangynwyd Village Hall down to the cenotaph. The service will commence, including a blessing of the wreaths. At 11am there will be a two-minute silence and the laying of the wreaths.
- Cornelly – On Remembrance Sunday, a Remembrance service will be held at Mawdlam Church at 9.30am.
- Pencoed – On Remembrance Sunday, a Remembrance service will be held at the Cenotaph at 10.45am.
- Cefn Cribwr – The Remembrance service will begin at 10am at the Wesleyan Methodist Church. There will then be a parade to the war memorial on the common for a further service and Act of Remembrance at 10.55.
We are pleased to see the return of many of the traditional Remembrance Sunday events after they were put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
We would like to express our deep respect for our armed forces and eternal gratitude to those who have given their lives so that others may live.
We remain indebted to all those who have volunteered, served, fought or made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and we will continue to respect, honour and remember them.
Councillor John Spanswick, Mayor of Bridgend County Borough
