A war memorial in Risca has been given a makeover in time for Remembrance Sunday.
The Risca branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) joined forces with construction expert Willmott Dixon and Caerphilly County Borough Council to transform the St Mary’s Street memorial and surrounding garden area.
Volunteers worked together to clear weeds and overgrowth from the garden, plant shrubs, repaint benches and clean the area in preparation for visitors to the Remembrance Sunday event on 10th November. New metal military silhouettes have been added to the memorial, along with a ‘poppy waterfall’ created by Risca RBL and Risca Yarn Bombers.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is working in partnership with Willmott Dixon to develop a new flagship later living scheme on the former Ty Darran care home site in Risca, opposite the war memorial. The hoarding around the site will become a temporary extension of the war memorial for Remembrance Sunday, when the existing display will be replaced with the names of all those from the Risca area who lost their lives in both World Wars.
Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “We know Ty Darran was an important part of the community in Risca; we’re committed to ensuring the community also remains at the heart of the new development. I’d like to thank the site team from Willmott Dixon and Caerphilly Homes’ Development Team for working with the volunteers of the Royal British Legion and for their enthusiasm and passion in engaging the local community and supporting important projects like this.”
“We are very grateful for the help given by Willmott Dixon and Caerphilly Council in cleaning up the war memorial surroundings.” Said Steve Veysey, Risca Royal British Legion, “The work was divided between the three teams, and everyone was very enthusiastic to get the improvements made in time for the biggest day of the Legion’s year, Remembrance Sunday.”
“It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to ensure that the memorial is looking its best and is a fitting tribute for the fallen. We are very pleased that Willmott Dixon have been so proactive and look forward to working with them over the remaining period they are on site.”
Ian Jones, Director at Willmott Dixon added “One of our key priorities is to support the people in the communities where we build to thrive. To be part of the transformation of the war memorial that’s close to our Ty Darran project is an honour. We’re extremely proud to work with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Royal British Legion to ensure that the memorial is a fitting recognition to those from the local area who lost their lives.”
