Council marks Armistice Day in Bridgend County Borough

Communities across Bridgend County Borough fell silent at 11am today (Thursday 11 November) in memory of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women.

On behalf of the people of Bridgend County Borough, Council Leader Huw David, Deputy Mayor Councillor Martyn Jones, Armed Forces Champion Councillor Richard Young and Youth Mayor Xander Payne were among those to help mark Armistice Day by sending a wreath via a ‘Poppy Train’ to be placed at the Paddington Station war memorial as part of a national display.

Poppies to Paddington started last year to ensure communities within the Great Western Railway network could honour our fallen heroes despite the restrictions in place around Covid-19.

Barbara McGregor who entered the Guinness World Records earlier this year as the longest-serving female in the Royal Navy, travelled by train from her home in Bridgend to read the Act of Remembrance at London Paddington's war memorial.

Last year, Bridgend County Borough Council presented her with the area’s Armorial Bearings to celebrate her retirement after 43 years of service.

As we reflect and remember those who gave their lives in active service for our country, we continue to be deeply thankful for our freedom.

Having paid the ultimate price to preserve our way of life, we will never forget them.

Council leader Huw David

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.

Meanwhile, a range of parades and services have been organised across Bridgend County Borough to commemorate Remembrance 2021.

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 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 service will be held at St Cynfelins Church at 10.45am followed by a precession to the Caerau Memorial. A Remembrance service will commence upon arrival at the memorial at 10.50am, 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 – On Remembrance Sunday, an act of Remembrance will be held at the village war memorial on Mynydd Bach Common at 10.55am.   
  
  
• Pyle - Pyle Community Council are holding a Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 14 November, at 10.30am at the Cenotaph in Kenfig Hill.
  
  
• Porthcawl– A Remembrance Service and Parade have been organised by the Royal British Legion. On Remembrance Sunday, a Service will be held at 10.30am in All Saints Church. The Standards will parade in the church before the start of the service at 10.25am and also at the War Memorial at 11am for the Sounding of the Last Post prior to the laying of the wreaths.