Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is pleased to announce the completion of restoration work at Ferndale Cenotaph, carried out by Ivor Phillips Sculptors in Aberdare in the lead up to Remembrance Day – ensuring it was in excellent condition for the service. This work included a full clean of the cenotaph and the addition of new granite tablets commemorating those who served in World War II. The tablets now include an additional name, James Breeze – a Stoker 1st Class who served on the HMS Stevenstone – ensuring that the memorial continues to honour all who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This work forms part of the Council’s wider programme to preserve and maintain war memorials across the County Borough, in line with War Memorials Trust guidance. Since 2022, the Council has worked closely with the local community groups and volunteers to carry out essential maintenance and improvements.
As part of this programme, two historic World War I plaques were relocated to Tonypandy Library following the closure of St. Andrew’s Church, ensuring they remain protected and accessible. The first lists the names of local servicemen who lost their lives during the conflict, while the second commemorates the men who served in the British Expeditionary Force between August and November 1914. Both now form part of the library’s heritage display, allowing visitors to learn more about the area’s wartime history while ensuring the plaques are well-preserved and safeguarded for future generations.
The Council’s memorial cleaning programme will now resume in Spring 2026, when weather conditions improve, with further work planned across the County Borough.
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.”
This initiative is part of a broader commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant, which the Council first signed in 2012 and reaffirmed in 2018. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold.
The Council provides a dedicated Veteran Advice Service, which has supported over 1000 veterans and family members to date. This free, confidential service offers advice and assistance to those who have served or are currently serving. To speak to an officer, call 07747 485 619 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm) or email: VeteranService@rctcbc.gov.uk.
For more information on the Council’s heritage work, please visit: Rhondda Cynon Taf Our Heritage. For any enquiries, or to get involved in future projects, please email: HeritageService@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 06/01/2026