A community-led event was held on Sunday, October 18, to commemorate 100 years since the Penrhiwceiber and Matthewstown War Memorial was unveiled.
Organised by Valleys Re-Told and the Penrhiwceiber Armistice Committee, the event brought together generations of the community at the landmark, which has provided a focal point for local remembrance for a century. The Council supported the event by assisting with arrangements including road closures, sound equipment and first aid provision.
A number of dignitaries attended the event, including the Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, Peter Vaughan QPM CStJ, representing His Majesty the King, alongside Councillor Ann Crimmings, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council; Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion; Jamie Ireland, the Council’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer; and local elected representatives and community leaders.
The commemorative service featured wreath laying, speeches, musical performances and time for reflection. Musical support was provided by a small ensemble from The Band of The Royal Welsh, school choirs from Penrhiwceiber and Pengeulan Primary Schools, and the Mountain Ash Rugby Club singers.
Pupils from both schools read aloud the names of the 146 local men and boys commemorated on the memorial, creating a poignant link between the current generation and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.
Research into the history of the memorial was also shared at the event. Members of Valleys Re-Told worked with Cynon Valley Museum to access and transcribe the original War Memorial Committee minute book, which records the development of the memorial from the first plans through to its completion.
Completed in 1926 and funded by donations from the local community, the Grade II listed memorial was constructed using stone from the former Aberdare Canal. The clock tower features a plaque commemorating local people who lost their lives during the First World War, with further plaques later added in memory of those who died during the Second World War and Korean War.
The Council previously supported an extensive programme of restoration at the memorial, including cleaning the structure and its inscribed brass panels, restoring the four clock faces and repairing the surrounding uplighters.
Major Huw Williams MBE DL of Valleys Re-Told and the Penrhiwceiber Armistice Committee, said: “It has been an honour to work with such a committed group of people who are so focussed on remembering the men of Penrhiwceiber and Matthewstown who paid the ultimate sacrifice during The Great War. The War Memorial provides a focal point for reflection and remembrance, and it was truly wonderful to see so many people turn out to pay their respects.
"Having the children of Penrhiwceiber and Pengeulan Primary schools participating and reading the names of the War Dead was very moving. A special thank you to The Band of The Royal Welsh and the Moutain Ash Rugby Club singers, having them present on the day really made the event more poigniant.
"The support received from our local council was greatly appreciated and without their assistance, this important day would not have happened."
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “For 100 years, the Penrhiwceiber and Matthewstown War Memorial has stood at the heart of the local community, providing an important place for people to come together, reflect and remember.
“Sunday’s event was a fitting way to mark this significant milestone and pay tribute to the local servicemen and women whose sacrifices must never be forgotten.
“It was wonderful to see the community come together to recognise the memorial’s enduring importance to Penrhiwceiber and Matthewstown. The Council was proud to support this community-led event and remains committed to honouring our Armed Forces community, both past and present.”
The memorial is also included in the Council’s wider War Memorials Project, which was launched in November 2023 to digitise memorials across Rhondda Cynon Taf and research the stories of the people whose names appear on them. This forms part of a 5-year, £250,000 programme of investment in war memorials that runs from 2022 to 2027. For more information on the project and to get involved, please contact: HeritageService@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Find out more: War Memorials Project - Rhondda Cynon Taf Our Heritage
Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to more than 7,500 Armed Forces veterans and the Council was among the first Welsh local authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, reaffirming its commitment in 2018.
In recognition of its support, the Council received the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2017. The accolade was retained in October 2022 following the introduction of the Council’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans and Reservists.
The Council’s new Veteran Advice line offers free, confidential support for veterans and their families. To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, call 01443 425 020 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or use the online referral form to access support: Veteran Advice Service | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
More information: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 21/10/2026