A ceremony has been held at Glyntaff Crematorium to mark the opening of Seren Fach, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s new memorial garden dedicated to all babies lost too soon.
Those who attended the event included parents who have lost their babies, local Councillors and Bereavement Service staff, charities that suppory baby loss and Cwm Taf University Health Board staff who care for those affected.
As Baby Loss Awareness Week continues, visitors to the crematorium admired the beautiful new area, built by Bereavement Services staff and contractor P Morgan Services.
Seren Fach provides a quiet, relaxing space for people to sit, reflect and remember, recognising the needs of families who need a special space, including those who do not have a grave to visit.
It features ornate benches upon which people can rest, planting, landscaping and metal memorial friezes. People can purchase metal leaves and have a message to their lost loved-one inscribed upon it, before it is attached to the memorial.
In reflection of the babies and infants to whom the garden is dedicated, the area also features playful sculptures including teddy bears and mushrooms.
Reverend Carolyn Castle, Lead Chaplain at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, delivered a dedication of Seren Fach and led a service in the garden.
Seren Fach “Little Star” was officially opened by Cllr Maureen Webber B.E.M, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and a strong supporter of the crematorium, who unveiled a dedication plaque for the garden.
Unveiling the official plaque she said: “Seren Fach is a place of remembrance for all babies lost too soon. The Council knows there are too many families who need a space like this and we’re pleased to have delivered it.
“Seren Fach is testament to the compassion of our Bereavement Services team, who saw firsthand just how needed a space like this was, and set about creating it.
“It’s a reflection of the compassion, dignity and unwavering support show to those who lose a baby by the incredible Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board staff and dedicated charities.
“It’s quite special to see representatives from all these teams, organisations and charities here today as we open Seren Fach, knowing it is a space that can be used by all when they need it. It’s a shared message of compassion and support we are sending to those who are grieving.”
Jade Harries, of The Mitchell Foundation, was also in attendance. Jade launched the charity in memory of her son, Mitchell who died just three hours after his birth in 2023. She now dedicates her time to providing hospital essentials and support for other families across the country.
She said: "Losing a baby or a child is completely heartbreaking for families who live through this loss. Sadly many families do lose a son or daughter and navigating that journey through grief is different for everyone.
"Spaces like Seren Fach Remembrance Garden are incredibly important for families that have lost a baby or child, a place to come to remember, reflect and gather your thoughts can really help the journey through grief.
"Some families don’t have a resting place for their baby or child, sometimes by choice, but also historic losses of a baby choices weren’t available. I have no doubt this garden will bring families together to remember there much loved and missed child or baby."
All visitors are welcome to spend time in Seren Fach at Glyntaff Crematorium and are reminded there are Remembrance Areas at Trealaw, Maes-yr-Arian and Treorchy Cemeteries that can be used. Each of the remembrance areas has a Letters to Heaven postbox where letters, poems, pictures and messages can be posted to lost loved-ones.
If you would like to purchase a leaf memorial for inclusion on the ornate friezes in place at Treorchy and Trealaw Cemeteries and Seren Fach, you can do so by emailing Cemetery Leaves
Posted on 16/10/2026