Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Aberbargoed Memorial Garden has marked 100 years since its Grade II listed gate was installed, with a heartfelt tribute to a young girl who died during a remembrance service there in 1954.

While watching the arrival of a Remembrance Day procession, three-year-old Irene Adams broke free from the hand of her older sister, having spotted a friend across the road. Tragically, she ran into the path of a double-decker bus.

Seventy-one years later, a plaque paying tribute to Irene was unveiled at the memorial garden on Commercial Street, with members of her family present.

Opening the ceremony was Linda Reed, who helps maintain the garden. She spoke about its history, which told the story of how the gates were originally placed there as the entrance to the old miners’ hospital.

After thanking everyone for coming, pupils from Ysgol Bro Sannan and Aberbargoed Primary School took turns to read poems in front of the crowd of a few dozen.

Lorraine Gallent, who suggested the plaque in honour of Irene, then spoke about how important “remembering history” is, and that without doing so, tragedies such as this would be forgotten.

Christine Bissex-Foster, Labour councillor for Aberbargoed and Bargoed, was also at the event, and said a few words about Irene before unveiling the plaque alongside Irene’s brother, Will.

After the ceremony, Cllr Bissex-Foster told Caerphilly Observer: “This is a great example of a community coming together and creating a beautiful tribute.

“Looking around this garden, and seeing how well maintained it is during a time of cuts, shows how crucial volunteers and the community can be. Spirits are high today and that’s wonderful to see.”

Cllr Bissex-Foster also explained how the Grade II listed gates need maintaining, which can prove difficult due to their graded status, but hopes progress will be made soon.

Veteran and volunteer Stephen Davies explained how much effort goes into taking care of the garden, adding how pleased he was to see the next generation involved on the day.