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Caerphilly Bowls Club has unveiled two commemorative benches in honour of Caerphilly Bird Rescue’s Ray Gravenor, and Cwrt Rawlin footballer Ethan Hamer.

Ray Gravenor co-founded Caerphilly Bird Rescue alongside his wife, Carol, before passing away in 2021.

Also being honoured at the presentation on Sunday November 19 was Ethan Hamer. The teenager, who played for Cwrt Rawlin FC, was diagnosed in 2022 with a rare form of cancer at the age of 15, before passing away earlier this year.

Inspired by these two “wonderful people”, secretary at Caerphilly Bowls Club, Rob Cavanagh, decided to have two benches made with the names of both engraved on a plaque.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Cavanagh said: “I was friends with Ethan’s grandfather and knew how difficult it was for the family to go through it all.

“Ray was also a champion of the community and his and Carol’s work for Caerphilly Bird Rescue has had an impact on so many.”

Mr Cavanagh applied for money through the Community Empowerment Fund to gain a grant and have the benches made and placed at the bowling grounds in Morgan Jones Park.

On the day itself, Mr Cavanagh said: “The weather wasn’t great unfortunately but we had a nice little reception with around 30 people in attendance.

“Caerphilly mayor Mike Adams was there and gave a few words, and Carol from the bird rescue livestreamed the presentation on Facebook to over 8,000 people, which shows how popular and loved Ray was.

“Both families were very grateful, and we have given them the code to enter the bowls park any time they want to sit and remember their loved ones.”

Councillor for Morgan Jones ward, Shayne Cook, was also in attendance and said: “I was happy to support the provision of two memorial benches in Morgan Jones Park using the council’s Community Empowerment Fund.

“The memorial benches are a great tribute to local residents Ethan and Ray and I hope their families take some comfort from their presence in the park.

“I want to add my thanks to Caerphilly Bowls Secretary Rob Cavanagh for all his hard work and dedication in procuring these memorial benches.”