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Almost two weeks after the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, local blacksmith Glen Adams unveiled his “stunning” memorial bench at a ceremony in Llanbradach.
The Blackwood-born blacksmith, who has had a workshop in Llanbradach for the past 25 years, was tasked by the community council to forge a bench to place behind the war memorial on Park View.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday June 18, Mr Adams explained the inspiration behind his work: “We of course have the poppy on display, but I wanted to represent the village of Llanbradach also.
“It would have played an integral part to the war effort, and I’ve put wheels and chains on the outside to represent the mining industry, which would have had a huge impact on everyone here.
“The bench itself uses a wired rope type design which is also a nod to the miners, and the daffodils on the side are of course symbolic of Wales.”
What was D-Day?
On June 6, 1944, the D-Day operation brought together the land, air, and sea forces in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history.
When the Allied troops landed on the coast of Normandy, it marked the start of a campaign to liberate Europe and defeat the Nazis.
The battle itself claimed the lives of 4,414 allied troops, with a further 5,000 wounded.
Children from the soon to close Cwm Glas Infants school were there, along with pupils at Coed y Brain Primary, to see the new bench, as Plaid Cymru councillor Colin Mann spoke to the group of a few dozen.
He said: “I’d like to thank everyone for being here today, with a special thanks going to Glen of course, but also to those responsible for cleaning the memorial and having it looking so good.
“Glen started work experience with John West, who many of you will know, back when he was 16. He has been a part of many projects with CADW and you will recognise the work he has done around Coffi Vista in Caerphilly, as well as ornate work inside the castle.
“He worked day and night to put this bench together and what a stunning one it is.”
Armed service personnel applauded when the bench was unveiled by Cllr Mann and community council chair Norma Cabble.
For the Fallen was then read out before the Last Post was played and a moment of silence was observed by everyone.
After four weeks of hard work, Mr Adams was relieved to have finally completed the project: “I had a call from Colin reminding me I only had two weeks to complete the work.
“I had to put the phone down on him and start grabbing steel”, he joked.
Rob Govier, the Royal Navy’s Warrant Officer, spoke after the unveiling, also thanking Mr Adams for his work. He said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people here, and especially the children this morning.
“We don’t have many memorials of this quality left, and we must never forget the sacrifice those men made for us today.
“This is probably the last big commemoration we’ll see, with only a handful of veterans who remember D-Day remaining.
“It’s crucial we teach the youngest the value of these memorials, and I feel like this great community is doing its part in that.”
Reverend Clive Rich, of Ebenezer Baptist Church in the village, said how he “loves this community” since moving to Llanbradach ten years ago, and thanked everyone for showing such “care and compassion”.
After the ceremony, the group headed to the bowls club for refreshments and a chance to catch-up.
Mr Adams and Horizon Forge can be contacted at: horizonforge7@gmail.com
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