Park named as host for special day
RHONDDA Cynon Taff’s commemoration of Armed Forces Day will be marked by a special event in the Cynon Valley next July, it has been announced.
The council’s annual event to mark the national commemoration will continue to recognise the centenary of World War I – and hundreds of people are expected to descend on Aberdare Park for the event.
Armed Forces representatives, the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers and RCT council’s mayor will play key roles in the event on Saturday, July 1.
Ann Crimmings, RCT cabinet member for environment, leisure and culture, and councillor for Aberdare West and Llwydcoed, said: “I am delighted that next year’s Armed Forces Day commemorations in Rhondda Cynon Taff will be taking place within the grounds of Aberdare Park.
“With a proud history, Aberdare Park has attracted thousands of visitors each year for almost 150 years – and it has maintained its natural beauty all of that time.
“Only this summer it has attracted thousands of visitors to three major events – the Aberdare Park National Road Races, Aberdare Festival and also the Tour of Britain and all of its riders, which included Olympic Games medallists Sir Bradley Wiggins, Owain Doull and Mark Cavendish.
“Having seen the success and popularity of our Armed Forces Day event in other parts of the county, I am delighted that we have been able to secure Aberdare Park as the location for the 2017 event.”
Mark Norris, RCT cabinet member for corporate services with responsibility for the Armed Forces, added: “Armed Forces Day is always a special occasion in our annual calendar, and next year will be no exception.
“It is a Royal British Legion initiative, supported by the council, and it is marked every year in our county borough.
“As part of our First World War Centenary Commemorations, the council has taken the op- portunity to take its Armed Forces Day Event around the county borough, with previous events held in Ferndale and Tonyrefail.
“This is our opportunity to raise awareness of the contribution made by so many people, many from Rhondda Cynon Taf, who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.
“It will be the perfect opportunity for the public to come along and attend our raising of the flag ceremony and to show their support for those who make up the Armed Forces community – from veterans and serving staff to the cadets, reserves and, of course, the families.”