Hundreds welcome RAF for Freedom of Borough honour
ARMED forces marched through Pontypridd as MOD St Athan and all local service personnel of the Royal Air Force, past and present, were granted freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Hundreds of people lined the streets and turned out for the ceremony on Saturday.
The ceremony took part at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, before the march took place through the town.
RCT Mayor councillor Steve Powderhill said: “It was a wonderful day, and one that will be remembered for a very long time.
“It was such an honour to confer the Freedom of our County Borough upon MOD St Athan and all local service personnel of The Royal Air Force, Past and Present
“We also paid our respects to the Royal Air Force and its personnel, Past and
Present, at Home and Overseas, during their centenary years.”
Cllr Powderhill and RCT council leader Cllr Andrew Morgan presented the commemorative certificate and scroll to Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Air Officer Wales, and Wing Commander Stephen Rowley.
A military parade followed the Freedom of the ceremony, with MOD St Athan marching around Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, through the main gates and into Taff Street, and back into the park, as crowds of people lined the entire route.
A free family event was then held at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park until 5pm on Saturday.
RCT Council deputy leader and armed forces champion Cllr Maureen Webber said: “It was a huge honour for our County Borough to confer the Freedom of the County Borough upon MOD St Athan, and all associated with it.
“So many people came along to enjoy the ceremony and line the route of the Military Parade – many more also enjoyed the Armed Forces Family Fun Day afterwards.”
RCT Council is also set to commemorate Armed Forces Day 2018 with a ceremony and family fun day at the Memorial Park, Pontypridd, on Saturday July 7 from noon-4pm.