14th Novemeber 2019

 

On 2nd November 2019, a standing stone commemorating 100 years since the end of World War One was unveiled at The Copse in Castle Meadows, Abergavenny by a member of the 5th Abergavenny Brownie Pack.

 

I was there for the unveiling, along with Sheila Woodhouse, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, and the Mayor of Abergavenny, Tony Konieczny. It was very moving to stand in the shadow of the ruins of Abergavenny Castle as the Last Post was played by a member of Abergavenny Borough Band.

 

It was a blazing hot week in mind-July when I carved the inscription, and I was as brown as a nut when the work was completed. It was a very different atmosphere on 2nd November, with the trees turning gold and copper around us. We dodged the downpours and were blessed with a break in the rain while speeches were made.

 

The Copse is maintained by The Friends of Castle Meadows as a beautiful natural space where the local flora and fauna can flourish. I was asked by their Chair, Anthea Fairy, to source a monolith in Welsh Blue Pennant stone and carve on it the inscription, "We Will Remember Them. Byddwn yn eu Cofio. 1918-2018".