Coming To Aberdare In 2017
Armed Forces Day 2017 will be marked with a special event in Aberdare Park next July, with hundreds of people expected to come along and support the annual commemoration.
The Council will once again be recognising and marking this national day as it continues to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Among those who will be attending the event will be the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, along with Armed Forces representatives and The Royal British Legion Standard Bearers.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, and also ward member for Aberdare West/Llwydcoed, said: “I am delighted that next year’s Armed Forces Day commemorations in Rhondda Cynon Taf 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.”
Cllr Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services with responsibility for the Armed Forces, said: “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 opportunity to take its Armed Forces Day Event around the County Borough, with previous events held in Ferndale and Tonyrefail and inked to stories of the impact of the war on our communities.
“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 of troops past and present.”
Aberdare Park, which recently hosted the Stage 5 start of the prestigious Tour of Britain, was officially opened on July 27, 1869.
Originally designed, landscaped and planted by William Barron, the National Eisteddfod of Wales was also held at Aberdare Park in 1956, with the Gorsedd Circle, which still stands today, constructed to mark the event.
Rhondda Cynon Taf has a proud record of valuing its armed services, both past and present, and the Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant is in keeping with such an approach and significantly takes forward the Council and the County Borough’s, objectives to support our Armed Forces Community.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant sets out the commitment it shows former and serving members of the Armed Forces and their families, from financial assistance to signposting to support services.
It was one of the first Local Authorities in Wales to establish an Armed Forces Covenant in order to reiterate its commitment and value to the Armed Forces, both past and present.
Armed Forces Day 2017 will be marked with a special event at Aberdare Park on Saturday, July 1, 2017. More details will follow.
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