Important Memorial Restored
An important restoration of the Columbarium and the treasured memorial stones it holds at Wales’ first crematorium has been completed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The Columbarium at Glyntaff Crematorium has been closed for some months to enable the repairs, restoration and improvements to take place.
The unusual Columbarium is located next to the main entrance of the Crematorium, which opened in 1924 and was the only Crematorium to serve Wales for many years and was historically used as a place to scatter remains.
Over the years, structural problems and general wear and tear have led to problems with leaks in the Columbarium, causing damp.
Due to their age and the number of years they have been in place, many of the memorial tablets and plaques houses in the Columbarium had become unstable.
Recognising the importance of the Colombarium to the residents of RCT and beyond, as well as to the loved ones of those from all over who are commemorated there, the Council decided to invest to repair and improve the memorial.
A new roof was installed, using as many of the original roof tiles as possible, ensuring the building is safe and water tight for years to come and that it is protected from further damp or mould.
The exterior of the stone building has been professionally steam-cleaned and the doorway has been replaced. Interior and exterior ramps have been purchased to enable easier wheelchair/pushchair access to the Columbarium.
The old carpet tiles, which were particularly affected by the damp, have been removed, revealing a beautiful marble floor which has been professionally cleaned and restored.
Each of the memorial tablets and stones in the Columbarium were carefully photographed and catalogued before being removed, so they could be returned to the exact spot where they were originally located.
Each has been repaired, restored and then replaced on to the walls, which have been painted.
Now security has been improved and CCTV introduced to the area, the Columbarium is now re-open for visitors, including the loved ones of those who are remembered in the building, local historians and genealogists.
Cllr Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Wellbeing and Communities, officially reopened the Columbarium this week.
She said: “Glyntaf was the first crematorium in Wales and the Columbarium was, and still is, very important for visitors who come to remember their loved-ones or to research their family and local history.
“It was important the Council restored this unique and important Columbarium back to its former glory, so it can continue to be used as a place people can visit to remember, pay their respects and learn about past generations.”
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