Cymoedd learners support work at Memorial Garden

Coleg y Cymoedd is proud of its links with the Armed Forces, being the first FE college in Wales to achieve a Silver Employer Recognition Award in 2018. An award reserved for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

When Phill Adkins, from The Royal Welsh Comrades Association and Project Coordinator for the Memorial Garden approached the college for its help in constructing a Memorial Garden, in Aberdare Town Centre, there was no hesitation on behalf of the college.

Phill Adkins, spokesperson for the group visited the college to discuss the project and it was agreed that the construction learners at the college’s Aberdare campus would support the project.

The learners studying on the Bricklaying course, together with tutors John Wayman, Steve Jones and Steve Llewellyn visited the Aberdare site for a briefing on the project. The project, whilst supporting such a worthy cause would also provide practical experience for the learners and enhance the CPD opportunities for the tutors.

Speaking on behalf of the tutors at the Aberdare campus, John Wayman, Brickwork tutor said “The learners worked well as a team on the project and the quality of their work was excellent. The staff are proud of the way they worked and conducted themselves; they are great ambassadors for Coleg y Cymoedd. This experience has given them the opportunity not only of practical work but also to work on a project that has a positive impact in the community”.”

The learners were tasked with laying the slabs at the Memorial Garden, which were kindly donated by Jewsons, Aberdare. Throughout their time at the project they received numerous comments from passers-by including, veterans of all eras and Welsh Guards Falklands Veteran Errold Jones for the excellent work undertaken at the project.

On completion of their work, the stonemason was able to inlay the granite plaque and memorial stones in memory of a loved one or comrade. To complete the area, the flagpoles, donated by Aluminium Lighting Company were given a trial run in preparation for the opening ceremony.

Phill Adkins said” The work to lay the slabs went well and on behalf of the Royal Welsh Comrades Association I would like to thank the college for their participation, the learners worked hard and their finished work is excellent. I hope they enjoyed the project and are proud of the part they have played in preparing the Cynon Valley Combined Services Memorial Garden”.

The official opening will take place on Sunday November 3rd at 10:30a.m.

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