Grange War24

Here are details of events we have held, as part of the Grangetown World War One project.

MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION: Grangetown remembers war centenary

The commemoration took place on Saturday 2nd August- the closest weekend to the anniversary of war being declared

We never knew them but we never forget them. A commemoration at the war memorial in Grange Gardens marked the centenary of World War One in Grangetown.

Grangetown Local History Society organised the event on Saturday 2nd August, which included static displays and a service was attended by all branches of the Armed services, the Prince of Wales Army Band, the Merchant Navy and veterans organisations.

A selection of photos from the event and the service - click on the photos for larger versions

Rev David Morris led a multi-faith service, with representatives from the Hindu, Sikh and Jewish communities, speaking of sacrifice and reading prayers for peace. A poem recalling Mametz Wood was read by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff Councillor Margaret Jones, while Communities Minister Jeff Cuthbert represented the Welsh Government. Families read out the names of the fallen, including the granddaughter of Lt Col Lord Ninian Edward Crichton-Stuart MP, who was killed in October 1915, while leading the 6th Welsh in an attack.

Families also brought along photos and stories of their ancestors. And the British Legion provided more than 400 crosses and poppies for a field in front of the memorial. Those attending included the Goat Major and Shenkin the regimental goat, the Welsh pipe band and sea cadets.

There are 330 men on the memorial, while research for Grangetown Local History Society's World War One project has indentified another 135, with family and biographical details of many being added to an online memorial and web pages.

Despite a fierce storm and downpour as the event was setting up, the sun came out and more than 100 people attended the service.

Zena Mabbs, chair of the society, said: "The activities in the park gave those present and now living in Grangetown a flavour of the era of WW1 and raise awareness of the sacrifice made by people who once walked the streets where they live."

Thanks in particular to Dalton Spinola and Roy Paul for organising the event, and those who helped with the refreshments in the church afterwards.

WORLD WAR ONE PROJECT EXHIBITION: Family stories remembered at Grangetown Library

A poppy-making workshop was held at Grangetown Library on the final day of the exhibition.

A week-long exhibition was held at Grangetown Library by Grangetown Local History Society, to mark the start of the centenary anniversary week on August 4th.

There was a steady stream of visitors, including relatives bringing along memorabilia and more stories and photographs. The display boards told family stories and we also had our banners, including the poppy map marking where more than 400 men lived.

We had some very favourable comments left by people who came and saw the show, which was gratifying.

Meanwhile, a special WW1 edition of Grange News was delivered to hundreds of Grangetown homes, telling some of the stories of those who served.