A remembrance Service was held at the war memorial in Dyffryn Ardudwy on Sunday 10th July to remember those who lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme and Mametz Wood 100 years ago between 7 and 14 July 1916.

The short service was arranged at short notice by the Dyffryn Ardudwy and Talybont community council following a requester from Cllr Gretta Cartwright MBE.

The service was started by Cllr Emrys Jones, council vice chairman who sounded a whistle, just like the whistle the men would have heard before leaving their trenches at the Somme 100 years ago.

Canon Beth Bailey reminded the congregation of between 20 and 25 people that more soldiers died at Mametz Wood in a few days than had died over many years in other conflicts.

Canon Bailey thanked Cllr Cartwright and the local council for arranging the event at short notice. Several people wore their medals at the service attended by four councillors, Emrys Jones, Gretta Cartwright, Eryl Jones-Williams and Catrin Edwards.The Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph were read by Canon Bailey in English and Cllr Gretta Cartwright in Welsh. Rev Miriam Beecroft gave a reading from John 5 and read the blessing.A wreath of poppies was laid by Cllr Emrys Jones.

Harlech Silver Band members played the Last Post and Reveille and accompanied the singing of the Hymn and both anthems.

After the service Canon Bailey said: “ It was short notice, but I am pleased that the village did hold the service and remembered those who died 100 years ago.

“On the exact day 100 years ago it is believed that the uncle of Barmouth’s Hugh Roberts died at the Somme.”