A SPECIAL World War Memorial Garden has been opened at Machynlleth’s Y Plas as part of this year’s Remembrance service.

The Royal Welch Fusiliers World War Memorial Garden has been opened after hard work by volunteers who served with the regiment, including retired Major Ifan Price-Edwards, to get the garden in place to pay tribute to those lost during the wars, with praise for the work of volunteers from dignitaries.

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George, who attended the opening ceremony and Remembrance event, said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of the War Memorial Garden at Y Plas in Machynlleth.

“Despite bad weather either side of the official opening, the weather was good for cutting of the ribbon and formal event at 3pm.

“I’d like to pay tribute to all who volunteered and put in so much hard work to bringing about the opening of the Memorial Garden.

“A hundred years ago the guns fell silent on the First World War, and it is right to honour and remember all those who sacrificed so much to secure and protect our freedom, and honour the service of our armed forces and veterans.”

Machynlleth Town Council clerk Jim Griffiths said: “Machynlleth Town Council is delighted to have worked closely with the RWF Comrades Association to help facilitate the revival of the great Centenary Rose Garden at the Plas. The Comrades, along with a number of community groups and others, worked tirelessly to refurbish the once formal rose garden and the replanting will complement the tastefully poignant addition of the ‘Tommy’ silhouettes and poppy benches.

“The town council was pleased to be a part of the event and to be able to donate free of charge the use of the hall for events and to facilitate and pay for the formal post opening cream tea reception in the Plas Cafe for the visiting dignitaries after the event.”

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