NEWS

A new scheme to safeguard and celebrate Wales’s war memorials has been launched today (27 March) by John Griffiths, Minister for Culture and Sport at a national conference in Builth Wells.

At least 3,000 war memorials are known in Wales, each of which tells the stories of lives lost and the families and communities devastated by the effects of war. They continue to be focal points for commemoration and their care and conservation is vital to ensure that we continue to honour the memory of those who gave their lives in service for their country.

The conservation programme, led by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is worth £400,000 and aims to look after war memorials right across Wales.

Developed in partnership with the War Memorials Trust, the scheme will help to safeguard memorials for future generations, with grants of up to 70% of the eligible costs (up to a maximum of £10,000) available for conservation and repair.

Everyone can have a role in looking after war memorials and Cadw and War Memorials Trust are encouraging volunteer groups, and town and community councils to get involved.

To help make sure that people know the best way to look after their local war memorial, Cadw has produced Caring for War Memorials in Wales, which explains their significance and how to draw up conservation maintenance plans.  Technical guidance is also available on the Cadw website, which offers more detailed conservation advice on how to care for war memorials and when to get specialist help.

John Griffiths, Minister for Culture and Sport said:

“War memorials are a physical reminder of the impact of the First World War on almost every community in Wales. It is essential that these memorials are cared for to ensure we continue to honour the memory of the thousands of ordinary Welsh men and women who lost their lives in the conflict or whose lives were deeply affected. For this reason I would encourage local communities to apply for a grant to assist with the conservation of these very important monuments.’

To find out more about the scheme, and download the grant application form and guidance, go to the Cadw website, www.cadw.wales.gov.uk or contact Cadw on 01443 336000.

The scheme forms part of Cymru’n Cofio – Wales Remembers 1914-1918, the centenary programme of commemoration of the First World War led by the Welsh Government in partnership with key organisations across Wales.

Cymru’n Cofio —Wales Remembers 1914-1918 will develop over the next four years and will link to the wider commemorations of the First World War taking place across the UK and around the world. It will be a fitting and Wales-wide commemoration which will pay tribute to those people whose sacrifice is justly remembered. More information is available on www.walesremembers.org.