ONE HUNDRED children from across the Vale have joined together to take part in a 100 wreaths commemoration at Barry Memorial Hall, ahead of the 100th anniversary of the First World War’s end.
The event was organised by Alun Cairns MP, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, with eight local primary schools sending pupils along to pay their respects and received a presentation from veterans who talked about the significance of Remembrance Day. Children got involved from primary schools across the Vale, with Cadoxton, Palmerston, Romilly, High Street, Gladstone and Jenner Park all coming from Barry and St Athan and Ysgol Y Ddraig also attended.
Mr Cairns called on Vale businesses to donate towards the cost of the wreaths, to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. He was delighted to raise £2740, far exceeding his £2000 target, with donations received from over 30 businesses based in the Vale. Mr Cairns has said that he’s incredibly grateful to receive such support from the business community and is thankful for two substantial donations from Aston Martin who donated £1000 and Siteserv who donated £500.
The Vale MP said, “I’m really pleased with the fantastic response from our community in getting behind the 100 wreaths commemoration. Thank you to all of the schools who took part, the teachers and children, for their enthusiasm and for the really moving messages that they left. It’s so important that future generations understand the sacrifices that were made and why we honour them and it was clear to get a sense of that in their messages.
He added, “Thank you, also, to all of the business who kindly and generously donated towards the cost of the wreaths which will go towards the fantastic work that the Royal British Legion do. I’d like to pay tribute to Theresa, Jimmy and the team at the British Legion. They really helped to bring this together and it’s been a privilege to work with them.”