Action-packed free event pays tribute to Armed Forces past and present

Events and activities inside Aberafan Shopping Centre will include the launch of the RBL Port Talbot’s Poppy Appeal and dedication of the Garden of Remembrance – this year styled to represent a beach in tribute to the 80th Anniversary of D Day. A flag raising ceremony will take place starting at 10.45am, including The Last Post and a 2-minute silence at 11am.

At some point between 11.15am and 11.30am the Army are planning a musical surprise. This will be followed by the presentation of prizes for two children’s art competitions. ‘The Art of being a Military Child’ and ‘The Art of D-Day’ invited children and young people to submit a poem, short story, or picture on these topics. There were more than 50 entries. The prizes have been sponsored by Llanelec Precision Engineering, Wall Colmonoy and The Royal Mint.

There will be a signing ceremony for the Armed Forced Covenant on behalf of Aberafan Shopping Centre and Tai Tarian. The Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.

he afternoon’s programme will feature the Swansea Ukulele Club and piper Ioan Osborne. At 12pm Port Talbot Library, located on the first floor of the shopping centre will host a talk on the history and ongoing work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with a focus on some of the casualties from Neath Port Talbot.

Throughout the day there will also be talks by local military historian Phil Barrow, and a chance to dress up against a WW2 backdrop with Gweithdy Rhyfel Byd Cymru, who will also have historical items on display. If you have any questions about WW2, pop along and chat with them.

For younger visitors, NPT Youth Service will be offering free activities.

Four banners made from army scrim netting will hang from the ceiling of the shopping centre. The netting is traditionally used to camouflage troops on military operation, but for the festival it will be bedecked with more than 1,500 knitted, crocheted and felt-crafted poppies that have been made by schools, knitting groups and individuals from across the county borough and beyond.

Added to this will be more than 25 information stands.

Outside, Civic Square will play host to a display of military and emergency services vehicles, including a MAN Service Vehicle Recovery Wagon, Land Rovers, vintage Jeeps, motorbikes, a

Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CVRT) Tank, and a Dodge Weapons Cartier.

One of the highlights is sure to be a pair of genuine Anderson Shelters – visitors can enter one to get a feel for exactly how small they were, while the other is set up as if waiting for a family to take shelter. An expert will also be on hand to explain more about life during the Blitz.

Organising the event, part of the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Armed Forces Festival, has been a partnership effort between Neath Port Talbot Council, The British Armed Forces, The Royal British Legion Port Talbot and Aberafan Shopping Centre.