Covid-19 Memorial opens at Sirhowy Valley Crematorium

A Covid-19 Memorial at Sirhowy Valley Crematorium in Pontllanfraith, Wales is now available for the public to visit.  

The memorial was officially unveiled at an open day on Saturday 31st July at the Sirhowy Valley site, which is run by Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 facilities across England, Scotland and Wales.  

Just over a year ago, Westerleigh Group announced plans to create permanent dedicated memorials within its landscaped Gardens of Remembrance at most of its sites for people to visit and commemorate loved ones who died during the pandemic.   

The memorials also provide focal points for people to remember, reflect on and pay tribute to NHS key workers and whole communities who pulled together during the crisis.  

At the heart of each tranquil memorial is an all-polished black granite obelisk surrounded by wild flower planting incorporating all the colours of the rainbow, which became a common symbol of hope during the pandemic.  

Westerleigh Group invited people of all ages and backgrounds to create a design for the stones, and six winners were chosen, one for each of Westerleigh Group’s regions.  

The obelisk at the memorial in Sirhowy Valley features a design which was created by Faith Williams. Faith, aged 11 and aspiring to be a professional illustrator, learnt about the competition from her grandmother.  

Faith’s design includes the Welsh dragon, a rainbow and a heart. 

Faith said: “I felt it was important to remember those who lost their lives to Coronavirus and those who have helped others. Above the dragon from the Welsh flag is a rainbow which represents the NHS and key workers and is a message of hope. At the top is a heart, which represents the families, friends and communities supporting each other.”

The design has been etched onto the memorial stones at Westerleigh Group’s Aberystwyth, Langstone Vale and Llanelli crematoria as well as Sirhowy Valley Crematorium.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “I’m proud that our Covid-19 memorial is now open for people to visit.  

“So many communities have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, many families have lost loved ones, and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to them, first and foremost.  

“We felt we needed to do something not only to remember those who passed away but also to honour others who did so many positive and selfless acts to support people and bring their communities closer together.  

“These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”  

Members of the public are welcome to come and visit the Covid-19 memorial at Sirhowy Valley Crematorium. Please visit www.sirhowyvalleycrem.co.uk for opening hours.  

Covid-19 memorial brochure FINAL