A memorial plaque set for the skip has been rescued and re-dedicated in Pontardawe library.

The memorial was first hung in Pontardawe’s former Technical College to commemorate pupils who gave their lives during the Second World War.

However, after the school’s closure the building was demolished in 2008, and the plaque was picked out amongst the rubble by a member of Pontardawe Civic Society.

Eunice Williams, of Pontardawe, is one of the few remaining members of the town’s Civic Society, who rescued the plaque which names eight men and boys from the area who died during the conflict.

Mrs Williams along with fellow members of the society and Jason Reynolds have worked tirelessly to find a new home for the memorial plaque.

“It was awful to think it was going to be thrown out, so the society decided it was important to get it hung back up,” said Mrs Williams.

“Pupils and staff at the school raised the money to see it hung in the school, it was such a shame to see it set for the skip.”

After a number of years gathering dust in Civic Society member June Booth’s garage and a stint in Neath’s Territorial Army centre, the plaque has finally made it back to Pontardawe and last week it was unveiled at its new home in Pontardawe library.

Representing her grandfather, a former member of the Civic Society, and who has since passed away, Lois Sutton said she was honoured to be part of the ceremony.

“My grandfather, Leonard Blakesly, would have been chuffed to finally see it back in the town,” she said.

“It has been an honour to represent him at this ceremony.”

Welcoming the memorial Senior Branch Librarian Clare Davies added, “We are very proud to be able to display the plaque. Having spoken to a lot of people I know it means a lot to the people of Pontardawe.”

The plaque now takes pride of place in the library’s resource room.