A Powys war memorial has been restored to its best just before Remembrance Day

Nantmel's war memorial has been restored to its former glory, just weeks before Remembrance Day.

Llangunllo stonemason Jonathan Protheroe has been undertaking the work to enable the community to celebrate valour and bravery and remember its lost servicemen at a pristine memorial.

The restoration undertaken included the cleaning down of the memorial from the top of the cross to the stepped plinth foundation.

The memorial is made of Cornish Celtic grey granite with raised leaded letters, names and dates.

The cleaning of the memorial was done using spring water and soft soap crystals and natural fibres scrubbing brushes to be compliant with English Heritage and Cadw procedures for cleaning ie not chemicals or power washers just elbow grease.

Jonathan said: “There was a a couple of raised leaded letters missing which have replaced in exactly the same way the original ones were carved by hand.

“The lettering has been painted with black enamel once again as it would have been originally done.“The surrounding area around the memorial which is a later 1980's addition which is concrete block and brick work has also been de-weeded and cleaned.”

Jonathan, who has repaired and restored war memorials all over Powys for many years, including recently at Builth Wells was assisted at Nantmel by Ms Rebecca Twyman from Llangunllo.

The restoration was arranged by The Clerk to Nantmel Community Council at the beginning of this year.

Steven Benham, Clerk of Nantmel Community Council said: “The works were commissioned by Nantmel Community Council via its then clerk, Jane Johnston. Mr Prothero has been commissioned for other projects in the area including the monument at Llandrindod Wells.

“The Council are delighted with the work that Mr Prothero has done with the monument at Nantmel. He really is a master of his craft and this is a treasured artefact in our community.

“The Council feel honoured to be able to preserve it for future generations to honour our fallen servicemen and women.

“The pictures speak for themselves when it comes to the excellent work that has been completed and Mr Prothero receives our thanks.”

Jonathan added: “Once again it has been a privilege and a pleasure for me to undertake this work. “The names of the young men of Nantmel on the memorial will never be forgotten.”

William Protheroe Ltd create monuments and memorials and clean and restore stonework to celebrate the brave soldiers who fought on our behalf. The stonemasons can work with granite, sandstone and Welsh slate.

The family run business has bene using traditional methods and tools since 1848, bringing out the natural beauty of the stone.