THE remains of people buried at the former Lion Terrace Primitive Methodist Chapel in Gilwern are to be reinterred at Llanelly Cemetery in the village at a special service next Thursday.

Late last year the remains of more than 60 people were removed from the site of the former Methodist chapel, which was demolished recently to make way for improvements to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road.

According the information found on the cemetery’s remaining headstones, the team undertaking the excavation at the site had expected to uncover the remains of ten to twelve people but in the event they found five times as many, from graves dating back to the 1800s.

Five headstones salvaged from the old cemetery bear the names of four adults and six children - including Thomas Watkins, who died aged ten months on St David’s Day, March 1, 1847.

Next week on Thursday, April 28 at 2pm there will be a service at Llanelly Cemetery in Gilwern, at which the remains will be laid to rest once more with prayers and hymns at the graveside.

Among those present will be Rev’d Dr Stephen Wigely Chairman of the Wales Synod of The Methodist Church, representatives from the Welsh Government and Costain. Also taking part will be Rev’d Catherine Lewis (Abergavenny area Methodist Minister) and community representatives.

The five existing headstones will be placed on the graves at a later date, with a new headstone to be provided for the remainder.

Those who are interested in attending, should gather at the Costain office at the Gilwern site by 1.30pm and will then be taken by coach to the cemetery to avoid too many cars attending as there is limited parking.

The group will then be invited back to the Costain Office where light refreshments will be provided.