We’re rewinding the clock and taking a gander down the Frogmore Street of yesteryear this week folks, to have a butchers at one of Abergavenny’s most famous landmarks - the First World War Memorial.

Unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire Major-General Treowen in front of a huge crowd of 50000 plus, the cenotaph has since become a part of the fabric of Abergavenny. The timeless tribute to the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment has been here for so long people forget it once wasn’t.

Created by sculptor Gilbert Ledward OBE, the lone and battle-hardened ‘Tommy’ resting wearily on his rifle, has being keeping a watchful eye on Abergavenny since 3.30pm on October 29 1921.

A lot has changed since the town’s stoic guardian took up his first and never-ending watch.

Horse and carts have disappeared into the sunset of times gone by, and with the ongoing pedestrianization of Frogmore Street it looks like the old soldier will be turning his back on the motor car as well, much to the grievance of those amongst us who are forced the insufferable indignity of walking a few yards from the nearest car park for their daily dose of chips and curry sauce.

Yet the seasons of change and tides of time are unrelenting and only a fool would swim against them. For one distant day in a far-flung future the old solider knows he too will also be little more than the stuff dust and dreams are made of.

But that day is not this day. So let’s end with the dedication which was read aloud by the Rev. Connop L. Price when Abergavenny eyes first set sight on this inspiring piece of art and memorial to the fallen.

“We dedicate this Memorial in loving memory of those who have fallen in the Great War. May their example inspire us to courage in the greater war against all evil; may their memory ever burn brightly in those who, here or elsewhere, remember their deeds, and strengthened by their fellowship look forward to reunion with them in the inheritance of the Saints in light. They whom this memorial commemorates were numbered among those, who at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten.”