A Pontypridd businessman is being remembered with the rededication of a tree to his memory in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Bernard Elkan, a prominent optician in the town, passed away in 1977 and a commemorative tree was planted to him at Penuel Square.
As part of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council £10.5million regeneration plans for Pontypridd, major enhancements are taking place in Penuel Square. This has required the removal of the large tree, which is a London Plane and is more suited to a park environment than town centres.
The tree has caused damage to the carriageway in the nearby area and also to the iconic Fountain. It was likely to cause further damage in the future and detract from the proposed overall aesthetic finish to the area.
The revitalised Penuel Square will have a number of smaller town trees which will complement the proposals along with bespoke benches for shoppers to stop and rest in the area.
The family of Mr Elkan, the former President of Pontypridd Chamber of Trade and Chairman of the Old Pontypriddians,have been in consultation with the Council to rededicate a new tree in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Remembered as a Committee Member of the British Optical Association and representative of the Welsh Committee of Ophthalmic Opticians, Mr Elkan was a Fellow of the British Optical Association and a Fellow of the oldest Livery Company in London, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. He was also deeply involved all his life with the Old Boys Association of Pontypridd Grammar School.
The Council held discussions with Mr Elkan’s relatives and it was with their blessing that the new tree was dedicated to his memory. His son, Alan Elkan of Bristol said, “I’ve watched with great interest the excellent work being undertaken in Pontypridd and am impressed by the transformation so far.
“I am so pleased that this regeneration project is going to put new life into the town. The plans for Penuel Square, as one of the central areas of the town are clearly important to the success of this project.
“I’m delighted that the Council has worked so closely with us over the removal of the tree and the decision to dedicate a new tree to the memory of my father in the Park, an area that he enjoyed so much during his long career in the town.”
Cllr Sylvia Jones, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf joined the Mayor of Pontypridd Town Council Cllr Stephen Carter and Mr Elkan and his wife Jane at the rededication ceremony in the Park.
Cllr Jones explained, “Many traders in Pontypridd still remember Mr Elkan despite the passing of so many years. He played a major role in the business community of the town and is also remembered as someone who spent many years maintaining the clock at St Catherine’s Church.
“Is it befitting that we celebrate his contribution to the commercial life of Pontypridd with the rededication of a new tree in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park which his family and friends can enjoy for many years to come.”
The £10.5M Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration project is taking place following the Council securing financial support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, alongside Council and private sector contributions.
