Members of Grŵp Epynt have presented a cheque and commemorative items to the Epynt Ward at Brecon War Memorial Hospital, marking 85 years since the Epynt Clearance, when 54 homes were requisitioned by the War Office to create an artillery firing range.

The group, formed to lead commemorations of the 1940 clearance, includes John Davies (Graziers), Major Andrew Butcher (SENTA), Marc Williams, Dr Liz Bickerton (Epynt Way), Ydwena Jones (FB Atgofion Epynt), Emyr Davies (Menter Brycheiniog & Maesyfed), and other supporters, with coordination from Gethin Havard, president of the Royal Welsh Show.

To commemorate the anniversary, the group commissioned a special logo designed by Angharad Jones, featuring the iconic Drovers Arms at Tynmynydd, a red warning flag, and the shadow of a shepherd. The logo was printed on mugs and a reproduction of a historic tithe map, first copied by Colin Butcher, who granted permission for the reproduction. Clee Tompkinson and Francis sponsored the map’s reproduction, with proceeds from the sales being used to create a permanent memorial at the Epynt Centre (Disgwylfa). The centre now features a plaque remembering the farm names and inhabitants of 1940, marking the start of the Epynt Way.

A series of events were held to honour the history of the area.

An Open Day at Sennybridge featured an avenue of slates bearing the original Welsh names of the displaced farms, restored after the army had renamed them Farm 1, 2, and so on. Major Butcher had the names inscribed on the slates and organised their return to the original sites. The exhibition and bus tours, organised by Tudur Rees and Menter Brycheiniog & Maesyfed with army permission and sponsorship, drew around 300 visitors - including descendants of those displaced - who viewed the vastness of the area, around 30,000 acres. Attendees visited key sites including Babell Chapel, Cilieni School, and the Drovers Arms, before arriving at the Epynt Centre for the unveiling of a slate listing all those displaced, accompanied by a commemorative tree planting. The exhibition was later displayed at the Royal Welsh Show and Llanwrtyd & District Heritage & Arts Centre to share the history more widely.

At the end of June, a concert at Defynnog Church celebrated the cultural heritage of the Epynt, with poems recited by Brecknock YFC members, songs performed by Cantorion Pontsenni and soloist Jessica Robinson, who illuminated the evening.

Dyfed Cynan performed in a drama, Iorwerth o’r Epynt, commissioned by Menter Brycheiniog & Maesyfed, which went to local schools to keep the history alive.

The group continues to work on improving and sharing the history of Epynt through the internet, local museums, and the Epynt Centre. Many of the people involved are descendants of the displaced families. Their efforts culminated in the recent presentation to Epynt Ward at Brecon War Memorial Hospital, which included a donation, commemorative mugs, and a framed copy of the tithe map.

Ydwena Jones, representing the group, thanked all those who had supported the commemorations and encouraged the public to continue remembering the history of Epynt.