Insight

Left to right: Rev. Teify Ebenezer; Mrs Beryl Ebenezer; Mrs Ivy Edwards, the sister of Jack Thomas; Isata Megan Kanneh-Mason; Godfrey Thomas and Ewart Thomas prior to the Centenary Concert

Ebbw Vale branch celebrates its centenary

Ewart and Godfrey Thomas of Thomas J Thomas & Sons in Ebbw Vale were absolutely delighted to celebrate the centenary of their business in April.

Three generations of the family have served their local community since the business was founded in 1910. It was founded by Thomas John Thomas who was joined by his son John Rees (Jack) Thomas when he left school in 1929. In 1960 the founder's grandsons, Ewart and Godfrey, joined the family business. After much consideration, the brothers decided they wanted to place the business into safe hands and it was acquired by Dignity in 1998. Ewart and Godfrey are still very actively involved in the business as a consultant and funeral manager.

“Nobody understands the heritage, traditions and needs of the valley communities better than the brothers' Thomas,” said regional manager Andrew Judd. “With Dignity's support they have continued to flourish in an environment where the wishes of the client are put first.”

To recognise the centenary of the business, Ewart, Godfrey and their team organised a concert at the local leisure centre on 24 April. Amongst others, the concert featured the Ebbw Vale Town Band, Beaufort Hill Primary School Choir, Cwm Salvation Army Band, Beaufort Male Choir, and the local Scout Group in addition to community hymn singing.

Isata Megan Kanneh-Mason, the Great Great Granddaughter of Thomas J Thomas and a scholarship student at The Royal Academy of Music in London, played Liszt's Liebestraume No. 3 and Gnomenreigen as well as Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriciccioso.

”We were absolutely delighted that so many people from the Valleys could join us to celebrate our centenary,” said Godfrey Thomas. “It was a very enjoyable and emotional occasion.”

Godfrey and Ewart have never missed an opportunity to put something back into their beloved town and the concert raised over £1,400 for Dignity's corporate charity, Children's Hospices UK, which supports the local Ty Hafan hospice.