Ashes appeal for Stradey service

Rev Eldon Phillips, the club's chaplain, will lead next month's service.

The families of people whose ashes have been scattered at Llanelli's Stradey Park are being asked to come forward so their loved ones can be remembered.

A thanksgiving service is being planned before the final game at the 129-year-old rugby ground next month.

Club chaplain Rev Eldon Phillips is compiling a list of all those whose ashes have been scattered on the turf.

The Scarlets are moving to a new �23m stadium on the other side of Llanelli called Parc y Scarlets.

Rev Phillips plans to read the names of all those whose remains have been scattered at Stradey during the service.

He is appealing for families who want relatives to be remembered in this way to get in touch.

"Over the years many supporters from a broad social background have had their ashes scattered at Stradey," he said.

"They lived in many places, including all over south and west Wales.

"Now, however, Llanelli rugby is moving to a new home so it's right that we show respect for them, their families and the wonderful memories that the ground has given us."

The last match at Stradey will be played in October

The interdenominational 30-minute service is due to take place at Stradey on 21 October - three days before the Scarlets' final game at the ground against Bristol.

He added: "Research has allowed me to create a short list of individuals we will be remembering on the day.

"I intend to read out their names as a gesture of thanksgiving for their lives.

"I'm sure there are many I don't know about so if their families would like to contact me, I'll ensure that I read out the name of their loved one whose ashes came to Stradey.

"Likewise, if there are those who wish me not to mention their relative then I'll respect that if they call me before the day."

He said he hopes to be joined ministers from key local places of worship and said the Scarlets Choir would sing.

Rugby has been played at Stradey for the past 129 years but the land has been sold for housing.

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