A NEW bench has been installed on a Newport green in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War.

A plaque on the bench, which sits on the green of Larch Court, reads “Presented by the Malpas Institute Trust in memory of the people of Malpas who served and those who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war.”

The bench used to be located in the city centre and was donated by Newport City Council before being refurbished by Newport Transport Ltd.

Bullock Construction installed the bench as part of Newport City Homes (NCH) contractor benefits.

Those present to see its unveiling were Roy Orchard from Bullock Construction ltd, NCH Board Member and Malpas Institute Trustee Jane Mudd, Malpas Institute Trust Chairman Graham Dally and his wife Ottaleen, and Malpas Institute Trust Secretary Bill Langsford.

The site of the bench is where the War Memorial Hall used to stand and the reason why the Malpas Institute Trust was formed.

The land was originally owned by Edward Steer who gave it and the hall to the Institute on the provision that it was used for the advantage and benefit of all residents in the parish of Malpas as a place of recreation.

The hall had a library and many a lively debate was held there until the 1960s when it ceased to be used. It had a brief revival in the 1970s as the centre for COIN (Community Opportunities In Newport) before closing. This resulted in the land being sold in 1981 and Larch Court eventually being built.

The trust still provides assistance to the residents of the Malpas ward. Chairman Graham Dally said: “The biggest recipients of the fund over the years have been local young people going to university.”

If you live in Malpas and would like to apply to the trust for financial assistance, please email the trust’s secretary william.langsford@ntlworld.com