Statement by the Chair of Llangattock Community Council, Richard Jones, upon learning of the deaths of Llangattock residents, the Reverend, Major General (Retd), Richard Morgan Llewellyn CB, OBE (Late Royal Welch Fusiliers) and prominent community volunteer and founder member of Llangattock Village Society, Phil Thomas (pictured above).

Morgan Llewellyn passed away after a short illness at home on The Legar surrounded by his family. He had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades, including in the jungles of Malaya, the divided city of Berlin, and the conflicts of Northern Ireland, during which he was awarded an MBE for gallantry in 1976, an OBE in 1979 and eventually a CB in 1992. Major General Llewellyn also held key positions at the Ministry of Defence, including Director of Army Staff Duties and Chief of Staff, United Kingdom Land Forces. After retiring from the Army in 1991, he settled in Llangattock painted and studied theology and becoming an ordained deacon and Minor Canon of Brecon Cathedral.  He was famed among Llangattock school children for his upbeat sermons, including what was affectionally known as ‘the vicar rap.’  He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Polly) Llewellyn, and their children.

Phil Thomas lived at Church View with his wife, Maggie and was deeply involved in many things in the community. He was a valued member of Llangattock Litter Pickers, Llangattock Community Woodland, Llangattock Green Valleys and Energy Local. He and Maggie were both volunteers for the Brecon Foodbank and together they worked tirelessly to help protect Llangattock residents from floodwaters in their roles as volunteer Flood Wardens. It was typical of Phil that hours before his death he had been delivering sandbags to vulnerable households. Phil was also a founding member of Llangattock Village Society, happily tackling the challenging steps leading up to the top of St Catwg’s church tower with a rucksack of fairy lights, helping haul the Christmas tree into position at the park, and managing litter patrols though the village. Phil died suddenly after being taken ill at home. Those who were with him expressed their thanks to all those who tried to help Phil, from the paramedics who attended his home to the staff at the Emergency Department of the Grange Hospital. Their professionalism and great kindness were second to none.

Both men leave a huge gap in this community, and they will be missed by so many; our deepest sympathy goes to their families.

Rev Brigadier General Morgan Llewellyn at the dedication of the Llangattock Memorial Garden.