Through its new northern hub, GUH will provide its regional members with access to market intelligence and business growth support that enable these companies to capitalise on these opportunities and in turn support revenue generation, job creation, exports and inward investment. Foodbank, 10am - 12pm, tea and coffee available. Citizens Advice and Employability advisers available if required. A friendly get-together for local crafters with free hot drinks and biscuits! Bring along your own crafts to knit and natter, create and chatter for a relaxing morning of creativity whilst enjoying our beautiful sea views.

The community centre is also successfully reaching out to the older members of the community, thanks to the hard work of Rod and Mandy Shaw, who now run several activities from the centre daily as well as a community cafe. Rod, chatting happily in his West-county accent, stands out among the crowd, but couldn't be more integrated into the community if he tried. Seventy-five kids screaming on a Friday, imagine the noise. You had a big smile on your face because you knew seventy-five kids were safe, they were warm, and they were entertained. We had to close because of Covid, and I'd see some of the kids in the street and they'd be like 'Miss, Miss, when can we start again?'"

Coytrahen, Tondu and Aberkenfig

Dementia Hwb Open 7 days a week from 10am - Fun free activities supporting those living with dementia and peer support for carers. Despite the loss of jobs when the pits closed, Blaengarw is not as deprived as many other areas of the old coalfield. And it ranks highly for community safety and access to services in studies like the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation. Neil Gordon, chief executive at GUH, commented: “Opening our Newcastle office is a vital part of GUH’s vision for the future of the underwater industry. Rod Shaw has woked hard to reintorduce activities for the elderly in the valley (Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh) A memorial in the village highlights how important the community support is for the residents (Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

Garw Pit was owned by the Blaengarw Ocean Coal Company, a subsiduary of the Ocean Coal Company. Sinking of the pit began in 1883 and reached full production by 1886. After the nationalisation of the coal industry in 1947, Garw Colliery was placed in the National Coal Board's South Western Division, Area No. 2. In 1975, the colliery was merged with Ffaldau Colliery. The opening event saw industry and regional leaders come together to find out more about GUH and how it will benefit the region. There was a technology demonstration from SMD featuring its latest development, SMD Horizon, which enables remote controlling of autonomous vehicles from any device with an internet connection. Activities throughout the week to reduce isolation and loneliness for people living with dementia and their carers

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Rod noted that being a big outdoors person with five English Pointers, there was a huge draw for his family to settle in the valley. "It's stunningly beautiful. I think it surprises most people - because it's a headless valley you can't go anywhere else - so you have to have a reason to come here, and when people do come up, they're really quite surprised." All our items are priced at a recommended borrowing amount which we believe to be fair and accessible to most households. If you are feeling the squeeze on your living costs, do not hesitate to come in and we can sort out an adjusted price for you. We will work with you to make sure the price is as fair as possible. Cancellations can be posted to social media, however, that's not always accessible, especially in the older generations. "I'm Dad's taxi normally," Andrew laughs. Gareth Poulton also noted the issue with transport, noting how buses to Bridgend used to run until 10.30pm from the top of the valley, however they have now been reduced and finish at 8.30pm, meaning an expensive taxi home for those out later than then. The Emmaus South Wales Library of Things is a new low-cost borrowing initiative which aims to help people borrow useful items they may only need for a few jobs or short amount of time. Instead of buying a new item that ends up never being used again, members can pay a small fee to borrow it, use it and return it when they’re done with it!