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. Join us for an afternoon of free live music led by some of the best musicians in the UK, with free tea and coffee on tap and of course the best view in town. 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. Dementia Hwb Open 7 days a week from 10am - Fun free activities supporting those living with dementia and peer support for carers.

The Garth Mountain overlooks the village and was the inspiration for the fictional "Ffynnon Garw", featured in the book and film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain directed by Christopher Monger who was born in Taff’s Well. 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. Activities throughout the week to reduce isolation and loneliness for people living with dementia and their carers 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.

Porthcawl 

A memorial in the village highlights how important the community support is for the residents (Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh) Foodbank, 10am - 12pm, tea and coffee available. Citizens Advice and Employability advisers available if required. Rod Shaw has woked hard to reintorduce activities for the elderly in the valley (Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

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?'"Taff’s Well is known locally as the 'Gates to the Valleys’ it is located at the south easterly tip of Rhondda Cynon Taf. It is separated from Gwaelod Y Garth by the River Taff.

Jargon Bust through the Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Lasting Power of Attorney, Dols, LPS, Relevant Persons Representative? - Every 3rd Monday 2pm - 3.30pm ` 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. This spike in new faces hasn't been missed by other residents either. Maxine Lewis was born and grew up in Blaengarw. "Growing up here was brilliant, it was lovely," she explained. Speaking from within the William Trigg community centre, she described how living in a place so high in the valley, everyone knew everyone. Despite deciding to move to England in her adulthood, Maxine returned to the valley eight years ago. "I wanted my son to grow up and have the same sort of upbringing as I had."Driving up the Garw Valley is similar to most other valleys in south Wales. The characteristic rows of terraced houses line the road, streets spurt off up the side of mountains, and it's all located in a bowl of green fields and trees. However as the journey approaches Blaengarw, the hills become evermore imposing, until it feels like you're surrounded.