Blaengarw

Blaengarw
Blaengarw
 Blaengarw shown within Bridgend
Population 1,789 (2011)
OS grid referenceSS902928
Principal areaBridgend
Ceremonial countyMid Glamorgan
CountryWales
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post town BRIDGEND
Postcode district CF32
Dialling code 01656
Police South Wales
Fire South Wales
Ambulance Welsh
EU Parliament Wales
UK ParliamentOgmore
List of places
UK
Wales
Bridgend

Coordinates: 51°37′27″N 3°35′15″W / 51.624147°N 3.587378°W

Blaengarw is the uppermost village in the river valley (Cwm Garw) of the River Garw, in the county borough of Bridgend, Wales.

In the English language Blaengarw means the rugged 'front' or head of the valley. The population of Blaengarw according to the 2001 census was 1,895, reducing to 1,789 at the 2011 census.[1]

History

During the 19th and 20th Centuries the village served as a mining town for the coal miners of the Garw Valley section of the South Wales coalfield. Built in 1893, the Blaengarw Workmen's Hall is a testament to this history and is still used today as a community and entertainment centre. The town was a flashpoint of public disorder during the UK miners' strike (1984–1985).

Blaengarw is home to the largest Time Bank in Europe: the Blaengarw Time Centre, hosted by Creation Group.[2]

Blaengarw Time Centre was based in Blaengarw Workmen's Hall from 2004 however the company entered into voluntary insolvency in late 2013. Bridgend County Borough council are currently carrying out much needed repairs and maintenance whilst also seeking a suitable new partner who can take over the management of the popular community facility in a more responsible and trustworthy way.

Film

The 2001 comedy Very Annie Mary, starring Rachel Griffiths, Jonathan Pryce and Ioan Gruffudd was filmed in the village.

Notable Residents

Kenneth "Ken" Davies

Ike Owens

Jeff Young (rugby player)

References

  1. "Ward population 2011". Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  2. Margrit Kennedy, Bernard Lietaer, John Rogers (2012). People Money: The Promise of Regional Currencies. Triarchy Press Limited. ISBN 1908009764.

External links