Cowbridge Town Guide 2010 by Heritage Guides

COWBRIDGE

TOWN GUIDE

2010

WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF COWBRIDGE (ANCIENT BOROUGH) WITH LLANBLETHIAN TOWN COUNCIL

H E R I TAG E G U I D E S

Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers, Valuers & Estate Agents

59 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7YL Telephone - 01446 772911 www.hrt.uk.com

Residential Sales & Lettings Commercial Sales & Lettings Land, Property & Livestock Auctioneers

l Established over 15 years l Reliable and quality service l Free estimates and quotations Services l Full project management for property renovations l Domestic and Commercial work l Interior and Exterior work undertaken l uPVC soffits, facias & guttering Office: 01446 771137 (Cowbridge) Mobile: 07973 628842 Email: CDC137@hotmail.com

The Cowbridge Gallery, 48A Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB Tel: 01446 771190 http://thecowbridgegallery.com

Fine art gallery exhibiting established and emerging Welsh artists • Exhibitions • Prints • Photographs • Picture framing • Café Former chapel stunningly refurbished in contemporary style

Fabulous, fresh seafood served in our relaxed and welcoming restaurant. We are open all day so visit soon for a seafood snack, brunch, lunch or dinner. Loch Fyne Restaurant Stalling Down, Cowbridge, Near Cardiff CF71 7DT. Tel: 01446 776070. www.lochfyne.com

Cowbridge Leisure Centre LifeStyle Gym

Activities

Fitness Classes

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/leisurecentres

01446 775533

Adey Fitzgerald Walker

Chartered Certified Accountants & Tax Consultants The Pavilion, Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 772299

Professional advice Fax: 01446 773939 and a friendly service

COMPANY FORMATIONS

n’s e m o w men & twear stree 5 Westgate (opposite Natwest Bank) Cowbridge CF71 7AQ 01446 774571 www.amicicowbridge.co.uk

Invest in beauty...

18th & 19th

Century Furniture Distinctive

Period Objects Havard & Havard • 59 Eastgate • Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan • CF71 7EL T: 01446 775021 M: 07711 006399 E: info@havardandhavard.com W: www.havardandhavard.com

SELF ASSESSMENT

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION NEW BUSINESS START-UPS

AUDITS

PAYE & TAX ADVICE WAGES & VAT SERVICES COMPETITIVE RATES

Victoria Inn The

Sigingstone

Traditional, family run inn in idyllic village near Cowbridge

- High quality food Good Beer - Sunday roasts Guide - Guest ales Tel: 01446 773943

Imagine... Design... Create... Beautiful flowers & gifts â&#x20AC;˘ Weddings & corporate events 51 High St, Cowbridge CF71 7AE Tel: 01446 772379 www.gailarmytage.co.uk info@gailarmytage.co.uk

R. A. HITCHINGS

Electrical Engineers and Contractors North Road, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7DF Tel: 01446 773489 Fax: 01446 773226

Residential conveyancing Commercial property Business advice Wills & probate For advice please call Richard Beech: T 01446 771 742 F 01446 771 380 E Richard@beechandco.com The Business Centre Town Hall Square Cowbridge CF71 7EE

H E R I TAG E G U I D E S

Please support the advertisers who helped make this guide possible.

The Cross Inn

FREE

Telephone 01446 772995 www.crossinncowbridge.com

OD Q VA UA LU LIT E Y

HU RCH RO

DWAY OA

LLANBLETHIAN

MA J

I TW AN

COWBR ID

GE COW BY BRI -PA D GE HIG SS H COWBRIDGE S

RD OR

M, WAR LY ND Cowbridge FRIE ICE V SER ✗ 17th century pub in beautiful rural location ✗ free house with range of real ales ✗ excellent food from local produce by awardwinning chefs ✗ restaurant open Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, 5.30-9pm, WE ARE HERE all day Sat, 12.3.30pm Sun

Robert E. Lloyd Optometrists Your Local EYE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS at

49 High Street Cowbridge Telephone 014 4677 3191

Alternative Health Solutions U N I V E R S A L H E A LT H T R E AT M E N T S

Sarah Nadine Renwick

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Practitioner of Oriental Medicine - 28 years’ experience Total health diagnosis - Pain management - Stress relief Vale Business Park, Cowbridge CF71 7PF

Tel: 01446 775066 www.alternative-health-solutions.co.uk

WELCOME TO COWBRIDGE

❝Y

ou are welcome to this Ancient Borough of Cowbridge with Llanblethian and Aberthin. You will find that the town itself has many invidiual attractions to suit all, be they the wide selection of distinctive shops - of particular appeal to the ladies - or the many comfortable and varied places to lunch and spend a few days. The surrounding area has many other attractions as described in this guide ranging from historic buildings and sites to recommended walks for the more energetic. You can, of course, simply relax with a drink and watch the world go by. If this is your first visit you are doubly welcome - if it is a return visit, we fully understand why you should wish to come back! Councillor Jon R Harris, Mayor

CONTENTS

❞

Introducing Cowbridge/A bit of history....................................................................................7 Civic regalia/The Town Hall/Museum.......................................................................................8 Holy Cross Church/Local History Room/Grammar School ........................................................9 Old Hall/Buildings..................................................................................................................10 Llanblethian/St Quentin’s Castle............................................................................................11 Llanblethian Church/Villages..................................................................................................12 Shopping/Christmas/Fair Trade/Food & Drink Festival............................................................15 Map of Cowbridge, Llanblethian & Aberthin.....................................................................16-17 Street index/Area map...........................................................................................................18 Physic Garden/Education/Fire & Police Service/Famous people..............................................21 Contacts: general information...........................................................................................25-28 Local & national government; emergency numbers; general services; health; civic bodies; community amenities; information services; public transport; recyling & waste; post offices, banks; education; media; places of worship; regular events; accommodation.

Contacts: clubs & societies................................................................................................28-32 Arts; caring organisations, volunteering; historical; church groups; families; hobbies; keep fit, wellbeing; social groups; sport; Welsh language; women’s groups; youth groups. The Cowbridge Town Guide has been produced on behalf of Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council by Heritage Guides. ©2010 Heritage Guides & Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council. This publication is copyright and may not be used reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form in part or in whole without the prior permission of the publishers.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to print, neither Heritage Guides nor Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council can accept any responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions.

Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council, Town Hall, Cowbridge CF71 7AD T: 01446 773385 F: 01446 773385 E: enquiries@cowbridge-tc.gov.uk W: www.cowbridge-tc.gov.uk Heritage Guides, 7 Romilly Road, Barry CF62 6AZ T: 01446 405298 F: 01446 461792 E: info@heritage-guides.com W: www.heritage-guides.com

The Farmers Arms Aberthin Traditional Georgian village pub Food served 12-2.30pm, 6-9pm; Sunday 12-5pm. Book now to avoid disappointment: Tel: 01446 773429

FA R ME R S A R M S

COWBRIDGE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL YSGOL GYFUN Y BONT FAEN

“Cowbridge Comprehensive School is an outstanding school where pupils and students achieve exceptionally high standards as a result of excellent teaching and leadership.” ESTYN Inspection Sept 2007 The School serves a large rural area with ten established feeder primary schools from which the majority of pupils transfer. The School benefits from a recent comprehensive redevelopment which provides a 21st century teaching and learning environment. Facilities include:  A multipurpose sports hall  An all weather, floodlit soccer pitch  A library/learning resource centre  A School Hall and Theatre space  Full ICT access in all areas

Don Mitchell Associates

Chartered Architects

n Friendly professional footcare n Clinic and home appointments n Wheelchair access n A range of footcare products available

39 High Street Cowbridge CF71 7EA T 01446 771218

For appointments: Tel 01446 771058

THE TOWN

INTRODUCING COWBRIDGE

owbridge is a small, historic market town which, before the 19th century, was in fact the biggest for miles, eclipsing Bridgend, Cardiff and the virtually non-existent Barry. Nowadays, by contrast, it is known for its intimate scale and has found a new role as a stylish and pleasant shopping location, as well as continuing to function as a close knit and bustling community. It has a close relationship with the village of Llanblethian to the south, to which it is now connected by continuous development, and the smaller village of Aberthin to the north, both of which are within the administrative area of Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council (the two separate councils were amalgamated for practical reasons in 1982). The town occupies a valley near the source of the River Thaw.

High Street, looking east towards the Town Hall, and (below) South Gate

The population of the community is around 4,250 out of a total 121,000 inhabitants in the Vale of Glamorgan unitary authority as a whole. Cowbridge nevertheless retains a strategic significance beyond its size since it is the main commercial centre for a

large slice of the rural Vale. Almost all the businesses are on or just off the long and gently meandering High Street which was once the main thoroughfare from South East Wales to the west until the A48 bypass was built and then the M4.

premises, with plots taken up both to the east and west of the town. The charter referred to the borough as Longa Villa but in the charter granted in 1340 it had become Cowebrugg, early English for Cowbridge. The centre of the Roman and subsequently the Mediaeval town was further to the west than at present. This was where the Guild Hall was positioned (between the present-day Duke of Wellington and Vale of Glamorgan inns) before it was pulled down in the 19th century. Originally there was a market hall to the rear and a town cross in front of the Guild Hall. A brass cross set in the road at the corner of Church Street marks the original position of this cross.

Cowbridge was the centre of the social life of the county, particularly during the 18th century, and the Great Sessions and Quarter Sessions were held in the town. The last Royal Charter was granted by Queen Victoria in 1866 giving the people of Cowbridge the right to elect their own councillors and mayor. During local government reorganisation in 1974 most old boroughs lost the right to elect a mayor, but Cowbridge was granted permission to retain the office, although it lost its right to grant the Honorary Freedom of Cowbridge, except to officers and men of RAF St Athan.

A BIT OF HISTORY

ron Age activity in the Cowbridge area probably centred on the fort known as Caer Dynnaf above the village of Llanblethian. Foundations of a number of Roman structures have been found in Cowbridge, including a bathouse. It now appears fairly certain that a small Roman fort occupied the site in the 1st century which developed into a township by the 4th century. Cowbridge may be the missing Roman fort of Bovium. Cowbridge was granted its first charter in 1254 by Sir Richard de Clare, Lord of Glamorgan. He had built the township, laying out the burgage plots and leasing them to responsible citizens, or Burgesses, as commercial or residential

TOWN HALL

CIVIC REGALIA

he Mayor’s chain and pendant were presented by the first elected Mayor, Alderman Thomas Rees, in 1887. The Mayoress (or Consort) has a lighter more delicate chain and pendant. Since the amalgamation of Cowbridge Town Council with Llanblethian Community Council in 1982, the Deputy Mayor wears the chain and pendant of the Chairman of Llanblethian Council and the Deputy Mayoress (or Consort) wears what was the Deputy Mayor’s pendant on a simple ribbon. Queen Victoria granted the last Royal Charter in 1886 which allowed the people of Cowbridge to elect their own Councillors and Mayor. Many old boroughs lost this right due to government reorganisation in 1974 but Cowbridge was granted permission to retain this office but lost its right to grant the Honorary Freedom of Cowbridge. The silver maces are inscribed Cowbridge Villa 1606 and bear the Royal Coat of Arms. They are carried by two Mace-Bearers who accompany the Mayor on all ceremonial occasions.

The arms of Cowbridge (above) and Llanblethian

THE TOWN HALL The Town Hall, High St. Below: arms of Cowbridge and Llanblethian

n 1830 the burgesses of the town bought, through public subscription, the empty prison near the east gate to replace the Guild Hall which they had demolished in order to ease traffic in High Street. The Houses of Parliament had originally granted permission for a house of correction in 1576, but by the late 18th century this was in a sorry state and the prison authority built a new one almost on the same site. This was completed in 1806, but when a new prison was built in Swansea in 1829 the Cowbridge prison closed. To make their town hall, the burgesses enlarged the building placing an impressive frontage onto High Street, surmounted by a clock and cupola, the gift of Bishop Coplestone who lived in nearby Llandough. Most of the old house of correction remains behind, including two blocks of cells now housing the museum. This historic building still retains many interesting features. The Mayor’s Parlour contains the well which was used to supply male prisoners with water. The Council Chamber has a facsimile of the 1421 Charter, an oil painting of the

Cowbridge Seal used from 1762 to 1887, a copy of the Grant of Arms of 1888 and boards listing past Mayors, Town Clerks and Honorary Freemen. The council chamber is used for the monthly meetings of the Council and its committees. In 2005 the Cowbridge Charter Trust Time Capsule was laid to rest for 249 years under the flagstones of prison cell number one. The contents include souvenirs of a visit by Prince Charles on St David’s Day 2004 on the town’s charter anniversary, coins and stamps, medals, artefacts from local churches and organisations, photographs and written thoughts and observations of school pupils.

TOWN MUSEUM

Cowbridge and District Museum is based in some of the former cells of Cowbridge’s “House of Correction”. Here you can experience the atmosphere of the 1820s prison cells. There is always something new to see in this small but unique museum. Opening times are 11am4pm on the first Saturday of each month. Entry is FREE. There is disabled access. Attractions include quizzes for the children.

BUILDINGS

HOLY CROSS CHURCH

he nave of Holy Cross Church dates from the late 13th century. The Llanquian Aisle was added in 1473, the gift of Lady Anne Neville, wife of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and so called, it appears, because an assumed chapel at Llanquian on Stalling Down had fallen into disuse and worshippers now came to Cowbridge. In 1484 when her husband became King Richard III, he granted a chaplaincy to Holy Cross. The top of the tower is designed “broach” fashion whereby the corner roofing eases the transition from the square base to the octagonal fortifications. There may originally have been a spire. The tower holds a peal of eight bells.

The church and grammar school alongside it were closely related and many headmasters were also Rectors of Cowbridge and Llanblethian. Famous names associated with the church are Lewis Morgan, the 16th century Welsh poet; Judge David Jenkins of Hensol, who was imprisoned in the tower of London during the Civil War; Sir John Stradling of St Donat’s, founder of the grammar school; Sir Leoline Jenkins, who endowed the school; and Dr Benjamin Heath Malkin.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

LOCAL HISTORY ROOM The Cowbridge Local History Room was established in 2008 in the Old Hall in memory of Jeff Alden, a former head of Geography at the Grammar School, later head of the Comprehensive School Sixth Form. It was his finds of Roman pottery that led to the discovery of the foundations of a Roman bathhouse in the town. After his retirement in 1997 he became an authority on local history and amassed a huge archive of records such as wills, burgage rental details, photographs and newspaper articles. The originals of significant documents have been passed onto

the safe-keeping of the Glamorgan Records Office, but Jeff kept copies and this collection is now preserved by a team led by his widow, Betty Alden, and opened to the public every Wednesday during term time between 10am-12 noon. The project was made possible by a bursary from the Creative Rural Communities scheme and is jointly overseen by the Local History Society and the Cowbridge Records Society. If you have historical records that you think would be of interest to the Local History Room, please contact Betty on 773373.

Cowbridge Grammar School was founded as a ‘free school’ in 1608 by Sir Edward Stradling of St Donats with the aim of educating local boys. It moved to its Church Street location in 1617 and was led in its early days by Sir John Stradling, Sir Edward’s nephew. In 1665 the school was bought by Sir Leoline Jenkins, lawyer, diplomat and Secretary of State to Charles II. He was also Principal of Jesus College, Oxford, and in his will he bequeathed the school to the college, which continued to own and administer the school until 1918. The current buildings in Church Street date from 1847. The school was also using Old Hall on High Street before it closed. When the Grammar School was replaced by Cowbridge Comprehensive in 1973, the building on Church Street stood empty for many years. It was converted into residential accommodation between 2006-8. Old boys of the school include the poet Alun Lewis, actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, journalist Patrick Hannan and Edward Stirling (whose missives earned The Times the nickname of ‘The Thunderer’).

BUILDINGS

CHAPELS

THE PAVILION

OLD HALL & GARDEN

This was the home of the Edmondes family for generations. The building visible from High Street was remodelled in the 19th century. Looking onto the gardens at the rear are the remaining ground-floor walls of a classical block added in the 18th century which later became unstable and had to be pulled down. In the early 1930s the Old Hall became part of the Grammar School but it was vacated when the building became dangerous. For some years after this the Old Hall was derelict until the 1970s when it was converted into an adult education centre and the interior was completely rebuilt reuducing the size of the house. The grounds, with their original pond, are bordered on two sides by the mediaeval town walls and are now a pleasant place to stroll, rest or visit the modern purpose-built health centre and library. The Cowbridge Charter Trust is currently working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to improve the garden by renovating the Georgian façade, creating a terrace in front of it and improving the pond and surrounding natural environment.

(Above) Originally a ballroom and cinema. Lloyd George was presented with the freedom of Cowbridge here. It was converted into offices in 1997.

Non-conformist meetings were held locally from 1672. By 1851 there were five chapels in the town with more worshippers than the two Anglican churches. As the chapels closed, the congregations joined together. There is now only one non-conformist congregation in the town, the United Free Church which meets in Ramoth Chapel (below), founded in 1828 and restored by Thomas Morris (Ten-chapel Tom) in 1840.

TOWN WALLS

Built in the mid or late 1200s, possibly partly over the Roman fortifications, and unique in the whole of the old county of Glamorgan. The best preserved parts are around Old Hall gardens. The walls had four gates, of which only the south remains. The others collapsed or were dismantled in the 17th and 18th centuries. It appears the north gate was used mainly for cattle. Cowbridge is a member of the Walled Town Friendship Circle, a network of heritage towns throughout Europe.

OLD FAMILIES

Cowbridge has always been the place to be seen. Some of the most prestigious families of Glamorgan kept town houses here - the Jenkinses and Thomases of Welsh St Donat’s, the Edmondes of Llantrithyd, the Wyndhams of Dunraven, the Thomases of Llanmihangel, the Carnes of Nash.

BEAR HOTEL

Perhaps Cowbridge’s most famous inn, it was the town house for Plas Llanmihangel, later becoming a coaching inn. The 18th century frontage hides a far older structure.

ST CADOC’S

The Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the influential saint of the Dark Ages, Cadoc. The church was completed in 1956 and enlarged in 1992 when a stained glass window by Michael Lassens was fitted.

ANCIENT DRUID

As with many of the houses on High Street, the façade of the curiously named ‘Ancient Druid’ (below) hides a far older building. In fact this is one of the oldest buildings in town and was reputedly a pilgrims’ hospice in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century it was an inn.

VILLAGES

EXPLORING LLANBLETHIAN St Quentin’s Castle and (below) Great House, Llanblethian

ST QUENTIN’S CASTLE

Also known as Llanblethian Castle, the building was begun in the early 14th century under Gilbert de Clare, Lord of Glamorgan, on the site of an earlier 12th-century castle. It remained unfinished at the time of his death and was set on fire in 1321. It was restored and survived as a home, prison and administrative centre, with records showing use until the 1950s. It is now in the care of Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments and is open free to the public.

he village of Llanblethian lies to the south of Cowbridge and is now connected seamlessly with the town. With St Quentin’s Castle standing on Castle Hill above the village, it is situated in a hollow with the river Thaw running through the village from north to south and a stream running into the Thaw from the west. This runs past the old woollen factory and alongside Bridge Road until it joins the Thaw at the bridge. On the hill behind the church are the remains of an Iron Age fort, Caer Dynnaf. Although the site has never been subjected to a major archeological excavation, evidence has been found of occupation during the Roman period. On the perimeter of the fort the remains

of a house that existed in the Dark Ages have been identified by the Royal Commission on the Ancient Monuments of Wales. As there is no common, the Cowbridge side of Llanblethian Hill, which is known locally as Mount Ida, served this purpose and several cottages used to have grazing rites on the hillside. There is currently no shop in Llanblethian but a 19th century will shows an inventory of a shop that was surprising in its diversity. The village once had two public houses, the General Picton and the King’s Head - but they are now private homes. The nearest public house now is the Cross Inn on the Llantwit Major road to the west. There are a number of large

houses on Church Hill including the former dower house of Dunraven Castle and a house owned at one time by the Gonzalez Byass family of sherry fame. The remains of a cross stand near the church. Great House, built for Thomas Wilkins in the early 1700s, dominates the southern part of the village. Behind it lies a modern children’s play area and football pitch provided by the council. The former wool factory, near the ford, was famous for its flannel, especially a black flannel with narrow scarlet stripes that was woven for the cockle women of Swansea. Some of the weavers worked in their own cottages in the village. The stream was an essential tool in the processing of the wool. There is a local vineyard which produces wine under the Glynd wr ˆ label.

VILLAGES

ABERTHIN

LLANBLETHIAN CHURCH

The church, which dates from Norman times, was first dedicated to St Bleddian (the derivation of the village’s name) and is now dedicated to St John the Baptist. The font is believed to be Norman and the oak door to the former rood loft is 15th century. Anne Neville wife of Richard III, King of England, built the tower in 1473. It houses a ring of six bells, the oldest of which is the tenor bell dated 1685, the gift of Sir Leoline Jenkins, a judge in the Court of the Admiralty and principal secretary to Charles II. The bells were restored and rehung in 1994. The church was restored in 1896 when a new chancel arch and pulpit were constructed. The south chapel now contains, in what was probably its original position, a stone effigy which had been used as a foundation for a tower buttress. A crypt was located under the chapel containing the remains of some 250 people, together with a number of stone coffin lids. These lids, including one inscribed in Norman French, have now been placed on the inside walls at the base of the tower. A priest’s grave was also found under the chapel, and buried in a niche near the skeleton was a 14th century pewter chalice.

Aberthin lies within the area administered by Cowbridge Town Council. It is believed there was a monastery here in the 12th-13th centuries. The was also a castle and chapel on what is now Hollybush Farm. The area was part of the Manor of Llanquian and when the chapel fell into disuse, an aisle was added to Holy Cross Church in Cowbridge which was consequently known as the Llanquian Aisle. There are two notable large houses in the village, Aberthin House and Great House. The latter was built in the 17th century and has a two-story gatehouse and is approached by a small stone bridge over the Nant Aberthin brook. Some of its stonework appears to have been re-used from an earlier 13th century building.

LLANCARFAN

This conservation village, eight miles from Cowbridge is set in a wooded valley formed by the Nant Carfan stream. The medieval grade I listed St Cadoc’s Church lies at the heart of the village. It has recently been restored and the bells rehung. In the sixth century Cadoc founded a monastery at a site south of the present church with a college for monks and scholars, the first of its kind in the country.

LLANMIHANGEL

A hamlet near Sigingston, it has a small 13th century church, overlooked by a fairytale 16th century manor house, Llanmihangel Place.

ST HILARY

Two miles east of Cowbridge, St Hilary is best known for its Norman church dedicated to St Hilary of Poitiers, and its pub, the Bush Inn.

OGMORE CASTLE & MERTHYR MAWR

The Romantic ruin of Ogmore Castle sits on the banks of the river Ewenny. Nearby are stepping stones across the river and a path leading to Merthyr Mawr, a charming village of thatched cottages. The sand dunes here run for a mile to the coast and are a walker’s paradise with a great variety of flora and fauna. South of Merthyr Mawr is Candleston Castle, a fortified 15th-century manor house.

LLANTRITHYD

Three miles east of Cowbridge. Llantrithyd Place, a large 16th century ruined manor house, dominates the centre of the village. The small 13th-century church of St Illtyd has an outstanding floorto-ceiling tomb-chest of the Basset family.

STALLING DOWN

The area of common land on the hill between Aberthin and Cowbridge is known as Stalling Down. Owain Glynd wr ˆ is reputed to have fought and won a battle here against the King’s troops in the early 15th century. The A48 road from Cowbridge to Cardiff, like the original Roman road, bisects the common. In this area, possibly near the ring of trees planted by the Traherne family of St Hilary, prisoners from Cowbridge gaol were hanged. A little way from these trees, nearer the main road, is a memorial erected in 1922 to the memory of the officers and men of the Glamorgan Yeomanry. Stalling Down was the location of the Cowbridge Races, one of the most important horse races in Britain during the second half of the 18th century.

Fine cuisine of Fresh meat, fish & pasta 2 Eastgate, Cowbridge Tel: 01446 771600

www.triobrasserie.co.uk Keepsake Gifts for Family & Friends l Vale of Glamorgan stockist of LAMPE BERGE oil burners l Locally made DWY GALON jewellery l Traditional Welsh table linen, home accessories & tissue art glass l A large collection of mugs, stationary & photo frames l NEW BORN gifts and nursery accessories Visit our quaint & traditional gift shop soon – A warm welcome awaits you. High Street, COWBRIDGE, Vale of Glamorgan

01446 775779

www.jeyesofcowbridge.co.uk

CROSS FARM NURSERY PENTRE MEYRICK, COWBRIDGE Cross Farm, Pentre Meyrick, Cowbridge

n Garden and agricultural equipment supplied and repaired: lawnmowers, strimmers, chain saws, tractors, etc n Wrought ironwork made to measure: gates, railings, etc Contact: Paul on 07718992146 http://howelladamsengineering.co.uk

• TREES • CHRISTMAS TREES • SHRUBS • BEDDING PLANTS • HANGING BASKETS • PLANTED TUBS WE ARE HERE

PENTRE

MEYRICK Open 9am-5pm A48 B4268 7 days a week LLYSWORNEY COWBRIDGE T: 01446 774053

http://cowbridgenursery.co.uk/

PENNY LANE & WILLOW WALK: SHOPPING AT ITS BEST

Interested in renting a unit? Please contact: S. Andrews & Son (Pwllheli) Ltd, Britannia House, Penny Lane, Cowbridge CF71 7EG Tel: 01446 774712 Email: sarah.smith@saspproperties.co.uk www.saspproperties.co.uk www.cowbridge.co.uk/shopping/old-masons-yard

Strawberry Fields Fine linens and inspired gifts

2 Penny Lane, Cowbridge Tel: 01446 771150

Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Cut Flowers & Plants, Baskets of Fruit

6B Penny Lane Shopping Precint Cowbridge CF71 7EG Tel: 01446 772675

H E R I TAG E G U I D E S

Please support the businesses that helped make this guide possible.

SHOPPING

TALKING SHOP Shops in Penny Lane, off High Street

hopping and Cowbridge are two concepts which have gone together since Roman times. The long, bustling High Street has virtually everything under the sun and this is achieved virtually without national retail chains. The town still has its own locally owned supermarket, Filco, and well stocked ironmongers, Arthur John. There is a wide range of shops selling quality clothes, crafts and

art, with cafés and pubs to suit all tastes. At first sight, the shops follow the age-old east-west axis of High Street, but the keen shopper will soon discover a number of tempting pedestrianised developments going off at right angles, most notable among which is the Old Mason’s Yard area (consisting of Penny Lane and Willow Walk) next to the river.

Cowbridge achieved Fairtrade Town status on St David’s Day, 2008, thanks to the commitment of the Town Council, the churches, the town’s business community, the Comprehensive School and the Gem newspaper’s support in highlighting the campaign. The Cowbridge Fairtrade Action Group has encouraged businesses, organisations and townspeople to use fairly traded products. Any product bearing the Fairtrade mark reflects a contract with the producers which guarantees a living wage, decent working conditions, good farming practice and a market for their produce. The whole community benefits from a ‘social premium’ whereby extra money is paid for investment in social and environmental improvements like schools, health clinics and roads. Fairtrade retailers in the town include the Filco supermarket, Arthur John & Co ironmongers, Blushbaby clothes shop, Gail Armytage flowers, Havard & Havard antiques, the Linen Cupboard gift shop and Cowbridge Gallery.

FESTIVE FOOD

CHRISTMAS

Christmas is always celebrated in a very special way in Cowbridge - the whole town comes together for the Christmas Parade, which is due to take place in 2010 on the last weekend of November. Real reindeer are flown in specially from the Cairngorms in the Highlands of Scotland to pull Santa’s sleigh along the High Street and he sets up his grotto to meet the children in the Town Hall. There is a ceremony to switch on the Christmas lights, and local bands entertain the crowds

FAIR TRADE TOWN

As a market town, Cowbridge has always been associated with feeding people. In 2004, the icing

was put on the cake when the Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival was started. Normally taking place on the last weekend in October, the festival is a weekend of culinary excellence and all round family entertainment with the opportunity to explore different food cultures and culinary styles. There are marquees displaying the best of local and international produce, cooking demonstrations and entertainment for all the family. To find out more, visit: www.cowbridgefoodanddrink.org

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Key to map symbols Car park Church/chapel Community centre Doctor’s surgery Fire station Library Livestock market Police station Post Office Public conveniences

Recycling point School Leisure centre Theatre Town Hall & Museum Youth club Bus stop Children’s play area Letterbox Public telephone Other features

This map is based on an original survey. @ Copyright Heritage Guides 2010. No reproduction of this map is permitted without the prior approval of the publisher. Note that the existence of a route on this map cannot be taken as evidence of a right of way.

AREA MAP

STREET INDEX

Croft Terrace............................... 3d Cwrt Llanfleiddan....................... 4b Darren Close.............................. 2a Darren Hill.................................. 1a Downs View................................ 1f Downs View Close....................... 1f Druids Green.............................. 2d Eagle Lane................................. 2b Eastgate......................................2c Factory Road.............................. 4a Geoffrey Ashe Court................... 3d Geraints Close............................ 2a Geraints Way.............................. 2a Gibbets Hill................................ 1a Grays Walk................................. 2d Greenfield Way...................... 3a/4b Greenside................................... 3d High Street..................................2c Hillside Drive.............................. 3d Hopyard Mews........................... 2a Lake Hill Drive.............................3c Leoline Close.............................. 2a Limes, The...................................2c Llanquian Close...........................3c Llanquian Road........................... 1f Llanmihangel Rise...................... 4a Llanmihangel Road.................... 4a Llantwit Major Road.................. 2a Longmeadow Court....................2c Love Lane................................... 3b Maes Lloi.................................... 1f Maindy Road............................... 1f Melbourne Close.........................2c Middlegate Court........................2c Middlegate Walk.........................2c

(map on pages 16-17) Aberthin Lane............................ 2e Aberthin Road............................ 3d Aubrey Terrace............................2c Bear Lane....................................2c Bessant Close..............................3c Birds Lane...................................2c Borough Close.............................3c Bowmans Way........................... 2a Bowmans Well........................... 2a Bridge Road............................... 4a Broad Shoard, The...................... 2b Broadway....................................3c Brookfield Park Road..................3c Butts, The................................... 2b Cae Rex...................................... 3b Cae Stumpie................................3c Cardiff Road............................... 3d Castle Hill................................... 3b Castle Mews.............................. 4b Causeway, The............................ 4a Causeway Hill............................ 4a Celtic Court................................ 2d Church Hill Close........................ 4a Church Road...............................2c Church Rd (Llanblethian)........... 4a Church View.......................... off 3a Clare Drive................................. 3d Constitution Hill......................... 3b Coopers Lane............................. 2b Court Close................................. 1f Crescent Close........................... 3d Croft Street.................................3c BRIDGEND (PEN-Y-BONT)

J35

WELSH ST DONATS PENLLYN

COLWINSTON PENTREMEURIG

B4265

LLYSWORNEY

ST BRIDE’S MAJOR SOUTHERNDOWN AM

WICK RG

COWBRIDGE (Y BONT-FAEN)

PETERSTONSUPER-ELY

PENDOYLAN

A48

CULVERHOUSE CROSS

BONVILSTON

SAINT NICHOLAS WENVOE

LLANTRITHYD

ST LYTHANS

ST MARY CHURCH

A4226

SIGINGSTONE

B4270

CARDIFF (CAERDYDD)

A4232

ABERTHIN

LLANBLETHIAN ST HILARY (LLANFLEIDDAN) LLANDOUGH

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TREOES CORNTOWN EWENNY

J34

Mill Park..................................... 3b Millfield Drive............................ 2d New Forest View........................ 2d North Road.................................2c Old Masons Yard.........................2c Orchard Close............................. 1f Paddock, The.............................. 2d Penny Lane..................................2c Pen-y-lan Road............................ 1f Piccadilly.................................... 4a Porth-y-green Close................... 3b Primrose Close........................... 3d Primrose Hill................................ 3f River Walk.................................. 3b Seys Close.................................. 2a Slade Close................................ 2d Southway................................... 2b St Athan Road............................ 3d St Bleddians Close...................... 2a St Johns Close.............................3c St Quentins Hill.......................... 3a St Quentins Close........................3c Stallcourt Close.......................... 3a Stradling Close........................... 2a Talyfan Close.............................. 3d Tyla Rhosyr................................. 2a Town Hall Square........................2c Town Mill Road.......................... 2b Vale Court.................................. 3d Veritys Court...............................2c Verlands, The.............................. 2b Westgate.................................... 2b Willow Walk................................2c Windmill Lane.............................3c Wolffe Close............................... 2a Woodlands Close....................... 2b

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

A4050

FLEMINGSTON

HE This map is LLANTWIT MAJOR RI TA (LLANILLTUD FAWR) based on an GE CO original survey. MONKNASH A ST DONATS S T @ Copyright SAINT ATHAN Heritage Guides 2010. No reproduction of this map is permitted without the prior approval of the publisher.

DINAS POWYS

PENARTH

LLANCARFAN

BARRY CADOXTON (Y BARRI)

PENMARK

B4265 RHOOSE (Y RHWS)

CARDIFF AIRPORT

SULLY

A4226 BARRY ISLAND

B4267

ST RICHARD GWYN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

The only faith secondary school in the Vale Applications will be considered from families of a non-Catholic background in accordance with our admission criteria

l specialist teaching and high academic expectations l a community based on Christian values and with good discipline l first class facilities in a pleasant environment l a school where pupils are known and valued as individuals Argae Lane, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 1BL. Telephone: 01446 729250

Email: strichardgwyncs@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Website: www.strichardgwyn.co.uk

01446 775145 07974 953 414

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Check our latest prices at www.cfrroofing.co.uk Established in 1987 - All work guaranteed

Jane Hutt AM National Assembly Member for the Vale of Glamorgan Constituency Office: 115 High Street, Barry CF62 7DT Tel: 01446 740981 Fax: 01446 747106 Cardiff Bay Office: National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff CF99 1NA Tel: 029 2089 8469 Fax: 029 2089 8537 Email: jane.hutt@wales.gov.uk Web: www.janehutt.co.uk

Cowbridge Fire Station

gorSaF dân y bont-Faen

Some of the Firefighters currently working under the Retained Duty System at Cowbridge include Dai Thomas a carpenter, Lianne Carke a student and athlete, Owain Lewis a sales and service manager at a bank in Cowbridge, Paul Hammlett a community psychiatric nurse, Nigel James a material handler for British Airways and Charles Storey a managing director.

Mae rhai o’r Ymladdwyr Tân sy’n gweithio o dan y System Dyletswydd Rhan Amser ar hyn o bryd yn y Bont-faen yn cynnwys Dai Thomas sy’n saer, Lianne Carke sy’n fyfyrwraig ac athletwraig, Amanda Kinman sy’n therapydd harddwch, Owain Lewis sy’n rheolwr gwerthu a gwasanaeth mewn banc yn y Bont-faen, Paul Hammlett sy’n nyrs seiciatrig cymunedol, Nigel James sy’n driniwr deunydd ar gyfer British Airways a Charles Storey sy’n rheolwr gyfarwyddwr.

Cowbridge Station currently has vacancies for retained Firefighters to work on a part time basis. If you think you have what it takes to join our team and protect and serve your local community please call.

Mae gan Orsaf Dân y Bont-faen swyddi gwag ar gyfer Ymladdwyr Tân rhan amser. Os ydych yn credu bod gennych yr hyn sydd ei angen ar gyfer ymuno â’n tîm a diogelu a gwasanaethu eich cymuned leol, ffoniwch:

To speak to a recruiter: 01443 232200 • Automated recruitment line: 0800 028 3615 • Visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk

I siarad â recriwtiwr: 01443 232200 • I gysylltu â’r llinell recriwtio awtomatig: 0800 028 3615 • Neu ewch i’n gwefan www.decymru-tan.gov.uk

Employers - Employing a Retained Firefighter could save you Thousands of Pounds through the skills, training and experiences gained with the Fire Service, Training involves - Fire Warden, Fire Safety, First Aid, Manual Handling, Health and Safety Training. In addition to the training courses individuals tend to become more self-motivated and develop themselves personally, becoming more committed and productive in the workplace. There can also be Positive Advertising when an employer supports the local community by supporting Retained Firefighters

Cyflogwyr - Fe allai cyflogi Ymladdwr Tân Rhan Amser arbed Miloedd o Bunnoedd i chi drwy’r sgiliau, hyfforddiant a phrofiadau y byddant yn eu hennill gyda’r Gwasanaeth Tân. Mae’r hyfforddiant yn cynnwys - Warden tân, Diogelwch Tân, Cymorth Cyntaf, Trafod â Llaw, Iechyd a Diogelwch. Yn ychwanegol i’r cyrsiau hyfforddiant mae unigolion yn dueddol o ddatblygu’r gallu i’w hysgogi eu hunain a datblygu eu hunain yn bersonol, drwy fod â mwy o ymroddiad yn y gweithle a bod yn fwy cynhyrchiol. Gellir hefyd gael Hysbyseb Cadarnhaol pan fydd cyflogwr yn cefnogi’r gymuned leol drwy gefnogi Ymladdwyr Tân Rhan Amser.

Cowbridge Fire Station responds to around 300 calls a year aiming to serve the community of Cowbridge and the surrounding areas with the fire cover and professional standards expected of an emergency service. The Station also strives to carry out its current programme of community fire safety by carrying out free Home Fire Safety Checks in the area.

For further information about one of your employees becoming a Firefighter working under the Retained Duty System please contact Business Engagement Officer, John Hale 01443 232819 07768 035099

Mae Gorsaf Dân y Bont-faen yn ymateb i tua 300 galwad y flwyddyn gyda’r nod o ddarparu cymuned y Bont-faen a’r ardal gyfagos gyda gwasanaeth tân a safonau proffesiynol sy’n ddisgwyliedig o wasanaeth brys. Mae’r Orsaf hefyd yn ymdrechu i gyflawni ei rhaglen diogelwch tân gyfredol drwy gwblhau Archwiliadau Diogelwch Tân yn y Cartref yn yr ardal.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am un o’ch cyflogwyr yn dod yn Ymladdwr Tân Rhan Amser cysylltwch â Swyddog Ymgysylltu Busnes, John Hale 01443 232819 07768 035099.

RAISING AWARENESS - REDUCING RISK • CODI YMWYBYDDIAETH - LLEIHAU PERYGL

LIVING IN COWBRIDGE

PHYSIC GARDEN

t the core of Cowbridge is a sanctuary of tranquillity - the physic garden, a place where plants with medicinal properties are grown. Such gardens are traditionally associated with monasteries and great houses - few towns can boast

such a public facility. The garden was created in the former walled garden of Old Hall by the Cowbridge Physic Garden Trust and officially opened in 2008 by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. The area had been formerly used as a kitchen garden by the Grammar School and a tree nursery by successive local councils. The garden is designed in the 18th century fashion and therefore includes only plants found in Britain before 1800. There are twelve central beds containing plants with healing properties for specific illnesses or parts of the body. Maintenance and development of the garden is carried out by volunteers. If you would like to help, visit: cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk

EDUCATION

FIRE SERVICE

POLICING

The Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend counties are now under one police commander. Cowbridge is in the rural Vale of Glamorgan sector under Inspector Mark Taylor. The local contact is PCSO Hilary O’Callaghan, tel 07805 301416. The ward team holds regular ‘PACT’ meetings with the community. Visit www.ourbobby.com

Prominent people who were born or have lived in Cowbridge are legion, but among those worth mentioning are the 18th century antiquary Iolo Morganwg (above) who kept a shop in the town. He it was who devised the rituals of the National Eisteddfod and held the first meeting of the Gorsedd of the Bards just outside Cowbridge. In the 19th century, the Times journalist Edward Stirling lived at Llanblethian - his fiery style is said to have led to the newspaper being given the nickname “The Thunderer”. Dr Benjamin Heath Malkin was a social reformer who knew William Blake. In his later years he lived at Old Hall. Sir Leoline Jenkins endowed the Grammar School and initiated the school’s long association with Jesus College, Oxford. In our own time, there is the late journalist Patrick Hannan who was schooled in the town at the same time as the actor Anthony Hopkins; international and Cardiff Blues star Rhys Williams (below) was also locally educated.

ns PA

There are currently 15 firefighters in Cowbridge working a Retained Duty System (RDS), which means that people living and working in the local area will respond to emergency incidents via an alerter. RDS firefighters provide an essential contribution to the Fire and Rescue Service and their community by responding to emergencies and continually promoting fire safety. For more information contact John Hale 01443 232819.

COWBRIDGE PEOPLE

Huw Eva

Cowbridge is well endowed with schools. Parents can choose either the English or Welsh medium schooling path for their children. The English medium primary school, Y Bont Faen School, feeds into Cowbridge Comprehensive, one of the most successful schools in Wales. After a long delay the comprehensive school is being totally rebuilt on the Aberthin Road site to include the lower school, currently on Town Mill Road. This much needed development is expected to be completed in 2010. The Welsh medium primary school is Ysgol Iolo Morganwg which feeds into the Welsh medium secondary for the Vale, Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg on the edge of Barry. In its short period of existence, this school too has set impressive standards. For Catholic secondary education there is Saint Richard Gwyn High School, also on the edge of Barry.

VALE 4X4 LTD NORTH ROAD, COWBRIDGE YOU’LL FIND US OPPOSITE ARTHUR JOHNS

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Ashdown Fencing Ltd

Cowbridge CF71 7AX

• Domestic & Industrial Fencing • Supply & Erect • Landscaping • Decking • Gates • Stone walling & paving • Covering Cardiff & the Vale • Free estimates

Tel: 01446 773949 or 07714 241 749 Fax: 01446 773998

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Serving Cardiff & the Vale

C S Boxall Ltd

FREE 5 YEAR GUARANTEE ON ALL WORCESTER BOILERS

PLUMBING • HEATING • GAS/OIL • DOMESTIC & COMERCIAL • AGA & RAYBURN SPECIALIST 17 VALE BUSINESS PARK, COWBRIDGE CF71 7PF TEL: 01446 772444 SHOP: 01446 772292 MOBILE: 07866 256138 EMAIL: boxall.ltd@btconnect.com WEB: www.csboxall.co.uk

Health Through Warmth Is your home cold & damp? A cold and/or damp home can make some health conditions worse, e.g. heart or lung disease. Health Through Warmth works in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and aims to improve levels of warmth, comfort and quality of life for people who have cold and/or damp related illnesses.

Health Through Warmth may be able to assist with:

• Cavity wall & loft insulation • Boiler repairs or replacement (if broken) • Heating systems or appliances • Draughtproofing • Hot water tank jackets • Energy efficiency & benefits advice Any help offered will depend on your circumstances. Don’t delay! Contact your local Health Through Warmth Co-ordinator today:

01446 709847 Working in Partnership for Warmer Homes and Better Health

Darganfyddwch gyfleoedd i siarad Cymraeg ar eich cyfer chi a’ch plant. Find out about opportunities to speak Welsh for you and your children. www.menteryfro.com

Welsh medium schooling the best start for your child. Contact us to arrange a visit to the school.

Addysg Gymraeg y dechrau gorau i’ch plentyn. Cysylltwch â ni i drefnu ymweliad â’r ysgol.

Ysgol Iolo Morganwg, Broadway, Y Bontfaen/Cowbridge CF71 7ER Ffôn/Tel 01446 772358 www.ysgoliolomorganwg.co.uk

Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg We are the Welsh medium comprehensive for the Vale of Glamorgan Ni yw’r ysgol gyfun cyfrwng Cymraeg ar gyfer Bro Morgannwg

“Outstanding teaching, exceptional pupil behaviour and dynamic leadership combined with excellent exam results” - ESTYN 2008

“Addysgu rhagorol, ymddygiad gwych y disgyblion, arweinyddiaeth fyrlymus ynghˆyd â chanlyniadau ardderchog” - ESTYN 2008 Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg, Heol Colcot/Colcot Rd, Y Barri/Barry CF62 8YU

01446 450280

post@bromorgannwg.org.uk

www.yfro.org.uk

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01446 unless otherwise stated)

GENERAL INFORMATION LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council Town Hall, Cowbridge, CF71 7AD. Contact Town Clerk Andrew Davies 773385. Open 9am-1pm Mon-Fri. www.cowbridge-tc.gov.uk

Town Councillors Cowbridge Ward - Cllr LE Taylor 775627; Cllr Mrs M Arnold 773441; Cllr Mrs A Burgess 774491; Cllr Mrs NC Thomas 772630; Dr BA Gibbon 771084. Llanblethian East Ward - Cllr JR Harris 773798; Cllr Mrs SM Cox 773637; Cllr WA Thomas 772567. Llanblethian West Ward - Cllr Mrs G Baty 773219; Cllr GA Cox 773637; Cllr A Williams 773600; Cllr AE Banks 772005; Cllr J Wilks 771084. Aberthin Ward - Cllr DW Morris 774520; Cllr Mrs S Massey 07510 507601. Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council Civic Offices, Holton Rd, Barry, CF62 4RU. Contact 700111. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk County Councillors Cowbridge Ward - Cllr G Cox (Con) 773637; Cllr Mrs V Ellis (Con) 775094; Cllr H Jarvie (Con) 773841. Member of Parliament Vale of Glamorgan - John Smith (Lab) (standing down at the next General Election) 743769. National Assembly Member Vale of Glamorgan - Jane Hutt (Lab) 740981. South Wales Central - David Melding (Con) 01446 733516; Andrew R T Davies (Con) 01446 733516; Leanne Wood (PC) 01443 421691; Christopher Franks (PC) 029 2089 8285.

European Parliament Members Wales - Dr Kay Swinburne (Con) 02920 616031; Derek Vaughan (Lab) 02920 227660; Jill Evans (PC); John Bufton (UKIP) 01597 811231.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire, police & ambulance 999. Childline 0800 1111. NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000. Samaritans 0845 790 9090. Utilities Electricity (Western Power Distribution) 0800 052 0400. Gas 0808 111 999. Welsh Water 0800 052 0130 (emergencies) Floodline 0845 988 1118.

GENERAL SERVICES Courts The Law Courts, Sunnyside, Bridgend. Enquiries 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Contact 01656 673833.

Police Station Cowbridge Police Station, Wesgate. Open 9.30am-4.30pm. Local Neighbourhood Officer is PCSO Hilary O’Callaghan 07805 301416 (for local neighbourhood matters, not reporting incidents). Divisional HQ Barry Police Station, Gladstone Rd, Barry. Contact (non-emergency) 02920 222111. Emergency 999. PACT (Partnerships & Communities Together) Regular meetings where the community can have its say on policing in the area. https://ourbobby.com Neighbourhood Volunteer Team Assists the local Neighbourhood Policing Team by performing nonuniform support tasks. Contact 07805 301580.

Crimestoppers Report crimes anonymously on 0800 555111. www.crimestoppers-uk.org Registrars Office Civic Offices, Holton Rd, Barry. Births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships. Open (appt only) Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2-4pm. Contact 709490. Cowbridge Outstation, Eastgate St. Open Thu 9.30am- 12.30pm, by appt only. Contact 709518 / 709519 Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. Emergency out of hours service 747874. Cemetery The Limes. For information on the cemetery and to request searches of the register, contact the Town Clerk, Cowbridge Town Council 773385. Dog Warden Contact Civic Offices 700111 (Mon-Thu 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am4.30pm).

HEALTH

NHS Direct Medical advice over the phone: 0845 4647. GPs • Cowbridge & Vale Medical Practice, The Health Centre, Old Hall Grounds. Contact 772237. www.cowbridgeandvale medicalpractice.co.uk • Cowbridge & Western Vale Group Practice, The Health Centre, Old Hall Grounds. Contact 772383. www.cowbridgedoctors.com Hospitals • University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff: 24 hr A&E. Contact 02920 747747. • Princess of Wales Hospital, Coity Rd, Bridgend: 24 hr A&E. Contact 01656 752752.

Opticians • Robert E Lloyd, 49 High St. Contact 773191. www.robert-lloyd.co.uk

Transition Cowbridge Part of the national Transition town network planning for a post climate change low carbon world. Meets 2nd Tue 7.30pm at the Cross Inn or Bear Hotel. Please check venue in advance. Contact Dinky Kennedy 775686.

• Cowbridge Community College Old Hall, High St. Contact Sally Perini 773831. • Noah’s Place Community Centre & Cafe, Westgate. Contact Heather Weddell 771021. • Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Barbara Easterbrook 773960.

• O’Sullivan Opticians Ltd. London House, 89 Eastgate. Contact 772719.

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Cowbridge Leisure Centre The Broadshoard. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat & Sun 9am-6pm. Contact 775533. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

• Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Ynysmaerdy, Llantrisant: 24hr A&E. Contact 01443 443443.

Dentists • Cowbridge Dental Centre, 30 High St. Contact 773284. • LG Holeyman. 57 High St. Contact 772604. • Vale Independent Practice, 64C Eastgate. Contact 771163. Vets • West Farm Veterinary Clinic, North Rd. Contact 774016.

CIVIC BODIES

Twinning Association Cowbridge is twinned with Clisson in the Department of the Loire Atlantique near Nantes, France. Contact Andrew Lane (Sec) 772068. www.cowbridge-twinning.co.uk Chamber of Trade Meets 1st Tue, 9am in the Bear Hotel. Contact Alun John (Chair) 772229 or Emma Hartmann (Sec) 771775. Allotments Aberthin Rd. Contact Vale of Glamorgan Council 02920 673000. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Cowbridge Allotment Association Rents 10 plots from the Town Council off Cae Rex. Contact Graham Ager (Sec) 773699.

Cowbridge & District Museum Town Hall. Admission free. Open 1st Sat 11am-4pm. Contact Pam Robson (Curator) 775243. Local History Room At Old Hall Community College. Open Wed (term time) 10am-12 noon. Contact Betty Alden 773373. The Market Theatre Home of the Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society. Seats 65, full size stage, bar and kitchen facilities. Stage and auditorium for hire. Contact Peter Knapp 772141. www.market-theatre.com Cowbridge Youth Centre The Old Court House, Westgate. Activities for 11-25 year olds. Open Wed, Thu & Fri 6.30-9.30pm & other times for groups & occasional weekend events. Youth facilities & climbing wall. Band nights on Fri. Contact Tina Simmons (Area Youth Officer) 774460. Coed Hills Rural Artspace St Hilary, Cowbridge. A centre for sustainable living and the creative arts. Provides a support network for young people. Open daily all year. Contact 774084. www.coedhills.co.uk Community halls • Cowbridge Town Hall High St. Contact Cowbridge Town Council 773385. • Aberthin Village Hall Aberthin Lane. Contact Sean Richardson 772994.

Physic Garden (see page 21) Open daily 10am-4pm (ex Christmas Day) (enty free). Volunteers needed. Contact Val Caple (Mem Sec) via website: cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk St Quentin’s Castle Llanblethian. Mainly early 14th century remains of a large courtyard castle. In the care of Cadw and open to the public between 10am-4pm. Unstaffed, no admission charge. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Fishing Public fishing is available at Seven Oaks fishing lakes & Koi Farm north of Cowbridge. Contact 775474. www.sevenoaksfishfarm.co.uk

INFORMATION SERVICES

Cowbridge Library Old Hall, High St. Open Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30-6pm, Wed 9.30am8pm & Sat 9am-5pm. Contact 773941. Citizens’ Advice Bureau Held at Llantwit Youth Centre, Station Road, Llantwit Major - open Mon & Fri 9.3-11.30am. Also, 119 Broad St, Barry - open Mon-Fri 10am-1pm. Contact 0845 120 3756. www.adviceguide.org.uk

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01446 unless otherwise stated) PUBLIC TRANSPORT For further information on local & national bus & rail services contact Traveline Cymru 0871 200 2233. www.traveline-cymru.info

Buses • Veolia Transport Cymru: Runs services Mon- Sat to Llantwit, Bridgend & Barry. For further details contact Traveline Cymru 0871 200 2233. www.veolia-transport.co.uk • First Cymru: runs a daily service from Cardiff to Porthcawl via Newton, Bridgend & Cowbridge. Contact 01792 572255. www.firstgroup.com Trains The nearest train stations are at Bridgend, Llantwit Major, Rhoose & Cardiff. Rail enquiry service: 0845 748 4950. Cardiff International Airport Situated 10 miles form Cowbridge at Rhoose. Scheduled air services to Newcastle, Manchester, Belfast, Dublin, Isle of Man, Channel Islands etc. General flight enquiries 711111. www.cwlfly.com

RECYCLING & WASTE

The Vale of Glamorgan Council operates a kerbside collection service which alternates plastic/ cardboard one week with paper/ glass/cans the next. Plastic recycling boxes are available from the Civic office, Hoton Rd, Barry. Garden waste is collected fortnightly Apr-Oct with a ring and request service Nov-Mar. Re-usable & biodegradable bags are available free, as above. For collection timetable or further information contact 02920 673000 or 700111. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/recycle

General household waste is collected weekly. Civic amenity site: Llandow Trading Estate, Llandow. Open 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm weekends in summer & 10am-4pm in winter. Please note, you will need a permit if you want to take waste to the sites in a trailer or van. Contact 02920 673000. Recycling banks Town Hall Car Park, High St. Glass, paper, cans, plastic. Land alongside public conveniences, Old Market. Glass, paper.

POST OFFICES, BANKS ETC

• Post Office, Spar Stores, 57 High St. Contact 773972. • Barclays, 62 High St. Contact 0845 755 5555. • HSBC, 61 High St. Contact 0845 740 4404. • Lloyds TSB, 33 High St. 0845 300 0000. • Nat West, 4 Westgate. Contact 0845 301 7549. • Principality Building Society, 28 High St. Contact 773954. • Yorkshire Building Society, 75 High St. Contact 0845 120 0100.

EDUCATION

The Vale of Glamorgan Family Information Service provides free advice and information about childcare and other services for families in the Vale. Contact 704704, Mon-Thu 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. Primary •Y Bont Faen School, Borough Close. Contact 772374. www.ybontfaen.com

Primary - Welsh medium • Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg Broadway. Contact 772358. www.ysgoliolomorganwg.co.uk Secondary • Cowbridge Comprehensive School, Aberthin Rd. Contact 772311. http://cowbridgehs.lea. valeofglamorgan.sch.uk Secondary - Welsh medium • Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, Colcot Rd, Barry. Contact 450280. www.bromorgannwg.org.uk Secondary - Catholic • St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, Argae Lane, Barry. Contact 729250. www.strichardgwyn.co.uk Continuing Education • Cowbridge Community College, Old Hall, 64 High St. Provides a range of daytime & evening courses for adults. Open Mon-Thu 9am4pm, 6.30-9pm & Fri 9am-1pm, 6.30-9pm. Contact 773831.

MEDIA

Print • Cowbridge Gem. Contact 774484. www.cowbridge-today.co.uk • Western Mail & South Wales Echo. Contact 02920 223333. www.walesonline.co.uk • Vale Life. Contact 0845 130 6452. www.valelife.co.uk Broadcast • Bro Radio (98.1FM). Contact 420681. http://broradio.fm • Red Dragon Radio (103.2 / 97.4FM). Contact 02920 942900. www.reddragonfm.co.uk • Radio Wales (93-96 & 104 FM. Contact 03703 500700. www.bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales • Radio Cymru (92-105FM). Contact 03703 500500. www.bbc.co.uk/radiocymru

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Interdenominational Cowbridge United Free Church Ramoth Chapel, 21 Westgate. Contact Revd Heather Weddell 771021. Services 10.30 am & 6pm. www.cowbridgeunitedfreechurch. org.uk Roman Catholic St Cadoc’s RC Church Townmill Rd. Contact Father Maher. 792381. Vigil Mass Sat 5.30pm. Sunday Mass 9am at Our Lady & St Illtyd, Llantwit Major. www.westvalecatholics.co.uk Church in Wales (Anglican) Holy Cross, Church St & St John the Baptist, Llanblethian. Contact Revd Canon Derek Belcher 771625/07796 170671. For service times contact Parish Office 772302 or see website. www.cowbridgeparish.com

REGULAR EVENTS

Cowbridge Christmas Reindeer Parade Held annually at end of Nov. Father Christmas and his elves travel through the town on a sleigh. Activities include Santa’s grotto, celebrity lights switch on, music, entertainment. Contact Town Council 773385. Livestock Market Held every Tue. Prime Lambs, cull and store sheep, store cattle. Contact Andrew Thomas (Herbert R Thomas) 776386 or 776379. Farmers’ Market Held 1st & 3rd Sat, 9.30am-1pm at Arthur Johns Car Park. Contact Myfanwy Edwards 771033 / 07813 761474. www.valefarmersmarket.co.uk

Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival Held annually in October. A weekend of culinary excellence and all round family entertainment. Contact via website or Polly 07875 290428. www.cowbridgefoodanddrink.org WI Market Held 1st & 3rd Fri (Mar-Dec) 1011.30am in the Lesser Hall, Town Hall. NB: 1st Fri earlier start at 9.45 to allow easier access for wheelchairs. Fruit, veg, plants, flowers, home made produce & crafts, refreshments. Contact Shena Sarjeant 774703.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES ARTS

Cowbridge Choral Society Meets Thu 7.30pm at the United Free Church, Westgate. 2 or 3 concerts a year including Christmas concert at Holy Cross Church. Contact Wendy Meredith (Sec) 794883. www.cowbridgechoralsociety.co.uk Cowbridge Male Voice Choir Meets Wed 7.30-9.30pm in term time at Holy Cross Church. Contact Ray Pritchard 01443 226099. www.cmvc.org.uk

ACCOMMODATION

Belladonna Singing Group Women’s choir. Meets Tue 8.159.30pm above the Little Shop of Calm. Contact Geoff Howells 773038 / 07949 137112.

• Glyndwr ˆ Vineyard, Llanblethian, CF71 7JF. Contact 774564.

Feel Good & Sing Meets Mon 11am-12.30pm & Thu 7-8.30pm. Young Performers’ Group meets Tue 4.30-6pm. Both groups meet above the Little Shop of Calm, Westgate. Contact Lianne Morgan 776497. www.stagecamp.co.uk

Hotels & guest houses • The Bear Hotel, High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF. Contact 774814.

• Stable Cottage Bed & Breakfast, St Hilary, CF71 7DP. Contact 774040. •Crossways Manor House, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. Contact 773171. Self-catering • Llanquian Farm Cottages, Llanquian Road, Aberthin, CF71 7HE. Contact 772484. • Mimosa Cottage & the Shield Garden Flat, Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7EL. Contact 771539. • The Old Stables, Bryn Hafryd, Primrose Hill, Cowbridge CF71 7DU. Contact 774568. • Crossways Manor, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. Contact 773171.

Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) Based at the Market Theatre. Stages 3 main productions a year. Usually rehearses Mon & Wed evenings. Please phone to check times. Contact Peter Knapp 772141. www.market-theatre.com/ cadsaboutus.htm Cowbridge Art Society Meets Thu 7-9pm (term time) at Old Hall Community College. Varied programme of events: talks, workshops, demonstrations. Contact Brenda or Maurice Dwek 775735.

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01446 unless otherwise stated)

Art Group Meets Tue 10am-1pm at Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Brenda Dwek 775735.

Ballet/Modern/Tap Classes for ages 3-22 held Mon 5-8.30pm at Lesser Hall, Town Hall. Contact Sally Parfitt 01639 830017.

Vale Volunteer Bureau For those looking for volunteering opportunities in the Vale. Contact 421782.

Cowbridge Amateur Operatic Society (CAOS) Rehearses Tue 7.30pm at Y Bontfaen Primary with extra rehearsals Thu in Ystradowen Village Hall in the run up to a production. Annual production at end of May and concert in October. Contact Mrs JC Hughes 713110. www.cowbridgeaos.org.uk

Vale School of Dance Modern, jazz, ballet, street dance, tap & dancersize for adults & children. Classes held at the Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard. For details of times contact Nerissa Thomas 774449.Â www.thevaleschoolofdance.co.uk

Valeways Works to facilitate and promote walking in the Vale by improving & maintaining footpaths. Arranges easy & long distance walks. Opportunities for volunteers. For details of walks see website or contact 749000. www.valeways.org.uk

The Belles of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handbell ringing group. Rehearses Wed 1.30pm (ex half term) at Holy Cross Church, Church St. Contact Bert Thomas 772715. Forte School of Music Cowbridge Youth Centre, Old Court House, Westgate. Provides piano lessons on Tue 4-8pm. Contact 02920 631340. www.fortemusic.co.uk Moya Vahey School of Russian Classical Ballet Meets at United Free Church, Westgate on Sat 10am-2pm, Tue 3.45-8.30pm, Wed 4-6pm & Fri from 2.30-7pm. For ages 3 to adult. Contact Moya Vahey-Beynon 774080. Popstars Dance School For ages 3-16yrs. Contact Nick 07974 904181. www.popstarsdanceschool.co.uk Line Dancing Meets Mon 7.30-9pm at Llanblethian Church Hall. Beginnners & advanced. Contact Alan Carpenter 07973 116354.

South Wales Modern Jive Meets Wed 8-10pm at Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard. Contact Ian 07977 901562. Ballroom Dancing (Cowbridge Dance) Ballrooom dancing for beginners and advanced. Meets at Town Hall on Mon & Tue 7-10.30pm. Contact Alan Taylor 01443 238867. www.cowbridgedance.com Stagecoach Drama, singing & dance for ages 4-18. Meets Sun 10am-1pm at Old Hall, Westgate. Contact Robert Reynolds 781454. www.stagecoach.co.uk Big Screen A film society which shows films monthly, usually on 3rd Thu (ex Jul & Aug) at 7.30pm at the Main Hall, Town Hall. Contact Dick Buswell 771929.

CARING ORGANISATIONS/ VOLUNTEERING

Vale Centre for Voluntary Services Barry Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Rd, Barry. Umbrella body for voluntary groups in the Vale. Contact 741706. www.valecvs.org.uk

Cowbridge with Llanblethian United Charities Contact Mr HG Phillips (Sec), 66 Broadway, Cowbridge, CF717EW. www.cowbridgetown.co.uk/ clubs-%20societies/charities.htm Cowbridge Institute Educational Trust Provides grants for educational purposes. For application form contact Mrs J Hydon, Westcliff, Llanblethian, Cowbridge, CF71 7HZ.

HISTORICAL

Cowbridge Local History Society Meets 1st Fri at 7.30pm (Sep-Apr) at Lesser Hall, Town Hall. Holds monthly talks & occasional trips to historic sites. New members welcome. Contact Dick Buswell (Chair) 771929. www.cf.ac.uk/learn/history/crs.html Cowbridge Record Society Records and publishes aspects of the history of Cowbridge. Contact Josie Rawlings (Sec) 772750. National Trust Association Meets in the Baronial Hall at the Duke of Wellington usually on a Wed 7.30pm (not May-Aug). Invited speakers and yearly trip. Contact Neil Matthews 01443 223230.

CHURCH GROUPS

Churches Together in Cowbridge Contact Rosemary Samuels (Chair) 772330. Parish Ladies Guild (Catholic) Talks, demonstrations, social events and trips. Meets monthly at various venues. Contact Margaret Hughes 774212. Llanblethian Church Guild Meets 2.30pm on occasional Mondays in Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Barbara Easterbrook for details 773960. Women’s Fellowship Meets Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Barbara Easterbrook for details 773960. CAFOD Support Group Catholic Relief Organisation Meets four times a year for fundraising. Contact Father Maher 792381. Mothers’ Prayer Group Meets 1st Wed, 9.15am in St Cadoc’s Church. All faiths welcome. Contact Rosemary Samuels 772330.

FAMILIES

Parent & Toddler Group Meets Tue 9.30-11am (term time) at United Free Church Hall. Contact Andrea Gardiner 776412. Vale & Valleys National Childbirth Trust Supports families with young children and through pregnancy by providing information and organising regular activities. Contact Sarah Penketh 0844 243 6307 or 772756. www.nct.org.uk

Parent & Toddler Group Meets 10.15-11.45am in Llanblethian Church Hall. Supported by the NCT. Conatact Kate Isles 771079 or 07596 766356. The Wonderful Wardrobe Pre-school group with dressing up and role play activities. Meets Fri 2.15-3pm at Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Barbara Easterbrook 773960. Storytime For the under fives. Meets Wed 2-2.30pm (term time) at the Library, Old Hall, High St. Contact 773941. Simply out of School English medium after school club for children ages 3-14 years. Meets Mon-Fri 3-5.45pm (term time) at Y Bont Faen Primary School, Borough Close. Also runs breakfast and holiday clubs. Contact Emma Thompson 07876 775800. www.simplyoutofschool.co.uk

HOBBIES

Bridge Vale of Glamorgan Bridge Club Meets Mon 7pm at Cowbridge Rugby Club. Contact Brian Swain 773596. Llanblethian Bridge Club Meets Tue eve in Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Brian Swain 773596. Bellringing There is bellringing at 3 of the parish churches (Holy Cross, St Hilary & St John, Llanblethian). A parish band moves around the churches for practice nights and for Sunday service ringing. Visitors & new members welcome. Contact Parish Office 772302 or see website for further details. www.cowbridgeparish.com

Vale Photographic Club Meets Fri 7.30-9.30pm at Community Hall, Ystradowen, Cowbridge. Contact Pam or Cled Lewis (Chair) 793685. www.vale-photographic-clyub.co.uk Cowbridge & District Flower Arrangers Club Meets 1st Wed 7.30pm usually at Duke of Wellington Hotel Banqueting Hall. Visitors & new members welcome. Contact Lorraine Ravey (Chair) 772713 or Vi Harris 773798. Cowbridge in Bloom Contact Harry Jones 773221. Cowbridge Gardening Club Meets last Thu at Lesser Hall, Town Hall. Outings, November dinner, speakers. New members & visitors welcome. Contact Dr Allyson Lipp 772290. www.cowbridgegardeningclub.org Spinners & Weavers Group Meets Wed 10am-12noon at Cowbridge Youth & Community Centre, Westgate. Contact Tina Simmons 774460.

Vale of Glamorgan Ramblers Sunday walks (10-12 miles) throughout the year and Wed (4-5 miles) in summer. Includes social events. Part of the Ramblers’ Association. Contact Contact Ian Fraser 774706. www.valeofglamorganramblers.co.uk

Glamorgan Hunt Contact Clare Roberts (Sec) 760957.www.glamorganhunt.com

CONTACTS (telephone dialling code is 01446 unless otherwise stated) KEEP FIT/ WELLBEING

Weightwatchers Meet Tue 10-11.15am & 7-8.30pm at Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard. Contact 775533. Pilates/Nordic Walking/Nia Cardio The Barefoot Studio. 61-63 Eastgate. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Contact 775772. www.barefootstudio.co.uk Reiki A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Group meets Fri 2-4pm above the Little Shop of Calm. Contact Ruth Handley 07748 446060.

SOCIAL GROUPS

Cowbridge Rotary Club Meets Mon 7.15pm (ex bank hols) at the Bear Hotel. Contact Richard Griffiths (Sec) 772248. Cowbridge Probus Club Meets 1st Wed 10.30 for 11am at The Bear Hotel. Contact Gavin Davies 710669. Vale Probus Club Meets last Tue 10.15 for 10.30am at the Duke of Wellington. Contact John Meredith 775227. Penybont Probus Club Meets at the Bear Hotel. Llantwit Major & Cowbridge Lions Meet 1st & 3rd Thu at Leisure Centre, Ham Lane East, Llantwit Major. Contact John Wordley 792902 (eve only). www.llantwitmajorand cowbridgelions.org.uk

Llanblethian Get Together Social group for villagers. Meets Tue at Cross Inn, Llanblethian. Royal British Legion Contact Hunter Jarvie (Pres) 773841.

SPORT

Cowbridge Town FC Home pitch is the Bear Field. Minis & juniors play Sat am at St Brides & Corntown, seniors play Sat & youth Sun pm at the Bear Field. Contact Bob Murphy 760049 / 07730 923167.

Cowbridge & District Athletic Club Athletic Ground, The Broadshoard. Contact 772595.

Gymnastics Club Meets Thu 4-6pm at the Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard 775533.

The Vale Badminton Club Meets Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard. Club nights Tue 8-10pm & Sun 6-8pm. Contact 775533. www.valebadminton.co.uk

Cowbridge Netball Club Trains Tue 7-9pm at Ogmore Comprehensive School. Contact Shaun Williams (Coach) 01656 647717. http://cardiffnetball.co.uk

Chris Rees School of Badminton Meets Sun 9 -12noon & 3 - 6pm Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard. Contact Chris Rees 07882 307028. Outdoor Bowling Club Plays Apr- Sep on green behind the Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard. Mens, ladies, junior & mixed teams. New members welcome. Contact Michael Bradley 773289. Indoor Bowling Club Meets at the Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard. Club night: Thu 8-10pm. Competitions & social events. Contact Anne Jarvis (Sec) 773013. Cowbridge Cricket Club Contact Jonathan Smart (Hon Sec) 775825 / 07710 088581. www.cowbridgecricket.co.uk Vale Cycling Club For ages 14 and above. Meets Tue 6.30pm (May-Aug) at Somerfields car park, Llantwit Major, for short runs, and Sun 10.30am at Llantwit Major, Cowbridge Town Hall or Downs Cafe on A48 outside Cowbridge for longer runs. Weekends away and annual cycle tours. For further details and contact see website. www.llantwitmajorvale.co.uk/sport/ cycling/photos2009/aboutus.htm

Cowbridge RFC Athletic Club. Senior training Tue & Thu 7.30, Youth & Ladies Wed 6.30pm. Contact Alun Griffiths 793552 or clubhouse 772595. www.cowbridgerfc.co.uk www.cowbridgeladiesrfc.btik.com Squash Cowbridge Squash Club The Broadshoard. Junior training Sat am. Contact Clive Prigg (Chair) 773729. Cowbridge Lawn Tennis Club The Broadshoard. Coaching sessions available. Social tennis Mon 7-9pm & Sat 2-5pm. Men’s tennis Thu 6-9pm. Junior coaching Thu & Fri early eve. Ladies’ morning Wed, open to non members & beginners. Contact Sarah Wallace (Mem Sec) 775800. www.freewebs.com/cowbridgetennis

Junior Tae Kwon Do Club Meets Thu 3.30-5pm at Cowbridge Youth Centre, Westgate. Contact Tina Simmons 774460.

Cowbridge Tae Kwondo Ages 5+. Meets Wed 6-8pm (and Sat 4-6pm when there is demand) at The Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard. Contact 775533 or Brian Jones 01656 862237. Inner Spirit Tae Kwondo School Meets Thu 4 - 6.30pm & Sat 10.30 -1pm at The Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard - Little Tigers (ages 4-6) for first half hour then Juniors for 2 hours. Contact Neil Gimbel 07855 487404. www.innerspirit-martialarts.com Rising Phoenix Tai Chi Tue 6.30-8pm above The Little Shop of Calm, Wesgate. Contact Mike 02920 206042. Judo classes Thu 7-9pm at The Leisure Centre, The Broad Shoard. Contact Stephen Cooper 752320. www.cowbridge-judo.co.uk Yoga classes Upstairs at The Little Shop of Calm, Westgate: for Mon 6-7.30pm & Thu 10-11.30am, contact Jean 793536 or shop 771166; for Wed 7-8.15pm, contact Mari 07869 294604 or shop 771166. Cowbridge Karate Meets Mon & Fri, Juniors 6-7pm, Seniors 7-8.30pm & Tue 7-8pm (Juniors & Seniors) at the Leisure Centre, The Broadshoard. Contact Richard Bourke 07855 727352 or Mora Garside (Sec) 775202. www.ckjk.co.uk

WELSH LANGUAGE

Menter y Fro Yn hybu defnydd o’r iaith Gymraeg ym Mro Morgannwg/Promotes the Welsh language in the Vale of Glamorgan. Cysyllter â/Contact 720600. www.menteryfro.org

Merched y Wawr Sefyldiad i ferched/women’s organisation. Learners welcome. Yn cwrdd/Meets ail ddydd Llun/2nd Mon 7.30pm yn/at Red Cross Centre, The Broad Shoard. Cysyllter â/Contact Mair James 772423.

WOMEN’S GROUPS Women’s Institute Meets 3rd Thu at 7.45 for 8pm at Cowbridge Lesser Town Hall. Contact Margaret Price 773000. www.glamorganfwi.org.uk Llanblethian WI Meets 2nd Thu at Llanblethian Church Hall. Contact Barbara Easterbrook 773960. WRVS Monday Luncheon Club Meets Mon 12-1.30pm (ex Aug & Bank hols) in Lesser Hall, Town Hall. Contact Ena Brent 774266.

YOUTH GROUPS

Cowbridge Youth & Community Centre The Old Court House, Westgate. Activities for 11-25 year olds. Open Wed, Thu & Fri 6.30-9.30pm & other times for groups & occasional weekend events. Youth facilities & climbing wall. Band nights on Fri. Contact Tina Simmons (Area Youth Officer) 774460. Duke of Edinburgh Award Personal development course for ages 14-25 yrs. Local project group meets Wed 6.30-9.30pm at Cowbridge Youth & Community Centre, The Old Court House, Westgate. Contact Tina Simmons 774460. 1st Cowbridge Guides Contact Wendy Hinton, Division Commissioner on 01656 648783. www.girlguiding.org.uk

Vale Division Rangers Adventure youth activities for older girls aged 14-26 years. Contact 01656 890235. www.catvog.org Vale Explorer Unit For older boys & girls. Contact 794764. www.catvog.org 1st Cowbridge Scouts Contact Gethin Charles 772555. www.catvog.org 293 Squadron Air Training Corps HQ off Aberthin Rd. For young people ages 13+. Meets Mon & Thu 7-9pm. Contact Dr TG Prosser 774881. Glamorgan Young Farmers For all young people aged 10-26. Meetings held in various venues. Contact 01656 864488. www.glamyfc.btik.com

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this section, the publishers and promoters cannot be held responsible for unintentional errors or omissions. You are advised to check details directly with the organisations and groups concerned. Organisations are included in the above categories for ease of reference. Inclusion within one category or another, however, does not imply incompatibility with any of the categories listed. Organisations are listed in this section in good faith, but inclusion does not imply endorsement by Cowbridge Town Council or Heritage Guides of any organisation listed, nor can these two bodies be held responsible for any organisation’s failure to comply with legal or professional requirements.

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