Cowbridge Pride’s Celebrity Organiser

Cowbridge Pride, held over a two week period in September, had a celebrity organiser. The pop singer, Ian H Watkins, from the group Steps, who is a local resident in Cowbridge, played a big part in the organisation of the first Cowbridge Pride. The event was a big success, with art installations, talks, Pride discos, and more.

The Marie Curie Bereavement Support Group

Marie Curie Hospice in Cardiff and the Vale held their first session of their bereavement support group earlier this year. This group is free to attend and is run by a qualified counsellor, providing people an opportunity to be listened to and to receive comfort and support from others.

A Successful Evening at Cowbridge Pride

On 23 September, the first Cowbridge Pride has its Gala Dinner, hosted by Steps member, Ian H Watkins. The Gala helped raise money to support LGBTQ+ causes, helping to give inclusive resources to local schools. People enjoyed watching drag artist, Connie Orff, as well as an auction with Westlife and Strictly Come Dancing tickets, and a rugby ball signed by Gareth Thomas.

Mayor’s Speech for King Charles III

Members of the public gathered outside Cowbridge Town Hall to hear the Mayor, Councillor John Andrew’s speech before the Proclamation of Accession of King Charles III. The Mayor also expressed his shared sadness of the Queen’s passing.

Another Successful Festival of Flowers

The streets of Cowbridge were beautifully decorated with an array of different flower displays over the summer, and at the end of August locals and visitors were entertained by Petal People and the Flowerpot People, along with a string quartet in the Old Hall Gardens. The event was funded by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Nia Hollins, Principle Tourism and Marketing Officer at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “The Festival aims to encourage residents and visitors to visit and explore what Cowbridge has to offer and to give our local traders a boost after a tough couple of years, so we really hope everyone will support this fantastic event.”

Plans for New Homes to be Built in Cowbridge

Redrow Homes have put in an application to build 105 new homes in Cowbridge on green land between Windmill Lane and St Athan Road. The opportunity to make any representation ended on 12 September. There were mixed opinions about the plans, with some residents concerned at the loss of green space and agricultural land, while others agreed that more affordable housing was needed.

Lottery Grant for Vale of Glamorgan’s Parkinson’s Community

The Vale of Glamorgan’s Parkinson’s community has received £350,000 in funding from the National Lottery to help people affected by Parkinson’s, allowing them to be able to be a part of community-led activities and to form a better relationship with local health boards to ensure they run in the best way for everyone.

The Cowbridge Monday Club

The Cowbridge Monday Club, in association with the organisation Mencap, have been recognised for their great work with supporting people with learning difficulties, meeting together every Monday to do fun and inclusive activities.

New Book on Vale Folklore

Author Graham Loveluck-Edwards has published his second book, More Legends & Folklore from Barry, Bridgend and the Vale, following the success of his first books Legends and Folklore of Bridgend and the Vale, which was published two years ago. His latest book contains many more mysterious folklore tales from the Vale of Glamorgan, with mythical beats and spooky ghosts.

Cardiff & Vale Health Charity Reach Their Goal

The team at Cardiff & Vale Health Charity have been worried over the past couple years that due to the pandemic they wouldn’t be able to reach their goal. But after working tirelessly and modifying their approaches to fit in with COVID-19 restrictions, they have reached their goal of £200,000 for Breast Cancer Appeal. An incredible achievement that will go towards helping a lot of people!

Council Grant for Vale Communities

A total of £118,683 has been awarded to 12 community venues in the Vale of Glamorgan to help support different community groups, as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Stronger Communities Grant Fund. This money will go towards building repair, new equipment, and computer software.