RESTORATION work is taking place this autumn to reinstate historic panelling at one of Neath Port Talbot’s oldest buildings, the Grade II listed former Llangiwg Church near Pontardawe.
It follows a successful grant application by local charity The Llangiwg Trust to Neath Port Talbot Council’s Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events Fund – a scheme funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to boost investment in the area’s heritage and culture, and establish a sense of belonging within communities.
The medieval church building, which has developed into a centre for community events and activities, is an important heritage site dating back to the 6th century and the ‘Age of Saints’, and retains features from Norman, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras.
The restoration work involves reinstating over seven metres of Georgian oak panelling, which was installed along the south wall of the nave over 200 years ago, probably during a major renovation of the church in 1812.
For some time the panelling has been in a state of disrepair owing to dampness in the wall, and this area of the church now requires major work to enable seating in the Georgian pews to be fully used again for a variety of community activities involving heritage and history, arts and culture, the Welsh language, and health, well-being and nature.
It is the second capital project the Trust has undertaken since 2022, when they gained funding from Cadw to repair flooring on the north side of the nave and new weatherboards on the east and west gables.
The current project continues 17 years of charitable efforts by local people to preserve the building for community use since it was deconsecrated and then sold by the Church in 2007. Through carrying out small capital projects and maintenance work, they have succeeded in keeping it in community hands in spite of its relatively remote – and scenic – location on top of Barley Hill, 700 feet above sea level.
“Small repairs and maintenance can make a big difference to a building like this,” says trustee and local historian John Williams, who is helping to oversee the panelling project and has been involved in the church’s upkeep for the last five years. “We are always keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in volunteering at Llangiwg and helping us keep the place going for present and future generations.”
The Trust will be holding an event towards the end of the year to celebrate the unveiling of the panelling – look out for updates on their Facebook page or on X (Twitter). For further information about the Trust, please go to www.llangiwgtrust.org, and if you would like to get in touch, please email the trustees at
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