THE FORMER Llangiwg Church near Pontardawe, one of Neath Port Talbot’s oldest buildings, will re-open on Saturday afternoon, November 30, with a special event to celebrate the reinstatement of its Georgian panelling, following a successful bid for grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The unveiling of the panelling will be celebrated between 2pm – 4pm, with Mr David Chadwick MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwmtawe in attendance, and with music provided by local a cappella singing group The Eclectics, followed by refreshments. The event is open to all.
The panelling project is the biggest undertaken so far by local charity The Llangiwg Trust as part of its objective to preserve the medieval church building for present and future generations and to keep it open as a venue for community events and activities.
The Trust is delighted with the restoration work carried out by Pontardawe building contractor Paul Griffiths, of Alltwen, and his team, who have not only reinstated over seven meters of oak panelling, but have also carried out damp proofing works and repairs to the wall and the floor along the south wall.
Two years ago the same contractor carried out extensive repairs to the floor on the north side of the church. The completion of this latest project means that the front part of the nave is now in a much better condition for visitors and users of the building, with seating in the Georgian pews restored to full capacity.
John Williams, a tustee, said: “Paul Griffiths has done a really excellent job and we are looking forward to welcoming people back to Llangiwg.”
The project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, following the Trust’s successful application to Neath Port Talbot Council’s Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events grant scheme.
For further enquiries about the celebration on November 30th, please email [email protected] or call 07901 825942. For directions to Llangiwg Church, please visit the Llangiwg Trust website.
