Ogwr History Month was a resounding success

Ogwr History Month welcomed 2,387 attendances during September, as people from across Bridgend County Borough and beyond came together to discover the stories, people and places that have shaped the area.

Returning for its third year, Ogwr History Month was organised in partnership with the Ogwr Heritage Network and featured a month-long programme of talks, guided walks, films, exhibitions, children’s workshops and special open days.

This year’s programme included appearances from cultural historian and broadcaster Dr Janina Ramirez, historian and broadcaster Professor Kate Williams, and historian and novelist Ian Mortimer, alongside events exploring subjects ranging from Romans in Wales and women’s history to the Parc Slip Colliery explosion.

The programme also included free heritage cinema screenings at Y Bocs Oren in Maesteg Town Hall, family history workshops in libraries, guided heritage walks, the travelling Ogwr Unlocked: Celebrating Childhood exhibition and open days held in collaboration with Cadw’s Open Doors festival.

Most activities were free to attend thanks to Welsh Government Priorities for Culture funding, helping to make opportunities to explore local history accessible to as many people as possible.