Ogwr History Month Returns This September

We are inviting people to explore the fascinating stories, people and places that have shaped Bridgend County Borough as Ogwr History Month returns for its third year this September.

Organised in partnership with the Ogwr Heritage Network, the month-long programme of events will feature history talks, guided walks, films, displays, children’s workshops, exhibitions and special open days at venues across the county borough.

Most activities are free to attend, thanks to Welsh Government Priorities for Culture funding, although many events require advance booking. Tickets and full details are available from www.awenboxoffice.com or Local History Library - Bridgend County Borough Facebook page.

This year’s programme includes a wide variety of events for all ages and interests, from expert talks by leading historians and broadcasters to family-friendly workshops and opportunities to visit historic sites not always open to the public.

Highlights include an evening with cultural historian, broadcaster and bestselling author Dr Janina Ramirez and talks by historian, author and broadcaster Professor Kate Williams, and historian and historical novelist, Ian Mortimer, best known for his bestselling Time Traveller’s Guide series.

Audiences can also enjoy A Brief History of Music by Green Matthews, as well as talks on women’s history in the Glamorgan Archives, Romans in Wales, Norwegians in Wales, the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War, and the Parc Slip Colliery explosion.

For the first time this year, Ogwr History Month will feature a series of free heritage cinema screenings in Y Bocs Oren at Maesteg Town Hall, including ‘Napoleon’, ‘Patagonia’, ‘Save the Cinema’ and ‘The Choral’.

To mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Edward Williams, better known as Iolo Morganwg, one of the most influential and debated figures in Welsh cultural history, events including guided walks, Welsh-language talks, storytelling and exhibitions will explore his life, legacy and reputation.

Families are encouraged to take part in the activities, with children’s history workshops delivered by World War Wales Workshops at Maesteg, Aberkenfig, Pencoed, Bridgend, Porthcawl and Pyle libraries. Sessions include themes such as Victorians and Toys Through Time, aimed at children aged five to 10.

The programme also includes Ogwr Unlocked: Celebrating Childhood, a free interactive travelling exhibition exploring local childhood stories, games and toys. The exhibition will visit venues including Pencoed Library, The Mem in Nantymoel, Pyle Library and Betws Life Centre during September.

Local heritage will also be brought to life through a series of guided history walks, including routes around Cefn Cribwr Ironworks, Cefn Cribwr, Llangynwyd to Margam Mountain, Kenfig and Sker, and Bryngarw Country Park.

As in previous years, Ogwr History Month will include free open days in collaboration with Cadw’s Open Doors festival. Open Bridgend on Saturday 19th September will give visitors the chance to explore historic sites and places of worship across Bridgend, while Open Ogwr on Saturday 26th September will see heritage partners open sites including Cefn Cribwr Signal Box, Porthcawl Museum, Ogmore Valley Heritage Hub and St John’s House.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“Ogwr History Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich and varied heritage of Bridgend County Borough, and to bring people together through the stories, places and memories that connect us.

“We are delighted to be working once again with the Ogwr Heritage Network and local partners to offer such a varied programme of events. From expert talks and guided walks to family workshops and open days, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

“We are especially pleased that, thanks to Welsh Government funding, most events are free to attend, helping to make local history accessible to as many people as possible.”

A full programme is available to download in English here and in Welsh here.