A community club in Ogmore Vale is toasting the future after a steady stream of funding has allowed it to make necessary building adjustments that will allow it to continue to throw its doors open.
Ogmore Vale Non Political Club has been a community hub for more than 200 years, but with changing regulations it needed to adapt quickly to ensure it could still play host to the multitude of offerings all year round.
Long-standing committee member, Anne Strang, explains:
“Our building is old and with age comes the need to make large investments to ensure it complies with all regulations – be that fire, health and safety, or general upkeep.
“We have more than 200 paying members but the adaptations we needed to make required substantial funding – more than we could raise.”
The Club looked to local energy company, Pennant Walters, which has provided funding for distinct projects over the past few years. The money is from a fund linked to the construction of the new, but standalone, Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley.
Anne continued:
“We are so lucky to have Pennant Walters support. Over the past few years, we have been able to adapt the floor in the bar area, as this had become unsafe, whilst we’ve put in a new fire escape, a new fire exit door, as well as recently renovate two sets of toilet facilities.”
The three-storey Club, on High Street, sees a cross-section of the local community through its doors by hosting weekly events including bingo, over 50’s keep fit, as well as sports presentations and private events, including band nights and concerts.
Anne added:
“To be able to make these adaptations means we’ll hopefully be able to keep our doors open for another 200 years! We have a thriving social scene and everyone who uses the Club loves the sense of community pride it brings.
“We’re now seeing a much younger crowd through the doors and are delighted that many of these youngsters are now taking a keen interest in the running of the Club. We’ve recently recruited some to the committee and hope that this, as well as the funding, will ensure that the Club continues to grow to ensure its sustainability long into the future.”
Pennant Walters asset manager, Harry Llewellyn, commented:
“This Club epitomises a true community facility and it’s wonderful to see that it is adapting to the changing trends of the future.
“I am delighted so many different groups are attracted to the offerings of the Club, and I hope it continues to be a success long into the future.
“Our wind energy project community fund exists to make a difference to the local communities in which we work and we’re happy this money benefit so many local people.”
