Bridgend Town Council

22/05/2026

🇫🇷 Become a Host Family for Bridgend’s Town Twinning Visit in June 2026 🇫🇷

In 1994 the towns of Bridgend and Villenave D’Ornon in France signed a Town Twinning Agreement to establish understanding and friendship between the two towns, designed to bring ordinary people together.

On Thursday 25 June 2026, Bridgend will welcome visitors from Villenave d’Ornon for a four-day stay as they join us in celebrating Armed Forces Day in the town. As part of the weekend’s events, the Chorale du Lac choir from Villenave d’Ornon will perform on stage during the Armed Forces Day event and will also join Bridgend’s own My Kinda Choir for a special evening concert at Hope Church. The concert will raise funds for the Bridgend Branch of the Royal British Legion, alongside charities supported by the Mayor of Bridgend Town Council.

The Twinning Committee is currently looking for a number of additional host families in Bridgend who would be willing to provide accommodation for one or more guests during their stay. This is an opportunity to extend Bridgend hospitality, build international friendships and act as ambassadors for our town.

Many volunteers have already come forward, however more hosts are needed to ensure all visitors can be accommodated. Host families will be asked to:
• Provide bed and breakfast accommodation for the duration of the stay
• Spend some time showing guests around the local area
• Provide lunch or dinner for guests on some of the days

Please note that hosting is offered on a voluntary basis and there is no funding available towards the cost of hosting. The experience is an opportunity to build lasting friendships and become part of a Bridgend Town Twinning community.

Volunteer agreements and policies are in place to support host families and DBS checks will be required which can be arranged free of charge through the committee.

For further information, please contact Councillor Steven Bletsoe at [email protected]

Bridgend Town Council is promoting this on behalf of the Town Twinning Advisory Committee. Hosting arrangements sit outside the formal jurisdiction and responsibility of the Town Council itself.

19/05/2026

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Appointed for Bridgend Town Council

At the Annual Meeting held on Monday 18th May 2026, Bridgend Town Council proudly appointed Cllr Michelle Blundell-Humphreys as Mayor for 2026/27. Supporting her throughout the civic year will be her sister Paula, who will take on the role of consort.

Cllr Blundell-Humphreys succeeds Cllr Ian Spiller, who was warmly thanked for his dedication, hard work and service to the community during his term as Mayor over the past 12 months.

The Council also welcomed the appointment of Cllr Peter Robinson as Deputy Mayor for 2026/27, who will be supported by his partner Helen.

As part of the Mayoral year, Chaplain Mavis Martin has once again been invited to serve as the Mayor’s Chaplain, providing spiritual and moral support and guidance throughout the year ahead.

We wish the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor every success as they begin their civic duties and continue working hard to support and represent the residents of Bridgend. Here’s to a positive and successful year ahead for Bridgend Town Council!



Images credit: Tim Wood

11/05/2026

Bookings are now open for FREE Half Term Activities in Carnegie House during May Half Term. These sessions are funded by Bridgend Town Council.

Valley Arts will be delivering three craft workshops. Zack Franks Movement and Dance will be back for three dance workshops, and Organised Kaos will return to deliver two Circus Skills Workshops.

Tuesday 26th May - Organised Kaos
10am - 11am 4-12 Years Circus Skills
11am - 12pm 4-12 Years Circus Skills

Wednesday 27th May - Zack Franks Movement & Dance
10am-11am 4-11 Years Street Dance
11am-12pm 4-11 Years Street Dance
12pm-1pm 4-11 Years Street Dance

Thursday 28th May - Valley Arts
10am - 11am 1 -5 Years Little Artists
11.30am - 12.30pm 6+ Years Slime Workshop
2pm - 3pm 8+ Years Super Mario Canvas Creations

Every child must be accompanied by an adult (one adult may be responsible for more than one child).

You do not need to book a place for the adult, please just book a place for the child attending.

We look forward to seeing you all at Carnegie House soon!
https://www.ticketsource.com/carnegiehouse

05/05/2026

National Hedgerow Week runs from 4th - 10th May which is the perfect time to celebrate one of our unsung heroes for nature.

See how you can get involved or listen to a podcast here -

4 - 10 May 2026 Hedgerows need our help Hedgerows are the often-unsung heroes of the British countryside, yet they form the UK’s largest wildlife habitat, are a major part of our landscape and cultural heritage, and are crucial to halting biodiversity decline and tackling climate change.

28/04/2026

Yesterday, Members of the Royal Navy, family members and the people of Bridgend gathered at the War Memorial to commemorate the WW2 submarine HMS Urge and her crew, who were lost with all hands off the coast of Malta on 27th April 1942.

Four Submariners from HMNB Clyde took part in the service including Chief Petty Officer Richard Humphreys, originally from Bridgend, who read The Act of Remembrance and Harry Byrne, also from Bridgend.

As part of Warship Week in 1941 townspeople raised over £300,000 (approximately £15 million today) and adopted HMS Urge. The U-class boat was renowned for its intensive service as part of the 10th Submarine Flotilla and was noted as one of the Royal Navy’s top ten ‘Submarine Aces’.

HMS Urge left her base in Malta on her final mission on 27th April 1942, bound for Alexandria in Egypt and struck a German mine near the coast of Malta.

British Forces Broadcasting Service were in attendance to capture the service and to interview participants. The event has been widely shared on Forces Media sites throughout the UK, which has highlighted the special relationship between Bridgend and the submarine and the importance of remembering the past by those who serve today.

CPO Humphreys said:
“I knew about the town’s connection with the Royal Navy and when we found out about the memorial service for HMS Urge, we welcomed the opportunity to attend.”

“This year we commemorate 125 Years of the Submarine Service, that’s a lot of history behind us, it’s important. It’s these core traditions that keep us together and make sure our younger submariners understand how we have a rich and ever-evolving history.”

Mayor of Bridgend Town, Councillor Ian Spiller said:
“It is my great honour to welcome members of His Majesty’s Royal Navy, including submariners from HMNB Clyde. Their presence strengthens the link between past and present, and we thank them for their dedication, duty and service.

For our town, this is a story of real significance and enduring pride. HMS Urge was proudly adopted and supported by the people of Bridgend during the war. In a time of hardship and uncertainty, our community came together to fund this submarine, forging a lasting bond between the town and all those who served aboard her.

Today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of her crew. We remember that each of them was more than a sailor, they were sons, brothers, friends, and loved ones. Their service and sacrifice remain part of our town’s shared history and identity.”

All photos Graham Davies Photography

21/04/2026

On Saturday 18th April 2026, Dr Richard Annear, the son of Dr. Marshall Annear, unveiled a plaque dedicated to his father on the former family home known as The Patch, Ewenny Road.

He thanked the Mayor and Councillors of Bridgend Town Council for awarding the honour of the blue plaque in memory of his father, in recognition of his significant contributions to the development of Psychiatric Services in Bridgend and in Wales. He said "I know that my father would be both honoured and humbled to be remembered in this way."

Dr Annear resided at ‘The Patch’ for 34 years from 1951 until he died in 1985.

Dr Annear qualified at the West London Hospital Medical School in 1941. In WWII he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Captain in North Africa and Italy, where he treated many service men suffering from battle neuroses, now recognised as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In 1951 he joined Morgannwg Hospital in Bridgend, as Medical Superintendent, responsible for the psychiatric treatment of the people of Bridgend and beyond. He was instrumental in the development of the renowned Postgraduate Education Centre at Glanrhyd Hospital, developing training courses to further the psychiatric education of trainee psychiatrists and GPs, the forerunner of the postgraduate training which every hospital is now expected to undertake.

During the 1962 smallpox epidemic in Bridgend, Dr Annear was Medical Superintendent at Glanrhyd Hospital, where 13 patients died. He provided medical support and treatment to both patients and staff. He also provided emergency psychiatric support to those involved in the tragedy of the Aberfan disaster of 1966.

Following his retirement in 1977, Dr Annear continued to work part time as a Consultant Psychiatrist and as Psychiatric Clinical Tutor at the postgraduate centre in Bridgend, furthering the knowledge and careers of others, until he died in 1985, aged 67.

Dr Annear was a member of the Royal Medical Psychological Association and a founder member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Welsh Psychiatric Society.

The Mayor of Bridgend Town, Councillor Ian Spiller said: “Dr Annear’s contribution to Bridgend was one of dedication, professionalism, and service. His work and character left a lasting impression on those who knew him and on the wider community he served. It is only fitting that we recognise his achievements in a way that will endure for generations.”

He thanked members of Bridgend & District Local History Society for the nomination and to family members who had travelled from Kent, Devon, London, Cardiff and Swansea to be at the unveiling.

He went on to say that “The inclusion of bilingual text on this plaque carries real significance. It reflects our shared heritage and our commitment to celebrating the Welsh language alongside English, ensuring that this tribute is accessible and meaningful to all.”

For more information about Bridgend Town Council's Blue Plaque scheme please visit our website: https://www.bridgendtowncouncil.gov.uk/your-council-town-council/projects-services/blue-plaque-scheme/

28/03/2026

🌍 Switch Off for Earth Hour 🌍

This Saturday from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, communities across Wales and around the world will be taking part in Earth Hour.

We’re inviting residents, local organisations and businesses to join in by switching off non-essential lights for one hour as a simple way to show support for our planet.

Why not turn off the lights at home and enjoy a candlelit evening or take some time to appreciate the night sky. Every small action helps highlight the importance of caring for our environment.

Let’s come together as a community to mark Earth Hour and show our shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

Find out more at: www.wwf.org.uk/earth-hour

Earth Hour reminds us that small actions can make a big difference. When we make changes to reduce our footprint, we inspire others to do the same.

24/03/2026

A cherry tree, which was one of seven gifted to Bridgend Town Council in 2021, is flourishing in its location on the south side of Newbridge Fields.

To date, over 8000 Japanese cherry trees have been given to the UK by Japan, as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, and planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK.

https://japanuksakura.org/

18/03/2026

FREE ART EXHIBITION at Carnegie House
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March 2026
10am - 3pm

Artists exhibiting include:

Joe Dunlop- abstract landscape paintings
Russell Farmer - colourful Welsh paintings
David Pearce - landscape photography
Anna Greenwood - landscape paintings
Jaz Wallace - mixed paintings

12/03/2026

9th – 15th March is Food Waste Action Week 2026.

In the UK, 60% of food waste happens at home, with households throwing away 4.4 million tonnes of edible food each year - worth £17.5 billion and producing 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. For a typical family of four, that’s around £1,000 wasted every year.

For fantastic food hacks covering shopping, storing, recipes for leftovers and batch cooking ideas please visit

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