St Cattwg's Church
St Cattwg's Church and its Hall continue to play a pivotal role in village life. Every effort is made to encourage residents to become actively involved in a range of social and fundraising activities, with the age range of participants in mind — from young children to senior residents.
St Cattwg's is one of seven churches making up the Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Major within the Church in Wales. A Holy Eucharist service is held each Sunday at 11.00 a.m., except for the fourth Sunday of each month, which is reserved for Matins. Two or three times a year a popular "Songs of Praise" evening is held.
The church has in recent years had a very active Sunday School and children's choir, which took a leading part in Sunday services — particularly the monthly family service. On holy days, the choir would sing special pieces and act out religious dramas. The congregation is both friendly and socially active, with frequent events combined with fundraising for the Church Tower Appeal: barbecues, quiz evenings, supper parties and Harvest Suppers at the Hall. These events frequently end with a sing-song, as befits inhabitants of the Land of Song.
At Christmas, in addition to the usual services and carol service, carol singers from St Cattwg's proceed around the village, usually ending their endeavours in the warmth of the Blacksmiths Arms. Newcomers who have attended church frequently comment on the warm welcome they receive — a growing congregation at a time when many churches face the prospect of closure.
The Women's Institute
Llanmaes has an active Women's Institute, founded in 1949 — with one of the founder members still involved and contributing to the group's aims and philosophy. Although much has changed over nearly fifty years, the WI still plays an integral part in village life. Eighteen members meet every second Tuesday of the month in the Village and Church Hall, enjoying a varied programme with a diverse range of speakers — from flower arranging to surfing the internet. The group also enjoys regular trips to the theatre, with plans being made to celebrate the group's fiftieth anniversary.
The Village and Church Hall
The Hall is the venue for the majority of social events in Llanmaes. Its history is long and interesting:
A piece of land measuring a quarter of one acre was given by deed poll to the Minister and Church Wardens of St Cattwg's by the Earl of Dunraven, to build a Church school.
A Church Voluntary School was established and flourished for several decades, despite opposition from non-conformists and the Liberal-dominated County Council.
Following the Education Act 1902, growing political antagonism and competition from the better-funded Llantwit Major Board School eventually led the Llanmaes school managers to close the school by 1912.
A small kitchen extension was added and the building was re-roofed. The Hall continued to be used as a nursery school and for social and fundraising events, though its full potential was limited by its facilities.
Following two successful grant applications to the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council, the Hall has been completely refurbished — accessible to disabled people and wheelchair users — and is now an ideal facility for a wide variety of events.
The range of activities now taking place at the Hall caters for all age groups: relaxation and meditation groups, choirs, aerobics, meetings, live entertainment, and — with the installation of central heating — children's Christmas parties. In summer, the Hall grounds are used for barbecues and village lunches. A group of volunteers is also taking on the task of constructing an outside patio area with a built-in barbecue.
Celebrations and Generosity
Holding celebrations, fetes, street parties and events to mark national occasions is a long tradition in Llanmaes, giving all residents — young and old — the chance to use their creative and artistic skills for village entertainment. The WI, the Church Council, the Community Council, the nursery group, and residents of all ages give their time voluntarily to make each occasion a success. Funds raised are directed to charities both locally and further afield.
The spirit of generosity extends beyond the village. A Llanmaes resident once drove as part of a convoy taking aid to Bosnia and Croatia. In addition to food, clothing and medical supplies, the residents of the village raised nearly £2,000 for the effort.
Keeping People Connected
Keeping the village informed about events and important issues is a priority. The notice board in the bus shelter on the edge of the village green is a central point for information. Flyers are regularly distributed by volunteers to all households, and posters are displayed at various points throughout the village. Llanmaes also has an information booklet published by the Community Council and circulated to every household, updated regularly and funded through advertising by local businesses.
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