Back in 2005, a building project was started to develop a new community facility at Saint Mary’s, Blaengwrach which Gwenda Thomas fully supported. £300,000 was required for the renovation and work began in early 2006.
St Mary’s church has been renovated with a new roof & flooring and extensive repairs to the interior & exterior walls, bell tower, windows & pathways. A modern disabled-access toilet & kitchenette, efficient under-floor heating project and combined a new natural light system with modern lighting have been fitted. Outside, the stone walls are in the process of being rebuilt and the development of some garden areas as places of stillness; internally historic stone monuments have been conserved and re-sited to create a wonderful sense of both traditional and new building design. The Centre, which is equipped with new light-weight furniture of tables and chairs, is going to provide a very special place for meetings in the community.
The project has received the support of many national funding bodies including the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government and has been identified as key in the “Valleys Strategy”, a document outlining the Neath Port Talbot Borough Council’s long term plans for economic development in its valley communities. In addition to continuing as a place of worship, St Mary’s Centre will bring a sense of renewal to the local communities.


GWENDA THOMAS said:
It gave me great pleasure to be at the opening of Blaengwrach Community Church, a facility such as this will be a tremendous asset for the community. I feel that this project will invigorate the community in Blaengwrach and will aid in the social and economic development of this area.
The provision of areas of stillness is a beautiful idea, for in this hectic and pressurised world of ours a place of stillness is difficult to find.
I cannot say how much a tremendous asset this church is for the community. I congratulate all who have been involved in this magnificent effort.