Abertillery is a historic, vibrant town and community, set in the beautiful hills and scenery of the South Wales Valleys, bordering the Brecon Beacons National Park and Blaenavon World Heritage site. It is less than an hour from Cardiff, Newport, Bristol, Hereford and the M4 corridor.
Surrounding villages date back to the Bronze Age but the discovery of coal meant Abertillery developed massively after 1843. There were 6 mines and over 40,000 residents at the height of coal mining. Now people appreciate the natural beauty of the local landscape and its tourism, health and well-being benefits. Abertillery and many former industrial sites have been modernised and regenerated.
The town of Abertillery is typical of the late 19th century, with a 13th Century Church, Victorian Arcade, former Miner’s Institute, Museum, Theatre and other unique features, as well as dozens of shops, numerous pubs, restaurants, cafes, halls, churches and other services.
At Six Bells is the striking Guardian of the Valleys Memorial, commemorating the 1960 mining disaster.
In our area (which is approx 11 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a population of approx 17,000 people), we also have the smaller towns and villages of Swffryd (pronounced Soffrid in English), Brynithel, Six Bells, Aberbeeg, Cwmtillery and part of Bournville.
The area supports hundreds of small, medium and larger businesses, due to its excellent location and access to major roads.
There are dozens of choirs, bands, musical, drama, sporting (football, rugby, cricket, bowls, hill cycling, walking etc) and other clubs in our community and our area "punches way above its weight" in talent and the vibrancy of our community life.
Please click on "links to organisations" to find just a few of the dozens of community groups and organisations in our area, who are supported and staffed by hundreds if not thousands of community spirited volunteers.
There are also many local social media pages including "What's on in Abertillery" if you wish to find out more.