Driving up the Garw Valley is similar to most other valleys in south Wales. The characteristic rows of terraced houses line the road, streets spurt off up the side of mountains, and it's all located in a bowl of green fields and trees. However as the journey approaches Blaengarw, the hills become evermore imposing, until it feels like you're surrounded.
Despite the wind whipping up through the valley, the overall feeling of the village is one of peace. Sitting right at the head of the Garw, there's no way out except to go back the way you came. Because of this, there's very little traffic on the roads, with only those living in Blaengarw, or those heading out to walk their dogs on one of the hundreds of paths available in the area. Knowing you're entering such a tight-knit community as an outsider can be daunting, however, there are few welcomes as warm and open as those encountered in Blaengarw.
Forty years ago the appearance would be a stark contrast to today. The Garw Valley was synonymous with mining, with most families having at least one member employed and many heading into Balengarw for employment. As such, the village struggled following the pit closures and many had to head back down towards Bridgend town to find work. In the face of this however, many who grew up in the town don't reflect on the negativity of those times when recalling their past.
