£40K FOR ICONIC VALLEYS CHURCH

Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath, today welcomed a £40,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government for the refurbishment of St Cadoc’s Church in Glynneath.

“This gem of a church is a landmark feature of Glynneath. I’m very glad this money is being provided for much needed maintenance work. There’s been a place of worship on this site for at least 500 years - it’s good to know that it’s being cared for well into the 21st century.”

The church is based on a 16th century chapel which was extended by the Williams family of Aberpergwm in the early 19th century.

The church’s unusual 16th century stained glass windows were originally from Steinfeld Abbey in South West Germany. They were sold under the orders of Napoleon around 1800 to raise money for the war effort and eventually made their way to Britain. Other windows from Steinfeld are on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum.