Llynfi Valley Historical Society

Founded in 1979 the Society's objective is to foster an interest in local history and Wales in general, through visits discussions and in providing a series of varied and entertaining educational lectures presented by acknowledged authorities. Whilst the nature of its talks never loses sight of this objective, presentations over recent years have covered a more global a far wider chronological timescale from Wales in the Stone Age to Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, the Great War and topics well into the 20th Century. The Society has a number of members researching local history and acts as a focal point for enquiries which are received from all over the country and even abroad.

The Society has around 60-70 members, some of them from the very early days through the original President, Brindley Richards, and more recently Dr Lynn Jones, two of the valley's most eminent historians have now passed away. The Society meets at Maesteg County Library on the first Tuesday evening of the month from October to April and also holds an annual dinner and runs a summer excursion to attractive venues also taking in places of historical note. Two booklets have now been published by the Society and since 1996 a Newsletter is also issued in December and April each year copies of which are held at the library.

Recently the Society has elected Mr John Lyons, another of the valleys leading historians as its new President and meetings are chaired by the much respected Rev. Robin Williams who has held the position for many years. Other members of the committee are Vice-Chair Theresa Murphy, Treasurer Mair Dart, Secretary Bill Howells, Cyril Phillips, Margaret Goldsworthy and Barrie Evans. New members are always very welcome and further information may be obtained from the Secretary.