Glanogwr Residents Association

Glanogwr Residents Association (GRA) was established in 1997.

Each of the members reside in Glanogwr House in Bridgend, which is a retirement scheme aimed specifically for the over 55’s. The GRA was initially formed to lobby Bridgend County Borough Council about a footpath which led to the local bus stop. The residents at Glanogwr House found their walk to the bus impossible to use due to the uneven footpath. The residents proceeded to form their alliance through the GRA in a bid to persuade the Council to take action over the issue of the state of the footpath. The residents were very concerned with this particular footpath as they used it regularly as a pick up point for a free bus service to the local Tesco, and therefore posed a real hazard to residents, some of whom were quite frail.

The GRA went from strength to strength after successfully lobbying the council who subsequently repaired and maintained the path.Further benefits achieved through the GRA have been obtaining grants which have been used to enhance numerous social outings and events for the residents.

In 2006 three summer trips were organised by the GRA, which involved hiring a specially adapted coach for disabled and frail residents, who otherwise would not have been able to use public transport. These social outings genuinely give the residents a better quality of life and are enjoyed by all. The GRA continue to organise events with the use of the grants they successfully gain. The most recent grant received is from ‘Awards for All Wales,’ which will be used to hire a special coach for the summer outings. The GRA regularly organise fund raising events and activities including clothing and handbag sales, parties, raffles and weekly fundraising coffee mornings.Committee meetings are held monthly, and all the residents are invited to attend. The Committee members comprise of:- Chairperson, Social Secretary, Treasurer, Retirement Scheme Manager and other members. In the past they have attended meetings, training events and workshops organised by TPAS Cymru, which helped develop ideas for the future.

For more details about Glanogwr Residents Association please contact the Retirement Scheme Manager at Glanogwr House Pauline Waygood at paulinew@hafod.org.uk