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Pencoed (also Pen-coed; Welsh pronunciationⓘ) is a village and community in the county borough of Bridgend, Wales. It straddles the M4 motorway north east of Bridgend and is situated on the Ewenny River. At the 2011 census it had a population of around 9,166.[2]

Key Information

Toponymy and pronunciation

[edit]

The name appears as "Penkoyt" in a 1303 deed of Ewenny Priory and as "Pencoyd" in the seventeenth and eighteenth century.[3] The name is likely a contraction of pen-y-coed (head/top/end of the forest/wood) and has historically been given as both Pen-coed and Pencoed. While some local business, roads and signage use the hyphenated version,[4] the Welsh Language Commissioner recommends the spelling in both English and Welsh to be "Pencoed".[5]

The standard pronunciation in modern Welsh is [pɛn ˈkɔid] or [pɛn ˈkɔɨd]. However, the diphthong 'oe' in a monosyllable is generally reduced to a long vowel 'o' [o:] in South Wales, so the local pronunciation is [pɛn ˈkoːd]. This is sometimes spelled as "Pen-côd" in texts written in Gwenhwyseg (the local dialect).[6][better source needed]

History

[edit]

The earliest evidence of habitation in the area is the nearby Ogof y Pebyll ("Tents Cave") or Ogof Coed-y-Mwstwr ("Hubbub Wood Cave")), which is a scheduled monument and appears to have been inhabited during Neolithic or Bronze Age periods. Worked flint flakes have been found, along with the teeth of numerous mammals of many different species.[7]

The area remained heavily wooded and sparsely populated until the eighteenth century. A map of 1729 shows "coal pitts" in the area and coal, lime, timbers and stone all contributed to the growth of the village. The development of the industrial villages was heavily influenced by Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s route for the South Wales Railway and the construction of a Railway Station between Pencoed and Penprysg in 1856. The two hamlets became the centre of the village of Pencoed. In just over a century and a half, Pencoed’s population increased from less than 500 to more than 12,000.[8]

Present day

[edit]

The village is in the Ewenny Valley and is divided by the M4 motorway near Junction 35, although almost all of the village lies to the north of the M4. About two miles north of the town, the upland relief of the South Wales Valleys starts. To the south are the rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan and the rugged north coast of the Bristol Channel.

The village consists of three distinct areas, which were once four small hamlets. To the north is Penprysg ("copse end"), which lies at the end of the low ridge (100 m) of Cefn Hirgoed ("long wood ridge"). To the west is Hendre ("lowland winter homestead", literally "old settlement") which rises gently from the railway line in the centre of the village towards the common land at Ystadwaun, on older maps as Ystad y Waun and Gwastadwaun ("level moor"). The central and eastern part of the village, which lies on the valley floor near the railway, consists of Pencoed itself and Felindre ("mill settlement"). There are numerous streams rising and running through the village, and two main rivers, the Ewenni Fawr (Great Ewenny) and the Ewenni Fach (Little Ewenny). At the centre of the village, close to the station, is the war memorial (known locally as the Monument), the shopping centre and the local Community Hall (Pencoed Miners' Welfare Hall). The village is well provided with sports facilities, schools, pubs and clubs. A new development, Earlswood Parc, was announced in 2002 and now has been completed, incorporating various Westbury built homes and Bocam business park.

The current mayor is Councillor Barry Doughty.[9]

Pencoed hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1998.

The Raspberry Pi single-board computer is manufactured at the Sony Technology Centre in Pencoed, which produces 44,000 every week.[10]

Sport

[edit]

Pencoed is noted for producing Rugby Union players. Pencoed RFC has produced a number of international players for both Wales and the British and Irish Lions. Most notably, three Pencoed players (Gareth Thomas, Gareth Cooper and Gavin Henson) all took part in the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand with Thomas captaining the Test team.[11]

Twinning

[edit]

Pencoed has twinning arrangements with:

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pencoed

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Pencoed is a town and community in , , situated northeast of town and straddling the along the Ewenny River. With a of 9,113 as recorded in the 2021 UK Census, it functions primarily as a commuter settlement, benefiting from excellent road and rail connections to nearby cities such as (approximately 18 miles east) and (approximately 27 miles west). The area's history dates back to at least 1303, when it was first referenced in a from , with its Welsh name "Pen-coed" translating to "end of " or "head of ." Significant growth occurred in the mid-19th century following the opening of the Railway in 1850, transforming the formerly rural locale—comprising separate villages—into a burgeoning community tied to industrial expansion in the region. By the , Pencoed had evolved into a predominantly residential town, with its population expanding from fewer than 500 in the early 1800s to over 9,000 as of , driven by housing development and its strategic position near the M4. Economically, Pencoed relies on its role as a dormitory town for workers to urban centers, supplemented by local such as call centers and retail; manufacturing is limited, though the nearby Pencoed Technology Park supports some and employment. The town features community amenities including a 25-meter , primary and comprehensive schools like Pencoed Primary and Pencoed Comprehensive, and access to outdoor pursuits in surrounding areas such as Coed Iestyn Wood and the nearby Glamorgan Heritage Coast and National Park. Pencoed , comprising 13 elected members across three wards (Hendre, Felindre, and Penprysg), oversees local services and initiatives, emphasizing community well-being and environmental sustainability in line with ' Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Etymology and Pronunciation

Name Origin

The name Pencoed derives from the Welsh words "pen" (meaning "head," "top," or "end") and "coed" (meaning "wood" or "forest"), translating to "head of the wood" or "end of the wood." This etymology reflects the town's historical position at the edge of forested areas in southern . One of the earliest recorded references to the place appears as "Penkoyt" in a 1303 deed from Ewenny Priory, where Payn de Turberville, Lord of Coity, granted rights to collect firewood in the area. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the spelling had evolved to "Pencoyd," as seen on a 1729 map depicting local woods and coal pits, indicating the name's adaptation in English-language documents while retaining its Welsh roots. In modern times, the Welsh Language Commissioner has standardized the spelling as "Pencoed" for official use, ensuring consistency in across place names in . This standardization aligns with broader efforts to preserve and promote accurate representations of Welsh linguistic heritage.

Local Pronunciation

The standard pronunciation of Pencoed in Welsh is [pɛnˈkɔɪd], phonetically rendered as "pen-koyd," where the "oe" is pronounced as /ɔɪ/ similar to the "oy" in "," and the stress falls on the second syllable. In regional dialects, particularly in where Pencoed is located, some locals may simplify the to a longer sound like [pɛnˈkoːd] or "pen-code," reflecting variations in spoken Welsh across areas. In English contexts, the name is often adapted to "pen-code," treating it as an anglicized compound, which aligns with common English phonetic patterns but deviates from the authentic Welsh articulation. This adaptation frequently leads to mispronunciations such as "pen-co-ed," mistakenly applying English syllable breaks and vowel sounds, especially among non-Welsh speakers unfamiliar with the language's phonology. The Welsh Language Commissioner provides official guidance on place names, recommending "Pencoed" as the standardized spelling and form for use in both Welsh and English to ensure consistency and preserve linguistic integrity. This standardization supports accurate representation tied to the name's Welsh roots, without altering the phonetic essence.

Geography

Location and Boundaries

Pencoed is a town and community located in the eastern part of , , positioned northeast of the county borough's main town of . The settlement straddles the and is directly served by Junction 35, providing strategic access to the national road network. It lies in close proximity to the Ewenny River, which flows through the eastern part of the town. Geographically, Pencoed is centred at coordinates 51.5237° N, 3.5002° W. Administratively, it constitutes the Pencoed community within the unitary authority of , sharing its eastern boundary with .

Landscape and Hydrology

Pencoed is situated in the Ewenny Valley within , where the landscape features gently undulating lowlands rising from elevations of around 30 to 114 meters above , forming a rural hinterland between the and upland . The terrain includes rolling hills and ridges, such as the Coed y Pebyll ridge to the east and the Cefn Hirgoed ridge to the north, which provide a backdrop of pastoral slopes and incised valleys shaped by glacial influences and underlying sandstones and mudstones. Forested areas contribute significantly to the natural character, with blocks of broadleaved woodland, including the Coed y Mwstwr Woodland (SSSI) to the west, linking hedgerows and enhancing through semi-natural habitats like oak-dominated woods and scrub. These woodlands, alongside neutral grasslands and springs along valleys like Nant-Bryn-glas, support a mosaic of ecological features that maintain the area's tranquil, rural quality despite proximity to infrastructure. The Ewenny River, a 16 km tributary of the River Ogmore, flows southward through the valley near Pencoed, originating from springs north of the town where its main arms, Ewenny Fawr and Ewenny Fach, converge before skirting pastoral landscapes and industrial fringes. Influenced by , the river exhibits strong base flow with alkaline chemistry, enabling consistent water levels that support diverse aquatic ecology, including habitats for , grayling, , and through pools, riffles, and glides. Local management efforts, such as gravel cleaning and fish passes, address challenges like and invasive plants to preserve spawning grounds and . Environmental aspects include significant prehistoric cave sites, such as Ogof y Pebyll (also known as Pencoed Cave), a located in woodland approximately 2.5 km west-southwest of the town center. This limestone cave contains archaeological deposits dating to the and periods, with finds including worked flint flakes and mammal teeth indicating early human occupation and use for shelter or ritual purposes. As a protected site, it highlights the area's rich prehistoric heritage within the broader limestone-influenced landscape.

History

Early Settlement

The earliest evidence of human activity in the Pencoed area dates back to , with significant archaeological finds in local caves indicating habitation during the Palaeolithic, , and possibly periods. Ogof y Pebyll Cave, a scheduled located in woodland north of Coychurch near Pencoed, contains deposits that suggest ritual or funerary use, including flint flakes and faunal remains such as teeth from numerous mammals, recovered during a late 19th-century excavation. These artifacts point to intermittent occupation by early hunter-gatherers and later communities, though the exact dating remains tentative for the and phases. Medieval records provide the first documented references to settlement in Pencoed, reflecting a sparse population organized under feudal manorial systems in the lordship of Coity. One of the earliest mentions appears in a 1303 deed from Ewenny Priory, where Payn de Turberville, Lord of Coity, granted permission for land use in the area, indicating limited but structured agrarian activity tied to the priory's estates. The region fell within the broader manorial framework of , where tenants engaged in subsistence farming and owed services to overlords like the Turberville family. Prior to the , Pencoed remained a quintessential rural , characterized by small-scale farming communities scattered across the landscape. With a of fewer than 500 residents, daily life revolved around , including cultivation and rearing on modest holdings, sustained by the fertile valleys and woodlands of the area. This pre-industrial era saw minimal , with settlements consisting primarily of farmsteads and hamlets under the influence of local manors and lands.

Industrial and Modern Development

The arrival of the Railway in 1850 marked a pivotal moment in Pencoed's industrial transformation, as the establishment of a local station connected the previously rural hamlets to broader markets and facilitated the expansion of and lime production. These industries, already present on a smaller scale in the early , benefited from improved transportation, enabling the export of and lime quarried from the surrounding Ewenny Valley. Unlike more heavily industrialized nearby areas, Pencoed's development remained relatively modest, with limited operations such as an iron foundry and a short-lived supporting the local . This railway-driven growth triggered a significant boom, increasing from fewer than 500 residents in the early to around 9,000 by the early , as workers migrated to support the burgeoning extractive sectors. Throughout the early , Pencoed served as a commuter base for employees in regional and operations, further bolstering its demographic expansion. However, the latter half of the century saw the decline of these heavy industries, exemplified by the closure of Werntarw Colliery in 1964 due to gas emissions and fire risks, which contributed to the broader contraction of ' sector. In response to these closures, Pencoed underwent post-industrial redevelopment, transitioning from a mining-dependent community to a residential and service-oriented town with new inward investments, such as call centers and . This shift emphasized housing estates and commuter accessibility, aligning with the area's appeal for those working in nearby urban centers. Culturally, the town hosted the National Eisteddfod in under the Bro Ogwr banner, a major Welsh-language festival that highlighted Pencoed's role in preserving national heritage amid economic change. A key recent milestone was the establishment of Earlswood Parc in 2002, a incorporating residential homes and a that supported ongoing regeneration efforts.

Demographics

The population of Pencoed experienced substantial growth beginning in the second half of the , driven by the industrial influx associated with and the construction of the Railway, which facilitated the expansion from small hamlets into a burgeoning town. Prior to this period, the area consisted of scattered settlements with fewer than 500 residents, but the railway's arrival in the 1850s and subsequent mining activities attracted workers and spurred residential development. According to the , Pencoed had 9,166 residents. By the 2021 Census, the community stood at 9,113, reflecting a slight decline of 0.6% possibly due to definitional changes in geographic boundaries. A 2022 local library report indicated that the facility serves a growing catchment of over 12,000 people, incorporating broader suburban areas beyond the official community boundaries. This modern growth has been fueled by Pencoed's appeal as a , owing to its proximity to the and the South Wales Mainline railway, which provide easy access to employment hubs in and . Between 2001 and 2011, the population rose by approximately 6%, from 8,622 to 9,166, outpacing some regional trends but below the cited 20% estimate in a 2010 report that used a broader study area. Population trends in Pencoed are projected to continue steadily upward, aligned with broader regional migration patterns in , where net in-migration and housing demand contribute to an anticipated 9.4% increase across by 2033. This growth is supported by ongoing infrastructure improvements and the area's role in the 's economic expansion.
YearPopulationNotes/Source
Mid-19th century<500Pre-industrial estimate
20018,622UK Census (Pencoed community)
20119,166UK Census
20219,113UK Census (Pencoed community)

Socio-Economic Profile

Pencoed's residents exhibit low ethnic diversity, with 97.7% identifying as White according to the 2021 census (8,912 out of 9,113 residents). The remaining 2.3% includes small proportions from Asian (1.1%), mixed/multiple (0.7%), Black (0.2%), Arab (0.1%), and other ethnic groups (0.3%). Linguistically, the community is predominantly English-speaking, with 86.2% of residents aged 3 and over unable to understand spoken Welsh according to the 2011 census, resulting in only 13.8% possessing some understanding of the language—below the Welsh national average of 19%. Updated 2021 data for Bridgend County Borough shows 15.9% able to speak Welsh, suggesting limited change in the local area. The age distribution underscores Pencoed's family-oriented character, featuring an above-average child population relative to overall. In , approximately 18.8% of residents were aged 0-15 in 2021 (up from 18.2% in 2011), compared to the Welsh figure of 17.0%. This younger demographic, supported by a age of 43 in the county borough as of 2021, contributes to a vibrant social fabric focused on family life. Housing in Pencoed reflects residential stability, dominated by owner-occupied properties, with 72% of households in the holding outright ownership or mortgages in , higher than the Welsh average of 69%. The community features a mix of detached and homes suited to families, fostering long-term residency. Deprivation levels in Pencoed are notably low compared to averages, as its lower-layer super output areas (LSOAs) within the Pencoed and Penprysg middle-layer super output area rank outside the most deprived deciles in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation , avoiding the higher deprivation concentrations found in other parts of the borough. This positions Pencoed as a relatively affluent with favorable social indicators. Updated 2019 Welsh Index data confirms Pencoed LSOAs remain in the least deprived 50% nationally.

Economy

Key Industries

Pencoed's economy has undergone a significant transformation from its historical reliance on , which dominated the local landscape during the 19th and early 20th centuries and contributed to the town's initial growth as an industrial settlement. These extractive industries declined post-World War II, paving the way for diversification into lighter, knowledge-based sectors as part of broader regional economic restructuring in . In the contemporary era, and have emerged as cornerstone industries, driven by targeted inward investments that leverage Pencoed's advantageous position along the corridor. This location provides excellent connectivity to major ports, airports, and urban centers like and , making it appealing for high-tech firms seeking efficient logistics and access to skilled labor pools. The development of the Pencoed Technology Park in the 1990s exemplifies this shift, hosting advanced operations in and related fields, supported by initiatives to foster and job creation. In 2024, planning permission was granted for new industrial units at the park, enhancing employment opportunities. Complementing these developments, the service sector has expanded to support Pencoed's identity as a , with growth in retail and tailored to residents commuting to employment hubs in and beyond. Local retail outlets, including convenience stores and specialist shops, serve daily needs and contribute to vitality, while such as and consulting have proliferated amid population increases and improved infrastructure. This sector's expansion reflects Pencoed's role in the wider economy, where residential appeal drives demand for accessible amenities.

Major Employers

The UK Technology Centre in Pencoed serves as one of the town's largest employers, focusing on contract electronics and the production of high-end broadcast equipment, such as HD and 4K cameras. The facility, the only electronics site in the UK, employs approximately 550 and supports a range of specialized roles in engineering, assembly, and quality control. Notably, it handles contract production for the single-board computer, up to 90,000 units weekly to meet global demand. Local manufacturing contributes significantly to employment, with companies like (formerly ) operating a facility in Pencoed that produces and immunohaematology diagnostic products for worldwide distribution. This site employs over 600 staff in production, , and logistics roles. Smaller factories in the area, including those in and specialist materials, further bolster the sector by providing jobs in assembly and technical operations. Retail outlets in Pencoed, such as local shops and , offer opportunities in , stocking, and management, supporting the daily needs of the community and drawing commuters from surrounding areas. roles form a key part of the economy, with Council providing positions in administration, maintenance, and community services that benefit Pencoed residents. Educational institutions, including Pencoed —a mixed 11-18 community school serving around 900 pupils—employ teaching staff, support workers, and administrative personnel to deliver public education services.

Transport

Road Network

Pencoed's road network is anchored by the , which crosses the southern edge of the town and provides essential connectivity to major regional centers. Junction 35, known as the Pencoed Interchange, offers direct access to the eastbound M4 toward , approximately 20 miles away, facilitating quick commutes to the capital and beyond. To the west, the same junction links to , enhancing accessibility for residents and supporting the town's role as a commuter hub in the area. The M4 section through this area, including the approach to Junction 35, opened in 1981 as part of the broader Bypass development, marking a pivotal upgrade from earlier trunk roads. Complementing the motorway, the A473 serves as the primary local , running through Pencoed and connecting it to to the southwest and to the northeast. This single- and dual-carriageway route handles significant intra-town traffic and links to surrounding communities, with a notable at its intersection with the M4 access roads approximately 600 meters west of Junction 35. The B4268 provides secondary access, functioning as a B-road that ties Pencoed to nearby villages such as via the A48, supporting shorter journeys and rural connectivity without relying on the motorway. The integration of these roads has profoundly influenced Pencoed's development since the , with the M4's completion driving population and infrastructural expansion by improving links to economic centers like and . This enhanced accessibility spurred residential and commercial growth, though it has also introduced traffic pressures, particularly around Junction 35 during peak hours. Ongoing initiatives address congestion on the from Junction 35 westward, aiming to sustain the network's efficiency amid rising demand.

Rail and Public Transport

Pencoed railway station, located at The Square in the town center, serves as a key stop on the and forms part of the operated by . The station, which is unstaffed, provides basic facilities including a seated waiting area, departure screens, and partial step-free access via Hendre Road, with a nearby offering 56 free spaces managed by Council. Trains run frequently, with hourly services connecting Pencoed to Central in approximately 21 minutes and to in about 5 minutes, facilitating commuter access to major regional centers. The original Pencoed station opened in 1850 on the South Wales Railway line. It closed on 2 November 1964 and was rebuilt, reopening on 11 May 1992. Complementing rail services, local bus routes in Pencoed are operated by First Cymru and , providing connections to nearby hubs such as and Talbot Green. Key services include route 64, operated by First Cymru, which runs from Bus Station to Talbot Green via Brackla and Pencoed, and route 65, operated by , extending to Talbot Green through Bryncethin and Heol-y-Cyw, with operations typically on weekdays and Saturdays. These buses enhance regional accessibility, often integrating with rail for multi-modal travel options.

Education

Primary and Secondary Schools

Pencoed is served by and for children aged 3 to 11, both offering with Welsh-medium options through incidental use, bilingual resources, and pre-school provisions like Cylch Meithrin Pencoed. enrolls approximately 590 pupils in a welcoming, inclusive setting focused on holistic development and involvement. , situated in the adjacent village of Brynna, supports around 251 pupils as a key feeder for local , emphasizing individual success and a safe learning environment. Secondary education in Pencoed is provided by Pencoed Comprehensive School, a mixed for pupils aged 11 to 18 that delivers a balanced curriculum encompassing academic subjects and vocational qualifications. The school accommodates approximately 895 pupils, including a of 120, which aligns with the town's community scale and supports progression to or employment.

Further Education and Libraries

Pencoed residents have access to through the Pencoed campus of Bridgend College, a key facility offering vocational training tailored to local needs. The campus provides a range of courses from Higher National Certificates and Diplomas to foundation degrees, with particular emphasis on technology-related fields such as , IT, cyber , and digital skills, alongside business programs including accountancy and leadership management. These part-time and full-time options enable flexible study for working adults, supporting career advancement in Pencoed's industrial economy. The town's library services center on Pencoed Library, managed by Awen Libraries, which serves as a hub for community learning and resource access. Equipped with free , computers, printing facilities, and work pods, the library facilitates digital engagement through e-books, audiobooks, and online resources. As part of Awen's broader strategy, it supports programs via formal training sessions and drop-in workshops focused on digital and , helping residents build essential skills for modern life. Adult education in Pencoed is bolstered by initiatives tied to major local employers, notably UK Technology Centre's and graduate programs. These schemes provide hands-on in , and , targeting the local workforce to enhance and skill development. By partnering with regional providers, 's programs integrate vocational learning to address industry demands, contributing to sustained community upskilling.

Culture and Community

Sports and Recreation

Pencoed is home to Pencoed RFC, a rugby union club that competes in the Welsh Rugby Union leagues and has a strong tradition of developing talent. The club has produced several Welsh internationals, including Gareth Thomas, who began his career in the club's youth section and later captained the British & Irish Lions during their 2005 tour to New Zealand. Other notable alumni include Scott Gibbs, Gavin Henson, and Gareth Cooper, all of whom represented the Lions, highlighting the club's role in nurturing elite players. In addition to rugby, Pencoed supports through Pencoed Cricket Club, which plays in the Cricket League and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. The club achieved promotion with an eight-wicket victory in 2024. Football is represented by Pencoed Athletic BGC, a team competing in the South Wales Premier League Premier Division, with a history dating back to 1948 when it won the Bridgend & District League championship and cup. The club also fields teams in junior leagues, emphasizing community involvement. Recreational facilities in Pencoed include the Pencoed Miners Welfare & Community Hall, a versatile venue providing spaces for fitness classes, events, and leisure activities, with well-maintained kitchens and toilets supporting local groups. Community pitches and halls, such as those at the Pencoed Recreation Ground, offer spaces for informal sports and gatherings. The town's central war memorial, known locally as the Monument and located near the railway station, serves as a focal point for commemorative leisure events. Additional amenities like the Pencoed Swimming Pool and Gym, operated by Halo Leisure, provide cardio equipment, free weights, and aquatic activities for public use. These sites, including local green spaces and playgrounds, promote outdoor leisure and physical exercise among residents.

Cultural Events

Pencoed's cultural landscape is deeply rooted in Welsh traditions, with the town serving as host to the in 1998. This prestigious event, known as Bro Ogwr Eisteddfod, was a week-long celebration of Welsh-language , , literature, and , highlighting the community's commitment to preserving and promoting Cymraeg heritage. The festival included competitive categories in bardic recitation, choral singing, and storytelling, culminating in the ceremonial Gorsedd of Bards at an existing established in 1939. Annually, Pencoed sustains its cultural vibrancy through local and gatherings that emphasize Welsh artistic expression. These events, often organized by schools and town groups, feature performances in , , and , encouraging participation across and reinforcing linguistic and creative skills. For example, Pencoed Comprehensive School's annual showcases student talents in recitation and , while broader fairs at venues like the Miners' Welfare Hall incorporate traditional Welsh elements such as carol singing and seasonal plays. In 2017, the town hosted the Urdd National , Europe's largest youth festival of Welsh , , and , which engaged thousands of young participants and attracted around 100,000 visitors at College's Pencoed Campus, generating an estimated £6 million economic impact. Local contributors have enriched these traditions, with figures like Stan Stennett, born in Pencoed in 1925, exemplifying the town's artistic legacy. A celebrated jazz musician, , and , Stennett performed in Welsh bands and on stage, blending humor with musical heritage in events that echoed eisteddfod-style entertainment throughout his career until his death in 2013. Such individuals underscore Pencoed's ongoing influence in Welsh cultural spheres.

Twinning Arrangements

Pencoed maintains active twinning partnerships with two European towns through the Pencoed Town and District Twinning Association, fostering international friendships and cultural exchanges. The town has been twinned with Waldsassen in , , since 1987, and with Plouzané in , , since 1996. These arrangements originated from broader post-World War II initiatives aimed at European reconciliation and peace-building, which encouraged local communities to form enduring bonds across borders. In Pencoed, the association organizes reciprocal visits where residents host families from the twin towns and participate in hosted stays abroad, promoting mutual understanding through shared experiences. Annual social events, such as afternoon teas and gatherings open to the community, sustain local interest and involvement in these partnerships. is also developing educational and youth links, including potential collaborations between Pencoed Comprehensive School and a counterpart in Plouzané, as well as ties between local Scouts and a Breton group, to engage younger generations in cross-cultural activities.

References

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  38. https://mediwales.com/members/ortho-clinical-diagnostics/
  39. https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/media/uwyhmnvc/bridgend-county-borough-profile.pdf
  40. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/401793
  41. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Pencoed/Cardiff
  42. https://www.roads.org.uk/motorway/m4/450
  43. https://www.roads.org.uk/motorway/m4
  44. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/A473
  45. https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/Documents/Living/Planning/Conservation/Appraisals/Llysworney_CA_AMP_Sep_2009.pdf
  46. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-47912393
  47. https://www.llyw.cymru/sites/default/files/consultations/2025-10/mesurau-gwella-coridor-yr-m4-adroddiad-cymryd-rhan-atodiadau-adroddiad-llawn.pdf
  48. https://tfw.wales/places/stations/pencoed
  49. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Pencoed/Cardiff-Central-Station
  50. https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/pencoed-to-bridgend
  51. https://bustimes.org/localities/pencoed
  52. https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-west-wales/plan-journey/timetables
  53. https://www.adventuretravel.cymru/bus-services/bridgend/65
  54. https://www.traveline.cymru/
  55. https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/welsh/
  56. https://www.dewis.wales/ResourceDirectory/ViewResource.aspx?id=5146
  57. https://brynnauprimary.co.uk/about-us/brynnau-primary
  58. https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/welcome/
  59. https://www.gov.wales/community-focused-schools-case-study-pencoed-primary-school-bridgend
  60. https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2025/07/Inspection-report-Brynnau-Primary-School-2025.pdf
  61. https://brynnauprimary.co.uk/
  62. https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2024/11/Inspection-report-Pencoed-Comprehensive-School-2024.pdf
  63. https://pencoedcomp.wales/pencoed-pathways/
  64. https://www.bridgend.ac.uk/
  65. https://www.awen-libraries.com/pencoed-library/
  66. https://awen-libraries.com/about-us/library-plan-2022-2025/
  67. https://www.sonypencoed.co.uk/sony-uk-tec-launches-2025-apprentice-and-graduate-programmes/
  68. https://www.sonypencoed.co.uk/apprenticesandgraduates2023/
  69. https://glamorganstar.co.uk/pencoed-rfc-welcomes-new-season-with-a-new-bar/
  70. https://glamorganstar.co.uk/pencoed-cricket-club-2/
  71. https://www.southwalespremierleague.co.uk/club-info/119238549
  72. https://democratic.bridgend.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=9434
  73. https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/800612
  74. https://pencoedcomp.wales/2025/03/21/eisteddfod-2025/
  75. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-40075562
  76. https://biography.wales/article/s14-STEN-LLE-1925
  77. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/nov/26/stan-stennett
  78. https://en.infoengine.cymru/services/pencoed-town-and-district-twinning-association
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