Huw Irranca-Davies Member of the Senedd for Ogmore

Huw Irranca-Davies MS welcomes new fund to support Ogmore’s creative freelancers

Freelancers working in the cultural and creative sectors in Ogmore and across Wales will be able to apply for their share of a £7m fund – which is targeted specifically at those in the freelance sector hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The fund will open for applications on Monday 5th October and will run[…]

* Huw Irranca-Davies MS urges Ogmore’s sporting groups to tap into £14 million Emergency Fund

The Welsh Government is supporting Wales’ sport and leisure sector with a £14million funding package to be managed by ‘Sport Wales’. The ‘Sport and Leisure Recovery Fund’ will be available soon to complement the current ‘Hardship Fund’ for local government, and will provide essential support to sports clubs and organisations through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic[…]

MAESTEG SCHOOL – JOINT STATEMENT

Bridgend County Borough Council press release 2.9.20 Council offers reassurance over Covid-19 concerns: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/news/council-offers-reassurance-over-covid-19-concerns/ Frequently asked questions about Maesteg School Q1. Are you referring to ‘Maesteg School’ or ‘Maesteg Comprehensive School?’A1. The formal name of Maesteg Comprehensive School is ‘Maesteg School’. Q2. How safe is it for me to send my child back to the[…]

REGENERATING EMPTY PROPERTIES – GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

Ogmore MS Huw Irranca-Davies commented: “Our local authorities with Welsh Government support are targeting funds towards regeneration of properties in the valley areas, including most parts of the Ogmore constituency. This is something which I and other Labour/Co-op valleys MSs pushed hard for, so some of the empty properties can be turned back into homes.[…]

Ogmore MS urges parents to check their Child Trust Fund

This month thousands of young people turning 18 in Ogmore and across the UK will for the first time be able to access their Child Trust Fund accounts – a government funded savings scheme introduced by the last Labour Government and abolished by the Conservatives a decade ago. However, many people may have forgotten about[…]

Local MS and MP secure Royal Mail ‘U-Turn’ on decision to move Maesteg Sorting Office

Local MS Huw Irranca-Davies and Chris Elmore MP are pleased that Royal Mail have listened to local residents and reversed their decision to move the Sorting Office from Maesteg to the Waterton Industrial estate and have announced that customers will be able to collect items from the Sorting Office in Maesteg. Chris and Huw have[…]

AS Ogwr yn croesawu buddsoddiad newydd mewn gofal plant cyfrwng Cymraeg.

Mae Huw Irranca-Davies wedi croesawu’r buddsoddiad diweddar mewn gofal plant cyfrwng Cymraeg yn etholaeth Ogwr, wrth i Gyngor Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr gyhoeddi eu bod am ddatblygu cyfleusterau newydd ym Melin Ifan Ddu. Dywedodd Huw, “Rydw i wrth fy modd o weld rhagor o fuddsoddiad yn y Gymraeg yn ardal Ogwr, er mwyn ateb y galw[…]

Ogmore MS & MP thank Ford workers for supporting other local businesses during pandemic

Local Welsh Labour duo, Huw Irranca-Davies MS and Chris Elmore MP have praised the “amazing community spirit and resilience” of Unite workers at the Ford engine plant in Bridgend who have been creating and distributing free visors to local businesses and organisations as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased. Over the two weeks, Chris and[…]

INEOS

During a virtual Plenary session, I spoke in support of Carwyn Jones MS’ question about the deeply worrying news from INEOS.I call on the Prime Minister to intervene and speak directly to the INEOS Chief Executive to reverse his decision. Read my full statement here: ⬇️

Royal Glamorgan Hospital A& E Services

22.6.20: A&E Department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital is to remain open as a 24-hour, consultant-led service. Thank you to all constituents across Ogmore who have been in touch with me about this crucial issue. As local residents will be aware, Chris Elmore MP and I have been working alongside local residents and cross-party campaigners[…]

Maesteg Post Office

Statement Friday 15th May 2020 Update on Maesteg Post Office service provision from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Chris Elmore MP, and Welsh Labour Maesteg Town and County Borough Councillors Click here to sign the petition relating to this issue: https://tinyurl.com/ybo9efrs Follow this link to view the job advert for the permanent Postmaster opportunity in Maesteg: https://tinyurl.com/y83w24lq[…]

Huw Irranca-Davies AM urges people in Ogmore to give safely to charities responding to Coronavirus pandemic

Huw Irranca-Davies AM joins the Charity Commission, the Fundraising Regulator, Action Fraud and Trading Standards to encourage people to give to genuine registered charities as people in Ogmore respond with generosity in the current crisis. It comes as regulators receive reports of scammers targeting vulnerable people, for example by posing as fundraisers collecting money for[…]

Ogmore MP and AM urge local industry collaboration in Coronavirus fight

Welsh Labour MP and AM, Chris Elmore and Huw Irranca-Davies, are calling on local businesses to alter their manufacturing capabilities to help build the Welsh NHS’ resilience against Coronavirus.   Life Sciences Hub Wales are currently working with industry to help boost supply of goods and develop solutions which address the immediate needs of the[…]

Ogmore MP and AM call on local businesses to join Welsh Government fight against Coronavirus

Ogmore’s Welsh Labour MP and AM, Chris Elmore and Huw Irranca-Davies, are calling on local businesses to help develop rapid sanitising solutions for emergency vehicles as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Businesses with suitable expertise and equipment are being urged to work with the Welsh NHS, the Defence Science and[…]

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Summary sheet above gives guidance on how to minimise risk of spreading and what to do if you feel unwell. If you are looking for advice on Coronavirus, up to the minute news and advice can be found on the Public Health Wales website:  https://bit.ly/2TEL4dP As of 17th March, current advice states: ***** WHAT TO[…]

Community funding frenzy at Ogmore MP and AM’s advice day

Local representatives from clubs, community groups, and charities from across the Ogmore constituency packed-out Aberkenfig’s Community Church on Friday (6 March) at the latest Funding Advice Day held by local MP and AM, Chris Elmore and Huw Irranca-Davies. This was the fourth annual Funding Advice Day the Ogmore duo have hosted, having previously held similar[…]

Launch of Climate Change Coffee Partnership to help farmers and producers in the developing world tackle the climate emergency

A new initiative has been launched by an International Climate Change Coffee Partnership, made up of organisations across Wales and Uganda including Ogmore’s Pontyclun based Ferraris Coffee. (Other members include: Mount Elgon Agroforestry Community Co-operative Enterprise MEACCE; Fair Dos Siopa Teg (Cardiff based Fair Trade shop); Wales Co-operative Centre and Etico – Ethical Coffee Importers). More[…]

Local AM backs drive to Improve Animal Welfare Standards

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies is backing a commitment by the Welsh Labour Government to improve welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises in Wales. The Government are to act immediately to strengthen how the law is applied across Wales and will also take forward ‘Lucy’s Law’- banning third party puppy and kitten sales. This[…]

Local AM supports ‘Strictly Cymru’ stars at Leonard Cheshire event

Leonard Cheshire welcomed Huw Irranca-Davies AM as a guest judge to their fourth regional heat of Strictly Cymru, an inclusive dance competition for disabled individuals of all ages. The event, held at Bethlem Life Centre in Cefn Cribwr, included dancers from across the constituency, who took to the floor to show off their dance moves[…]

New Heritage Trail celebrates the wonderful history of the Ogmore Valley

Ogmore AM Huw Irranca-Davies joined a celebration of the new Ogmore Heritage Trail and Heritage Hub which took place at the historic Nantymoel Boys and Girls Club. This exciting new heritage trail includes a dozen interpretation boards placed along the community path/cycle trail which runs the length of the Ogmore Valley. Each display carries fascinating[…]

Local MP and AM welcome regeneration kick-start at Maesteg Town Hall

Local Ogmore Welsh Labour duo Huw Irranca-Davies AM and Chris Elmore MP have welcomed the start of construction work as part of the ambitious redevelopment of Maesteg Town Hall. Welsh Labour-led Bridgend County Borough Council is working with the Awen Cultural Trust and a number of other key funders to repair, restore, and extend the[…]

Rhondda Cynon Taf Floods

‪Huw Irranca-Davies AM, along with fellow MPs, AMs & RCT Council leader Andrew Morgan – as representatives of communities in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area, have written to the Chancellor seeking additional help for RCT which has borne the brunt of recent flood damage. They also call for a UK Government funded review of former[…]

Maesteg WI talk Climate Change with Local AM

Maesteg Women’s Institute invited their local Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies to one of their monthly meetings as a guest speaker to discuss the climate change crisis affecting our world today. The Ogmore AM updated the group on the Welsh Government’s declaration of a ‘Climate Crisis’ and spoke about some of the Government’s work at a[…]

Pencoed School Students Celebrate F1 Project Success

‘The F1 in Schools’ social enterprise project provides a challenging educational experience for students and school children from across the country whilst raising awareness of STEM and Formula 1. Teams must raise sponsorship and manage budgets to cover all costs including research, travel and accommodation. Participating pupils are inspired to use IT to learn about[…]

Maesteg Welcomes first ‘HenShed’

Huw Irranca-Davies AM joins Cindy and her volunteers along with the Royal Voluntary Service, Caerau Men’s Shed, Community Furniture Aid and people and organisations from the Garw, Ogmore and Llynfi valleys to help officially launch the Maesteg Hens Shed. Check out their Facebook page for more information and how to get involved. Huw said: “The[…]

Children’s TV legend opens Maesteg recycle centre shop

(Press Release via Bridgend County Borough Council website) Underground, overground, Wombling free – the Wombles from Wimbledon know a thing or two about making good use of the things that they find, the things that everyday folks leave behind. And following in their footsteps, Bridgend County Borough Council has been working with its partners Kier[…]

Local AM pledges to “get behind the daffodil” for Marie Curie this February

Huw Irranca-Davies AM is encouraging constituents to donate and wear their iconic Marie Curie daffodil throughout February and March to help the charity’s Nurses provide vital care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families. The Ogmore AM joined forces with Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed alongside Marie Curie Nurses[…]

Successful Business Breakfast hosted at ‘The Old House’

The newly refurbished and impressive ‘Old House’ in Llangynwyd played host to a Lloyds Bank ‘Business Breakfast’ as part of an ongoing series of events being held across Wales. Attended by Local MS Huw Irranca-Davies, MP Chris Elmore and Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador Wales Carys Williams, the breakfast gave local SME’s (small and medium enterprises),[…]

“Millions of pounds of children’s savings could go unclaimed” warns Local AM

Huw Irranca-Davies AM is calling on all parents and teenagers about to turn 18 to check they have access to government-backed trust funds, set up when they were born. In some cases these child trust accounts, which will mature this Autumn, may contain around £1,000, could be lost after the UK Government scrapped the Labour[…]

Local AM calls for more understanding of Stoma and ‘Hidden Disabilities’

Pelican Healthcare, a leading provider of disposable stoma care products, held a campaign launch at the Senedd calling for a society change to tackle everyday challenges that ostomates and more widely those with invisible illnesses may face. The ‘Be The Change’ event heard from a panel of ostomates who shared their heartfelt stories about some[…]

Public Meeting on the future of A&E services at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Rally at the Senedd 12th February 2020 (photo courtesy of campaign group) Huw’s update from Senedd steps rally and Senedd Debate 12th February 2020 I was proud to attend and speak at the Royal Glamorgan rally today on the steps of the Senedd, along with with many hundreds of local people from across the Cwm[…]

Keep our ‘Six Nations’on free-to-view channels

The UK Government has refused to add the Guinness Six Nations rugby tournaments to an ‘A’ list of sporting events which must be made available to watch live on free-to-air channels. A group of Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd have added their support to Welsh MPs’ calls for the beloved Six Nations rugby tournament[…]

Huw welcomes Cefn Cribwr School Council to Senedd

As part of an educational visit, members of Cefn Cribwr Primary School Council visited the Senedd to learn how the parliament works and how decisions can be made.  Following a tour of the Senedd and visiting the Chamber, the group also met with their own local AM, Huw Irranca-Davies to hear about Huw’s role as[…]

‘Heavenly Light Garden’ provides sanctuary for families struggling with loss

‘Bridgend Community Bereavement Support’, provides free-to-use group support for people following a bereavement by offering one-to-one confidential counselling sessions with voluntary qualified counsellors and volunteers.   The aim of the local charity is to help rebuild lives and relationships following a loss and provides children the opportunity to express their emotions using various arts, crafts and[…]

Funding Advice Day 2020

Funding Advice Day 2020 Discover how to unlock funding for your community group on Friday 6 March 2020 from 10am – 12pm at the Community Church, Pandy Road, Aberkenfig, CF32 9PP. Get an overview of the funding opportunities available and have the chance to have one-to-one discussions with funders including: – BAVO;– National Lottery Community Fund;–[…]

HPV stigma must end says local AM

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to tackle the myths and stigma around the common ‘Human Papillomavirus’ (HPV) and get the facts out. Last year the cervical screening programme in Wales moved to test for HPV first which is a much more accurate way of identifying women at a greater[…]

Mankinis, Conkers & Scooters – A Celebration of Men’s Sheds at the Senedd

A Senedd event saw Men’s Sheds from across Wales gather to celebrate the achievements of the rapidly expanding Men’s Sheds Cymru movement. Sponsored by Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies, the fun-filled event coincided with International Men’s Day marking the worldwide positive value men bring to the world. Shed members passionately told their stories and shared[…]

Community Transport Event a Great Success

Attended by many local residents and organisations, Bridgend Community Transport held a ‘drop-in’ information event at the Fairfield Centre Maesteg, hosted by Special Families Maesteg, and organised by local AM Huw Irranca-Davies, together with Member of Parliament Chris Elmore and local councillor Richard Collins. The event provided details of the company’s wide-ranging services aimed at[…]

Boots UK joins war on single-use plastics with in-store paper carrier bags

Well known high street retailer Boots UK has joined the war on single-use plastic waste with the introduction of brown paper carrier bags in their stores signifying a huge step away from their reliance on plastic and reducing their plastic usage as a company by over 900 tonnes per year. Their first store in Wales[…]

Bridgend Community Transport Drop-In-Event

Come and find out what Bridgend Community Transport can offer to you and to local groups and organisations. It’s a drop-in event, so pop in anytime for a chat and to see the Community Transport minibus. Thanks to all at the Fairfield Centre (former Dylan’s), Maesteg – (including the Special Families Maesteg group) for hosting[…]

Work Begins on Bridgend College’s £30 million STEAM Academy

Construction has begun on Bridgend College’s state-of-the-art STEAM Academy, built as an addition to its Pencoed campus. A ‘breaking of the ground’ ceremony held on the site was attended by Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education alongside Assembly Members, Councillors, Bridgend College Governors and various stakeholders from the local and wider community. Partly funded by the[…]

Local AM Pledges Support for Local Shops in Ogmore

The Association of Convenience Stores recently launched their ‘2020 Welsh Local Shop Report’ at the National Assembly for Wales highlighting the important role convenience stores play to the Welsh economy and to our local communities. Findings from the report revealed that 62% of local shops in Wales operate in more rural locations like those in[…]

Assembly Members join leading Charity to keep constituents safe

Nearly 1,900 fires were caused by electricity in Welsh homes over the last 5 years and it’s been estimated that almost 30,000 Welsh hones are at potentially serious risk due to old or damaged electrics. Leading consumer safety charity, Electricity Safety First held an information event at the Senedd demonstrating to Assembly Members these potential[…]

Upate on Maesteg Community Hospital

Many will remember the huge public response last year – including a packed Town Hall event – to a previous consultation by ABMU Health Board. Strong views were expressed then by one and all in support of our Maesteg Community Hospital, and in opposition to the proposals which were put forward at that time. Many[…]

Are you eligible for a Council Tax reduction?

Local Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies is urging people across Ogmore to take a few moments out of their day to check if they are eligible for help with their council tax bill. The Welsh Labour Government’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme provides support to a range of people in Wales including low-income households, students, people who[…]

Scouts Cymru Launch ‘A Million Hands’ Project at the Senedd

Scouts Cymru launched their ‘A Million Hands’ social project at the Senedd recently along with their charity partners Crisis, WWF, Mind Cymru, National Autistic Society Cymru, British Red Cross and Save the Children. The project aims to get Scouts from across Wales to take part in community action activities. Young people will address and tackle[…]

Tata Steel Announcement

The Tata Steel announcement is deeply disappointing and has caused great concern and uncertainty for the workers and their families, particularly at this time of year. The blow has been made worse by TATA providing very little detail about where the job losses will be. It is essential that TATA sit down with the workforce[…]

Senedd Support for White Ribbon Day

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies joined with colleagues at the Senedd and thousands of other supports across the world to support the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (White Ribbon Day). Beginning on 25th November, White Ribbon Day marks the first of 16 days of community campaigning action events held across[…]

Supporting Remembrance at the Senedd with Annual Poppy Ride

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies joined with colleagues to take part in the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy ride which coincided with the start of the annual Poppy Appeal. The annual event, taking place for a fourth year, saw Assembly Members and staff take up the challenge of riding as far as possible in three-minutes,[…]

Huw calls on UK Government to scrap plans that would suppress voter turnout

Across the Ages for Poppy Appeal Band Concert

A first class Royal British Legion poppy-appeal fund raising concert was recently held at the Pontycymer Leisure Centre with multi-generational attendees and participants.  Organised by the Garw Branch of the Royal British Legion and Norman ‘Dixie’ Dean, the event saw superb performances from a combination of choirs including – schoolchildren’s choirs (of Blaengarw, Bettws, Ffaldau[…]

Wales must be a global leader on tackling single-use plastics

Former UK Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies AM will call on the Welsh Government to be a global leader in tackling single-use plastics, in a debate today in the National Assembly for Wales. He will argue that just as Wales took the lead in the UK in introducing the successful carrier-bag levy, which led to a[…]

Ogmore AM and MP Give Local Businesses A Boost!

Local Ogmore duo Huw Irranca-Davies AM and Chris Elmore MP are calling on small businesses to get in touch with them in the run up to Small Business Saturday. Following their successful campaign to blow the trumpet for local businesses last year, Chris and Huw are asking new small and medium sized enterprises to get in touch with them. Small Business Saturday falls[…]

Caerau Shedders show off their displays at Open Day

An Open Day event held at Caerau Development Trust, home of Caerau Men’s Shed, welcomed people to meet Shed members and to view their displays of art, photography and woodwork. The popular community group aims to promote men’s health and wellbeing through social interaction and practical activity allowing members to share their wealth of skills[…]

‘Our Valleys, Our Communities, Our Stations’ – Valleys Taskforce comes to Ogmore

As part of a series of regional community events, the Welsh Government’s Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys held a public event at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Tondu providing local residents an opportunity to hear about future transport plans and to put forward their suggestions on local travel arrangements. Organised by Transport for[…]

Ogmore AM helps celebrates 25 years of National Lottery Community Funding

A photographic exhibition held at the Senedd, celebrating 25 years of National Lottery community funding in Wales, saw 25 national charities and community groups selected to join in the celebrations with the support of National Assembly Members. The community groups shared stories about their funding awards and demonstrated how this much needed funding has allowed[…]

Ogmore AM Helps Raise Awareness of Heart Valve Disease

‘Heart Valve Voice’- the UK’s dedicated heart valve disease charity, held an awareness event at the Senedd where Assembly Members were tested for a heart murmur with a stethoscope – which in adults can indicate a problem with a heart valve. Assembly Members were joined by patients and clinicians who shared their experiences of heart[…]

Huw Irranca-Davies Joins Citizens Advice Cymru to Celebrate 80th Anniversary

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies sponsored a Citizens Advice Cymru event in the Senedd as the organisation celebrated its 80th anniversary. Citizens Advice was formed the day after the outbreak of World War II, and initially helped people deal with the impacts of war, and the huge changes it brought to their daily lives.   While[…]

Crowds Gather to ‘Cycle on the Senedd’

Hundreds of people descended on the Senedd to take part in the annual ‘Cycle on the Senedd’ lobby event to promote greater use of cycling in daily life and to encourage more investment in cycling infrastructure as outlined in the Welsh Government’s ground-breaking 2013 ‘Active Travel Act’.   Organised by the National Assembly’s Active Travel[…]

Ogmore AM ‘wears it pink’ for ‘Breast Cancer Now’ Fundraiser

Breast Cancer Now’s annual ‘wear it pink’ campaign helps fund vital life-saving breast cancer research and provides life-changing support for those affected by the disease.  A recent event at the Senedd saw Assembly Members adding a splash of pink to their usual attire in support of the campaign which has raised over £33 million since[…]

Raising a Cuppa in the Senedd for Macmillan’s Coffee Morning

Macmillan Cancer Support were at the Senedd this week to promote their flagship fundraising event, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – now in its 28th year. Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies was one of the many supporters who attended the event to help promote and highlight that Macmillan Coffee mornings are upon us and being[…]

Accessible Cycling for all as E-bikes show the future of cycling

Electrically assisted bikes (E-bikes) are sweeping across Europe and are finally starting to gain a hold in the UK.  Just like ordinary bikes you have to pedal to make them go but they also have an electric motor to make pedalling easier.  This means they can bring huge benefits for people with mobility issues or[…]

CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL CARD REPLACEMENT Q&A

What’s Happening! You’ll be able to apply for your new-style Concessionary Travel Cards, which replaces your current bus pass, from Wednesday 11 September 2019. All current green coloured bus passes will still be accepted and are valid until 31 December 2019.  Residents are advised not to panic but to apply for their new-style card in[…]

£194 Million Investment into Railways Stations in Wales

Great news for rail travellers in Ogmore and across Wales, as Welsh Government Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates introduces Transport for Wales’ £194 million investment plan to improve all 247 railway stations across Wales over the next 15 years. The ‘Station Improvement Vision’ highlights what customers and communities can expect to see at their[…]

Cycle driven smoothies and bike maintenance tips at new Community Hub

Ogmore Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies joined the children, staff and volunteers of Nantymoel Boys’ and Girls’ Club at the new community hub to take part in a free bike skills and maintenance session. Demonstrations showed how to keep a bicycle in tip-top condition – (including a cycle-driven smoothie-maker!) along with basic puncture repairs and bike[…]

Multi-million pound funding boost for Maesteg Town Hall

Following the announcement Huw said: This is a wonderful boost to an iconic valleys venue, taking it forward for new generations to use and enjoy and giving a major boost to the town of Maesteg and surrounding valleys. This has been made possible only through a really strong partnership led by our cultural trust Awen[…]

‘School’s Out’ for Food and Fun at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen

Following last year’s success and supported with Welsh Government funding, Bridgend County Borough Council’s ‘School Holiday Enrichment Programme’ (SHEP) has been rolled out for another year at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen and Cynffig Comprehensive School.  The school-based programme provides advice and education on nutrition and cooking, and fun-filled activity and enrichment sessions whilst also helping[…]

Evanstown and Gilfach Goch Fun Runners On Fine Form

Ogmore AM Huw Irranca-Davies and MP Chris Elmore have congratulated the participants of the annual Evanstown and Gilfach Goch community fun run. Runners braved slightly inclement weather to complete this year’s course around Evanstown and were cheered across the finish line by local residents, members of the Gilfach Goch Community Council and the Ogmore AM[…]