Open Doors - St Ciwg's Church, Llangiwg

St Ciwg's is a Grade II listed medieval former church founded on a 6th century rural hilltop site near Pontardawe. One of the oldest buildings in Neath Port Talbot and once the mother church of the parish, the building retains early Christian, Norman, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian features and artefacts, with a 'holy well' in the churchyard. Cared for by local charity The Llangiwg Trust, it has been repurposed, in a sensitive conservation manner, as a heritage and community venue, with a focus on Welsh language, history and culture, the arts, well-being and nature.

Talks will be held at the church on two Saturdays in September. The first, on September 5th, is on 'Tudor Artefacts' - a demonstration and explanation of actual artefacts by John Richards, a speaker on historical topics. The second, on September 19th, is on 'The Conservation of St Ciwg's' - a talk by John H. Williams, a trustee of The Llangiwg Trust, looking back on the community's efforts over 20 years to preserve the site for future generations. Both talks will be followed by refreshments and guided tours.

The church will be open for guided tours between 11am - 4pm on Saturday September 12th, and on Saturday September 26th. The two talks will take place between 11am - 1pm on each Saturday.

Address: St Ciwg's Church, Llangiwg, off Gwrhyd Road, near Rhydyfro, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 4TP. (This postcode leads to the nearest farm). Grid Ref: SN72380 05590

Access is by car, cycle or foot. The most accessible route is via Rhydyfro on the A474 from Pontardawe. As you leave Rhydyfro, turn right just before the Travellers Well pub onto the single­track Gwrhyd Road and continue uphill until you come to a signpost right for the church. Continue along this road until you reach the car park opposite the church, where there is parking for a number of cars (car­sharing is appreciated). There is a small slope up to the gate entrance, a grassed path to the church, a shallow step into the porch and a ramped step into the church.