Renovations to St Cein’s Church
St Cein’s Church in Llangeinor applied to the Community Feasibility Fund via the Reach team, for research and a study to consider the feasibility of opening to the public, including a building condition survey and accessibility audit.
St Cein’s church is a twelfth century church on a fifth century Celtic religious site. The last significant renovations were carried out in the nineteenth century. The group believe that the local community, the people of Bridgend and those who live in or visit Wales should be able to access, enjoy and benefit from, this beautiful, historic and significant place.
The Church is a unique site of historic significance both locally and nationally, as it is almost certainly the site of the hermitage of St. Ceinwyr, one of the daughters of King Brychan and sister of St. Dwynwen, and the place where she died and was buried. The spring which, legend has it, sprung up at the time of her death and flowed with healing waters is a mere minute or two’s walk from the church.
The volunteer group are currently limited in what they can offer to the public, as they currently have no access to water on site, no toilets and no sink or taps. Consideration also needs to be given to creating a warmer, more comfortable environment and to make the space more usable for local and visiting groups on a regular basis. The Church tower is also in need of renovation and the group would like to explore the possibility of opening this to the public. Overall, the volunteers are keen to ensure that St. Cein’s continues to be available and accessible to all – the community and those who visit for whatever reason – as an historic asset in a beautiful location.
Our project aims to establish what local communities would like to see from the church in the future, where there are gaps and opportunities in community provision, possible development options. The report will set out options for the future renovation, with the ultimate aim of keeping the Grade II* listed building in use. The report will be used to apply for funding when it becomes available.
If you have any specific ideas or questions, please feel free to share them with us by emailing.
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