I could not believe my eyes when visiting the Broadlands Fun Day, held at Maes Yr Haul Primary School. The grounds had turned into a massive Fair. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege together with Mayor Cllr Heather Griffiths and Chair of Laleston Community Council Clair Webster to open the event.
There was something for everyone: all sorts of climbing apparatus; a whole host of fair rides; trampolines aplenty; stalls and stages for local groups to perform. A range of organisations were present - too many to mention all - but great to see South Wales Police Cadets, the whole range of Armed Forces Cadets, and many more organisations supporting this fantastic annual community extravaganza!
From little acorns, mighty oaks grow. Founded in 2012 by a team from the Broadlands Residents Association, now known as Broadlands Community Hub. Since 2017, Laleston Community Council has partnered with the Broadlands Community Hub to arrange the day.
It has grown to become the biggest fun day in Bridgend County Borough and it is easy to see why. Broadlands Fun Day is an extremely affordable event too. Admission is just £4 per person and all the rides and attractions inside are free of charge. Remarkable!
Proceeds from the fun day are reinvested into the following years event. Additionally, funds are spent on improving the wider community, such as a subject I am passionate about, installing life-saving defibrillators to be placed in Broadlands, Bryntirion and Laleston. Upgrading the artwork in the Broadlands subway has been another beneficiary.
Organisers have worked with Friends of Heronsbridge and Bridgend Autism groups to create the ‘Broadlands Fun Day Quiet Hour’ which was instrumental in making the fun day something children with additional needs are able to enjoy with their families. In 2023 it grew in popularity and has made the event the most inclusive event in Bridgend.
When looking back with others at our own idyllic childhoods, certain events stand out. The children of Broadlands will certainly be talking about their ‘Fun Days’ decades from now and long may that continue.
Congratulations to the event organisers and sponsors on a magnificent job well done. Particular thanks to Councillor Ian Spiller who is a driving force behind the event - and a dab hand and hands on at emptying the bins too! Llongyfarchiadau i chi gyd.