New Changing Rooms Mark Major Step for Inclusivity
Ogmore Vale Bowls Club in the Bridgend valley has taken a significant leap forward in making bowls more accessible after unveiling new purpose-built women's changing facilities. The development, funded by local energy firm Pennant Walters, provides a dedicated space for female members and visiting teams, with the club hoping it will boost participation among women and girls.
The club has been running its own programme of site improvements since taking over responsibility from the local authority in 2021. The new changing rooms are the latest addition to a series of upgrades that include a new patio area, equipment sheds, and other enhancements.
Club Secretary Highlights Welcoming Environment
Club secretary Stephen Jones said: "These new changing facilities are a fantastic addition to the club and will make a real difference to our female members, and visiting teams. As a volunteer-run club, we're always looking at ways to improve what we can offer. Having dedicated women's changing rooms creates a more welcoming environment and gives us the opportunity to encourage more women, and girls, to give bowls a try, whether they're completely new to the sport or returning after time away." He added: "We'd like to thank Pennant Walters for its support as we take another important step in making the club accessible for everyone."
Funding Linked to Local Wind Farms
The funding from Pennant Walters comes from a community fund associated with two wind farms in the area: Pant y Wal in Bridgend county and Fforch Nest, which straddles the border of Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf near Gilfach Goch and Blackmill. Between them, the two sites feature 21 turbines generating 53 megawatts of clean electricity—enough to power around 25,000 homes. Harry Llewellyn, operations manager at Pennant Walters, said: "We're proud to continue supporting Ogmore Vale Bowls Club as it works to develop facilities that make the sport more accessible. Community clubs play a vital role in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and encouraging active lifestyles, and we're pleased our funding is helping the club continue that work."
A Series of Improvements Since 2021
The new changing rooms are part of a broader renovation effort by the volunteer-run club. Since taking over the site, members have added a new patio area for social gatherings, erected equipment sheds for storage, and carried out a range of wider enhancements to improve the overall experience for bowlers. These improvements reflect the club's commitment to creating a modern and inclusive environment for all ages and abilities.
