7 reasons to live in Bont

7 reasons to live in Bont

January, 2019

For those who live in Pontarddulais (more commonly referred to as ‘Bont’), the below will most definitely resonate with you. And for those who are looking to buy in a fantastic location with a great community, top class schools and delicious eateries and social activities – look no further. Here’s why…

 

1.       Award-winning schools

When looking at a new area to move into, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of how good the local schools are is imperative if you have a young family. Pontarddulais is home to both fantastic primary and comprehensive schools. Pontarddulais Comprehensive School was even named the best comprehensive school in Wales in 2017!

 

2.       Community spirit is key

If you’re looking to live somewhere that is rich in community spirit, you’re in luck. Pontarddulais boasts the ultimate community spirit. To mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, in October last year, a poppy cascade was displayed in the area around the Cenotaph in Pontarddulais.

The festival involved 10,000+ poppies made in different styles and materials by members of the community, as well as local school children. Activities to mark this anniversary included history, art, music, culture, events and education.

Some of these activities encompassed a remembrance concert featuring a specially commissioned composition, performed by Pontarddulais Town Band. Local schools and choirs also performed at the concert.

Lamp posts were also decorated with large poppies. Each lamp post with a poppy included the name of a fallen soldier from the village.

There was also an Armistice Day parade and Service of Remembrance at St Michaels Church, as well as a pop-up museum and exhibition focusing on the impact of war on home life and stories of the soldiers.

 

3.       The infamous annual carnival

The Pontarddulais and Hendy Carnival has been running for 50 years – and continues to be a major hit with all members of the community. Last year saw the national RAF Parachute display team perform a skydive routine into the centre of the field.

Other activities included archery, lazerclay pigeon shooting and zorbing football for the children!

For the adults, the local Classic Car Club and Swansea Bus Museum also displayed its vintage vehicles on the field, along with a wide range of other activities and stalls for people to view – as well as great live music!

 

4.       Sporting and friendly competition

Pontarddulais boasts very highly of its cricket and rugby teams, with the cricket and rugby fields being greatly populated throughout the season, especially during Pontarddulais v Hendy derby games. Not one to miss – especially for those with a competitive but friendly spirit!

 

5.       Outdoor activities and nature treks

Pontarddulais is home to beautiful parks with exquisite scenery. Coed Bach park offers a great sports field and woodland area for a Sunday afternoon family trek.

It is also in close proximity to the great outdoors. In less than 30 minutes, you could be trailblazing the mountains near Felindre, which has similar views to the Brecon Beacons!

 

6.       Pubs, restaurants and shops!

Pontarddulais offers great atmospheric local pubs such as The Fountain Inn and Farmers Arms, which are two of the most popular pubs where you can expect to bump into your neighbour and have a good catch up!

The Rasoi Indian Kitchen located just down the road in Pontlliw offers rich in flavour dishes to captivate your taste buds. The company also runs the Rasoi Waterfront, based in Swansea. Between the two restaurants, they have won the British Curry Awards five times – with the Rasoi Waterfront taking the accolade in 2018, and the Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw winning in 2017. You have to try it!

Pontarddulais is also home to some beautiful unique boutique shops – and is also becoming renowned for being a wedding planning hotspot. A perfect weekend outing for you and your wedding tribe!

 

7.       History and culture

During the Rebecca Riots, the Bolgoed gate (on the opposite side of Pontarddulais, near the Fountain Inn) was destroyed in 1843 by a crowd of about 200 men, led by a “Rebecca” on horseback.

Poet and writer Dylan Thomas was even asked to write about this moment in history, and since Dylan already knew the Bont well, it was an obvious request.

From an early age, Dylan Thomas travelled through the town by car and bus on his way to visiting family. He also enjoyed beach holidays in Llansteffan followed by extended stays at Fernhill.

Find out more about the Rebecca Riots and its connection to Pontarddulais here.