BUSINESS

Given the location of Llanmaes, the majority of "local businesses" are associated with agriculture. However, there are links established with several companies on the nearby Llandow Industrial Estate.

 In the past the village did have its own post office and general store, but this useful facility was withdrawn some years ago. Llanmaes is within walking distance of Llantwit Major with its full range of shopping facilities and other amenities.

The Old Post Office

The local public house, the Blacksmiths Arms, is the only business, as such, now existing in the village. The present landlady, Mrs Jane Mitchell, utilises every opportunity for getting residents to participate in a wide range of social events. For the larger event, a marquee can be provided on an adjacent field while the facilities in the pub allow a wide variety of entertainment- from skiffle to male voice choirs to string quartets - something for everyone.

The pub darts team is the longest established in the local Llantwit Major and District Darts League and is very active.

On summer evenings it is not unusual to experience the delightful aroma of cooking wafting across the village green from the barbecue on the well furnished and well used pub patio.

Charities are well supported by both patrons and management where many thousands of pounds have been donated to causes such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, Children in Need, Ty Hafen and currently L.A.T.C.H. (Llandough Aims to Treat Children with Cancer and Leukaemia with Hope), a local hospital charity. The main fund raising tool at the moment is the "49 Club", based on the lottery bonus number. There are two well patronised National Lottery Syndicates supported by Jane (Wednesday and Saturday) - no big wins - not yet anyway!

There is also a children's play area, equipped with play facilities, which is open to both guests' children and children from the village.

Villagers like to walk through the village to the pub with their dogs. Sometimes the public bar more resembles the Cruffts dog show - and all are made welcome by "Mitch", the pub's rather large German Shepherd who likes to stand on the flat roof overlooking the entrance. Takes some getting used to! It is also not unusual to see people from Llantwit Major walking through the fields, pushing cows and sheep out of the way, to get to the pub having conquered the Llantwit by-pass and five styles on the way. (Driving and drinking!)

Winter nights are brightened by roaring log fires in both the bar and restaurant though it tends to get a bit smoky on the first lighting of the year.

Jane, who is more used to life in Cardiff, fell in love with the pub at first sight. With its tranquil setting and very friendly patrons. In her first week at the pub she recalls cutting back the overgrowth around the pub. Without asking, a well known local of long standing - Noel Thomas - finished the job for her. Jane feels that this is the sort of spirit that has taken the village forward to its present position.

The Blacksmiths Arms

 Back to Home Page