Glamorgan Vale, in southern Esk Shire, is a secret jewel of the Brisbane Valley. A Welshman, Walter Pratt named Glamorgan Vale after Glamorgan in Wales.  No doubt very green looking, far removed from the brown rolling hills around its Queensland namesake. Glamorgan Vale is a small place, boasting a pub, a school, and a hall.  When I was a kid, it would have been described as a ‘blink and you miss it’ town.  But it would be a great pity to miss Glamorgan Vale.

The School

The heart of the town is the school.  Established in 1875 it currently has an enrolment of fifty-eight students. Principal Robin Webcke says the school operates on the principle that the whole of the village educates the students.  Parent involvement is high and the school is welcoming.  Children are involved in environmental projects such as recycling via a worm farm and extensive tree planting, both at Woodlands Function Centre and the Black Snake Creek Environmental Project.

Recently the school hosted artist Tina Van McDermaid, resulting in a mural and some spectacular mosaic seating.  The concrete seating is shaped as reptiles, one of which also doubles as a chess board. http://glamvaless.eq.edu.au/wcmss

The school also organises an annual Country Fair.  See What’s On.

Community Life and Recreation

Another hub of activity is the Hall, run by the Glamorgan Vale Hall Association. They organise the Easter Carnival and Christmas Carnival.  These events bring the community together and also raise money to run the hall.

The hall hosts a regular playgroup called Playtime.  They meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 9am to 10.30am.  This is an opportunity for parents and children to socialize. There is a fun theme for each month such as cooking, teddy bears’ picnics, or water play. (Phone: Trish 5426 6292).

The Glamorgan Vale Country Women’s Association (CWA), formed in 1928 celebrated its 75^th anniversary last year. This active group is one of the largest branches in the West Moreton region. They meet on first Thursday of every month and raise money to give to the community.  They cater for functions and organise an annual Country and Western evening in November.  They also visit residents at Glenwood and St. Michaels Aged Care Facilities.  They take a special morning tea and sing old time songs or Christmas carols.  Marie says they are a happy group of people and open new members. (Phone: 5426 6004.)

Another hall highlight is the weekly Yoga sessions with experienced local, Jacqui Bate. Her style of Yoga, Yoga Chi Gung is a synthesis of various Yoga and Chi Gung systems and draws on a number of practices. It integrates the spiritual and physical realms into the practice.  (Phone 5426 6235.)

Nostalgia resulted in the reformation of the Tennis Club in late 2005.  The courts had not been used for a number of years, so clean up and restoration was a priority.   The old ant-bed courts and clubhouse are now in action and social tennis days are held on the 4^th Sunday of the month. Anyone is welcome to come and play, and share a picnic lunch in what is a family friendly day.  (Phone: Geoff 5426 6236.)

The picture could not be complete without mentioning the Glamorgan Vale Hotel.  A real country hotel with great country meals, it is delightful both in summer and winter with both a fireplace and outdoor eating.  What I love most is the children’s playground giving the place a relaxing family atmosphere.  The hotel supports live music and local community groups.  (Phone: 5426 6222.)

One of the testaments to the town is the Glamorgan Vale Water Board established after the drought of 1965.  Shortage of water had been a problem since first settlers arrived in the 1850’s. The reticulated water supply is managed by a community board and has been important to the economic development of the area.

Wow, what more can I say.  I have not mentioned the Oktoberfest or the New Years Eve Dance.  This town is full of activity.  I hope you have a chance to visit.