Cowbridge History Society has collaborated with Llantwit Major Local History Society to support the publication of the book 'A Journey Down the Thaw Valley'.

Christine Young, of Llantwit Major Local History Society, was the co-ordinating editor, gathering everyone's input and putting the book together into a readable form. She shared details from the preface of the book, including the inspiration behind it:

"A group of us were reminiscing about a talk given several years ago relating to the Valley of the River Thaw, given by Jeff Alden, the highly respected geography master at Cowbridge School from 1966 to 1997.

"Whilst having lunch at the Bear Hotel, it was thought it would be a good idea to follow in Jeff's footsteps along the Valley."

In March 2016, Betty Alden, Christine Percival, Mary Wallis, Jo Williams and Christine Young began their journey. They were later joined by Rob and Linda Nottage, who contributed wildlife knowledge.

"Despite interruptions, we have at last covered a journey down the Thor Valley from its source to its mouth," reads the preface.

"This is an account of the route taken and of the features we encountered.

"Each section of the journey is introduced by sketch map to indicate the route taken.

"It is an attempt to explain the landscape in terms of its geology, history, land use and wildlife it is not meant to be a fully comprehensive study or guide it is simply a description of our wanderings and observations along the way and we realise that there is much more which could be discovered."

As well as their own work, the writers acknowledge the research undertaken by others about the Valley before them, and also thank people they met along their journey who live in the Valley and shared their local knowledge.

They also thanked everyone who supported their enterprise including Cowbridge History Society and Llantwit Major Local History Society.