Sad passing of Bronwen Blake Smith 

It is with sadness that we share the news that Bronwen Blake Smith passed away at home on Wednesday 1 November, 2023.

Bron had been battling cancer for the past six years and has been described as 'a fighter until the end'. 

Bronwen first joined The Vale of Glamorgan Council as an agency member of staff in 2002 for a period of two years.

She then took on a full time position within Social Services, with the Child Protection and Reviewing Unit from 2004 – 2010.

Bron worked hard in a challenging environment and gained vast knowledge and experience to progress within the Council. 

From 2010 – 2014 Bron worked with the Housing Team at the Civic Offices as a Housing Strategy Assistant.

In 2014 Bronwen took on a new role within the directorate of Environment and Housing Services as a Customer Services Officer within Business Support.

There she worked on various high profile projects for various departments including the roll out of separated recyling in 2019, The Big Fill, Stamp It Out, a campaign regarding waste fines, the implementation of the Beach Huts and their hire and booking system, working with the Play Team and one of her favourites “Dogs are Clever” Campaign. They say never work with children and animals but no task was too daunting for Bron. 

Bron always had a smile on her face, and was always kind and caring with everyone she encountered.

Even when unwell herself Bron always thought of others, assisting with fund raising for another colleague. Her family were her world.

In March 2023 after a tough six years of fighting the battle with cancer, Bron had to make the difficult decision to take ill health Retirement. 

Miles Punter, Director of Environment and Housing Services, said: "Bron was a very special person; unassuming, yet quietly confident, with a wicked sense of humour. Bron never had a bad word to say about anybody and was always helpful and willing to offer support and advice to those around her.

"Bron was a degree qualified communications professional who was always full of ideas to ensure that our messaging hit the right spot with the public on some of our biggest and most important waste and highways campaigns. She stayed working with us as long as she could and was an active and well-loved member of the team until her recent retirement due to ill health. Bron will be missed by us all, and our thoughts are with her family, colleagues and friends."  

Bronwen's funeral will take place on Monday 20 November at Adams Funeral Home in Barry at 11am followed by a service at Barry Crematorium at 12pm. All are welcome, family flowers only. Refreshments will be provided following the services at Barry Yacht Club, a code will be provided for the gate. Dress code will be colourful attire only, no black clothing. 

Bron's family have set up a Cherished Memory Fund page to fundraise for Marie Curie, who provide vital end of life care and support for families.