Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall Marks a Century of Community Service

The Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall celebrated its 100th birthday. It held a special gala concert for this milestone. The opening was exactly 100 years prior, on February 7.

BTM: The Next Generation played brass music. Esther Thomas-Bizjak sang; she’s a talented 15-year-old, and The Caerphilly Male Voice Choir also performed. This choir sang at the original opening in 1925. John Morgan joked about the different singers then.

Jordan Davies’ baton was given to Nerys Porch. Davies was the founding musical director, and Porch is the hall’s current director. She sang “Anfonaf Angel” solo.

The hall started in 1906. Local workers began a welfare movement, and they formed a committee and collected wage donations. This fund built the hall and Miners’ Hospital later.

Kathy Lye spoke about the hall’s history. Lye chairs the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall trustees. She said society and Caerphilly changed a lot, and the hall isn’t the welfare center it once was. Yet, she noted it remains a vital part of the town.

Minute books show community support. Funds aided miners’ widows, and then they helped WWII veterans. Assistance went to those needing it. Kathy honored Walter Davies, an original member, and she also acknowledged the late Malcolm Hunt.

Fred Brooks got tribute too. He passed away last year as committee member, and Karina Warrington read his poem aloud.

Mayor Julien Simmonds praised the volunteers’ work. They keep the historic hall open. The hall is a registered charity, and it lacks regular funding sources. Money comes from fees, donations, and grants. Volunteers manage all the work here.

There are no paid staff. Each volunteer donates their time. They handle cleaning, DIY, and admin duties, and they promote the venue too. This is a remarkable achievement.

Mayor Mike Prew said the hall meant much to him. He visited during his youth for films. He thanked workers from 100 years ago, and also, he thanked current volunteers. Prew pledged the town council’s support. They seek to transform the hall into an arts center.

The hall needs further development to survive. Cynefin Caerffili is an ambitious project. Its aim is to create public cultural space. They want cinema screens and studios, resembling Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre.

Emlyn Davies leads this project. He runs Bomper Studio.
He wants to inspire a new generation through animation and film. He seeks a place to educate and entertain.

Davies envisions a family friendly venue for after 5pm. He wants festivals and workshops there. The aim is to attract top talent, and he wants to show people how to join creative sectors. The venue could host comedy or live shows.