Although Workmans Institutes formed the hub of many mining communities in the South Wales Valleys during the twentieth century, very little has been documented about these structures and their members. Curiosity led me to research this particular building and its surroundings. Much of my work has been pieced together from snippets of information obtained from people with firsthand knowledge, or their children and grandchildren. Many hours have been spent rummaging through drawers to find old photographs, and documents.
It would be impossible to discover every piece of this one-hundred year jigsaw, but I aim to provide a flavour of the building and people who have and still enjoy using it.
Travel from Newport in South Wales along the A467, and just north of Crumlin an imposing red brick building appears on the right-hand side. A brown road sign indicates it is Llanhilleth Miners Institute. Part of an area regeneration scheme, this building has been lovingly renovated to its original magnificence. Village life has again begun to revolve around this edifice. Both young and old follow previous generations to congregate and enjoy clubs, discos, entertainment or just a coffee. In times of poverty or full employment, members of the community again have the assurance they are not alone.
This axis of entertainment and social life was once a source of escape for just a short time from the uncertainties of a miner's life and the often overcrowded terraced housing along the narrow valley walls. Now the pit has gone, and new access roads and parking facilities make this building easily available for people from all over South Wales and across the Severn bridge to celebrate both public and personal occasions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzPV4udP65E&feature=share
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