Tom Arthur & Llanhilleth Miners Institute

Llanhilleth Miners Institute

I have been researching the Institute for a couple of years now, but always seem to have more questions than answers.   Here's one puzzle I have been working on, if anyone can help.

The Tom Arthur Conundrum

In the early 1900’s, Tom Arthur was a runner with Newport Harriers.   An international athlete, he won several international cross-country races, including one in 1906 at Caerleon.   He would have been a wonderful role model for the youth of his day.   He was later killed during World War 1.

Merlyn Neads, in the 1980’s, found a photograph of Tom Arthur at the Institute.   In a press article, he then requested information to confirm that this gentleman was a founder of the Institute.  I have no way of knowing if this information was ever forthcoming.

Both Blaenau Gwent and Llanhilleth Institute websites state that Tom Arthur opened the Institute in May 1906.   This seems unlikely as the miners at Llanhilleth Pit were on strike at this time.  The dispute ended later that year.

The South Wales Gazette reported the opening of the Institute took place in September 1906 with Theo. Jones, President of the Institute, and Dan Lloyd, the architect.   In 1904 the Gazette reported the stone laying ceremony, which took place in October of that year.   Many people laid stones, some on behalf of others.

Both articles are quite lengthy and detailed, but Tom Arthur is not mentioned in either report.

I would appreciate it if anyone reading this could clarify the involvement of Tom Arthur with Llanhilleth Institute ?

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