Things people say

It was like the Klondyke !!
 
Over the months I have been researching Llanhilleth Institute, people have used phrases that remained in my thoughts.   I made a note of them as I feel they should not be wasted.

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal near Sebastopol

Tyrone O'Sullivan in his speech at the Miners Reunion in July 2011 commented on the atmosphere in the South Wales Valleys when coal was king and funded the industrial revolution:

“It was like the Klondyke.   If these events had taken place in America, John Wayne would have played all of us.”  

 “You only get out of life what you put into it."This was said in a light-hearted way, but there is a great deal behind this thought.   Many expect life to come to them, and opportunities to open up for them.  Life isn't like that.   Its amazing that the people who often appear to be the luckiest are the ones who have worked the hardest.

"Such a wonderful building, trying to do things with it, they don’t seem to get the backing."We are all so busy living our lives we often don't have time to stop and look around and see what we should be doing.   Taking time to join that club or group, phone up and book tickets for that event that sounds interesting.   Apply for funding to support that rather outrageous scheme that might actually work if it was given time.

"Restored to its former glory."Yes, the building has been renovated to a very high standard, but it will only remain so if people use it, visit it, buy a cup of coffee there, actually support it.   If you haven't been, why not take a trip and see this wonderful building.

"Years ago Ladies were allowed in for shows but not much else.  
They were allowed in the Con Club but had to go ‘round the back!"See what Women's Lib did for us, Ladies, all those burnt bras!

A book on Llanhilleh Miners’ Institute – that’ll be a thin one!Well not if I have anything to do with it.    People's memories are wonderful things, like an old tea chest in the attic, you never know what will come out next .

"Llanhilleth Institute had a good side, really good."They may have been referring to the front facade, commented on by Pevsner, but I suspect it was the generosity of the members.   Not that many had a great deal of cash, but they would help where they could.

"I remember Mum coming home from working at the Institute with coke in those wavy glass bottles." Does it still taste the same today?  Many things have been changed over the years - Wagon Wheels, Mars Bars.                              

"I feel at home.   There’s a really friendly atmosphere.   I bring my little boy to nursery and stay all day, even though I hadn’t intended to."Friendship and warmth, surely the founding fathers would be smiling down to see the building and its people today.

A comment passed about a house in The Fields:
"I’m surprised there were any windows in the house opposite.   Nobody cleaned windows like Mrs Summers.   I don’t know how the glass didn’t wear away."

The sign of a good housewife was to ensure your front step was scrubbed and your pavement washed.   Next came the windows and net curtains.   Praise indeed was to be described as having "a bit of grain about her."

http://www.valleysgirl.co.uk/llanhilleth.htm