Tylorstown Welfare Hall is the last remaining Miners Welfare Hall in the Rhondda Fach and, following the closure of the town library, is the only community facility available for the locals.

A new start

Having featured recently on the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?  with comedian Greg Davies, the Grade II listed building was built in 1933 using miners’ contributions.

[quote=Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF Wales]“Thanks to National Lottery players, this important Miners’ welfare hall will be revitalised and made fit for the 21st century Tylorstown residents."[/quote]

The hall, and others like it across Wales, was intended as a ‘source of enlightenment’ for miners and their families, but as is the case with many buildings of its kind now needs development and modernisation so that it can continue to be used and enjoyed.

Once fundamental improvements are made to the building, the hall will be able to provide an additional range of vital community services such as employment support and training as well as being home to a new café and a range of local groups, from drama classes to toddler groups.

Eventually, it is also hoped that the hall’s former cinema will be brought back to life – making it the Rhondda Fach’s sole cinema.

Mining history remembered

Its precious 80-year history will not be forgotten as volunteers and schoolchildren will work with experts from Swansea University to capture the hall’s heritage, which still has its original library, reading room, snooker and games room as well as a large dance and entertainment space.

Older members of the community will also be able to have their memories of the hall in its heyday recorded, helping bring this once much-loved building back to life again for today’s residents.