National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000
Since it first opened in 1908, Celynen Collieries Institute and Memorial Hall, better known as Newbridge Memo, has been the cultural heart of Newbridge, South Wales.
Originally built and funded by the miners of Celynen Collieries to house meeting spaces, a library and a cinema, the community saved the venue from closure in 2003.
In 2010 Newbridge Memo received a Heritage Fund grant to help restore the Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings. The restoration allowed the space to continue as a thriving hub for local people to come together, learn and get inspired by arts and heritage.
Looking to the future
The Way Forward project has further revitalised this important part of the town’s cultural heritage. The appointment of a new Venue Director and board members has brought fresh ideas and expertise to Newbridge Memo.
Newly developed business, marketing and fundraising strategies and a revamped programme of events are also helping secure the venue’s future.
James Clayton-Jones, Chairperson at Newbridge Memo, said: "We are thrilled by the success of The Way Forward project; as the Memo continues to thrive we are now looking to the future with renewed optimism. The project's impact and success would not have been possible without the support and confidence of The National Lottery Heritage Fund."
