Cefn Fforest Miners Institute was constructed in in the interwar period using money granted by the Miners’ Welfare Fund.

Initially a focus for working class communities centred around the mining community, the building served as a library and reading rooms and a place of recreation.  Latterly a focus for local sporting clubs including rugby, cricket and even a boxing gym.

The building now stands in a sorry state, leaking water, vandalised and in need of extensive funding to bring it back to life.

A  team of local volunteers has taken up the challenge and are already doing remarkable work.  Charity status awaits that will lead to application for grants.  With proper funding progress can really be made!

After restoring some water damaged pictures for one of the restoration team I was invited to take some “before” pictures.  I’m hoping to visit again to photograph the progress and I am especially looking forward to  getting the “after” images.

Hoping that in the near future that –

• The chairs sitting on top of the tables will be sat on instead.
• The dartboard will have names in the “Who’s Next” section.
• The Christmas Tree will be in pride of place.
• The Committee will be able to meet in the Committee Room without getting wet.
• The Trophies and sporting pictures will be polished and displayed with pride.
• The ghosts that haunt Committee Room No. 1 will be banished 🙂