Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall are hosting several special events in March.
We’re beginning the month with a big birthday party on the 5th March, and continuing with a range of activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.
MARCH
Tuesday, 5th – 2 – 5pm – 130th Birthday Celebrations
- On Tuesday 5th March we’ll be celebrating Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall 130th birthday! A grand old age that deserves a party, and we hope you will join the festivities!
- We’re celebrating on the day itself, Tuesday 5th March, when doors will open from 2pm. There will be a tea dance, refreshments and of course: birthday cake! This is a free event, and everyone is welcome.
- Throughout this year we’ll be marking the Hall’s special birthday by recording and sharing its 130 year history. We are researching the archives, but we know many of you will have memories and stories we can’t find in an archive.
- Did you borrow books in the Hall as a child, or perhaps you saw your first ever film here?
We’d love to hear your stories, and if you have any posters, leaflets or photos of the Workmen’s Hall, then we would love to see them too! - Look out for further history sessions at Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall this year, and if you’d like to share your memories or photos, please contact us on history@awen-wales.com.
Wednesday, 6th – Friday 8th – 11am – 4pm – 40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike
- Wednesday 6th March marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Miners’ Strike that changed the Welsh valleys. The Workmen’s Hall will commemorate this anniversary by hosting a photo exhibition of Blaengarw during the strike, with photos taken by professional photographer Richard Williams. The exhibition will be open from 11am till 4pm and is free for all to visit.
Friday, 15th – 6pm – Richard Williams Photographer Talk
- The photos in the Miners’ Strike photo exhibition were taken by Richard Williams, a young photographer at the time. Richard now has over 35 years’ experience as a professional photographer, picture editor and videographer, recording national and international events. Join Richard for a free talk to hear the stories behind the ‘Miners’ Strike’ exhibition photographs. Book your free tickets for this event via the website (link?)
Thursday, 21st – 11am – 4pm – ‘Behind the Picket Lines’
- On Thursday 21st March we’re hosting an interactive exhibition in the Workmen’s Hall. “Behind the Picket Lines” is a traveling exhibition crafted to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Welsh Miners’ Strike. The display includes printed portraits, an audio-visual installation and a Virtual Reality experience. This is a free event; please note that the Virtual Reality experience is available for those 10 years and older.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council.
