The History of our Community Centres

 

The History of Graig Community Centre, Bassaleg

The Graig Community Centre was built in 1985 through the efforts of the Community Council. Until then, there were no other facilities available in the area which could be used for community activities, except the local church halls. The centre became used by the local community for anything from private parties to local activity groups.

The Centre was extended in 1998 with funding via a grant from the Arts Council lottery fund, which took three years of hard work by dedicated Councillors to secure. The centre has gone from strength to strength, and has become so popular that it is now fully booked for most of the week with local groups and functions.

It is managed by volunteers from the local community, and overseen by a Committee which also includes some Community Councillors, the hall is run as a non-profit organisation, and keeps costs as low as possible. This enables the centre to be offered for rent at the lowest possible cost to its users. It currently houses a variety of groups and organisations from indoor bowling, to martial arts classes and Church Services. In addition to this, it is available for weddings, private parties, conferences, shows, exhibitions and the like. New members are always welcome.
You may be unaware that the Graig Community Centre welcomes everyone, regardless of age or physical restrictions, and offers an opportunity to participate in or just watch a wide range of activities and social functions in a safe and friendly atmosphere; these take place during the day and evening throughout every week of the year.

We have improved the existing facilities the Centre offers, and would welcome residents who previously may not have considered the social and health benefits of the community leisure and learning activities available. Some of the current activities include a badminton group, dog training classes, dance classes, a scrap-booking group and many more, as well as one-off private functions such as birthday parties, christening parties, fetes and shows etc..

The Council are committed to maintaining this Centre to meet the needs and enjoyment of all its users, including new and existing members, and have made improvements to this much needed facility.

The Graig Centre Management Team are happy to listen to any suggestions you have on the best way everyone can benefit from this facility. If you have any suggestions please contact John Harris using the details above who will take your suggestions to the Management Committee for consideration.

The History of Rhiwderin Community Centre

The Rhiwderin Community Centre dates back to 1877, when it was built as the Village School, a role that it performed until 1986. In those days the village consisted of Tredegar Street, built to house workers at the Garth Tinplate Works, and several outlying farms and cottages. Garth Works occupied the area presently covered by Harlech Drive and Caernarvon Drive. It closed at about the time of WW1. Comparison of photographs shows that the Village School changed little over the years. The part of the building at the South end, nearest to the railway, was the Headmaster’s house.

When a new primary school was built, Pentrepoeth School, the old school remained unused for a little while, until a group of local residents persuaded the then owners, Newport Borough Council to lease the building to the Graig Community Council for use as a Community Centre. The building comprises 2 halls, and the Headmaster’s House. At the time of taking the building over, there were no toilets inside the building, these were all in the outside yard, so a number of modifications were carried out to provide inside toilets, and other facilities. In the mid 1990’s the derelict Headmaster’s house was refurbished and connected to the main building to give additional accommodation. Over the years other improvements have been made with funds raised by the Centre Management Committee, often with the help of our local City Councillor, Mrs Margaret Cornelious. Windows have been double glazed, heating systems improved, toilets and kitchens renovated.

Presently the core users are Rhiwderin Village Meithrin, a pre-school nursery, Rhiwderin Indoor Bowls Club, Mothers and Toddlers and Machen Karate Club. The Welsh Railways Research Circle occupies the upper floors of School House. The large hall is ideal for private parties, small group meetings can be accommodated in School House, and the smaller (Meithrin) Hall can be made available in the evenings and at weekends.

And finally, you might be lucky enough to meet “Arthur”, our ghost, who sometimes puts in an appearance. He was run over and killed on the tramroad that preceded the railway. Please don’t be alarmed, he is a very friendly ghost. I just wish I knew how to ease his restless spirit………