Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Tirphil’s oldest resident officially opened the village’s revamped community centre earlier this summer.

Joan White, 98, who is a long-time resident of School Street, cut the ribbon as locals were formally welcomed back to the community hub on July 8.

The centre, which was at risk of closing forever, was refurbished and reopened thanks to efforts from residents Coral Williams and Edward White in spring 2023.

Writing about the event in a public post on Facebook, Coral said: “A huge thank you from both myself and Eddie to everyone who attended the reopening of Tirphil Community Centre last night. 

“The evening was a great success with lots of residents enjoying themselves. Lovely to see old friends catching up and reconnecting, families out together celebrating and new residents meeting new friends.

“A special thank you to Joan White, our oldest resident, who officially opened the doors of the community hub for everyone to enjoy going forward. Joan has been a resident of School Street for as long as most of us can remember and honoured us by attending last night.”

The event, which included a buffet and entertainment, came after a challenging renovation that included damaged walls, an overgrown garden and a hall in desperate need of refurbishment. 

Speaking previously to Caerphilly Observer, centre secretary Coral said: “This hall hasn’t been decorated for 40 years,” adding that the paint was the same as what she saw coming as a child. She continued: “We’ve stuck at it.”

Now, the centre is fully operational with a parent and toddler group, pool and bingo, to name just a few – as well as rockery and a remembrance wall where people can put up plaques dedicated to lost loved ones. 

Notable help and donations have also come from local sponsors such as Wickes Caerphilly, United Welsh Housing, New Tredegar Building Supplies, Denmans Building Supplies, B&Q Merthyr Tydfil, Transport for Wales, New Tredegar Windmill Fund, Tracey Gifford, New Tredegar Community Council and Multiply. 

There is a list of events that are regularly updated on the centre’s Facebook page. Some clubs and activities are available on the Cwtsh website. 

Coral and Edward both hope that the centre is well-used by residents. Coral said: “I would say that it needs to be used by the community of Tirphil because if it doesn’t get used they will lose it.”

The duo sees it as an opportunity to reinvigorate community spirit in the village. “There’s been nothing around here for years,” said Edward, “it’s there for them [residents], it’s open for them – come along.”