Hall’s 100-year celebrations to get underway with first film screening in half a century

A century ago, miners came together and contributed a penny a week to help fund the construction of Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.

This, combined with a grant from local colliery owner Sir Samuel Instone, meant the venue’s foundation stone was laid on January 13, 1923.

Exactly 100 years from the laying of that first brick, the hall is hosting a screening of the 2014 film Pride – which, based on a true story, depicts the young lesbian and gay activists who rallied to support striking miners during the 1984 Miners’ Strike.

The event will mark the first time a film has been screened at the Grade II listed venue for around 50 years, thanks to the installation of a new projector in the upstairs theatre.

The projector was funded with support from both the Co-op Local Community Fund and the now-defunct Bedwas-based Musical Youth Theatre group, as well as fundraising efforts from volunteers at the hall.

One of those volunteers is Wendy Lewis, who told Caerphilly Observer: “The cinema screen had been rolled up for 50 years but is still in working order.

“It does take 20 minutes to unwind on a crank, but it’s lovely to see things on the big screen – it can help bring people back together after lockdown and bring new residents through the door.”

Wendy, who is on the sub-committee responsible for the hall’s centenary planning, continued: “There’s something different about watching something on the big screen together as opposed to watching it alone in the living room.”

The projector was installed in December, with Wendy hoping it can be used to screen rugby matches and film clubs going forward.

Attending the screening will be former Swansea East MP Sian James, who is herself portrayed in the film.

Doors open at 6.30pm, with a question and answer session with Ms James starting at 7pm. The film screening will get underway at 7.30pm, with refreshments available at the bar.

Wendy said: “The Workmen’s Hall was built during times of great hardship in the Depression, and has served the local communities of Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen through good times and bad.

“Today, while those communities are dealing with economic hardship, fuel poverty, food banks and homelessness, the need for us to come together is greater than ever, and this heart-warming film is a fitting reminder of that spirit of resilience.”

Wendy’s late husband was the much-loved Ray Davies, known affectionately as “Red Ray”.

A Labour councillor for Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, Ray served his community for more than 50 years before his death in 2015.

His legacy lives on through Red Ray’s Lift Appeal, which was set up to raise money for the installation of a lift at the hall so it would comply with the 2005 Disability Act.

The appeal is nearing its target, with Wendy hopeful work can begin on the lift this year.

While tickets for the film screening are free, the hall is asking for a small donation from attendees on the night, which will go towards the lift appeal.

Big plans for 2023

Adam Birkinshaw-Bird, co-chair and trustee at the hall, spoke to Caerphilly Observer about the hall’s grand plans for the year ahead.

“We’ve got five main events,” Adam said. “The aim is to have at least one in each season.

“After the film night we’re having a Welsh celebration in the spring.

“We’re having a summer fete in June, which will be an old-style village fete in the car park around the hall if the weather is nice.”

He continued: “Wendy is organising an eco festival in the autumn, before our big celebration weekend from December 8 to coincide with the date of the hall opening in 1923.

“The big celebration is still in the planning, but we’ll still have our general events running throughout the year.”

The hall is always on the lookout for new volunteers and anyone interested in helping can contact bwhvolunteer@gmail.com for more information.

Contact BWHBookings@gmail.com for information about bookings.