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Bedwas Workmen’s Hall is finally set to get its long-awaited lift after being awarded nearly half a million pounds.

The management committee of the volunteer-run hall, which is in its centenary year, has been awarded £488,056 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The funding will allow the hall to move into the first phase of its regeneration project, which includes vital repairs to prevent further deterioration of the building – paving the way for a lift to be finally be fitted after years of fundraising.

Red Ray’s Lift Appeal, named in honour of late BTM councillor Ray Davies, was set up to raise around £150,000 to install a lift at the hall so it can comply with the 2005 Disability Act.

The hall’s regeneration executive group said: “This grant means that we can secure the future of this amazing venue, which is currently used by 25 business each week as well as schools, sports groups and theatre groups.

“This will make a big difference in ensuring the Hall is accessible to all our communities for years to come.” 

Centenary year

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

This, combined with a grant from local colliery owner Sir Samuel Instone, saw its foundation stone laid on January 13, 1923.

To celebrate that day 100 years on, the hall hosted 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.