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Cefn Fforest Miners’ Institute has reopened its doors for the first time in more than 15 years thanks to the efforts of an “outstanding community”.

The institute first opened in 1935 following the fundraising efforts of local coal miners, who chipped in a few shillings a week from their wage packets.

It became a thriving community hub which had a billiard hall, reading room, and library. However, it sadly closed its doors for what many thought would be the final time in 2010.

Now, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, Cefn Fforest Miners’ Institute has welcomed the community once again.

At a soft launch opening on Friday November 7, Caerphilly Observer spoke to secretary Dean Jones, who thanked the “tireless efforts” of everyone involved.

He said: “The windows were blocked up and the place looked a mess. We took over the lease in 2019 and then of course Covid put a stop to things for a year or so, but we’re proud to have got the hall at least looking this good. There was so much work which needed to be done starting from the bottom up.”

While the ‘Stute is ‘open’ – and even held a pantomime the week prior as a test event – it’s only the main hall – formerly the billiard room – which is accessible.

“It’s a fully original sprung dancefloor which we managed to preserve”, Mr Jones said. “The plan is to get the bar going next so we can keep the money coming in to work on the rest of the building”, he added.

The work hasn’t been cheap, but thanks to National Lottery funding, as well as help from Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Caerphilly County Borough Council, and Pobl, the main hall is fully restored with heaters and working bathrooms.

Around the hall on the coffee morning were pictures of the “dozens” of volunteers who helped with the work, as well as the original drawings of the building, and even some designs which had previously been thrown out.

Mr Jones continued: “The long-term plan for the building is to reopen the commercial kitchen and community cafe area.

“We have four rooms upstairs that need renovating but we’ve had lots of interest from businesses within Cefn Fforest who would be keen on renting the rooms; but that’s a little way off yet.”

Thanking the volunteers, trustees, and “outstanding community” for their hard work, chair Ron Stoate addressed the room and spoke of his pride in the community that “saved” the building.

He added: “People have been reduced to tears coming back here and seeing it restored to all its glory. To get to this point is so rewarding. We just need a bit more furniture now.”

Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, also attended the coffee morning and said: “It’s wonderful to see such a historic building return to its former glory. I’ve spoken to everybody here and you can feel the excitement for the future in the room.

“I look forward to returning when the Miners’ is fully up and running, and I’m sure it will serve the whole community of Cefn Fforest for years to come.”