Sardis Community Chapel in Ynysddu and Oakdale Presbyterian Church have been awarded more than £160,000 of funding for improvements from the Welsh Government.
The two community organisations are among 15 to share a £2.5million windfall from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP).
Sardis Community Chapel was awarded £68,221.31 while Oakdale Presbyterian Church was given £91,781.81.
Wendy Roberts, secretary and elder at Sardis Community Chapel, was told the news by Caerphilly Observer and said the money will be spent on a new chapel hall.
She said: “I’ve been waiting for this, it’s absolutely brilliant.
“The money is going to be used for the rebuilding of the chapel hall. Over the years it’s been known as the ambulance hall because St John’s Ambulance used to use it for training.
“It’s a wooden building and we did refurbish it, but the roof is sagging and the rain is coming in. There are lots and lots of classes and events at the hall.
“We’ve had funding from United Reform Church, but with this we’ve now got enough money to rebuild.”
She added that GAVO had been instrumental in helping the chapel through the application process.
Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant announced the total funding of £2,581,304.46 on Wednesday.
The money will be shared by 15 projects across Wales to help support the creation of new facilities and services.
Mr Sargeant said: “These grants are not simply about improving buildings. Local clubs and centres can be the hub of the community where people, young and old, get together and enjoy social activities.
“Whether a small or large amount, CFAP funding has a beneficial impact upon Welsh communities and the day to day lives of local people. Many of the projects from earlier grants have now come to fruition and have made a huge difference to the communities in which they are based.
“That’s why I’m pleased to see so many local groups and volunteers taking matters into their own hands and applying for grants to make their centre a better place for the whole community to enjoy.”
The Community Facilities and Activities Programme was launched in 2002 and to date has funded 825 projects totalling over £91 million.
Dear Sirs,
I wonder if you can help me. My Mother was evacuated from London to Ynysddu in WWII. I'm trying to find out where she stayed while she was there. Forgive me for writing to you but the Sardis chapel was mentioned in one of the websites about the evacuations to Ynysddu and I wondered whether the Church would have any records or whether Caerphilly County Borough is who I need to contact.
I look forward to hearing from you if you can help me.
Many thanks in advance.
Julia Boxall