Can you help with new Winding House exhibition?
The Winding House museum in New Tredegar is appealing to residents of Caerphilly County Borough for help with its new exhibition.
Called ‘The Pictures and ‘The Stute’ – Nights out in the Valleys’, the exhibition will focus on entertainment of years gone by exploring local dance halls, institutes and the picture house.
The museum wants to hear from people who may have stories to share about their social life from years gone by and the places they used to visit. It is also keen to hear from anyone who may have photographs or objects to loan or donate.
Many towns and villages across Caerphilly County Borough used to have its own cinema, dance hall or miners’ institute, which would be busy on Saturday nights as local people sought entertainment after a hard week at work.
Big name stars like Roy Orbison, The Drifters and Tommy Cooper would draw crowds to the Double Diamond Club in Caerphilly, while local cinemas would show a variety of films throughout the week.
Workmen’s Halls such as the Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute were also the setting for nights out.
The Winding House would be delighted if people would like to share their memories of those times, not just photographs, but objects relating to entertainment in the past such as programmes, theatre tickets, old records and even any glad rags from Saturday nights out.
The exhibition will open on the Spring Bank Holiday, Monday May 30 and will be on show for a year.