Llancaich Fawr Manor House will be just one of many historic venues across Wales taking part in the annual Open Doors programme in September.
Organised by the Civic Trust for Wales and supported by Cadw, Open Doors offers visitors the chance to explore Wales’ culture and history. The programme is part of European Heritage Days which take place throughout September across 50 countries in a celebration of architecture and heritage.
Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said: “Open Doors is a fantastic programme which gives everyone the opportunity to explore their local heritage. From photographic exhibitions to guided tours, there are hundreds of exciting events taking place across the country to help bring Wales’s history to life for visitors to explore and enjoy.”
This year visitors are being encouraged to share their Open Doors experience through a photography competition, supported by Cadw.
For full details about open doors and the different sites across Wales, visit www.opendoorsdays.org.uk
Places in Caerphilly County Borough taking part in Open Doors 2012
Ruperra Guided Walk
Saturday September 1, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
This guided walk enables participants to view the exterior of the castle, which was built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan of Machen.
Ruperra is unique in Wales as a Jacobean ‘chivalric’ castle. Morgan was an official of the earls of Pembroke, and Ruperra became a focus both for Renaissance culture and traditional Welsh poetry and music. Charles I stayed here in 1645, as he tried to raise support in the aftermath of Naseby. The castle was struck by fire in 1941, at which time it was used as a billet.
The Ruperra Preservation Trust aims to buy and consolidate the ruin. For the guided walk meet at the gate on the south side of Coed Craig Ruperra which is accessed from the Michaelstone road to Ruperra Home Farm on the East (Grid Ref ST 223 864) , or from the Lisvane road from the West.
Please park by the gate on your right but please do not obstruct the vehicular entrance to the woodland. If good weather this will be followed by a picnic in the field to the south of the castle, but if inclement weather tea and cakes in the Barn at Ruperra Home Farm. Please send a cheque for £5 for your tea and cakes, to Pat Jones-Jenkins (Areithin, Heol Ton, Ton Kenfig, CF33 4PS) to book your place.
Memories of the Aber Valley, Aber Valley Heritage Museum
Monday September 10, 11am to 2pm
The Aber Valley Heritage Museum is a small museum dedicated to the rich heritage of Senghenydd and Abertridwr. The museum commemorates the area’s industrial past, with displays dedicated to the Universal Colliery at Senghenydd, which was the scene of two devastating explosions in 1901 and 1913. At our ‘Memories of Aber Valley’ event visitors will be able to watch archive film relating to the villages of Senghenydd and Abertridwr and to the 1913 Universal Colliery explosion. Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided and visitors will be encouraged to share their own memories of the Valley.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson
Tuesday September 21, 10am to 5pm (Free tours at 2pm and 3pm)
A semi-fortified gentry house built c. 1550 for the Prichard family, Llancaiach has been restored toa mid 17th-century internal layout and furnishings. Costumed interpreters bring the manor to life as the servants of Colonel Prichard show visitors aspects of life in a gentry household during the Civil Wars – from their perspective. Formal and working gardens. Booking essential.
Winding House, New Tredegar
Wednesday September 22, 10am to 5pm (Engine running at 2pm and 3pm)
Explore and discover the new museum for Caerphilly County Borough. Go behind the scenes with our Friends and Volunteers. See the historic winding engine in action and chat with the volunteers caring for it. The museum is situated on the site of the former Elliot Colliery. Join us for the grand unveiling of some newly discovered unique photographs of the colliery taken just before closure in 1967. Take the opportunity to share your memories with us.
Newbridge Memo ‘Open Doors’
Wednesday September 22, 12pm to 5pm
Newbridge Memorial Hall was established by the local mining community in 1898. Its theatre auditorium could seat 700 people. Closed in 1972, it is being restored as a living arts centre. Discover the latest news about our Restoration programme, explore the history of ‘the Memo’ and Newbridge, learn how you can get involved and find out about upcoming events and regular activities including opportunities for young people.