Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum
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A thriving voluntary body that collects and displays artifacts related to this former coal mining town, as well as undertaking research and outreach work.
Contact: Mr D. Bearcroft, 48 Princess St. Abertillery, Gwent, South Wales.
This successful local research group ( a registered charity) was born out of the need of a number of local people to ensure that Blaina's history and heritage would be remembered. To date BHAG has produced two noted books - "The Rose and The Thorn" Vol I & II (compilations of local reminiscences), as well as having a permanent local history exhibition space in the District Council Offices. The group also offer their services to schools, enabling the younger generation to become fully aware of the historical and cultural past that they have inherited, and encouraging them to appreciate the needs of the environment. The group has been assisted by Community Design for Gwent.
Contact: Mr. J. Hughes, 8 River Row, Blaina, Gwent, South Wales
The local authority is committed to the sympathetic development of heritage within the authority, and employs a full time Heritage and Tourism Officer who can supply information/advice for visitors and prospective new businesses on request.
Contact; Ruth Curtis, Heritage and Tourism Development Officer,
Launched in 1994, the project's aims are very simple: to restore the Boilerhouse of the derelict Brynmawr Rubber Factory (a grade II listed building), and convert it into a theatre with a resident theatre company. The project will create a facility unique within Wales. It will save for posterity one part of a factory world famous for its architecture, provide people within its catchment area with a theatre company of the highest possible quality producing exciting, innovative, challenging and dynamic work, and create a facility for the best of European touring companies. Through an open access schools' programme and the creation (alongside theatre), of a multi-media training facility, it will facilitate access for local people to both further training and employment possibilities. The Boiler house project will be staging a community play in June 1996, with a cast of over 250, which will focus on the turbulent history of the area. If you would like to take part/find out more -
Contact: Alison Woods, Project Director, Boilerhouse Theatre Project, 83 Bailey St., Brynmawr, Gwent, South Wales, NP3 4AW
Established in 1974 this society continues to meet regularly to discuss matters of importance and to hear guest speakers. The society also acts as guardian of the town's rich natural and built heritage, monitoring and recording development and change as it takes place.
Contact: C.A. Bayliss, Secretary, 15 Chapel St., Brynmawr, Gwent, South Wales, NP3 4EU
CDG is a design charity and consultancy offering architectural, graphic, landscape, environmental education and consultation services. CDG involves clients in every aspect of their project and has developed innovative ways of solving design problems. After initial consultation to assess individual needs, clients then have access to the services of a multi-diciplinary design team. CDG provides a grant-aided design service for community and voluntary groups resident in the local authorities of Torfaen, Monmouth, Newport and Blaenau Gwent.
Contact: Liz Court, Community Design For Gwent, Pill Box Hall, Church St, Newport, Gwent, South Wales. Tel. 01633 250271
This enthusiastic band of walkers and cyclists are keen to ensure that the wealth of historical walks within the area are brought to a wider audience.
Contact: C/O Heritage and Tourism Officer, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Coucil, Planning Dept., Enterprise House, Rassau Industrial Estate, Rassau, Ebbw Vale, South Wales, NP3 5SD.
A committed group who take an active interest in the development of this beautiful Regency/Victorian park, the Friends also take their knowledge out to schools and groups on request.
Contact: Mr. L. Pinney, Secretary, Friends of Bedwellty Park, 20 James St., Tredegar, Gwent, South Wales.
The Friends aim to stimulate public interest in the history, reclamation, regeneration and leisure uses of the former Garden Festival Wales site, and encourage participation by members of the Friends in various voluntary activities related to those ends. The Friends also endeavour to supplement the income for various projects and events, and wish to extend the knowledge and appreciation among members of subjects related to the history, environment, horticulture and visual arts on site through lectures, tours of the park and other places of interest and other functions of a social nature.
Contact: Lynda Cooper, Education Officer, Festival Park, Ebbw Vale, South Wales NP3 6UF Tel. 01495 350010.
Formed in 1993, following the restoration of this deconsecrated 12/13c church, the Friends aims are simple; to look after the building and its setting; to welcome visitors; to use the building as a venue for concerts and events; to research and publish information about the history of St. Illtyd's and the locality. The building itself lies within an area steeped in history, with the remains of two medieval fortifications, and a mysterious mound close by.
An interested and committed society which preserves and promotes the history of this former ironmaking town through its museum and a regular programme of lectures.
Contact: Cllr. Jenkins, 35a James St. Tredegar, Gwent, South Wales.
This registered charity exists to encourage an interest in both family history and genealogy amongst the people of Gwent, and those living away from the area who have ancestral connections with the old county of Monmouthshire. It also exists to provide advice to those seeking their ancestors, and can access County records and will give advice regarding research techniques.
Contact: C/O Heritage and Tourism Development Officer, Planning Dept., Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Enterprise House, Rassau Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale, Gwent, South Wales. NP3 5SD.