The Reading Institute – Blaina

The Blaina Instruction Society.
In January 1846 a British and Foreign School was built at the Blaina and Cwmcelyn Iron Works (as seen in the clipping left) to educate the children of the many iron workers and was established through the persistence of Mr Frederick Levick, Ironmaster of the Blaina and Cwmcelyn Iron Works. In March 1848 it was reported that the headmaster at the school was Mr Edward Jones.   

In March 1852 an Instruction Society was established at Blaina, its President was Mr Frederick Levick Esq.

On the 4th of June 1852, the Monmouthshire Merlin newspaper printed an article on the formation of the Instruction Society the previous March. It was stated that the society observed the origin and progress of literary or scientific instructions, lectures, a library, classes and concerts. The library wasn’t complete and the report stated it may never be as complete as it should, as to the want of Welsh literature. The Instruction Society was using a room at the British School, they had a committee and many members.

On the 31st of May 1852, the first concert was for the benefit of the institution and was given by the Blaenau Philharmonic Society held at the British School Room. Those who attended were as follows – Mr H. Bailey; Mr Fothergill Rowlands; Mr J. Hinton; Mr Edgar Brewer; Mr F. Brewer; Mrs Rowlands and Miss Levick; Miss Rees; Messrs Gardiner; E. James; B. Lewis; Lloyd; J. James; D. Thomas and Norman: The show was produced by Mr H. Underhill.

On the 18th of June 1852, it was announced that classes had been formed for teaching in various branches of the Blaina Instruction Society.

In June 1852 the Brynmawr Instruction Society was established.

On Wednesday 11th of August 1852, Mr J. B. Hemming, from the Royal Polytechnic Institution to give a lecture to the members on Astronomy and Electricity at the British School Room. Rev Rees was the chairman and he introduced Mr Hemming who showed a demonstration on galvanism with the use of a Smee battery. He also showed the effects the Smee battery had on the human body with shocks. He also demonstrated the uses of nitrous oxide and asked the youth to inhale the gas. Mr Hemming concluded with a magic lantern, showing scenes of astronomical phenomena, views of cities, animals and insects and he exhibited the Chromotrope.

It was announced that the London Times, the Monmouthshire Merlin and other newspapers were regularly stocked, an assortment of books for the young to form a library. Several donations of were received from Rev Rees, Mr Frederick Levick Esq, Mr John Hellicar Esq and Mr J. H. Morgan and others.

On Christmas Eve, Friday 24th of December 1852, Dr Bevan of the Beaufort Iron Works gave a lecture on various classes and styles of music. Dr Bevan gave sketches of the lives of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Handel and Mendelssohn, also Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and played a selection of their works on piano.

In December 1854 Mr J. Hinton Esq M.R.C.S., delivered a lecture on health, he showed the various functions of the skin and lungs, with illustrations and diagrams.

Many other lectures were performed over the years though sadly the members of the public soon lost interest and their numbers dwindled.

On Thursday 9th of April 1857, at an annual meeting of the Instruction Society held at the British School Rooms, Blaina with Rev William Roberts as chairman, it was announced by Mr Frederick Levick that Mr J. Hinton was the leave the neighbourhood. Mr Levick also said, “That during the past year several classes connected with the Instruction Society had fallen into a state of apathy and indifference, it could no longer be called an instruction society, it is therefore desirable to break up the present society”. This resolution was carried, it was then proposed and adopted that a new society be at once formed and to be called – The Cwm Celyn and Blaina Reading Society. This new society was to be amalgamated with the Blaina Philharmonic.

The Cwm Celyn and Blaina Reading Society.
After the formation of the Cwm Celyn and Blaina Reading Society the following gentlemen were elected as officers for the society – Mr Frederick Levick Esq (President); Mr F. Levick Jnr Esq and Rev William Roberts (Vice-Presidents); Mr George Underhill and Mr Elias Edwards (Trustees); Mr Thomas Guest and Mr Lewis Edwards (Librarians) and Mr Dugdale (Secretary): The following gentlemen formed the committee – Mr H. Gould; Mr John Ball; Mr William Sewell; Mr Henry Underhill; Mr John Arnold; Mr Richard Anthony; Mr Davies; Mr David Davies, Mr Owen Prosser; Mr Thomas Shinton; Mr John James and Mr William Tongue:

In September 1857 the Monmouthshire Merlin newspaper reported the Cwm Celyn and Blaina Reading Society which originated from the old instruction society, like its predecessor is struggling to keep in existence! It was largely seen at the time that this was due to the fact that the audiences were all working and after a hard day’s work in the coalmines or iron works the last thing they wanted to do was to read, study, attend a lecture or watch concert.

On Monday 8th of March 1858, Mr W. A. Dixon gave a lecture on the Electric Telegraph. It was reported that 150 people were in attendance, the admission was – Members free, front seats 6d. and back seats were 3d.

On Thursday 21st of January 1875, the annual meeting in connection with the Blaina and Cwmcelyn Reading Society took place. It was announced that only 40 men were on the books of the society and even though they were £20 in credit there was a general lack of interest shown towards the Reading Room and the Nantyglo and Blaina Company had discontinued their donation of £10 towards the society. Anger was shown when it was stated that the people of Blaina could keep 15 gin places and 5 beer shops going but would not give anything to sustain a reading library and to keep it out of debt.

The Church Institute Building and the Reading Institute.
In 1883 there were plans to build a library and institute at Blaina. It was mentioned in a report that the Reading Institute situated at the Church Institute building on High Street, Blaina was established in 1884, sadly I cannot confirm this date? Though the society had previously been leasing a room at the British School and the school was believed to have been on the site close to the North Blaina Colliery, Stones Colliery, then this date makes sense as the British School was closed and demolished in 1885 and the site sold to Messrs Stone & Co upon which they constructed the North Blaina Houses, Stones Houses a short while later.

At some point in the mid to late 1880’s the Blaina Reading Society occupied a room at the Church Institute on High Street, Blaina. In a newspaper report from August 1889 the South Wales Gazette wrote – “It’s a pity the authorities of the Blaina Reading Room and Institute cannot obtain possession of their present site. It is an old building and in a dilapidated condition and requires rebuilding, though the site (as they understand) is on consecrated ground, belonging to the parish living” – “The other portion of this consecrated ground is let out for market stalls and pleasure fairs”. The report goes on to state – “Surely someone might make an effort, as difficult though it may be, to secure to the inhabitants of Blaina, the continuance in perpetuity of an institution calculated in such high degree to promote the higher culture of both young and old”.

On Thursday 7th of February 1889, a committee meeting of the Blaina Institute and Library was held, those who attended were as follows – Mr James Wallen (Chairman); Mr D. Williams (Hon Treasurer); Mr R. Norfolk (Hon Secretary); Mr D. Lewis; Mr D. A. Williams; Mr T. Trafford; Mr John Jones and Mr T. Leystone (Caretaker). At the meeting the financial statement of 1888 was read – Cash in hand was £123. 6s. 9d. Subscriptions were £108. 10s. 0d. Billiard receipts were £40. 16s. 2d together with other items amounted to £282. 4s. 5d. Mr T. Leystone’s salary was £52. 0s. 0d. Papers were £27. 10s. 0d. Gas account was £18. 8s. 0d along with £10 Rent. The question of the public baths was raised and it was agreed to keep them going at a loss.

In 1889 there was a story in the South Wales Gazette newspaper about the Blaina Reading Rooms in the town had been built on church grounds and was located by the market. There was also a problem with the baths in the building.

In 1890 there was a proposal to turn the old Weslyan Chapel, Blaina into a reading room. The committee consisted of Mr J. Dakers, J. Lancasters and Mr H. W. Buddicom.

On Thursday 22nd of October 1891, a meeting took place at the Reading Rooms, Blaina, Mr H. W. Buddicom presided. It was decided that the billiard tables should be re-covered. The resignation of the secretary Mr Williams was received with regret. The money in hand for the new institute was between £700 and £800. Several names were put forward by the committee for the post of the new secretary and it was decided that Mr J. W. Parry (Schoolmaster) be appointed at £3. 3s. 0d. 

In 1892 a gift of a box of books was given to the old reading rooms by Mr H. W. Buddicom.

On Tuesday 24th of January 1893, prior to the new institute being completed the officers of the Blaina Reading Institute held their annual meeting. It was stated that Mr H. Parfitt the contractor of the new building had been paid the amount of £1,500 with the architect Mr Bates been given £45. The following officers were elected – Mr H. W. Buddicom (President); Rev D. Williams, Howell Howell, Charles Rees, Mr Caleb Lewis, Mr Thomas Protheroe and Mr John Dakers (Vice-Presidents); Mr D. Williams (Treasurer) and Mr J. W. Parry (Secretary): It was resolved that the committee remain as at present with regard to numbers and five were appointed to represent Messrs J. Lancaster’s employees, four representing the tin works employees and three to represent the town members.

After lengthy discussions it was decided that “working lads over 12 years of age and those in school at 14 years of age should be admitted members”. There was another debate on the age limit regarding those using the billiard tables, it was fixed to be 14 years of age to play on the large billiard table and those under that age will have access to the small table.

The Official Opening of the New Institute.
On Monday 6th of March 1893, the new Blaina Reading Institute was officially opened. Places of business were closed during the afternoon and with the tradesmen and colliery workmen (being the miners’ monthly holidays) the numbers of spectators who gathered to witness the opening ceremony was said to be over two thousand. At two-thirty in the afternoon members of the institute gathered at their old premises on High Street and formed in a procession headed by the Lancaster Town Band under Mr E. Sutton. The committee, with each member wearing a White Rosette, proceeded to the new Institute where the door was officially opened by the President Mr Thomas Protheroe, who formally declared the premises open.

Over the entrance was displayed a motto “Success To Our New Institute”. The committee and other gentlemen who accompanied them then entered the newly opened premises. After a brief inspection of the rooms they made their way to the balcony where many speeches were delivered.

The Contractor and Architect.
The new Blaina Institute was constructed by Mr Henry Parfitt of Pontnewydd and carried out under the directions of Mr F. R. Bates, architect of Arlington Chambers, Newport. The building cost £2,000.

Description of the Building.
The Blaina Institute building comprised a reading room 32′ feet by 24′ feet, a coffee bar 24′ feet by 18′ feet 6″ inches. A card room 24′ feet by 14′ feet and a billiard room 32′ feet by 24′ feet. The card room and smoking room was so arranged that they could be converted into one room for larger functions. There were lavatory arrangements on each floor. Externally the building was faced with blue pennant stone, with dressings in red and buff bricks. The ornamental glazing was by Mr Swain, Bourne of Birmingham. The door fastenings and furniture were supplied by Mr James Gibbons of Wolverhampton. The heating apparatus was installed by Messrs Steel & Garland’s Wharncliffe’s Grates, with the gas fittings supplied by Mr A. E. Webb of Brynmawr.

During the speeches Mr Thomas Protheroe stated “The Blaina Institute had been one of progress for the past 25 years he had known it. For many years they had intentions of erecting a new building. It was intended not to learn the young the game of billiards, that was all very well but that should be a secondary matter in connection with an institute of this kind – He trusted that the public would second the efforts of the committee in introducing such an opportunity for reading – he hoped that not very long they would have one of the finest libraries in Monmouthshire”.

The treasurer Mr Daniel Williams read the financial statement on the position of the Building Fund which showed a debt of £1,100. Rev Charles Rees proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was seconded by Mr W. Meyrick. The premises were then opened to the public and was crowded during the remainder of the evening.

On Friday 17th of March 1893, the South Wales Gazette reported that since the new institute had opened more than 130 new members had joined.

On Monday 17th of April 1893, Mr A. H. Thomas of Abertillery sadly passed away. Mr Thomas was a bookseller and tobacconist for many years and was also the late librarian at the Blaina Reading Institute.

On Wednesday 26th of April 1893, Mr Lloyd Roberts, proprietor of round-about’s that were set up on Lower Lion Square, Blaina, gave the proceeds to the new Blaina Reading Institute. Mr Roberts handed £7 to the treasurer, which is equivalent to £630.00 in today’s money.

The Baths Question.
The old Reading Rooms upon High Street had two public baths (as seen in the clipping right), they were a gift to the old Reading Rooms given by Mr W. H. Buddicom. The baths seemed to be washrooms for the public to bathe.

In July 1893 at a monthly meeting of the Nantyglo and Blaina Local Board Mr J. W. Parry the secretary stated that while the new building was being constructed the baths connected to the old reading rooms were being demolished and owing to expense the managers could not have them re-erected at the new institute, though he said he “Hoped that the board would see their way to have a public baths built at some point”.

On Thursday 24th of August 1893, at a monthly meeting of the Nantyglo and Blaina Local Board was held at Blaina. The following members attended – Mr Thomas Morgan (Chairman); Alderman G. R. Harris; Councillor Dakers; Mr S. Howells; Mr Llewellyn Blunt; Mr W. Gregson; Mr George Bennett; Mr J. P. D. Williams; Mr George Stevens (Surveyor); Mr J. Collins (Inspector); Mr R. Williams (Collector); Dr H. C. Bevan (Medical Officer) and Mr H. J. Baker (Deputy Clerk): At this meeting “The Bath Question” was raised.

Mr Dakers asked the grounds upon which the application of the committee of the Blaina Reading Institute that the board undertake the erection of baths upon a site to be provided by them had been refused? The chairman said he could not see why the board could not undertake the work, the baths would not be under the control of the board and the committee proposed to make a nominal charge. Mr Bennett stated the baths could be built for the sum of £5 – Mr Blunt asked, “Who would benefit from the baths”? – Mr Bennett said, “They would supply a public want, especially to the lodgers in the area”. – Mr J. P. D. Williams said he “Would advise the Ratepayers Association to go in for a swimming baths and it was the duty of the local board to meet the requirements of the district”. – Mr Bennett referred to the large number of Jews who had used the old baths. – Mr Dakers touched on the sanitary aspect and said he “Had given permission to people to use one of the ponds at Blaina to bathe during the hot weather”. – Mr J. P. D. Williams said he “Would suggest the Reading Room Committee to withdraw their application and go in for a broader scheme”. – The matter was dropped.

On Friday 25th of January 1895, at an annual meeting of the Blaina Reading Institute, Mr T. Protheroe as chairman, a letter was read from Mr Graham of Newport promising to arrange a friendly game of football for the benefit of the institute. The treasurer Mr Protheroe read the statement, the receipts had fallen, as to the stoppage of the tin works. The coffee shop showed a loss and the expenses had been heavy owing to the additions to the library. The librarian Mr H. Gunter stated that nearly 1,000 books had been lent during the year and 67 new members had been enrolled in that department. The following officers were elected – Mr H. W. Buddicom (President); Mr T. Protheroe (Treasurer) and Mr H. Gunter (Librarian): Officers – Mr R. Gardner, Mr T. Protheroe, Mr G, R. Harris, Mr B. Willans, Mr Caleb Lewis and Rev D. Williams (Vice-Presidents): Committee – Mr Charles Davies, Mr James Carter, Mr Charles Williams, Mr R. Norfolk, Mr J. Harrington (Colliery Workers Representatives); Mr W. Smith (Stones Colliery Representative); Mr W. Meyrick, Mr James Baker and Mr F. W. Thomas (Tin Plate Works Representatives); Mr Robert Page and Mr Thomas Cockham (Town Representatives):

Billiards League.
In May 1898 the Blaina Institute were featured in the District Billiards League, their team consisted of the following members – Mr W. Thomas; Mr A. Jones; Mr T. Reed; Mr J. Harrington; Mr C. Davies; Mr T. Meyrick; Mr G. H. Jenkins; Mr F. Athay; Mr W. H. Lewis and Mr J. Poole;

Draughts League.
In May 1898 the Blaina Institute were in the Draughts League, their team consisted of the following members – Mr David Jones; Mr Morris Thomas; Mr Henry Snelgrove; Mr Thomas Hinge; Mr E. Bendall; Mr Albert Hayter; Mr J. Thomas; Mr James Wiseman and Mr Thomas Meyrick:

The Planning of a New Wing.
In September 1903 it was announced that Messrs Lancaster and Co, Blaina had donated £100 towards the erection of the new wing at the Reading Institute, Blaina and the directors of the Pyle and Blaina Iron Company had also given £40 towards the same. The new wing was in course of construction at this date.

Chess Club.
On Saturday 12th of September 1903, the Blaina Institute Chess Club held their first annual meeting at Maynard’s Coffee Tavern. The following gentlemen were elected to fill various positions – Mr E. Crockett (Captain); Mr W. J. Thomas (Vice-Captain); Mr C. W. Padfield (Secretary) and Mr Alf Evans (Treasurer): The Match Committee – Mr A. Whittingham; Mr J. Lewis; Mr G, Jenkins; Mr C. Hyde and Mr D. Jones: The fixtures for the 1903-04 season were arranged with Cardiff, Newport, Llanelly, Bridgend, Clifton, Frome and other West of England clubs.

On Thursday 28th of January 1904 a meeting of the members was held, Mr R. Williams presided. The report and balance sheet showed a very good financial year with total receipts showing £815. 11s. 9d and £400 was paid off the loan account during the year. The election of officers were as follows – Mr M. Wolstenholme J.P. (President); Mr H. W. Buddicom and Mr Eugene Poulaine (Patrons): Dr H. C. Bevan, Mr R. Williams, Mr H. Williams, Mr T. Protheroe and Mr J. W. Parry (Vice-Presidents): Mr J. Jenkins (Secretary); Councillor Mr T. Protheroe (Treasurer): The elected committee were as follows – Mr A. Evans; Mr David Jones; Mr D. Minton; Mr J. Smart (Colliery Workers Representative); Mr E. Crockett; Mr W. Jones; Mr D. Pritchard; Mr Edgar Jones; Mr R. Page; Mr J. L. Cox; Mr E. P. Jones and Mr C. Padfield (Town Representatives):

The Official Opening of the New Wing.
On Saturday 23rd of July 1904, the New Wing of the Blaina Institute was officially opened. There was a large attendance of members and the general public and before the opening ceremony a procession of members headed by the trustees, the committee and the Lancaster Town Band (with their new silver instruments) paraded the streets of the town. Upon returning to the institute Mr R. Williams and Mr J. W. Parry appeared on the balcony, addressed the public and made speeches to those assembled. Mr T. Protheroe made a speech in which he recalled the history of the institution from the time it consisted of one room in High Street to its present situation with a new building and plenty of books. Mr R. Williams on behalf of Mr Wolstenholme, who could not be present, declared the New Wing and Gymnasium open.

The Contractor and Architect.
The new wing of the institute was constructed by Messrs Jenkins & Son of Brynmawr and carried out under the directions of Mr F. R. Bates, architect of Newport. The building cost £1,800.

Description of the New Wing.
The new wing, which had been erected to harmonise with the existing building was built with the same materials, local pennant stone, with red and buff bricks and Forest of Dean stone. The extension consists of a two-storey building, on the ground floor was the gymnasium 44′ feet by 40′ feet with a height of 19′ feet. The first floor was the billiard room with raised seating around the room, capable of taking four tables. The report stated the subscriptions were 6d. per month, though that sum could be increased to support the gymnasium.

On Tuesday 20th of September 1904, the drilling of the new gymnasts at the Blaina Institute Gymnasium took place under the newly engaged Instructor Mr F. Hughes and his assistant Mr D. Richards.

Lady Members.
On Friday 2nd of December 1904, it was announced in the South Wales Gazette that following on the opening of the new wing at the Blaina Reading Institute a portion of the institute would be devoted to lady members (as seen in in the clipping).

On Saturday 21st of January 1905, the Newport Gymnastics Team gave a display at the Blaina Institute Gymnasium. Mr Huxtable gave an exhibition of Indian club swinging and Mr Jacobs of Newport had a jumping competition with Mr George Hughes of Blaina, they tied at 7′ feet 5″ inches. Afterwards they had a meal provided by Mr John Maynard of the Station Refreshment Rooms, Blaina.

In January 1905 the treasurer of the Blaina Institute, Mr T. Protheroe, sadly passed away at 60 years of age. He died at his residence Fairholme, Blaina and was said to have been the oldest tradesman in Blaina. After the death of Mr Protheroe the post of treasurer was given to Mr Herbert Williams.

In February 1905 a meeting was held at the Blaina Reading Institute, condolences were given to the family of Mr T. Protheroe the late treasurer. The election of officers were as follows – Mr Gathorne Jenkins (Secretary); Mr Herbert Williams (Treasurer); Mr Henry Gunter (Librarian) and Mr A. Paynton (Assistant): Mr M. Wolstenholme J.P. (President); Mr H. W. Buddicom and Mr Eugene Poulaine (Patrons): Dr H. C. Bevan, Mr H. Williams, Mr J. J. Harrington, Mr R. Williams, Mr B. A. James and Mr J. W. Parry (Vice-Presidents): Committee – Mr D. Minton, Mr J. Carter, Mr A. Evans, Mr John Evans, Mr E. Crockett, Mr David Jones, Mr W. Thomas Mr D. Pritchard (Colliery Workers Representatives); Mr W. L. Jones (Furnaces Representative); Mr J. Cox. Mr C. Padfield, Mr G. Gimblett and Mr W. Thomas (Town Representatives): At this meeting it was decided to increase the price of billiards and to ask Mr James the marker to charge 6d. each instead of 4d. to come into effect immediately.

On Tuesday 2nd of January 1906, the Blaina Reading Institute Chess Team played a match against the Scottish Kelty Club, the champions of Scotland. The Blaina team members were as follows – Mr W. Williams; Mr A. Evans; Mr G. Long; Mr H. Coles; Mr T. Hillman; Mr D. P. Williams; Mr J. Plummer; Mr E. Crockett; Mr J. Lewis; Mr D. Jones; Mr Isaac Long; Mr E. Richards and Mr A. Hayter: Blaina won by 11 games to 6.

Mr John Roberts – Renowned Billiard player.
On Thursday 12th of April 1906, the Blaina Institute organised a billiard competition between Mr John Roberts Jnr and the then current Welsh Champion Mr Arthur Llewellyn at the Public Hall, Blaina. The match was held over two sessions, afternoon and evening with 750 up in each session, Mr Roberts won the afternoon session 750 points to 549. After a special request by the audience the evening session was extended to 1,000 up. Mr Roberts again won 1,000 points to 783 to Mr Arthur Llewellyn’s 783. At the end on the afternoons and evenings play Mr Roberts gave an exhibition of ball handling and trick shots.

Mr John Roberts Jnr 1847-1919 was a dominant world-renowned billiards player and author of books on the skill of billiards playing.

The Town Clock.
In 1909 a new Town Clock was erected at the new institute in memory of Mr John Price, the Chief Mining Engineer to the J. Lancaster Collieries. The memorial clock was of a double-sided hanging wall clock, with Roman numerals (as seen in the image below). At some point the clock was removed and placed into a recess in the stonework at the front of the building.

Mr John Price.
Mr John Price was born in 1858 at Ebbw Vale, his father and mother were from Brecon. In 1868 the family moved to Nantyglo and he had a job in the Fitting Department at the Nantyglo Iron Works under Mr Crawshay Bailey.

In 1907 he became chief mining engineer to the J. Lancaster Collieries taking over from Mr John Swinburne. Mr Price was heavily involved in the Provident and Industrial Society at Blaina, the Nantyglo District Council and the Nantyglo Technical Instruction Committee. He served several terms on the old Aberystruth School Board and was appointed on the local group of managers of which he was chairman of the Intermediate School Abertillery, he represented the Blaina District Council and was one of the founders and a trustee of the Blaina Institute.

On Friday 2nd of October 1908, Mr John Price sadly passed away at his residence Devon House, Brynteg, Blaina. A few days later a meeting of the towns people was held to discuss a way of commemorating the services rendered to the district by the late Mr John Price. A committee was elected to collect subscriptions. The committee was as follows – Mr J. W. Parry; Mr T. W. Allen and Mr W. J. Harrington were (Secretaries) and Mr T. Drew (Treasurer): The committee decided on a fitting memorial over Mr Prices’ grave and a town clock to be erected outside the Blaina Institute.

On Monday 18th of October 1909, the committee of the John Price Memorial Fund unveiled the monument over the grave of Mr John Price and later they unveiled the Clock Memorial at the institute in the afternoon. Mr T. W. Allen performed the ceremony at the graveside and Mr R. Gardner J.P., unveiled the clock.

In February 1924 Miss May Griffiths, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Griffiths of Blaina won her 12th first prize in pianoforte playing at the Eisteddfodau held at Cwmcelyn, Nantyglo and Blaina Institute. Miss May Griffiths was only ten years old and was taught by Miss Agnes Turner.

In June 1924 it was reported in the South Wales Gazette that owing to the recent depression many men were out of work and it has heavily affected the financial state of the Blaina Institute. It stated it had a heavy debt, many successful whist drives had been held, the Blaina Central Girls School, under Miss Athay, the headmistress gave performances of “Eliza Comes To Stay” at the Empire Hall, all to raise badly needed funds to stop the institute from closing its doors.

On Thursday 19th of June 1924, it was announced that the Miners Welfare Fund made a grant of £720 to pay off the overdraft and to relieve the institute of its burden and to enable it to continue its useful work.

Table Tennis league.
In the 1930 there was a Table Tennis League in the district and the Blaina Institute had 2 teams registered. The team members were as follows The Blaina Institute “A” – Mr C. Oldbourne; Mr Jim Collins; Mr Jim Gomery; Mr Harold Sillman (Captain) and Mr Tom Griffiths: The Blaina Institute “B” – Mr M. Mapp; Mr T. Beecham; Mr G. Lewis; Mr T. Pritchard; Mr R. Jones; Mr G. Vaughan and Mr S. Jones:

On Monday 28th of January 1935, the annual meeting of the members of the Blaina Reading Institute took place, Mr Albert Williams presided. The committee’s statement showed a balance of £41. 18s. 0d. though it was made clear that sum was needed for the re-painting and repairs to the building. The librarian was Mr D. J. Jones and it was noted that he had obtained 1,500 new books from as far as Sheffield, Coventry, Stockport, Hastings and Shrewsbury as well as from local residents. Mr Tom Drew stepped down from his post as trustee. The president of the institute was Mr J. W. Parry who at this time was living at Abergavenny. Two patrons, Sir Louis Baron and Mr Enoch Morrell had sadly passed away

In January 1935 the officers of the institute were as follows – Patrons Captain C. Mason M.A. M.C.; Mr Oliver Harris; Mr G. Daggar M.P.; Mr T. G. James M.A. M.B.E. and Mr James Griffiths (S.W.M.F.); President Mr J. W. Parry; Vice-Presidents Captain E. Silk J.P. M.A. L.L.B.; Mr L. Murray; Mr Bert Hole; Mr H. Gunter; Mr E. J. Bancroft; Mr E. J. Jones; Mr W. E. Jones (Secretary) and Mr J. Cyril Morgan (Treasurer); Committee – Mr D. J. Davies; Mr Ben Evans; Mr T. B. Griffiths; Mr David Harris; Mr W. James; Mr Dan Jelly; Mr E. Jenkins; Mr T. Mormon; Mr J. Price; Mr Albert Prout; Mr Albert Williams and Mr W. Pritchard.

On Thursday 9th of May 1935, the trustees – Mr E. T. Jones; Mr Tom Drew and Mr Alfred Evans stepped down from their posts. At a special presided by Mr Albert Williams the following applicants were nominated – Mr J. Cyril Morgan; Mr Albert Williams; Mr W. Pritchard; Mr D. A. Price; Mr Dorset Williams and Mr W. E. Jones: A ballot resulted in Mr Albert Williams, Mr J. Cyril Morgan and Mr Dorset Williams being elected to the vacant positions.

The Later Years.
In 1985 after the Miners’ Strike 1984-85, the Rose Heyworth Colliery N.U.M. Branch Meetings were held at the Institute, Blaina. The meetings were held on every other Thursday evenings.

The Blaina Institute is still open, it houses the Blaina Heritage Museum which was founded in 1987.

 

Points of Interest –
Mr Edward Jones.
Mr Edward Jones was the headmaster at the Blaina British School and in March 1848 married divorcee Mrs Melissa Prior nee Pitman, the sister of Mr Isaac Pitman of Bath, later Sir Isaac Pitman inventor of Shorthand Phonography.

Blaina Town Clock.
Prior to the Mr John Price Memorial Clock being erected in 1909, Blaina Town did possess a town clock. In 1889 there were reports in the local papers that the Blaina Town Clock was to be illuminated by the means of gas. In a later report from March 1890 just six months after the gas fitment installation it stated that the town clock was to be illuminated with electricity. Sadly, there was no mention of the clock’s original location.