22 February 2012
Over 400 guests and friends of Blackwood Miners' Institute joined together to celebrate the 20th Anniversary recently.
Built and paid for out of the Miners' wages at 3d a week, Blackwood Miners' Institute originally opened as a single story snooker hall in 1925. Following the pit closures in 1970's and 1980's the building fell into disrepair but was reopened as an arts and entertainment venue on 17th February 1992.
20 years to the day of the reopening, the recently refurbished venue saw three community acts perform including Oakdale Silver Band, Serin and Blackwood Musical Theatre Society followed by an amazing finale by Only Men Aloud.
Cllr. Phil Bevan, Cabinet Member for Education and Leisure said, "The feedback from the evening has been most complimentary, a celebration truly worthy of the past 20 years. The recent £750,000 refurbishment will ensure that the building continues to thrive in the heart of the community and offer a space for both community performances and professional shows to take place."
He continued, "The renovated building boasts new seating, a brand new roof, restoration to the front façade and has undergone full internal decoration."
A sneak preview of the celebrations and Only Men Aloud singing happy birthday
For further information on forthcoming shows, please call Blackwood Miners' Institute's Box Office on 01495 227206 or book online at www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com
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