Save Llancaich Fawr!
Llancaiach Fawr at Risk of Closure
Caerphilly council is proposing to ‘mothball’ stunning Tudor mansion Llancaiach Fawr, in an effort to save money. There are a lot of voices raised against this, and against the imminent closure of Blackwood Miner’s Institute in Blackwood.
The manor house is such a community hub, offering a wide variety of events, workshops, ghost tours etc… as well as meals in their lovely restaurants, the Lounge and the Conservatory. Apart from anything else, it seems to me that rather than saving money, they will be cutting off a means of bringing money in, not to mention the loss of jobs when those currently employed there lose their positions.
That this is even being contemplated is unbelievable to me. Llancaiach Fawr is always so popular, you have to get in quick if you want to take part in their events. Especially at Christmas, when the house is even more beautiful than ever. I understand the need to budget, money is tight and so on, but to close down such an historically important venue that brings money in makes no sense to me. All of which also applies to Blackwood Miner’s Institute. I have enjoyed several shows there. My little granddaughter has seen shows and pantomimes there. The thought of losing it makes me very sad.
It is worth noting that the same council also proposed stopping a meal delivery service, which delivers meals to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, again in a bid to save money. Why does it always seem to be the case that the most needy are the first to suffer? Thankfully, this proposal has recently been reversed.
The word ‘mothballing’ bothers me here. I have a feeling that once mothballed, these places will remain closed permanently, being sold off to some rich developer or private buyer or something.
Something similar happened years ago now, to a building called Insole Court in Radyr, Cardiff. That wonderful place was saved by the community and is now a thriving hub, with all kinds of amazing things going on there, including a community garden, which I personally think is fabulous. If they saved Insole Court, then they can save Llancaiach Fawr and Blackwood Miner’s Institute too.
I will watch carefully, with fingers crossed, to see what happens regarding this important and beautiful buildings. I hope that when I report back, it will be with good news. Surely, there are other ways the council could cut back, without causing such upset and damage to the communities involved, and without depriving necessary causes such as schools, medical facilities and so on. I hope so.
https://blackwoodminersinstitute.com
Llancaiach Fawr by S P Oldham
