Islwyn’s MP has encouraged Blackwood residents to “show their love” for Blackwood Miners’ Institute after it was confirmed the venue would remain open indefinitely.
This winter, Caerphilly County Borough Council made a successful funding application to the Arts Council of Wales which meant the century-old venue could stay open beyond March and transition to a more sustainable model.
The Stute has a long history of evolution. Built in 1925, it was originally a single-storey snooker hall known as the Blackwood Miners’ Welfare Institute and Library. Expenses at the time were covered by the wages of Oakdale miners.
In the 1930s, two more floors were added to the building. It was a place for snooker, reading groups, rehearsals and union meetings for the local miners.
But after a series of pit closures in the 1970s and 80s, the building fell into a state of disrepair and became a charitable trust in 1990.
It was refurbished and reopened in 1992 thanks to funding from Islwyn Borough Council and the Welsh Office branch of UK Government.
Most recently, it has received crucial funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council, who manage the service as part of their local theatre and arts portfolio.
This week, local MP Ruth Jones visited Blackwood Miners’ Institute with the Deputy Leader of Caerphilly Council to meet the staff, learn more about the history of the building and discuss the exciting vision for the venue which will be set out over the coming months.
Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said: “I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when we heard the future of the venue had been secured. I’d like to thank Caerphilly council for listening to the public and making a passionate application to the Arts Council which clearly paid off. Now is the time for all of us to show our love for the Stute. Maybe you have friends or family who haven’t visited but you think they would love it. Show them what they’ve been missing! Times may change but there will always be a place in Blackwood for a venue like this.”
Councillor Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “It was good to join Ruth at the BMI to discuss the long-term future for the venue. Things are looking very positive for the future running of the building and we look forward to a prosperous 2025.”