100th Anniversary For Llangunllo Community Hall

Archive information and photographs can become the little gems of history in events that time may have forgotten, especially when they happened 100 years ago!
On Sunday, June 14th, we were very fortunate to have the luxury of both, as the many gathered to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Llangunllo Community Hall.
However, the Hall didn’t use that name when it opened its doors for the first time, it changed many years later.

Humble Beginnings

During the afternoon, we heard how Rochdale mill owner, Mr J T Jackson, had provided the finances for the building in 1926, when he was High Sheriff Of Radnorshire, having bought Treburvaugh around 1898. Unfortunately, by the time the building was ready for opening in 1927, Mr Jackson had sadly died, but his widow and family kindly donated it to serve as a church hall for Llangunllo, and it became ‘The Jackson Memorial Church Hall.’
Some excellent archive detective work by Jennifer Lewis proved very fruitful, as she found the original, handwritten entry in Llangunllo School log book for January 20th 1927, which relates to the opening, it reads:

“Another heavy fall of snow caused very low attendance this morning. Present 24. The percentage for week is 69. In accordance to notice sent to the Director and HMI the school was closed this afternoon for the opening of the Church Hall by the Lord Bishop of Swansea and Brecon”

Jennifer also found a newspaper cutting published on Thursday 3rd February 1927, with details of the opening and how it was marked, naming the above dignitaries & those who had helped during the celebrations. Here are a few excerpts:

“The proceedings commenced with an address by the Bishop, and a suitable hymn was sung. The vicar gave a short address and expressed a hope that the hall would prove a blessing to the church as the donor (Mr Jackson) intended it….”
“…The subsequent tea was under the management of The Women’s Institute and a few friends. A concert was arranged in the evening…”
“…The vicar, who presided, thanked all for their kind help. The singing of the National Anthem closed a very memorable Day.”

As we thought about those proceedings 100 years ago, looking on was a poignant echo from the past, in the form of a photographic treasure, taken on the day of the official opening ceremony & owned by Isabel Morris. The snow can clearly be seen lying on the ground, quite a contrast to our sunny June day! The photo has now been enhanced, enlarged and framed to hang on a wall within the hall as a reminder of its beginnings, the gratitude to Mr Jackson, his widow & family, and to mark this special anniversary.
When the building of the hall was finished, no organisation was willing to take it on, so responsibility fell to Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Trust, administered by The Parochial County Council, and this continued for many years.

Changes For The Future

In 2002 the 1st AGM of The Llangunllo Community Hall Management Committee took place and responsibility for the hall passed to them, with officers and representatives taken from members of the local community. This is how the hall is still run, as well as being registered as a charitable organisation along the way.
Over the years, the committee has ensured that the building has undergone sizeable alterations and many improvements, which are always ongoing to improve its comfort and ease of use for all.

For Today

During this happy afternoon of celebration and reminiscence, old photograph albums were on display and a dvd played on the screen, compiled by Trev Jones, showing older and more recent photos from many past events by various groups within the community. An assortment of games were available outside for fun-seekers to enjoy in the sunshine. The Hall committee provided a complimentary cream tea and visitors brought food items to add to the generous, shared buffet.
We had heard a whisper that another celebration was abound and everyone joined in singing a hearty, “Happy Birthday” to Austin Pugh, which brought a big smile to 9 year old’s face.
After we had heard about the history of the hall, the hopes for its future were expressed and thanks to the trustees, committee and especially to all who support events held at the hall. A delicious, beautifully decorated cake, made by Chris Pugh to mark the occasion was cut by one of the oldest and youngest present, whose combined ages, fittingly, added up to 100. Tommy Lewis, aged 94, who was instrumental in the building alterations during the 1990’s, and 6 year old Georgia Pugh, both did a sterling job as they sliced into the huge cake, followed by rousing cheers & applause.
As the contents of the buffet & cream tea gradually disappeared, the cake was distributed, happy memories were recalled to mind, and more were made, under the jolly decorations.
We hope it will always be so, as we look forward to the next 100 years.
Huge thanks to those who helped to organise and make the occasion such an enjoyable afternoon, and to everyone who came along.
Words: Debbie Jones Photographs: Michael Brown, Charles Kightly, Caroline Breeze, Melissa Pugh and Jennifer Lewis