Archive - Thursday, 18 October 2001


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New community hall nearly ready

BARRY'S first West End Millennium Centre will be up and running by the end of next month.

The brand new Community Hall on the former Ysgol Gymraeg St Francis site should be fully operational by December 1.

Residents fought long and hard to obtain funding to turn the derelict building, which has lain empty since 1996, into a much-needed facility.

They formed the campaigning Saint Francis and Garden Suburb Community Association and lobbied for nearly four years to make their dream a reality.

They gained funding from the Millennium Commission's Cynnal 21st Century Halls fund, the Welsh Office and the Vale Council.

Now building work is well under way, to the relief and excitement of the community.

Chairman Rachel Connor told the News: "We had to do a lot of restorative work before we could make any improvements. But we have only been working on it since June this year and we are delighted with the progress."

The building is totally accessible to all members of the community who wish to book one of its two halls. Ramps have been built to make it easy for wheelchair use, and they also have disabled toilets."

It is already proving popular, with reservations already being made by a yoga group, a bridge group, a youth organisation and a children's play group.

"We want as many diverse collection of organisations as possible. If people want to book the hall, they should do so as soon as possible," Rachel said.

But before they welcome in the new era , the group is having one last meeting at the old 'hut' on Thursday, November 1 at 7.30pm.

Rachel said: "We will say goodbye to the old hut - a wooden building that has been the hub of community activity in this part of Barry for over 70 years.

"Although it is well past its sell-by date, it is held in great affection by local people who have attended youth clubs, playgroup, OAP clubs, christenings, birthdays and wedding parties in it, through its life as a community centre."

* For further information on the new Millennium Centre, please contact Rachel on Barry 421782.