Felindre’s much used Welfare Hall has received a welcome Christmas boost thanks to a £25,000 makeover from energy infrastructure company National Grid’s community involvement programme.
The whole community will benefit from much-needed new facilities including an extension to provide shower and washing facilities, a new heating and electric system, emergency lighting, new seating for the dining area and a system to help people with hearing impairment.
The improvements were officially opened by local Assembly Member Edwina Hart.
Unveiling a locally-made commemorative slate plaque, she said: “Felindre’s Welfare Hall is used by everyone from the pre-school nursery and youth club, to the bingo club and old folks’ gatherings; it’s the core of this community and brings everyone together. Thanks to National Grid’s community involvement programme, the hall has been given a refurbishment and a wide range of new equipment for all ages that is making its use a lot more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.“
Listening to some of the village’s primary school pupils trying out their new musical equipment, also funded by National Grid’s donation, the company’s Felindre Compressor Station project manager Paul Cumpstone said: “Throughout the ongoing construction of National Grid’s new compressor station on the outskirts of the village, local people have been extremely understanding and indeed we’ve used this hall for events such as our information exhibition. We’re delighted that we can give something back to them and hope that the new equipment and facilities will provide much enjoyment for all.”
Some of the first to benefit from the new facilities are members of the West Wales Caravan Club who use the car park as a base for their annual visit from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve and will now have the benefit of the hall’s showers and heating facilities.
Also at the opening, Mawr Councillor Ioan Richard said: “This work has helped us meet new guidelines with the internal refurbishments. Thanks to National Grid’s team responsible for the new natural gas pipeline, we’ve also commissioned three community information boards and three new benches made from recyclable materials by a local craftsman.”
For further press information, please contact Caroline Davidson on 07785 254696