Funding of the 'Stute

Miners Institutes and Welfare Halls were erected within mining communities in the UK around the turn of the 20^th century.   The affection for them and Llanhilleth Institute (the ‘Stute), in particular is difficult to quantify.   Although many people never went inside they still admire the building and would strongly defend it from demolition.   By others it is remembered as “the place to be.”

In 1839, in Newport, South Wales, the Chartist Riots triggered several Government reports.   One conclusion over the next fifty years or so was simply stated.   It would be cheaper to employ a school master than a platoon of soldiers.   Hence, the encouragement and even financing of Miners’ Institutes for the working miners in the belief that they would help quell political unrest.    At the turn of the century local Chapels, Churches and schools, were the main venues in Llanhilleth providing religion, concerts and choirs. 

Men lived in overcrowded terraced housing.   They worked together for long hours in a dangerous environment.   When the ‘Stute opened in 1906 it provided an exciting building accommodating a library, reading room, lecture room, a large custom built theatre, complete with ticket kiosks, orchestra pit and raked seating.   Apparently free from the control of coal owners, miners elected their own committee to plan and arrange events.   At the ‘Stute they laughed, debated and relaxed together as friends, enjoying entertainment and sport.  Camaradarie was nurtured here.  

The ‘Stute’s construction was mainly funded by the coal owners, Partridge Jones & Co. I know this will be disputed by many, but they donated £1000 and loaned £4000 out of a total cost of around £6750.  Various provisions were also made by the Government to support and entertain the miners within the Institute. 

Contributions of 1d. (1p. Decimal currency = 2.5d.) were deducted from miners’ wages by, Partridge Jones.   This allowed them to recoup their original loan.   Institute records show the ‘Stute also claimed the 1d. contribution for miners living within Llanhilleth but working in pits in other areas.  It was claimed they would still be using the 'Stute in their spare time.

Many came from the four streets in front of the Institute, “The Fields,” and worked at Llanhilleth Pit.   After their shift they would bath in front of the fire at home, change into their three-piece suit, don their cap or bowler, and go to the ‘Stute to discuss the topics of the day, read the daily or weekly papers or play snooker.  The 1d. per week membership would have been deducted from their wages at source.

Unemployed miners not paying contributions would not be allowed in.  With little cash, they would congregate on the corner outside the ‘Stute to talk and meet up.   Occasionally, when the weather is good, men still gather there. It was not until much later that the butcher, baker and other non-miners were allowed to become members, but then they had to pay a much higher contribution than the miners themselves.  People can remember, as children, feeling "left out" as they couldn't use the library at the Institute because their father wasn't a miner.
 

Many Institutes would not allow women or non-miners to have membership and even in later years, election to a committee was definitely not allowed according to the rules.   Female attendance was only under the membership of the man of the house. Women and children, while attending concerts and the cinema, and later baby clinics, were not encouraged on a regular basis.  

    

The Miners Welfare Fund (1919)

 In 1919 the Government set a levy on coal owners of 1d. per ton of coal produced.   This levy was used to create the Miners Welfare Fund to provide health and welfare facilities for miners, including pithead baths and rest homes.   The fund also helped provide Welfare Halls in areas not already served.   Before 1919, there had been no obligation on coal owners to provide for their workers, but many, such as Partridge Jones & Co. gave donations and loans to assist with provision of amenities within their community.   The Welfare Fund Commission had criteria for administering their support, and it was necessary for a plaque to be erected in the Institute “gratefully acknowledging” the payment received.    This was a step too far for many proud Institute committees unwilling to be seen to have accepted ‘charity’.   They were forced to seek funds elsewhere.

To receive money from the Welfare Fund, however, Institutes were required to have the involvement of all the community including women, unemployed, non-miners and the retired.

The Institute accounts held in Swansea reveal payments and support from this organisation which was later taken over by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, (CISWO) in 1952.

Early Events at the Institute

The Ithel Suite, the ballroom on the top floor, provided a stage for silent films, theatrical shows as well as big name acts and small local concerts.    Miners’ mass meetings as well as lectures, and a library were located on the upper ground floor, whilst the ground floor originally held a gymnasium and swimming pool.

Some Institutes had a ‘smoking room,’ but the ‘Stute plans do not indicate such a facility. Members could smoke anywhere in the building, and all events would have been enjoyed through a low haze of cigarette and pipe smoke.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was performed in 1907.   The South Wales Gazette quaintly reported in February 1907 that great applause greeted the rise and fall of the curtain.   James Davies “wielded great power” as a conductor.   While David Davies played the Prince, Oliver Harris the Huntsman and Mrs P Harris made an ideal Queen.   Miss Gertie Morrell was quite at home in the role of Snow White and sustained her part with great credit.   Philip Harris played piano accompaniment and Mr Williams played harp.

Crumlin and District United Choir, according to the S W Gazette, held a grand sacred concert in 1907 conducted by A J Phillips.   They sang the test piece for the Abergavenny Eisteddfod, with good effect.   A silver collection in aid of the choir fund was taken.

Grand concert by the Children of the Llanhilleth School   The South Wales Gazette reported a large audience, the hall was filled and many had to be turned away.   Mr Theo Jones presided.   Miss Roderick and Mr Rowlands trained the pupils to perform action songs, farces and humorous choruses.    A cantata “Bubbles,” with Miss Florrie Dixon as the fairy queen concluded the creditable entertainment.

Council for the Encouragement of the Arts (CEMA)

One informant remembers seeing Dame Sybil Thorndyke (1882-1976) and her husband Lewis Casson (1875-1969) on the stage at the ‘Stute in the 1930’s.   At this time, Dr Thomas Jones, an ex-cabinet Secretary to Lloyd George, had been involved with schemes to engage unemployed miners in the arts, to keep them occupied and learning.   In 1940, CEMA was officially launched to improve national morale during wartime.  During WWII Dame Sybil and her husband toured in Shakespearean productions on behalf CEMA which was later to become the Arts Council.   They brought the “Classics to the Valleys,”  with a performance of Shakespeare’s Othello, at the Institute.   

A visiting national operatic society performed Madame Butterfly at the Institute, but sadly during their performance, the mesmerised stewards on duty were interrupted as Bill Simmonds, the Institute Secretary and leader of the St Johns Ambulance brigade, had suddenly dropped dead.    He was hand carried home in the mining valley tradition.   A plaque was later erected at the ‘Stute in his honour.

National Council of Social Services (Later the National Council of Voluntary Services)

The National Council of Social Services, (NCVO), started in 1919 thanks to a £1,000 legacy from Edward Vivian Birchall who died in 1916, aged 32, at the Somme in France.   Many well-known voluntary organisations, such as Age Concern, Charities Aid Foundation and Citizens Advice Bureaux started out as projects within this organisation.   In the early 1930s they provided wireless sets to Institutes and Social Clubs to provide miners with a source of mental stimulation and recreation.

Llanhilleth Institute becomes a Charity in 1933

Six Trustees were appointed by the Charities Commissioner, and a liquor licence was taken out for the Ballroom area.   Previously there had been no alcohol or food allowed on the premises.   

In 1944 Llanhilleth held a Stay-At-Home Holiday Week, 6-12 August. 

WWII had been in progress for five years by the summer of 1944.   Dances had been held at the institute to raise money for the war effort, and in support of the Government’s “Is your journey really necessary?” campaign, Llanhilleth planned a fun week.   

A 23-page programme was printed by J R Davies, Abertillery, costing sixpence (2.5p) with proceeds going to local charities.  

Events included:

6 August, Sunday, 1944  The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir (Conductor Mr Ivor Screen), opened the week with a Grand Concert at the Workmen’s Hall.  

7 August, Monday, 1944 

11.00am  Baby Show at The Clinic in The workmen’s Institute (kindly lent).
            Breast-fed Babies up to 6 months, 6-12 months and 12-18 months
            Bottle-fed Babies  up to 6 months, 6-12 months and 12-18 months
            Entrance fee – 3d. (1.5p) each

            Special Prize for the BEST BABY in the Show

Author’s Note:  Its interesting to see bottle and breast-fed babies in different categories.    Its interesting to ponder the reasons for this and, should such a competition be held today, would discrimination be allowed?   

Pushchairs were less common than today.   Many women carried their children ‘Welsh fashion.’    A long flannel blanket, draped over the mother’s shoulders, would have one side wrapped under the right arm, the other over the left arm holding the baby.   The ends were then tied or wrapped together in front, ensuring the bottom edge of the wrap was tucked up under the baby, so that his/her weight was taken by mother’s back and not her arms, leaving mum free to shop, wash clothes, cook, all with babe close at hand.   Discrete breastfeeding could also be carried out if necessary.

1.00pm  The Opening Ceremony by Mrs Scanlon, supported by Councillor
Idris Pope, Chairman, P  Burchell, Vice-Chairman, H E Rice Jones, Hon. Sec., G Angel, Asst. Sec., and A Thayer, Treasurer.      

The prizes were presented for the Carnival Queen and her Court .

1.30pm  Tiny Tots Carnival proceeded from the Park, via The Playhouse, Blaencuffin Road, Hafodarthen Rd, Commercial St., Partridge Road and Meadow Street, back to the Park.

The Band of the 8^th Batt. Mon. Home Guard (Abertillery) were in attendance, Bandmaster, Mr W Townsend.

3.00pm  Programme of Children’s Sports included various running races,  sack race, potato race, skipping race, arch and tunnel.

9 August, Wednesday 1944

2.30pm   Horse Show & Gymkhana at the Park consisting of 13 Classes:  Galloway and Jumping Events, Musical Chairs, etc.           Over £55 in prizes.    

Admission to Park 1/- (5p)               
           
Side shows:  Fun Fayre:  Competitions:  Refreshments

10 August, Thursday, 1944

3.00pm   Open Pen Rabbit Show and Display (held under the British Rabbit Council Rules) at the Drill Hall, Llanhilleth (kindly lent).  
44 Open Classes:  Dutch, English, Silvers, Tans, Bevs, Chins, Rex, etc.

Whilst the Show Manager came from Oakdale, Judges came from as far afield as Barry, Porth and Henley-on-Thames.

Display of Garments and Pelts by Mr Crouch. (Representative of the Domestic Rabbit Keepers’ Council, Cardiff.)
           
Display of Unrationed Foods, by Messrs Sappa, Ltd., Bury St. Edmunds

11 August, Friday, 1944

6.30pm  Darts Competition at the Workmen’s Institute, Llanhilleth.
            Teams of Four            Entrance fee 2/- (10p)        1^st prize £2,          2^nd  prize £1
            Refreshments were provided in the Institute

12 August Saturday

A Boxing Tournament was held in the Workmen’s Hall.   (No results are available for these bouts or any details of prizes awarded.)

            12 x 2-minute rounds at 11 st. 6 lbs.
            Trevor Burt (Ogmore Vale) v.  Bunny Eddington (Pontycymmer)

            10 x 2-minute rounds at 8 st. 11 lbs.
            Young Joseph (Caridiff) v.  Ronnie Bishop (Argoed)

            8 x 2-minute rounds at 9 st. 4 lbs.
            Young Mackey (Newbridge)  v.  Ron Cook (Nantyglo)

            6 x 2-minute rounds at 9 st. 4 lbs.
            A Howells (Blackwood) v.  Jimmy Williams (Pengam)

Author’s Note:  Boxing Matches were organised in later years with the local Police force.   A champion was known as “One Round Hoyle,” as he could finish opponents in one round.   But the nickname meant quite the opposite during one match, as he didn’t even last one round.

 12 August, Saturday, 1944

2.00pm   At the Park:                           1st prize          2^nd prize          3^rd prize
            100 yards open Handicap       £2                    20/- (£1)          10/- (50p)
            220 yards open Handicap       £2                    20/-                  10/-
            440 yards open Handicap       £3                    30/- (£1.50p)   15/- (75p)
            1 Mile open Handicap              £4                    40/- (£2)          20/- (£1)
            1 Mile Relay Race for teams of 4 in relays of 440 yards:
                                                Four at 15/- (75p)        four at 10/- (50p).

4.00pm                        Home Guard Display   (No details available)

5.00pm                        Tug-of-War Competition
                                    Skittle Competition       1^st £2,  2^nd £1.

Side shows:  Fun Fayre:  Competitions:  Refreshments at moderate Charges.
Admission to the Ground  1/- (5p)

A glimpse of the poverty and lack of resources within the community is revealed in the advertisements in the pamphlet.  

            Joseph & Falkman Ltd. in their advert for second-hand furniture, includes the words         “Bring Your Own Utility Permits,”    Furniture was among several items rationed at         that time.

            Arthur J Phillips & Son, the general dealers has “odd cups, plates” for sale.

No direct mention of the war is included, but W. Thomas & Sons, Bakers, Grocers & Provision Merchants provides a strong reminder with:  

“WE ALL HAVE OUR   TROUBLES – Our Biggest Trouble is to do our best for you, even in these troublesome times.”