The Clock

The clock visible at the front of the building is a prominent feature of the ‘Stute and has played an equally important part in the lives of the people of the Fields and further away, over many years.   It was possibly not included in the original 1906 building, but added later, in 1910 or so.   Suggestions have also been made that it was added when the porch was erected, around 1914-1920.

The clock face originally consisted of ceramic, and the mechanism used counterweights attended regularly by the Caretaker to ensure it kept the correct time.  Cables extended away from the clock, down both sides of the gable end and into the outside corner of the rooms on either side of the entrance hall. These cables were encased in wooden boxes still visible though not obvious today.    The timing could be adjusted by opening a small door in the front of each of these boxes and placing old pennies on the counterweight inside to adjust the balance.   These pennies, were known to mysteriously disappear into little boys pockets while everyone’s back was turned.   We have already heard of an important use small boys would have for a 1d. – entry to the cinema upstairs.

In 1947 Robert Roberts (Bob), was the Caretaker of the Institute.   He ensured that the clock was always showing the correct time.   “Never a minute out.”   He knew its importance for the miners starting work.   Often they would rely on this clock as their only timepiece.   If a minute late for work they were sent home immediately and would receive no pay for the lost shift.   At a time when alarm clocks were not always available or affordable, both men and women used this clock to plan their daily lives.

A lady, now in her seventies, remembers, aged 3 and living in GLANYNANT, using binoculars to view the valley below from her bedroom window.    The more the wind and rain lashed the scene, the more she enjoyed the view from above.    One thing she always enjoyed looking down on, was the Institute clock.  

In later years girls, out chasing boys, would use the clock to time the last bus home to Swffrydd, (boys as well, I suspect.)    They would catch the bus outside Peglers (one of a chain of grocery stores), in the main street.    Courting couples would check the clock to ensure they made the most of every minute of their allotted time, before the girl was escorted home to her front door.   The couple would arrive at exactly the allotted time, not a second over the deadline, otherwise they would receive a tongue lashing and grounding from her upset parents.

 “You’re under the clock,” has had an ominous ring to it over the years.   Originally this phrase was a euphemism, meaning you were due for a visit to the Magistrate’s Court held every other Tuesday in what is now the “Red Ash Cafe.”  

Parents, the world over, are always ready to proffer a warning to their children, and the parents of Llanhilleth were no different.   If they felt the children were not trying hard enough in school or behaving themselves in the street, they were warned, “If you don’t behave you’ll end up under the clock,”  inferring in later life they would end up before the Magistrate’s Court.

Later, the same phrase was used to mean you would be appearing before the Social Club Committee for some misdemeanour such as swearing or fighting.   A ban could last from a few days to a few weeks or more, depending on the committee’s decision.

Over the years, this clock has been part of the community.   Children learnt (and still learn) to tell the time by its large friendly face.   “Come in for your tea when the long hand is on the twelve and the short hand is on the four!”   

On New Year’s Eve neighbours would stand on their doorsteps along The Fields anticipating the strike of midnight, whilst nearly two hundred revellers inside the Institute would sing “Auld Lang Syne” and burst balloons let down from the customary ceiling net.

Inside the main hall, the face of the clock was boxed in and hidden for many years as part of a ‘modernisation,’ but is now displayed as part of the current refurbishment.   The automated mechanism has no need for winding or to be adjusted with pennies.    Events in the ballroom are intermittently disturbed by the clock striking the hour, but the original chime has not been reinstated.    

Although watches and alarm clocks are now commonplace, I like to think of people still using this clock to check they are on time as they go about their business. 

The following song was created with Cheryl Beer and is included in a book of community work, “Write in the Heart of the Community.”    This piece was created when the Institute was being renovated, but just before the clock was refurbished.   

Heartbeat of the Village
Inspired by Hayley Brown

There was a clock, tick tock,
Told the children when it was time for tea;
Told the men that the miners were free;
Told the Mrs that her hubby might be late,
Holding onto another beer at the Institute gate.

CHORUS
But that clock has stopped ... ticking
Time has stood ... still, till now
And though the bells still ring out
We must count the minutes somehow.

With every penny, every shilling
That the miners were willing
Every brick is a piece of Llanhilleth
each window frames a scene
Of how your life might have been
When the clock was the heartbeat of the village.

CHORUS

So do come and see
How good it can be
To read in the rooms
Where your fathers have been.
Do come and listen.
See how the windows glisten.
The floors have been re-laid,
And the walls are skimmed clean.

CHORUS

The old dance floor shines, remembering times
When Saturday nights
Were full of dances and beer.
Pull back the layers,
Raise the wood ceiling,
Close your eyes.
It’s just like the past were here.

And yes, I have travelled, and yes, I have roamed,
And though I’m just passing through, somehow this feels like home.

A peace and warmth restored, they won’t stop
Until life is breathed into ...  The Institute clock.

                                   

                                    --oo0oo--