THERE was a time when it seemed that every town and pit village had an institute.

Sadly those days are gone.

That is why the 24th of July is such an important date for the people of Newbridge and Islwyn.

For that is the date the iconic Celynen Collieries Workingmen’s Institute and Memorial Hall – known across Islwyn as the Newbridge Memo – will once again open its doors to the community, having undergone the first phase of its £5.6 million restoration.

Perhaps what makes this different to any other renovation is that it was driven by the local community through the Friends of Newbridge Memo.

The restoration is an example of their resilience and determination to bring this magnificent building back to life.

Of course, the Memo is not some relic of a distant past – it really is the beating heart of the community in Newbridge.

The revamped Institute will be the home of a state-of-the-art library, a new computer learning suite and provide facilities for community groups and organisations to meet and come together.

From providing the base for the Newbridge branch of the Royal British Legion to holding yoga and dance classes, the Memo’s revamp will allow it to remain as it has always been – the centrepiece of the village.

Originally built to commemorate the 75 Newbridge men who died in the First World War, the Memo received national recognition as runner up in the BBC’s Restoration series – anyone who was involved in that campaign will never forget the sheer enthusiasm to see the building restored to its former glory.

It is not an understatement to say that the restoration of the Institute has captured the imagination not only of the local community in Islwyn, but of people from across the United Kingdom.

Although the Friends of the Memo did not win on that occasion the fight went on and despite disappointments along the way they are finally seeing their dream realised.

The building has long been a source of great pride for people across the South Wales Valleys and its restoration is the culmination of the tireless work of a range of campaigners from every corner of the community.

If anything, the Memo is testament to the hard work and vision of the people of Newbridge who wanted to see the Memo preserved, not only for future generations, but as a focal point of the town.