EVERY so often, through the course of my working day I am reminded of the wonderful history that surrounds us in the South Wales Valleys.

Much of that history is related to the extraction of coal, I was reminded of this a couple of weeks ago when I attended an event to mark the completion of stage one of the regeneration of the Newbridge Miners’ Institute and Memorial Hall.

The ‘Memo’ as it is known locally was paid for by the collection of small subscriptions from individual miners and is an amazing example of early 20th-century architecture.

Its ballroom, particularly the flooring and its cinema, are famous and a real sight to see.

Sadly, however, in more recent times, the building fell into disrepair but ten years ago the community came together to do something about it.

Packed public meetings were held and many came forward to help get the restoration project going.

I will not name them all, however Howard Stone deserves a specific mention for all the work he has put in.

Many of you will remember that the Memo came very close to winning the BBC’s restoration competition and what a disappointment the final result was, yet Howard and his team never gave up, and started the often daunting process of seeking grant support.

What they have achieved in starting this rebuild is more than just bringing the building in to good condition.

Through this project they have rediscovered the community spirit that originally initiated this fantastic building in the first place.

However we are not just talking about reliving the past; the Memo will be a fantastic community asset for the 21st century, containing a council one stop shop and library.

Caerphilly council believed in this project and have proved it by locating services in the building; I have already held an advice surgery in the building and will continue to do so.

Finally I would like to wish Susan Morrison the retiring head teacher at Penllwyn Primary School a very happy retirement.

Susan has been a great servant to the school and to education in the borough.

A big thanks from all of us, Susan, for all your hard work.