Summer Sundays at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre Thursdays 28th July – 25th August 2.30-3.30pm
The Big Friendly Read Story and Craft activities for children aged five and over. Free of charge. Booking advisable, e-mail: Blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk – 01495 742333. Sunday 7th August 2-4pm
Bring your favourite teddy to the Teddy Bears Picnic. Entertainment, activities and fun games with Mad Mel. Best dressed teddy wins a prize. Free entry. Picnics and cream teas will be served in the Heritage Café. Sunday 14th August 2-4pm
Oakdale Silver Band will be entertaining visitors in the grounds of the Centre. Cream teas will be served in the Heritage Café. Sunday 21st August 2-4pm
A toe-tapping afternoon with music from the Celtic Café Band & traditional dancing from the Isca Morris Dancers. Blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk – 01495 742333
Summer at Big Pit National Coal Museum Miners’ Fortnight, Monday – Friday, until 5 August, 12pm-4pm
Miners’ Fortnight was the highlight of the summer for coalfield communities, so come along and enjoy activities for the whole family including crafts, soft play, dressing up and games. Living History Weekend, 6 & 7 August, 12pm-4pm
Step back in time and find out about the extraordinary lives of the heroes and heroines of coal mining during WWII. The forgotten Bevin Boys, who spent the war on the ‘underground front’ with Warwick Taylor a real life Bevin Boy and not forgetting the women at the homefront. More information.
Defence of Blaenavon at the Ironworks Return of the successful World War Two themed event centred on Blaenavon Ironworks.On 6th & 7th August enjoy living history displays, weapon displays and music, painting a vivid picture of life during this troubled time.
There will be a chance to listen to real stories of life on the home front told by the firesides of Stack Square.
10.30pm – 4.00pm. Free Entry. More information.
Blaenavon Heritage Railway – Classic Transport Show In addition to our normal days at the weekend, trains will run every Wednesday between 11.00 and 3.45. On the 28th and 29th August our classic train will be supplemented by a display of classic cars, buses and other transport. Visit our website for further details.
Wales Valleys Walking Festival The 12th Annual Wales Valleys Walking Festival is taking place from 3rd – 18th September 2016. The festival provides walks for everyone right across the South Wales Valleys. Catering for all abilities, from challenging all day treks, to easier strolls and special interest walks. - 6th September - Blaenavon - Industrial Town to Nature Reserve - Easy - 7th September - Moorland, Manufacturing and Mining - Moderate to Strenuous - 15th September - Industrial Pathways - Llanfoist to Govilon Circular Walk - Easy to Strenuous - The strenuous section is optional.
Booking is essential, so please pre-book on your walks, to avoid disappointment.
Further information on the Festival walks in Blaenavon and Torfaen can be found by clicking here or contact Blaenavon TIC for details on 01495 742333.
Community News
Dance on The Mountain On Saturday 16 July 2016 some 150 Dancers plus descended on Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall and the World Heritage Visitor Centre for the second Dawns ar y Mynydd (A celebration of dance in Blaenavon). Organised by Dawnswyr Blaenafon and a dedicated group of helpers, the Hall and its surroundings were thronged by dancers of different styles: Belly dancers rubbed shoulders with Morris Men, Line dancers with Cha Cha and Jive. The day was hugely successful for both audience and participants, and the feed-back so far has all been very positive. Dancers varied in age from 2 year olds to those aged over 70. A large audience enjoyed the displays of a variety of dances, there was an opportunity for the audience to join in with the dancers and the floor was packed for the Belly dance and Line Dance workshops.The Heritage Centre hosted an outside stage for the first time this year. Organiser Jac Denley-Jones said “Everyone who came, either as a dancer or to watch had a great time. We have already booked the date for next year, 22 July 2017. We hope people will come along next year and have a wonderful day.”
Blaenavon Community Garden Project A group of volunteers in Blaenavon have started work improving public spaces in the town. Part of the Town Team initiative, supported by the Town Council and Bron Afon Community Housing, they meet every Friday afternoon with a schedule planned a month in advance. You may have noticed improvements in Hope Garden and Broad Street car park already?
All new volunteers are welcome. If you would like to pop along and meet everyone, here is our summer schedule. 05 August - Broad Street Car Park
12 August - Hope Garden
16 August - Broad Street Car Park
19 August - Broad Street Car Park
This schedule is subject to change. If you would like to find out the latest news, please head on over to our Facebook page “BlaenavonCommunityGardenProject” or you could e-mail us on: group@bcgp.co.uk
Support Your Local Museum The newly accredited Blaenavon Community Museum was officially opened in June by Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and Mr David Risk Kennard at a well-attended event. The museum, run entirely by volunteers, tells the cultural heritage of Blaenavon and the South Wales Valleys. There a number of ways in which you can support the museum – by becoming a member of Blaenafon Heritage Group (registered charity number 1079437) for £10pa, by volunteering, visiting or simply spreading the word! Get in touch.
