Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library Tuesday 22nd January 2019 (2:30pm - 3:30pm)
Do you like a bit of suspense? If you have a passion for the crime and thriller genres you may like to join our Crime Fiction Reading Group in Blaenavon World Heritage Centre & Library.
Every 4 weeks we will meet and discuss a new book. We will be looking beyond the most popular crime writers to encourage everyone to read something new.
Please contact the library to let us know you are coming: Tel. 01495 742333 Email: blaenavon.library@torfaen.gov.uk, Torfaen Libraries on Facebook or Twitter @torfaenlibrary
Surface Tours at Big Pit 2nd – 25th January, Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Whilst essential maintenance is carried out underground, our Miner Guides will be on hand to offer guided surface tours.
Join your miner guide as he explains the behind the scene work that takes place to keep Big Pit running as a world class museum.
Please ask reception for times and meeting point. More details
The Blacksmith Experience at Big Pit Sessions are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout January (except Monday 28th January) at 10am and 1pm. Ever wanted to try your hand at the art of blacksmithing. Come and join Len, our Pit Blacksmith for a special hands-on experience in the Forge. Len has over 50 years’ experience of working as a blacksmith and working underground. The session includes a demonstration from Len, blacksmithing tips and tricks and an opportunity to make your own fire poker or ash scraper to take home. £30 per person, per session. Sessions last up to an hour. Maximum 2 people per session. Limited availability so call now to reserve a place: (029) 2057 3650. More details
Heritage News
Funding Boost for Blaenavon Conservation Area The Blaenavon Conservation Area is set to be the focus of National Lottery investment through a Townscape Heritage Programme. A £1.2 million lottery grant has been awarded to Torfaen County Borough Council who, alongside other partners including Blaenavon Town Council, Cadw and private property owners, will contribute to a £1.9million funding package that will deliver physical improvements to the town and support a range of community activities that aim to raise the town’s profile, assisting in increasing footfall, business and trade. Full story can be found here.
Community News
South East Wales Resilient Uplands Funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government, the new South East Wales Resilient Uplands project builds on the Natural Resource Management Plan that was developed from the previous Forgotten Landscapes project.
A major focus for the three year project will be the restoration of important peat bogs, enhancing moorland habitats and developing better ways to combat illegal off-roading, arson and fly tipping. Work has already begun with project partners re-cutting fire breaks on the Blorenge to improve heather habitat and hinder the spread of future wildfires.
For more information contact: Alvin Nicholas South East Wales Resilient Uplands Project Manager Tel: 01495 742418 (2418) E-mail: Alvin.Nicholas@torfaen.gov.uk
Investment Ensures Hall’s Future The New Year will see an investment of £280,000 to improve facilities at the iconic Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall. Funding from the Rural Development Fund and match funding from Torfaen County Borough Council, Blaenavon Town Council and the Hall itself will see a range of improvements including new energy efficient lighting and windows, additional soundproofing for the Cinema, digital stage lighting and a new digital sound system for the theatre. Repairs to the roof and façade will also be carried out.
A new membership scheme will be launched after Christmas with discounts for members and special events so watch this space! Full story here.
