After many disappointments with unsuccessful funding applications, including being turned down by the Big Lottery, Semex and CADW. We also withdrew our application to WREN because it was felt that the application wasn’t strong enough and would have been turned down. The Trustees finally have good news in the fact that we have now been successful with an application to the Community Facilities and Activities Programme (administered by the Welsh Assembly).

Although the offer at this stage is only an offer in principle for £163,615, the Trustees are confident that they can satisfy the further requirements to secure the funding. We have now organised a meeting to resurrect the project as soon as possible, with the aim to completing the project before the winter months set in. The Trustees would like to thank everyone who contributed to our efforts for this funding with their letters of support and encouragement.

On Monday 14th July work started on the refurbishment of the rear of Llay Miners Welfare. This will consist of securing the roof, guttering, rendering, balustrade and will also include the removal, restoration and replacement of the original windows in the upstairs function room and will match the work that has previously been carried out on the rest of the building thus securing the future of the Grade 2 listed building for many years to come.

The £96,000 cost of the restoration has been funded primarily with grants through The Heritage Lottery Fund £49,600 and The Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd. (W.R.E.N.) £35,000 and is expected to take three months. The management team at Llay M.W.I. wish to thank the two funding bodies whose help has been invaluable and without their aid the restoration would not have been possible. Information on available funding can be found at the following web sites.

Llay Welfare was built in 1929 and is a grade 2 listed building. As with any such building the upkeep is continuous and this has been one of the main priorities of the Trustees.

Over the past 5 years refurbishment of the front of the building, to include new windows and specialist treatment to the sandstone balustrade has been completed with funds provided by the WDA.In connection with the One Stop Shop project the land fill tax credit scheme has provided useful funds to tarmac the car park and recently, to comply with the disability act, to install a lift so that the disabled may attend and enjoy the entertainment facilities of the first floor cabaret room.