£11k grant brings big screen to Coelbren

Film nights for families on the doorstep

Coelbren Welfare Hall has been awarded an £11,170 Awards for All grant, with support from coal mining charity CISWO, to create a welcoming entertainment space for residents.

The project will host at least 26 cinema nights over the next year, offering affordable screenings for families and individuals who would otherwise face long journeys and high costs to enjoy a night at the movies.

Trustee Emma Davies said:

“We wanted to create something that brings people together and offers families a chance to enjoy entertainment without the cost and travel.

The support from CISWO has helped us access the Awards for All grant and made this possible — we’re excited to see the positive impact on our community.”

Strong start for new cinema

The first screenings have already attracted strong interest from locals, with organisers promising to shape the programme around community feedback to ensure the films reflect local tastes and needs.

Nicola Didlock, CISWO Chief Executive, said:

“We’re delighted to have supported Coelbren Welfare Hall in launching its new Community Cinema.

This project is a fantastic initiative that makes entertainment accessible in a rural, former mining area and creates a lively hub for families and friends to connect and enjoy shared experiences.”

Backing from coalfields charity

CISWO — which has been supporting coalfield communities since 1920 — says its grants service helps miners’ welfare charities identify funding opportunities, strengthen applications and build long‑term sustainability.

The charity, which became a registered organisation in 1995, remains the only national body solely focused on supporting former coal miners, their families and local mining communities.

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#cinema #CISWO #coalfieldCommunities #Coelbren #CoelbrenWelfareHall #MinersWelfare #SouthPowys #TaweUchaf #TheCoalMiningCharity

Tributes paid to Ystradgynlais grandfather who died in Coelbren cycle crash

Malcolm John Shopland, aged 72, from Ystradgynlais, was cycling when he was involved in a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A4221 near Coelbren, at the junction with Cefn Byrle Road, at around 3.15pm on Thursday, May 15.

His family described Malcolm as an “honest, hardworking man who dedicated his life to his family and the things he loved”.

He was a devoted husband to Eleanor for more than 50 years, a proud father to Wendy and Mark, father-in-law to Lisa, and a doting Grampy to Jordan and Caitlin.

They said: “He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and found joy in the simple pleasures of life – tending to his garden, listening to music, and walking his son’s dog Jake, with whom he had the most amazing bond.

“Malcolm was a man who found happiness in movement, in nature, and in companionship. His quiet strength and gentle humour were a constant source of support and warmth to those around him.

“His sudden absence leaves an unfillable space in the lives of those who knew and loved him. As a family, we are devastated. We ask for privacy as we come to terms with our loss, and we thank everyone who has shown us kindness during this incredibly difficult time.

“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the emergency services who attended the scene, and for the ongoing support we have received from Dyfed-Powys Police.”

#Coelbren #DyfedPowysPolice #fatalAccident #RoadTrafficAccident #Ystradgynlais

The Hobbit is now available in Welsh!!!

I love that the translator has used #Coelbren instead of Anglo-Saxon runes. Also very funny that he's given the trolls Cofi dialects instead of cockney. 😊

#Tolkien #YrHobyd #TheHobbit #Hobbit #LordOfTheRings #lotr #Welsh #Cymraeg #MelinBapur

@NationCymru https://toot.wales/@NationCymru/112738590367019018