A Century of Community

St Brides Wentlooge Village Hall has been at the heart of our rural community for over a century. The land on which the hall stands was generously donated in 1921 by Lord Tredegar for the benefit of the village’s ex-servicemen. Since then, the hall has played an important role in local life; a gathering place for events, commemorations, and community life on the rural Wentlooge Levels.

The original hall was a modest structure, but its role was far from small. From the early days, it hosted everything from whist drives and fundraising concerts to community meetings and celebrations.

Newspaper archives trace its history back to the 1920s, when local events included children’s Christmas parties, produce shows, and wartime socials. In 1928, for instance, the Chepstow Weekly Argus reported on a well-attended concert raising funds for the local church. Articles in both the South Wales Argus and Chepstow Weekly Argus from the 1920s through to the 1970s show a versatile space, serving as a hub for Women’s Institute meetings, Young Farmers events, youth clubs, harvest suppers, and even drama productions. The vibrant community spirit continued into the latter half of the 20th century, with events regularly reported in local papers – a testament to the hall’s enduring place in village life.

The current building was constructed in 1992 by a company based in the village, and was officially opened by Welsh Olympic Gold Medallist Lynn Davies CBE (then MBE). This modern facility allowed the hall to better serve the evolving needs of the community, while continuing its legacy of bringing people together.

Over the decades, the hall has adapted with the times while remaining a cornerstone of rural life. Events such as the 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and, more recently, a celebration paying homage to actor Lyn Harding (a St Brides native), demonstrate how the hall continues to embrace the present while honouring its heritage.

Today, the hall is still run entirely by volunteers. While currently undergoing repairs and refurbishment, the building remains open for bookings and community use where possible. Looking ahead, we’re determined to bring the hall back to its former glory as a thriving hub for the community, and to create a lasting memorial to honour the ex-servicemen for whom the land was originally gifted.

From dances and dinners to drama and dedication, St Brides Wentlooge Village Hall continues to reflect the resilience, generosity, and spirit of the community it serves.