From its construction in the early 1970s right up until late 2022, Talgarth Church Hall played host, week in week out, to a range of community events - birthday parties, funeral teas, whist drives, bingo and the ever popular community car boot sales of more recent years.

The decision by the St Gwendoline’s Church authorities in late 2022 to close the hall, for reasons of cost and the need for investment, caused ripples of disappointment across the community.

However, long-term voluntary custodian of the Hall & car boot promoter, Tony James and his wife Doris decided to rise to the challenge.

Negotiations with Church authorities, both locally and further afield, were extensive but held in good faith. At the same time, the group that Tony and Doris assembled developed a special purpose constitution and now has charitable status.

It has been a long time coming but at last, as we enter a New Year, a 25-year lease is in place on the building, which has been relaunched as Talgarth Community Hall .

Diane James car boot raffle coordinator and Tony James, preparing one of his legendary pancakes
Diane James car boot raffle coordinator and Tony James, preparing one of his legendary pancakes (Talgarth Community Hall)

Commenting on the re-opening, Tony said: “I would like to thank all those who have supported us along the way. Special thanks to Peter Weavers for all his professional support, in securing the lease. Talgarth Community Hall is now open for hire.

“Our popular monthly community car boot sales are back and we are planning bingo evenings and coffee mornings too.

“Heartfelt thanks are due to Pearl Dray and Anna Weston for all their hard work, which has now paid off. Talgarth Community Hall is there for the whole community of Talgarth and district - so please give us your support.”

Tony, Marion Scott & Doris James, Community Hall volunteers and Diane James
Tony, Marion Scott & Doris James, Community Hall volunteers and Diane James (Talgarth Community Hall)

William Powell, Powys County Councillor for Talgarth, added:

“We as a community owe a debt of gratitude to Tony, Doris and the team. Their gritty determination to see Talgarth Community Hall restored to its former status as a community hub has paid off. They deserve both our respect and our thanks.

"Next Saturday, 2nd February sees our second Community Car Boot Sale of the year & Tony and Doris are looking forward to welcoming regular visitors and first timers alike.

“I also look forward to seeing you there.”