History of Castleton & District Village Hall (formerly The Castleton & District Young Men's Friendly Society)
Around 1884 a group of self educated young men of culture and intelligence met in a spare ground floor room in the middle of Castleton Village - opposite the Masonic Temple - then known far and wide as "The Coffee Tavern". Not that coffee was ever known to be served there! There was no name applied to their meetings, except that they became known and recognized as "Penny Readings" since newsprint was scarce and daily newspapers were not readily available. But at that time, literature, especially works of Dickens, Thackeray and Trollope, were published in serial form, and young men (members) paid one penny towards the then "library". What they failed to read in the Tavern they took home to copy into exercise books ready for discussion at the next gathering. Politics, even in those days was the main topic of conversation and discussion, many highbrow arguments taking place in their "cabinet" meetings.
Tom Ellis, a Member of Parliament, and engaged as tutor to sons of a local family, lodged in Castleton Village, was of immense influence among the members of the society. It was at the time of the Great Social Reform when Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, later Prime Minister, introduced the Old Age Pension of the princely sum of five shillings per week.
Because the young men wanted and needed a larger meeting place, it was soon decided to organize functions to raise funds for an Institution. A plot was acquired - a gift from Lord Tredegar - and with a series of Flower shows, Fetes, Bazaars and concerts, a fund grew and was well supported by the whole district.
The Grand Opening Day of a good solid brick building took place in 1923. Mr Wyndham Ivor Radcliffe (M.A.) young son of Mr Henry Radcliffe of Druidstone Mansion and retired ship owner of Cardiff, graced the occasion by declaring the Institute officially opened and quite free of debt. He had generously wiped out the debt of 250 pounds. Unfortunately this generous young friend and benefactor died under tragic circumstances only two years later.
Whist Drives organized in the late 1940's were so well attended that the overflow had to play in St. Mary's church hall on the opposite side of the Marshfield road.
In 1953 the snooker room was added and a further snooker table purchased. This has now been converted into Marshfield Monkeys Playgroup.
In recent years the name has been changed to CASTLETON & DISTRICT VILLAGE HALL so that grants can be applied for and used for the upkeep of the building.
On the outside of the building there were originally five plaques; unfortunately only three remain. These are inscribed with dedications as follows:-
1. In memory of the late Mr. John Cory, J.P., DL, who provided the society with its' first meeting place, and remained one of its' greatest benefactors. This stone was laid by Sir Richard Mathias, Bart. May 31st 1924.
2. This stone was laid by the President of the Flower Show, Sir H. Webb. Bart. LI. May 31st 1924.
3. In memory of the late Mr. T. E. Ellis, M.P., through whose instrumentally the 1st meeting of the society was held on Dec. 5th 1884 who was the first secretary. This stone was laid by L. Forestier-Walker; Esq. M.P. May 31st 1924.
Tom Ellis, a Member of Parliament, and engaged as tutor to sons of a local family, lodged in Castleton Village, was of immense influence among the members of the society. It was at the time of the Great Social Reform when Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, later Prime Minister, introduced the Old Age Pension of the princely sum of five shillings per week.
Because the young men wanted and needed a larger meeting place, it was soon decided to organize functions to raise funds for an Institution. A plot was acquired - a gift from Lord Tredegar - and with a series of Flower shows, Fetes, Bazaars and concerts, a fund grew and was well supported by the whole district.
The Grand Opening Day of a good solid brick building took place in 1923. Mr Wyndham Ivor Radcliffe (M.A.) young son of Mr Henry Radcliffe of Druidstone Mansion and retired ship owner of Cardiff, graced the occasion by declaring the Institute officially opened and quite free of debt. He had generously wiped out the debt of 250 pounds. Unfortunately this generous young friend and benefactor died under tragic circumstances only two years later.
Whist Drives organized in the late 1940's were so well attended that the overflow had to play in St. Mary's church hall on the opposite side of the Marshfield road.
In 1953 the snooker room was added and a further snooker table purchased. This has now been converted into Marshfield Monkeys Playgroup.
In recent years the name has been changed to CASTLETON & DISTRICT VILLAGE HALL so that grants can be applied for and used for the upkeep of the building.
On the outside of the building there were originally five plaques; unfortunately only three remain. These are inscribed with dedications as follows:-
1. In memory of the late Mr. John Cory, J.P., DL, who provided the society with its' first meeting place, and remained one of its' greatest benefactors. This stone was laid by Sir Richard Mathias, Bart. May 31st 1924.
2. This stone was laid by the President of the Flower Show, Sir H. Webb. Bart. LI. May 31st 1924.
3. In memory of the late Mr. T. E. Ellis, M.P., through whose instrumentally the 1st meeting of the society was held on Dec. 5th 1884 who was the first secretary. This stone was laid by L. Forestier-Walker; Esq. M.P. May 31st 1924.