The Manic Street Preachers have given us a helping hand by providing limited edition memorabilia for an on-line auction.
Blackwood’s most famous sons donated signed picture disc of their latest album, ‘Critical Thinking’ and a signed tour t-shirt to the ‘Stute, which was auctioned off on a Manic Street Preachers on-line forum.
Jane Homes, a nurse living in Taffs Well, won the bidding war and when the hammer went down, she donated £160 to the ‘Stute.
I have followed the Manics since seeing them at a small venue over 30 years ago. I am an avid fan and go to at least one concert on every UK tour. I went to their book signing and also was delighted to find James being involved and performing at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff at which I was a volunteer.
I have every vinyl and cd but am always looking out for limited edition items so was delighted to see genuine signed items on a fan site with the money going towards such a worthy cause. I was determined I wanted the items but thought I might get beaten at the last minute.
I feel restoring the stute is so important because of its history and to be restored as a focal point for the community again. Having live music is definitely essential for bringing people together and I believe for people’s wellbeing. Jane Homes
The Manic Street Preachers are proof that if you want something enough, you can achieve anything, even in the Valleys. They have stayed true to their roots and still live in Blackwood, often helping out local causes with out feeling the need to shout about their good deeds from the rooftops.
The Manics have a historic connection to miners institutes. Singer James Dean Bradfield used to work behind the bar in Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute (The Memo) on live band nights, before hitting the big time with his own band.
Formed in 1986, The Manics only played one local gig before making it big, they supported local punks Funeral In Berlin in the Little Theatre in Blackwood. However, in 2011 they returned for a homecoming showcase gig that was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and Six Music. And that gig was in Blackwood Miners’ Institute.
We would like to say a massive thankyou to the Manics for supporting our project, and to Jane for her donation. We are chuffed that the merch will be going to a genuine Manics fan: Bob Hibbert – Trustee, Cefn Fforest Miners’ Welfare Hall CIO
