Shoppers at Co-op Group stores in South Wales have helped raised more than £6,200 for the restoration of a medieval building at the heart of a local community.
The Guildhall in Llantrisant, in the borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, is thought to have been built in the mid 13th century, and a restoration project is underway to transform it into an educational facility acting as a community hub and visitors’ centre.
As the centre of power for almost 700 years, which governed an ancient borough established by a charter in 1346, the Guildhall has a rich and varied history as the location of a number of organisations.
Llantrisant Guildhall Restoration Project trustees visited stores in Southgate and Pontyclun to thank shoppers and staff for their generosity in supporting the major fundraising effort – and they joined Guildhall manager Dean Powell for a cheque presentation from Co-op manager Kurtis Dunn.
Dean Powell said: “We are constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of organisations, businesses and individuals across the region for their support of the scheme which will transform a medieval building into a new asset for the entire community.
“Together we can help create a sustainable heritage and activity centre which will draw more people to this part of the county borough who have an interest in the remarkable history of our hilltop town.”
The Llanistrant Guildhall Trust received £6,219.45 from the Co-operative Local Community Team Fund. The fund comes from a 1% donation from every co-op customer’s purchase of selected own-brand products and services, and is used to help local community projects.
