TŶ Price Community Hall has welcomed residents back after an eight-month closure following the devastation caused by Storm Claudia.

The reopening took place on Wednesday July 1 during the hall’s popular ‘Coffee for All’ morning, bringing together residents from across Monmouth for the first time since the flooding. Lots of residents walked through the newly refurbished building and enjoyed tea, coffee and cake while catching up with friends in the vibrant open space.

Lots of people gathered at the coffee morning at Tŷ Price.
Lots of people gathered at the coffee morning at Tŷ Price (Iliffe Media )

Floodwater swept through the hall on November 15, destroying the ground floor, posing upset for those who were regular attendees at the hall. Tŷ Price was one of many buildings in Monmouth affected by the flooding, with contaminated water causing extensive damage to lots of the furniture, appliances in the building.

More residents at this morning's coffee morning at Tŷ Price.
More residents arrived at Tŷ Price this morning. (Iliffe Media )

The Beacon spoke to David Price, Coordinator at Tŷ Price who provided an insight into the restoration process and the impact it had on the community whilst being closed for a lengthly amount of time.

David Price, Coordinator at Tŷ Price, said: “We have been very fortunate the insurance has covered the work.

“The biggest thing for most places would be the time of drying out.

Before and after of the Monnow room in Tŷ Price
Before and after of the Monnow room in Tŷ Price (Iliffe Media )

“I think it acts as a focal point particularly where we are situated. It’s having a building where people can come and join together which I think sadly is what has been missing these last few months.”

The hall is home to a range of community groups and activities, including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Meet and Eat sessions on Mondays and Fridays, regular coffee mornings and children’s birthday parties.

Throughout this process it has been massively supported by volunteers and Project Manager Bill Leddington who coordinated a lot of the work to take place in order for it to get back up and running again.

Bill Leddington, the Project Manager at Tŷ Price, said: “It was very challenging and to see it was heartbreaking.

“It’s for the people of Monmouth to enjoy all of the facilities we have here and to see each other.”

For many residents the community hall is a vital community hub, providing opportunities to socialise, make friends and access support. It’s closure was felt by those who rely on the hall to socialise with people and attend the many activities it facilitates.

Before and after of the main room in Tŷ Price
Before and after of the main room in Tŷ Price (Iliffe Media)

Volunteer Tony Jones said helping at Tŷ Price had given him “a purpose in life.”

“I feel this purpose is giving other people help. They come here and I’ve got to know people, helping their lives to become a much happier life because a lot of them are elderly and are on their own.

“It is a hall that is desperately needed and has brought a lot of happiness to many people, and I know that for a fact since coming here myself.”

After months of restoration, Tŷ Price is once again ready to serve the community, with volunteers hoping the hall will continue to provide a welcoming space for residents for many years to come.