NEWBRIDGE Memo has been officially re-opened by the Prince of Wales following a decade of restoration work.

Prince Charles last visited the Memo in 2006, and was welcomed back by school children on the way in today. He was also given a guard of honour by local cadets and guests, including Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb MP, Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Caerphilly council leader Keith Reynolds, and Islwyn AM Gwyn Price.

Prince Charles was guided around the Memo’s impressive facilities by Howard Stone, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Newbridge Memo.

He visited the Memo’s library where he spoke to a local reading group and to parents of the parent and toddler group, who meet weekly at the library.

Amy Kidner, from Pentwynmawr, was there with her 18-month-old daughter, Awen.

Ms Kidner said: “He spoke to everyone individually and wished us a Merry Christmas at the end!

“It’s like this every week here so we weren’t pretending – we loved it.”

Library manager Cheryl Harris said he had asked about what books they had. She added: “He also asked ‘but do they bring them back?!’ He was a nice chap.”

Patricia Matthews, from Newbridge, also spoke to Prince Charles.

“He was very nice and down to earth and was asking everyone questions,” she said.

Prince Charles was then treated to a performance by the Newbridge Ladies and District Choir, and their rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’.

He was then shown pictures depicting the timeline of the restoration project over the past 10 years before being taken down to the ballroom where some ballroom dancing was performed.

A comedy sketch, called ‘Waiting for Charles’, was also performed. One of the sketch’s choreographers, June Watkins, said they hoped to portray “ordinary, working-class people” waiting anxiously for the Prince’s arrival.

Prince Charles then addressed a packed 400-seater auditorium, before finally unveiling a memorial plaque, commemorating the lives of miners.

Mr Stone thanked Prince Charles for “keeping your promise of 2006” by returning for the official re-opening.

Prince Charles said: “Of course I said I must come back to see this special building transformed once again, especially at the time of the centenary of the First World War – a most suitable moment.

“I know how challenging these projects can be so I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all those people who took part to get this splendid building back up again.”

He acknowledged the building was not entirely finished, and joked: “By coming here today I’ve probably delayed the process!

“I do hope this place will bring new life and inspiration to Newbridge.”

Mr Stone added: “This is an incredible day for all of the trustees, supporters, local community members and funding bodies. We have fought long and hard for this and to share the celebrations with Prince Charles and our 400 guests is the perfect way to mark this wonderful occasion.”

An impromptu ‘hip hip hooray’ by the crowd signalled the end of Prince Charles’ visit, following the unveiling of the memorial plaque.