Sir,
It was due to the late Dai Jones, of New Hedges, that the old village school was turned into a village hall. He was the instigator of it, and a founder member of New Hedges Village Hall Committee. All those who have been connected with the hall over the years, and those who knew Dai will be in attendance at the hall at 2 pm on November 23, to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by his daughter.
As Dai's garden in New Hedges backed on to mine, we had long conversations about his daughter, his computer, gardening, and of course the village hall. He had researched the history of the building and contacted previous teachers and students, some of whom lived abroad, and organised a reunion. I encouraged him to write a history of the village, but I do not know what became of it.
Also, I recall him showing me an outline of a proposed extension to the hall and asking for my comments and suggestions. He would have loved to have seen its completion before his death (as I would before mine!), although whereas a house in the village is erected in record time, a village hall extension is a far off dream, despite the hard work put in by the hall committee.
Dai will always be remembered by the villagers, for his vision has enabled many local people to enjoy events held in the hall such as ballroom dancing, bowls, Scottish dancing, yoga, needlework, WI and village meetings and entertainment, and it is also hired for parties. His plaque is well deserved!
Eileen M. Williams,
11 Hunters Park,
New Hedges.