The Group’s Headquarters is a converted 18th century Chapel, which has three floors and is used by the Group to run its Sections pack nights, as well as fundraising events, District & County events.
The H.Q. contains a wealth of material we have collected during our 100 year history of Scouting in Ebbw Vale and the surrounding area, and is a real testament to the Group and the Leaders that have worked so hard with the children.
We are proud of our links with other Scout Groups in all over the world, including
- Scotland
- Troop 410 USA
- Kosovo (who have visited our Group a number of times)
- Netherlands (Scouts have stayed in our H.Q. while on hikes around South Wales)
- Pack 455, Texas
- 9th Benoni South Africa
and many more….
Despite our long history, we are by no means a wealthy scout group. The Ebbw valley is famous across the world for the part it has played in the industrial revolution, but it remains a very poor area to live and work, making the work of the 1st Ebbw Vale group all the more important for providing a safe, fun and educational environment for our members.
Being able to raise funds to keep the group going into the 21st Century and beyond is an important aspect of the work our Leaders, parents and volunteers do, but we always keep in mind the sole reason we do such fundraising – to continue to provide a first class scouting environment for our members.
Our HQ and dedicated camp site are available for hire to other Scouting groups as a base when visiting the beautiful and historic South Wales Valleys and beyond. The stunning scenery and superb outdoor activity opportunities of the Brecon Beacons National Park are only a few miles from our HQ. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a stay.
You can find our HQ using the following :-
O.S. Grid ref :- 315375 , 207295
Information concerning our Grade II listed HQ (kindly reproduced by permission of CADW)
Authority Blaenau Gwent
Record No 22526
Date Listed 29/10/1999
Community Ebbw Vale
Locality Ebbw Vale
Grid Ref 316805 208999
Grade II
Name Penuel Scout Hall (formerly Penuel CM Chapel)
Street No, Name Church Street
Street Side E
Location
Located on the E side of Church Street, opposite the Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) set within own plot, behind railed forecourt.
History
Built 1865 as a Calvinistic Methodist Chapel. Architect unknown, but the facade motif of the giant arch rising into the pediment, and the gallery with its long panels, suggests the Rev. Thomas Thomas of Landore as architect, or a close imitator. The cause was founded by Owen Enos, a Cardiganshire preacher, first meeting in a disused shed, which was repaired in 1794, four years after the starting of the ironworks at Ebbw Vale. Rebuilt 1806. With the influx of several Cardiganshire Methodists, the cause grew, the chapel being rebuilt 1825, and again in 1838. The new chapel of 1865 cost over £3000. The strongly Classical style of the new chapel was an unusual choice for the Calvinists, who tended towards plain or Gothic buildings. At this time, or shortly after, the cause became English speaking. An interior photograph in the chapel history shows the original balustraded bow-fronted pulpit, moved forward to accommodate a massive pipe organ. Following closure, the building has been converted into a scout centre.
Exterior
Rubble construction, with painted ashlar detail. Classical pedimented facade, divided into three bays by giant Tuscan pilasters, set on high painted ashlar plinth. Entablature with deep cornice, arched to centre bay over tablet set below fluted semi-circular pediment. Tablet reads ‘Penuel Calvinistic Methodist Chapel 1865’. Tall arched outer windows, moulded architraves and triple keystones. Triplet over round-arched door; similar surrounds. Four bay rendered side elevations with tall round-arched windows set in shallow recesses. All glazing.
Interior
Three-sided gallery on fluted iron columns. Timber gallery front with long panels. Box pews and pulpit have been removed. Basement retains old datestone ‘ Penuel Adeiladwyd gan Trefnyddion Calfiniadd 1825. Ailadeiladwyd 1838’.
Listed
Despite alterations, listed as a well-designed and prominent former Calvinistic Methodist chapel. The early cause well illustrates the influx of labour, particularly from South West Wales, to the newly industrialised Valleys.
Reference
Rev. E. Price, History of Penuel C.M. Chapel, Ebbw Vale, 1925.
