Posted: Mon 13th Apr 2015

Saith Seren To Close Next Month

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Monday, Apr 13th, 2015

The Directors of Saith Seren have announced that the Welsh Centre will be closing for the last time next month.

In a letter circulated to members notice is given of the closure, with details of the reasons behind the decision including being ‘unable to reach an accommodation with our landlord, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association’.

The Directors say they are ‘devastated’, saying it will be a ‘step backwards in terms of the Welsh language locally’ but aim to have a voluntary closure to ensure that all obligations are met.

The letter sent is copied below:

“It’s with great sadness and frustration that the doors of Saith Seren will close for the last time next month, after three and a half years of tireless activity to reopen the old Seven Stars pub as a Welsh centre for Wrexham.

“Although the Centre has been a success in terms of promoting and supporting Welsh culture in the town, it has not been able to pay its way financially, despite the generous support of members and volunteers. We have been unable to reach an accommodation with our landlord, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, and now see no alternative other than to draw the venture to a close. Our intention is to have a voluntary closure and ensure that all our outstanding obligations are fully met.

“So the centre’s closure is not of our choice and members of the board have paid from their own pockets over the last year to keep the centre open.

“The decision of the landlord means that six people will lose their jobs and we will work with our staff to try to find other jobs for them over the next month.

“Saith Seren from its inception in January 2012 offered a wide range of entertainment and activities in the town centre – whether it was poetry, music, drama, comedy or unique events as Y Fari Lwyd. We’ve watched bands and individuals grow as performers and been proud to be part of the thriving Wrexham music scene. We’ve also has been a centre for learners – formally with 20 hours of lessons upstairs but, more importantly, providing a place for people to practice and become more confident in their Welsh.

“Mistakes, many of them due to a lack of money, were made. Looking back there are some basic things that we would change as a board. But every decision was made honestly to try to promote the centre, promote the Welsh language and the ethos of community and co-operation. Through our purchase of local beers and foods, we were trying to contribute to the local economy.

“There is no doubt that our location in the town centre of Wrexham has been a problem as footfall in the area has reduced over the last three years and the pub industry generally continues to struggle.

“We did not receive any public funding towards the initiative, something we can be proud of. However, this is also the subject of some incredulity among many who see public funding being lavished on similar initiatives.

“The centre in its short time has managed to boost the Welsh locally, it has been the stage for a huge variety of live music and our volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours of work in order to maintain the centre and we are very grateful to them.

“Our intention is to continue to trade as normal until May 16th, when the doors close for the last time. On May 15th Steve Eaves will be playing and we intend to make this night a celebration for our members – we hope you will join us.

“It is, sadly, a step backwards in terms of the Welsh language locally, it is a step back for a unique historic building and a step back in terms of jobs in the town centre. We are devastated.”



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