A GENERATION of people who have never set foot inside Newbridge Memo were finally able to do so at the weekend.

Memo closed its doors almost 40 years ago, but on Saturday they were thrown open once again.

And people of all ages were able to join tours around the building.

Those who had never been inside - and others whose last visit was several decades ago - queued up for the popular tours and were all struck by the beauty of the old building's interior.

Many people shared memories of past events at the Memo as they visited stalls and the gallery of the former theatre and cinema.

Among the visitors were a couple who met at Newbridge Memo almost half a century ago.

Brian Evans and his future bride Rita were still in their teens when they met at a regular Saturday night hop in the late 50s.

"That night he walked me home from Newbridge to Pontllanfraith and then had to walk back to Abercarn," she said

Mrs Evans is fully behind the Argus-backed campaign to see the Memo win a £3million makeover.

The open day was arranged by the Friends of Newbridge Memo, who have put heart and soul into the efforts to win the BBC's Restoration programme and the prize of £3 million to restore the building in a campaign backed by the Argus.

Voting will take place later this month, and the aim of the open day was to encourage as many people as possible to vote for the Memo.

Islwyn MP Don Touhig launched the proceedings, saying that when a meeting was held about the Memo in the village last year, hundreds of people had attended with a great determination to save it.

"We can't preserve it as a mausoleum - a place where people pass by and say my father or grandfather helped to build that."

He said: "We have to make sure it is used by the whole community once again. The message is simple - vote for the Memo."

Howard Stone, chairman of the Friends, said a whole generation had already missed out on the Memo.

"Things do not happen if you sit and wait," he said.

"You have to make them happen, we have to make this happen for the future in Newbridge and our children."

More than 1,000 people came through the doors on Saturday, raising around £2,600 to go towards the restoration fund.

Tracey Lewis, member of the Friends who organised the day, said it was a fantastic success.

Entertainment included performances from Cwmcarn Gymnastics Club, Newbridge and District Ladies Choir, Newbridge Celynen Silver Band, and Pontllanfraith Karate Club.

There was also face painting, a raffle, and many stalls, displays and refreshments.

"It was overwhelming, we had far more people there than we thought," said Tracey.

"We wanted to get as many people as possible into the cinema - a lot of people had never seen it before.

"I would like to thank everyone who made the day so successful - everyone did everything for free."