As trustees of Resolven Miners Welfare Charity, we’re proud to welcome Lloyd as our new Temporary General Manager, joining us in a voluntary capacity. Lloyd brings with him a strong background in leadership, a genuine passion for community, and a deep-rooted connection to Resolven.
We’re excited to have him on board as we take the next steps in restoring Resolven Miners Welfare as a thriving space for everyone. Please take a moment to read his message below and learn more about his vision and commitment to this important project.
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little bit about why I’ve stepped into the role of General Manager at The Welf on a voluntary basis, and what I hope we can create together.
I’m from Resolven. I grew up here. Like many of you, I have memories tied to this building – the events, the gigs, the laughs, the big nights and quiet afternoons. The Welf wasn’t just a pub. It was a meeting place, a stage, a celebration space, and a safe haven. It was where stories started, milestones were marked, and friendships were made. It was ours.
In recent years, though, like so many community spaces across the country, The Welf has been closed – sitting quiet and unused. And for a place that’s meant so much to so many, that silence has been heavy. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
That’s where I come in.
I’ve spent over two decades working in both hospitality and senior leadership, across industries and countries. I started behind the bar, running community-focused pubs like The Dukes Arms in Swansea, The Bear and St Ives in Neath. Those years taught me the foundations: how to graft, how to lead a team, how to turn a venue into a place people are proud of. I’ve reopened struggling pubs, grown loyal customer bases, and built environments where staff and customers both feel like they belong.
From there, my career took a very different path – into corporate leadership. For the last decade, I’ve worked at the top end of the business world, including serving on the senior ops board for the largest global healthcare workforce and solutions partner. My role involved leading international operations across the UK, Ireland, and the US. I’ve overseen complex projects, managed multi-million-pound budgets, and led large teams through periods of rapid change, growth, and challenge.
All that experience – from pubs to boardrooms – has shaped how I lead and what I value: clarity, accountability, good people, and good culture. But after years on the road, I’ve taken a career break – and I’m choosing to put my time and energy into something closer to home.
That’s why I’m here at The Welf – and I’m doing this on a voluntary basis. This is a personal project that means so much to me, and I’m investing my time and skills to bring The Welf back to life for the community.
But this isn’t just about bringing a pub back – it’s about rebuilding a space. A space that once brought people together, and can again. My vision is to restore The Welf as a vibrant, inclusive, community-led venue. A place where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re popping in for a pint, bringing your kids to a club, hosting a fundraiser, or just looking for some company.
We’ve got an opportunity here to create something genuinely special – but I know this isn’t something I can do alone. This place belongs to the village, and it’s going to take all of us to bring it back to life. I’ll be giving it my all – but I’ll also be listening, learning, and building with the people who care most about it.
There’ll be plenty of chances to get involved, share ideas, and shape what comes next. Whether it’s through volunteering, running events, joining working groups, or just spreading the word – every bit of support matters.
Thank you to everyone who’s already offered their help or encouragement. The response so far has been overwhelming – and a clear sign that the heart of Resolven is still beating strong.
Let’s bring The Welf back. Together.
