Arthur Riley

(Photo and text from "Who's Who In Newport" 1920.)

Riley, Arthur was born at Derby and educated locally. Belongs to an old Derby family, his father having established the firm of Messrs. J. Riley & Sons, removal contractors, in 1856. Has had a wide business experience in Liverpool, Manchester, Worcester and Derby. Was hon. secretary for many years of various branches of Y.M.C.A. work. Deeply interested in religious work, he has held the office of circuit steward, Sunday school superintendent, etc., in the Primitive Methodist church, of which he is a member. Has been a local preacher since the age of 16. As a member of the British Empire Shakespearean Society, has played several important parts in dramatic productions of the society. Came to Newport, December, 1914, to take up the position he still holds as general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. here. Has had charge of all the military and civil work in Newport and district. Organised the Thomas street Rest Hut, the Munition Canteen, Uskside National Shell Factory, Panteg Hut, Griffithstown and other camps. Originated the scheme for supplying free teas to wounded men from local hospitals. Has considerably extended the influence of the Y.M.C.A. Established the Pill Y.M.C.A. for rivet warmers and hander boys in Temple street. Has secured from Lord Tredegar nine acres of Tredegar Park, Bassalleg, for an athletic ground. Has obtained for the Y.M.C.A. splendid premises at 70 Dock street for a Boys' Red Triangle Club. An ardent athlete and enthusiastic hockey and tennis player. A life-long abstainer and a non-smoker. Is a born organiser, and has been instrumental in raising over £10,000 for various Y.M.C.A. funds in Newport and district during the past five years. Married Miss May Raybould, of Derby, who has occupied the position as hon. matron of the hostel at the Central Y.M.C.A. for the past three and a half years with great credit and devotion. He is the father of one son aged eight years. Address: Central Y.M.C.A., Commercial Street. Tel. 2983.