Blaina school takes part in broadcast workshop with the Wales Broadcast Archive

On the 12^th of April, pupils in years 5 of Ysgol Bro Helyg, Blaenau Gwent, came to take part in the Wales Broadcast Archive Presents... Broadcasting Workshop at the National Library of Wales.

The day was full of fun TV production challenges, and the children learned from the expertise of renowned cameraman Aled Jenkins, who has worked in over seventy countries filming drama, documentaries, and current affairs; and Elin Llwyd, television presenter and actress who also organises workshops for children.

The children had the opportunity to script, present, operate a camera and learn sound techniques - all the elements that go into creating good programmes. In addition, there were sessions using the Broadcast Archive facilities such as the green screen, visiting the 'On Air' exhibition and a tour of the copper room, where all the old TV and radio programs are kept safe.

The Wales Broadcast Archive is the first of its kind in the UK, tracing almost a century of broadcasting, it brings together material from the screen and sound collections of BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales, S4C and the National Library of Wales. By preserving, cataloging and digitizing this material and presenting it on a fully searchable website, the National Library of Wales is committed to making this extraordinary collection accessible to everyone.

With over 28,000 visitors to the Wales Broadcast Archive Centre in its first year, the development has been extremely popular with audiences of all ages. The project continues to evolve with Clip Corners already opened in Swansea, Carmarthen, Llanrwst and Conwy and many more to come over the next year. In addition. the project held 5 public events under the title Archive Broadcasting Wales Presents... attracting an audience of over 500 and engaged with numerous communities and creative practictioners.

The Welsh Broadcasting Archive project was made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£4.7M), the Welsh Government (£1M) and the private funds of the National Library of Wales (£1M).

Dafydd Tudur, Head of Digital Services, National Library of Wales said:

"As we celebrate one year of public access to the Welsh Broadcasting Archive, it is wonderful to see the next generation of broadcasters having the opportunity to present, film and script. We have had a busy year with the innovative exhibition On the Air in the Library proving very popular, Corneli Clip opening in Carmarthen, Swansea, Llanrwst and Conwy, and many community projects and events throughout Wales."

Andrew White, Wales Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“Heritage is about how the past is valued and preserved for future generations.  By bringing together a century of television and radio and engaging new audiences with the collection both in person and digitally,  the National Library of Wales project has ensured that iconic moments from 20th-century Welsh history and culture are accessible and kept safe for future generations. We wish them continued success in the years to come.”