For the last twelve months I have been working on an incredible joint project between The National Library of Wales, BBC Cymru, S4C and HTV. The Welsh Broadcast Archive is an innovative digital archiving project which aims to capture important bilingual programming from the last 75 years, which includes news, sport, drama and light entertainment and make it accessible to researchers and the general public on-line and at Clip corners around Wales. This is the first of its kind in Europe.
Other colleagues based at The National Library have been digitizing and archiving thousands of clips and programs. I am based within BBC Cymru, in the impressive BBC building in Central Square within the BBC Archive team. Curators Emma Lile and Lona Wharton and Sound Curator Miles Orchard have been assisting with the project and selecting items from the BBC Cymru collection. 1500 clips have been specially selected from the BBC Archives showcasing the integral and unique role that BBC and BBC Cymru has played in capturing Welsh social and cultural history over this period, but thousands more have been preserved by The National Library. The BBC has had unprecedented access to some of the most historical figures and events in Welsh Life over the last 100 years and also captured the everyday stories of Welsh people. I’m privileged to have access to these as part of my role and wanted to share some of the clips that have had the most impact on me.
Cairo Eisteddfod 1943
Radio recordings are evocative and listening to just the voice can have a powerful impact on the listener. In 1943 when the Second World War was still raging The BBC recorded an Eisteddfod held in Cairo and was opened by the Bishop of Egypt and Sudan. It was arranged by Cymdeithas Cymreig Cairo and for the soldiers attending, most having been away from home for some considerable time, it must have felt like a piece of Wales and a familiarity they hadn’t experienced in many months or years.
Butetown in 1962
This clip from 1962 is a fascinating insight into the multicultural community of Butetown in Cardiff. The area was going through changes during this period. Areas were being knocked down to build new flats and residents in this film give their views on the new accommodation. By the 1960’s coal exports from the docks were in decline, but the community spirit here was still strong.
Welsh language content
Welsh language content on BBC Wales before the establishment of S4C in 1984 was an opportunity for Welsh language speakers to hear subjects discussed in their own language. Although a full channel was still a few decades away, this clip discusses how Welsh programming evolved.
These are just a few clips available on-line but here are a couple more available at Clip Corners near you:
Interview with Lloyd’s George’s Family - In 1963, marking 100 years since the birth of David Lloyd George, Hywel Davies interviewed his family including his two daughters, his son, and remaining living brother who was 97 years old. This remarkable access was given to the BBC into their family home in Criccieth, as well as insights into their family life as children and incredible artefacts collected by their father during his time as Prime Minister.
Cool Cymru - The late 90’s was an exciting period in Welsh history with bands like Catatonia, The Manics and Stereophonics influencing the charts. Building work also began on The Principality Stadium and The Welsh Millennium Centre. This clip shows the opening night of The Millennium Centre and interviews with Welsh stars from stage and screen.
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