The National Library of Wales is connecting communities with the stories, memories and collections preserved on their behalf through its Your Library tour, inspiring people to discover, explore and bring them to life in new and creative ways.
In Wrexham, local football history and the Gresford disaster will take centre stage through a day of talks, archive footage, community activities and opportunities to explore the stories that have shaped the city's sporting heritage and character.
One of the event's highlights will be a special discussion exploring Wrexham's place at the heart of Welsh football, featuring previously unseen archive footage of former Wrexham players and football figures chatting, training and kicking a ball around. Hosted by Wrexham AFC commentator Mark Griffiths, the session will draw on material from the National Library of Wales' collections and bring forgotten moments from the club's past back to life. The discussion is part of the Your Library event on 24 September.
Through a network of Clip Corners across Wales, people can access and explore screen, sound and archive collections from the National Library, discovering stories that connect them to their local history and the wider story of Wales.
Mark Griffiths said:
"The National Library's archive is a remarkable mine of information about Wrexham AFC, the third oldest football club in the world, and Welsh football in general.
Seeing the names of the past brought to life in footage we never knew existed is such a thrill.
Quite apart from enjoying historic moments which were previously unavailable to the public, one could spend all day looking at the TV companies' background footage of faces from the past chatting, training and knocking a ball about in the oldest international football stadium in the world."
The panel discussion will explore Wrexham's wider place in the story of Welsh football, from the history of Wrexham AFC to the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of Wales, founded in 1876.
The session will also examine what archive footage can reveal that written records cannot, uncovering familiar names in informal moments and capturing everyday scenes around the ground that offer a different perspective on the club's history. Additional local voices will join the discussion, reflecting Wrexham's football culture both on and off the pitch.
Free drop-in activities will take place throughout the day, including opportunities to explore Watch and Listen, the Wales Broadcast Archive, meet People's Collection Wales, search the Women's Peace Petition and experience Ol | Haunts, an immersive virtual reality experience inspired by Wales's rich cultural heritage and collections. National Library staff and partners will be on hand
throughout the day to chat with visitors, answer questions and help people discover the collections, digital resources and services available through the Library.
Schools and community groups will also take part in dedicated sessions, while visitors can enjoy local entertainment from Wrexham All Voices choir, performances from the Wrexham Miners Poetry Sessions and a screening of the Grefford Mining Disaster, The Terrible Price.
Come and discover the stories of Wrexham, explore rare archive footage and celebrate the people, places and moments that have helped shape Welsh football. Then see where those stories can take you next through your local Clip Corner and the National Library's digital collections.
Your Library takes place at Wrexham Library on 24 September from 1pm to 7pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Category: News