NEWS

Heritage Lottery Fund awards £10,000 to Dyfed Archaeological Trust to mark First World War Centenary

Dyfed Archaeological Trust has received £10000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project, Discovering the Legacy of the First World War in Pembrey. Awarded through HLF’s First World War then and now programme, the project will focus on the First World War munitions factory based at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, and with the support of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and Carmarthenshire County Council, the project will enable local volunteers to research and record the archaeological remains within Pembrey Country Park and gain an understanding of the significance of the site.  The results of the research will be used to create a new trail leaflet and a mobile exhibition.   Local school children will have an opportunity to discover the history of the site and educational resources will be developed for schools to use.

During the First World War Pembrey Munitions Factory employed over 1000 people from the local area, Swansea and Carmarthen, and many of them were women.  After closing during the 1920s the site went on to be redeveloped as an Ordnance Factory during the Second World War.   Currently the structures on the site are little understood, however further research will help to interpret the remains and with help from professionals, the information will be recorded and made publically available and presented through a trail leaflet and exhibition.

Commenting on the award, Alice Pyper said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which together with funding from Cadw and the support of Carmarthenshire County Council will enable more people to understand the archaeology which lies within Pembrey Country Park and tell the story of what went on here during the 20^th century”

The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said:

“I am pleased that the HLF have agreed to support this fascinating project and we, through Cadw, have been able to offer our support. The Welsh Government is proud to lead Wales’ programme of events to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918. I am particularly pleased that through projects such as this young people have the opportunity to get involved with hands-on experience which will help with their learning and leave us with a lasting reminder of this important period in our history.”