HERITAGE LOTTERY AWARD TO HELP ANCIENT SCHOOL TO DEVELOP HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Plans to put 467 years of history on display at Christ College Brecon, have been realised thanks to a £44,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Historical artefacts and records from the ancient school which have until now been in storage, will soon take pride of place in a museum-standard archive within the school's library.

The work, which will begin in the summer, will result in many more historical materials, photographs and artefacts relating to Christ College's long history and its connections to the local community, coming into public display.

Pupils from local primary schools, as well as pupils from Christ College Brecon itself will be involved throughout the development of the archive. The project will recruit volunteers from the community and offer opportunities for training in IT skills, conservation skills, cataloguing techniques and oral history training.

Christ College Librarian and Archivist Anna Lang said: "The archive will be established on, and will work to, Museum Documentation Association standards, using professionally recognised cataloguing systems and high quality conservation methods for records and materials. With the help of this award and the involvement of the local community, we hope we will soon establish a centre of excellence, and be a learning centre and reference point to all of those interested in local history."

Head of Christ College, Emma Taylor said: "We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for this award. Christ College has been a seat of learning since 1541, and the site of the school has been occupied for at least 750 years, therefore it is of no surprise that we have a fascinating story to tell. The development of an archive will ensure that we can preserve memories and records of life at Christ College and these can then be enjoyed by current pupils, Old Breconians and by the wider community."

Explaining the importance of the award, Jennifer Stewart, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for Wales said: "Saving our historic records is important as they provide such a useful tool for anyone who wants to explore their past. This project will allow local people to get involved and find out more about the significance of Christ College and in doing so will create an invaluable resource for everyone.”

Christ College will be holding an Open Evening on Wednesday 7th May when tours of the school will take place, and visitors will have the opportunity to speak to pupils and staff about life at Christ College today.