NEW digital resources aimed at helping pupils explore one of the most significant events in modern Welsh history have been launched by the National Library of Wales.

The Aberystwyth-based library has created a virtual escape room and interactive learning materials focusing on the drowning of the Tryweryn Valley.

The resources, available through the library’s website, are designed to support the Curriculum for Wales and help pupils develop historical knowledge, language skills and literacy.

The first resource, aimed at children aged seven to 11, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the library and its collections through an interactive quiz.

The second, aimed at pupils aged 13 to 15, is a virtual escape room in which learners solve a series of clues linked to the history of Tryweryn.

The project forms part of the National Library’s wider aim to support schools across Wales and comes during the National Year of Reading.

Owain Dafydd, the library’s education and skills manager, said: “It feels very timely during the National Year of Reading to release these new resources that will support language development and literacy skills, as well as sharing the story of one of the most significant events of the 1960s in Wales.

“It demonstrates perfectly how the library’s collections can be used to learn in a creative way and contributes to the aims of the library’s Engagement Strategy — Your Library — to engage with all schools in Wales.”

The virtual escape room was funded by Adnodd and developed with Jengyd, a company specialising in Welsh-language escape rooms. The team includes secondary school teachers, helping to ensure the resource is both educational and engaging.

Items from the National Library’s collections, including photographs, artworks, documents and newspaper reports, feature in the new materials. Creative work by Caryl Lewis and Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch has also been included.

Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch said: “I’m delighted that my poem, which examines in a strict syllable count, the experience of being made homeless, is being used as a literacy resource. I would never have dreamt this 20 years ago when I wrote 71,200 Megalitres about this unforgettable part of our history.

“I am very grateful to the National Library for their time and energy in making this happen.”

Adam Lewis, a teacher at Ysgol Plascrug, Aberystwyth, said the materials would help bring Welsh history into the classroom.

He said: “From a teacher’s point of view, the resources expand and enrich the children’s learning, bringing the subjects to life.

“It offers valuable access to schools, bringing the library’s collections directly to them.”

Caption: Children enjoying the new interactive learning resources at the National Library of Wales.

A MILFORD HAVEN couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary after 60 years of marriage.

Brian and Anne Ball, of West Hill Avenue, Milford Haven, marked the milestone with their family earlier this month.

The couple were married in Ipswich, Suffolk, six decades ago before later making their home in Milford Haven.

Brian is a retired Milford Haven marine pilot, having worked in one of the UK’s most important energy ports, guiding vessels safely through the Haven’s busy waterway.

Anne worked as a marriage guidance counsellor, supporting couples and families through her professional life.

Their son Dominic Ball, said the family were delighted to mark the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary and shared photographs of Brian and Anne together, as well as with their children Ben, Liz, Katie and Dominic.

The diamond anniversary is traditionally celebrated after 60 years of marriage and remains one of the most significant milestones for any couple.

SCOUTSCYMRU has secured funding to support a new project aimed at improving opportunities for young carers across Wales.

The funding, from the Quilter Foundation, will help the organisation better understand the experiences of young carers and young adult carers, and shape more flexible and inclusive opportunities within Scouting.

The project will be led by ScoutsCymru, with input and support from Carers Trust Wales.

It follows conversations with young carers at the Young Carers Festival, where young people spoke openly about the challenges of balancing caring responsibilities with school, friendships and everyday life.

The funding will allow ScoutsCymru to run engagement sessions with young carers across Wales. These will give young people the chance to spend time outdoors, try new activities, build friendships and share their views on how Scouting can better support them.

The sessions, supported by Carers Trust Wales and partner organisations, will include activities and discussions designed around the needs of young people themselves.

The project will also help volunteers and staff better understand the experiences of young carers, with the aim of creating more welcoming, accessible and flexible opportunities across Scouting in Wales.

Kerrie Gemmill, CEO at ScoutsCymru said: “There are around 22,000 young people under the age of 25 who are young carers or young adult carers in Wales, and too often young carers miss out on opportunities simply because life looks different for them.

“What really struck us during early conversations was how much young people valued simple opportunities to spend time with others, try new experiences and just enjoy being young.

“Although we know some young carers are part of Scouting, this project is about listening properly, learning from young carers themselves and making sure Scouting in Wales is shaped in ways that are welcoming, realistic and supportive for them.”

As part of the engagement work, ScoutsCymru hopes to bring young carers together for a final co-design session at one of its campsites, where young people, volunteers and staff will help shape future guidance based on what has been learned during the project.