Pupils are on trail of Victorian buildings in town for project
A HISTORY trail exploring the Victorian-era buildings of Bridgend town centre is being put together by a group of school pupils.
The children are researching eight buildings in detail in order to produce information and videos which will be available to the public.
Overseen by deputy head teacher Rob Owen and John Dunkley-Williams, of Bridgend Local and Family History Centre, 93 year five and six Penybont Primary pupils have already begun work.
But they have also appealed to the people of Bridgend for help sourcing pictures and information, and also for sponsorship to help the project thrive.
Mr Owen said: “Pupils have been on a tour around Bridgend studying the key Victorian features of our town and have worked in the Local and Family History Centre to find out facts about our town in that era.
“Pupils have been split into groups and will create a video for eight different locations.”
He said once their research is complete signs will be put up on the buildings. These will also display a special QR code, which visitors can scan with their mobile phone to access a video the pupils will produce.
“We’d also like to see if any members of the community can assist us with the project – local historians, people with artefacts or memorabilia of the time, film editors, news presenters,” said Mr Owen.
“And secondly to see if any local businesses would like to financially support the project by purchasing a year’s worth of advertising on one of the videos for £250.
“All funds raised will go back into the project (purchasing equipment and signage costs) and the funding of similar exciting education experiences for our pupils.”
He added that next year the pupils would produce a trail around World War II sites and would study further periods in years three and four, after which a new intake of pupils will revisit the Victorian project and update the signs and videos.
“We are aiming to get our research complete, videos made, signs designed and erected by the middle of June.”
Anyone who can help Penybont Primary with the research or to offer sponsorship is asked to contact Mr Owen at the school on 01656 754860 or email rowen@ penybontprimary.org.uk