Funding from local energy company, Pennant Walters, has helped the Ogmore Valley Local History & Heritage Society invest in the future of its growing digital archive.
With the Society’s existing master archive drive approaching half capacity, and a significant programme of scanning work already underway, the funding has been used to purchase a dedicated desktop computer, laptop, and a new 20-terabyte hard drive. The technology will enhance security, and increase storage capacity, which will support the archive’s continued growth for at least the next decade.
Over the past 26 years, the Society has spent a vast amount of time building an extensive digital collection which preserves the rich history of the Ogmore Valley, and its surrounding parishes.
Among the first collections to benefit from the new equipment will be the surviving minute books of Ogmore Vale Rugby Football Club, which cover the period 1966 – 2026. In addition, a substantial collection of historical photographs generously donated by Mr. David Pearce is also scheduled for scanning.
The funding was secured from Pennant Walters, through its fund linked to the construction of the new, but standalone, Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley.
Huw Daniel, Secretary at Ogmore Valley Local History Society, explains:
“We are delighted that, once again, Pennant Walters has lent their support to the work we do.
“The funding will significantly improve the efficiency of the Society’s archive backup programme, whilst also going to support our ongoing work with both Nantymoel Primary School and Ogmore Vale Primary School.
“We have a wealth of information in our archives, and with local history now included within the Welsh Curriculum, both schools have shown a keen interest in making use of our digital and physical archives to help bring the history of the Ogmore Valley to life for local pupils.”
Harry Llewellyn, operations manager at Pennant Walters, added:
“The Society is doing a sterling job in preserving the steep history of the Ogmore Valley, for all to enjoy, and we are pleased that this funding will help the group well into the future.
“The Society is doing a sterling job in preserving the steep history of the Ogmore Valley, for all to enjoy, and we are pleased that this funding will help the group well into the future.
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.”
