Penysarn Youth Club Remember Those Lost In The Great War
Penysarn Youth Club has reached the finals of the Youth Work Excellence Awards for Wales for their work in commemorating those lost in the Great War.
Three years ago, the young team started their journey to create the unique exhibition in memory of the young men from the village that were killed during the First World War. They will find out later this month if their hard work has paid off and if they’ve won the award.
The names of the 17 young men that had lost their lives during the First World War can be seen on the Memorial at Penysarn, but members of the youth club knew little about them before they started their research.
Recently, members from Penysarn Youth Club were given the opportunity to show the fruits of their labour to the local community, with a very well attended exhibition in the village hall. An emotional remembrance service was organised to remember the 17 local young men that were lost and mark the centenary of the First World War.
Penysarn Youth Club Leader, Carol Whitaker said, “Our members have worked very hard during the last three years collecting information from local residents, looking at old newspaper cuttings, co-operating with the Archives in Llangefni, researching into events with the War Records Office, and a variety of other sources.”
“The project has been an eye opener for the young people. They’ve given the project 100%, and have had unforgettable experiences, taking part in an open day on the First World War with Aberystwyth Library, and travelled to Ypres in Belgium to present a wreath for the lives lost.”
Fellow Youth Worker, Gordon Hayes added, “It was inspirational watching the young people research into the history of the 17 young soldiers that went to war. The ceremony touched everyone’s hearts, and the meaningful comments that we received at the end of the event reflected they’re appreciation of the young people’s hard work.”
“We are all extremely proud that so many people came along to the exhibition to pay respect to those lost in the Great War, and to appreciate the work of the young people. I’d also like to thank members from Penysarn Youth Club for their efforts and for Kaitlyn Kelly, Caitlyn Jones and Sean Jones for their meaningful readings, Charlotte Hancox for performing the Last Post, and Iestyn Jones from Amlwch Cadets for presenting a Wreath of Red Poppies.”
Anglesey’s Head of Youth Services, Enid Williams said, “The exhibition was a great success, and I hope that it will be transferred to Anglesey’s Archives over the summer so that people from across the Island can have the opportunity to see the emotional exhibition complied by members of Penysarn Youth Club.”
Anglesey’s Education Portfolio holder, Cllr Kenneth Hughes said, “I’d like to congratulate and wish the members good luck ahead of the Youth Work Excellence Awards that will be held on June 24th.”
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