Press release from the Welsh Assembly Government:
Key role for archives in compensation claims
The unexpected role that local authority archive services play in assisting
miners' families in claiming compensation is revealed in an article in a new
publication about local museums, archives and libraries in Wales.
Glamorgan Record Office has handled more than 4,500 requests for evidence
since 2003 as ex-miners' families have to provide evidence that the victim
has worked in a specific colliery or that the cause of death was related to
pneumoconiosis, in order to be able to claim compensation under the
Pneumoconiosis Compensation Act.
Archives services and record offices covering Wales' mining areas are
receiving similar requests for evidence. In North West Wales, Gwynedd
Archive Service has been dealing with requests for information relating to
silicosis compensation claims resulting from slate quarrymen inhaling silica
dust. Quarry employment records held by Gwynedd Archive Service have been
used to prove that former quarrymen worked in specific slate quarries. In
many cases, these historical records are the only evidence available.
CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales, a division of the Welsh
Assembly Government, has produced this 60 page bilingual publication to draw
attention to the work of the sector and promote examples of best practice.
The first edition is published this week and it will appear twice a year.
Alun Pugh, Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport said: "This
publication has a major role to play in highlighting innovative projects
funded by CyMAL as well as the many examples of good practice in this
sector.
"I hope that this publication will play an important part in improving
communication within the museums, libraries and archives sectors, and
attract new partners to develop innovative services for the people of
Wales."
Further articles in the first issue include a feature on new educational
website developed by Gwynedd and Ynys Môn library service in partnership
with the educational agency Cynnal. The Library Web Challenge is a fun,
bilingual website (www.herywe.org.uk) aimed at primary school age children.
The site features games, stories as well as links to other external
educational websites. The website also allows children to find out more
about how they can get the most out of library services. The website
received financial assistance from CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries
Wales and is hosted with support from National Grid for Learning Cymru.
There is also an article on the Books on Prescription initiative. Public
library services across Wales are offering 33 self-help books, selected by
health professionals, to assist people coping with bereavement, depression
and anorexia. Book Prescription Wales is based on the award-winning Cardiff
scheme, developed by Professor Neil Frude from Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.
Following the success in Cardiff, the scheme will now be available
Wales-wide following funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
19 December 2005
http://tinyurl.com/c4jlb

Eluned Jones
Cynghorydd Datblygu Archifau / Archives Development Adviser
CyMAL: Amgueddfeydd Archifau a Llyfrgelloedd Cymru / CyMAL: Museums Archives
and Libraries Wales
Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru / Welsh Assembly Government
Uned 10 Parc Gwyddoniaeth / Unit 10 Science Park
ABERYSTWYTH
SY23 3AH

Ffôn / Tel: 01970 610237
E-bost / E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Dylai'r datganiadau neu'r sylwadau uchod gael eu trin fel rhai personol ac
nid o reidrwydd fel datganiadau neu sylwadau gan Gynulliad Cenedlaethol
Cymru, unrhyw ran ohono neu unrhyw gorff sy'n gysylltiedig ag ef.
Any of the statements or comments made above should be regarded as personal
and not necessarily those of the National Assembly for Wales, any
constituent part or connected body.


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