ON FRIDAY, May 15, The Brynmawr Museum and Historical Society has announced a £21,960 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to produce a short educational film celebrating the life and achievements of Roy Francis – a pioneering mixed-race leader raised in Brynmawr during the Great Depression.
The film will explore Roy Francis’s remarkable story while preserving and sharing Brynmawr’s heritage during this challenging period in history. Born in Brynmawr in 1919, rugby league player Roy Francis was the first Black coach in UK sport.
The Brynmawr Museum and Historical Society is shining a spotlight on the icon of local, sporting and Black British history through a documentary about his life.
Aimed primarily at young people, the project will involve them directly in shaping the film through a series of workshops. Participants will help decide the style and format of animation, ensuring the final film resonates with its intended audience. The film will also support learning during Black History Month.
Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Roy Francis’s story is an important and inspiring part of Wales’s heritage, rooted in the community of Brynmawr. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will bring his legacy to life for new generations while helping to preserve and share the rich history of Brynmawr and the people who shaped it.”
The project will bring together different generations of the Brynmawr community. Museum volunteers, local pensioners’ groups and Brynmawr Rotary Club members will contribute to workshops to help ensure historical accuracy. Young participants will also be encouraged to interview older residents, capturing valuable first-hand knowledge and memories.
