A SIGNED photograph of late 19th century Wales and Newport rugby star Harry Packer and a letter from Nelson Mandela were among items uncovered by local people and put on display.

The items were on show on November 19 at the launch of a new Digital Heritage Centre to enable people in Communities First areas to develop their digital skills.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture programme, people in Newport have been using the Pioneer Area Digital Heritage Station to digitise letters, photos and memories to be uploaded to the People’s Collection Wales website.

The Pioneer Area Digital Heritage Station is the first of its kind. Equipped with scanners and laptops it provides local people with access to facilities to add their documents online and provides free digital training and accreditation.

The Deputy Minister for Culture Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, visited the Station for its official launch and announced a further five would be rolled out.

During the visit the Deputy Minister saw how Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have used the station to digitise rare memorabilia relating to Harry Packer, including a signed photograph and an invitation from the Welsh Football Union to play for Wales in the 1896 match against Scotland.

Mr Skates said: “I believe that culture, heritage and the arts can play a powerful role in helping people in some of our more deprived communities. Taking part can boost skills, self-esteem and aspiration.

“It’s been fascinating learning about the items uncovered by local people and seeing the passion and enthusiasm for uncovering local history."

Back-a-Yard, a Heritage Lottery funded projected collecting oral histories from Newport’s African-Caribbean community who settled in the city in the 1940s bought many fascinating items to the launch.

Vernesta Cyril OBE, originally from St Lucia, who came to Wales as a teenager, brought along a letter she received from former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela whom she met in 1998 when he visited Wales.

Her oral history, along with other histories from Newport’s African-Caribbean community, are now available to hear online.

More sporting memories were also shared during the launch by Newport Cricket Club who have started digitising their archives.

The club showcased a selection of photographs and documents including a photo of South Wales Cricket team dating from 1860.

Girlguiding Cymru showcased some of the 100 items that they have made available on the People’s Collection Wales website. The Girl guides presented the Deputy Minister with their Precious Artefact badge, which was designed by young Girlguiding members and is awarded to girls who have completed the Level 2 training in Digitisation for Museum, Archives and Libraries.

The Deputy Minister also took part in a short interview conducted by local pupils from Maindee Primary and Pillgwenlly Primary, who through the Digital Heritage Station learnt how to use oral history, scanning and other equipment.

The manager of the Newport Pioneer Area, Jamie Witt, said: “Newport are proud to be the first pilot area across Wales to launch the Digital Heritage Station.

"Newport has a rich and diverse history. The Digital Heritage Station empowers the residents of Newport to digitise their history for years to come.”