Archived news - NEW RESEARCH ATTRACTS BAFTA AWARD

The BAFTA Cymru Gwyn Alf Williams Award for a programme or series of programmes which have contributed most to the understanding and appreciation of the history of Wales was awarded to a television series based on the work of Dr Jerry Hunter of the University of Wales, Bangor's Welsh Department. Dr Hunter's research was presented as a three hour series and book which outlined the history of the Welsh in the American Civil war.
Photo copyright Huw John

The programme "Cymry y Rhyfel Cartref America" was produced and directed by Ifor ap Glyn for television company, Cwmni Da of Caernarfon. Dr Jerry Hunter presented his script on the experiences of Welshmen in America who became involved in American Civil War.

"It's every documentary programme maker's dream to present something new and this was without doubt a new subject for television. It was also an honour to receive the BAFTA Cymru Gwyn Alf Williams Award, as he was a historian and in particular, a pioneer in the field of Welsh- American history."

Dr Jerry Hunter was congratulated by University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Merfyn Jones, a previous BAFTA winner for his series Cymru 2000, who said:

"Developing a new area of study is vital to the development of history as a subject. Delivering the research in both a popular television format and through a well-researched book of academic standing is an excellent way of popularising the study of history and a great way to extend our knowledge of our own history."