A NEWPORT history enthusiast has put together a booklet for people to learn about the Aberfan mining disaster as part of its 50th anniversary.

Andrew Bowen, 55, created the exercise booklet as a way for young children to learn about the tragedy in an engaging and creative way while raising money towards the Aberfan Memorial Miners Fund.

As part of his work for next month’s anniversary, alongside the booklet he is putting on exhibitions for people to re-engage with the events that took place half a century ago.

Mr Bowen, of Elaine Crescent, said: “I remember being five in Sandy Lane Infant’s School and being told about what had happened on that day and told to pray for children just like ourselves.

“My mother had a friend who volunteered to help up there and it is something I feel connected to. It’s the third booklet for charity that I have done and being able to support the anniversary is a great thing,”

The 30-page booklet is broken up into three themes of remembering, forgetting and moving on. It will feature a mix of word searches, crossword and other types of puzzles and Mr Bowen is hoping to give numerous copies to local schools.

Former librarian Mr Bowen added: “I had a nervous breakdown a few years ago and since then have used my skills into compiling and researching events such as Aberfan in a way to help others learn about it.

“As part of my exhibition I have a mix of 10x10 still photos and diaries from the period. I will be doing a week long exhibition at a church and hope to maybe do something at the museum in Merthyr.”

His exhibition will feature for a week from Sunday, October 9 at St Julius and St Aaron Church In Wales in St Julian's Avenue with a special presentation evening talk taking place on Wednesday, October 12.

For more information and to buy copies of the booklet at £2 each, call Mr Bowen on 079 44171953 or email ajab61@hotmail.co.uk.