Llanelli born Historian to advise on WW1 Centenary

Carwyn James, the First Minister has agreed to appoint Sir Deian Hopkin as an expert adviser to mark the Centenary of the First World War.

Sir Deian Hopkin will advise on the development of a strategic programme of activities to commemorate the First World War which will occur between 2014 and 2018.

The appointment of an expert adviser will enable the intended Programme to maximise the opportunities presented through the adoption of a credible approach to the interpretation of historical events.

This role will only be maintained for the duration of commemorative activities, so it has no official status and will involve the individual in a voluntary commitment of time and effort.

The First Minister said:

“As we approach the conflict’s centenary I personally feel it is extremely important that we remember those who died and reflect on how it changed Wales and the world forever.

“We have now lost the last living link with the war as the veterans who served are no longer with us, so it is our duty to remember what they endured.

“Reflecting on the First World War will not only help us understand the past, but also help us to try and understand conflicts across the world today.

“We will see events and ceremonies within Wales and beyond and Sir Deian will advise us on how best we can remember the conflict and engage with the Welsh public.”

Sir Deian Hopkin said:

“There can be few more poignant but important centenaries than the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the consequences of which affected every family and every community in the land, but also forged huge changes in politics, society and the economy.

“I am very pleased to be asked to assist the First Minister and his colleagues in determining the most appropriate way of marking this event so that we can gain a better understanding of its causes and the lessons we can all learn.”

Sir Deian Hopkin:

Deian Hopkin was Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of London South Bank University until his retirement in 2009 after 42 years in higher education.

Born in Llanelli, and educated at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant and Llandovery College, he graduated in History in Aberystwyth University where he taught for 24 years culminating as Head of the History Department; he was also a long-time member of the Open University in Wales.

A historian of the Welsh labour movement, he has specialised in the use of digital technologies in the humanities. He was a member of the National Library of Wales Council and the BBC General Advisory Council and has been a regular broadcaster and columnist.

Having been active in national education policy for many years, including the Learning and Skills Council, he currently serves on a number of bodies including the Council of Essex University, the Council of City and Guilds, the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics and the advisory board of Times Higher Education and is a patron or trustee of a number of charities including the Institute of Historical Research.