06 July 2012
Pupils from St Cenydd, St Martin's, Bedwas High and Cwm Aber Primary School cycled from Abertridwr and Caerphilly town centre to St Cenydd School to launch the new cycle shelters and picnic village recently.
Joined by a team from GE Aviation Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council's Road Safety Team, the staff and pupils cycled along the shared-use pedestrian and cycle route that runs from Senghenydd to Caerphilly town centre which was developed as part of the Safe Routes in Communities project funded by the Welsh Government and the Sewta Regional Transport Consortia Grant.
The cycle route and the new secure cycle shelters at St Cenydd, St Martin's and Bedwas High has put in place the facilities to encourage more pupils to walk and cycle to school, which will have benefits for health, fitness and the environment.
The cyclists rode triumphantly into St Cenydd as Queen's 'Bicycle Race' was played through Grow Enterprise Wales huge speakers, and were cheered by pupils, teachers and GE Aviation Wales staff as they made the final hurrah up the hill.
CCBC Mayor Cllr. Gaynor Oliver and Cllr. Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally launch the picnic village which was grant funded by Nantgarw-based GE Aviation Wales.
Students and volunteers from GE Aviation Wales worked together to construct the village, and paint murals for the area. The village will provide a unique dining experience for pupils where they can enjoy eating in an environment far removed from the bustle of the usual dining hall, and can relax and socialise whilst enjoying the fresh air.
On creating the picnic village, Natasha Wilde, from GE Aviation Wales said: "We are thrilled that we have been able to support this project. We wanted to create an environment which was suitable for children of all ages, where they could spend time with their friends during lunch and break times. We thoroughly enjoyed working on the project and no doubt the school will benefit from the facilities for many years to come."
Students were formally presented with medals and certificates by Mayor Oliver for participating in the event, who said, "Healthy Living is not just about the food you eat but also increasing the amount you move. Congratulations to all who have participated, especially the pupils, who are such a shining example to their peers."
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