Pupils at a number of primary schools in Gwynedd had the opportunity recently to enjoy a light-hearted environmental roadshow by the well-known TV brother entertainers, Y Brodyr Gregory (the Gregory Brothers).
The show, supported by a Tidy Towns grant, aims to raise awareness of such local environmental issues as litter and chewing gum disposal, the importance of ‘bagging and binning’ dog mess, together with the need to save, recycle, reuse consumables. The performances carry the messages in a fun and entertaining way by Adrian and Paul Gregory, ably assisted by environmental mascots Tedi Taclus (Tidy Ted) and Eli Eco.
Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer Jonathan Gwyn Neale, said: “The roadshows have been one of the best initiatives yet for Tidy Towns in Gwynedd. We hope the children take the messages home to parents and the wider community. We’re now looking at follow-up activities within the schools to encourage them to carry out their own local environmental surveys and activities such as litter-picks.”
Menna Wynne-Pugh, Headmistress of Ysgol Penybryn, Tywyn, one of the schools visited by the Roadshow said: “The environmental message came across clearly with fun and humour, with all the children – from the reception class to year 6 –all really enjoying the performance, and especially singing and dancing along to the catchy songs. The children are still singing them weeks later!”
On behalf of the brothers, Adrian Gregory said: “It was great fun and a pleasure to bring the Tedi Taclus and Eli Eco Environmental Roadshow for the first time to schools in Gwynedd. The welcome was fantastic and the children’s reaction was excellent. We now hope that these important messages remain with the children throughout their lives.”
Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Roberts, who leads on Environmental issues, added: “Looking after the local environment should always play a key part in any child’s education. The imaginative and very entertaining roadshow has already visited numerous schools elsewhere in Wales and has proven to be very effective in educating on environmental issues, in particular the need to recycle, to prevent littering and stop dog fouling.
“These very positive messages will have a lasting impact, both at schools, on the streets and in the home. By raising the younger generation’s awareness of vitally important environmental issues we will undoubtedly help to ensure a cleaner, greener and healthier future for everyone.”
The Environmental Roadshow was organised by Gwynedd Council and funded by the Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns Initiative. To find out more about Tidy Towns, contact Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer on 01766 771000 or e-mail tidytowns@gwynedd.gov.uk
