Primary school pupils from across Gwynedd have recently had the opportunity to enjoy a fun environmental roadshow with popular Welsh entertainers, Y Brodyr Gregory.
The show, supported by Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns project, raised awareness of a number of local environmental issues including the disposal of litter and chewing gum, the importance of ‘bagging and binning’ dog mess, together with the need to save, recycle and reuse goods. The performances carried these key messages in a fun and entertaining way by Adrian and Paul Gregory, along with the help of environmental mascots Ted Taclus (Tidy Ted) and Eli Eco.
Pupils from Ysgol Bro Lleu, Penygroes; y Traeth, Barmouth; Pen y Bryn, Bethesda; Tregarth; Treferthyr, Criccieth; Nefyn; Cymerau, Pwllheli; Cefn Coch, Penrhyndeudraeth and Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestinioghad the chance to enjoy the roadshow which follows a similar tour last year.
Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards and local member for Penygroes attended the show at Ysgol Bro Lleu. He said: “It was fantastic to see the pupils enjoying this wonderful show. Their enthusiasm towards environmental matters is something that every one of us could learn from.
“Clearly, their response showed that the environment and protecting wildlife are matters they take a great deal of interest in and that they are subjects they have discussed regularly in school.”
Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer Jonathan Gwyn Neale, noted: “The roadshows have definitely been one of the most popular initiatives for Tidy Towns in Gwynedd. Our hope is that children will take the messages home to parents and the wider community. We are now looking at follow-up activities within the schools to encourage the pupils to carry out their own local environmental surveys and activities such as litter-picks.”
Mared, a Year 5 pupil at Ysgol Maenofferen added: “It was a great show and I have learnt a lot about recycling.”
Jac, also from Ysgol Maenofferen added: “The show was really funny. I’ve learnt lots about reusing.”
Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member, Councillor John Wynn Jones, who leads on Environmental issues, said: “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.”
Adrian Gregory who took part in the show said: “It was great fun and a pleasure to bring the Ted Taclus and Eli Eco Environmental Roadshow again 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.”
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 in Gwynedd, contact the Council’s Tidy Towns Officer on 01766 771000 or e-mail tidytowns@gwynedd.gov.uk
