Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
- SuperTed - and super statue - feature in new Cardiff exhibition
- Empowering Tomorrow: Child Friendly Cardiff champions Young Changemakers!
- Top honour for school's Welsh language provision
- New sculpture highlighting Flat Holm is installed on Cardiff Bay Barrage
SuperTed - and super statue - feature in new Cardiff exhibition
SuperTed, the cuddly superhero created by an animation team in Cardiff, was one of the biggest television hits of the 1980s and continues to delight children today.
Now, the character is set to star in a new production - an exhibition at the Museum of Cardiff focusing on the history of leisure in the city.
Curators of the museum, based at the Hayes in the centre of Cardiff, have located an original poster promoting the cartoon and a fascinating drawing guide for artists to use when creating the popular bear.
Another star of the exhibition is a vivid reminder of the city's hosting of the Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1958. A 4ft-high model of the giant javelin thrower that stood on top of Howell's department store during the games will be on display. It has been restored by conservation staff and students at Cardiff University in time for the exhibition and was originally used as a guide for the creators of the actual statue - said to be so big that the person who sculpted it could stand inside its head!
Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, said she was delighted by the quality of the exhibits on display. "Everyone remembers SuperTed and it's important to celebrate its links to the creative industries in Cardiff," she said. "I'm also really intrigued by the story of the javelin thrower's statue - the whereabouts of the full-size original are a mystery so maybe someone visiting the exhibition will be able to shed some light on it."
Empowering Tomorrow: Child Friendly Cardiff champions Young Changemakers!
Child Friendly Cardiff, in partnership with Plan UK, has recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of the city's young people who successfully applied for funding under the Young Changemakers social action scheme.
Focusing on addressing gender-related challenges and fostering leadership and advocacy skills, the event was dedicated to showcasing the innovative projects led by young people, demonstrating the powerful role that they can play in driving social change.
Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "As part of our priority of ‘Equal and Included', Child Friendly Cardiff recognised the urgent need to address gender issues while nurturing leadership and advocacy skills among young people.
"Our dedication to empowering young people is evident in the success of the Young Changemakers scheme. By providing a platform for young people to take active roles in their community, particularly concerning gender equity, we are helping our children and young people grow into empowered adults who know how to positively use their voices for change.
"We are immensely proud of the creativity and dedication shown by our young changemakers, their work not only addresses critical gender issues but also exemplifies the positive impact that young people can have in their communities.
"This initiative aligns with our broader mission to embed children's rights into the fabric of the city, ensuring that young voices are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and equitable community, and continues our journey to making children's rights a reality in Cardiff, following our achievement of becoming the first UK Child Friendly City in 2023."
Top honour for school's Welsh language provision
The Court School in Cardiff has won a prestigious award for promoting the Welsh language across its curriculum.
The school, which is currently based in Station Road, Llanishen, has 42 primary age children with additional learning needs. Although it mainly teaches through the medium of English, it has been honoured with Siarter Iaith's silver award for its excellence in promoting Welsh in all areas of the school.
A report which followed an appraisal of its use of the language said: "A strong Welsh ethos is evident as soon as you enter the school... all classes have appropriate Welsh displays and all classes have Welsh names," adding, "progress towards the Siarter Iaith Cymraeg Campus targets is displayed proudly in a communal area."
The report added that all pupils and adults used Welsh words and phrases consistently while the school's 'Criw Cymraeg' selects a secret 'phrase of the week' which pupils, classes and members of staff are rewarded for using.
"Everyone at school is considered a Welsh speaker," said the report, "and they are effectively encouraged and supported to use the Welsh they have, wherever and whenever possible."
Headteacher Jamyn Beesley said the 'Criw Cymraeg' has representatives from each class and meets regularly. "It is taking increasing ownership of the Siarter Iaith," he said. "They decide how to integrate Welsh in all areas of the curriculum and everyone enjoys learning all about the history and heritage of Wales and also learning about contemporary Wales.
"Whilst celebrating and taking pride in their progress, the school is eager to continue with its success and develop further, aiming for the gold award next."
New sculpture highlighting Flat Holm is installed on Cardiff Bay Barrage
A new sculpture which symbolises Flat Holm and aims to link people on the mainland with the island as part of an arts project, has been installed on Cardiff Bay Barrage, just south of the Scott Memorial.
The four-metre-tall hardwood sculpture of a radio is a significant milestone in the National Lottery Heritage Fund Project, "Flat Holm - A Walk Through Time," and is part of a collection of new art content conceived and designed by artist Glenn Davidson. The artwork celebrates the first wireless radio transmission over open water from Lavernock Point to the island in 1897 and not only commemorates a technological achievement but also serves as a landmark that signifies one of the many links between the mainland and the island.
The sculpture is located halfway along the Barrage and its scenic location offers a point of interest for visitors strolling past, where they can see Flat Holm in the distance. Other art associated with this project includes poems, monologues, soundscapes from the island, short films and podcasts, which the public can experience on a website.
"Flat Holm - A Walk Through Time" is transforming the island thanks to a £1.8m award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which makes part of a £2.8 million investment to rejuvenate the island. Additional funding includes capital investment from Cardiff Council and contributions including staff resources from partner organisations such as RSPB Cymru and the Flat Holm Society. This investment supports the repair and renovation of historic buildings, habitat improvements for wildlife, and various community and visitor engagement activities, including the new sculpture. Visitors can explore the island's self-guided tour, which highlights its significant past, including the former cholera hospital and thriving wildlife.