Piecing together art and history, pupils from Ysgol Caer Drewyn, Corwen, took part in a mosaic project with local artist, Patricia Jones aimed at promoting the Iron Age hillfort, Caer Drewyn – a site which lies above the town of Corwen.
Since the beginning of the year, pupils from years 5 & 6 from the school have been hard at work with Patricia Jones of Classical Mosaic and the Heather and Hillforts Project to create a large mosaic, which will be displayed outside Corwen Leisure Centre.
Patricia Jones said “The aim was to incorporate imagery of the hillfort and its historical Celtic associations, as well as flora and fauna of the area and references to distinctive buildings from the town of Corwen.
“The Year 5 & 6 children from Ysgol Caer Drewyn really enjoyed their workshop sessions at the school in early 2009.”
Materials used included mosaic vitreous glass, Italian smalti, ceramic, recycled china and porcelain, glass beads, granite pebbles on within a frame of wind-blown, seasoned, locally sourced oak. The oak frame work and installation was by local carpenter Adam Ashworth.
Erin Robinson, Heather and Hillforts Interpretation Officer said “Caer Drewyn hillfort is managed by Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside Service and enjoyed and visited by many. We hope that this beautiful mosaic at the start of the trail to the fort will encourage more people to enjoy this spectacular and special place for years to come.”
The project was organised and funded by the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme. Throughout the workshop sessions the children learned about what the Countryside Service does to conserve the archaeology and the ecology in the area and about the importance of the site as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The mosaic was unveiled in a short ceremony attended by Vice-Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies, headteacher, Mrs Jayne Davies, head boy, Josh McCook, head girl, Libby Williams and Leisure Centre Manager, Adrian Roberts.
In his speech, Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies said: “The students’ local knowledge of the site and artistic flair have worked hand-in-hand to create a work of art to show off this dramatic landscape – especially the Iron Age hillfort which keeps a watchful eye over the town.”
The three year Heather and Hillforts Project is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information please visit heatherandhillforts.co.uk.
Denbighshire’s Cabinet has approved plans to formally consult on the potential closure of Ysgol Llantysilio for September 2010.
Currently the school has 13 full time pupils, However, for September 2009 there will be no pupils within Key Stage 1 of the school and by September 2010 there is forecast to be only four full time pupils.
The council has held discussions with the governing body and headteacher with a view to developing a managed closure of the school for September 2010.
The school’s governing body has also come to the view that the school is no longer viable and the headteacher has consulted informally with parents, to inform them of the position regarding the future of the school.
Following the Cabinet’s decision today (Tuesday), a month long consultation will begin on September 7th.The council will then be required to consider the responses received and determine whether to proceed with a proposal to close the school and publishing formal notices. Following the publication of notices, people have two months to write in with any objections.
If no objections are received, the council will make the final decision.If the council receives written objections, the matter will be referred to the Welsh Assembly Government who will make a decision.
Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader of Denbighshire and Cabinet Lead Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “We have recently started to review primary provision in the Dee Valley East area (as well as the Prestatyn area), but it was felt that Ysgol Llantysilio should be considered as a separate case.
“We feel that having a school with only four pupils on the roll in September 2010 would not provide the best educational experience for the pupils or the most efficient use of resources for the authority. We have already spoken to a number of groups that would be affected by the potential closure and it is vitally important that anyone with an interest in education at Ysgol Llantysilio is given a chance to have their say.
Denbighshire has joined with partner agencies to highlight the School Watch initiative in time for the summer holidays.
School Watch aims to encourage people to keep an extra eye on their local schools during the long summer break in a bid to combat vandalism and burglaries at schools.
Schools are a valuable resource for the communities they serve and school budgets, which should be used to educate our children, are being diverted to meet the expense of securing premises with window grills, alarms, security cameras, fences and other security devices.
The Chair of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Joan Butterfield welcomed everyone to the event at Ysgol Mair, Rhyl on 7 July. Also present were representatives from Denbighshire, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service as well as pupils from Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones School.
The children enjoyed meeting the police and fire crews and inspecting the emergency vehicles which included a police car, fire engine and the police helicopter.
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Lead Member for Communities, was at the launch and said: “Schools are an important part of any community and it is extremely important that we do what we can to protect them.
“I urge everyone to make it their business to watch over school premises during the holiday period but also out of school hours during term time. If you live near a school or regularly pass a school, please take a little extra time to make sure nothing is amiss.”
Ifan Hughes, Crime Reduction Advisor with North Wales Police, said, ”Information from the community is vital to the success of the initiative and the children have really enjoyed taking part in this event. “If you see any anti-social behaviour in our schools please report it to the police.”
In an emergency, people are urged to call 999 and ask for the service required or phone CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 in confidence or phone the School Watch number 0845 607 1002.
IF YOU SEE IT – REPORT IT! DON’T DELAY!