Sheriffs’ grant gets Valley’s groups on their bikes
As featured in South Wales Argus, Friday 17th September 2010
A BIKE hire shop in the Valleys set up to empower the local youth community is using a £1,000 grant from the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund to further its work.
Buzz Youth Group, in Blaina, is operated by more than 30 youth volunteers who help out in the shop each week.
The scheme, set up in partnership with Blaina Communities First, enabled the youngsters to take bikes to the unveiling of the Six Bells miners’ memorial so that young people could appreciate it from various vantage points around the valley, whilst appealing to their age group.
When Nantyglo Comprehensive closed, the youth team took part in various cycling activities with young people who were moving to Abertillery Comprehensive.
They have also loaned bicycles to the Neighbourhood Policing Team who utilise them on their patrols of the ward.
Now, staff at Blaina Communities First are hoping they can open the shop full-time if they have further funding.
The High Sheriff of Gwent, Hugh Phillips, said he was particularly impressed with the leadership, commitment and responsibility showed through the project.
The Community Foundation in Wales, an independent charity established to strengthen communities, is currently accepting applications for similar grants of up to £2,500.
Call Tom Morris at The Community Foundation in Wales on 02920 536590 for more information.