A leading civil engineering firm has helped pupils from three Denbighshire schools unlock their creative sides by sponsoring a series of art and textile workshops.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has partnered with charity Arts & Business Cymru to carry out the full-day sessions, delivered entirely in Welsh, at Ruthin Craft Centre’s education room.
Thanks to the Ruthin-firm’s donation, materials and fabrics were purchased from ReSource CIC, enabling the youngsters to create the constituent parts of a large quilt embedded with traditional Welsh motifs.
Approximately 50 pupils in years three to six from Welsh-medium schools Ysgol Pentrecelyn, Ysgol Bro Elwern and Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch took part in the initiative, which was hosted by the centre’s artist in residence, Bethan M Hughes.
Alongside promoting sustainability through upcycling, Jones Bros provided geotextile fabric which was used to enhance students’ maths and geometry skills through measuring, drawing, and cutting shapes.
Additional investment from Arts & Business Cymru also saw the students’ travel expenses to and from the centre covered allowing the rural schools to participate in the enriching activity.
Bethan said: “It was a lovely atmosphere in the workshops, and seeing the youngsters’ confidence and abilities grow throughout the sessions was brilliant.
“The opportunity gave the pupils a chance to try out new life skills such as hand sewing, as well as practise the Welsh language and learn about Welsh heritage in a safe, creative space.
“Overall, I’m thankful for Jones Bros’ support, as it enabled us to deliver the activities and to purchase the necessary materials.
“We would love to have more young people attend the centre for creative workshops, but it is dependent on the generous support of companies such as Jones Bros and additional funding from Arts Council Wales through CultureStep.”
Gwenno Angharad, Arts & Business Cymru’s north wales partnerships director, said: “We’re proud to have co-invested with Jones Bros in this inspiring initiative through our CultureStep Investment Programme.
“It’s been wonderful to see such a meaningful collaboration take shape. Alongside Jones Bros’ generous in-kind donation of a cement base for Ruthin Craft Centre’s new National Gallery permanent sculpture, our joint funding is enabling the delivery of Caffi Celf sessions, giving learners the chance to develop their Welsh language skills in a creative, supportive environment.
“None of this would have been possible without Jones Bros’ staunch support. Partnerships like this truly highlight the powerful impact businesses can have when they invest in the cultural and educational fabric of their communities.”
Lynne Williams, marketing manager for Jones Bros, said: “Having worked alongside Arts and Business Cymru for more than 10 years, it’s been fantastic to promote the arts once again and we’re proud to have helped facilitate the workshops.
“With sustainability at the forefront of our operations here at Jones Bros, educating the next generation about its importance has been wonderful and the final result of the youngsters’ efforts has been great.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.
