On Sunday 10th February a party of ten pupils from Pentyrch Primary School left for a four-day visit to Helsinki. Mr. Graham Renshaw, Headteacher; Mrs. Jane Marchesi, Science Advisory Teacher; and Mrs. Helen Phillips, one of the parents, supervised the children. The visit is part of the European Science Centre Schools Project. Primary schools in six European cities are linking with their local science centre to develop new ways of teaching science by combining formal and informal learning. The project involves schools and science centres across Europe working collaboratively on scientific projects and developing learning and teaching materials.

When we arrived in Helsinki we were a little disappointed to discover that the weather had been warm for the previous week and there was very little snow on the ground.  However, it snowed the first night we were there, much to the children's delight.  The weather was mild by Finnish standards for the time of year - a balmy -5°c during the day!

While in Helsinki we visited the Heureka Science Centre.  The displays are interactive and very much "hands on".  The children had the opportunity to experience zero gravity, to lie on a bed of nails and even ride a bike on a tight rope!

In the science theatre we watched a show entitled "It's a Gas!" and in the Verne Film Theatre we saw a

very impressive film on Mount Everest.  The children visited the laboratory and experimented with fizzy drinks and food colouring to produce multi- coloured drinks.    ›

Once the crossing to Taffs Well from Gwaelod y Garth was by boat - the launching stones can still be seen when the river is low. The recent notice on the bridge  saying that it was to close for repair caused much concern in the village. The bridge is much used by people travelling by rail from Taffs Well, by workers on the industrial estate,  by shoppers and  people going to the doctor's surgery or the pharmacy.
   The bridge is in need of repair. It will have to be done eventually, in spite of inconvenience.   However, Cardiff County say that the notice of closure in the Western Mail was premature. The work will take place at some time in the next financial

year, as and  when money becomes available. The two Counties accept that the long walk around the industrial estates to the road bridge is hazardous and too long for many people. A council officer  who tried the  walk, concluded that it would be dangerous and difficult for people.  Plans are being discussed  for the time when  the bridge is closed.
  There is  a suggestion that a  continuous shuttle bus will run backwards and forwards between Taffs Well and Gwaelod y Garth during the renovations.  It is estimated that repair work will take up to four months.  No rowing boats are planned - in spite of  local history!

Norma Procter