Pupils bring festive cheer to the Assembly’s Christmas trees

Primary school pupils from Dolgarrog and Ely were tasked with creating unique decorations for the National Assembly Christmas trees this year. Their decorations are displayed on the trees at the Senedd and the building in Colwyn Bay.  

The Assembly office in Colwyn Bay was filled with festive cheer on Wednesday, 18 December 2019, when pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys, Dolgarrog came to help decorate the Christmas tree.

Before creating their decorations, the group of 12 pupils learned about the work of the Assembly as well as the Welsh Youth Parliament as a way in which they, as young people, can also contribute to the work of the Assembly.

The pupils then turned their hands to creating the unique Christmas decorations including a message of Merry Christmas to everyone in Wales. Ann Jones, Assembly Member for the Vale of Clwyd and Deputy Assembly Presiding Officer, came to help them decorate and chat about her work.

A pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys said; “Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to make the Christmas decorations and I have learned a great deal about the Assembly and the Youth Parliament. Would look forward to hearing more about the Youth Parliament in the coming year.”

Earlier this month, on December 11, 26 children from Herbert Thompson School from the Ely area of Cardiff visited the Senedd to create their decorations, accompanied by Assembly Llywydd, Elin Jones AM.

The children also had a tour of the Senedd and learnt more about the work of the Assembly, including a talk with their local Assembly Member, Prime Minister Mark Drakeford.

The children diligently created beautiful and sustainable decorations using recycled materials whilst learning about the effect of plastic pollution on wildlife.

On the decorations, they had an opportunity to write one thing they were grateful for in their community. Visitors to the Senedd over the Christmas period can do the same, by writing their own messages of thanks to place on the Christmas trees.

Assembly Llywydd, Elin Jones AM and Deputy Presiding Officer, Ann Jones AM joined the children to decorate the trees before enjoying a performance of Christmas songs by the children in the company of Assembly Members and staff.

Ysgol Herbert Thompson teacher Chloe Martin said; “The children were blown away by the activities and opportunities to see how the Welsh parliament works. Thank you for such a wonderful and enriching experience for our children.”