MELIN HOMES PARTNERSHIP
Melin Homes and the Newport Gwent Dragons join forces to help local children through a youth educations programme.
The Second Half project is supported for the fourth year running by Melin Homes and is managed by the Dragons at their home ground, Rodney Parade.
The project gives a unique opportunity for thousands of 9 to 11 year olds to build self-esteem and confidence by participating in an out–of-school learning experience. The project clearly fits in with Melin’s commitment to youth initiatives, community generation and lifelong learning
Mark Gardner, Chief Executive at Melin said: “You would not think that a rugby team and a housing association would have much in common, but the opposite is in fact true. We are both working hard to help the youngsters in our community become better citizens. The fact that this partnership is in its fourth year clearly demonstrates that it is working.”
Phil James Education Officer at Newport Gwent Dragons coordinates the Second Half project each week, which is renowned throughout the region. He explained:
“We’re delighted to have Melin involved with our successful project for a fourth year. The children enjoy the interaction with the players and physical activity while gaining literacy and numeric skills.”
If you are a school in the Gwent area and would like to take part in the Second Half Project, contact Phil James on 01633 674956 or phil.james@rodneyparadeltd.com.
For further information please contact Paula Skyrme, Communication Officer on 01495 745907 or paula.skyrme@melinhomes.co.uk
FILM PREMIERE AT THE SECOND HALF
Just as enigmatic as the role of Dr Who, the new leading man in the Dragons Changing Room Experience film has certainly kept up a longstanding tradition of superb performances in front of the cameras!!
Following on from distinguished leading men such as Simon Raiwalui, Ian Gough, Percy Montgomery, Jason Forster, Luke Charteris and Gareth Gravell comes this year’s skipper Tom Willis, fronting up in his usual determined way, trying to ensure success in this unique and inspiring motivational experience.
The film was given its first public showing when Crindau Primary School visited the Second Half, which was the icing on the cake of this excellent day. There were several film critics present and here is what the experts had to say about the film.
Year Six pupil Bradley said: “I really enjoyed the video – my favourite part was Adam Hughes’ try (against Gloucester in the LV= Cup) when he got the ball on the wing and then had a free run across the pitch to score under the posts.”
Caitlin, also in Year Six, said “The video was really good. The best bit was when Aled Brew did the dive when he scored (against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade in March).”
Their classmate Tyrell chose Toby Faletau’s stunning try against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium as his favourite of the action clips in the video. He said: “I liked the film a lot. Toby’s try was the best one and I liked the part where Tom talked about what he did when he was young and how he became a rugby player.”
Finally their teacher and popular Cross Keys player Mr (Marc) Popham gave the film a big thumbs up: “When I was here as a player, I wondered what all the fuss was about with this ‘film in the changing room’. Now I have seen it at first hand and seen just how much the kids loved it I fully appreciate what the fuss was all about. Tom’s team talk was great and seeing all the tries does really inspire the children to try to get there themselves by getting involved, whether in rugby or another sport.”
BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS
The award winning Gateway Project is proving as successful as ever. The 2004 Best Welsh Sporting Scheme was acknowledged as the most exciting initiative to come out of any rugby club or region in Wales by the Sports Council for Wales.
Here we are some six years on and still winning the plaudits from the schools that we visit, and with Dragons players fully on board and committed to helping out when they can the community team are delivering the goods.
A recent visit to Mount Pleasant Primary to Mr Dowd’s year 3 class resulted in a flurry of letters from his pupils inspired by Janice Chappell’s enthusiasm and the support she had from young Dragons Mike Poole and Dan Watchurst.
Evan Wellington wrote that he loved training with the players and that “I learnt a lot”,
whilst Connor Jordan wrote that “he learnt all about rugby and it was great fun!!”
This was accompanied by a drawing of the most ferocious dragon we have ever seen. Amelia Johnston went even further with a detailed drawing of the Dragons jersey and a “big thank you for your autographs, please, please come again”.
Mr Dowd commented that he had seen the look of delight on his pupils and knew they were really up for session, whilst a beaming Janice was also delighted with the help she received from the players.
“The whole thing has been awesome” agreed Dan and Mike. The good old days have become the great present days as far as the community department is concerned.
