Cardiff Council Update: 25 November 2022

Here's your Friday update, covering: Cardiff's Betty Campbell statue wins award; consultation seeking unpaid carers' views on respite support; and team Bute Park crowned best in the whole of the UK.

Cardiff's Betty Campbell statue wins award

Cardiff's awe-inspiring statue which honours Wales' first black headteacher, Betty Campbell MBE, has won the public vote at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The celebrated statue secured the win at last night's, (Thursday November 24), Public Statues and Sculpture Association (PSSA) Marsh Awards 2022 for Excellence in Public Sculpture.

The Betty Campbell monument was designed and created by renowned figurative sculptor Eve Shepherd and was unveiled in Cardiff city centre in September 2021.The sculpture was commissioned following the Hidden Heroines campaign organised by Monumental Welsh Women, broadcast on BBC Wales. Betty Campbell topped a public vote to decide who would be the first ever statue of a named, non-fictionalised woman in Wales.

Betty Campbell was once told her childhood dream of becoming a headteacher was "insurmountable". Born and raised in Butetown, Betty Campbell was told by her teacher that a working-class Black girl could never achieve the academic heights she aspired to. She proved her doubters wrong in the most inspirational way, becoming Wales' first Black headteacher and champion of equality and diversity. Mrs Campbell was honoured with the permanent monument in Cardiff's Central Square to mark her incredible contribution to education and community.

For the first time in the history of the PSSA awards, the public were given a chance to vote for their favourite work. People voted from a shortlist of nine public works of sculptures from across the UK.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council said: "It is a true reflection of how well the statue has been received since it was unveiled in Cardiff. Not only is it a fitting tribute to Betty - such an important woman in Welsh and Cardiff history - but it has been a focal point for people visiting the city, a commemoration for our monumental women and now a credit to its creator Eve Shepherd and the public who voted for it."

Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks & Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke-Davies said: "What a fantastic way for the Betty Campbell Monument to be celebrated by the public who voted for it to win this award. It is such an iconic public sculpture which has already been recognised for the powerful story behind it, and now it has been prized for its visual aesthetics and design. I'm delighted for the artist, and for Betty's family."

Caring for Carers in Cardiff - tell us your views

A consultation seeking the views of unpaid carers about respite support available to them as they carry out their vital role was launched in Cardiff yesterday.

Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adult Services), Cllr Norma Mackie launched the consultation at an event at Grand Avenue Day Centre, Ely attended by people who access services there and their families, representatives from the Council and Cardiff and Regional Partnership Board and members of the city's Carers Impact Group.

The consultation aims to capture information about the current provision for unpaid carers and how things can be improved to support them. It supports the priority outlined in Welsh Government's Strategy for Unpaid Carers that all unpaid carers must have the opportunity to take breaks from their caring role to enable them to maintain their own health and well-being and have a life alongside caring.

Respite allows carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities and routines and can take many forms including sport, leisure, cultural activities, pursuing education, going away on holiday, replacement care and overnight sitting services. It can take place either with or without the person being cared for.

Cllr Mackie said: "Unpaid Carers play an essential role in our communities so it is crucial that they can access support to enable them to continue to care.

"If you look after a relative or friend by helping them with their daily activities and needs, please take part in the survey which will help us understand how we can better support you."

Team Bute Park crowned best in the whole of the UK

Cardiff's Bute Park employees have been crowned ‘Team of the Year' in this years' Green Flag ‘UK Best of the Best' awards.

The Green Flag ‘UK Best of the Best' awards recognises the exceptional teams and individuals who work tirelessly to make their parks and green spaces fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

Team Bute Park received the ‘Team of the Year' accolade at a virtual ceremony on Tuesday 15 November.

Since 2010 the dedicated team at Bute Park have transformed and restored an underutilized space into the vibrant green heart of Cardiff that it's known as today. With yearly visitors rising from 1 million in 2010 to now around 2.5 million, the team tasked with looking after Bute Park are being celebrated for their hard graft.

From a growing line-up of popular events, to thriving volunteer and education programmes, ‘Team Bute Park' have demonstrated a top-class level of initiative and innovation that benefits the local community and visitors alike.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and a significant vandal attack at the park last year, the team are more determined than ever to spread the message that the city's much-loved park belongs to the people of Cardiff and is a place that everyone can enjoy safely.

CCTV cameras were installed to improve detection and prevention of crime and a new community orchard and cherry blossom avenue were positive additions to the park, that emerged specifically in response to the vandalism attack and demonstrate the level of support the park has in the community. Ultimately, two trees will be planted for every one that was destroyed in the attack.