December 2023 Newsletter
End of Year Message from Sian
Goodness, already time to deck the halls – where does the time go?!
Welcome to our Christmas newsletter, bringing you up to speed on what’s been happening and a peek at future events too. 2023 has been an exciting year for Pedal Power, in all the best ways, as successful funding bids have enabled us to expand our staff and increase our reach – bringing inclusive cycling to even more people!
That is always our aim and so we urge you spread the word and encourage friends and family to come and visit – whether cycling or enjoying a coffee - everyone is most welcome. Look out for more activities in our café, more social rides to join, not forgetting our iconic Ride For All in June when we take to the cycleways of Cardiff to show that cycling is for everyone – all ages and all abilities!
Thank you to everyone for supporting Pedal Power in 2023, have a wonderful festive time and we look forward to welcoming you back in the saddle from January 4th 2024!
**Christmas and New Year Closing: We’ll be closed from the afternoon of Thursday 21st December - last hire on this day will be 1pm (for 1 hour maximum). We reopen at 10am on Thursday 4th January 2024.**
News
Cardiff Cycle City Awards 2023: We’re thrilled that we've recently won not just one, but two awards! The Biggest Contribution to Inclusive Cycling in Cardiff and The Most Cycle Friendly Business. Sian and Sam attended the awards ceremony on the 30th November and were delighted to have our hard work recognised. Thanks to everyone who voted for us – it paid off!
Warm Places Funding: We recently applied for funding from National Grid connected with warm spaces during the winter months and we were successful!! Our project is called Pedal Power Winter Warmers and is about creating and facilitating activities in the café. We’ll let you know more about these activities as soon as we can!
Cardiff Bay Site Indonesian Murals: If you’re looking for something to do over the holiday period, why not go and see the two huge new murals at the Pedal Power Bay site? These fabulous murals were done by two disabled Indonesian artists in collaboration with local murals artist, Andy Bolton. We hope you agree that they make a striking addition to our site and Bay area in general!
Stocking Fillers & Gift Ideas for Sale in our Cafe: We have a range of handmade, sustainable and unique gift ideas for sale in the café in the run up to Christmas. All sales help us!
⦁ Small oil paintings of local and Welsh scenes by local artist Andy Barlow
⦁ Handmade pottery (mugs, cups and bowls) by Potter, John Remington. John has donated the pieces to us so all sales proceeds go to Pedal Power
⦁ Key rings made by our mechanics from recycled bike chains – these are proving very popular at just £2!
⦁ Accessories (purses, wallets, pencil cases and wash bags) made by local business from used cycle inner tubes
Pre-Christmas Events
Indonesian Cultural Pop-Up Day – Saturday 9th December: In collaboration with the Welsh-Indonesian Society, we’re holding a day of traditional Indonesian food, dance and music in our café. Open to everyone, it’ll be a chance to sample a little slice of Indonesian culture as well as some delicious vegetarian dishes. The Indonesian menu will be served alongside our normal Pedal Power menu for those wanting something a little more familiar!
Evening Lantern Ride – 4-6pm, Saturday 16th December: Setting off from Pedal Power, this will be a short ride around the park and city, riding bikes adorned with festive, lit lanterns. After the ride, we’ll return to Pedal Power for hot chocolate and mince pies.
The ride is free and you can either bring your own bike or hire one from us (members hire for free). If hiring from us. Please book your bike in advance and arrive around 15-30 minutes before the ride.
Lantern Making Workshops – every Friday from 12-3.30pm: In the lead up to the Evening Lantern Ride, we’re running workshops where you can make your own lantern/s. The workshops are being run by local community artists, Niki and Alice, and are free to take part.
Yuletide Ride - 11am, Thursday 21st December: Our traditional ride on our Christmas closing day. This is a 1 hour park ride lead by our cycling officers which is free to join and free to hire for our members. This is also your opportunity to dress as a reindeer, grow a large beard for the day and break out the tinsel on your bike! The ride will be followed by Carols and mince pies in the cafe from 12 to 1pm.
Thank You!
Which only leaves us to say a big THANK YOU to all our members for your continued support and loyalty. We hope you have a peaceful and restful holiday period and look forward to seeing you in 2024!
