A newly-launched business selling new and used shipping containers has helped out a charity which helps disabled youngsters enjoy the freewheeling fun of an award-winning cycle track.
Denbigh-based Container Sales Centre has delivered the 20-foot unit to the Marsh Tracks cycling centre in Rhyl, where it will store an innovative range of two, three and four-wheeled bikes all designed for children with special needs.
CSC operations manager Stuart Bowker and sales consultant Lisa James said it was a prime example of how the units can be put to a range of practical uses.
They visited the award winning Marsh Tracks road cycling and national standard BMX tracks at Rhyl where pupils of nearby Ysgol Tir Morfa Community Special School enjoyed a cycling taster session.
Stuart, a keen cyclist himself, and Lisa took to the saddle to pedal power their way round the 1.3 mile circuit along with excited pupils.
Stuart said: “It’s fantastic to see the kids enjoying themselves. It’s been a really chilly, windy day, but it’s not put any of them off. They’ve loved whizzing round the track.”
The session was led by Janet Gregory of the Cycling Projects charity which aims to make cycling accessible to all ages and abilities through its Wheels for All campaign.
She said the 1280 square foot unit means it is no longer necessary to transport often heavy and awkward shaped bikes to the Marsh Tracks circuit on Marsh Road, near the Glan y Morfa industrial estate.
She added: “It’s perfect for storing the various different shaped adapted bikes which include large-size tricycles and a tandem.
“The unit is also handy for school pupils to shelter in to enjoy a between laps pit stop or end of session soft drinks break.”
The North Wales Wheels for All proramme is supported through the Steve Morgan Foundation enabling Janet Gregory as project co-ordinator to establish Wheels for All hubs across the region, and engage with as many people as possible through the inclusive cycling offer.
Janet has been working on building strong partnerships across Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Conwy to establish regular all-inclusive cycling provision and has worked with occupational therapists, sports development experts, local councils and healthcare staff on the best ways to make cycling more accessible.
The Rhyl Wheels for All setting at Marsh Tracks will follow similar successful engagement at the Deeside Wheels for All venue in Flintshire.
Janet, who believes cycling is one of the best ways to keep fit, said: “We’ve also supported community members to become volunteers and ideally assist in the delivery of Wheels for All activities across North Wales.
“The advantage with this sort of community based scheme is that everyone can go at their own pace, no matter how able or how old you are.”
Janet eventually hopes to step back and let volunteers take over the cycling sessions at venues like Marsh Tracks, overseeing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities as they benefit physically and mentally from group cycling events and fun competitions.
Ysgol Tir Morfa teacher Accalia Edwards and teaching assistant Leanne Revitt said their group of ten pupils aged between 16 and 19 couldn’t wait for their Marsh Tracks taster session.
Accalia said: “Even though it was a cold day they were all up for spending an hour or so outside enjoying some physical exercise.
“Cycling is a great way for them to have fun and work as a team. They all support each other and cheer each other on as each pupil makes their way around the track.”
Former Royal Welch Fusiliers Warrant Officer Dave Matthias runs a cycling repair shop at Ysgol Tir Morfa where he teaches pupils to repair and refurbish old bikes so they can be re-sold, with all those who take part working towards obtaining a City and Guilds qualification.
He said: “The idea that our kids can come out here and enjoy cycling in a safe environment while benefitting from top coaching is brilliant.
“The fact that now there are adapted bikes readily on hand which they know they can use makes it so much easier for less able pupils to join in. This is a fantastic scheme.”
Stuart explained: “CSC containers range in size and price depending on people’s needs.
‘We offer the full range from brand new containers to used ones which buyers can fit out to their own bespoke requirements. Basically they can do whatever they like within the space – some people insulate them and even fit windows to use them as an office. Others just want them as a simple, safe storage facility.
“An advantage of buying outright is that you can also paint the exterior to your own taste including having your company branding if you are launching your own business.”
Prices range from £350 for small pre-used containers needing repair, used wind and watertight units to new ones with the prices ranging between £2,000-£4,000. The Container Sales Centre Ltd, can also arrange delivery of the containers to most places in the UK.
Lisa added: “Size wise they are generally eight feet high and eight feet wide but the length can be 10 feet, 20 feet or 40 feet, depending on individual requirements.”
For information about Container Sales Centre go to https://www.containersalescentre.co.uk/new-containers and for more on the Wheels for All project or the Marsh Track and other cycling sessions visit: https://cycling.org.uk/wheels-for-all
Captions: Container-1 and 2 Container sales centre Marsh tracks, Rhyl: Pictured are pupils from Ysgol Tir Morfa, Rhyl; Zak, Sean, Esther Ruth and Nathan on their bikes with Stuart Bowker, Container Sales Centre, Janet Gregory, Wheels for All Co-ordinator for North Wales and Lisa James of Container Sales Centre.
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