AN 11-foot-long dinosaur built by a Penparcau community group for Aberystwyth’s annual carnival featured in a Jurassic heritage exhibition in Old College.

Dave the Dinosaur went on display in the Quad alongside the main Archaeopteryx exhibition, which was officially opened by wildlife expert and television presenter Iolo Williams last week.

The lifelike model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex was made by members of the Penparcau Community Forum, an organisation set up to develop sustainable and inclusive activities and facilities for the benefit of local people.

Complete with moving jaws and a thunderous roar, Dave formed the centrepiece of the forum’s Jurassic Penparcau float at the 2017 Aberystwyth Carnival and was awarded the prize for Best Overall Float.

Karina Shaw, director and trustee of Penparcau Community Forum, said she was delighted to see Dave the Dinosaur on public display again.

“The process of making Dave for last summer’s carnival float was wonderful. It helped to build stronger relationships in our community. It gave people a network to lean on in tough times and a group to share ideas and skills with. For some, it was a great source of therapy. For others, it was a chance to reconnect with their community and feel part of something special.”

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