A new community mural celebrating life in St Helens was been unveiled on the village green last weekend (7th June), with schoolchildren, local businesses and community groups all playing a part in bringing the artwork to life.
St Helens Parish Council worked with Emma and Hollie of Community Murals to create a mural of village life in the shelter on the village green, between the pavilion and the pub.
It was officially opened by Dave Collett of The Stonewood Camp Trust who part funded the mural to thank local people for their welcome and hospitality to campers over many decades. Dave Collett and his daughter Alison Braun travelled down from Essex, and Gary and Jenny Marshall came from Felixstowe to represent the Trust at the opening.
The oldest 2 classes at St Helen’s Primary School, with the support of the class teachers, contributed ideas and sketches which informed the design.
Children also went to see the mural being painted and asked lots of excellent questions. The mural features many local landmarks including the wishing tree, the fort, the old church, the village green and nods to Carnival and the St Helens Christmas angels.
A host of local groups and businesses came together to contribute to the mural including; The Jolly Fryer, The Goose Bookshop, Baywatch Café, Duver Enterprises, The Vine Inn, St Helens Horticultural Society, Jonathan Bacon, St Helens Historical Society, The Old Mill Holiday Park, St Helens Premier and Post Office and Ginger Promo.
The memorial plaque situated in the shelter to Dr Wilfred Chambers (beloved physician) and Mark Chappell has has also been refurbished.
Parish Councillor Charity Garnett said:
“It’s been amazing how many local people, groups and businesses have come together to support this public art project. There is so much going on in St Helens including our new youth club, it was hard to fit everything in. We are very grateful to the Stonewood Camp Trust and our other funders for helping make this happen. Its been a real team effort and Emma and Hollie of Community Murals have done a wonderful job bringing it all together.”
Dave Collett of the Stonewood Camp Trust said:
“Generations of young people camped in St Helens as part of the Stonewood Camp between 1958 and 2005. We are grateful for the hospitality and friendship received from the villagers over the years. This will be a lasting connection between Stonewood Camp Trust and the village”.
Emma and Hollie of Community Murals said:
“We have absolutely loved bringing this mural to life, and it’s been incredibly special because it was truly shaped by the people who live here. Having the school children share what St Helens means to them gave us the perfect inspiration, and it was a joy having them visit us on-site. We were incredibly lucky to be joined by local illustrator Poppy Morris, who made some beautiful additions to the mural. We are so grateful to every friendly face who stopped by to chat and cheer us on while we painted. This wall belongs to the community, and we hope it brings joy to the village for many years to come.”
