A new mural created by over 50 residents in Peasedown St John near Bath has recently been unveiled, to celebrate 70 years of life in the growing village.
Several months in the making, local residents took part in the project which was launched in the summer to recognise seven decades of the Frederick and Albert Avenue housing estates.
Led by local councillors Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent), the mural has been put together with support from Wansdyke Play Association, the Peasedown Wellbeing Group and Peasedown Residents’ Association.
The project was facilitated by Cam Valley Arts and included a workshop at St John’s Community Hall in July.
The idea to put together a series of events to celebrate the anniversary year of the housing estate was thought up by Cllr Karen Walker, who grew up in Frederick Avenue as a child in the 1970’s.
She said: “We’re all proud of the place we live in. Our own streets and neighbourhoods provide us with familiarity, and we rarely lose those memories we make as children when playing outside on a warm summer’s evening!
“We wanted to do something special to commemorate the 70th anniversary of these avenues, which were the original centre of the Peasedown-community in the 50s, 60s and 70s.”
Events held to celebrate the 70th birthday of Frederick and Albert Avenues have included a Family Fun Day, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and the design and production of the new mural.
Representatives from the organisations that took part in the project recently gathered to witness Karen and Sarah unveil the finished mural design at St John’s Community Hall.
Cllr Sarah Bevan said: “The finished design looks fantastic! Both Cam Valley Artists and the volunteers at the Peasedown Wellbeing group have spent many hours stitching and sewing the fabric together.
“The mural features quotes, illustrations and memories collated at a Fun Day in July from residents of all ages that have lived on the estates. You’ll see contributions from 5-year old schoolchildren to women in their 80s. We’re grateful to them all for taking part!”
The mural is currently on display in St John’s Community Hall, St John’s Close, but will be ‘on tour’ throughout 2019.
Cllr Walker added: “If you’d like the mural displayed at your community hall, school, church or medical centre in Peasedown St John please get in touch by emailing [email protected].”