On a sunny Wednesday morning, 18th June, Year 5 & 6 pupils from White Ash Special School in Oswaldtwistle walked from school to take a look at the artwork they had created which is now displayed at Church and Oswaldtwistle and Accrington stations.
The project called ‘Through the Seasons’ highlights the Hyndburn Greenway from Spring to Winter and the access to it from the station platforms for walking and cycling.
The pupils worked with local artist, Gosha Gibek and Sonja Bottomer of Prospects Foundation who provided the knowledge of the flora and fauna on the greenway to create the colourful artwork. The Year 5 and 6 pupils also had fun finding their artwork within the design; some seeing their images with the artwork too! Pupil William explained “I really liked the walk and learning about the seasons; it was very outdoorsy”. Pupil Noah said “I liked the walk because I felt calm.”
Pupils from White Ash School admiring their artwork
The school is part of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club Rotakids programme that helps provide community activities for young people. Sally Hope, Rotakids Co-Ordinator explained “It’s been a pleasure for myself and the Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary team, to work on the Hyndburn Greenway Project with Caroline and Dave of the Community Rail Lancashire team.” “The more promotion and attention we can give to the Hyndburn Greenway, the more it will be used and become an integral part of the area for walking, and cycling.” “The children at our local Rotakids schools have enjoyed being a part of it, and enjoyed taking pride in their station and surrounding area.” “We look forward to continuing our work with the team at Community Rail on other projects in the future.”
Pupils from White Ash School with their artwork at Church & Oswaldtwistle station
Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire said “We hope that more people will be encouraged to enjoy the greenway and use it to access the lovely green spaces the Hyndburn area has to offer.” “Where better to start a lovely walk, but from a well-kept station like Church and Oswaldtwistle, so caringly maintained by the local Rotary Club?” “We thank the pupils for the lovely, bright artwork they have created and also the funders that have helped realise this fantastic addition to our stations – Hyndburn Windfall Fund, Community Rail Network, Lancashire County Council.”
On Friday 20th June, a celebration at the school took place where the pupils were joined by their families and invited guests to celebrate their success. They received books and certificates in recognition of their achievements and a banner of the artwork to display at school.
A page has been created with acti cities that can be downloaded a d this can be seen here: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/hyndburn-greenway-through-the-seasons/
Hyndburn Greenway Through the Seasons artwork at Church & Oswaldtwistle Station