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Home What is Walsall's New Deal? Themes Area Map Newsletter Project Updates Staff Events New Deal Documentation Links Job Vacancies Contact Site Map |
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On Friday 27th July at 2.00pm, the culmination of a year's work with local groups and children will be officially unveiled by three Bloxwich Carnival Queens at Elmore Green, Elmore Row, Bloxwich. Walsall Council and Walsall’s New Deal have worked with artists Ron Thompson and Julie Edwards and the people of Bloxwich to create a stunning column that represents the town and its history. The column standing 3.5 metres tall is constructed from cast iron and mild steel, the project also incorporates information boards about the history of Bloxwich. The artwork features 16 panels that illustrate the things which local people felt best represented Bloxwich and includes, Pat Collins, Bloxwich and its Saxon origins, awl blade making and the Old Hall Company to name a few. The sculpture has been cast locally, in Willenhall by the Purbright Foundry, many of whose workers come from the Bloxwich area. In addition to the column, there are three attractive information boards located in Bloxwich Park, the Market and Elmore Green. These boards will have information on the history of the town. Julie and Ron have been working with Walsall's New Deal, the Friends of Bloxwich Park, Walsall's Local History Centre, Nigel Wiggin and a number of community groups and schools to develop ideas for the artwork, which is 'illustrated' in the cast iron column, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Bloxwich area. Mayor of Walsall and local councillor Melvin Pitt said; "This is an exciting time for Bloxwich. It's great to see local people's ideas and inspirations take shape to help renovate this area and provide a spectacular talking point." Alan Venables, Chair of New Deal’s Environment Theme Group said; "Both the sculpture and information boards are special to Bloxwich and it's great that local people will now be able to see the result of their hard work." Chair of the Friends of Bloxwich Parks Ken Worley said; "This sculpture is a fantastic bonus to the area, and with the information boards will considerably enhance the Elmore Green area". Ends..... Photo opportunities: 27th July, 14.00hr at Elmore Green, Elmore Row, Bloxwich. The Carnival Queens attending will be; 2006 Kirsty Rollinson 2004 Samantha Badger 2003 Tammi Scales More information please contact: Andy Bradley; Communications Manager on 01922 712858 / m: 07950 705413 bradleya@walsall.gov.uk Sally Gamston; Communications Assistant on 01922 712858 / m: 07843 346119 gamstons@walsall.gov.uk For more information about New Deal area environmental initiatives, please contact Steve Pooni at Walsall's New Deal on 01922 712858. Editors notes: The sculpture project has been funded by Walsall Council £35,000 and developed in partnership with Walsall's New Deal for Communities. For more information about the Arts workers please contact: Julie Edwards on 01543 377232 or email wardsjulie@aol.com Walsall's New Deal for Communities is a regeneration initiative working in the areas of Blakenall, Bloxwich and Leamore. The initiative received a £52 million Government grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government (formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) to be spent on sustainable regeneration spread over a ten year period that commenced 2001. |
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