Poetry created by Northwich residents has been brought to life in an exciting art project for the town’s new entertainment and leisure venue.
Verses penned by schoolchildren and community groups have been given pride of place on the construction hoardings surrounding the Memorial Court site.
Inspired by memories of the Memorial Hall and anticipation of the new development, the poetry was created as part of the Collect: Memorial Capture Project.
Performance poet Dominic Berry held workshops with pupils from Witton Church Walk CE, Lostock Gralam and Victoria Road schools, as well as groups from OPEL (Age UK) and University of Chester Academy Northwich.
The decorated hoardings – which were designed by visual artist Jai Redman of Ultimate Holding Company – were officially unveiled in a celebration event.
Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and economy, said: “This wonderful poetry has really brightened up the construction site and is sure to catch the eye of everyone passing by.
“My congratulations go to everyone involved in this fantastic project – they can be very proud of their work.”
All the poetry created for the project has been published in a book, thanks to funding from local councillors Julia Tickridge and Tony Lawrenson. Copies have been presented to all those who took part.
Cllr Julia Tickridge said: “So many fantastic poems were created that not all could be included on the hoardings, so we thought that producing a book would be a lovely way of recording them all for posterity.
“I was fortunate to join one of the school workshops and it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the children for this project and their excitement about Memorial Court.
“Dominic really managed to fire the pupils’ imagination and inspire their creativity, and I would like to thank him for helping to make this such a worthwhile project.”
Dominic said: “Often my work as a poet has me nip over to a school or group for just a day or two. It has been brilliant having this opportunity to work with several Northwich groups over a period of several months.
“Watching everyone's confidence, belief in themselves and the wonderful work they have produced flourishing – it has been very special.
“I am so proud of the amazing results – the hoardings look great, hearing the children perform is superb and now, thanks to the support and funding from Northwich's councillors we have a gorgeous book to treasure as well.”
