A celebration event was held today at Whitfield Valley Centre to mark the city’s Centenary – and they unveiled a very special piece of artwork produced by the community’s school children.
For the last few months, a joint project between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, city-based businesses and local charity Chell Area Family Action Group (CAFAG) has been working to make improvements to the centre.
Missing bricks from the existing boundary wall have been replaced together with new surface boards on the side of the main building, with work gifted by council contractors as part of their ‘corporate social responsibilities’ payback to local communities and their environment.
Wood Street Maintenance replaced the missing bricks and provided three-ply boards for the artwork, Phoenix Gas donated the paint and art materials, while Metro-Rod donated prizes to the art competition winners.
Children from Whitfield Valley Primary Academy and Ormiston Horizon Academy were invited to create pictures celebrating their community in a competition to mark the Centenary and celebrate the history and rich heritage of their community.
Residents from Chatterley Court Residential Home were asked to judge the entries and the final two images have been painted into a mural on the side of the Whitfield Valley Centre by talented local artist Gareth Williams.
The mural was unveiled today with Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Watkins in attendance. Councillor Watkins said, “We asked for artwork which reflected the diversity and togetherness in our community and that celebrated our Centenary. The results have been incredible and we’re absolutely thrilled to see the artistic talent the children displayed.”
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, also attended the event, and said, “I’m delighted to see the results of this project; showcasing the talent in our community, the groups who really make a difference and the partnerships we have with local businesses. The Whitfield Valley Centre is a major hub for the people of Chell and now they have a permanent reminder of the spirit of the community in this artwork.”
Councillor Sue Akkhurt, ward councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor said, “after many years of the wall being in such a state, it is wonderful to see the work that Stoke-on-Trent City Council and its’ Contractors can achieve in partnership together. I am absolutely blown away by the stunning artwork from our local school children.”
CAFAG is based at the Whitfield Valley Centre and supports the health and wellbeing of residents from Fegg Hayes, Chell, Chell Heath and Packmoor. In addition to a café and charity shop, the centre offers an OFSTED registered nursery, creche, parent and toddler groups, a youth club, exercise classes and community events.
In addition to coordinating the work at the centre, CAFAG were the recipients of a city council Centenary Grant, which was used to celebrate the community in today’s special event.
Emma Obhi, Operations Manager of CAFAG said, “We are incredibly proud to have been part of this Centenary celebration and to see the creativity of local school children showcased in such a vibrant way.
“The mural is more than just artwork – it represents the spirit of togetherness and pride within our community. Thanks to everyone involved we’ve been able to make lasting improvements to Whitfield Valley Centre that will benefit residents for years to come.
“On behalf of CAFAG and the families we support, we’d like to thank the Centenary Board, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and all the businesses who contributed their time and resources to make this project possible.”
