Twenty local children with SEND have helped contribute to a community project as part of a collaboration between the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and local charity Creating Memories.
The Bedford Parent Carer Forum first approached creating Memories after seeing the ‘colourful path of joy’ – the brainchild of Creating Memories Founder Pritti Saggi and local illustrator Sarah Harrison.
Kerri Rennie from the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum said: “I was inspired to contact Pritti to see how we could work together after seeing the positive reaction to her incredible pathway!
“We wanted to provide an opportunity to work with parent/carers and their families to be part of something big, communal and creative – something that would complement the education, support and information we offer through the Forum. I’m so delighted with the results.”
The Mural of Joy depicts the 20 images created by children as replicated by Sarah Harrison, with ‘Beatrice’ the elephant a central feature designed to celebrate individuality and remembering moments to treasure, a key part of Creating Memories.
Supporting Sarah in the task was another local artist, Tara Gillen, who painted the parts of the mural around the door, with the help of her daughter Angel.
The final parts of the mural were then complemented by local artist Paul Nicholson (who was inspired to add a tree to the design after coming to take a photograph!) and Farzana Chaudry, who added her handmade bunting and crochet pieces to really bring the piece to life and make it interactive.
Pritti Saggi said: “This project has just grown since its inception earlier this year and I can’t quite believe the finished result! This has become a real community project.
“Thanks to all the children for their masterpieces and to Kerri and Sarah for their desire to make this happen.
“I also have to thank Tara, Angel, Paul and Farzana for their brilliant contributions, the Rotary Club of Bedford for their funding for this project, and finally Brewers of Bedford, who kindly donated the paint.
“We have had so many visitors since this began and it is wonderful to meet with and connect with the local community over something so positive.”
