6 - Terrific totems!

Three generations of Cradley residents are working together to create a trio of special totem poles which celebrate different aspects of the area.

Youngsters from Cradley Children’s Centre, Caslon Primary School and Beecher Bear nursery, families from a range of cultural and faith backgrounds and elderly residents are designing the poles as part of a community art project.

The carved oak totem poles will stand in the community garden around Caslon Primary School, Beeches View Avenue, and will reflect three different themes.

Youngsters from the new children’s centre, primary school and Beecher Bear nursery are making drawings of their favourite storybook characters and nursery rhymes to decorate one of the poles, fitting in with this year as the National Year of Reading.

Parents from the Yemeni community have been working with families from Christian and Muslim faiths to create images that reflect different cultures.

And elderly people living near the school have been asked for their memories of Cradley to reflect the designs on the third pole.

Artist Anthony Hammond is currently working with the school and children’s centre to incorporate all the ideas before work starts on carving the three oak poles during the summer holidays.

Workshops will then be run at the school in September where everyone involved in the design of the poles will be able to try their hand at carving.

The project has been funded by a grant of £3,100 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The aim is to bring the community together and produce long lasting artwork which will reflect the past, present and future of Cradley.

Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children services, said:

“It is terrific to see all parts of the community in Cradley working together on a project like this and sharing their experiences. I look forward to seeing the finished totem poles.”

Note to Editors

Photo opportunity:

Children, parents and older residents will be sharing their drawings at Caslon Primary School, Beeches View Avenue, on Friday, June 13 at 12pm.

To arrange photography please contact Caroline Horst on 01384 817448 or Vicki Wood on 01384 818875.

Notes to editors:

Cradley Children’s Centre is a new centre located across Caslon and Colley Lane Primary Schools, which will also provide outreach support to Cradley C of E and Newfield Park schools and their local communities. The centre will provide early education, childcare, healthcare and family support for families with children under the age of five in the east Halesowen and Cradley areas.

News Release Contact Information

Name:	Caroline Horst
Telephone:	01384 817448
Email:	caroline.horst@dudley.gov.uk

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