Sunflower House Mural
A project, which started in January 2010, is now ready to be
unveiled at a special assembly, on Friday 25th March, at
1.30 - 2 pm, at Ridgeway School. On the day, the Sunflower House
Mural will be revealed to an excited audience and its achievement
celebrated alongside most of the 30 children who have been involved
in its creation.
Sunflower House caters for children age 8-18
and provides short stays for children with disabilities, either as
a respite care service for parents/ carers or for the children to
meet new friends and participate in new activities in a different
environment.
The idea of something to brighten up the
garden at Sunflower House Residential Respite Unit came from the
children and young people themselves. The children used the
internet to source images and artwork that they were keen to secure
in their environment, for people to enjoy for years to come.
Sunflower House staff contacted Paul
Nicholson, a local freelance artist with many years experience of
working with disabled children. Paul met with some children and the
idea of the mural was agreed. After a few visits to talk with
children at Sunflower House, it became clear that this could become
a bigger project than first thought, and Paul applied to the
‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ programme for funding.
Chris Hilliard, Executive Director for
Children’s Services, Schools and Families, at Bedford Borough
Council, said: “This has been a wonderful project in terms of
stimulating young people’s imagination. The event will celebrate
Sunflower House’s creativity and accomplishment. This artwork
reflects the excellent partnership working between Sunflower House
staff, a freelance artist, the ‘Aiming High’ programme and most
importantly, the children themselves.”