| Summary |
A multi-generational project to produce a series of artworks to be displayed at Shotton railway station in celebration of Railway 200.
The project will be led by artist Sharon Wagstaff and funded by the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership.
It will bring together residents of ClwydAlyn’s Llys Eleanor and pupils from Ysgol Tŷ Ffynnon to share stories and memories of the railway and its role in the community. These shared experiences will be transformed into a series of artworks reflecting the perspectives and creativity of both generations.
| Aims and Objectives |
1. Foster intergenerational connection
- Facilitate regular interaction between school pupils and older residents.
- Encourage the sharing of personal experiences and local history.
- Build mutual understanding and respect across age groups.
2. Celebrate local railway heritage
- Explore the history of the North Wales Coast railway with participants.
- Highlight the role of the railway in shaping the local community.
- Mark the national Railway 200 anniversary through local engagement and participation leaving a lasting tribute.
3. Promote community engagement through art
- Involve local people in a collaborative creative process.
- Use art to represent shared memories and historical themes.
- Display the resulting artwork in a public space to increase community visibility, engagement and sense of place.
4. Support educational and creative development
- Provide pupils with opportunities to learn through community-based activities.
- Encourage creative expression and skill development through guided art sessions.
- Offer a structured programme led by a professional artist.
5. Enhance well-being of older participants
- Support cognitive stimulation through regular conversation and creative tasks.
- Encourage memory recall through storytelling and historical reflection.
- Promote social interaction to reduce isolation and maintain mental engagement.
| Partners |
1. Ysgol Tŷ Ffynnon
- The children from Ysgol Tŷ Ffynnon will be attending Llys Eleanor to participate in creating the artworks.
2. ClwydAlyn’s Llys Eleanor
- Residents of Llys Eleanor will be participating in creating the artworks.
3. Sharon Wagstaff
- Sharon Wagstaff is a local artist who will be leading the sessions and guiding the creative process of the project.
4. Broc Creative
Alex Tedford from Broc Creative will assemble the artworks to be displayed at Shotton railway station.
5. Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast are primary funders of the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership.
6. Groundwork North Wales
- Groundwork North Wales are the host organisation for the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership and will oversee any financial transactions.
| Delivery |
Over several months, pupils attended weekly sessions at Llys Eleanor, where they shared stories and memories of the railway with residents. These intergenerational conversations were transformed into a collection of artworks reflecting their shared history and creativity. The project highlights the value of community engagement and celebrates the lasting impact of the railway on local life.
