Bedford children join together with artists to create colourful mural

Twenty children with special educational needs have helped create a colourful mural in what has become a huge community project.

It was part of a collaboration between Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and Bedford charity Creating Memories - with the help of a few artists from the area too.

The forum first approached Creating Memories after seeing work created by founder Pritti Saggi and Bedford illustrator Sarah Harrison.

Kerri Rennie, from the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, said: “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, 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 Bedford 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 complemented by artist Paul Nicholson and Farzana Chaudry, who added handmade bunting and crochet pieces to make it interactive.

Pritti 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.

"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.”

Creating Memories is a Bedford-based charity which helps to fulfil the wishes of children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.