Coleg Gwent students have added a splash of colour to one of the college’s campuses, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Project.
A vibrant seascape mural painted by students has become the first step in the development of a rooftop terrace at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys Campus. The Independent Living Skills (ILS) department at the campus secured £3,250 in funding from the Big Lottery Project, which is now being used to develop the campus’s rooftop terrace.
The terrace, part of the new X Block building which opened in 2011, enables ILS students to learn new skills such as art and horticulture. The group grow plants and even vegetables in their own greenhouse, and have recently formed a gardening club. As well the mural, the lottery funding will be used to put the finishing touches to the terrace space, including mosaics, a water feature, compost, plants and seating areas.
The large mural has been painted by students with the help of local artist Frances Baines.
“Students have really been able to get stuck in and make their mark at the campus with the mural,” said ILS Tutor Mary Bradfield. “We hope it’ll brighten up our rooftop terrace, and that Coleg Gwent students and staff will be able to enjoy it for years to come. We’re very grateful to Francis for her work with the students.”
Following a tropical beach theme, the mural features palm trees, sea, boats, sky, tropical animals and birds, and sea life. Each student was involved in designing and painting their own items for the mural. The group began work on the project in early September and have spent a month adding details to the mural.
It is hoped that the continued development of the Crosskeys Campus rooftop terrace with mosaics, plants and seating areas will enhance students’ skills as well as strengthening their partnership work in the local community.
Students are among a group of local volunteers who give up their time to maintain Waunfawr Community Gardens, and all the hard work is paying off.
ILS students were proud to be recognised for their contributions to the community gardens, which achieved second place in this year’s Caerphilly in Bloom competition and were also awarded a Neighbourhood Thriving Award Level 4 in the Britain in Bloom competition by RHS Wales.
Students were also delighted to scoop their very own first prize for a spectacular giant runner bean entered in the Waunfawr Community Garden’s gardening competition earlier this summer.
“ILS students will be able to grow plants at the campus and develop their knowledge and skills for the benefit of both the campus and the community gardens,” said ILS Tutor Andrea Hale.
“We’d like to thank the Waunfawr Community Garden volunteers for their continued support, especially former Coleg Gwent staff member Mr Prothero, who gives up a lot of his time to help.”
An official unveiling of the Crosskeys Campus rooftop terrace is being planned by the ILS group for spring 2013.
