Thatcham Visions of Recovery pays tribute to NHS and key workers
THATCHAM paid a colourful tribute to NHS and key workers with Visions of Recovery last week.
Around 750 people turned up to The Moors Playing Fields to make art-work which was then displayed on the installation or on the surrounding railings on July 4.
Visions of Recovery coincided with National NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day on July 5, when Thatcham mayor John Boyd raised the NHS flag to celebrate their work during the pandemic, followed by a two minutes silence.
The community art installation asked residents and local groups to make images on the theme of what they had missed during lockdown or their feelings coming out of it.
The event was conceived in the first period of lockdown, inspired by the cardboard images in Lower Way initiated by Karen De Monte and the ‘Joining Together’ group.
More than 12 Thatcham-based community organisations and schools submitted in excess of 200 pieces for the display, bolstered by the ones made on the day at the event.
Kennet School health and social care pupils attended the event and showcased some of their work on exhibition boards.
Thatcham-based charity Swings and Smiles, one of Mr Boyd's charities for the year, provided free refreshments to people attending the event.
Mr Boyd said: "It was a beautiful event with some great work. It was good to see people there and doing their painting. The whole piece when it was all finished looked really impressive and was a nice little thing for the community to get involved in.
"The event was also a great opportunity for the community to honour the people who have given so much during the pandemic."
Thatcham Town Council teamed up with UK outdoor arts company, Emergency Exit Arts on the piece, with financial support from Greenham Trust.
Dance performances ran on the hour every hour from Linden School of Dance, MF Dance and The Silver Swans throughout the day, enjoyed by participants and audiences who had not seen or been part of ‘live dance’ for more than 18 months.
Dazzling Events also provided Fun Inflatables to keep younger children occupied.
