A new mural has been unveiled at South Woodham Ferrers rail station highlighting the countryside, beauty spots and tourist attractions of the area.
Created by artist Keith Hollingsworth, local volunteers, The Village Group and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership in conjunction with train operator, Greater Anglia, the mural will welcome visitors who arrive by train.
Catherine Gaywood of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said, “The mural has been well received by the South Woodham Ferrers passengers, many stopping to admire the image on their way to and from the station.”
The initial work to prepare the station building for painting was undertaken by a team of volunteer station adopters led by Ged Cooper. Artist, Keith Hollingsworth then spent five weeks designing and painting the mural around the theme “South Woodham Ferrers”.
It features RHS Hyde Hall, the River Crouch, Marsh Farm and former radar station on Bushy Hill as well as the local black swan.
Keith, who runs Murals by Wallworx based in Chelmsford, said he enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to engage with the community during the work, commenting, “Both young and old stopped to speak to me, asking questions and let me know they liked the image”.
Richard Hewes, of The Village Group said, “We were happy to support the volunteers with this project as we feel South Woodham Ferrers is a vibrant local town and one to be celebrated – this mural welcomes visitors to the area and promotes our local attractions.”
Helping to create a pleasant and welcoming station in partnership with Greater Anglia, the South Woodham Ferrers station adopters are local residents volunteering to enhance the station environment. They tend the gardens, water the plants, and keep the area clear and tidy.
Adopter, Ged Cooper, said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in bringing this superb piece of art work to fruition. I hope the mural will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area for many years to come.”
Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said, “This fantastic community project has created a bright, colourful and attractive welcome to South Woodham Ferrers station and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.”
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