Published on: Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Visitors toGreat Yarmouth rail station will be greeted this summer by a stunning seasidethemed art and horticultural installation created by the Foundation LearningDepartment of Great Yarmouth College.
Studentsfrom the college were at the station on Wednesday to put the finishing toucheson their artwork before proudly showing it to the gathering public, railwaystaff and Great Yarmouth College principal.
GreatYarmouth has been working with Abellio Greater Anglia this year as part of the‘station adopter’ scheme. For the train operator, this is a scheme whichengages with the local community and gives local people input into how theirstation looks. For the college, the scheme has enabled them to fulfil a numberof learning objectives for the students such as how to care for theirenvironment and has offered some valuable work experience.
All students from the department have been involved in theactivities at the station and had some input into the display which supportstheir life and living skills curriculum. Between them they’ve painted a beachhut, made a boat which displays plants and created some fabulous seaside themedartwork to complete the piece. They have also been involved in planting all thecontainers and hanging baskets which brighten up the station and create alovely welcoming environment for people visiting Great Yarmouth.
Principal and CEO of Great Yarmouth College, Stuart Rimmer, was atthe launch and said:
“Great Yarmouth College staff and students have all enjoyed takingpart in this summer project and it has been very beneficial for the students’life and work skills, giving individuals confidence, team working ,communication skills and some independence. At Great Yarmouth College we passionately believe in helping ourstudents to become good citizens, good neighbours and engage with theircommunity and this project has enabled us to do that”
James Reeve, Area Customer Services Manager for Abellio GreaterAnglia said:
“We have really enjoyed working with both the staff and studentsfrom Great Yarmouth College. They’ve done a fantastic job of brightening up thestation and making it a more welcoming environment for people arriving off thetrain and to the town. Our station adopter scheme shares the same values as thecollege so this is a wonderful relationship and one we want to develop andcontinue for years to come.”
The summer project has been funded by Great Yarmouth College,Abellio Greater Anglia and the Wherry Line Community Rail Partnership. Tutorand mastermind of the display, Julie Irvine, is seeking sponsorship from localbusinesses going forward.
Julie said: “We’d reallylike to work with some local nurseries and garden centres to provide someplants for the containers going forward. If anyone would like to get involvedplease contact me on [email protected].”