A new mosaic trail for Whitchurch

The mosaics were made by staff, parents and children

Young and old have been involved in the creation of a new mosaic trail around Whitchurch, which officially opened on Saturday 11 July.

The 16 mosaics illustrate different aspects of the town, including its history and people's memories.

A map and information leaflet shows the locations of all the sites to help locals and visitors follow the trail.

The project was funded by national arts charities and local companies.

It all began at Whitchurch C of E Infant and Nursery School, where children, friends, parents and staff all created and installed a large mosaic.

Lots of different community groups got in touch with me to ask if they could get involved in the project Liz Turner

Since then the arts trail has developed to involve other local schools and community groups in the North Shropshire town.

Mosaic sites include the Heritage Centre, the Community Hospital and Chapel Centre, Whitchurch Infant and Sir John Talbot schools, Stonham Housing and the County Training Centre.

Artist Liz Turner from Shrewsbury has been involved in the project from the start.

She said the response to the original mosaic at the school had been overwhelming: "Lots of different community groups got in touch with me to ask if they could get involved with the project."

In the end more than 500 people joined in to create the 16 mosaics.

One of them was Margaret Balmond from the Walking for Health group: "It was great fun. We got to know each other a lot better. There was quite a lot of laughter."

The bike post mosaic at Whitchurch

Shirley Haycocks from Whitchurch Heritage Centre said the project had been a positive experience: "I think anything which brings the community together, involves the whole community and in these rather difficult times we need as many visitors as possible to come to the town."

Ms Turner said it was not just for visitors to enjoy: "Sometimes you forget what you've got on your doorstep and Whitchurch is a really lovely town to walk around and explore."

She said she hoped local people would be keen to become involved in other community projects.

Whitchurch Heritage Centre

Arts Council England

Shropshire Council