Launch of Gillingham Railway Art and Royal Medieval Forest Gateway Signs
To celebrate the link between Gillingham station and the town, the rail partnership working with local people and Gillingham Town Council has created a permanent exhibition of artwork at the station. The launch hosted by Derek Beer, Chairman of the rail partnership with the Town and Deputy Mayors well attended. Twelve pieces have been created from competition winners’ photographs showcasing what visitors and rail-users might expect to find in Gillingham, from prominent landmarks, high street architecture to some of the award-winning open spaces to explore. Four of the winning artworks on display were taken by under 16s.
Derek Beer, Chairman of the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership writes:
“It has been such a great experience to be involved with a project enabling so many people of all ages to get out in the fresh air and explore Gillingham. The fact that so many of all ages got involved was great and has now given hundreds of thousands of people each year the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their skills as they pass through Gillingham station. for organising the project so well making it successful fun, Keith Webber for putting up the artwork, and South Western Railway for sponsoring the whole thing.”
The new gateway signs at Gillingham station led by Dorset Wildlife Trust with Gillingham Walkers Are Welcome and Gillingham Town Council, raises the profile of the significant historical asset that is the landscape of Gillingham Royal Forest, as well as improving the environment and encouraging local businesses and organisations to see environmental tourism as a source of social and economic development. Walking routes have been improved linked to the station and multi format information provided, leaflets, signage, and interpretation. Two fantastic FREE walks packs have been produced by Sheila Messer and team from Gillingham Walkers are Welcome, with all walks starting from the station.
Gilllngham is the only station in North Dorset, a transport hub and gateway to the town, surrounding area and to the landscape of the medieval Royal Forest. It is the busiest station on the Blackmore Vale line with up to half a million users per year. Both projects have improved the station environment, increased community engagement with the station, giving support to the town as a visitor destination strengthening local identity.
Artwork and winners.
“Peace Amongst the Trees at Rolls Bridge” by David Lloyd
“River” by Amber Jade Forster
“Beautiful Chantry” by Gail Coleshill
“St Marys Church” by Luke Powell
“Nuthatch” by Fred Oborne
“Lady in Chantry Garden” by David Lloyd
“Bee Friendly” by Ellen Gale
“Sheep” by Amber Jade Forster
“Tree at Rolls Bridge” by Lynne Gawn
“200 Years After Constable’s Visit” by David Lloyd
‘A Bit of a B!’ – ‘Constables Challenge’: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the famous town bridge painted by the renowned artist John Constable Royal Academy in 1823
‘Town Bridge and Church” by David Lloyd
“Townscape” by Luke Powell
