Sarsen’s young residents get creative

Published by MSC for Sarsen Housing Association in Housing

A Devizes artist is teaming up with Ludgershall children and young people to plan the redecoration of a run-down mobile office on Wednesday June 1.

Mike Fanner, 60, will be helping children to tell the story of good and bad neighbourhoods as part of a National Family Week (30 May 5 June) event, organised by Sarsen Housing Association.

The event, in Coronation Road, Ludgershall, will see children and young people practice their artistic skills in preparation for a series of paintings to hang on the inside of the office. This is part of bigger plans to turn it into a room that can be used by Sarsen communities at a range of summer events.

The paintings will depict ‘bad’ scenes, such as untidy streets, crumbling houses, burnt out cars and ‘good’ scenes such as happy children playing, clean streets, flowers and well-built properties and neighbourhood spirit.

Mike said: “Most people love having the chance to be a bit creative, especially children. This is an ideal way of doing it as they will have something to be proud of at the end of it which will be enjoyed by hundreds of people, and I’m chuffed that I’m part of making that happen.”

National Family Week encourages families and communities to spend more time together in celebration of family life.

A number of other activities will be taking place at the event, including face-painting, rugby, cricket and football, and Sarsen representatives will be on hand to give information about finance, housing and environmental issues. There will also be an opportunity for Sarsen residents to talk about the priorities in their neighbourhoods.

The Ludgershall Children’s Centre will also be on hand to do parachute games, and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be doing workshops on composting and growing vegetables.  

Antony Higgins, Sarsen’s neighbourhood involvement manager, said: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do. This is why National Family Week is something we’re keen to support as it helps to bring our families together in a safe, fun environment where they can also access a range of useful advice.

“The mobile office is going to provide a central hub that residents can use for meetings, lunch or admin tasks. It’s their space. We know that young people have a keen interest in where they live and the people living in their neighbourhood. It was the children and young people who came up with the idea of good and bad neighbourhoods.”  

The event takes place between 1.30pm and 4pm.

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