We’ve supported local artists to brighten up a street in Calne

A vibrant new mural celebrating the beauty of wildflowers has been unveiled in a communal space between some of our homes in Calne, Wiltshire. The project, spearheaded by the Calne Clean Up Crew, is the latest addition to the town's growing collection of public art.

The mural came into being following a call from one of our customers living on Honeymead, a residential street close to Calne town centre, to liven up their cul-de-sac. The customer got in touch with his local Housing Officer, Melissa Shepherd, who then reached out to a group of local artists who had become well-known for their work in and around Calne.

Mellisa advised the local artists about how to apply to our Community Investment Fund and put them in touch with the GSA colleagues who manage the scheme.

Cath Crofts, a founder of the Calne Clean Up Crew, commented: "We were approached by residents of Honeymead who loved the other murals in the town and wanted one of their own. After consultations with the residents and no objections, funding was secured, and a date was set! We’re thrilled with the results.”

The project, now known as The Honeymead Wildflower mural, features various flora and fauna including hares and butterflies added due to a special requests from GSA customers.

The Honeymead Wildflower Haven mural was created with the assistance of artists Penny Errill and Sandi Sayer, as well as volunteers Tegan Godwin-Deveney and Cllr Tim Havenith.

Melissa Shephard, one of our Housing Officers, said: “This project originated as a request from GSA customers to brighten up their street.  That has certainly been achieved.

“The mural looks fantastic, and it has been amazing to see how the community have been included in the process of creating this piece of public art. We were delighted to award £1000 from our Community Investment Fund to support this project.”

Passersby who witnessed the mural's creation were enthusiastic about the progress and design, offering positive feedback and encouragement to the artists and volunteers involved.

The mural joins other recent additions to Calne's public art scene, including two murals commemorating the 250th anniversary of Joseph Priestley's discovery of oxygen at Bowood House while living in Calne. These projects have helped to enhance the town's visual appeal and create a sense of community pride.

The public art of Calne has been uploaded on an interactive map, available from Calne Heritage and Amenities Organisation at the following website: Calne Heritage & Amenities Organisation

Find out more about our Community Investment Fund here