A celebratory event brings together people involved in Atherton Station’s new Community Comic Art mural
Tuesday 11 August saw a celebratory afternoon at The Snug in Atherton, bringing together people involved in the recently installed Bridgewater Line Community Comic Art mural at Atherton Station. More information about the mural and its launch can be found here.
The mural project, developed by South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership (SELCRP) and made possible with funding from train operators Northern and CrossCountry Trains, tells the story of two Atherton community heroes nominated by public consensus: Rachael McEntee (of The Snug and Hey Ho Let’s Sew) and Danielle James (of Craftopia CIC) through the form of comic-book style artwork. It was designed by local artist Adam Frith, with input from students at The University of Salford.
Both Rachael and Danielle were present at the celebration, with The Snug being a fitting venue given that the story behind Rachael setting it up as a cafe, music venue and thriving community space is told in the mural. The afternoon featured speeches, a buffet and live music from the synthpop musician Mistrust (Tim Blackburn), who had specially created a new song ‘White and Blue’ in tribute to the Bridgewater Line, inspired by the mural.
The mural was a truly collaborative project and hence the importance of a celebration bringing people together. Community Rail Officer at SELCRP Emily Oldfield reflected:
“Working on the Bridgewater Line Community Comic Art Mural at Atherton Station has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Atherton Community, meet inspiring people making a real difference in their local area and celebrate their stories through unique station artwork.
“Rachael and Danielle strive to promote creativity, connection and reduce social isolation in Atherton, and it is great to see their stories – and that of the organisations they have created – told at the station, in such a powerful way, with the potential to inspire anyone who walks past. Adam’s artwork really captures their character and spirit. The mural is just inside Atherton Station, along the entrance walkway, and I would urge anyone to go and have a look.
“We want to thank everyone involved in the project, everyone at The Snug for their hospitality in the event today and thanks to Northern and CrossCountry for the funding to make such a project possible.”
