"Adding a little more colour and joy to Croston" - railway shelter redesigned with help of school children
The work has been inspired by local nature and landmarks.
A Lancashire railway station has been given a colourful overhaul, thanks to local school children and artist Gosha Gibek.
In May, Croston’s Trinity & St Michael’s CE & Methodist Primary School collaborated with Community Rail Lancashire on a project to redesign the bike shelter at Croston Station.
The Year 4 class, led by Annie Powell, worked with Accrington-based Gosha Gibek in three creative workshops, learning various techniques such as printing, live sketching and painting. The sessions were inspired by the nature in West Lancashire, Croston landmarks and places you can travel to on Northern trains from the village station. The children also went on a train trip to Rufford, visiting Mere Sands Wood where they explored the park and found mini beasts.
Over the past month, Gosha has worked to collate all of the children’s artwork into one, colourful and collaborative collage.
Last week the children visited the station for the grand reveal of the newly-designed bike shelter. They were supported by Croston’s Station Adoption Group, who got all the children involved in watering the plants at the station and taught them about the voluntary work they do for the community.
Community Rail Lancashire would like to thank Northern for funding this project.
Beth Nolan, Community Rail Officer for CRL said: “For some children this was their first time visiting Rufford on the train, so being able
to give the class the chance to use the railway and visit local places in the West of Lancashire has been incredibly rewarding.”
Gosha Gibek said: “Community art is about bringing people together, celebrating creativity and creating something that everyone can feel proud of. I hope this artwork adds a little more colour and joy to Croston.”
Logan from Year 4 said: “I drew a wolf and seeing it on the bike shelter makes me really proud.”