Community mural celebrates heritage of village

United Welsh has worked with pupils and an artist to create a community mural celebrating the character, heritage and creativity of the Trethomas area.

An art competition was held with pupils from Ty’n y Wern Primary School, inviting them to design artwork inspired by their community.

The winning entries have now been brought together and unveiled as part of a large mural at the Ty Yn Y Pwll development.

The five winning entries were included in the final design by South Wales-based artist and illustrator Chris Morgan.

The drawings included a swan, town hall and church, a dragon and daffodils and a scene with a river.

Mr Morgan said: “It was great to meet some of the children that were representing the school at the unveiling of the mural.

“Being a children’s illustrator, it is always rewarding to work alongside the younger people who read my books and pass on some of my knowledge to the next generation of creatives.”

The project was supported by Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen (BTM) Community Council, which contributed £250 through its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund.

The completed mural is located on the side wall of the Ty Yn Y Pwll development for residents and the wider community to enjoy.

Ty Yn Y Pwll provides independent living homes for people aged 55 and over, with residents supported by United Welsh’s Living Well team, which manages specialist housing and services for older people.

The mural forms part of United Welsh’s wider commitment to working with local communities and ensuring developments reflect the places they sit within.

Community councillor Kev Ingram said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be involved with this mural project with BTM Community Council, pupils from Tyn Y Wern and United Welsh.

“There were some fabulous entries from the school and the judges settled on five drawings, which were incorporated into the artist design.

“Elements from each design were incorporated into the mural which is now in place on the side wall of Ty yn y Pwll United Welsh development.”

Caroline ap Hywel, Community Lead at Ty’n y Wern Primary School, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our pupils’ designs showcased in the community, celebrating the unique character and heritage of our local area.”

Sian Evans, Living Well Manager at United Welsh, said: “It’s fantastic to see the mural unveiled at Ty yn y Pwll.

“I would like to thank pupils at Ty’n y Wern Primary School, BTM Community Council and artist Chris Morgan for working with us on this project.

“As well as being a fitting addition to Ty Yn Y Pwll, we hope the mural will also be enjoyed by the wider community.”