A youth club which was closed down during the Covid-19 pandemic is celebrating one year back in business with a brand new mural.
The Potterne Youth Club suffered hugely from the pandemic and took three years to get back on its feet, but has since become vital to the community.
Following the closure of the local infant school in 2019, the youth club is now one of the only places where young people who live locally can come together as a village.
Now, with 60 new members, a fresh new look and a successful first year back, the youth club hope that their new mural is a sign of more good things to come as they continue to go from strength to strength.
The young people of Potterne came together with Swindon artist Sarah to create a truly unique mural for the youth club. (Image: Potterne Youth Club)
"The mural was designed and created primarily by Swindon artist Sarah Harris, and every member of the club was able to add their own animal, insect or plant, no matter how young," said youth club volunteer Ash Wilson.
"I'm so proud of how the community have rallied and supported the reopening, through giving time resources or funding donations."
Sarah Harris has become known locally for her stunning murals, having previously been commissioned to paint The Unit in Gorse Hill, Swindon and an underpass in Stratton.
As well as acting as a social space for the village children, the newly decorated Potterne Youth Club also runs sessions such as clay modelling, cake decorating, sports workshops, nerf battles and self-defence training, to give young people a perfect mixture of childish fun and useful life skills.
These sessions cannot run without the hard work and commitment of volunteers.
That's why an important part of the new mural is the 'champions wall' which has been dedicated specifically to the 'champion' individuals and local businesses who have supported running sessions for young people and deserve celebrating.
Swindon artist Sarah Harris hard at work (Image: Potterne Youth Club)
"We are always looking for people who are willing to sponsor a session, which are on average £25," added Ash.
"In return, we will have a plaque put on our Champions Wall and a person inserted into the mural."
The club hopes that they can fill the wall with volunteers by the end of this summer, to ensure that sessions can continue to run into 2025 and the young people of Potterne can continue to be supported.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here