Local companies join together to brighten playtimes

July 2007

Three local businesses have joined forces to brighten the playground at Chudleigh Knighton Primary School in Newton Abbot. The transformation of a 20m long wall into a colourful mural depicting a busy row of village shops is nearing completion thanks to clay companies, Sibelco and Imerys, and Viridor Waste Management.

The project was the idea of Scott Ord, the school’s Head of Teaching and Learning. “The wall is a prominent feature of our playground but was something of a dull grey eyesore,” he explained. “We felt that a professionally painted mural would enhance the appearance of the playground for the children and stimulate exciting play opportunities. However, the costs of such a project are substantial and we are very grateful to Sibelco Minerals, Viridor and Imerys for enabling us to realise our ambition.”

Local artist, Emma Astley, is now adding the finishing touches to a bespoke design of shopfronts in a scene which includes real characters and businesses from Chudleigh Knighton. Actual tables and chairs sit outside a café in the mural whilst some of the shops have real A-Boards for children to chalk onto.

“All three businesses play an active role in the local community and it is great that we have all worked together to see this project come to fruition,” commented Sibelco’s Mark Pitman. “The mural already looks fantastic and will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset to the school for years to come.”