Another mileSTONE for Telford 50
As part of Telford’s 50th anniversary, a series of short statements about the borough written by the public have been set in stone in Southwater Square, for generations to come!
This project takes the form of five stone paving commissions, each with statements about Telford.
These statements were suggested by the public, following a call for ideas earlier this year.
Each commission sits at the foot of one of the gold lighting wands in Southwater – each wand representing a decade since Telford was born on 29 November 1968.
The public were asked to submit their thoughts on how they felt about Telford.
These were shortlisted to five that now provide a permanent legacy of the 50th anniversary.
The five statements based on the public submissions are:
- “Telford, our home since 29 November 1968”;
- “Birthplace of the industrial revolution”;
- “History of mining and industry, a spirit of innovation and enterprise”
- “A diverse and inspiring community – Let us live in peace, prosperity and friendship”,
- “Nothing great is easy” - Captain Matthew Webb (Captain Webb was the first person to swim the English Channel for sport without the use of artificial aids).
Among those that submitted their comments were two schools in the borough, Hollinswood and Randlay Primary.
Lynda Stolic, Headteacher of Randlay Primary School said: ‘We are delighted to have been involved in this project, celebrating Telford’s 50th birthday.
“It’s been remarkable to see how our pupils feel about Telford, their love for the town – and to bring our contribution to something that the next generations will enjoy as well”.
Glenn Atkinson, Headteacher of Hollinswood Primary School also commented: ‘Our young people have done really well in sharing their thoughts of Telford and it’s been great to see them so proud of our borough and of its achievements.”
Councillor Rae Evans, Cabinet Member for People Services, Tourism & Partnerships, said: “Throughout the year people and communities in our borough have engaged in various projects, activities and events to leave a legacy for Telford 50.
The Southwater project is another great example of what people from Telford today feel and love about the borough they call home.”
The Southwater project sits alongside the wide range of Telford 50 legacy projects, that have been made possible thanks to the Council’s £2m Telford 50 Legacy Fund.
The £2m Telford 50 Legacy Fund supports a mix of physical schemes as well as other projects that help tackle key social issues in the borough and reduce demand on council services.
Almost 1,400 people took part in a consultation in summer 2017 to find out what people wanted to see supported as a legacy of Telford 50.
The most popular themes included heritage and tourism, arts and culture and recreation. People were also keen to see the funding allocated to support community events and projects.
For more details on Telford 50 legacy, go to www.telford50.co.uk/legacy
