WESTON-Super-Mare is home to a new Beacon of Hope.

The beacon, an illuminated sculpture created by young people, was unveiled during a special event in the town.

Lauded as a ‘community landmark’, the Beacon of Hope was unveiled before a crowd including residents, local leaders and partner organisations, at its home, in Bournville.

Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody was among those who braved a downpour for the event, alongside Weston MP Dan Aldridge, and local councillors.

The Beacon of Hope sculpture was created by pupils from Voyage Learning Campus in collaboration with artists from WTF Workshops.

A youngster during the Walk of Hope, part of the unveiling

The project, delivered by Alliance Homes in collaboration with North Somerset Council, was inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit to Weston in May last year.

It has been installed in St Andrew’s Parade, with support and donations from Alliance Homes’ contractors and partners: Jones’ Building Group, A1 Home Inspectors, Low Carbon Exchange, Landscape Services, Safer Stronger North Somerset, and The For All Healthy Living Centre.

The unveiling included a Walk of Hope, led by brass instrumental band, Jump Street, as well as live music from jazz singer Marvin Mouneké and entertainment from circus troupe, Tiny Circus.

The official lighting of the sculpture was carried out by PCC Moody and Oscar, a Weston teenager.

“It’s inspiring to be here with the young people and community members who made this project happen,” said Ms Moody.

Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, with Alliance Homes group chief executive, Louise Swain

“This sculpture symbolises the strength and resilience of this community, and I hope it will serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating safer neighbourhoods where people can thrive.”

Alliance Homes’ community growth manager, Helen Wheelock, added: “It’s great to see the Beacon of Hope finally installed in Bournville.

“It has been such a special project to work on alongside the local community, especially the five students from the Voyage Learning Campus, who helped design and create the sculpture, and Year 4 pupils from Bournville Primary School, who created bunting featuring words of hope to decorate the railings around the sculpture for our event.

“I hope this wonderful and meaningful sculpture will serve as a lasting beacon of hope for all their futures.”
Alliance Homes group chief executive, Louise Swain, said: “Celebrating this moment with the community means so much. The Beacon of Hope represents the power of community and the importance of projects that bring people together.

“It’s been great to see so many people involved, from students to local artists, volunteers, and partner organisations, all working to create something meaningful that we hope will have a lasting positive impact here in Bournville neighbourhood.”

Councillor Ian Parker, Alliance Homes’ Chief Operating Officer, Iain Lock, MP for Weston-super-Mare, Dan Aldridge, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, Councillor James Clayton, Alliance Homes’ Group Chief Executive, Louise Swain, and Alliance Homes’ Non-executive Board Member, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly, Alliance Homes’ Community Growth Manager, Helen Wheelock, and Community Coordinator at Jones’ Building Group, Josie Bowden