A new art exhibition, Memories of Flint, has been unveiled at Flint railway station, celebrating the creativity of dementia patients from the Croes Atti Day Centre. This innovative project is part of a collaboration between the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership, Flintshire County Council, and Transport for Wales. It uses art to explore memory and community heritage, highlighting the unique experiences of those living with dementia.
The exhibition was officially opened by the Mayor of Flint Town Council, Melly Buckley, who praised the initiative for its positive impact on both participants and the community. Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones also supported the project, sharing her personal story of triumph and determination to inspire the participants.
Artwork created by attendees, whose ages ranged from 59 to 97, emerged from 12 weekly art sessions led by local artist Sharon Wagstaff. These sessions were aimed at fostering creativity, social interaction, and the rekindling of memories for individuals affected by dementia. The participants captured Flint’s historic landmarks through vibrant paintings and drawings, reconnecting with their own personal histories.
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategic Lead for Transport for Wales, emphasized the significance of the artwork, stating, "Flint station is at the heart of the community and is undergoing major improvements. This artwork brings life to the waiting room and celebrates our vibrant history and culture." Karen Williams, Community Rail Officer, expressed pride over the emotional growth observed among participants during the project. "It’s been emotional watching participants grow in confidence and skill week by week. Flint station is now alive with memories and colourful artwork, leaving a legacy for years to come,” she added.
Sarah Dilworth, Senior Care Officer at the Croes Atti Day Centre, highlighted the therapeutic benefits the sessions provided. "The project brought joy and stimulation, allowing service users to express themselves without words. It was a privilege to share this fantasticjourney with them," she noted, reflecting on the participants' experiences.
For Jade Jones, who is deeply connected to Flint, the project was "heartwarming" and created meaningful encounters between herself and the participants. She declared, "It was lovely to meet the participants and staff who worked so hard to achieve this." The art exhibition has not only illuminated the waiting room at Flint station but also had lasting effects on its participants, many of whom rediscovered abilities and improved their motor skills, concentration, and communication.
Their artworks are preserved as part of the Off Flint archive at Flint Library, ensuring the contributions of these talented individuals remain part of the community's narrative for future generations.
At the launch, community cohesion was repeatedly echoed as speakers discussed the importance of events like this. Mayor Buckley remarked, "Community events like this are both valuable and welcome in Flint. The artwork will bring smiles to travelers for many years to come." Vanessa Roberts, Registered Manager of Flintshire County Council, reaffirmed these sentiments, stating, "We’re proud to have been part of this fantastic project. We look forward to future collaborations with Transport for Wales."
Moving to Anglesey, Oriel Môn proudly announces it has successfully retained its accredited museum and gallery status, recognizing not just its important collections but also its commitment to public engagement and heritage preservation. The accreditation scheme, jointly run by the Welsh Government and Arts Council England, evaluates necessary standards encompassing security, display, and the care of the collection.
Kelly Parry, Anglesey’s archives, museum and gallery services senior manager, expressed the team's pride: "We’re very proud to have been again awarded Accredited Museum and gallery status. The team at Oriel Môn work hard to protect and promote Anglesey’s rich heritage and culture and share Oriel Môn’s unique collections with all." Oriel Môn serves as both a community hub and cultural beacon on Anglesey, showcasing numerous historic artefacts alongside celebrated artworks.
The museum’s collection, which spans thousands of years, includes Iron Age axes, Roman coins, and personal items from the Royal Charter shipwreck. Its art collection features significant work by renowned artists like Charles Tunnicliffe and Kyffin Williams, as well as recent acquisitions from the estate of Leonard McComb. Oriel Môn welcomes more than 90,000 visitors from within Wales and beyond each year, hosting various events and educational activities for schools and groups.
The museum also features a shop which supports local craft workers, stocking local produce and products appealing to a broad audience. Caffi Bach y Bocs, the favorite café at Oriel Môn, remains popular among visitors for refreshments. Anglesey’s Education and Welsh Language Portfolio Holder, Councillor Dafydd Roberts, congratulated everyone at Oriel Môn for achieving accreditation status once again. He stated, "The Oriel continues to prove popular with residents and visitors alike, providing a space for people to socialize and celebrate the rich history and heritage of Anglesey. Accreditation will help to secure the future of the Oriel, allowing people to continue to enjoy all it has to offer."
Both the Memories of Flint exhibition and Oriel Môn’s accreditation showcase the power of art and cultural initiatives to connect people, evoke memories, and celebrate the rich heritage of Wales. They remind us of the underlying beauty and significance of artistic expression within our communities.
