Forefront Community Centre has added a splash of colour to Fore Street, with a mural depicting the Stringfellow triplane and a message of hope from the Bible.
Leaders and Trustees at Forefront wanted to create an optimistic visual impression on Fore Street for everyone, while reflecting the work that goes on by various groups inside.
Artist Jordan Lauder, from The Mural Company, said he was pleased to turn the sketch into a full-scale artwork. His own history of finding Jesus at a difficult time in his life encouraged him that the artwork might lift other people’s spirits, too.
Forefront Community Centre is open every weekday from 10.30-12.30pm and is available for anyone to drop in for a coffee and a chat. Other groups use the facilities at different times.
The centre offers a warm welcome and a safe space, as well as signposting people to community services. Chard’s food bank, the Lord’s Larder, is run from the premises, with volunteers packing bags and handing them to people who have been referred, without question or judgement. Referrals for the food bank can be made by Citizens Advice, the Village Agent, doctors, schools and churches as well as other community support workers.
Citizens Advice South Somerset runs clinics from the centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment. On Fridays, 1-2.30pm, the centre runs a group for young parents and their babies and toddlers called Growing Together.
A Wednesday morning ”Coffee and Chat”, from 10-12pm, throws open the doors to anyone who would like to meet others for a conversation, share beverages and make new friends.
The centre also has rooms available for booking, particularly for professional bodies, social groups or individuals. Email office@forefront.org.uk for more information.
Want to “rise on wings”, as our mural suggests, or help others to do so? Then come along and say hello!