Byng House artwork to be unveiled by Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside
27 August 2010
Byng House, The Royal British Legion's Poppy Break Centre is situated on the Promenade in Southport, has recently been extensively refurbished. Following the refurbishment work it was decided that a central focal point was required in the form of an art work.
As The Royal British Legion endeavors to engage with community groups including young people, it was decided to approach three local art schools in Formby, Southport and Preston. They were invited to enter an open competition to design a sculpture that incorporated the three Armed Forces - Navy, Army, Air Force - and the poppy. The winning design was submitted by a year 11 student Joseph Marino Carthy age 16 from Lostock Hall Art College.
His superb design is now being manufactured from polished aluminium and glass, by Preston artists Ken Blackburn and Sue Turrell, and will be unveiled on Tuesday 21 September at 2.30pm by The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE, accompanied by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Maureen Fearn, representatives of The Royal British Legion and the welfare departments from our catchment area. There will also be a display of art work from the students of Lostock Hall showing other designs that were in the competition.
The art feature has been co-ordinated in the art department of the college by the director of art Mrs Brenda Dean and tutor Mr Fenton Macrae. The process has helped both the college and The Royal British Legion. The students have been able to use the experience towards their examinations. Also, through provision of a Legion School's Pack DVD, students throughout the school now have a raised awareness of Remembrance Day and all the services provided by The Royal British Legion.
For further information please contact Manager Pam Crawford 01704 537875 pcrawford@britshlegion.or.uk
Byng House
Originally opened in 1976, Byng House provides free one or
two week breaks for serving and ex-Service men, women and their
dependants. The 36 room Poppy Break Centre allows for up to 68
guests at a time, with improved facilities such as a games room,
hairdressing salon, spa bath, library, licensed bar, TV room,
conservatory and garden. Internet access is available and organised
activities are co-ordinated in house, including evening
entertainment and 3 outings per week. The building has been
adapted to meet disability access requirements. More details.
