Local Children Help Create a Mural of Joy

May 7th, 2021

Mural of Joy

20 local children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) have helped contribute to a community project in Bedford - a Mural of Joy. This project is part of a collaboration between the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and local charity 'Creating Memories.'

Pritti and Sarah next to finished mural

Photo credit - @taragillenphotography

The Mural of Joy represents the 20 images created by children as replicated by Sarah Harrison, with ‘Beatrice’ the elephant a central feature designed to celebrate individuality and remembering moments to treasure - a key part of Creating Memories. 

“This project has just grown since its inception earlier this year and I can’t quite believe the finished result!" says Pritti Saggi, founder of Creating Memories. "Thanks to all the children for their masterpieces and to Kerri and Sarah for their desire to make this happen."

Mural represents 20 images created by children replicated by Sarah Harrison.

Photo credit - @taragillenphotography

‘We wanted to provide an opportunity to work with parents/carers and their families to be part of something big, communal and creative. I'm so delighted with the results.’

Kerri Rennie


Our donation

Together Pretti, Sarah and the branch manager of our Bedford Brewers store, Rebecca, chose a variety of colours that would help the memorable moments created by the children come to life on the mural.

Brewers Decorators Centre provided a variety of 500ml tins in a variety of different RAL colours in Albany Smooth Masonry. These paints were used by Sarah and the other artists involved and can be seen in the finished Mural of Joy.

Rebecca Nicholas, Bedford branch manager says, "It's been really nice to have a small hand in brining the 'Mural of Joy' to life. It really has brought joy and a sense of fun to the local community, in what has otherwise been a difficult time for a lot of people." 

Photo credit - @taragillenphotography

‘We have had so many visitors since the project began and it is wonderful to meet with and connect with the local community over something so positive!’

Pritti Saggi

The Bedford Parent Carer Forum first approached Creating Memories after seeing the ‘Colourful Path of Joy’ – the work of art by Pritti Saggi, founder of Creating Memories and local illustrator Sarah Harrison.

Pritti and Sarah showing off the 'Colourful Path of Joy'

Photo credit - @rucookphotography

Creating Memories

Creating Memories is a Bedford based charity that works with local hospices to make the wishes of life limiting children come true.

Click here to find out more, or, for extra information, please contact pritti@creatingmemories.org.uk 

Sarah adding the finishing touches to the Mural of Joy

Photo credit - @taragillenphotography

Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum

The Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum are an independent forum for parent carers of children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) who work with local authorities, education settings and health providers.

To find out more about BBPCF, click here.
Pritti showing off the finished Mural of Joy

Photo credit - @taragillenphotography