Local residents in Wordsley have come together to create a tiled mural showcasing the artistic designs of a local ceramic studio, and the talents of people across their community.

Carly Grandini-Williams, General Manager of Saz’s Ceramics & Crafts, first had the idea for a community mural using tiles back in 2021. She felt it was time Wordsley had something to celebrate together after the disruption of the Covid pandemic.

Carly approached 'Wordsley Together' - a group created during the pandemic to help people in the local community - and the Councillors for Wordsley. After meeting together, they asked The Friends of Wordsley Park to join in the project and to take over the upkeep of the planter, whilst applying for funding from Dudley Council to carry out the project.

Sarah Cannings, owner of 'Saz’s Ceramics & Crafts', designed the 2 longest sides of the planter, which consist of abstract flowers. The flowers were decorated with handprints from people throughout Wordsley during February/March 2023, which included 461 tiles, created by:

• 3 nurseries - Rainbow Nursery, Wordsley Pre-School and Fairhaven Under 5s Centre 
• 4 Primary Schools - The Brook Primary School, Ashwood Park Primary School, Belle Vue
• Primary School and Fairhaven Primary School
• 1 Secondary School - Wordsley School
• 3 Care Homes - Redbrick Court, Wordsley Hall and Hillcroft Nursing Home
• Wordsley Brownies & Guides
• Wordsley Beavers, Cubs & Scouts

Sarah and Carly visited each group, holding a workshop with them to capture the handprints. The youngest participant was 6 months old and the eldest was 100! They also had a couple of local dogs add their paw prints!

The last section was given to Wordsley businesses, particularly those who had helped so many during the Covid pandemic and who had really struggled during the lockdowns. Local councillor, Kerry Lewis said:

“As soon as Carly contacted us and said she wanted to do this, I knew Wordsley would make it happen. Everyone who has taken part has loved it, and the results so far speak for themselves”.

A team of apprentice tilers from DMBC fitted the tiles, over a period of 2 weeks in August. Carly added:

“It has been a long process and a lot of hard work, but to see all the community come together in this way and produce something so beautiful has been amazing – I’m so pleased that my idea has come to fruition.”

There is a grand opening of the 'Wordsley Together' community mural on 23rd September between 12pm – 2pm. Those invited include the Mayor of Dudley; Dudley South MP, Mike Wood; local Councillors, representatives of all of the organisations who took part, local businesses and members of the public.