Matlock Civic Association

MATLOCK CIVIC ASSOCIATION Secretary : Ken Parker, 5 Wishingstone Way, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5LU. Tel 01629 584323

STARK WALL TO SCENIC WELCOME A new mural depicting many of the distinctive features of Matlock has transformed the ugly and stained concrete walls alongside Derwent Way from an eyesore into an artwork. The 250 metre long walls had been built alongside Derwent Way (the main A6 road through the town) and extending over the bridge into Cawdor Way as part of the Sainsbury's development. On 7 November local dignitaries celebrated the completion of the new Matlock Mural. The ceremony was the culmination of several years of work and recognises the collaborative effort necessary to achieve this transformation. For several years Matlock Civic Association (MCA) had been seeking to improve the stark concrete wall which was becoming progressively more depressing. Several ideas were discussed but only one - the painting of a mural - proved possible. MCA then secured the formal consents from four different authorities and commissioned Peter Barber, a local Mural Artist, to do the work. Peter's design in cream, beige and blue features the wording `Welcome to Matlock, Historic Spa Town` with flowing scrolls featuring oak leaves representing `the meeting place by the oak` (the origin of the Town`s name). Depicted are the Bandstand and the former Tram Shelter in the Park, Smedley`s Hydro (now County Hall), the Crown in Crown Square, Riber Castle and Rockside Hydro as well as images of walkers and cycles and symbols representing the information point and eating places. As well as organising the project Matlock Civic Association has contributed one third of the £9,000 cost. Association Chairman, Tony Symes, who conceived the scheme, welcomed the guests, paid tribute to Ken Parker, Secretary, who organised it, thanked those organisations who helped with funding and congratulated Peter Barber, the artist. He concluded by saying... "It has been a long process but we have now achieved the transformation from eyesore to artwork. Between us we have created something of which we can all be proud". Matlock Town Council has also contributed one third of the cost and will be responsible for maintaining the new mural. The Mayor of Matlock, Councillor Steve Flitter said... "The Town Council has been pleased to support the mural project and we hope it will give local people a renewed sense of pride in their town and also encourage visitors to explore and experience what Matlock has to offer". Sainsbury's, who had to build the wall as part of the planning permissionfor their supermarket, also contributed one third of the cost. The local Store Manager, Matt Bingham said..... "We had to build the wall as part of the development. It was very bland and boring. Now it's vibrant and appealing and a great improvement on the approach to our store". The County Council owns the wall and made a small contribution to the costs. County Councillor Andy Botham said... "Matlock is a wonderful place to live and attracts visitors from all over the country. This mural highlights some of the unique aspects of the area and has brightened up the gateway to our town. I would like to thank everyone involved in producing this artwork."

Ends ------Attached to the email with this press release are photographs with captions showing... * The wall before and after the mural painting. These show the transformation achieved. * Cleaning the wall + Painting in progress. * The 7 November ceremony which unveiled the dedication text.

For more information contact Ken Parker of Matlock Civic Association on 01629 584323. MCA993