There’s been Lots of work going on behind the scenes this month to bring all the creative work together from artist Debbie Goldsmith and artist Fiona Forster ( Fisnitharts) who have been working with Goostrey Community Primary School to get their plaque finished that was made to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

To complete the plaque Mosaic Artist Tracey Cartledge has been enlisted and will be helping to install at Goostrey Railway Station, rail passengers on the crewe to Manchester line will be able to see the finished piece from Autumn 2022.

Professional artist Debbie Goldsmith uses the building on platform one at Goostrey station as her studio. Inside she makes large scale, abstract landscape paintings and explores textiles through rug making. She also prepares and leads community activities such as workshops for local Cubs, Beavers and Rainbows.

Recently, there’s been lots of work going on behind the scenes to bring all the creative work of the Platinum Plaque Project together. The final product will be installed at Goostrey station during Autumn 2022 as a permanent legacy of Queen Elizabeth 11’s jubilee.

Mosaic artist Tracey Cartlege is creating a composite of the individual clay plaques made by pupils in year 4 at Goostrey Community Primary School. Debbie is keen for everyone to know how exciting it is for local children to see their work valued by professional artists. She said ‘This will contribute to their confidence in their abilities. They’ll feel a sense of pride and achievement.’

Debbie explained that ‘This project has raised awareness of the work of FoGS and of Goostrey Parish Archive so hopefully more adults will become volunteer helpers. Students in the sixth form at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School were involved too. And the school’s Head of Art is keen to co-operate as I look for more opportunities for creative projects.’ As this project took place, photos were posted on Instagram and comments were added to Community Rail’s social media.

A film made by professional filmmaker Jake Ryan is available on YouTube and via the FoGS website. Debbie is grateful that the Platinum Plaque Project was made possible by funding from Arts Council England.