Creating brighter futures

Learners studying Creative & Digital Media and Music recently had the unique opportunity to manage the main stage at Watchet Festival! The incredible crew got the opportunity to support and assist world-renowned acts like the Fratellis, best known for their No.1 hit Chelsea Dagger, as well as major Southwest superstars; the Wurzels (Combine Harvester, I Am a Cider Drinker)! 

Watchet Festival is a volunteer-run festival based in the historical Somerset harbour town of Watchet, taking place annually from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August. This year's instalment saw around 5000 attendees flocking to see impressive acts like Scouting for Girls (She’s so Lovely) and Belinda Carlisle to name but a few!

Internationally acclaimed public realm artist Morag Myerscough made her mark in Weston-super-Mare last week as painting began on a new public art shrine for the town’s High Street.

The temporary artwork, designed and co-created by the artist with the local community, is part of a pioneering heritage project called ‘21st Century super Shrines’, managed by Culture Weston in collaboration with North Somerset Council.

21st Century super Shrines was launched in May 2021. It is part of a four-year High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) cultural programme, funded by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Before it is installed, the bandstand-shaped shrine design will be injected with the artist’s signature colour and pattern as students from Weston College work alongside her and local creatives to help apply the patterns and paint the structure.

The timber-built outdoor structure, featuring a small external performance area and sheltered seating, will be erected in the pedestrianised space outside 30 High Street - an area known locally as Big Lamp Corner.

Installation is planned to take place next month (October 2022) and the artwork will remain in situ for the duration of the 21st Century super Shrines programme, which finishes in 2024.

Fiona Matthews, creative director at Culture Weston, said: “The painting of the Shrine is a key moment in the project, as Morag’s co-ordinated jigsaw of pattern and colour brings the design to glorious multi-coloured life! Weston-based master joiner Simon Birtwistle has done an amazing job in crafting the structure and we are excited to be moving on to the next stage in creating this unique and vibrant landmark.

“A 21st Century take on the traditional bandstand, the celebratory public artwork represents the combined vision of the artist and local community, shining out pride in Weston and capturing the cultural zeitgeist that is thriving in the town.”

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said: “The 21st Century super Shrines cultural project will be a fantastic addition to Weston’s High Street. It’s exciting to learn that it’s now being painted, ready for installation next month. What an opportunity for the Weston College students too to work alongside an acclaimed world-renowned artist.

“As we continue to focus on the recovery of our town centre, our investment into the cultural sector continues to support local artists, tradespeople and businesses. Weston is alive with cultural activity as never before.”

The project has been supported by organisations and businesses in the area including Weston College, Cuppa Architects, the Sovereign that has provided the painting space and YesColours for supplying eco-friendly paints.

Features of the bandstand-shaped shrine design include:

• An external and open space
• A small performance ‘stage’ area which will be accessed by ramps on two sides with the remaining perimeter of the structure featuring a sheltered seating area
• Made entirely from recycled and/or sustainably sourced timber approved by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
• Built offsite by a local artisan carpenter and master joiner
• Painted facades and features in Morag Myerscough’s signature multi- coloured style, carrying slogans and affirmations from local people.

During the 2021 consultation period, led locally by visual artist and social maker Megan Clark-Bagnall, artist Morag Myerscough engaged with the local community in a series of public sessions. The activity included in-person word and pattern workshops to online discussion forums, capturing local responses to help inform the design process. The result is a co-created artwork that reflects and builds upon the town’s identity, with leading themes emerging such as the importance of pets and animals.

The public artwork is the first in a series of innovative ‘shrines’ planned to appear on Weston’s High Street. From art installations to live arts experiences, the aim is for the work to capture the vitality and values of the local community.

For more information about 21st Century super Shrines, click here.

My name is Rob, and I’m a Weston College adult learner alumnus. I studied a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. I decided to go to Weston College to complete my training as they offered a standalone Level 3 course in Mechanics, which suited me perfectly as I was already Level 2 qualified. The course was also only a year, which allowed me to get back into my mechanics career sooner.

Completing the course with Weston opened opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been offered, due to their close working relationships with companies. This was how I was able to begin networking with Mercedes-Benz, which resulted in being offered a full-time position at the company prior to even completing the course.

Through attending Weston College, I was also given the chance to compete in the WorldSkills competition. The experience was mind-blowing to say the least! I didn't think much of it at first as I was focused on my primary goal of becoming fully qualified and getting a job in a main dealer garage. It was my tutor, Steve, who made me aware of the competition and suggested I apply for it. His support was invaluable and I really felt that he believed in me which gave me the confidence to apply. I thought "What's the worst that can happen?" and that, if anything, it might be a bit of fun.

I applied for WorldSkills in March 2022. I registered online and completed an online test during my normal college hours. The test itself was quite challenging, encompassing everything you should know on completion of the Level 3 course. I received my results the same day but didn't know I had made it into the top thirty until about a month later.

When the day of the semi-finals came, I felt prepared until I got there, and then the nerves kicked in! I found it quite difficult to overcome my nerves at first but having my tutor, Steve, cheering me on from the sidelines was a great support. The group of competitors were all really supportive of one another. I ended the day on a high, with the last task going really well which boosted my confidence. There was a short wait for the results and when they called my name for second place, I couldn't believe it. I was overjoyed with what I had achieved!

Since finishing at the college and becoming Level 3 qualified, I started working at Mercedes-Benz, and I’m currently working towards my maintenance technician qualification as well as an air conditioning qualification. I have also just been assigned my own apprentice to teach the trade to, who previously gained his Level 2 also at Weston. This involves providing guidance in different tasks and overseeing the work that he undertakes to enable him to progress to the next level.

The day-to-day involves working on cars which require prepping, ready to be sold. This requires me to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, through which I identify and rectify any faults. Each day is varied, and no two days are ever the same. Additionally, I conduct services and inspections on customer cars. I couldn’t have reached where I am now without Weston College, and my tutor Steve, both of which provided invaluable support which gave me the confidence to progress in my career to my current stage and beyond!

Find out more about the Adult courses on offer, here!