Newport Students Receive a Thank You from Gwent Police

2nd October 2019

Art students in Newport have received a gift from Gwent Police officers to say thank you for their support in raising funds for Motor Neurone disease.

The level one and two art students from Coleg Gwent were presented with a bundle of gifts including paints and brushes to thank them for their contribution to the 2019 Gwent Police Sports Awards dinner raffle and charity auction.

Using their talents, students are using recycled bowling pins, donated by Superbowl, to design and create one off pieces to be raffled at the event.

Having come up with the idea, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), Alex Donne was delighted to meet those taking part to talk about their inspirations and to see how their ideas were progressing.

Speaking at the presentation, PCSO Donne said, “A few months ago, I spotted a bowling pin up for sale in a local ‘for sale’ page and it gave me an idea of what to do for this year’s charity raffle.

“I approached Coleg Gwent’s Art and Design lecturer at the end of last term with the concept and since then, she has utilised the talents of her class to design, prepare and paint the pins for the project.

“I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the students taking part and can’t wait to see the final pieces at the awards dinner next month.”

Coleg Gwent Art and Design lecturer, Charmaine Turner explained how the project has developed not just her students’ academic skills, but also their social skills.

She said, “This project has allowed students to build vital relationships with local communities as well as gain real-world experiences.

“They have been able to make the connection between receiving a design brief from a client to producing the final piece.

“Through supporting a good cause, they have seen that their skills and hard work is a benefit to our communities and I hope we can continue working with Gwent Police on projects like this in the future.”

The final art works will be raffled off at the Gwent Police Sports Awards dinner on Saturday, 19th October 2019.