New community centre mural tells the story of Cobholm

Artist Matthew Harrison visited Cobholm Community Centre in Great Yarmouth and with the help of residents painted a mural capturing the life and history of the area, including the devastating 1953 floods and a street party.

Tina Valentine, Dawn Ryan, Chelsea Ellenden, Sam Jinks, Kevin Pasby, Matthew Harrison, Jodie Pasby, June Spruce, Thomas James, Liz Bell and Lucy Bell with the mural at Cobholm Community Centre. (Image: Archant 2021)

Mr Harrison said: "Everybody really enjoyed it and some people got into it.

"There were some young people who had a massive hand in the painting.

"It's important all the people involved had real ownership of the work and what went on the walls.

"It was a great week.

"It's hard to let the mural go though."

Cobholm Community Centre committee member Dawn Ryan said: "I'm really overwhelmed by how brilliant it is.

"It's more than what I expected.

"I'm loving all the comments from people coming in and saying 'that was my grandad' or 'I knew that person'.

"The locals love it.

"Everyone who has used the centre since the mural has been installed has said nothing but positive things.

"It's really brightened the place up."

Chelsea Ellenden with the section of the mural at Cobholm Community Centre that she painted. (Image: Archant 2021)

Cobholm resident Chelsea Ellenden said: "I just loved it. It looks really good. I'm just a bit sad because it's been nice doing it with everybody.

"It's been good fun.

"It looks a lot better and it tells the story of Cobholm."

A traditional sign for Cobholm as part of the mural. (Image: Archant 2021)

June Spruce, who has lived in Cobholm since birth and was taken outside of her bedroom window in a basket during the 1953 floods, said: "It's my history on a wall.

"When I look at each different picture, I know the people and the places.

"The only thing I don't recollect is the mill because that was here a lot longer than I was."

June Spruce pointing to a painting of her younger self that she did for the mural at Cobholm Communuty Centre. (Image: Archant 2021)

Samuel Jinks, from Freshly Greated, said: "The Cobholm community centre mural is a perfect example of outstanding community art.

"It really captures the Cobholm community, past and present and further reflects the passion and creativity of the people who helped design and paint it.

"This is exactly what the Freshly Greated programme is all about and we look forward to running more creative experiences with Cobholm residents in the years to come."

Liz Bell, and her daughter Lucy Bell, inbetween the parts of the mural at Cobholm Community Centre that she painted. (Image: Archant 2021)

Kevin Pasby with the section of the mural at Cobholm Community Centre that he painted. (Image: Archant 2021)

Two residents of Cobholm from a bygone era immortalised in the community centre mural. (Image: Archant 2021)

The old St Luke's Church in Cobholm, as it was before being converted into homes. (Image: Archant 2021)

Cobholm Tavern from yesteryear. (Image: Archant 2021)

The old windmill and a stagecoach are included in the Cobholm community centre mural. (Image: Archant 2021)

Chickens being transported to safety during the 1953 floods. (Image: Archant 2021)

A happy pig farmer from a bygone era. (Image: Archant 2021)

Faces from Cobholm's past, including Kaye Moore winning Cobholm May Queen in 1981. (Image: Archant 2021)

Floods 1953 - Cobholm Residents of Cobholm, Great Yarmouth outside F.W. Hayhow Stores during the 1953 floods. (Image: Archant)

Floods 1953 - Yarmouth Aiding in the evacuation of flooded homes in Great Yarmouth, the Royal Canadian Airforce assist Mrs. P. Brown down a ladder. Mrs Brown went back to her mother-in-law's home (Mrs A. Brown of 80 Wolseley Road, Southtown) to pick up clothing and precious belongings. (Image: Archant)

February 1953: Mrs Churchill meeting servicemen helping clean up after the floods. (Image: Archant)

Floods 1953 - Cobholm Residents and children of Olive Road area of Cobholm, Great Yarmouth wading through the flood water. (Image: Archant)

Floods 1953 - Salvation Army canteen serving flood workers at Yarmouth. (Image: Archant)

Floods 1953 - Yarmouth Southtown Road at Great Yarmouth as the main flood was receding, Yarmouth could then be reached from Gorleston only by wading or obtaining a lift in a lorry or car with ample road clearance. (Image: Archant)