New artwork has been installed in the lobby area of Theale Community Fire Station, following a competition run with art students from a secondary school.
The Year 8 and Year 11 pupils from Theale Green School were set the challenge to design a graphic which could be applied to a wall in the entrance to the building. More than 40 entries were whittled down to a single choice, and the judging panel – representatives from the fire station and the Fire Authority – said it had been difficult as the standard was high.
The winner was Evan Rose, from the Year 8 group.
Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service said that his work was a striking design, which included a representation of emergency services, through the colours and shapes used. Triangles were used to represent the station as a tri-service community fire station and the main colours used represent fire, ambulance and police partners.
Evan worked with professional designers from Apple Print and Creative based in Newbury, who donated their services to turn the vision into reality.
Last week, Evan visited the station to see his artwork in place, and was congratulated on his achievement by Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wokingham Borough Council’s Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Vice Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.
Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Part of the vision of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is to ensure that fire stations are at the heart of our communities and this fantastic new tri-service facility gave us a clear opportunity to hold a competition to uphold our commitment.
“Evan’s great artwork really brings to life the importance and contribution of local young people and schools in this community fire station.
“The artwork is in a prominent location for all visitors using the Community Room at the station and will be on show for the official opening of Theale Community Fire Station, which is being planned later this year.”
This view was echoed by cllr Helliar-Symons. “Overall, we felt that Evan’s artwork was a fantastic representation of emergency services partners working together from Theale Community Fire Station.
“It is very eye catching and creates a warm welcome to visitors at the station.”
Theale Community Fire Station provides a shared location for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), Thames Valley Police (TVP) and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), and follows on from a similar revamped station in Crowthorne.
