Arts charity Tanio want to hear your stories and memories of Lower Dyffryn School in Port Talbot, and your help to turn them into an amazing mosaic mural.
Work has begun on the redevelopment of the former school, where 43 affordable new homes will be built. The development, led by social landlord Linc Cymru is based on the site of the former Lower Dyffryn School in Port Talbot with funding from the Welsh Government.
Speaking before construction began, Natalie Hawkins, who is the social value manager at Linc Cymru said: "The school holds so many memories for the local community. Capturing and remembering these stories is a vital part of this regeneration project. Linc have been awarded a £164,964 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help preserve the legacy of the building and the memories of residents, pupils, and staff.
As part of the regeneration of the Lower Dyffryn School site, Arts charity Tanio are collecting stories and memories which will be used to design a community mosaic that will feature in the public green space of the new development.
The mosaic will feature reused materials from the school buildings, and there will even be the chance to help make the mosaic itself.
During the summer holidays, Tanio will be holding a series of free community workshops in the old Shaws shop in Aberafan Shopping Centre where you can contribute, watch and get involved with the build.
Lisa Davies, the Chief Executive of Tanio said: ‘We are really excited to be bringing this free family arts activity to Port Talbot this Summer. We can’t wait to meet everyone and hear all the great stories and then work together to make a beautiful mosaic. The finished mosaic will be installed at the new development garden for everyone to see!’
If you’d like to get involved, learn more about the project, and stay updated on its progress you can visit the Tanio website to submit your stories and memories:
https://taniocymru.com/what-once-stood-the-mosaic-project/
Alternatively, you can learn more about the redevelopment by visiting the dedicated Linc Cymru website:
https://linc-cymru-communications.co.uk/development/portfolio-item/former-dyffryn-lower-school/
The Tanio ‘What Once Stood’ Mosaic Project will be running in the former Shaw’s Drapers unit at Aberafan Shopping Centre between 1st August and 7th September 2024.