Marking 150 years

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Pat Ireland and Lynn Glover, were guests of honour as Bleak Hill Primary School unveiled a special mosaic to mark the 150th anniversary of the borough of St Helens.

Made up of a number of images the borough is famous for – including Beechams, Pilkington Glass, Saints RFC, railways, Sankey Canal and The Dream sculpture – the mosaic is the fine work of pupils who have been working with artist in residence, Nyree Waters, the past year on several projects around the borough’s milestone anniversary.

Speaking after the unveiling, which coincided with the school’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Ireland, said: “As the Mayor of this remarkable borough, it’s been an honour for myself and Lynn to attend so many wonderful events this past year to celebrate all things St Helens.

“To be invited down here to Bleak Hill Primary School to officially unveil this beautiful piece of art which captures the history and heritage of St Helens perfectly is a memory that we’ll never forget.”

Headteacher Ian Wellens said: “There was such a tremendous amount of pride in St Helens, which is still evident today.

“Our mosaic takes pride of place in a frame outside of our school to remind pupils, parents, staff and visitors to our school what a unique and special place St Helens is”.