An exhibition created by local schoolchildren depicting Hockley’s history is now on display at the railway station.
Art students from Greensward Academy worked with the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and local station adopters, Pat and Jim Hadden of the Hockley and Hawkwell Gardening Group, to create four photographic posters for the waiting room.
The posters show images of buildings in Hockley from 1910 onwards alongside images of the buildings that are in those locations today.
As part of the project, the students investigated the history of their local area, with the help of local historian, Paul Taylor. They were also given a series of old photos of the town and visited the locations to photograph the buildings as they are today.
The work was unveiled at a special event at the station on 3 December which was attended by the schoolchildren and their families, and representatives from the organisations involved.
Catherine Gaywood, Essex & South Suffolk CRP officer, said: “This was such a lovely project involving the community and our amazing station adopters to highlight Hockley’s history and help the younger generation to connect with it.
“The resulting posters will provide interest for people as they wait for trains and have helped to brighten up the waiting room, giving a welcoming feel and some information for visitors.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project, and in particular the Greensward Academy art students for their fantastic work!”
Nick Dawson, Head of Art & Photography at Greensward Academy, said: “Greensward Academy is very proud to have been a part of this fantastic community project. I would like to personally thank Lacey, Archie and Chloe for their effort to independently produce the work which will brighten up the space and provide a fascinating insight into the local history.”
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s customer and community engagement manager, said: “We are delighted with the results of this project for the waiting room at Hockley Station, which has not only improved the waiting room but strengthened links between the railway and the community. We are very grateful to everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Essex & South Suffolk CRP via their website.
