“Can you build a boat’ they asked

And then we found ‘The Wheel’

Towards the end of 2023 three of our volunteers rescued a rusted wheel from the river not far from The Wharf. We subsequently discovered it had been part of one of Yarm’s many riverside Warehouses dating from the late 19th Century.

Jim Semple (husband of Annette who is one of our long serving volunteers) arranged for the wheel to be taken away, shot blasted and then powder coated following which three of the volunteers installed the beautifully refurbished Wheel on the riverside. It is yet another talking point drawing from Yarm’s history when it was a major commercial port on the River Tees.

…..and after

before

And our very own tribute to the ‘True Lovers’

Ian Carter, Chair of TLW, together with the Director of NETA Training Group based in Stockton on Tees held initial discussions aimed at creating a piece of artwork to feature on the walk. Following this, a preliminary outline design was discussed and agreed by all the TLW volunteers. A team of NETA trainees then created this amazing piece of metal artwork which is now installed on our riverside walk.

Thank you NETA and to all involved.

Soon after we first began cutting back shrubs and bushes we uncovered aged steps which had remained hidden for years. These appeared to lead directly towards the garden of the local Vicar (who ministers at St Mary Magdalene). It didn’t take long before an idea was put to the group…… and kicked into action soon after. We decide to make a feature of these steps by creating what became known as “Stairway to Heaven”. At the top of the framed staircase is a piece of art produced by Sophie Humphries (Digital Artist and co-owner of Cloud Cuckoo, Yarm High Street) and designed to create the illusion of continuing steps reaching to Heaven.

Small Steps

And there’s more…….

Seb the Seal and

animal carvings

 

Bug houses & nesting boxes

Benches, safety rails, planters and tubs

Bespoke signs and information boards (made by our volunteers)

Last, but no means least……..

The King Charles Coronation Garden