Housing association Alliance Homes, alongside residents, local leaders, and partner organisations, have celebrated the installation of the Beacon of Hope sculpture in Bournville, Weston-super-Mare.
The new community landmark was unveiled in an event attended by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, MP for Weston-super-Mare Dan Aldridge, and local councillors.
Beacon of Hope sculpture.
The Beacon of Hope sculpture was created by pupils from Voyage Learning Campus in collaboration with artists from WTF Workshops. The project, delivered by Alliance Homes in collaboration with North Somerset Council, was inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit to Weston-super-Mare in May 2024.
Children holding lanterns featuring words of hope.
Young girl holding lantern while taking part in the Walk of Hope.
The sculpture was installed in St Andrew’s Parade, with support and donations from Alliance Homes’ contractors and partners: Jones’ Building Group, A1 Home Inspectors, Low Carbon Exchange, Landscape Services, Safer Stronger North Somerset, and The For All Healthy Living Centre.
The celebration brought the community together, with volunteers from Alliance Homes’ community hubs and the For All Healthy Living Centre helping to organise and run the event, from litter picking to serving soup and hot dogs on the night.
One resident said they were proud to welcome the Beacon of Hope, sharing what the project meant to them personally: "HOPE stands for Helping Others Prosper Equally.”
Despite the rain, everyone joined the ‘Walk of Hope’, led by local brass instrumental band, Jump Street. The event included live music from jazz singer Marvin Mouneké and entertainment from local circus troupe, Tiny Circus.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody with Alliance Homes Group Chief Executive, Louise Swain, next to the Beacon of Hope sculpture.
One of the highlights of the evening was the official lighting of the sculpture, carried out by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, and Oscar, a local teenager.
Clare said: "It's inspiring to be here with the young people and community members who made this project happen.
“This sculpture symbolises the strength and resilience of this community, and I hope it will serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating safer neighbourhoods where people can thrive."
Councillor Ian Parker, Alliance Homes’ Chief Operating Officer, Iain Lock, MP for Weston-super-Mare, Dan Aldridge, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, Councillor James Clayton, Alliance Homes’ Group Chief Executive, Louise Swain, and Alliance Homes’ Non-executive Board Member, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly, Alliance Homes’ Community Growth Manager, Helen Wheelock, and Community Coordinator at Jones’ Building Group, Josie Bowden next to the Beacon of Hope sculpture.
Alliance Homes’ Community Growth Manager Helen Wheelock added:
“It’s great to see the Beacon of Hope finally installed in Bournville. It has been such a special project to work on alongside the local community, especially the five students from the Voyage Learning Campus, who helped design and create the sculpture, and Year 4 pupils from Bournville Primary School, who created bunting featuring words of hope to decorate the railings around the sculpture for our event.
“I hope this wonderful and meaningful sculpture will serve as a lasting beacon of hope for all their futures”.
Alliance Homes Group Chief Executive, Louise Swain, said:
“Celebrating this moment with the community means so much. The Beacon of Hope represents the power of community and the importance of projects that bring people together. It’s been great to see so many people involved, from students to local artists, volunteers, and partner organisations, all working to create something meaningful that we hope will have a lasting positive impact here in Bournville neighbourhood."
Jump Street Band performing outside of the Beacon of Hope.