The West Midlands Metro team were delighted to welcome some very special visitors recently when youngsters from a Birmingham primary school enjoyed a day trip to the tram depot in Wednesbury.
Among the pupils from Regents Park Community Primary School was 11-year-old Sakinah Begum, who scooped the top prize in a competition organised in the run-up to the launch of the acclaimed Bulls in the City arts trail.
Sakinah submitted a striking design for a miniature bull figurine that’s since been presented to the school as part of a range of activities celebrating Metro’s sponsorship of the ambitious project, organised by Birmingham Hospice and Wild in Art.
During the VIP depot visit, Sakinah and her classmates were able to meet artist Maurri Marnie, the artist, who incorporated the talented youngster’s ideas into the miniature bull design now featured on the city trail at the Hilton Garden Inn. They were also able to take a behind-the-scenes peek at trams being prepared for service and try out simulators used during driver training, giving them an idea of the skills and concentration needed to keep trams running safely.
Sophie Allison, West Midlands Metro Managing Director, said: “It was a delight to see the children so eager to learn about all the hard work that goes into keeping the network moving. “Throughout the visit, they also took part in a series of tram-themed quizzes and puzzles, but for many of them, travelling on a tram for the first time proved a highlight of the day.”
In total, 10 children and two teachers took part in the visit, which also saw the school presented with a £250 prize for submitting the winning design.
Alan Beale, Regents Park Community Primary School Headteacher, commented: “We’re very proud of Sakinah. It’s great that artwork from one of our students has been recognised in this way. All the children enjoyed the trip, and they learnt a lot about the tram network. We look forward to having the bull on display at school and hope that it will inspire other students in future years.”
The miniature bull, inspired by Sakinah’s designs, has taken up temporary residence at the Hilton Garden Inn Brindleyplace as part of the trail. Its final destination will be Regents Park Community Primary School, where it’ll serve as a lasting tribute to her creative talent and imagination.
The launch of Bulls in the City art trail has unleashed a herd of bull sculptures across central Birmingham, adding vibrancy, culture and charm to various locations. Among them is the Metro-sponsored bull “The Brummie Blinder” at Victoria Square, close to the Town Hall tram stop, attracting plenty of attention thanks to its playful nod towards the iconic Midlands-based TV series, Peaky Blinders.
Further information about Bulls in the City can be found here.
