Mini-herd set to be elephant-astic

July 7, 2022

Havens Hospices is inviting local schools, youth groups and community projects to join in the ‘ton of fun’ and decorate a baby elephant as part of its Herd In The City art trail.

As well as the large elephants marching into the city streets of Southend-on-Sea, Shoeburyness and Leigh-on-Sea in Summer 2023 - there will also be mini-herds of baby elephants.

The baby elephants are part of the Herd In The City Learning Programme, sponsored by Rickard Luckin, and are integral to the success of the art trial. Each one will be designed by a local school, youth group or community project, making them completely unique, with their own personalities and names.

They will be displayed together in mini-herds with the large elephants across the city for eight weeks between July and September 2023 before they stomp back to their forever home with their creators.

Kate Bell, Director and Head of Education Team at Rickard Luckin says, “The team at Rickard Luckin are delighted to sponsor the Herd in the City Learning Programme and jumped at the opportunity of becoming the Learning Partner once again.

“We are proud and excited to be involved in an initiative that complements our ethos and values at Rickard Luckin. There is no doubt that the project will have a very positive impact on inspiring and motivating our young people, all while supporting the vital work of local charity, Havens Hospices.”

As well as providing children and young people an opportunity to experiment with different art forms, the programme also empowers them to take ownership and showcase their artwork to thousands of people, making it accessible to all.

Darren Pascoe, Art Leader at Grove Wood Primary School, says, “Grove Wood is very pleased to be part of Herd in the City next year. Our children really enjoyed participating in Hares About Town - our leveret, ‘Flora’, still has pride of place in our school entrance. I’m sure the children will be just as excited to have an elephant to decorate!”

He goes on to explain that, “Herd in the City will be a brilliant way to promote the arts within our school, celebrate our local area, and Southend’s new city status as well as raise money for an excellent cause. As part of the project, Grove Wood will be holding a fundraising day, which will be full of elephant-themed art activities.

“Every child in the school will also have a chance to put forward their ideas for a design for the elephant, which will then be chosen by our pupil-led Arts Crew, who will also decorate the final sculpture. We are really looking forward to getting started!”

The cost of the baby elephant sculpture is £825+VAT, including installation and a Learning Resource Pack with plans, templates and activities based on the national curriculum. Schools and groups can either cover the cost or encourage the pupils or young people to fundraise. The deadline to sign up for the Learning Programme is 5pm on 25th November 2022.

Lauren Eagle-Allen, Learning Programme Lead at Havens Hospices, says, “This is a unique chance for local schools and community groups to get involved in what promises to be a fantastic art trail.

“As well as being an unforgettable event for all of those involved, it will raise thousands of pounds for Havens Hospices, allowing us to provide free, specialist hospice care for local adults, children, and their families.”

For further information about how to get involved and sign up for a baby elephant, visit www.herdinthe.city or email miniherd@havenshospices.org.uk.