Patrick Comerford
An elephant sculpture trail has been parading across Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield since 1 July. The ‘ele-fantastic’ trail is split across the three locations.
Over 30 large elephant sculptures have been designed by local and national artists – both well-known and newly emerging talent – as part of the March of the Elephants in support of St Giles Hospice. And more than 40 mini members of the herd were designed by local schools and community groups, adding an extra touch of charm to this mammoth community project.
The Wild in Art event has been showcasing a wealth of artistic talent and rich cultural offerings. At the end of the trail, the sculptures are being auctioned to raise vital funds for local people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.
The elephant sculptures are creating a visual feast of gentle giants for art enthusiasts and families alike. The designs range from the ‘Where’s Ellie’ design to the skiing elephant and even one decorated like a bee.
The three locations are connected by good public transport links. Each location has a train station, so you can easily get around the three trail areas by train and there are multiple buses following the trail routes.
Taking on three mini trails over a few days is an imaginative way to track down all the elephants, large and small, using a map to navigate around each location. An interactive app helps trail-goers to navigate the trail and to find each elephant, ticking them off their list as they go.
The app also offers rewards linked to the areas people are visiting, including family tickets to Lichfield’s Maize Maze, gift vouchers, entrance to Twycross Zoo, hampers and family photoshoots.
Exploring the trail is a fun, outdoor activity for friends and families. There is still a week or more to follow the trail, to take selfies and snapshots, and take a last lingering look at favourites before they march away to their forever homes.
Emma Yates of St Giles Hospice was delighted to see the herd make a grand entrance as they headed off on a trail that continues to encouraged families to find adventures and explore local areas while raising vital funds for St Giles. ‘We’re bringing colour and creativity to our streets while supporting a cause close to our hearts,’ she said.
There is still tim until Sunday 8 September, to see the elephants on the streets, in parks and out in open spaces that have been their home for the past two months.
They say an elephant never forgets, so some of the memories of the March of the Elephants available include: paint your own elephant; keyrings, tea towels, pens, notepads and magnets.
As part of the art sculpture trail, a hospice elephant has been made to capture the memories of loved ones. The Memory Elephant will take up residence in the hospice gardens at Whittington after the trail and will be available to view all year round.
A Mini March on 20-22 September includes small elephants designed and painted by local schools and groups from across the region.
After the ten-week art sculpture trail around Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, the elephant sculptures, both big and small, are being auctioned off at Lichfield Cathedral on Tuesday 24 September. The auction is hosted by Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
The reserve price for each large elephant sculpture starts at £3,000, and all money raised at the auction will support St Giles Hospice. Saint Giles Hospice provides care and support for local people, and their loved ones living with a terminal illness. For over 40 years, it has been an integral part of the local community.
The hospice was founded in 1983, and since one thing has remained constant – the need for good end of life care. Care is offered at the hospice sites in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield, as well as in patients’ own homes across the region.
But, as they say at St Giles, it takes a community to make a hospice. About 20% to 25% of its income is funded by the Government, meaning St Giles Hospice relies heavily on donations and support from the local community to continue its care services.
With rising costs and a funding crisis looming over the hospice sector, St Giles says it can only continue caring for patients living with a terminal illness and their loved ones because of the help supporters give.
Find out more at www.marchoftheelephants.co.uk
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