From A Plain Wall to Eli’s Happy Place

Walking through Newtown one day, I noticed a resident sitting by her front door and stopped for a chat. We talked about the big mural that was painted nearby a few weeks ago, and she told me she’d love something similar on a very neglected, plain wall on her street.

Her little boy, Eli, is obsessed with trains and loves playing outside, but there isn’t much to look at or enjoy on that part of the road. She imagined a colourful train mural that would brighten the street, make people smile, and give Eli a happy corner to play by.

I thought: if we can brighten the road, make passers-by smile and give Eli a special spot, that’s a win–win.

So I spoke to our amazing local artist, Pete. He loved the idea and suggested a train with colourful flags from around the world flying behind it – a warm welcome to everyone in our community. 🌍💛

By connecting the resident and the artist, Pete was able to apply for funding. I helped by printing posters, spreading the word, and inviting neighbours to a pop-up painting session so the community could help create the mural.

Our first planned day… it poured with rain and we had to cancel! Pete stayed so positive , he even wrote a little poem.

The rain will stop, the sun will shine 🌞 

You and I will have a fine creative time 🎨 

Trains will steam across the wall 🚆 

'All aboard!' will be the drivers' call

Bang the artistic drum 🥁 

Newtown will be a community gallery for everyone!

We agreed to try again when the sunshine returned. And today, the sun finally came out. ☀️

Despite the cold, young residents stopped by, picked up brushes and painted their colourful flags onto the mural. They talked about how Newtown needs more colour, more connection, and more places that make you feel you belong.

Now the wall is no longer neglected – it’s full of life, flags and movement. Eli is happy, his Mum is proud, and I’m sure this mural will brighten the day of everyone who walks past. 💙

This is what community building looks like: listening, chatting, knocking on doors, and helping turn residents’ ideas into real changes in the neighbourhood.

If you live in Newtown and have an idea – big or small – or just fancy a chat about your street, please get in touch with Maisaa Sweid, your local Community Builder, by email on maisaa.sweid@eci.org.uk or call her on 07746 472581. Let’s see what we can create together. 🤝✨