An independent artist from Prestwich has produced an incredible kaleidoscopic wall hanging to commemorate national spirit in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
The perspex ‘Bird of Hope’, designed by Chava Erlanger, has been created to serve as a lasting memento to the time spent indoors during lockdown.
Featuring the ubiquitous rainbow of hope, the artwork captures the hopeful side of the British public’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A percentage of purchase revenue will be rerouted to the NHS – creating additional funds for the health sector.
Chava – whose previous work is on permanent display at Imperial War Museum North – has been shielding at home for months to protect the health of her son, and is hoping her latest piece will encourage people to keep hold of the lessons learnt in 2020.
“For many, lockdown has been a time of reflection,” says Chava.
“So many of us plan to make changes to our lives, to be happier, healthier, closer to loved ones and more engaged in our communities. There are lots of positives to take from this time, and my artwork is reflective of these hopeful intentions.”
Chava, who grew up in Israel during the Gulf War, uses art as a tool to help those going through traumatic life events.
“Through my work, I examine the human response to disaster, both good and bad,” she explains.
“We have collectively, globally, been through a trauma. Personally, I have been contemplating my own family history – the loss of my freedom of movement leading me to reflect on my grandmother’s experience during the holocaust, which she survived. I am interested in the way we move from darkness to light.
“This piece focuses on the brighter side of our recent experience; the kindness and goodness of people, and the ways we come together to strengthen each other.
“As restrictions ease, I hope that we’ll continue to think of each other and the need for continued focus to keep each other safe. My aim is to bring that feeling of hope and togetherness into our homes permanently.”
Chava’s artwork is priced at £45 and is available to buy from her website.
The artist will also be taking commissions for spectacular LED versions of the piece, which will measure 1m x 60cm.
Only five limited edition LED birds will be produced – priced at £5,000 – with 10 per cent of the profits being donated to the NHS.
News
New £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport given the green light
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for a new ‘walkable and sustainable’ neighbourhood in Stockport town centre.
A major milestone has been reached for Stockport’s transformation, as the new mixed residential mini-village, ‘Stockport 8’ – which was put forward by the local LLP of the same name, set up as part of a partnership between Stockport Council and ECF (English Cities Fund) – has been given the green light, helping to make it one of the most sustainable and liveable town centres in the UK.
The eight-acre site is just one in a series of regeneration projects led by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), as part of ambitious plans to develop land west of the town centre under the ‘Town Centre West’ (TCW) scheme.
The development is a key element of the wider £1 billion investment currently being delivered.
The plans were recommended for approval at Stockport’s central area committee at the end of July, and were then approved at planning committee last week (14 August).
A new £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport has been given the green light / Credit: Supplied
Located on land either side of King Street West and next to the historic viaduct, the £350m mixed residential neighbourhood – which includes many affordable properties – is expected to ‘breathe life’ back into what was once a ‘thriving’ area under the railway arches, connecting Stockport Interchange with nearby communities in the process.
The plans will deliver approximately 1,300 new high-quality homes to suit existing residents and new homeowners moving into the Greater Manchester town in the next decade.
There’ll be be a mix of residential properties, including build-to-rent and owner-occupier – with a range of sizes to meet the needs of different households.
The development is also centred around ‘vibrant’ public spaces where people can meet and relax outdoors, helping to improve the wellbeing of residents, while a pedestrian-only street will run through the centre, again to encourage interaction.
“We’re not adopting a one-size-fits-all approach at Stockport 8,” explained Catherine Chilvers, who is the Managing Director of Stockport MDC.
“Instead, we are investing in high-quality and energy- efficient housing that offers so much more for people at all stages of life.
“The development sets the bar high for town centre living, creating a considered neighbourhood for residents along with leisure and employment opportunities, while outdoor squares, with a multitude of uses, will allow people to feel connected and enable families to grow.”
As detailed in the official appeal by Stockport Police, the white female was wearing black shorts, a red top and a black long-sleeve zip-up before she went missing.
Measuring roughly 5’2″ in height, she has long brown hair and had it tied at the time of her last sighting.
Writing on Facebook, fellow Stopfordian residents wrote, “Her parents are very worried about her. Please share”, and “Please keep your eye out for Freya. Very kind-hearted girl. Let’s get her home safely.”
Helping spread the news on social media, GMP went on to add: “Officers are concerned about Freya and want to ensure she is safe and well.”
The post has been shared in Stockport towns such as Bredbury, Hazel Grove and Marple, as well as further across Greater Manchester and the North West in hopes of tracking her down.
Anyone with any info they think might be of use should call 101 ASAP, quoting 3495 of 17/08/25.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with the anonymous referral service Crimestoppers online, or over the phone via 0800 555 111.
Last but not least, if you have urgent information regarding anyone’s safety or a crime being committed, please dial 999 immediately.
The Manc -
13th July 2020 
