Tuesday 27 April 2010

That LB Merton & AFC Wimbledon Flag Project Press Release in Full!

26 March 2010



"... a great example of how working in partnership with local clubs and organisations can really benefit the local community"


Mascot and hero of AFC Wimbledon, Haydon the Womble, is calling on Merton's primary school pupils to get involved in its Fly the Flag for Haydon project.


Building on its reputation for lively and unusual flags, AFC Wimbledon, in partnership with Merton Council, wants the borough's budding Beckhams and Picassos to get creative and design their very own 1.8m x 2.6m flag to fly at the club's stadium. The club will be providing a starter kit of paints and brushes. The flag designs are to be inspired by AFC Wimbledon and Haydon, promoting issues that are close to Haydon's heart such as opportunity for all, being green and keeping the place tidy. Haydon is already working with the council as the face of Merton's Bin It - Don't Sling It campaign - www.merton.gov.uk/binit.

Schools wishing to participate in the art project should contact arts@merton.gov.uk. All those who register can take advantage of a personal visit to their school from members of the AFC Wimbledon club who are all set to ignite pupils' imaginations with a range of their existing flags. They will be able to help inspire the youngsters with ideas and suggestions for new designs. The children will then have six weeks to come up with an innovative and eye-catching flag to represent their school.


Once all the flags are ready, the children will be able to see their work displayed at Wimbledon Library Art Gallery from 12 to 17 July. From 19 April, all the participating artists will be invited along to one of next season's pre-friendly games at the Cherry Red Records Fans Stadium, Kingsmeadow, to watch AFC Wimbledon play and to see their flags flying in the home supporters' stand, spurring the team on to play to the best of their ability.

Merton Council director of environment and regeneration Chris Lee said: "This is a wonderful initiative which encourages youngsters in the borough to get creative, connect with our local football team and see their finished work flying for all to see above the stadium. Whether you are sporty, artistic or just want to have a go, this project enables all children in our borough to get involved. It is also a great example of how working in partnership with local clubs and organisations can really benefit the local community.'



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