Yahoo News The story behind the stunning new Remembrance mural you won't miss in Nuneaton town centre
A stunning new Remembrance mural takes pride of place outside Nuneaton Town Hall. It features the faces of Mani Kumar Rai, an ex-7th Gurkha Rifles, the late Jim Taylor who served in the Royal Air Force for 24 years and supported the 121 Nuneaton ATC, and serving Naval Officer Ashryah Dewar.
It is the brainchild of council leader, councillor Chris Watkins, who was inspired by an old painting that depicted army, navy and airforce officers overlooking battle scenes. Aware of the borough's proud and long-standing links with the Armed Forces, the Town Hall leader explained to CovenrtryLive that he wanted something similar.
"I really like that picture and I wanted something for our borough, that can be used every Remembrance," he explained. Talented street artist Nathan Parker, known as N4T4, was commissioned to create the new mural.
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The artist worked with local photographer Kevin Hargrave and chose images he had taken at previous Remembrance parades. It led to them being recreated on the incredible mural, which left the leader stunned.
"Nathan is really good, he's so talented, I gave him a free rein on it (the mural) and I didn't know what he was going to do," Cllr Watkins. "But when I first saw it, I was so surprised as it was even better than I thought it would be.
"It's brilliant." The mural will now take pride of place outside the Town Hall not only this Remembrance weekend, but for years to come. There may also be another new addition.
"I am working with the Royal British Legion for something for next year," Cllr Watkins said. "I really wanted to get a special bench made but we just didn't have time this year.
"Hopefully we will have something like that in time for Remembrance next year."
Nuneaton as well as Bedworth, Ash Green and Bulkington are all playing home to Remembrance Sunday services on November 10. More details, including all of the road closures, can be found in our story here
CoventryLive will be at the Nuneaton Remembrance parade and service. You will be able to watch it live on the Nuneaton News page on Facebook on Sunday morning.
