Jungle Book Mural revealed at Wardle Scout HQ

Jungle Book Mural at Wardle Scout HQ

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The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale were joined by around 150 villagers and supporters on Sunday at Wardle Scout HQ to admire the Wardle Jungle Book Mural, which has been painted over the past nine months in the main hall.

The main hall upstairs was last decorated some 35 years ago. It is a high, a large space and difficult to paint. The Beavers, Cubs, Leaders and Parents spent the Bank Holiday weekend in May 2016 cleaning and painting it with magnolia.

Norma Brandon, 1st Wardle Scout Group, said: “We handed it over to two artists who had expressed in interest in painting in a manner suitable for Scouting of all ages to enjoy it. Rosie Benson and Anthony Kitchingman both work full-time and have given up many weekends since July 2016 to draw and then paint the room.

“We wanted the room to be personalised to the Scout Group and to reflect the Jungle Book theme which the Cub section is based on - and this is what has been created. It is a true work of art.

"The young people have watched how the mural developed from initial drawings on the wall to all the extra insects, birds, butterflies and creepy crawlies that were added in the last few weekends.

“Most of the paint used has been donated. The magnolia paint was donated by B&J Painters & Decorators and the Dulux Paint Centre, the paint for the mural was donated by Community RePaint run by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

“The group agreed to fund the petrol and out of pocket expenses for the two artists who have spent around 600 hours creating this work of art all around the room. To fund this, most of the characters have been sponsored by the leaders, who are known by the Jungle Book characters at Cubs, and by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

“During Afternoon Tea, the artists added the name of the sponsor to each sponsored character of the Mural.

“All the cake was donated by Cubs, Beavers, Leaders and Parents who had been baking since Friday.

“The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took orders and waited on the tables – all guests thought they did exceptionally well.

“The County Commissioner for Greater Manchester North, his wife and the District Commissioner all attended and were impressed by the teamwork from all of our volunteers.

“150 teas, coffees, cakes, cream teas and apple pies were served in not much more than an hour. A splendid effort by all.”