Gosport teenager organises art trail to raise money for volunteer lifeboat service

In Alverstoke, Gosport, more than 50 houses have decorated their front windows in support of the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), which supports HM Coastguard in rescue missions.

To see all of the artwork, people will have to purchase a map, with all proceeds going to the volunteer lifeboat service.

The scheme is the brainchild of Hebe Compton, 18, who says people can complete the trail as part of their daily walk.

She said: ‘It's going to be lots of fun and something a bit different to do during lockdown.

‘I was hoping for ten houses to decorate their windows at the start, but I put on a post on facebook asking for volunteers, and within a few days had over fifty willing to get involved.

‘I've heard of people working on mermaid displays, boats and monsters. There will be a real variety to explore.’

The art trail will officially take place from February 17-21, during the school half-term holiday.

All money raised will help GAFIRS repair the hole left by the cancellation of the New Year’s Day swim – the organisation’s flagship annual fundraiser.

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‘No one is expected to be Van Gogh, the fun is in exploring the secret windows and finding them all,’ Hebe said.

‘It'll be a lovely change for a daily walk and will add a bit of entertainment for everyone. People can explore the trail in their household bubble and won't need to interact with anyone else.

‘All I want to do is give people something to look forward to and raise money at the same time.’

The teenager had been planning to spend this year travelling abroad to see relatives – but due to the coronavirus lockdown, the furthest she has been is Stokes Bay.

Only people living in Gosport or Lee-on-the-Solent can take part in the event, and people must book time slots to prevent crowding.

Hebe said: ‘I could sit around moping, but ith this project I'm raising money for a really great cause, and learning project management skills as well.’

To purchase a map for the event, go to alverstokearttrail.eventbrite.co.uk.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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