On our Summer Mile Family Raceday on 13th July we were delighted to showcase some of the winning entries made by local children, for The ‘Winged Wonders: Messengers of Life’ art installation at the 117th Royal Windsor Flower Show held at the York Club, Windsor Great Park on 8th June 2024.
All the designs were created and displayed in the children’s marquee at the show by Busy Buttons CORE charity using recycled and natural materials.
An all-inclusive workshop was established by the charity comprising almost 300 children from 10 local schools who visited the charity’s premises over a period of months to create the giant butterflies. The team also took the “workshop” to two special needs schools.
The inspiration for the installation was the simple geometric shapes in nature reflected in the giant floral patterns as seen on educational trips with the children to Kew Gardens, Waltham Place and Windsor Great Park.
The designs reflect a creative consciousness and were made from sustainable materials which were donated by Tesco’s in Dedworth and Asda; with little or no waste at the end. Students who were working with the charity towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award, were also involved in the process.
The project was sponsored by the Ascot Racecourse Supports programme as part of its 3-year commitment to support the Royal Windsor Flower Show schools craft programme.
In summary, this initiative has helped students creatively learn more about our winged VIPs (Very Important Pollinators) whilst inclusively engaging children who face barriers or have special needs (or ‘Superpowers’ as the charity refers to these children as possessing).
