CHESTER’S OWN SGT PEPPER MOMENT SHOWS STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT

A unique gathering took place on Eastgate Street in Chester recently, as representatives of local culture, business and charity organisations came together for a photo shoot in aid of a local charity.

Those taking part included Chester FC, The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, Chester Pride, Deva Roman Experience, local legend Geoff Hughes butcher, parade master Russell Kirk, a life-size cardboard cut-out of Chester born actor and comedian Russ Abbot, and many others local businesses and community groups. The idea of the photoshoot was to create Chester’s own version of the iconic “Sgt Pepper” album cover photo and a unique snapshot of the city to celebrate all those who work towards making Chester the vibrant place it is.

Making history by taking part in the unique photoshoot were Lance Pierre Prince (Deva Roman experience), Melissa (Picturehouse), Lindsey (Share), Rowan Arnold (Hole in Wand Chester), Neil (Share), David Mitchell (Town Crier), Dave Southern (Busker/ Drumming puppet), Liz Montgomery (The Grosvenor Museum), Laura Heywood (The Scented Garden), Elliot Hill (Chester Grosvenor), Stephanie Peters (Pastry Pedaleur), Jane Hebblewhite (Chester Heritage Festival), Kevin Critchley (Chester Grosvenor Hotel) - also holding artist Tim Foxon's Little Red Bike, Mark Williams (Parade pirate), Russell Kirk (parade master), Dawn Robinson (Chester Boutique), Liz Roberts (Tour guide), Jim Green (Chester FC), Jenny (Chester Boats), Lauren Chelu and Carrie Elizabeth Sarah Hyndman (Junkbox apparel), Isabel Marston (We Love good times), The Plague Doctor (Sick to Death), Warren Lee Allmark (Chester Pride), Billy Tatler (street trader),Geoff Hughes butcher, Viv (Share), Adam Dandy, Dave Gardiner (Karamba Samba) Briony Wilson (Taste Cheshire) Monika Swindells (oH Foundation) and Philip Chidell (busker).

Organised by Richard Trotter of the Chester Blog and long running Twitter account, the photo will be used on merchandise which will be available at his forthcoming quiz in aid of Blacon based charity Platform for Life. The quiz will take place at Chester Market on Sunday 1^st June from 5pm and will include a raffle and a magic display by local Magician Paul Shanley.

Speaking about the photoshoot, Richard Trotter said:

“Thank you to everyone who came along at such short notice it was an amazing effort from everyone rallying people to get involved for this great cause.  We wanted to bring people together and to also show how hard people are working to make Chester great. There were lots of people who couldn't make it on the day so this is only a sample of our community. It was great to see so many legends together and thanks as well to artist Tim Foxon for lending us his iconic little red bike! Please come along to the quiz in June. I plan to include a few more Chester icons, past and present into the final edit.  I would like to thank Stuart Robinson, photographer, film-maker and director of Heritage Chester for coming along and taking the photo for us. Please come along and support the quiz in June.”

The photo shoot attracted a lot of attention on the street with many passers-by and tourists taking their own photos. Onlookers were treated to the surreal site of a Roman soldier and a Plague Doctor on Eastgate street.  Rowan Arnold of the recently reopened Hole in Wand mini golf course commented" It was great to see so many local influential people together celebrating our wonderful city! It really shows that together we can do great things!" whilst Chester’s Town Crier David Mitchell said “In 2000 years I don't think anyone has ever gathered the local celebrities and eccentrics on the street the way it’s happened today!”

Pictured - Representatives of local businesses and charities gathered for a unique charity photoshoot in Chester recently, Those taking part were; Lance Pierre Prince (Deva Roman experience), Melissa (Picturehouse), Lindsey (Share), Rowan Arnold (Hole in Wand Chester), Neil (Share), David Mitchell (Town Crier), Dave Southern (Busker/ Drumming puppet), Liz Montgomery (Grosvenor Museum), Laura Heywood (The Scented Garden), Elliot Hill (Chester Grosvenor), Stephanie Peters (Pastry Pedaleur), Jane Hebblewhite ( Chester Heritage Festival), Kevin Critchley (Grosvenor Hotel) - also holding artist Tim Foxon's Little Red Bike, Mark Williams (Parade pirate), Russell Kirk (parade master), Dawn Robinson (Chester Boutique), Liz Roberts (Tour guide), Jim Green (Chester FC), Jenny (Chester Boats), Lauren Chelu and Carrie Elizabeth Sarah Hyndman (Junkbox apparel), Isabel Marston (We Love good times), The Plague Doctor (Sick to Death) and Warren Lee Allmark (Chester Pride), Billy Tatler (street trader),Geoff Hughes butcher, Viv (Share), Adam Dandy (Share) Dave Gardiner (Karamba Samba) Briony Wilson (Taste Cheshire) Monika Swindells (oH Foundation) and Philip Chidell (busker).

Picture credit - Stuart Robinson.