Pupils from Regents Park Community Primary School have recently been welcomed to the West Midlands depot at Wednesbury as part of a competition prize which saw them enjoy a VIP guided tour behind the scenes. They were there thanks to their classmate Sakinah Begun, aged 11, who won the top prize in a competition organised in the run-up to the launch of the Bulls in the City arts trail.
Sakinah submitted a stroking design for a miniature bull figurine that has since been presented to the school as part of a range of activities that celebrates Metro’s sponsorship of the arts trail.
As well as seeing behind the scenes at the depot, which included trams being prepared for service as well as the chance to have a go on the tram simulator, they also got to meet artist Mauri Marnie who incorporated the winning design into a miniature bull which featured on the trail at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Sophie Allison, West Midlands Metro Managing Director, said: “It was a delight to see the children so eager to learn about all the hard work that goes into keeping the network moving. Throughout the visit, they also took part in a series of tram-themed quizzes and puzzles, but for many of them, travelling on a tram for the first time proved a highlight of the day.”
10 children and two teachers visited the depot, and the school was also presented with a £250 prize for the winning design.
After the display of the miniature bull comes to an end at the hotel it will be presented to the school where it will go on further display.