“Blooming St Thomas” mural launched at Exeter St Thomas Station

Exeter St Thomas Station Mural launch with the Friends of Exeter St Thomas Station and Melanie Harvey, Great Western Railway Station Manager (far left), Nigel Lowe, Exeter School of Art (second left), Celia Minoughan, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership (fourth left) and Councillor Rob Hannaford (second right).

A special event was held at Exeter St Thomas Station on Saturday, 11 March, to celebrate the new “Blooming St Thomas” mural which is the latest improvement at the station, following installation of new waiting shelters and the Eco Garden in 2015.

The mural highlights that St Thomas Station is within easy walking distance of some wonderful parks and open spaces. The legacy of the historic St Thomas horticultural nurseries means that local people can enjoy striking trees today including the Wisteria arch in Pinces Gardens and the famous Lucombe Oak. 

The mural features photos of these trees by St Thomas residents and students and was designed by Nigel Lowe from Exeter School of Art, part of Exeter College.  It was funded by a Devon County Council “Investing in Devon” grant organised by local County Councillor Rob Hannaford and produced with the help of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Friends of St Thomas Station.

Councillor Hannaford said: “I’m really pleased that the ‘Investing in Devon’ grant has enabled the Friends of St Thomas Station to celebrate the horticultural heritage of the local area in the ‘Blooming St Thomas’ mural.”

Celia Minoughan from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: “I’m delighted not only with the finished mural, but with the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved. The ideas from the Friends of St Thomas Station were turned into reality with the help of Exeter College, Devon County Council and GWR.”

GWR Station Manager Melanie Harvey said: “Exeter St Thomas is a gateway to some of the area’s most well-known open spaces and I am delighted to be able to have this new mural unveiled today.

“We at GWR are only too aware of the role that rail plays in the national and local economy, and in helping people to be able to get to great places.”

The Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, including Devon County Council, and the rail industry which works to promote local railways in the two counties.