The Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Amanda Farr DL, representing His Majesty King Charles, unveiled a striking community mosaic at Abbeyfield Sandwood Care Home in Sherwood on 5th June.

The colourful artwork, funded by the Nottingham Freemasons, was the culmination of months of creativity and collaboration between residents, staff, families and members of the local community, and was featured on the Sherwood Art Week Mosaic Trail.

Inspired by themes chosen by the residents, the mosaic reflects nature, inclusion, community and – fittingly – the importance of a good cup of tea, alongside a motif representing Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), the charity that operates the home, and its 70th anniversary this year.

The final design was created in collaboration with local artist Anna Dixon. She led a series of workshops where residents, families and local volunteers pieced together hundreds of tiles, creating valuable opportunities for loved ones to spend meaningful time together.

Tina, whose father lives at Sandwood, said, “It was such a lovely afternoon and a wonderful way to spend quality time together.”

Resident Michael added that taking part was “better than I thought it would be,” and that seeing his own ideas reflected in the final design gave him “a feeling of belonging.”

Activities Coordinator Mel Spouge, who led the project, said, “The finished mosaic is a wonderful representation of the friendships, creativity and sense of belonging that make Sandwood such a special place.”

Adding a deeply personal touch, the mosaic incorporates the handprints of the residents, symbolising the collective effort behind the artwork and the close-knit, family atmosphere that defines life at Sandwood.

The artwork now sits in Sandwood’s garden, where it can be enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors for years to come.