The Foundation has sponsored the Junior Snailway, which has enabled over 50 local schools, nurseries and youth organisations, including Brighton and Portslade Aldridge Community Academies, to decorate a mini snail which have their own exhibition spaces in libraries, museums, in the Open Market, the Metropole Hotel and Martlets shops. That sponsorship enabled the charity to more than double the schools taking part this year, which is great news. Each Junior snail plaque carries the Foundation’s logo.

The Junior Snails have joined 50 larger cousins, each sponsored by a local organisation. Each giant snail is auctioned off at the end of the trail to raise money for the Martlets. Schools taking part in the Junior trail signed up to raise £750 each for the charity, and the Foundation. In 2016 the whole event raised over £300,000 for a wonderful local cause.

Sir Rod, explained why he wanted to get involved in the project: “My primary reason for getting involved in Snailspace is to honour the memory of my mother, Doris Aldridge. She passed away at the age of 101 last August and had raised money for Martlets throughout her life.

Backing this life-affirming event, that brings the community together, young and old alike, is the perfect way to continue her legacy.

The Foundation and the Snailspace Learners Programme share some important objectives, encouraging young people to be active citizens in the local community. Aldridge schools put creativity at the heart of study; it is fundamental to our approach to learning. Sponsoring the Snailspace campaign is a great way to support creativity in the city, as well as encouraging young people to explore important themes such as nature, the environment and mental health.”

Our Aldridge sponsored Giant Snail, The Trail of Treasures Memories” by Brighton artist Liam Smith is already attracting plenty of admirers.

Enlarge