Kentish Express Ashford & District
Crash-hit pub gets mural makeover
An eye-catching mural has been painted on the side of an historic pub after a Land Rover left a huge hole in the wall.
The Swan Inn in Little Chart made headlines due to the unfortunate timing and serious damage caused by the crash earlier this month - just hours before it was due to reopen on July 4.
Despite the drama, owners Ann and Ray Perkins have been overwhelmed with the support and custom they have since received.
But they thought the plywood covering the damage could use a bit of sprucing up, and offered the opportunity to nearby artists.
When Aimee Godden applied for the job, the Perkins family fell in love with her design.
The piece - which features a flying swan bursting through the wall - was completed on Monday and will later be auctioned off in support of Children in Need.
The 34-year-old part-time artist - who painted a pair of colourful wings on the front of the former Mecca Bingo building last year - found out about the pub’s project on social media.
She said: “It’s quite a famous pub locally and when one of my friends tagged me in the pub’s Facebook post asking for an artist, I knew I had to get in touch.
“It’s a really lovely village, everyone’s really friendly.
“There’s a lot of passing traffic but when it’s quiet people are stopping and saying how lovely the design is.”
Miss Godden - who works in retail but works as an artist via her Gracefully Boho Designs business - says she is pleased with her work.
“I hope everyone loves the picture,” she said.
“I hope they enjoy it while it’s up but when it does go to auction for such a good cause, then I hope people like it enough to dig deep - it’s worth it.”
Since the crash, the pub has operated solely outdoors as its 16th century building could be closed off for up to a year.
Pub group Stonegate has supplied a large marquee, big enough that all the furniture from inside can be spaced out in a completely socially distant format.
To celebrate the mural, as well as the hard work and support of the community and businesses, the team are hosting a music event next month.
The so-called ‘Hole in the Wall also known as The Swan Music Fest’ will take place on Saturday, August 15 with a full line-up of musicians.
A DJ will also be joining the festivities.
Mrs Perkins, 64, said: “It’s all been really positive since the crash, everyone’s been amazing.
“A big thanks to everyone who’s shown support and kindness over the last weeks.”
Following the crash in the early hours of July 4, police said three 17-year-old boys sustained minor injuries, one of which was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and taking a vehicle without consent.
This month’s incident was not the first time the 1570-built site has been hit.
In February 2017, a woman was taken to hospital with head injuries after a van hit the pub’s wall.