‘Nancy’ shows support
AMACCLESFIELD landmark has been given a new design in support of Manchester and the terror attack.
Debra Nixon and Debbie Chappell painted a bee on White Nancy after a request by Bollington mayor Andy Langdon.
The city’s worker bee emblem has become a symbol of unity and defiance following the bombing at Manchester Arena which killed 22 people.
The image chosen for the iconic landmark was created by Macclesfield graphic designer Matthew Wray, which features a bee with a hearts on its thorax and the words ‘hope, strength, peace’ on its abdomen.
Matthew, 35, who works at Bollington Print Shop, said: “I created the image in response to the awful event in Manchester. It was my way of dealing with it. It was widely shared on social media and somehow was chosen by the mayor. It’s great to think it can be seen for miles around. I just hope it sends a positive message and some comfort.”
Meanwhile, Dick Vincent, an illustrator from Macclesfield, also saw his design of a bee with the words ‘Stay Strong Our Kid’ shared thousands of times on social media.
Macclesfield’s tattoo studios have given up their time and talents for free to raise money for the victims and families affected by the attack.
Artists at Artmageddon on Chestergate, Carpe Diem on Mill Lane, Skin Creations on Sunderland Street, Grindhouse Tattoo Productions on Church Street, have been flooded with requests for tattoos of bees and raised hundreds of pounds.
Since the attack on May 22, four local schools have now confirmed students and teachers were caught up in the attack. Macclesfield Academy said at least one pupil attended and got home safely from the pop concert, while Poynton High School confirmed 25 pupils and three members of staff were at the concert by US star Ariana Grande and got away unharmed.
Tytherington School and Fallibroome Academy revealed last week that students attended.
Richard Hedge, principal of Macclesfield Academy, said: “Our message to students is that these incidents are very rare and that it is important that we do not let terrorists disrupt our way of life.”
David Waugh, headteacher at Poynton High, said: “The vast majority attended school (on May 23) and we were able to put a ring of support and comfort around them.”