An award-winning local police ‘hero’ has spoken of her pride after being featured in a new art trail celebrating key workers.
A portrait of long-serving Beeston police community support officer Paula Hipkiss, pictured alongside a fellow emergency services worker, is among ten steel etchings which have been hung around the town in recognition of the contribution of key workers who have kept the local community running during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paula, who is Beeston born-and-bred, has been a PCSO in the town centre for nearly 12 years.
She said: “I just feel proud to be part of this initiative, as part of a team of people who serve the local community and who have helped people throughout the pandemic.
“I’m honoured to be featured and to represent the Beeston neighbourhood policing team.”
In 2018 Paula scooped a Nottinghamshire Police PCSO of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to neighbourhood policing.
The year before she he received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for assisting at the scene after reports that a boy had gone into the Beeston Weir to help two friends on 10 July 2017.
After rescuing one friend, who’d got into difficulties, Owen Jenkins returned to the water to rescue another friend but the current was too strong and it dragged him under.
Sadly he didn’t resurface. Owen gave his life to save another and died a hero.
PCSO Hipkiss and her now retired colleague Simon Wright were among the first officers on scene and have since worked with the Jenkins family to raise awareness around water safety.
Owen’s mum, Nicola, who founded the Open Water Education Network (OWEN) water safety programme in his memory, said: “Paula and Simon were absolutely brilliant and still to this day support us personally as well as through the open water safety campaign.
“Without them I don’t think the programme would be where it is today.
“Paula is a hero. We call her ‘auntie Paula’. She is so kind, considerate and thoughtful.
“She put us at ease and made the night of Owen’s death much more bearable and easier to understand just by being who she is. She felt everything we did and she still does.
“Paula and Simon were there every day after, ringing or coming around to see if we were okay.
“They are just the best and Paula is so deserving of being recognised in this new art trail.”
Nicola Wood, of the Canalside Heritage Centre in Beeston, also paid tribute to Paula and the Beeston neighbourhood policing team.
She said: “Paula always has a smile for everyone! She has supported over 200 people within the local community here at the Canalside Heritage Centre.
“Over the last two years, with the help of the amazing Beeston neighbourhood policing team, Paula has given crime prevention advice and reassurance to people visiting the centre, through regular beat surgeries and bike coding events, during what has been a very difficult time for many.
“Paula is great at coming alongside people in the community and offering support, especially during this prolonged period of Covid-19 lockdown when many people within our community have felt afraid and isolated.”
PCSO Hipkiss’ image is on a portrait at the bandstand in Beeston Square, representing the contribution made by ‘blue light’ emergency services workers.
The Beeston local heroes art trail, commissioned by Broxtowe Borough Council, was officially launched today (Wednesday 16 June 2021).
Ten images representing staff ranging from teachers and shop staff to NHS workers and carers are on display in various locations around the town.
It is part of a series of events to mark the redevelopment of the town centre and will serve as a lasting reminder of the dedication of key workers throughout the past 18 months.
Mayor of Broxtowe councillor Richard MacRae, who unveiled the portraits this morning, said: “We’re so proud of the community spirit that exists around the borough and these portraits help shine the spotlight on the real stars of our community.
“The past year has been hard for everyone, but there have been so many reasons to be positive too. When we look back we will all remember the hard work and courage of our key workers and community-spirited residents, and we wanted to create this trail to provide a lasting tribute to them.”
Artist Lydia Atkinson was chosen to produce the portraits, which have been turned into steel etchings and hung around the town.
She said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be involved in this project and to play a part in recognising those who have done so much for their local community.”
The art trail is one of a number of exciting events for the town this year, where a £50m transformation of the town square is currently underway.
The first phase saw the new Arc cinema open at the end of May and an array of new retail, food and drink outlets will be opening on the ground floor of the cinema building over the coming months.
In the second phase a 132-apartment block will be constructed on the opposite side of the Square.
Visitors will be able to see a map showing all ten art trail locations by scanning a QR code on the plaque on each of the artworks, and are being encouraged to share their snaps of them taking part in the trail on social media using #BeestonAllStars.
You can find the art trail map by clicking on this link https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/media/8730/beeston-local-heroes-art-trail-stg2.pdf or you can pick up a printed copy at Beeston Library.
The ten images represent transport staff, social carers, emergency services, community/charity workers, council staff, refuse workers, teachers, residents, hospital staff and shop workers.
