Last weekend saw local artist, David Youdle, present his hand-painted brick to Paul Thorner, as his epic march along Hadrian’s Wall draws closer.

As a well known member of Paulton Art Group, many will have seen David’s paintings over the years, whether at exhibitions, in local buildings or adorning the shed outside his bungalow, next to Paulton School. Now aged 88, he was at school in Paulton during the glider accident at Double Hills and remembers seeing the

destruction that it caused. He said: “It was no effort whatsoever to paint a brick for a such a deserving local cause. I wish Paul all the best with the challenge ahead. I forgot just how heavy those bricks are – it’s safe to say I wasn’t able to lift the rucksack!”

Another local artist that will be painting a brick and grandson of David, is local B&NES Councillor for Paulton, Grant Johnson. He added: “I feel my gramps has put me to shame with the speed at which he paints. We were both given the bricks at the same time, and he was done in just a couple days!”

David decided to paint two local scenes on either side of the brick, themed on remembrance. One side is painted with a scene overlooking the Somerset levels and Glastonbury Tor, and the other is of the Bishop’s Palace Moat in Wells. Another veteran taking on the challenge in September is Julian Allen, who took the time to visit Paul and Sharon Thorner and chat to David about the cause. He said: “A massive thank you to Sharon and Paul for letting us meet this lovely man from their community. It’s brilliant to see him get involved and play his part for Just Another Brick in the Wall.”

All four bricks are going to be decorated by either local artists or family members and carried by Paul along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Once the event is complete, all the bricks carried will form part of a memorial wall at the Light Infantry museum in Bodmin.

Paul’s walk is less than four weeks away and he hopes to bring awareness to PTSD and raise money for The Rifles Charity, Care for Casualties. Visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-thorner