Local charity Stand Against Violence launches its 10th year anniversary project Constellation.

You may have seen snippets on social media, stars being painted around Taunton and even the horizon mural being painted on the tangier wall over the last couple of months. This is all a part of the Constellation project to remember Lloyd Fouracre.

Lloyd was beaten to death here in Taunton on the eve of his 18th birthday 10 years ago. In Lloyd's memory his brother Adam set up the charity Stand Against Violence which seeks to end violence through the education of future generations.

Adam said "it's hard to imagine that Lloyd lost his life 10 years ago. It seems like only yesterday. This year we really want to do something special in his memory and involve the whole community."

Constellation is a project based on the often told story of how our loved ones who have passed away become stars in the night sky to watch over us, show us the way and light up our darkest hours. This story will resonate with many who have lost loved ones and it is hoped that this event can be something that the whole community can come together and not only remember Lloyd but their own loved ones.

Over 2,000 stars have been decorated by young people within the local community. Some just for fun and others in memory of those dearly departed. Several local businesses have also backed the event by sponsoring stars and constellations. Some of these businesses include Claims Consortium, Higos, LJ assist, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Albert Goodman, and another local well known charity Think Amy. If any more businesses would like to get involved please email enquiries to Kevin Smith at [email protected].

A local artist, Samantha Petrie and a small team have been working on a beautiful mural on the wall at tangiers. The mural tells a story through the use of well-known Somerset landmarks and actual constellations of stars. The story reads from left to right, through mist and cloud, into the night and onwards into a new day filled with hope in recognition of the fact that we collectively as a society live with violence and the fear of violence night and day. Designed by GoCreate Taunton the mural commemorates the 10th anniversary of the death of Lloyd Fouracre who, like a comet, has become a symbol for change in our society. There will be a plaque installed on the wall giving a full description of the story. The mural is due to be complete in time for the Constellation event on the 25th September.

The Constellation project comes to a finale on the day of Lloyd's death 10 years ago. This event will feature a maze made of all the decorated stars to be installed in Goodland's gardens. Castle green will feature an exhibition about Lloyd, Stand Against Violence, its history and future plans. There will be a few networking events for local businesses but the whole community is invited to see the exhibition, sponsored by IDN, which will consist of 3 large interactive displays. The evening event will consist of live music, a BBQ and a Pico light display projecting stars and constellations on to the walls of the buildings surrounding Castle Green. A peace walk will also take place with the local air cadets and all the young people who have decorated stars have been invited to take part. The finale for the evening will be a special LED light performance and a special song dedicated to Lloyd's memory.

On Saturday 26th September, Lloyd's birthday ambassadors for Stand Against Violence, the Taunton Rugby Football Club will be hosting a special game at the ground which will also be remembering Lloyd. The match will see half of ticket profits donated to the charity for anyone wearing red. There will be a fun day taking place alongside the match for young people and families so there will be plenty for everyone. Local cadets will also be on hand helping and supporting collections on the day. Following the match there will be live music before the evening live screening of the England Vs Wales rugby game. There will be bus transport from the Town centre for this day.

To round the whole weekend off there will be a family fun day on Sunday 27th back at the Rugby ground from 13.00-17.30. Plenty to do and see and a great day out for the family.

Adam, CEO of the charity said "it is amazing to see such strong community support for this day and we hope for a very good turn out to the events taking place over the coming weekend. We hope that the whole community will come out to see what's going on."

There are posters now going up around Taunton and special booklets available in Tone Leisure venues and from the Tourist Information Centre. The booklets contain a full programme for the weekend and some discount vouchers! Please pick yourself up a copy and support the weekend.

Pictures by Clayton Jane www.claytonjane.co.uk