Classic Masonry has helped bring a striking new mural to life at The Hut on the Green in Gosforth by donating all the paint for the project.

The North Tyneside stonemasonry specialist backed the artwork, created over three days by artist Peter Manning of Reluctant Hero and local volunteers, as part of its support for hands-on craft skills in the community.

Business development director Tony Kay shares the company's reasoning: “We are really impressed with all Nick and his team offer the local community… There are very clear synergies with the culture we have at Classic Masonry, in that we encourage our teams to be creative, adventurous and innovative.” He added that activities at The Hut “enable people of all ages to put down digital technologies and engage their hands and minds,” noting the value of such skills at a time when the construction sector faces a shortage of trades.

The Hut, run by Mushroom Works CIC, reopened in 2024 after the former bowling pavilion sat empty for 14 years. It now hosts art classes, workshops and children’s woodworking sessions, attracting around 100 visitors each week. Its founder, craftsman Nick James, said: “I think there is something deeply important about learning and teaching real, tangible skills. It is not just about what people make, but what they discover along the way.”