Relatives of the former owner of Webster’s Garage lend a hand to paint the mural planned for the site.

THREE generations of the Webster family have returned to their Axminster roots to visit a new mural being created for the former garage site owned by Jack (John) Webster.

The daughter of Jack Webster, Jenny Cardy, brought her daughter and grandchildren to take a look at the art project which is being put together by professional artist Steve Fisher.

“I think the project is great,” she says. “The site looks such a mess. It is a lovely idea.”

Her grandchildren Jackson and Eleanor Cockbain even picked up a paint brush to make their own artistic mark.

Mrs Cardy now lives in Derbyshire but says it is lovely to be able to share part of her father’s history with her family.

“It is lovely they can see it all. I tell them all about their granddad and now they can see it,” she added.

She told the Midweek Herald that her grandfather John, who owned an ironmongers, had intended for her father to join the family business.

But, instead he opened up a garage – the first of which was located near the Guildhall.

He then went on to buy a garage near the site of the current Pets at Home store before setting up Webster’s Garage.

“I think my father would be happy to see this being done,” said Mrs Cardy.

As a child Mrs Cardy says she used to hang around the garage and that she had wanted to work there but at that time was told it was not a suitable job for a girl.

The 76-year-old often comes back to visit Axminster to see what has changed and said: “I am always pleased to see that it is still Webster’s Garage.”

Mrs Cardy hopes to return once the project is finished.

The project, which is being masterminded by Axminster Arts, is still on track despite a few set backs as a result of the weather.

Anyone wishing to lend a helping hand is welcome to pop along to the project’s HQ - also known as “Steve’s Studio”, which is located on the corner of Lyme Road next to Lemon Plaice Takeaway.

Members of the St John Ambulance Badgers recently picked up a paint brush to help with painting the mural,

The project’s HQ is open from noon to 3pm everyday except Thursdays.