Seven new artworks unveiled to Archie York in Newcastle

Hexham-based Steve Pardue has designed the artwork along the new Forever 7 nature trail at Woolsington’s Parish Ponds, which pays tribute to beloved Archie York.

Archie was only seven years old when he was killed in the 2024 Violet Close blast, in Benwell, which was caused by an illegal drugs lab operating beneath his family home.

He and his family regularly enjoyed walking through the beauty spot with their dogs, making it the ideal place for a memorial which it is hoped can encourage others to spend time exploring wildlife together.

Archie York’s parents Katherine Errington and Robbie York, and younger brother Finley, opening the new ‘Forever 7’ trail at the Parish Ponds in Woolsington. Photo: LDRS. Free to reuse for all LDR partners.

Seven posts along the route of the trail feature artwork from Steve, who met with Archie’s parents and his classmates from Bridgewater Primary School for inspiration when designing the markers.

Keen to reflect Archie’s love of Marvel superheroes, the designs celebrate the superpowers of different species in the natural world – like a leech’s ability to shrink and expand, a heron’s remarkable zoom lens vision, and the silent flight that allows an owl to capture its prey by stealth.

The posts also feature personal messages and memories of Archie’s kind, fun-loving spirit.

Reflecting on the help provided by Archie’s friends, Steve said: “When they talked about Archie, they spoke about him like he was still in the classroom. They were full of joy and fun and enthusiasm.

“It really helped me to create the illustrations and make sure they had a happy feeling to them.

“This is about remembrance, but it is not a sad thing – it is totally happy and positive.”

The 67-year-old, who also created the artwork memorial for Northumberland schoolgirl Holly Newton, described the Parish Ponds as a “little oasis” tucked away from nearby roads and Newcastle International Airport.

He added: “When you are seven, everything is exciting and new. What I really wanted people to do is to be able to pause and think at the seven points of interest.

“To think not just about Archie, but also what you can see and hear there and to appreciate it. There is not enough pausing and thinking, there is too much doing in the world. Sometimes we just need to sit back and think and if people thought a bit more then I think the world would be a better place.”

Naturalist Cain Scrimgeour’s research helped decide what wildlife to showcase at different points in the nature trail.

After walking the route with dozens of Archie’s family and friends at its unveiling on Friday, he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Quite often, you can walk through places and not take notice of what is around you. But now we have these beautiful things to make people stop and think about wildlife, and also about Archie too.

“It has been a lovely day and it has been so nice to see so many people out and about.”