14 July 2026

Redwings Ambassador Olivia Bowen opens our new mural at Redwings Ada Cole

Photo of Stacey the artist and Olivia Bowen stood in front of the new mural at Redwings Ada Cole.

On Saturday 11th July, we were delighted to welcome Redwings Ambassador Olivia Bowen and her family to Redwings Ada Cole to officially open our new mural in the memorial garden.

The mural, painted by Stacey Thompson, depicts some of our former much-loved and remembered rescued residents, alongside the centre’s namesake herself, Norfolk-born Ada Cole, who dedicated her life to improving horse welfare after the First World War.

The mural tells a story across time, from the role of horses in WW1, who inspired Ada Cole to become a voice for horses and animal welfare to a picture of Ada Cole herself, and a sonnet written by a friend about her unwavering commitment to helping animals. Then, on the right, we pay tribute to some iconic and much-missed residents of Redwings, as a symbol of our ongoing dedication to helping horses in need.

Stacey donated her time, and the materials, to paint the mural alongside her full-time job – spending weekends at Redwings Ada Cole bringing the piece to life. It is surrounded by the beautiful flowers and the tranquillity of our memorial garden.

Redwings Ambassador Olivia attended on Saturday to open the mural officially alongside Stacey. Olivia and family also spent time at the centre visiting our rescued horses and ponies, including Olivia’s Adoption Star Zippy.

During her visit, she said: “I used to come to Ada Cole often as a child. I was pony-mad when I was younger (I still am!) and Ada Cole was somewhere my family brought me and my friends, and it always has a really special place in my heart.

“I am proud be an Ambassador for Redwings and see all the incredible work they do and try and give a glimmer of myself to help. What Stacey has done with the mural is so inspiring as she has given up her own time, and done something from her heart, and it is so beautiful.

“I hope it will bring even more people to Redwings and help raise funds for all the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules and give people another reason to enjoy this special place.”

To find out more about visiting Redwings Ada Cole, please click here.