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What links Step by Step, a Victorian water tower and a local artist?

Step by Step has benefited from the demolition of the Cargate water tower in Aldershot. South East Water has taken delivery of a painting of the tower and has presented Step by Step with a donation of £250 in return.

For over a hundred years the tower has been a familiar feature on the town's skyline, but it was taken out of service in 2004 when more powerful and efficient pumps were installed. Safety and maintenance considerations led South East Water to make the decision to demolish the tower this year.

One such person was Alan Ryder, a local artist. As part of his final degree show at the University for Creative Arts in Farnham, Alan decided to preserve an image of the tower for prosperity. “I was fascinated by the spectacular form and craftsmanship of Cargate Water Tower," he said, "and I wanted to show that industrial structures can have a special presence and their own kind of beauty. When I learnt that the tower was due to be demolished I wanted to capture the intricate detail of the huge structure that has dominated the area’s skyline for years.

“I am very pleased that South East Water has acquired one of my paintings so that Cargate Water Tower’s unique image can be remembered. I think it’s particularly appropriate that its home will be in the tower’s modern day equivalent at Boxalls Lane Water Treatment Works.”

Gordon Percy, Deputy Head of Engineering at South East Water, said: “We always acknowledged that some local residents would be sad to see this landmark disappear, but we are delighted that the memory of Cargate Water Tower will live on in the form of Alan’s striking image of this 100-year-old structure.”

Jenny Turner, Accommodation Manager at Step by Step, said “We are very grateful to Alan for donating the painting, and to South East Water for their generous donation. It will help us to continue to provide for homeless young people in the area which was served by the tower.”

The picture will be displayed at the company's Aldershot treatment works, where a new pump house is nearing completion which will help to provide up to 18 million litres of water every day.

©2008 Step by Step Partnership Ltd   :   Reg. Charity No. 900308    :   Company No. 2431825