WORK on the Armed Forces Community Garden at Hillfield Park is well under way.
Solihull Council teamed up with the Royal British Legion Warwickshire and Birmingham County to create a ‘peaceful sanctuary for veterans and local schools’ when the 2020 Poppy Appeal launched.
Since then paths have been created, seating has been installed and the planting is complete.
In the lead up to its official opening on July 16, the Royal British Legion and Solihull Council will be speaking to some of the people involved about what the Armed Forces Community Garden means to them.
In the first of these videos, the Royal British Legion spoke to Solihull resident Neill Marshall who lost his brother in active service.
Neill explained how our beautiful Garden will be the perfect place to bring his children to talk about his brother and reflect on all those who have lost their lives during active service.
He said: “There are moments during my day I think of him and how much how would have enjoyed being with my children, spending time with them and playing with them.
“This beautiful garden, walkway and woodland is the perfect place to bring my children and talk about brother and reflect on those who have fallen in conflict and indeed those who are still in service today.
“It has been called a place of healing habitat – it is not a sad place, but somewhere to remember and bring joy.”
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, added: “The local community has already taken this Garden to its heart.
“During the last year, green spaces and wildlife have become increasingly important for all of us as we take time to reflect.
“I feel that this Garden builds on that appreciation that we are all feeling, with a very beautiful space for people to find comfort and peace.”
