An appeal has been launched for crucial funding support to re-open a replica World War One trench in Kingshurst that has been forced to close due to vandalism.
The Tudor Grange Academies Trust is spearheading a regional plea to breathe new life into the Trust’s Arthur Vickers VC Replica World War One Trench at Kingshurst.
Lee Fletcher MBE, executive lead for Partnerships and Wider Learning Opportunities at the Trust, explained:
“The Arthur Vickers VC Replica World War One Trench has been an exceptional educational and community resource but is currently unusable due to damage sustained during the pandemic.”
The trench, part of the Outdoor Education and Adventure Centre at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst on Cooks Lane, was developed by historical experts and school staff and is dedicated to the memory of Private, later Sergeant, Arthur “Titch” Vickers VC. Born in Aston, Birmingham, in 1882, Vickers served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for cutting barbed wire under heavy fire during the Battle of Loos in September 1915. He received the medal from King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1916 and died in Birmingham in 1944.
Since it was built, the site has offered schools and community groups an immersive experience of life in the trenches during the First World War, including workshops on the daily duties and pastimes of the British “Tommy” and the chance to handle genuine relics from the conflict.
Mr Fletcher said the resource had built a national reputation.
“Our trench has been used extensively by schools, community groups, and organisations from across the country, with visitors travelling from as far as Middlesbrough,” he said.
“It has also attracted interest from organisations such as Manchester United and national educational tour providers. The website continues to generate daily booking enquiries.”
However, the site suffered significant damage during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, the Outdoor Centre suffered significant vandalism,” Mr Fletcher said. “As a result, sections of the trench walls have become unstable and unsafe, many of the duckboards have been broken or damaged and the site is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons.”
He added that although the Trust had already invested in security improvements and wider repairs to the site, it did not have the funds needed to restore the trench itself.
“We do not have the funding required to carry out the essential works needed to make the trench safe and operational again,” he said.
The Trust is now appealing for support to fund three key areas of work: stabilising and securing the trench walls to ensure structural safety, repairing and replacing damaged duckboards to restore safe access, and enabling the site to once again host visitors safely and effectively.
Mr Fletcher said the trench offered a rare opportunity for people to connect with the realities of the First World War.
“This trench is more than just a school facility, it is a powerful, immersive learning environment that ensures people of all ages can understand the realities of life in the trenches, the sacrifices made by those who served and the importance of peace and global responsibility,” he said.
“Not everyone can visit the battlefields of France and Belgium. This trench brings that experience to our community and provides a meaningful and accessible way to educate future generations.”
He said the appeal reflected the Trust’s broader commitment to the local area.
“TGA Kingshurst is proud of its role at the heart of the community, and this project reflects our commitment to creating resources that benefit both local people and visitors from further afield,” he said.
“With support, we can reopen a unique and highly valued community asset, restore an experience that is already proven to have national reach and continue to grow its impact for schools, organisations, and the wider public.”
Mr Fletcher confirmed that any organisations or individuals who contribute would be publicly recognised.
“We would of course recognise and promote support through the website, the trench site, and associated communications and events,” he said.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal can find out more at https://ww1trenchexperience.co.uk/
