Memorial will cast a shadow as the sun falls

AS VE 80 Day celebrations swept across the country recently, a memorial bench was unveiled at Coppice Farm, Walsall, that captured the spirit of remembrance.

- By GAVIN JONES

The bench is the brainchild of John Elwell, the head of community group Short Heath Lest We Forget, and his colleague, Gary Willis.

"It all started with the Memorial Orchard, which we came up with to create a peaceful place for people to remember those they had lost," John explained.

"We received donations of trees from companies who were keen to offset their carbon emissions and invited the local community to plant fruit trees in memory of loved ones.

"It was about creating something living and lasting, a place where people could walk, reflect and feel connected."