Wartime campaign inspires Chelmsley Wood project

GREEN TEAM: Some of those who helped create the garden attend the
official opening of the Lumley Grove site.

A COMMUNITY garden with a Second World War-theme has been officially opened in Chelmsley Wood.
The piece of land, which will be used to grow fruit and vegetables, has been modelled on the modest allotments which played such an important part in Britain's victory 70 years ago.
The area in Lumley Grove had previously been wasteland, but has been transformed by residents working in partnership with Gro-Organic, a local social enterprise.
On Monday of last week, those who had helped make the project a reality attended a special event at the Victory Garden site.
Several residents got into the spirit of the occasion by dressing in the style of the 1940s.
Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Glenis Slater was among the guests on the day.

"Projects like this are great for the local community as they bring people closer together," she said.
"I hope residents will make the most of the garden by continuing to grow some fantastic produce."

Dig for Victory: Seventy years since the end of the conflict, the campaign remains one of the best-remembered of the Second World War.
The Government realised early on that food shortages could cripple the war effort and with so many supplies imported from the USA and Canada there was a very real danger that naval blockades could starve Britain into submission.
In an attempt to see off the threat, ministers encouraged the public to create allotments in their back gardens, parks and public spaces.
The campaign captured the national imagination and the iconic propaganda poster of a boot and spade is still easily recognisable today.