Village News Playtime at Meadows


THE MEADOWS in Alvechurch has been full of kids, old and young, since the installation of new play and exercise equipment over the summer. A double, 30-metre zip wire is the


centrepiece, with further risky play equipment and an outdoor gym, aimed at older villagers, proving popular. The £73,000 bill for the equipment and installation was paid by a “106” contribution from the developers of Rectory Gardens, off Birmingham Road, as requested by the villager who sold the land. After a shortlist of possible equip-


ment was drawn up by Alvechurch Par- ish Council, the final choice was made through a survey of local residents which resulted in 478 responses. A parish council spokeswoman said:


“The project as a whole was an excel- lent example of collaboration between the community and different levels of Government. “It demonstrates how the financial


implications of new housing can di- rectly benefit a community and, most importantly, shows the value of volun- teer parish councillors in representing local people.”


OUTDOOR FUN: (from top) Parish councillors Sue Lambert, Tony Wallis, Alan Helmore, Andy Humphries and Adrian Smith try out the new equipment.


A MEMORIAL garden to Alvechurch youngster Finlay Church was planted earlier this year by the paddling pool in The Meadows and is being nurtured by retired director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Philip Aubury. Unfortunately, one of the plants, a Choisya “Sundance”, was ripped out and taken away, so Philip put up a sign (right) explaining it


8 The Village September 2018


was a memorial garden to deter others from taking plants. Remarkably, within


a few days the plant was returned to the garden, but because it had been specially anchored, most of the root had been lost. It is now recovering with special care at Philip’s home and will be replanted, alongside the replacement he bought, in the autumn.


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