A Big Thanks goes to West Midlands Police this week for their donation to Acocks Green’s Village in Bloom Campaign.  On Wednesday Sgt. Mark Fellows from Acocks Green Neighbourhood Police Team presented a cheque of £833 to the campaign.  The funding is from the Police Property Act Fund, this is money raised from property which comes into the possession of the police in connection with a crime and where the owner cannot be found and helps to fund many worthwhile community projects.

Sgt Mark Fellows presents a cheque to Fran Lee, co-ordinator of Village in Bloom. Also pictured PCSO Kevin Large and volunteers Phil Harten and Ann Clarke

Village in Bloom is a project to improve the look of our village with planting, tidying and instilling a pride in our local environment. In July official judges will come to see our improvements. Last year was the first time our village was entered and we received a Bronze Award. You can see more photos and information about the project here

At the forefront of the Village in Bloom project is the soon to be planted orchard in Mallard Close. This piece of land that has been derelict for nearly 50 years is being transformed into a community orchard with a variety of fruit trees and shrubs and a raised circular brick herb bed. Thanks to the dedication and hardwork of volunteers the back-breaking work to clear the site of couch grass, weeds, rubble and 50 years of litter is nearing completion.  Tree and shrub planting will be taking place during The Big Dig Event on Saturday 16th March between 10-12 noon. Local people are welcome to come along and help.

Thanks is also due to the local buidling company EH Smith. They kindly donated the bricks and gravel for the herb bed and path. Also thanks to Food Forest Brum an organisation that supports community gardening, as they have kindly donated a selection of fruit trees for us to plant.

Volunteers meet Wednesdays and Sundays at 10am in the Green to work on improving the look of the village by gardening, tidying and painting.  New volunteers are always very welcome to join the team.