Many locals and people passing through the village may have been struck by the display of whistles on the central island in Acocks Green. Yes they are whistles! A floral display was designed and produced by Birmingham City Council for this year’s entry into the Chelsea Flower Show. The design represented the contribution that Birmingham made to the First World War. As it is the centenary of the beginning of the WWI, it was felt this would be a poignant display. The whistles were used by advancing troops as a signal to their fellow soldiers. Acme Whistles are still made in Birmingham and have a long history, including being used on the Titanic and are the whistle of choice for football referees.

The Acme Whistle Display

Also included in the orginal display were other remembrances of the First World War – including a BSA folding bicycle, a train that carried the troops to the war, a biplane, horses, carrier pigeons and dogs, all of  which played vital roles in the war effort. The different elements have now been separated and many appear in the current Birmingham City Centre’s floral trail. We are lucky in Acocks Green to have part of this award-winning and poignant display.

The whistles were in place just in time for the Village in Bloom judgement day on Tuesday 15th July. So the Bloom team were delighted to have this addition to their work around the village. To read more about Acocks Green Village in Bloom click here