Funding appeal launched to re-open vandalised replica World War One trench in Solihull
A Midland-wide appeal has been launched for crucial funding support to re-open a replica World War One trench in Solihull forced to close due to vandalism.
The Tudor Grange Academies Trust is spearheading a regional plea to breathe new life into the Trust’s Arthur Vickers VC Replica World War One trench at Kingshurst.
Lee Fletcher MBE, executive lead for Partnerships and Wider Learning Opportunities at the Trust, explained: “The Arthur Vickers VC Replica World War One Trench has been an exceptional educational and community resource but is currently unusable due to damage sustained during the pandemic.
“Our trench has been used extensively by schools, community groups, and organisations from across the country, with visitors travelling from as far as Middlesbrough.
“It has also attracted interest from organisations such as Manchester United and national educational tour providers. The website continues to generate daily booking enquiries.
“However, during the pandemic, the Outdoor Centre suffered significant vandalism. As a result, sections of the trench walls have become unstable and unsafe, many of the duckboards have been broken or damaged and the site is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons.
“While we have invested in security improvements and wider site repairs, we do not have the funding required to carry out the essential works needed to make the trench safe and operational again.”
Lee said the Trust was appealing for support to fund the critical repairs required to reopen the trench, specifically stabilising and securing the trench walls to ensure structural safety, repairing and replacing damaged duckboards to restore safe access, and enabling the site to once again host visitors safely and effectively.
He added: “This trench is more than just a school facility, it is a powerful, immersive learning environment that ensures people of all ages can understand the realities of life in the trenches, the sacrifices made by those who served and the importance of peace and global responsibility
“Not everyone can visit the battlefields of France and Belgium. This trench brings that experience to our community and provides a meaningful and accessible way to educate future generations.
“TGA Kingshurst is proud of its role at the heart of the community, and this project reflects our commitment to creating resources that benefit both local people and visitors from further afield.
“With support, we can reopen a unique and highly valued community asset, restore an experience that is already proven to have national reach and continue to grow its impact for schools, organisations, and the wider public.
“We would of course recognise and promote support through the website, the trench site, and associated communications and events.”