Armed Forces community
The untold story of Coppice Farm's VE memorial bench
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As VE 80 Day celebrations swept across the borough early in May, the-then Mayor of Walsall unveiled a memorial bench at Coppice Farm that captured the spirit of remembrance in its evocative, eye-catching design.
The bench is the brainchild of John Elwell, the head of community group Short Heath Lest We Forget, and his colleague, Gary Willis.
But how did it come about?
“It all started with the Memorial Orchard, which we came up with to create a peaceful place for people to remember those they had lost,” John explains.
“We received donations of trees from companies who were keen to offset their carbon emissions and invited the local community to plant fruit trees in memory of loved ones. It was about creating something living and lasting, a place where people could walk, reflect and feel connected.”
The idea quickly resonated, and residents came together to plant trees in memory of family members. Even the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree, came and planted a tree in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“That was a special moment,” John recalls. “It gave the project a sense of occasion, but also of unity, linking local remembrance with national memory.”
As the Memorial Orchard took shape, and with the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaching, John and his group began to envision something more — a way to mark VE 80 Day that would expand the spirit of remembrance into a wider, living tribute.
That’s how the VE Day Orchard was born - an extension of the Memorial Orchard, with additional trees planted to honour the legacy of the Second World War and the sacrifices made for peace. West Midlands Deputy Lieutenant, Kevin Davis, came and planted a tree for King Charles III in the VE Day Orchard.
The two orchards now stand side by side, separated only by a path used daily by local dog walkers and residents. It was here, between the two orchards, that John and Gary proposed installing a commemorative bench, not just as a place to sit, but as a centrepiece for reflection, remembrance and rest.
“ I had this image in my head of a bench that wasn’t just functional, but symbolic. Something people would stop to look at, talk about, and take meaning from. “
John and Gary worked closely with Councillor Adam Hicken to bring the idea to life, and all three are grateful to Walsall’s then-Mayor, Anthony Harris, who made a substantial personal contribution to the cost of the specially designed bench.
Crafted from wrought metal, the bench features silhouettes of six figures, spanning three generations, holding hands in unity. They are flanked by bright red poppies symbolising remembrance for those that served in war, and purple flowers for the animals that served alongside them. Its inscription reads:
“Today. Tomorrow. Forever. We Will Remember Them.”
As the light of the sun falls upon the inscription, it casts a shadow, allowing people to read the words on the ground underneath the bench.
“ The orchard and the bench have become a focal point in the community – serving as a powerful, visual reminder of those who gave so much. Short Heath Lest We forget organise and deliver these thoughtful projects and the credit should go to them, because they do fabulous work for the community. They do things that others don't, and you see it from speaking with residents, how much they appreciate these projects. I’m incredibly proud of what John and Short Heath Lest We Forget have achieved here. “
Councillor Anthony Harris, who was the Mayor of Walsall at the time of the VE Day 80 celebrations, unveiled the memorial bench at Coppice Farm.
“ It was a great honour to contribute towards and also unveil the new VE Day bench as Walsall Mayor at Coppice Farm. This project stands as a testament to our community's spirit and remembrance. Hat's off to the designer, John Elwell, who has beautifully captured such a powerful and evocative image within the bench! This addition to our community space will undoubtedly provide a place for reflection and connection for all who visit. “
On the evening of 8 May, VE 80 Day, Short Heath Lest We Forget rallied residents to commemorate the special occasion around the bench. For the community, it’s more than a bench, it’s a bridge between generations, and a lasting testament to a community that remembers.
“It all started with a few trees,” John says. “Now we have two orchards, a bench, and a place where memories will live on, in every season, long after we’re gone.”
