SI Solihull and District

London Midland’s Widney Manor station is blooming thanks to Solihull Soroptimists

Enthusiastic club members have been creating floral displays at London Midland’s Widney Manor Station, with many of the plants and flowers coming from their own gardens.

Solihull Soroptimists started working on the gardens in March 2006 when its then President, Sue Knowles, suggested taking part in the ‘Adopt A Station’ Scheme, and a small group of members have cared for the Snow Hill line station since.

Pictured above is Richard Brooks, London Midland Head of Station Services, flanked by club members, Maris Atkins and Jenny George.

Initially, the work was focused on improving the flower beds on Platform one, but this year, thanks to partnership working with the Solihull based Community Garden Scheme, two new planters have been placed on London-bound Platform two and filled with bedding plants grown and donated by members of the Garden Scheme.

The Soroptimists aim to provide floral interest all the year round for train users, and have planted lavender, daffodils, geraniums, fuchsia and lilies among a variety of perennial and herbaceous plants.

Club members have donated plants and cuttings from their own gardens, and are proud that the Station gardens have been included on the judging route for the Solihull in Bloom competition for the past three years.

Club member, Jenny George, said the work the Club had carried out at Widney Manor had been a pleasure and fulfilled one of the aims of Soroptimism which is to serve the community and improve the environment. “We have received many positive comments from passengers who appreciate the much brighter appearance of the station and the pleasant environment while they wait for a train. The staff are friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoy the time we spend here,” she said.

London Midland Head of Station Services, Richard Brooks, said the displays looked tremendous and thanked the Club for their dedication and support. “There are so many beautiful, vibrant colours on display. We are extremely grateful to the ladies for the hard work they have put in at Widney Manor. It is great to have the community so actively involved and caring so much about their local station”.

London Midland is offering free travel to the Group to assist with its fund raising events.
 

Women's Refuge

Solihull club was responsible for raising awareness of the need for a Women's Refuge, which was opened in September 2006.

The club has been responsible for donating 60 bags of toiletries, as well as many household items, to help women who leave the Refuge for a new start with nothing of their own.

For more information, go to the club's website