A COMMUNITY group in Redditch is fundraising to rebuild a living willow sculpture created as a memorial to lost loved ones.
The sculpture in Matchborough, consisted of a living Willow dome which has been designed, woven, planted and adorned by people in the town.
The project is aimed at uniting the Matchborough community through creativity and reflection on the themes of young loss and grief.
Reimagine Redditch and Bound Together community interest company (CIC) commissioned multidisciplinary artist Ildiko Nagy to lead the project, working closely with residents in Matchborough and across the borough.
In August of this year, the sculpture was vandalised by youths but the community vowed to come together and rebuild.
Since then there have been more incidents of vandalism with the willow frame being ripped apart.
Alison Osborne from Bound Together CIC said she was appalled to see the damage.
“The willow has done something I haven’t seen anything else do in our community.
“It unites all generations in the understanding of loss and grief.
“As a community we must do our bit to stop this behaviour.”
The group is hoping to raise £1,300 to create a framework to help prop the willow up so it can regrow.
Alison added: “We hope our community will help us fix this broken memorial.
“We have a man waiting to start the job who has many years experience and will create something of quality to prevent anyone from doing the same damage again.
“If you can donate then please do so. If you cannot donate then please share our story and ask others to do the same.
“If you did this and aren’t ready to make contact and apologise but feel an ounce of remorse – please get fundraising and put your mistake right again.”
Visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bound-by-loss-willow-repairs to donate.
West Merica Police have confirmed they are investigating criminal damage to a willow memorial sculpture at Matchborough Pond.
It is believed the sculpture was damaged between 7pm and 9pm on August 27 .
Anyone with information is urged to call PC Jolie Lisle on 01905 973361.
