School launch garden plea to honour hero Duncan Edwards

The Priory Primary School, on the Priory Estate in Dudley, plans to transform the derelict unused space into a nature and peace haven, where its pupils can study, grow their own plants and have a quiet space to remember lost loved ones.

The project is being led by headteacher Jill Craig and Rose Monk from the Duncan Edwards Foundation.

Rose, who has recently become a governor at the Limes Road site, said: “We have lots of exciting projects with the school and this is one we are really looking forward to.

“It already is a peace haven but we want to make it into a place where the children can really relax, feel calm and enjoy the nature around them.”

The site had previously been a garden before falling into disrepair many years ago.

Jill Craig, head teacher with the Hales Valley Trust, was herself a pupil at the school and has fond memories of using the garden as a child.

She said: “I have wonderful memories of sitting under the tree reading stories when I was a pupil here and I would love to give the children now the same opportunity to sit out in the sunshine and enjoy the trees and plants that they have helped to plant and grow.

“We aren’t able to use the space at the moment because of the unsafe paths and steps.

“Hopefully with the community getting involved, people donating plants, seats and materials we will not only have a wonderful environment for nature to flourish but a special place where we can remember Duncan Edwards.

“We are working very closely with Rose and the Foundation, the children are so proud of our association with Duncan and they are all excited at our plans.”

The project is being backed by the Edwards family.

Dusky Edwards, second cousin to the young Busby Babe, who died from his injuries in the 1958 Munich air crash is thrilled that the school still remembers her beloved cousin.

Dusky, a trustee of the Foundation said: “To be part of the official tribute and Foundation to my cousin is an honour in itself but to be able to help the community in other ways is fantastic.

“Jill and Rose do a superb job at keeping Duncan’s name alive here at the school.

“It’s an honour to have a memorial garden for Duncan at a place that meant so much to him.

“A quiet place for the children to reflect on their own lives and to remember loved ones they’ve lost as well is very special”.

Last November pupils at the school were given a history lesson on Duncan and the Busy Babes ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

The assembly was held by Jim Cadman, from The Duncan Edwards Tribute, as part of a series of events before the anniversary.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project can contact Jill Craig at Priory Primary School on 01384 816845 or Rose at the Duncan Edwards Foundation on 07701 092994.

Duncan was captain of Priory Primary School football team, which became one of the most successful teams in the Black Country. He attended between 1941 and 1947.