Prior's Court young people supporting horticulture project to commemorate those who died during both World Wars

Two organisations have joined forces to commemorate those who died during both World Wars from the Commonwealth while providing a horticulture-based learning opportunity for young people with complex autism.

Prior’s Court is working with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to grow flowers to be used at the latter’s cemeteries and memorials, with young people getting involved to develop vocational learning experiences in our land-based programme of learning, which includes horticulture.

At the end of September, staff from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission delivered compost, pots and seeds to Prior’s Court to begin the project of growing flowers to support the Commission’s work to ensure those who died in service, or as a result of both World Wars, are commemorated so that they, and the human cost of war, are remembered for ever.

The seeds have been planted in our own polytunnels to be cared for by our young people over the winter, with the flowers to be presented back to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, based in Maidenhead, in the spring.

The project came about due to Andy Murray, Regional Manager (South East) at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, having previously worked at Prior’s Court.

Wendy Moffatt, our Land-based Learning Specialist, said: “This is a wonderful project to be involved in as it supports a key focus of ours, horticulture-based learning which provides so many benefits from our young people.

“But it also allows for learning around topics such as history and culture, due to the nature of the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

“We’re very excited about this project and look forward to being able to present the flowers in spring.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Prior’s Court and deliver a project that benefits all those involved, as the young people at Prior’s Court will get the opportunity to grow plants that will used by our gardeners on our war graves cemeteries across the South East of England.”

Andy Murray, Regional Manager (South East) at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission