We have quite a few projects on the go. Many of them are ongoing or long-term. Some projects are seasonal. All of these projects are done in collaboration with the fantastic #ArboMassive and Arboretum community.
Please visit https://www.digitalskillsprojects.org.uk/ for the type of tools we encourage using.
We work on or with projects not only on the Arboretum. We also focus on the environment, nature, history, and heritage. Our projects include nostalgia and life-and-times around the canal. This canal gave life to the Arboretum in the first place.
Projects
(Click on the name to expand the choice)
Supporting local charities
We support several local charities and groups, and we do this mainly through fundraising events.
Read more about our events…
Supporting local communities
We live in a wonderfully diverse community on The Arboretum, Worcester. So we advocate and support inclusion, cohesion and collaboration.
Read more about our Community Connections ….
Arboretum Connections
Well we have loads of artists, musicians, trades-folks, entrepreneurs and the like – we like to #KeepWorcesterWeird.
Read more about our CCAG ConXons
Projects on Notion
We are also on Notion
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The Arboretum’s canal
The Arboretum’s stretch of the Birmingham to Worcester linked more than our own cottage industries.
Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders and the canal
The Birmingham to Worcester canal holds historical significance and has a connection to the infamous “Peaky Blinders” gang in Birmingham. Despite its limited presence, the canal’s mentions contribute to the TV show’s authenticity and atmosphere.
The book that inspired the TV series “Peaky Blinders” features a true crime gang. They have the fictitious name of the “Shelby brothers.” It was written by Carl Chinn. His grandfather was an illegal bookmaker during the era of the more notorious “Shelby” family. They had around 1,000 members of the gang though membership fluctuated widely with alliances and joined forces. In series 1, episode 6, they explicitly mention that they started to infiltrate the syndicates at Worcester races. This was stated as fact.
The Birmingham to Worcester canal was an essential transportation route during the early 20th century. It played a role in the operations of criminal organizations like the Peaky Blinders. It provided a means of smuggling goods. This included contraband and stolen items. The canal enabled the gang to expand their illegal activities beyond the city limits.
The canal’s relevance to “Peaky Blinders” highlights the show’s commitment. It captures the historical context and setting of Birmingham in the early 1900s. Although the canal isn’t a major focus, its presence is important. The gang’s link to it highlights the complex canal system. This system was once important to the city’s industry and criminal activity (e.g. gambling syndicates at the Worcester Racecourse).
Chestnut Community Action Group 