The newly upgraded Queen's Gardens in Chelmsley Wood is on the cusp of completion, and already the site's centrepiece has become a talking point. A circular arrangement of stones, installed to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 1971 visit, has been playfully named "Temu Stonehenge" by locals – the latest gem in the West Midlands' treasure chest of nicknames.
The feature sits alongside the Kingshurst Brook, just next to an Asda car park. The refurbishment project, which is nearing its finishing stages, involved repositioning the existing stone and plaque that honoured the monarch and adding new stones in a henge-like circle. It is a subtle addition to the landscape, but one that has clearly captured the public's imagination.
A proud tradition of naming
For decades, Brummies have demonstrated a remarkable gift for bestowing nicknames that are at once affectionate, cheeky, and instantly memorable. Perhaps the most famous example is Spaghetti Junction, the motorway interchange that earned its iconic nickname thanks to the Birmingham Evening Mail. The informal title quickly outshone the official designation, proving that a good nickname can become a legend in its own right.
Another beloved case is The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, Birmingham's irreverent name for the Victoria Square fountain. That playful title gave the city a sense of humour etched in stone (and water). It turned a piece of public art into a character, one that locals and visitors alike remember long after the artist's name has faded.
Why 'Temu Stonehenge' fits right in
At first glance, comparing a memorial stone circle to a shopping website's décor might seem like a playful dig. But the nickname "Temu Stonehenge" is delivered with the same affectionate, self-deprecating wit that defines Brummie culture. It acknowledges the feature's modest scale while giving it an outsized personality – exactly the way Spaghetti Junction turned a tangled road network into an icon.
The circle commemorates the Queen's visit to Chelmsley Wood in the early 1970s, a piece of local history that otherwise might have been lost to time. Thanks to the new nickname, this small cluster of stones now has a story that will be passed down – not for its official purpose, but for the name it carries.
A source of pride
Graeme Brown, Editor-in-Chief for Reach PLC's West Midlands titles, couldn't hide his delight. "Brummies have a gift," he wrote. "Not for taking ourselves too seriously, but for giving things unforgettable names." He credited the nickname with bringing the project to life, describing it as "a really Brummie name."
Brown went on to encourage a sense of pride in the region's naming heritage. "Stand tall as you stride the West Midlands today – there is simply no place like this," he said. He even acknowledged, with a wink, that Chelmsley Wood is technically in Solihull – but that the point still stands.
More than just a joke
Naming landmarks is more than a pastime; it's a way of making a place one's own. The monikers people choose reflect the community's values and humour. They turn anonymous infrastructure into shared landmarks, and sterile public spaces into gathering points for laughter and belonging.
In an era of rapid development and identikit design, a nickname like "Temu Stonehenge" is a small act of ownership. It says: this is ours, and we can call it what we like. It is a quiet defiance of the ordinary, and a celebration of everything that makes the West Midlands different.
The stones may never make the cover of a heritage brochure, and the comparison to a budget retailer might raise a few eyebrows. But the affection behind the name is unmistakable. Residents are not mocking the monument; they are welcoming it into the fold, giving it a place in their hearts and their vocabulary.
So next time you hear someone mention "Temu Stonehenge", remember that you're listening to the latest verse of a long-running anthem. It's a melody of wit, warmth, and a little bit of cheek – and it's one the West Midlands has perfected.
