HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Ongoing research; last updated 14 January 2017
This volume continues the historical overview of Kings Heath Park; the earlier years having been reported in the previous decade chapters. Again the clippings, listed in the column on the right, contain the more extensive detail upon which it is founded - information from Council committee minutes, newspaper reports, etc.
----------------------------
Thought to have been taken about 1930.
(Posted on Facebook in 2014 by Louise Morris, who used to live near the Park)
1931
Park Environment:
During 1931 the bridge in Dads Lane was reconstructed. The contractor, Messrs. John Wilson & Sons of Dale End, was granted the temporary use of a site in the park for the erection of an office and sheds during the work. They were also given a portion of land for storage purposes, a portion of land that was destined to be transferred to the Public Works Department for road widening purposes. A hoarding was erected around the site while the work was in progress.
During 1931 the bridge in Dads Lane was reconstructed. The contractor, Messrs. John Wilson & Sons of Dale End, was granted the temporary use of a site in the park for the erection of an office and sheds during the work. They were also given a portion of land for storage purposes, a portion of land that was destined to be transferred to the Public Works Department for road widening purposes. A hoarding was erected around the site while the work was in progress.
Towards the end of the year tenders
were obtained for the second contract for the erection of dressing
rooms (we subsequently learn that these
were fabricated in reinforced concrete) in various parks and recreation grounds across the City for which a global sum of £5,000 had been allowed in the estimates for the financial year. Tenders received ranged from £5,052. 15s. 0d. to £7,590. 0s.
0d. The lowest tender was accepted, which also happened to be from the contractor who had built the first set of dressing rooms. Amongst the overall provision was 2
sets of 2 dressing rooms for Kings Heath Park.
Mr. G.F. Finch (56), who had been employed at the Park for 24 years, died on 31st May, and his funeral (reported in detail in the press) took place on 4th June.
On other staff matters, the rent paid by Mr. Arthur Lusher, Foreman, Trees in Streets, for the rooms he occupied at Kings Heath House in the park was reduced from 15/- to 12/6d. per week, as from 10thAugust 1931 - though no reason for the reduction is recorded.
As usual, some of the activities of the Park Bowling Club were reported in the press.
Occasional music events were also advertised in the weekly paper.
The minute of the February meeting of the Parks Committee included a copy of a letter, dated 17th January 1931, from the the Chief Constable, to the Secretary of the Parks Department, in which it is noted that the City Police Band gave one performance in King’s Heath Park in each of the years 1926 to 1930 inclusive.
The
English Folk Dance Society were given the
use of the Bandstand in Kings Heath Park and the ground immediately surrounding
it for massed country dancing, on Saturday, 11th (or 18th) July, from 7 to
9 p.m. and again on Saturday, 19th September from 3.00 to 5.30 p.m., events free to the public. This was obviously a very new venture; reference being made to the fact that similar activities were being organised in Hyde Park,
London and in other parks in different parts of the country. (No subsequent press report of these events has been found.)
There were other activities in the Park:
i) The Wesleyan Methodist Conference held Open Air Meetings on Sundays 19 and 26 July.
ii) The Young Laymen’s League held a Public Meeting on Tuesday 5 July.
iii) The Kings Heath Old Prize Band provided music in the Park at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday, 30 August.
Hockey pitches in the park were let to the Boxfoldia company club for the 1931/32 season at a rental of £15.i) The Wesleyan Methodist Conference held Open Air Meetings on Sundays 19 and 26 July.
ii) The Young Laymen’s League held a Public Meeting on Tuesday 5 July.
iii) The Kings Heath Old Prize Band provided music in the Park at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday, 30 August.
1932
Only a few reports have been found for this year (so far).
Park uses:
On June 11 the Bandstand was used by the English Folk
Dance & Song Society (Birmingham Branch), for a Country Dancing
Display.
On June 12, and again on June 17, the Bandstand was used by the Birmingham (South) Christadelphian Ecclesia for religious services.
On the last Saturday in August, the Kings Heath and South Birmingham Branch of the Warwickshire Bee-keepers’ Association met in the Park with a demonstration with live bees, accompanied by a lecture by a leading expert.
There were relatively few reports this year of the Bowling Club's activities though they were still very active.
A Hockey
pitch in the Park was let to the Boxfoldia (Ten Acres) Club for the 1932/33 season.
1933
Park Environment:
In December it was reported that the Lord Mayor had received a communication from the Sons of Rest at King’s Heath Park, whose membership was approximately 45, stating that they were anxious to obtain a rest room for their own use. It was subsequently suggested that one half of the large public shelter near the bandstand should be enclosed to provide the necessary accommodation, and that a stove with flue piping be installed. These suggestions were adopted by the Parks Committee, who approved the £50 estimated cost of the materials for the work, and sanctioned labour from within the current year’s estimates.
Finance:
The tenancy of the Refreshment Rooms fell due for renewal from 25th March. Applications were sought through press advertising and by communicaton with sitting tenants, and Mrs Blake was granted the continuation of her tenancy for three years having offered £80 per annum again. There was one other tender, but for a lower amount.
In December it was reported that the Lord Mayor had received a communication from the Sons of Rest at King’s Heath Park, whose membership was approximately 45, stating that they were anxious to obtain a rest room for their own use. It was subsequently suggested that one half of the large public shelter near the bandstand should be enclosed to provide the necessary accommodation, and that a stove with flue piping be installed. These suggestions were adopted by the Parks Committee, who approved the £50 estimated cost of the materials for the work, and sanctioned labour from within the current year’s estimates.
Finance:
The tenancy of the Refreshment Rooms fell due for renewal from 25th March. Applications were sought through press advertising and by communicaton with sitting tenants, and Mrs Blake was granted the continuation of her tenancy for three years having offered £80 per annum again. There was one other tender, but for a lower amount.
Staff:
Mr J.R. Ward (d.o.b. 13.8.1890), a park labourer, who had entered service on 6 August 1931, finally completed his probationary period and was placed on the permanent staff with effect from 9th March.
Mr G. Bretherick (d.o.b. 10.8.1915), a park labourer, who had entered service on 28 August 1932, finally completed his probationary period and was placed on the permanent staff with effect from 5th October.
Park uses:
The Park Bowlers were active in the background, though again their activities were only infrequently reported.
The Park Bowlers were active in the background, though again their activities were only infrequently reported.
This first week in September was busy!
On Saturday, 2nd September, the South Birmingham Branch of the Warwickshire Bee-keepers were in the Park again with demonstration hives and a similar programme as last year.
On Sunday, 3rd September a mass meeting organised by the local branch of the Labour League of Youth was held in the Park.
On Wednesday, 6th September, a meeting to inaugurate the Kings Heath Park branch of the Federation of the "Sons of Rest" was held in the Park House. The "Sons of Rest" was a rapidly growing Birmingham movement which had been initiated in Handsworth Park about twelve months earlier. Facilities were provided, mainly in the Parks by the Parks Department, "to brighten the eventide of the army of the over 65’s to whom life has so little to offer", by providing somewhere for the men to meet, smoke, socialise and play cards and other light games. As an interim measure a room in the Park House was kindly made available as a meeting place by Mrs. Blake, the lessee of Park House.
A Hockey pitch in the Park was again let to the Boxfoldia (Ten Acres) Club for the 1933/34 season.
1934
Park Environment:
In December the City of Birmingham Parks Bowling League applied for further bowls pavilion accommodation to be provided at the park. One of the greens was used by the Dads Lane Bowling Club which had been promoted to the first division of the Parks League, and they were the instigators of the application. There was at the time a tennis and bowls pavilion 50 to 100 yards from the green, but it was considered inadequate, as it was used by two other clubs as well as tennis players. It was agreed that provision be made in the next year’s estimates to cover the cost of the erection of a further pavilion at the park.
Staff:
Mr. A.J. Markham, a Park Labourer earning £2. 10s. 7d. per week, was regraded as a Gardener Labourer, and awarded a 2 shilling increase in weekly wage with effect from 1st April.
Park Environment:
In December the City of Birmingham Parks Bowling League applied for further bowls pavilion accommodation to be provided at the park. One of the greens was used by the Dads Lane Bowling Club which had been promoted to the first division of the Parks League, and they were the instigators of the application. There was at the time a tennis and bowls pavilion 50 to 100 yards from the green, but it was considered inadequate, as it was used by two other clubs as well as tennis players. It was agreed that provision be made in the next year’s estimates to cover the cost of the erection of a further pavilion at the park.
Staff:
Mr. A.J. Markham, a Park Labourer earning £2. 10s. 7d. per week, was regraded as a Gardener Labourer, and awarded a 2 shilling increase in weekly wage with effect from 1st April.
The death took place on Tuesday, 17th July, of Mr. Herbert Cooper (50), the Park-keeper (whose wages were £3. 14s. 0d. per week, plus house, fuel and light, valued for superannuation purposes at £55 per annum). He had started working for the Parks Department in December 1908, and succeeded Mr. J Smith when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the City Parks in March 1924. Mr. Cooper was buried at Brandwood End Cemetery on Saturday, 21st July, having received a guard of honour from the "Sons of Rest" as his cortege left the Park.
The vacancy for a park-keeper created by Mr. Cooper's demise was circularised amongst the employees of the Parks Department with a commencing wage fixed at £3. 10s. 0d. per week.
Mr. Cooper's successor was Mr. A.J. Davis, and he was appointed with effect from 1st October; his wages were £3. 10s. 0d. per week plus emoluments including the tenancy of the Lodge. Mr. Davis had been employed in the Department for 6 years, and was the park-keeper at Perry Park.
In March 1927, Miss A.J. Palmer who was then employed at Cadbury Bros. Ltd. was granted a tenancy of two rooms at the house at Kings Heath Park, at a rent of 7/6d. per week, but the Park-keeper was allowed to retain 2/- per week in consideration of his granting Miss Palmer the use of certain domestic services.
From 30thAugust 1928 until the 8th April 1929, the full rent of 7/6d. was paid to the department. From that date until the 3rd August 1929, the 2/- per week in respect of services was paid to Mr. A. Lusher (the foreman of the Trees in Streets section of the Parks Department), who had taken over the tenancy of the park-keeper’s rooms at the House. On the 3rd August 1929, Miss Palmer went to America, and her rent was reduced to 5/6d. per week. This was further reduced to 3/- per week on the 24th July 1931.
In October of 1934 a communication was received from Miss Palmer, from Ohio, U.S.A., in which she stated that she still had some articles of furniture in one room at the park, which she would like to retain there until her return to England, and asked for a reduction in the present rental of 3/- a week. Miss Palmer stated that she had hoped to be back in England by that time, but her return had been delayed owing to sickness and unemployment.
The rent due from Miss Palmer in respect of the two rooms let to her at Kings Heath Park House was reduced from 3/- per week to 2/6d. per week with effect from 29th October.
Park use:
The park year was dominated by the activities of the newly formed Kings Heath Park branch of the "Sons of Rest" - and that right from the outset.
Tuesday, 2nd January saw their first major event, a "Christening Breakfast" in the Park House (again courtesy of Mrs. Blake) to celebrate their "Birth" as a Branch of the Federation.
Only a few weeks later, on the 9th February, they met again in celebration to formally open their new Rest Room in the Park Shelter, and were graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor (the local Alderman H.E. Goodby*) who performed the official opening. As in the previous celebration there was much speech-making, toasting and congratulation.
By Monday 16th April the branch organised a first for the entire Federation; a very successful and well received lecture on travels in Germany, the first in a planned series of lectures (we learn later that they were held monthly).
On Sunday 6th May the "Sons" assembled en masse with the congregation in the Kings Heath Baptist Church, having been invited to join in a special service by their chaplain, who was also the minister of that Church - the press declared it to have been "a beautiful and impressive yet simple service".
The fourth week in July was an exceptionally busy one for them.
On Saturday, 21st July, they were at a funeral (see above).
Sunday, 22nd July, saw another Federation first by this branch, in the form of an open-air concert in the Park which attracted an audience of 500; the choir of the Cambridge Road Methodist Church provided the musical entertainment.
On Monday, 23rd July, there was another lecture, this one given by the Vicar of Kings Heath (Rev. H.S. Watts), on the pros and cons of disarmament.
On Thursday, 26th July, they held their first annual outing, by coach, to Evesham, Broadway and Stratford-on-Avon.
On Thursday, 29th August, they entertained the semi-finals and final of a bowling competition held amongst the branches of the Federation.
Sunday, 16th September saw a special service at the Kings Heath Baptist Church to mark their first anniversary.
The monthly meeting on Monday, 8th October, was addressed by Mr. L.C. Tipper, giving his reminiscences of his travels in Europe.
Their first annual meeting was held on Monday, 29th October by which time it was reported that their membership had grown to 80.
On Sunday, 11th November, they kept Armistice Day "silence" and held a service in their Rest Room in the Park.
On Monday, 2nd December, the Curate of All Saint's Church, Kings Heath (Rev. G.N. Roberts) gave the monthly address on the TOC H movement.
It was an impressive list of activities for such a fledgling group - and brought a lot of attention to the Park.
The Park was also used on:
8th July for an Open Air Service organised by the King's Heath United Council of Churches; and on
29th July, by the Moseley Divisional Labour Party for another Open Air Meeting.
(* For many years, my spinster great aunt, Ada Acford, worked as a silver maid in the home of Councillor Goodby in Moseley.)
Tuesday, 2nd January saw their first major event, a "Christening Breakfast" in the Park House (again courtesy of Mrs. Blake) to celebrate their "Birth" as a Branch of the Federation.
Only a few weeks later, on the 9th February, they met again in celebration to formally open their new Rest Room in the Park Shelter, and were graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor (the local Alderman H.E. Goodby*) who performed the official opening. As in the previous celebration there was much speech-making, toasting and congratulation.
By Monday 16th April the branch organised a first for the entire Federation; a very successful and well received lecture on travels in Germany, the first in a planned series of lectures (we learn later that they were held monthly).
On Sunday 6th May the "Sons" assembled en masse with the congregation in the Kings Heath Baptist Church, having been invited to join in a special service by their chaplain, who was also the minister of that Church - the press declared it to have been "a beautiful and impressive yet simple service".
The fourth week in July was an exceptionally busy one for them.
On Saturday, 21st July, they were at a funeral (see above).
Sunday, 22nd July, saw another Federation first by this branch, in the form of an open-air concert in the Park which attracted an audience of 500; the choir of the Cambridge Road Methodist Church provided the musical entertainment.
On Monday, 23rd July, there was another lecture, this one given by the Vicar of Kings Heath (Rev. H.S. Watts), on the pros and cons of disarmament.
On Thursday, 26th July, they held their first annual outing, by coach, to Evesham, Broadway and Stratford-on-Avon.
On Thursday, 29th August, they entertained the semi-finals and final of a bowling competition held amongst the branches of the Federation.
Sunday, 16th September saw a special service at the Kings Heath Baptist Church to mark their first anniversary.
The monthly meeting on Monday, 8th October, was addressed by Mr. L.C. Tipper, giving his reminiscences of his travels in Europe.
Their first annual meeting was held on Monday, 29th October by which time it was reported that their membership had grown to 80.
On Sunday, 11th November, they kept Armistice Day "silence" and held a service in their Rest Room in the Park.
On Monday, 2nd December, the Curate of All Saint's Church, Kings Heath (Rev. G.N. Roberts) gave the monthly address on the TOC H movement.
It was an impressive list of activities for such a fledgling group - and brought a lot of attention to the Park.
The Park was also used on:
8th July for an Open Air Service organised by the King's Heath United Council of Churches; and on
29th July, by the Moseley Divisional Labour Party for another Open Air Meeting.
(* For many years, my spinster great aunt, Ada Acford, worked as a silver maid in the home of Councillor Goodby in Moseley.)
1935
Park environment:
In April, following the receipt of another letter from the City of Birmingham Parks Bowling League, it was agreed to proceed with the erection of a bowls pavilion in the Park; £30 having been allowed in the annual budget.
In May it was reported that six grass tennis courts at King’s Heath Park had not been played on for the previous two years; there being no demand. The courts had been maintained in good order and it was suggested and agreed that the area covered by these Courts should be converted into a putting green, the only expense involved being the cost of the necessary equipment &c. amounting to approximately £17.
Finance:
In May, it was reported that there had been a substantial increase in charges for water use at the Park: £6. 4s. 3d. had been paid for the quarter ended 31st March 1935, compared with £3. 4s. 9d. in the corresponding quarter in 1934.
Park environment:
In April, following the receipt of another letter from the City of Birmingham Parks Bowling League, it was agreed to proceed with the erection of a bowls pavilion in the Park; £30 having been allowed in the annual budget.
In May it was reported that six grass tennis courts at King’s Heath Park had not been played on for the previous two years; there being no demand. The courts had been maintained in good order and it was suggested and agreed that the area covered by these Courts should be converted into a putting green, the only expense involved being the cost of the necessary equipment &c. amounting to approximately £17.
Finance:
In May, it was reported that there had been a substantial increase in charges for water use at the Park: £6. 4s. 3d. had been paid for the quarter ended 31st March 1935, compared with £3. 4s. 9d. in the corresponding quarter in 1934.
In July, 35 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) was ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton (i.e.
34/- to 32/-) which prevailed during the summer months.
Staff:
The wages of Mr. C.C. Shardlow, Foreman at King’s Heath Park who would attain the age of 65 years on 4th October 1936, were increased from £2. 17s. 10d. to £3. 0. 0d. per week as from the 6th February 1935 in recognition of his oversight of the park for five months during the illness of the late Park-keeper, Mr. H. Cooper, and the fact that he was on duty seven days a week at that time.
Mr. Shardlow soon fell into disgrace. In July a report was received from the Park-keeper of misconduct on the part of the park foreman, Mr. Shardlow, in one of the dressing rooms on Sunday the 7th July. The circumstances were investigated by the acting Chairman of the Parks Committee who interviewed Shadlow and the Park-keeper on the matter. The charge was not denied. On the acting Chairman’s instructions, Mr. Shardlow was transferred to Highbury Park and reduced in grade to an ordinary gardener with a consequent reduction in his wages from £3. 0. 0. to £2. 16. 10. per week. In his place, Mr. Arthur Abbey was transferred from Highbury Park to King’s Heath Park.
The appointment of a new foreman became necessary at King’s Heath Park. Mr. John Fox, then employed as a gardener at Small Heath Park, at a wage of £3. 0s. 7d. per week, was appointed to the position at the same rate of pay. Mr. Fox, who lived at Harborne and had been employed by the department for 16 years, was willing to accept the appointment on these terms.
On 25th July, Mr. George Curran, an employee at the Park on a wage of £2. 13s. 10d. per week, was appointed Park Keeper at Daisy Farm Recreation Ground, at £2. 17s. 10d. per week.
Mr. Shardlow soon fell into disgrace. In July a report was received from the Park-keeper of misconduct on the part of the park foreman, Mr. Shardlow, in one of the dressing rooms on Sunday the 7th July. The circumstances were investigated by the acting Chairman of the Parks Committee who interviewed Shadlow and the Park-keeper on the matter. The charge was not denied. On the acting Chairman’s instructions, Mr. Shardlow was transferred to Highbury Park and reduced in grade to an ordinary gardener with a consequent reduction in his wages from £3. 0. 0. to £2. 16. 10. per week. In his place, Mr. Arthur Abbey was transferred from Highbury Park to King’s Heath Park.
The appointment of a new foreman became necessary at King’s Heath Park. Mr. John Fox, then employed as a gardener at Small Heath Park, at a wage of £3. 0s. 7d. per week, was appointed to the position at the same rate of pay. Mr. Fox, who lived at Harborne and had been employed by the department for 16 years, was willing to accept the appointment on these terms.
On 25th July, Mr. George Curran, an employee at the Park on a wage of £2. 13s. 10d. per week, was appointed Park Keeper at Daisy Farm Recreation Ground, at £2. 17s. 10d. per week.
Park use:
Again there was as much activity by the "Sons of Rest".
- Tuesday, 1st January was the occasion of their first annual dinner at which all three ward Councillors were guests. It was reported that membership had grown to 100.
- On Saturday, 23rd February, in Kings Heath Park House (courtesy of Mrs. Blake once again), they held a tea party, with musical entertainment, to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mr. Henry Cope, thier vice-chairman.
- On the 13th June they sent good wishes to one of the oldest members of their number - Mr Charles Smith (85) and his wife (87) - on the occasion of their diamond wedding.
- On Sunday the 12th May they held a (George V) Jubilee Service at the Baptist Church. Their second annual outing on Thursday, 11th July, saw 77 of them travel by coach via Stratford-upon-Avon to Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch, and then via Broadway to Evesham for tea.
- Saturday 21st August was the occasion of another Federation first - a cricket match between two rival elevens from amongst their number.
- 30 members gathered at St. Mary Magdalene's church, Hazelwell, for Sunday service on 22nd September.
- They held their second annual meeting on Monday 21st October.
- There is a report in November which indicated that the Sons of Rest were seeking increased accommodation at the Park for their activities.
Other users included:
On Wednesday, 5th June, Kings Heath Park House was the venue of a meeting of Birmingham beekeepers who resolved to form themselves into the "Birmingham and District Beekeepers' Association", separate from the County Associations to which they had formerly belonged. They then held a demonstration in the Park on 20th
July, as in previous years.
Jubilee celebrations - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Kings Heath Olde Prize Band; and later from 7 p.m. to 9
p.m. there was further entertainment.
On June 13th, July 13th and August 29th, Mr. Parsons used the Bandstand for open air evangelical meetings.
On July 14th, the Moseley Divisional Labour Party held at meeting in the Park.
1936
This year it was reported that Birmingham had 33 parks, 91 recreation grounds, and 31 small open spaces, in all totalling 3,828 acres.
Finance:
The tenancy of the Refreshment Rooms fell due for renewal again from 25th March. Applications were sought through press advertising and by communicaton with sitting tenants, and Mrs Blake was granted the continuation of her tenancy for another three years, again at the rate of £80 per annum.
In July, 40 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
This year it was reported that Birmingham had 33 parks, 91 recreation grounds, and 31 small open spaces, in all totalling 3,828 acres.
Finance:
The tenancy of the Refreshment Rooms fell due for renewal again from 25th March. Applications were sought through press advertising and by communicaton with sitting tenants, and Mrs Blake was granted the continuation of her tenancy for another three years, again at the rate of £80 per annum.
In July, 40 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
Staff:
On 1st June, Mr. A.J. Markham, a gardener at the Park, aged 29, whose wages were £2. 13s. 10d. per week, was appointed foreman gardener at Lodge Hill Cemetery on a wage of £3 a week. This appointment was made to replace Mr. R. Stevenson on account of his unsatisfactory work record and his inabililty to perform the duties associated with that post.
From the same date - 1st June - Mr. R. Stevenson was transferred to King’s Heath Park in place of Mr. Markham, and his wages of £3. 0s. 10d. per week were reduced to £2. 15s. 10d.
The tenant of the refreshment rooms at the park, Mrs. S.E. Blake, died on the 29th November, 1936. She had been a tenant of the Parks Department for more than 50 years.
Park users:
The press focus on the Sons of Rest seems to have shifted from the Kings Heath Park branch to other more recently formed branches; so fewer of their events are reported. But we do read of:
On 1st June, Mr. A.J. Markham, a gardener at the Park, aged 29, whose wages were £2. 13s. 10d. per week, was appointed foreman gardener at Lodge Hill Cemetery on a wage of £3 a week. This appointment was made to replace Mr. R. Stevenson on account of his unsatisfactory work record and his inabililty to perform the duties associated with that post.
From the same date - 1st June - Mr. R. Stevenson was transferred to King’s Heath Park in place of Mr. Markham, and his wages of £3. 0s. 10d. per week were reduced to £2. 15s. 10d.
The tenant of the refreshment rooms at the park, Mrs. S.E. Blake, died on the 29th November, 1936. She had been a tenant of the Parks Department for more than 50 years.
Park users:
The press focus on the Sons of Rest seems to have shifted from the Kings Heath Park branch to other more recently formed branches; so fewer of their events are reported. But we do read of:
i) their annual dinner on Thursday, 23rd January, albeit an occasion overshadowed by the death of King George V;
ii) their parade to Kings Heath Baptist Church for morning service on Sunday, 24th May;
iii) their annual outing, to Church Stretton, on Thursday, 23rd July;
iv) their annual supper and concert on Thursday 15th October;
v) their annual meeting on Monday afternoon, 26th October; and finally
vi) a party and dance arranged for them by the Young People's Association at the Baptist Church on Saturday, 12th December.
Other users of the park included:
On June 28th, Mr. F. Scott used the bandsatnd for a United Open Air Religious Service.
On July 1st and on August 5th, Mr. R. Parsons held open air evangelical meetings.
On July 11th, the Birmingham and District Bee-keepers' Association also held an open air meeting.
On Sunday, 26th July, a number of young people connected with the King's Heath Churches organised an open-air evening united church service - in the rain!.
1937
(1937 was a Coronation year, and whilst there is no record of coronation trees being planted in the Park, there is a wonderful record of plantings throughout the UK and British Empire. See - http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/PublicFiles/index.html#/260/ (this link will open on a page about Birmingham but you can turn to other pages as you wish)
Finance:
In April it was suggested that certain fixtures at
the Refreshment Rooms at the Park - two gas coke
firegrates, cluster lights in three rooms and a geyser in the bathroom - should be taken over, as they were thought to be useful to
the incoming tenant. These items were likely to have been included in the auction sale requested by Mrs. York Jones (see below). The Parks Committee paid
£18 for the fixtures.
Staff:
It was reported on 1st February that a communication had been
received from Mrs. Blake’s daughter, Mrs. F. York Jones, asking if the
Committee would be willing to allow the tenancy of the refreshment rooms (which formally had another two years to run) to expire on the 25th
March, 1937, as she did not wish to take over the tenancy, and no other member
of the family was interested. Mrs Jones
also asked for permission to hold an auction sale of her late mother’s furniture
at King’s Heath House. Both requests were acceded to.
In March the vacant tenancy of the refreshment rooms was advertised and Mr. H.J. Mapp of Great Barr was successful with his bid to run the service for 2 years at an annual rental of £70.
With effect from 5th April, Mr. A.J. Davis, the park-keeper, with 8.5 years service, received an increase in his weekly wages of 2/10d., taking his weekly income to £3. 15s. 0d. (plus house, fuel and light).
On 10th May, Mr. A. Collins started work in the park as a park labourer on a weekly wage of £2. 14s. 0d.
On 30th August, Master. A.W. Dyer, aged 14, started work in the park as a Ticket Boy on a weekly wage of 13s. 9d.
Park users:
The Sons of Rest held their annual dinner on 28th January; and on Sunday 2nd May they attended the morning service at the Baptist Church in Kings Heath.
During the previous few years the activities of the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club had received little attention in the press. Clearly they had still been competitively active since in October there was a press report of their successes.
On 12th May, Coronation celebrations were held in the park. Between 3 and 5 p.m. Will Clayton's Black & Whites entertained an audience of 300 people. In the evening, between 7 and 9 p.m. Arthur Bone's Bohemians entertained a meagre audience of 25 - in the rain!! Formal reports indicate that there was no damage to the park as a result of these activities, that very little litter was left behind, and that the general behaviour of the public was "very good".
Permission
was granted to the Warwickshire and Birmingham Branch of the English Folk Dance
& Song Society to use the Park (and Sparkhill Park) on four evenings
between 14th May and the end of July for public folk dancing (with no admission charge), and (as a new venture without precedent) to take a van into the
parks for the purpose of amplifying gramophone records.
On June 27th, the Park was used by a group of United Churches for an open air rally which the press reported was attended by 600 people.
On June 30th and on August 11th, Mr. R. Parsons held more open-air evangelical meetings.
On July 4th, the Birmingham United Campaign Committee held a demonstration in the park.
On August 21st, the Birmingham and District Bee-keepers' Association held a public meeting in the park.
1938
Park Environment:
In April it was reported that £300 had been provided in the Revenue Estimates for 1938/39, for the maintenance of the drives, footpaths, etc. in the park.
Finance:
In July, 50 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
Staff:
On 1st January Mr. A.J. Davis, the Park-keeper, was appointed, from 22 candidates, Park Superintendent at Ward End Park on a commencing salary of £245 per annum plus emoluments (house, fuel and lighting) valued for superannuation purposes at £65 per annum. This new post was graded on the non-manual staff (thus with an annual salary), rather than the manual staff (with a weekly wage) as he had received at King's Heath Park. Mr. Davis was 35 years of age, and his leaving rate of pay was £3. 15s. 0d. per week, plus emoluments (house, fuel and light) valued for superannuation purposes at £55 per annum. He had been in the employ of the department more than nine years and had previously held positions of foreman at Summerfield Park, foreman at Handsworth Park and Park-keeper at Perry Park. He had been park-keeper at King’s Heath Park since the 1st October, 1934.
Park Environment:
In April it was reported that £300 had been provided in the Revenue Estimates for 1938/39, for the maintenance of the drives, footpaths, etc. in the park.
Finance:
In July, 50 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
Staff:
On 1st January Mr. A.J. Davis, the Park-keeper, was appointed, from 22 candidates, Park Superintendent at Ward End Park on a commencing salary of £245 per annum plus emoluments (house, fuel and lighting) valued for superannuation purposes at £65 per annum. This new post was graded on the non-manual staff (thus with an annual salary), rather than the manual staff (with a weekly wage) as he had received at King's Heath Park. Mr. Davis was 35 years of age, and his leaving rate of pay was £3. 15s. 0d. per week, plus emoluments (house, fuel and light) valued for superannuation purposes at £55 per annum. He had been in the employ of the department more than nine years and had previously held positions of foreman at Summerfield Park, foreman at Handsworth Park and Park-keeper at Perry Park. He had been park-keeper at King’s Heath Park since the 1st October, 1934.
Again on 1st January, and to take Mr. Davis' place, Mr. H.V. Healey, Park-keeper at Bournville Park, was
appointed as Park-keeper at Kings Heath Park on a wage of £3. 10s. 0d. per week plus emoluments (again house, fuel and light) valued for superannuation purposes at £55 per annum. Mr. Healey took a cut in weekly wage of 5 shillings when moving to King's Heath, but presumably this was campensated for by his package of emoluments. Mr. Healey was 34 years of age and had also been in the employ of
the department nine years.
On 29th January, Mr. A.P. Wardle, a gardener labourer at the park, left of his own accord.
With effect from the 4th April, the wage of Mr. J. Fox, the foreman, with 19 years service, was increased by 2/3d. to £3. 7s. 0d.
In December an application was received from Mr. H.J. Mapp (now of Handsworth), the tenant of the refreshment rooms, to be released from the remainder of his tenancy owing to financial and other difficulties. Mr. Mapp held the tenancy until 25th March, 1939, at an annual rent of £70, and the rent had been paid up until 24thJune, 1938; there were outstanding rents due from that date. He had not been living on the premises for some time, and had taken no interest except for collecting the rents from sub-lettings and the takings from the refreshment rooms from a Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Parker who had been managing them for him.
Mr. W.M. Parker was living on the premises and was willing to take over the remainder of Mr. Mapp’s tenancy of the refreshment rooms on the same terms and conditions, and so he was granted the tenancy from the 5th December until the 25th March, 1939, on those terms and conditions. Mr. H.J. Mapp was therefore released from his obligations as from 5th December, subject to his paying any outstanding rent.
In December an application was received from Mr. H.J. Mapp (now of Handsworth), the tenant of the refreshment rooms, to be released from the remainder of his tenancy owing to financial and other difficulties. Mr. Mapp held the tenancy until 25th March, 1939, at an annual rent of £70, and the rent had been paid up until 24thJune, 1938; there were outstanding rents due from that date. He had not been living on the premises for some time, and had taken no interest except for collecting the rents from sub-lettings and the takings from the refreshment rooms from a Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Parker who had been managing them for him.
Mr. W.M. Parker was living on the premises and was willing to take over the remainder of Mr. Mapp’s tenancy of the refreshment rooms on the same terms and conditions, and so he was granted the tenancy from the 5th December until the 25th March, 1939, on those terms and conditions. Mr. H.J. Mapp was therefore released from his obligations as from 5th December, subject to his paying any outstanding rent.
Park Users:
On January 27th, the Kings Heath Park "Sons of Rest" held their annual dinner at the Hare and Hounds Hotel; on Sunday, 1st May they attended the May Day Service at the Baptist Church in Kings Heath, and on 11th October they held their Annual Meeting in the Rest Room in the Park.
On Wednesday, 23rd February the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club held its annual meeting in the Parish Hall. Their season finished on 1st October when, after some friendly matches, they enjoyed tea at the Park House and then a social evening and prizegiving.
On Saturday, 28th May the annual outdoor meeting and demonstration by the Birmingham and District Bee-Keepers' Association was held at the Park, albeit rain forced it to hold its activities in a room in the Park House.
On June 15th and 27th July, Mr. R. Parsons held more open-air evangelical meetings.
The Park was the venue for an open-air evening service of the united churches of Kings Heath and Moseley on Sunday, 26th June.
On June 15th and 27th July, Mr. R. Parsons held more open-air evangelical meetings.
The Park was the venue for an open-air evening service of the united churches of Kings Heath and Moseley on Sunday, 26th June.
1939
The Second World War (WWII) commenced on 3rd September.
Park Environment:
In January authorisation was given for the installation of a telephone in the Park. The equipment cost 15 shillings but the annual rental was £6. 10s. 0d. The case for this was presented thus - "All trees for street planting purchased from various nurseries and the
stakes for same obtained from other sources are delivered to King’s Heath Park
for distribution to the various districts, and it is desirable that the Park
Keeper should be in a position to notify the Head Office immediately fresh
consignments are received by him, so that he may receive instructions as to
their disposal. A telephone will also be
useful at this park for other purposes." It appears from other comments in the relevant report that King's Heath Park may have been the first Birmingham Park to benefit from its own telephone.
In February it was reported that £250 had been provided in the Revenue Estimates for 1939/40, for the maintenance of the drives, footpaths, etc. in the park.
In June, the bye law banning the exercising of dogs in the entire park was lifted. Authority was given to allow dogs to be exercised off the leash, but only in the southern area of the park adjoining the railway, and only before 8 a.m. or during the hour before the park closed.
Finance:
In June, the bye law banning the exercising of dogs in the entire park was lifted. Authority was given to allow dogs to be exercised off the leash, but only in the southern area of the park adjoining the railway, and only before 8 a.m. or during the hour before the park closed.
Finance:
The tenancy of the Refreshment Rooms fell due for renewal again from 25th March. Applications were sought through press advertising and by communicaton with sitting tenants, but in the first instance no tenders were received. Following readvertisement Mr. W.M. Parker, the sitting tenant, offered £65 per annum for the tenancy (£5 less than for his existing tenancy) and this was accepted, albeit upon the condition that Mr. Parker pay the rent that had fallen in arrears as well as three months rental in advance. It soon became apparent that Mr. Parker was not, nor likely to be, able to fulfil the conditions of his tenancy and he was required to give
vacant possession of the premises on Tuesday, May 2nd.
In July, 35 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
In July, 35 tons of coke (for fuelling the boilers for the greenhouses and for use in the Park House and Lodge) were again ordered from the Gas Department so that advantage could be taken of the reduction of 2/- per ton on offer during the summer months.
Staff:
On 20th March, Mr. R. Stevenson was transferred to Kings Norton Park.
On 10th April, Mr. H.A.P. Pinfield, a Park Labourer, transferred from Quinton Nurseries to Kings Heath Park.
On 25th May, Mr. E.T. Robinson, Park Policeman, left of his own accord.
On 25th May, Mr. F. Culleton, Park Policeman, transferred from Cannon Hill Park to Kings Heath Park.
From amongst 37 internal applicants, Mr. John Fox, Foreman at King’s Heath Park, was appointed to the position of Park-keeper at Cotteridge Park with effect from the 14th August, at a wage of £3. 15s. 0d. per week. Mr. Fox was 49 years of age, and had been employed in the Department since the 20th March 1919. He had previous experience at Lodge Hill and Handsworth Cemeteries, and Small Heath Park.
In order to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Mr. Fox as Park-keeper at Cotteridge Park, Mr. H.W. Evason, previously employed as a Gardener at Brandwood End Cemetery, was appointed Foreman at King’s Heath Park with effect from the 14th August, at a wage of £3. 3s. 0d. per week. Mr.Evason was 36 years of age, and had been in the service of the Department since the 29th November 1934.
War time arrangements:
On 10th April, Mr. H.A.P. Pinfield, a Park Labourer, transferred from Quinton Nurseries to Kings Heath Park.
On 25th May, Mr. E.T. Robinson, Park Policeman, left of his own accord.
On 25th May, Mr. F. Culleton, Park Policeman, transferred from Cannon Hill Park to Kings Heath Park.
From amongst 37 internal applicants, Mr. John Fox, Foreman at King’s Heath Park, was appointed to the position of Park-keeper at Cotteridge Park with effect from the 14th August, at a wage of £3. 15s. 0d. per week. Mr. Fox was 49 years of age, and had been employed in the Department since the 20th March 1919. He had previous experience at Lodge Hill and Handsworth Cemeteries, and Small Heath Park.
In order to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Mr. Fox as Park-keeper at Cotteridge Park, Mr. H.W. Evason, previously employed as a Gardener at Brandwood End Cemetery, was appointed Foreman at King’s Heath Park with effect from the 14th August, at a wage of £3. 3s. 0d. per week. Mr.Evason was 36 years of age, and had been in the service of the Department since the 29th November 1934.
War time arrangements:
At the request of the Air Raid
Precautions Committee, permission was granted in March for one of the new
Home Office steel air raid shelters to be placed for public display in each of
17 parks and recreation grounds (Kings Heath Park being one of them), on the understanding that the Parks
Committee would be indemnified against any loss or claim arising out of the
display.
In May it was announced that the Public Works Department were
engaged in making permanent the temporary trench shelters which had been
constructed in 35 parks and recreation grounds in the previous September, and
in the construction of further permanent shelters. Kings Heath Park was included in the list.
In June the Parks Committee acquiesced to an application from the Air Raid Precautions Officer for the use of 9 parks - one of them Kings Heath Park - for the purpose of constructing underground report centres.
There was a note in Departmental records in September that two dressing rooms were being used as a Warden’s Post (presumably an air raid precautions warden's post).
On 23rd October, the Parks Committee gave permission to the Public Works Department to erect hutments for canteens and restroom facilities at the underground Air Raid Precautions Control and Report Centre in the Park.
Park users:
In June the Parks Committee acquiesced to an application from the Air Raid Precautions Officer for the use of 9 parks - one of them Kings Heath Park - for the purpose of constructing underground report centres.
There was a note in Departmental records in September that two dressing rooms were being used as a Warden’s Post (presumably an air raid precautions warden's post).
On 23rd October, the Parks Committee gave permission to the Public Works Department to erect hutments for canteens and restroom facilities at the underground Air Raid Precautions Control and Report Centre in the Park.
Park users:
On 14th May, the Birmingham Open Air Workers held an open-air meeting.
On 21st May, 12th July and 30th August, Mr. R. Parsons held open-air evangelical meetings.
On 4th June, 16th July and 13th August, the Baptist Church, King's Heath held open-air meetings.
On 21st May, 12th July and 30th August, Mr. R. Parsons held open-air evangelical meetings.
On 4th June, 16th July and 13th August, the Baptist Church, King's Heath held open-air meetings.
On 11th and 18th June, the Peace Pledge Union held open-air meetings.
On 21st July, the Birmingham and District Bee-keepers' Association held a bee-keeping demonstration.
In July the Kings Heath Park Sons of Rest appealed to the Parks Committee to allow them to use one of the refreshment rooms which they claimed was closed down - their numbers were said to exceed 70 and their exisiting accommodation was insufficient - cramped and "unhealthy". The Committee did not accede to their request, but indicated that provision would be made in the following year's estimates for an extension to their existing shelter.
There is a report in June of there having been a "serious accident" - Mr. J. Shorter (aged 62 years), 80, Reeves Road had a seizure; he was given first aid and taken home.
On 21st July, the Birmingham and District Bee-keepers' Association held a bee-keeping demonstration.
In July the Kings Heath Park Sons of Rest appealed to the Parks Committee to allow them to use one of the refreshment rooms which they claimed was closed down - their numbers were said to exceed 70 and their exisiting accommodation was insufficient - cramped and "unhealthy". The Committee did not accede to their request, but indicated that provision would be made in the following year's estimates for an extension to their existing shelter.
There is a report in June of there having been a "serious accident" - Mr. J. Shorter (aged 62 years), 80, Reeves Road had a seizure; he was given first aid and taken home.
1940
Park Environment:
In January the Birmingham and District Bee-Keepers Association were allocated a space in the park for the establishment of an apiary (big enough for at least 18 hives) for demonstration purposes, and
to encourage would-be Bee-keepers in connection with the appeal for greater
food production. This was the first apiary in England to be developed in collaboration with a municipal authority; it was opened by the Lord Mayor on 2nd June. As the Sons of Rest vacated their former Rest Room in the shelter in the Park (see below), that space was allocated to the Beekeepers' Association for a storeroom and for holding meetings.
Finance:
The pressures of wartime were beginning to bite. The City's Finance Committee asked that the most rigid economy
be observed in the preparartion of the Estimates, and that all expenditure other
than that of a vital and pressing nature and bare maintenance costs be
eliminated. Consequently the proposed allocation of resources for the extension of the Sons of Rest shelter (promised at the end of last year) was excluded from the Estimates of Expenditure.
However, it was suggested that the “Sons of Rest” should be allocated a suitable
room in King’s Heath Park House. The
refreshment rooms at that house had been vacant for some time (since Mr. Parker left in May of 1939), and it appeared
unlikely that a suitable tenant would be found in the near future. There was a large room in the back portion of
the house formerly used as a billiard room and which was included in the
refreshment caterer’s quarters which was thought to be very suitable. There was a cloak room with two lavatory
basins and a w.c. adjoining. Those rooms
could be entirely shut off from the rest of the building, and there was a separate
entrance from the yard. The large room
was centrally heated from the conservatory boiler, and there was also a
fireplace. If the rooms were to be allocated
to the “Sons of Rest”, it was argued, there would still be sufficient accommodation for a
refreshment caterer if one should be forthcoming. Internal repairs and decorations only would be necessary to make the rooms
fit for purpose, and the estimated cost of carrying out that
work was under £10, which, it was argued, could be covered by the current year’s estimate. And so that is what happened; the Sons of Rest were provided with extra accommodation in the Park House, and its opening at the end of May was reported in the press.
It was reported in January that two old ladies (both understood to be over 80 years of age) were still occupying separate
rooms in King’s Heath Park House which they used as bed-sitting rooms. These ladies were originally sub-tenants of
the late Mrs.Blake and their sub-tenancies were continued by the subsequent
tenants of the refreshment rooms. However, since
the last tenant left on the 26th May 1939, they had paid
no rent. The rent paid by them to the last tenant of the refreshment rooms was 10/- per week. They were allowed to contunue to occupy those rooms, but the City Treasurer was instructed to collect
the rents owing since May 1939, and inform the occupants that their tenancies of the rooms would be on a weekly basis only, and that
occupation on any other basis could not be guaranteed.
Having put these arrangements in place, an application for the tenancy of the
refreshment caterer’s quarters was received in May from a local lady, Mrs. Summers, and her
two daughters. The applicants made a condition of
their application that they should be given possession of the rooms occupied by Mrs. Jones and Miss Thomas (the two elderly ladies), and that the tenancy should include
certain rooms on the second floor which had been vacant for many years. The Parks Department considered that in their unoccupied condition, the rooms to be allocated to the refreshment caterers were rapidly deteriorating, and would be far better if occupied. They argued that there was a "distinct evidence of a demand for refreshments at this park, particularly by bowls players (including ladies bowls players), and tennis players, and this demand will probably be increased when the Bee-keepers’ Demonstration Apiary is in operation". It was agreed that Mrs. Summers should be granted a tenancy up to the 25th
March, 1942 in the first instance, at a rent of £60 per annum,
of the following accommodation:-
- Ground Floor - Hall and two large refreshment rooms, one with servery. Kitchen, pantry and drawing room. Scullery with boiler and sink and coalhouse.
- First Floor - Three large bedrooms and two smaller ones. Bathroom and lavatory with separate w.c. adjoining. Main staircase from the hall and landing, also tank room over the bathroom.
- Second Floor - Three bedrooms and boxroom.
It was also arranged that Miss Thomas
should take over the room which was formerly occupied by Miss Palmer at the
reduced rent of 5/- a week, and that Mrs. Jones should become a sub-tenant of
Mrs. Lusher and take over one of the rooms comprised in Mrs. Lusher’s tenancy.
In connection with these arrangements, certain internal repairs and alterations - the installation of a new bath, lavatory and w.c. and a re-arrangemnt of the gas supplies - were carried out, for which the estimated cost
(including decorations) was approximately £100.
Mrs Summers also sought, and was granted, permission to sublet the rooms on the second floor to a schoolmaster and his wife
who were living with her, and permission to convert one of those
rooms into a kitchen-scullery, with necessary water and gas supplies. The proposed sub-tenants were
willing to have that work carried out at their own expense.
In June it was announced that Mrs. Summers had died; and the tenancy had been passed to her daughter, Miss Grace D. Summers.
Staff:
In March, Mr. Healey, the park keeper received an ex gratia payment of five guineas. This was in recognition of the extra duties and patrols since the onset of war, often at night time, involved in keeping the trench shelters in the park accessible to the public, since in their early stages access was only available from the park. However, around this time fenced access directly to the shelter was provided from Avenue Road at a point between Grange Road and Station Road so that the Park did not have to be kept open after dark thus relieving the park-keper of these extra duties.
By June, Mr. Healey - 37 years of age, and with 12 years service with the Department - having been appointed park-keeper on 1st January, 1938 on a wage of £3. 10s 0d. per week, plus emoluments (consisting of the lodge at the park and
free fuel and light) valued for superannuation purposes at £55 per
annum, had had no increase since his
appointment, apart from a general 2/- increase authorized by the West Midlands
Joint Industrial Council for manual employees and a recent cost of living
increase amounting to 6/- per week. His
wages were therefore £3. 18s 0d. per week. Because King's Heath Park was now considered the most
important of the second grade parks (the elite ones being Cannon Hill, Handsworth, Aston, and Ward End), it was recommended that Mr. Healey's wages should be adjusted to £5. 5s. 0d. a week, including the recent cost of living
increase of 6/- and the value of his emoluments in respect of which the sum of
21/- per week would be deducted from the wages. This appears to have been the start of the ascendancy of Mr. Healey for it would only be a few years before his post would be regraded from the manual to the non-manual staff with its consequent benefits (more later).
In June, Mr. Evason, the foreman at King's Heath Park applied (unsuccessfully) for the post of park-keeper at Ward End Park. But is interesting to note his recorded credentials - age 37;
entered service on 29.11.34; present
wages £3. 6s. 0d; appointed foreman at King’s Heath
Park on 14.8.39; 20 years
experience in all branches of horticulture, including 9 years at Oakly Park Gardens, Ludlow, working under a Head Gardener (Mr. J.R. Francis) for Lt. Col. G. Windsor Clive, M.P.,
G.M.C.
On 28th October, Master A.E. Carter (aged 14 years) commenced work in the Park as a Ticket Boy on a weekly wage of 15s 9d.
On 9th December, Mr. S. Taylor commenced work in the Park as a Park Labourer on a weekly wage of £3. 2s. 0d.
On 30th December, Mr. H. Richards commenced work in the Park as a Park Labourer on a weekly wage of £3. 2s. 0d.
War time arrangements:
On 28th October, Master A.E. Carter (aged 14 years) commenced work in the Park as a Ticket Boy on a weekly wage of 15s 9d.
On 9th December, Mr. S. Taylor commenced work in the Park as a Park Labourer on a weekly wage of £3. 2s. 0d.
On 30th December, Mr. H. Richards commenced work in the Park as a Park Labourer on a weekly wage of £3. 2s. 0d.
War time arrangements:
The Parks Committee, meeting on the 1st January,
accepted the proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to provide a demonstration allotment plot in connection
with the scheme for wartime food production, in twelve parks, of which King’s Heath Park was one. It was agreed that the plot of 300 sqr. yds.
would be planted in accordance with the scheme to be prepared by the
Horticultural Instructor, that the cultivation would be carried out by the
Park’s staff, and the Parks Committee would supply the necessary seeds and take
over the crops. However the soil conditions in the Park were found to be unsatisfactory for this, and by May the project had been transferred to Highbury Park.
According to a Departmental record, by May another air raid shelter had been constructed in the Park, and direct accees to the shelters from Avenue Road was made and fenced.
A further Departmental record in July records that the Air Raid Precautions Department were to provide a car park adjacent to the site of the underground Report Centre in the Park, entailing ashing the site concerned, and providing ingress from the road.
A letter was received at the end of July from the Ministry of Supply, Iron and Steel Control, announcing that the national interest required that all available scrap metal must be realized for armament manufacture. The powers that were in Westminster considered that the iron railings, bollards and refuge posts in and around parks and gardens had no important aesthetic value, and were not serving so essential a purpose that they cold not be removed for scrap. They requested that all Public Authorities co-operate by taking the necessary steps, on receipt of the letter, to remove all railings, etc. under their care which were not clearly needed for public safety. Upon receipt of the letter the City Engineer & Surveyor advised - “The largest supply of iron railings in the City is, of course, surrounding our public parks where I should think several thousand tons must exist. If these are removed the parks will immediately become unprotected and no substitute can be found at the present time. Further it must not be forgotten that the capital value of these railings, estimated for the cost of replacement, would probably be in the neighbourhood of £20 to £30 per ton, whereas the scrap value at the present time, although on a very high level, is only in the neighbourhood of £3-10-0. to £4. per ton, from which must be deducted the cost of removal and cartage. There can be no doubt that unless the Corporation are prepared to leave the whole of the parks unfenced as a permanent policy they will have to incur a very considerable expenditure after the war for refencing.” The General Manager of the Parks Department, the Parks Committee Chairman and the City Engineer and Surveyor prepared a schedule of internal fencing in the various parks, recreation grounds and open spaces that could be removed and disposed of without unduly involving the public in danger, and of external fencing in the smaller recreation grounds and closed Churchyards where the amenities would not suffer by the removal. The total listed amounted to 504.44 tons of which 8.9 tons were to be found in King’s Heath Park. It was left to the Parks Committee to decide whether the removal and disposal of the fencing included in the schedule should be proceeded with. They decided that no further action be taken at that time. But by November, in response to further correspondence from Westminster, the iron railings were being removed and sold through a scrap merchant.
There was an interesting article in the Birmingham Post in March announcing that the Parks Department would be making every effort to maintain the parks in anticipation of increased use during the war:-
A further Departmental record in July records that the Air Raid Precautions Department were to provide a car park adjacent to the site of the underground Report Centre in the Park, entailing ashing the site concerned, and providing ingress from the road.
A letter was received at the end of July from the Ministry of Supply, Iron and Steel Control, announcing that the national interest required that all available scrap metal must be realized for armament manufacture. The powers that were in Westminster considered that the iron railings, bollards and refuge posts in and around parks and gardens had no important aesthetic value, and were not serving so essential a purpose that they cold not be removed for scrap. They requested that all Public Authorities co-operate by taking the necessary steps, on receipt of the letter, to remove all railings, etc. under their care which were not clearly needed for public safety. Upon receipt of the letter the City Engineer & Surveyor advised - “The largest supply of iron railings in the City is, of course, surrounding our public parks where I should think several thousand tons must exist. If these are removed the parks will immediately become unprotected and no substitute can be found at the present time. Further it must not be forgotten that the capital value of these railings, estimated for the cost of replacement, would probably be in the neighbourhood of £20 to £30 per ton, whereas the scrap value at the present time, although on a very high level, is only in the neighbourhood of £3-10-0. to £4. per ton, from which must be deducted the cost of removal and cartage. There can be no doubt that unless the Corporation are prepared to leave the whole of the parks unfenced as a permanent policy they will have to incur a very considerable expenditure after the war for refencing.” The General Manager of the Parks Department, the Parks Committee Chairman and the City Engineer and Surveyor prepared a schedule of internal fencing in the various parks, recreation grounds and open spaces that could be removed and disposed of without unduly involving the public in danger, and of external fencing in the smaller recreation grounds and closed Churchyards where the amenities would not suffer by the removal. The total listed amounted to 504.44 tons of which 8.9 tons were to be found in King’s Heath Park. It was left to the Parks Committee to decide whether the removal and disposal of the fencing included in the schedule should be proceeded with. They decided that no further action be taken at that time. But by November, in response to further correspondence from Westminster, the iron railings were being removed and sold through a scrap merchant.
There was an interesting article in the Birmingham Post in March announcing that the Parks Department would be making every effort to maintain the parks in anticipation of increased use during the war:-
City Parks in War Time
Provision of Essential
Recreation
With the
approach of spring activity in the Birmingham municipal parks is daily
increasing and is scarcely, if at all, abated by war-time demands. In fact, the parks are being prepared for an
outdoor season that is likely to find the population of the city more than ever
attracted to them in search of recreation.
In the
coming spring and summer – and particularly because of the extra hour of
daylight available this year in the early months – workers and their families
are expected to use the parks more frequently than before. Petrol rationing and the reduced transport
facilities will make holiday-making and day excursions to the country pleasures
more rarely experienced, and the parks are bound to be more patronized by them
in search of fresh air.
For these
reasons it is the intention of the Parks Department to maintain all possible
facilities for pleasure-making, in the belief that they are a necessity and not
a luxury. Boating, swimming and games
will not be interfered with, except where the use of the parks for direct war-time
measures is enforced.
The Parks
Department has given a helping hand to agriculture by arranging demonstration
plots for the benefit of allotment holders, but it is not at the moment
embarking on any course of extensive digging for food production, as has been
done at Manchester. Nor are the
greenhouses yet being diverted to the growing of produce. It is desired to keep up the high standard of
floriculture for which the city parks have a reputation, though war-time
economy will be duly observed.
-------------------------------
From a report in January 1941 we learn of two lots of bomb damage in the Park towards the end of the year:
- On the night of 22nd / 23rd November a high explosive bomb damaged the wooden boundary fence of the Park, doing £3 worth of damage.
- On the night of 11th / 12th December, two high explosive bombs were dropped in the Park, casuing damage to the hard courts, boundary netting, and drains, etc., causing £15 worth of damage.
Park Users:
On 5th June, 17th July and again on 28th August, Mr Parsons used the park for evangelical meetings.
On 9th June and again on 21st July, the Birmingham Open Air Workers used the park for open-air religious meetings.
On 27th July the National Youth Life Campaign also held an open-air service.
On 28th May, Master A. Sawell (15 1/2 years) was prosecuted and fined 5/- for cycling in the Park.
On 9th June and again on 21st July, the Birmingham Open Air Workers used the park for open-air religious meetings.
On 27th July the National Youth Life Campaign also held an open-air service.
On 28th May, Master A. Sawell (15 1/2 years) was prosecuted and fined 5/- for cycling in the Park.
