HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Ongoing research; last updated 21 March 2015
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.
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1921
Park Uses:
By May, the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club had begun a new season. Their green opened on 30 April, and was declared to be "in first-class condition, and there is every prospect of its holding its own with any of the park greens". Once again the green was a venue for matches in the Individual Merit Competition in connection with the Parks Bowling League.
Park Uses:
By May, the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club had begun a new season. Their green opened on 30 April, and was declared to be "in first-class condition, and there is every prospect of its holding its own with any of the park greens". Once again the green was a venue for matches in the Individual Merit Competition in connection with the Parks Bowling League.
On Sunday, 23rd October, the Park was the venue for an open-air meeting after a band-led procession of the local unemployed around the principal streets of the district. Rain forced the gathering to the Park shelter for the speeches.
On Wednesday 28th December, Kings Heath Park House played host to 200 children of the unemployed who were entertained by comedians and musicians before being served with a substantial tea by Mr. and Mrs. Stainton, the caterers at the Park House Refreshment Rooms. The event, supported by voluntary donations from residents, was organised by the Kings Heath Unemployment Committee. After tea they had gifts from under a huge Christmas Tree in the concert room. Each child went home with "a toy or present of some attractive kind or other" and a bag of fruit. It had been proposed to distribute "72 pairs of stockings, 100 jerseys, 50 pairs of boys’ knickers, 50 pair of girls’ kilts and underclothing". Unfortunately these had not arrived by the Wednesday; it was said the distribution would take place later.
There was also a report of 80 poor children being given a Christmas dinner at Kings Heath Park House; the education authorities being responsible for this gesture. For this occcasion Mrs. Stainton made a Christmas pudding weighing nearly 40 pounds.
On Wednesday, 15th March, a 15 year old Kings Heath lad was charged with an indecent assault on a little girl (4.5 years old) in the Park, an indiscretion committed just two days earlier - he was fined £5 or 26 days detention. Justice was very swift in those days!
1922
Staff:
Mr. J. Smith, F.R.H.S. continued his lecturing activities in the district, once again linking Scripture and Horticulture.
Park Uses:
During the Summer, music was provided in Kings Heath Park on Sunday afternoons and evening.
1923
Park Environment:
The Birmingham News in August, whilst reporting the annual inspection by the Parks Committee, gave a vivid detailed description of Kings Heath Park:
"A successful attempt has been made to break away from conventional lines of gardening, and the idea has been to introduce naturalness of treatment. At the main entrance from Vicarage Road one is met with a bright welcome in a feast of gay hued flowers, while foxgloves have been introduced in large numbers in keeping with the woodland surroundings of the park. These usually neglected flowers have been planted in masses with a view that they may seed themselves and remain a feature of delight for many years to come. This plantation is edged with penstemons and violas set in double rows with notable effects. My eyes rested, too, with pleasure on the wonderful flower gardens, ablaze with “Paul Campbell” geraniums, and tall standard fuschias, the most prominent variety being “Samuel Parkes”. In order to take off the look of flatness the flower beds are planted with an abundance of standard grown plants, and here the beautiful golden leaf Abutilon Thompsonii does duty well in this respect, together with Nicotiana Hybrids (tobacco) in many hues. I noticed also two splendid specimens of the American Aloe planted in front of the Park House. These I understand were presented to the Parks Department by an old and public-spirited resident, the late Mr. George Hardy. The variety goes by the name of “Agave Americana Variegata” and, as large specimens, achieve a marked effect in sub-tropical bedding schemes. I was particularly impressed with the rosary walk, alongside of the tennis courts and bowling green. This is a picture of loveliness; planted on either side with “Dorothy Perkins” rambler, and lined out with white violas (“White Swan”). The tulip tree is now in blossom, and is to be seen close to the conservatory. The species “Liriedendon tulipifera”, is rather rare in the British Isles. I also observed the Grange Road entrance has been greatly improved during the winter, forming a useful part of the city’s relief works. This was a side of the Park that has badly needed attention. Kings Heath has every reason to be proud of its Park."
There were various revisions to the lay-out of the Park, undertaken through the Unemployment Relief Scheme operational at the time. At the year end a tender was accepted for the construction of new latrines - for the sum of £545, of which £500 came from the Unemployment Relief Scheme, the remainder from the departmentally allocated annual budget.
Again during the Summer, music was provided in Kings Heath Park on various occasions.
The Birmingham News in August, whilst reporting the annual inspection by the Parks Committee, gave a vivid detailed description of Kings Heath Park:
"A successful attempt has been made to break away from conventional lines of gardening, and the idea has been to introduce naturalness of treatment. At the main entrance from Vicarage Road one is met with a bright welcome in a feast of gay hued flowers, while foxgloves have been introduced in large numbers in keeping with the woodland surroundings of the park. These usually neglected flowers have been planted in masses with a view that they may seed themselves and remain a feature of delight for many years to come. This plantation is edged with penstemons and violas set in double rows with notable effects. My eyes rested, too, with pleasure on the wonderful flower gardens, ablaze with “Paul Campbell” geraniums, and tall standard fuschias, the most prominent variety being “Samuel Parkes”. In order to take off the look of flatness the flower beds are planted with an abundance of standard grown plants, and here the beautiful golden leaf Abutilon Thompsonii does duty well in this respect, together with Nicotiana Hybrids (tobacco) in many hues. I noticed also two splendid specimens of the American Aloe planted in front of the Park House. These I understand were presented to the Parks Department by an old and public-spirited resident, the late Mr. George Hardy. The variety goes by the name of “Agave Americana Variegata” and, as large specimens, achieve a marked effect in sub-tropical bedding schemes. I was particularly impressed with the rosary walk, alongside of the tennis courts and bowling green. This is a picture of loveliness; planted on either side with “Dorothy Perkins” rambler, and lined out with white violas (“White Swan”). The tulip tree is now in blossom, and is to be seen close to the conservatory. The species “Liriedendon tulipifera”, is rather rare in the British Isles. I also observed the Grange Road entrance has been greatly improved during the winter, forming a useful part of the city’s relief works. This was a side of the Park that has badly needed attention. Kings Heath has every reason to be proud of its Park."
There were various revisions to the lay-out of the Park, undertaken through the Unemployment Relief Scheme operational at the time. At the year end a tender was accepted for the construction of new latrines - for the sum of £545, of which £500 came from the Unemployment Relief Scheme, the remainder from the departmentally allocated annual budget.
Park Uses:
Three members of the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club played in an inter-city match between Birmingham and Manchester bowling organisations, at Manchester.
Again during the Summer, music was provided in Kings Heath Park on various occasions.
1924
Park Environment:
Early in the year finance was made available to erect an aviary in the park, and to repair the wood pale fencing along Avenue Road.
Tenders were sought for the internal and external decoration of Kings Heath Park House.
Later in the new financial year authority
was given for:
i) general repairs and painting of the greenhouses and pit
lights at the park; the estimated costs being - labour £35, materials £20. There was also a move to centralise the greenhouses of the 12 parks that had them, but it was considered impractical and uneconomic to proceed at this time.
ii) general repairs and painting of the shelter, at the estimated cost of £20 for materials and £30 for labour.
iii) general repairs and conversion of the old farm buildings into
dressing rooms, at an estimated cost of £30 for materials and £30 for
labour.
In all cases the amounts were covered in the
current year’s budget.
On the 14th July, King's Heath Park was one of twelve parks visited by the members of the Parks Committee as part of their annual inspections. No comments about the Park were recorded.
In the summer - the usual time for carrying out repairs to the greenhouse heating
systems at the various parks so
that they would be in working order for the Autumn - approximately
£10 for materials and £12 for labour were expended on repairs from budget.
In the autumn, plans were presented for the erection of a pavilion and shelter, with thatched roof, in the park; to be built under the Unemployment Relief Work Scheme. This Scheme also provided for the supply of 500 yards of tar paving and 2000 yards of tar painting for the Park.
Finance:
In the autumn, plans were presented for the erection of a pavilion and shelter, with thatched roof, in the park; to be built under the Unemployment Relief Work Scheme. This Scheme also provided for the supply of 500 yards of tar paving and 2000 yards of tar painting for the Park.
Finance:
Income and expenditure in the year ending 31st March was as follows:
Income £261. 10s. 0d. (estimate of £325), and expenditure £2,022. 16s. 2d. (estimate £1,930).
In May, after a couple of rounds of tendering, it was announced that Mrs. S.E. Blake of Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal, had been granted the tenancy of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park (including living accommodation) for three years from the 25th March at a rent of £60 per annum inclusive, except for heating and lighting charges. The previous tenant, Mrs Stainton, had made an offer of £45 per annum inclusive; and it was noted that the Chairman had to be authorized to take steps to obtain vacant possession of the refreshment rooms since Mrs. Stainton was still occupying them in May. Later in the year it is recorded that Mrs. Blake approached the Parks Committee stating that she was under the impression that she would get the rooms immediately over the ground floor refreshment rooms as living rooms, with the right of access to them from the main staircase, and she did not agree to take the two rooms offered to her in the back portion of the first floor, as she had to pass through the premises of the park-keeper to get to and from the rooms. The rooms Mrs. Blake asked for comprised two bedrooms with two small dressing rooms adjoining, which were then vacant, and she offered to increase the rent by £5 per annum, making a total of £65 per annum, if she was granted the use of these rooms. Her offer was accepted. Instructions were given for the existing gas supply pipes running to the rooms occupied by Mrs. Blake to be disconnected from the Park Department’s meter and for new supplies to be connected to the secondary meter, and fittings provided at the estimated cost of £21. 16. 6. And still the saga of the tenancy had another twist. Mrs. Blake sent a letter to the Town Clerk stating that the draft tenancy agreement did not provide for the joint use of the bathroom. It was pointed out that the bathroom accommodation was not provided for in the conditions upon which Mrs. Blake tendered for the tenancy, and it was resolved that the question of the joint use of the bathroom at King’s Heath House be a matter for Mrs. Blake to arrange direct with the park-keeper. In October, tender documents were prepared and a contract let for the supply of 210 tons of "good household coal" to be supplied to the City's parks from 1st September of the following year - 10 tons were specified for Kings Heath Park.
Staff:
Early in the new financial year new staffing arrangements were announced:
i) the salary of Mr. H. Hancock, Labourer “A”, was increased from £2. 10s. 10d. to £2. 12s. 10d.
ii) In view of Mr. J. Smith’s appointment as Assistant Superintendent of the City Parks, Mr. H. Cooper, the foreman gardener, was appointed as Park Keeper and his wages of £2. 19s. 10d. per week plus emoluments, were increased by 3/- per week.
Later in the year further increases were announced:
iii) Mr. J. Hughes' wages were increased from £1. 5s. 0d. to £1. 10s. 0d. per week, and
iv) Mr. A. Fulford's wages were increased from 17/6 to £1. 2s. 6d. per week.
Income £261. 10s. 0d. (estimate of £325), and expenditure £2,022. 16s. 2d. (estimate £1,930).
In May, after a couple of rounds of tendering, it was announced that Mrs. S.E. Blake of Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal, had been granted the tenancy of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park (including living accommodation) for three years from the 25th March at a rent of £60 per annum inclusive, except for heating and lighting charges. The previous tenant, Mrs Stainton, had made an offer of £45 per annum inclusive; and it was noted that the Chairman had to be authorized to take steps to obtain vacant possession of the refreshment rooms since Mrs. Stainton was still occupying them in May. Later in the year it is recorded that Mrs. Blake approached the Parks Committee stating that she was under the impression that she would get the rooms immediately over the ground floor refreshment rooms as living rooms, with the right of access to them from the main staircase, and she did not agree to take the two rooms offered to her in the back portion of the first floor, as she had to pass through the premises of the park-keeper to get to and from the rooms. The rooms Mrs. Blake asked for comprised two bedrooms with two small dressing rooms adjoining, which were then vacant, and she offered to increase the rent by £5 per annum, making a total of £65 per annum, if she was granted the use of these rooms. Her offer was accepted. Instructions were given for the existing gas supply pipes running to the rooms occupied by Mrs. Blake to be disconnected from the Park Department’s meter and for new supplies to be connected to the secondary meter, and fittings provided at the estimated cost of £21. 16. 6. And still the saga of the tenancy had another twist. Mrs. Blake sent a letter to the Town Clerk stating that the draft tenancy agreement did not provide for the joint use of the bathroom. It was pointed out that the bathroom accommodation was not provided for in the conditions upon which Mrs. Blake tendered for the tenancy, and it was resolved that the question of the joint use of the bathroom at King’s Heath House be a matter for Mrs. Blake to arrange direct with the park-keeper. In October, tender documents were prepared and a contract let for the supply of 210 tons of "good household coal" to be supplied to the City's parks from 1st September of the following year - 10 tons were specified for Kings Heath Park.
Staff:
In March, Mr. J. Smith, superintendent of Kings Heath Park, and with a very impressive curriculum vitae, was appointed assistant superintendent of Birmingham Parks, in place of Mr. Hearn who had retired.
Early in the new financial year new staffing arrangements were announced:
i) the salary of Mr. H. Hancock, Labourer “A”, was increased from £2. 10s. 10d. to £2. 12s. 10d.
ii) In view of Mr. J. Smith’s appointment as Assistant Superintendent of the City Parks, Mr. H. Cooper, the foreman gardener, was appointed as Park Keeper and his wages of £2. 19s. 10d. per week plus emoluments, were increased by 3/- per week.
Later in the year further increases were announced:
iii) Mr. J. Hughes' wages were increased from £1. 5s. 0d. to £1. 10s. 0d. per week, and
iv) Mr. A. Fulford's wages were increased from 17/6 to £1. 2s. 6d. per week.
Park Uses:
The Park Bowling Club continued to enjoy good success, and one of its members won the Individual Merit Competition of the Birmingham Parks League.
Park music was also given aplenty - not only by the Kings Heath Prize Band, but often by visiting bands, such as the band of the Royal Signal Corps (on 5th July), the band of the 8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (on 12th July), the City Prize Band (on 16th August), and the 5th Warwicks. Band (on 30th August). However the receipts at these events were just £1. 0s. 4d., £3. 6s. 5d., £1. 3s. 0d. and £1. 7s. 0d. respectively against outlays of £20, £28, £15 and £28 and it was decided that "the question of
engaging bands will have to be seriously considered next year".
A police report in April noted 5 offences of stonethrowing in the Park. Another one in October noted that Miss Oldham (35) of 35 Poplar Road, King’s Heath, suffered shock and was taken home.
A serious Accident Report in May noted that Leslie Lewis (17) of 12, Lambourne Rd, Erdington had crushed his finger whilst in the park; and another in January 1925 records that on 17 November Mr. Alfred Holdway (40), of 108 May Lane, had an epileptic fit, and cut his eye and finger.
A police report in April noted 5 offences of stonethrowing in the Park. Another one in October noted that Miss Oldham (35) of 35 Poplar Road, King’s Heath, suffered shock and was taken home.
A serious Accident Report in May noted that Leslie Lewis (17) of 12, Lambourne Rd, Erdington had crushed his finger whilst in the park; and another in January 1925 records that on 17 November Mr. Alfred Holdway (40), of 108 May Lane, had an epileptic fit, and cut his eye and finger.
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This is what a Park Inspection would have looked like.
This was taken during the Inspection of Aston Park in 1926.
(Photo posted on Facebook by Leonard Price in March 2015, and used here with permission)
1925
Park Environment:
There were substantial programmes of work under the Unemployment Relief Scheme during this time, and through this KIngs Heath Park acquired tennis courts, bowling greens, new pathways, and additional planting. A sports pavillion was provided; John Goodman's tender of £2,342 had been approved for this work; it was "nearing completion" by the end of July.
As part of the ongoing maintenance, £50 was expended on materials and labour for general repairs, painting to the palm houses, green houses, and pit lights in the park. Towards the end of the year 12 new pit lights were provided for the sum of £25.
In June a reporter at the Birmingham News wrote -
Park Environment:
There were substantial programmes of work under the Unemployment Relief Scheme during this time, and through this KIngs Heath Park acquired tennis courts, bowling greens, new pathways, and additional planting. A sports pavillion was provided; John Goodman's tender of £2,342 had been approved for this work; it was "nearing completion" by the end of July.
As part of the ongoing maintenance, £50 was expended on materials and labour for general repairs, painting to the palm houses, green houses, and pit lights in the park. Towards the end of the year 12 new pit lights were provided for the sum of £25.
In June a reporter at the Birmingham News wrote -
"I don’t think I have ever seen Kings Heath Park looking more beautiful than in these days of spring. I had a walk last week round its tree-lined avenues, and was delighted with the profusion and freshness of the foliage. The trees are now at their best, and I must say that we of the present day ought to be grateful for the forethought of those responsible for the selection and distribution of such a splendid variety of colours."
"The horse chestnuts, of which there are several noble specimens, carrying with them an age of maturity, are covered with handsome trusses of blossom, and the shady plantations give one that feeling of restfulness so essential in our parks, to those seeking a quiet retreat. The flower borders, too, are delightfully arranged, making a gorgeous picture."
"I understand that much work has been carried out during the last four years under the schemes of government relief work, which embrace an entirely new rose garden, tennis courts, and bowling greens upon the site which, during the war, was planted for various vegetable seed trails for the advancement of allotment cultivation."
"At the end of the war a school was formed for ex-Servicemen desirous of studying agriculture and the allied trades of beekeeping and poultry-farming."
Finance:
At the end of the financial year (31st March) its was reported that income had been £311. 15s. 9d. (against an estimate of £275) and the expenditure had been £1,829. 18s. 1d. (against an estimate of £1,755). The corresponding estimates for the year 1925/26 were £440 and £1,885.
Staff:
A review, for superannuation purposes, of emoluments paid to staff recorded that Mr. Cooper, the park-keeper, who was paid £3. 2s. 7d. per week, had the use of the lodge, with fuel and light, and was provided with a uniform, the added package being worth £57. 10s.
With effect from 1st April, two staff members received wage increases: Mr. A.L. Fulford (18) moved from 22/6d. to 27/6d. per week; and Mr. J.E. Hughes (19) from 30/- to 35/-.
Staff:
A review, for superannuation purposes, of emoluments paid to staff recorded that Mr. Cooper, the park-keeper, who was paid £3. 2s. 7d. per week, had the use of the lodge, with fuel and light, and was provided with a uniform, the added package being worth £57. 10s.
With effect from 1st April, two staff members received wage increases: Mr. A.L. Fulford (18) moved from 22/6d. to 27/6d. per week; and Mr. J.E. Hughes (19) from 30/- to 35/-.
Park Uses:
On the 20th June, Arthur Bones Bohemians gave a concert in the Park at 7 p.m.
On the 9th July the City Police Band played a concert in the Park, when the receipts were just £1. 17s. 3d.
On Sundays the 12th and 19th July, the Christadelphian Preaching Union held open air services in the Park.
On the 26th July, the Invictus Ex-Service Men's Band played concerts in the Park at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
On the 16th, 23rd and 30th August, open-air Services were held in the Park at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
On the 6th and the 20th September, open-air Services were held in the Park at 7.45 p.m.
On the 3rd August, ten one shilling hard tennis court tickets were stolen from the bowling hut at the Park, but on investigation no explanation of the loss could be given, even though the park attendant was said to be on duty all the time.
The King's Heath Park Bowling Club enjoyed success again. In July it was reported that they were leading Division 6 of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Bowling Association, and were in a good position in the Parks League.
On Sundays the 12th and 19th July, the Christadelphian Preaching Union held open air services in the Park.
On the 26th July, the Invictus Ex-Service Men's Band played concerts in the Park at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
On the 16th, 23rd and 30th August, open-air Services were held in the Park at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
On the 6th and the 20th September, open-air Services were held in the Park at 7.45 p.m.
On the 3rd August, ten one shilling hard tennis court tickets were stolen from the bowling hut at the Park, but on investigation no explanation of the loss could be given, even though the park attendant was said to be on duty all the time.
The King's Heath Park Bowling Club enjoyed success again. In July it was reported that they were leading Division 6 of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Bowling Association, and were in a good position in the Parks League.
A sports injury was reported - Garnett Jordan (34) broke his leg during a cricket practice match.
1926
Finance;
Enquiries were made concerning the apparent increased gas consumption at the Park - the account for the year to 25th March 1926 was £3. 14s. 11d., compared with £2. 14s. 1d. for the year to 25th March 1925; but there is no record of the findings.
By the financial year end, i.e. at 31st March 1926, the income for the year at the Park was £359. 6s. 6d. (against an estimate of £315), whilst the expenditure was £1,843. 8s. 4d. (against an estimate of £1,760). The estimates for 1926/27 were £360 and £1,575 respectively.
In June it was reported that £1,145. 9s. 10d. (against a budget of £1,040) had been spent on laying out the park as part of the Unemployment Relief Scheme for 1924/25.
Staff:
Finance;
Enquiries were made concerning the apparent increased gas consumption at the Park - the account for the year to 25th March 1926 was £3. 14s. 11d., compared with £2. 14s. 1d. for the year to 25th March 1925; but there is no record of the findings.
By the financial year end, i.e. at 31st March 1926, the income for the year at the Park was £359. 6s. 6d. (against an estimate of £315), whilst the expenditure was £1,843. 8s. 4d. (against an estimate of £1,760). The estimates for 1926/27 were £360 and £1,575 respectively.
In June it was reported that £1,145. 9s. 10d. (against a budget of £1,040) had been spent on laying out the park as part of the Unemployment Relief Scheme for 1924/25.
Staff:
With effect from 1st April, the wages of Mr. H. Cooper, the Park-keeper, were £3. 9s. 0d. He received an increase - in the form of Free Fuel.
By August, Mr. J. Smith, assistant superintendent of Birmingham Parks, formerly of Kings Heath Park, was appointed Superintendent of the Birmingham Parks in succession to Mr. W.H. Morter (who was retired on ill health grounds, after the investigation of several indiscretions).
During the year, Parks Policeman, Mr. J. Rhodes, was transferred from King’s Heath Park to Farm.
Park uses:
By August, Mr. J. Smith, assistant superintendent of Birmingham Parks, formerly of Kings Heath Park, was appointed Superintendent of the Birmingham Parks in succession to Mr. W.H. Morter (who was retired on ill health grounds, after the investigation of several indiscretions).
During the year, Parks Policeman, Mr. J. Rhodes, was transferred from King’s Heath Park to Farm.
Park uses:
Once again various musical activities took place in the Park. Yet, despite this, it was reported that local people were asking why the musical treats were so few and far between; why their park seemed to be neglected in this respect.
On the 23rd May, the King's Heath Old Prize Band gave a concert in the Park.
On the 23rd May, the King's Heath Old Prize Band gave a concert in the Park.
On Sunday, 11th July, the Wesleyan Methodists held an open-air service, with a choir, in the Park, attended by between two and three thousand people.
On Thursday, the 15th July, the City Police Band played in the Park at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, the 15th July, the City Police Band played in the Park at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, the 25th July, the Kings Heath Old Prize Band played in the Park at at 7 p.m.
On 1st September, the Lord Mayor (Alderman P. Bower) paid an unofficial visit to the Park, and was the guest of the Park Bowling Club. "At the close of the games, Mr. Cox, chairman of the club, moved “the heartiest of hearty” vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor and his colleagues for their visit, with the hope that it was only the precursor of similar pleasant meetings. He would like to take the opportunity of expressing their obligations to the committee for giving them that beautiful pavilion and for all they had done, especially in the matter of the green." "Mr. H. Mantell, in seconding, said he was an old Birmingham man, and had lived long enough to remember the first park opened in Birmingham – Adderley Park. To-day the Parks Committee had provided splendid parks in all directions. Their park at Kings Heath was not the largest, but he claimed it to be the prettiest in the city."
In the autumn a hockey pitch in the park was let to Boxfoldia at a rental of £15 (the secretary of the club was listed as Miss I. Foyle, “Boxfoldia Ltd.”, Ten Acres Works, Pershore Road).
Serious accidents were reported as follows:
In January - Ethel Lefevre, age 13, of 127, Station Road, had a fit.
In March - Ben Hancocks, 42, had a hay fork wound in his head.
1927
Park Environment:
In August the Birmingham News reported -
"Kings Heath Park is presenting an attractive floral picture, and is well worth a visit. The masses of rambler roses are looking their best, and the rose walk is specially beautiful. Great care has also been taken in the lay-out of the beds, which offer a feast of colour to the eye. The well-kept public tennis courts are in excellent condition and receiving a large amount of support from local players. The bowling green has never looked or played better."
Finance:
At the beginning of the year the Refreshment Room Tenancy was re-let. Mrs Blake (Messrs. E.W & S.E. Blake, Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal) offered £65 pa for a continuation of the arrangement she enjoyed. She made an alternative tender for £75 if another two rooms and lavatory on the ground floor and one room on the first floor could be included in the tenancy. The Parks Committee agreed to offer her the tenancy on her revised terms at £80 pa for 3 years from 25th March 1927.
By the financial year end, i.e. at 31st March 1927, the income for the year at the park was £376. 10s. 0d. (against an estimate of £360), whilst the expenditure was £1,590. 18s. 1d. (against an estimate of £1,575). The proposed estimates for 1927/28 were income £397 and expenditure £1,580.
Staff:
There is a record that Mr. J. Mudie was a tenant of Park House until 24th March, after which he took the tenancy of the Old Talbot Inn, Yardley, for one year in the first instance.
Mr. C.C Shardlow, Gardener labourer at the park, had his wages of £2. 13s. 10d. increased by 2/- with effect from 1st April.
The Park Bowlers had a very successful league season, though suffered defeat on a couple of crucial (cup competition) occasions. On 14th July the club invited the Lord Mayor and several civic dignitaries to the Park to meet them in a friendly match; the club won that encounter comfortably. On behalf of the Ladies Bowling Club, Mrs Blake asked for the use of the Refreshment Rooms for a private party on the evening of December 27th, but was refused permission.
Park Environment:
In August the Birmingham News reported -
"Kings Heath Park is presenting an attractive floral picture, and is well worth a visit. The masses of rambler roses are looking their best, and the rose walk is specially beautiful. Great care has also been taken in the lay-out of the beds, which offer a feast of colour to the eye. The well-kept public tennis courts are in excellent condition and receiving a large amount of support from local players. The bowling green has never looked or played better."
Finance:
At the beginning of the year the Refreshment Room Tenancy was re-let. Mrs Blake (Messrs. E.W & S.E. Blake, Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal) offered £65 pa for a continuation of the arrangement she enjoyed. She made an alternative tender for £75 if another two rooms and lavatory on the ground floor and one room on the first floor could be included in the tenancy. The Parks Committee agreed to offer her the tenancy on her revised terms at £80 pa for 3 years from 25th March 1927.
By the financial year end, i.e. at 31st March 1927, the income for the year at the park was £376. 10s. 0d. (against an estimate of £360), whilst the expenditure was £1,590. 18s. 1d. (against an estimate of £1,575). The proposed estimates for 1927/28 were income £397 and expenditure £1,580.
Staff:
There is a record that Mr. J. Mudie was a tenant of Park House until 24th March, after which he took the tenancy of the Old Talbot Inn, Yardley, for one year in the first instance.
Mr. C.C Shardlow, Gardener labourer at the park, had his wages of £2. 13s. 10d. increased by 2/- with effect from 1st April.
With effect from 12th September, ithe wages of Mr. A.L.
Fulford, a junior manual employee at the Park, were increased from 40/- to £2.
11s. 10d. per week.
In April the Parks Committee agreed to let an unfurnished room adjoining the Park-keeper’s quarters in King’s Heath Park House to Miss N.J. Palmer (an orphan employed at Cadbury's) at a rent of 5/6d per week plus 2/- per week to the Park-keeper for domestic requirements (including lavatory and bath) to be provided by him.
Park uses:
Arrangements were put in place for the booking of football and cricket pitches, and the use of tennis courts (there were at least three) by private clubs. A grass tennis court cost a club £17. 10. 0d. for the season; the tennis season running from Saturday 30th April to Saturday 1st October. Cricket pitches cost 4 shillings (20p) for an afternoon match, and 2/6d. (12.5p) for an evening match. A dressing room cost 1 shilling (5p).
In April the Parks Committee agreed to let an unfurnished room adjoining the Park-keeper’s quarters in King’s Heath Park House to Miss N.J. Palmer (an orphan employed at Cadbury's) at a rent of 5/6d per week plus 2/- per week to the Park-keeper for domestic requirements (including lavatory and bath) to be provided by him.
Park uses:
Arrangements were put in place for the booking of football and cricket pitches, and the use of tennis courts (there were at least three) by private clubs. A grass tennis court cost a club £17. 10. 0d. for the season; the tennis season running from Saturday 30th April to Saturday 1st October. Cricket pitches cost 4 shillings (20p) for an afternoon match, and 2/6d. (12.5p) for an evening match. A dressing room cost 1 shilling (5p).
The Park Bowlers had a very successful league season, though suffered defeat on a couple of crucial (cup competition) occasions. On 14th July the club invited the Lord Mayor and several civic dignitaries to the Park to meet them in a friendly match; the club won that encounter comfortably. On behalf of the Ladies Bowling Club, Mrs Blake asked for the use of the Refreshment Rooms for a private party on the evening of December 27th, but was refused permission.
The Wesleyan Methodist church repeated last year's initiative, holding an open-air service in the Park on 29th May, which attracted over 1000 people, and again on 17th July, the occasion of their minister's last address.
Weekend music in the Park was advertised occasionally.
On Sunday, the 14th August, the Kings Heath Adult School Band played in the Park at 7 p.m.
1928
Park Environment:
A report was presented to the Parks Committee in January which itemised the seating provision in the City's parks. King's Heath Park had Rustic Seats for 36 persons; 40 Plank seats; 14 Teak lath seats; 46 Pitch pine seats on cast-iron brackets; and 300 Folding music seats. There was seating accommodation in shelters for 84 persons. Amazingly, the total seating accommodation in the Park was (approximately!) 1.026.
There must have been a spate of accidents involving open water in the City's parks. Lists were made of the length and cost of dwarf fencing required to enclose all pools and streams in the parks. King's Heath Park was listed as requiring 200 yards of fencing costing £81. 5s. 0d. However after consideration, the Parks Committee were of the opinion that the erection of fencing round the various lakes in the parks would not prevent the fatal accidents by drowning which occurred very occasionally, and that owing to the unsightly appearance of such fencing and the very heavy cost that would be involved, they did not approve any fencing.
Staff:
With effect from the 7th June, the wages of Mr. H. Cooper, the Park-keeper, were increased by 5/- to £3. 14s. 0d. (plus house fuel and light).
Having been promoted in 1926 to the role of Superintendent of the City Parks and Cemeteries Department, Mr. Smith removed his residence from Kings Heath Park, to Cannon Hill House in Cannon Hill Park in July this year.
By the Autumn, Master W. Price (aged 16 years) had started work in the Park as a Garden Boy on a weekly wage of £1. 0s. 0d. per week.
Park uses:
The Park bowlers were less consistent with their wins during this season and again were knocked out of the Cup competition, though promoted from the fifth to the third division of the league in which it played. They had asked permission to open their season on the 21st April, however weather conditions had not been favourable and the greens were not ready. Bowling (and tennis) was subsequently allowed from 5th May.
Park Environment:
A report was presented to the Parks Committee in January which itemised the seating provision in the City's parks. King's Heath Park had Rustic Seats for 36 persons; 40 Plank seats; 14 Teak lath seats; 46 Pitch pine seats on cast-iron brackets; and 300 Folding music seats. There was seating accommodation in shelters for 84 persons. Amazingly, the total seating accommodation in the Park was (approximately!) 1.026.
There must have been a spate of accidents involving open water in the City's parks. Lists were made of the length and cost of dwarf fencing required to enclose all pools and streams in the parks. King's Heath Park was listed as requiring 200 yards of fencing costing £81. 5s. 0d. However after consideration, the Parks Committee were of the opinion that the erection of fencing round the various lakes in the parks would not prevent the fatal accidents by drowning which occurred very occasionally, and that owing to the unsightly appearance of such fencing and the very heavy cost that would be involved, they did not approve any fencing.
Staff:
With effect from the 7th June, the wages of Mr. H. Cooper, the Park-keeper, were increased by 5/- to £3. 14s. 0d. (plus house fuel and light).
Having been promoted in 1926 to the role of Superintendent of the City Parks and Cemeteries Department, Mr. Smith removed his residence from Kings Heath Park, to Cannon Hill House in Cannon Hill Park in July this year.
By the Autumn, Master W. Price (aged 16 years) had started work in the Park as a Garden Boy on a weekly wage of £1. 0s. 0d. per week.
Park uses:
The Park bowlers were less consistent with their wins during this season and again were knocked out of the Cup competition, though promoted from the fifth to the third division of the league in which it played. They had asked permission to open their season on the 21st April, however weather conditions had not been favourable and the greens were not ready. Bowling (and tennis) was subsequently allowed from 5th May.
On the evening of Sunday, 24th June the Kings Heath Branch of the League of Nations held a meeting around the bandstand in the Park when a large crowd listened to a "No More War" speech.
Music in the Park was advertised again.
On Sundays, the 8th and 29th July, the Kings Heath Adult School Band played in the Park at 7 p.m.
On Monday, the 9th July, the City Police Band played in the Park at at 7 p.m.
Kings Heath Labour Youths' Football Club moved into the Senior Division of their league, and played their home matches in the Park.
1929
Finance:
At the beginning of March it was reported that the Park-keeper had taken up occupancy of the lodge at the Park, vacating rooms previously occupied in King's Heath Park House. The vacated rooms in the Park House were rented to Mr. Arthur Lusher (Foreman of the King's Heath District of the Trees in Streets staff) at a weekly rate of 15/-.
In October, following her application, Mrs. S.E. Blake was granted permission to sub-let two rooms in the park House.
Staff:
With effect from the 1st April, the wages of Mr. C.C. Shardlow, Foreman Gardener at the Park (with 18½ years service), was increased by 2/- to £2. 15s. 10d. per week.
On 8th April, Mr. Albert Philip Wardle (17 years of age) became a probationer at the park on a weekly wage of £1. 5s. 0d.
On the same date it was announced that two workers, not eligible for appointment to the permanent staff as they were over the age limit, where nevertheless being retained as temporary men. Mr. H. Shuttleworth was moved from the Park to Pineapple and Hazelwell Recreation Grounds, and Mr. C Grendon was retianed in the Park as a labourer on account of being a "good scythe hand".
Park uses:
There were mixed fortunes for the Park Bowling Club - winning some and losing some!
After a gap of two years, the Weslyan Methodists again held two open-air services in the Park - one on Sunday, 16th June, and the other on Sunday, 7th July.
The South Birmingham Christadelphians held a public meeting in the Park on Sunday, 29th September.
In April it was reported that Mr. T. Adams had been fined 5/- for cycling in the park.
The South Birmingham Christadelphians held a public meeting in the Park on Sunday, 29th September.
In April it was reported that Mr. T. Adams had been fined 5/- for cycling in the park.
Another local resident was arraigned before the local magistrate for riding his bicycle in the Park after 10 a.m., contrary to the park bye laws. The case against him was dismissed; he had argued - "when they stop motor cars in the parks I shall stop riding my bicycle." The old bye laws had not been amended to keep pace with modern transport methods and strangely motor cars were permitted! The case drew some humorous verse in the following week's press.
1930
Early in the year, the death of Mr. J. Smith (58) was announced. He was the former superintendent at Kings Heath Park, who was first appointed assistant superintendent and then in 1926 superintendent of all the Birmingham Parks.
The progress of the Park Bowling Club was reported in the press intermittently during the season.
On Sunday June 22nd, and then again on Sunday, 13th July, the Wesleyans held their now customary open-air services in the Park.
Following last year's arraignment of an offending cyclist in the Park, in July the bye laws were amended - "motor cars and other vehicles are not permitted in the Public Parks and Recreation Grounds after 10 a.m., unless on business connected with such Parks or Recreation Grounds.”
The Kings Heath Branch of the League of Nations held more open-air summer anti-war propaganda meetings - on Sunday, 10th August and again on Sunday, 24th August.
