THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

The friends care for three parks in Bloxwich:

• Promenade Gardens
• Bloxwich Park
• King George V Playing Fields

We were set up in 1998 with the aim that the parks should be used to promote a greater sense of community in the town, and are therefore committed to developing and encouraging more use of the parks.   

In 1999 we were instrumental in the provision of the Lido, picnic benches, and additional park benches in other areas of King George V Playing Fields, and we were actively involved in the protection of the Promenade Gardens from re-development

We also supported, in conjunction with West Midland Arts, Walsall Council Parks Department, the repainting of the shelter in Bloxwich Park.  The project was undertaken by Walsall Youth Arts working with the Learning Gateway Life Skills Programme.

During 2000 we explored the creation of a conservation pool and added new areas of woodland as part of the Millennium Forest project.

In addition we successfully applied and were awarded a £5000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Millennium Festival for All, for the restoration of the 1891 fountain in the Promenade gardens, and the revival of the carnival. We then brought together a range of community groups within Bloxwich to work as a sub committee of the Friends Group to organise the carnival.  On August the 12th 2000 the 48th Bloxwich Carnival was successfully revived on a day bathed in glorious sunshine. 

Other events that have used our parks have included a gospel day organised by local churches.

We also began to spread our message over a wider area by setting up our own web page in conjunction with Bloxwich.com (now defunct), and the publication of a pamphlet detailing a brief history of Bloxwich Parks.

In 2001 we again provided support for the Carnival (Bloxwich’s 49th) and as part of this year’s Carnival the tradition of the “Old Folks” tea party was revived.  On the Friday before the Carnival, King George V Playing Fields hosted a party in a marquee sponsored by the Staffordshire Building Society. 

Entertainment for the 200 plus guests was provided by a 1901 “Wonderland” Fairground Organ sponsored by Pat Collins Fun Fairs.  Vehicles were provided by Walsall Community Transport to get guests to and from the event.  Staff from Frank F. Harrison Community Association served the tea and cakes. The afternoon was extremely successful with everyone commenting on how pleasurable it was.  Since then this is a long awaited event by the community.

The Friends also promote other activities in our parks during the year, including fun days, health walks, inter sports days, conservation days, events such as the Carnival, dance band contests and bonfire.

Development of the Park continues, 2006 has seen the addition of a skate park, additional benches and refurbishment of some of the boundary fences.

Our ambitious plans for the restoration of William Wiggin Avenue in King George V Playing Fields have stalled somewhat since 2002, and the needs of other areas of the park have needed to be considered.  So our current plans concern the entire park.  This will be a major task which will include boundary fencing, signage, a health walk, a new bowling green, re-consideration of the variety and amount of sports, space for community events such as the Carnivals, space for sensory plants and quiet reflection, spectator benches, car parking and refurbishment of the buildings. This will be undertaken as part of a multi phased plan.

We are constantly aware of the greater needs of the community and have attended discussions with other groups on the requirements of Bloxwich residents for green spaces, sports and recreational facilities.  We are always available to work with other groups in order to extend and enhance the facilities and use of our parks.

The Friends of Bloxwich Parks meets monthly to discuss and air views and welcomes all members of the community.  Annually we meet to formally appoint our committee.

CONTACT FRIENDS OF BLOXWICH PARKS COMMITTEE:

 

Friends of Bloxwich Parks

Contact: Kate Frost

Telephone: (01922) 400234

 

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Bloxwich Parks have a long and proud history.  Click on the link below to read our special illustrated feature by GEORGE JEVONS:

Bloxwich Parks History