1946 Clippings

On-going Research:  Last updated 17 January 2014
 
 
1946
 
 
7th January 1946 – BCC Parks Committee
 
The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Holiday Entertainment – Fun Fair Contract
Following upon the recent decision of the General Committee, an advertisement was inserted in the local press for tenders for the privilege of providing Fun Fair Entertainment in the parks from 25th March to the 29th September 1946, and the tenders are due today.
A list of the parks in which sites are proposed to be allocated as approved by the Committee has been supplied to the applicants.  Mr. Bob Wilson, who had the contract for this form of entertainment last year, has raised certain questions thereon, and as a result of discussions with him and his Solicitors, Messrs. Hatwell Pritchett & Co., the list of parks has been revised by the inclusion therein of sites at the following parks, i.e. :-
 
King’s Heath, Lightswood, Victoria Common, Northfield, Hay Barn Recreation Ground, and King’s Norton Playing Fields.
 
The following places have also been deleted from the list, i.e. :-
 
Chamberlain Gardens, Farm, Henry Barbour Recreation Ground, Hodge Hill Common, and Shortheath Park.
 
The Committee’s approval of this action is desired.
 
Since the appearance of the advertisement in the Press, letters have been received from residents adjacent to Lightswood Park and Queen’s Park, Harborne, protesting against a continuance of Fun Fair entertainments in these two parks.  Queen’s Park is not included in the list and the correspondent in that case has been notified accordingly, but has been informed that the Committee reserve to themselves the right to take such action as they may think fit in regard to such entertainment in the future.
 
 
Holiday Entertainment – Fun Fair Contract
 
With reference to paragraph 2 of the General Manager’s report, the Committee were informed that one tender had been received for the privilege of providing fun-fair entertainment in the parks indicated in that paragraph.  This tender was submitted by the Contractor for 1945, Mr. Robert Wilson, who offered the sum of £6,500 for the period from 25th March to 29th September 1946.
 
Holiday Entertainment – Fun Fair Contract
 
6012   Resolved:-   That the tender of Mr. Robert Wilson amounting to £6,500 for the privilege of holding fun fair entertainments etc., in the parks and recreation grounds for six months from 25th March 1946 to 29th September 1946, as set out in the foregoing report, be accepted; and the Town Clerk instructed to prepare and seal any necessary documents in connection therewith.
 
 
4th February 1946 – BCC Parks Committee
 
6030   The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
        Dismissals
 
Name                  Park                 Nature of Employment
Turner, T.P.          King’s Heath     Garden Labr (a)             Services no longer required 5.1.46
Stanton, W.L.         do.                   do.                               do.
Grinnell, J.H            do.                   do.                               do.
Blundell, R.H.         do.                   do.                               do
 
 
Sites in Various Parks Requisitioned for Defence Purposes
As and when these sites are derequisitioned, claims for restoration are submitted to the appropriate Government Departments, and recently the following claims have been settled:-
 
Park:                               King’ Heath
Site Used for:                  Home Guard
Amount of Claim:             £8. 14. 0.
 
 
Sites in Various Parks Requisitioned for Defence Purposes
 
6042   Resolved:-   That the amounts paid on claims in respect of sites in various parks requisitioned for defence purposes, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
 
 
6059   The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
King’s Heath Park – Football Pitches 
With reference to the question which was raised at your last meeting regarding the condition of the Football pitches in this park, I have had the matter investigated, and it is reported that they are in very bad condition owing to the lack of proper drainage.  Mole draining was suggested at your last meeting, but it is reported to me that this would be impossible, owing to the levels, and to the fact that there is a back-fill to the centre of the area.  The remedy appears to be to lay a new main drain fairly deep on the Avenue Road frontage of the park, with a connection to the main stormwater sewer in the road.  It would then be possible to drain the whole of the playing area, but it would involve some considerable expense.
In the circumstances, I am having a resurvey made of the area, and will report further in due course, with a view to obtaining the Committee’s authority for the necessary work to be carried out.
 
 
Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
I beg to report that, following upon the recent resolution of the City Council authorising your Committee to arrange entertainments, including Plays in the Parks, in the summer of 1946,  advertisements were inserted in the local Press inviting applications from bands, concert parties, children’s entertainers, etc., and numerous applications have been received.  These are being tabulated, and will be submitted to the Sub-Committee in due course.
In the meantime, it is suggested that the terms “Holidays at Home” and/or “Brighter Birmingham” should now be dropped, and that the title “Entertainments in the Parks” should be adopted in lieu thereof.
The Committee’s instructions are also desired with regard to the length of the seasons for plays and entertainments in the parks respectively.
...........
With regard to other entertainments it is suggested that the season should be for eight weeks, from the 22nd June to the 17th August; that Cannon Hill, Hnadsworth, Lightswood, Small Heath and Ward End Parks should be used for the full period, and that three weekly periods of entertainments should be given at Rookery, Aston, King’s Heath, Pype Hayes and Sparkhill Parks.  The parks mentioned are those which gave the best financial results last year.
The Committee’s instructions will also be required with regard to the hire or purchase of marquees and tents for the plays and entertainments and for catering, if catering is to be undertaken by the Department as last year.  This can be arranged, subject to the approval of the refreshment caterers at the parks affected, which has been given in the past, with the exception of King’s Heath and Pype Hayes where the park caterers themselves make the necessary special arrangements.  Other details will require the consideration of the Sub-Committee in due course.
 
 
Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
 
6062   Resolved:-   That the term “Holidays at Home” and/or “Brighter Birmingham” be discontinued and that the title “Entertainments in the Parks” be adopted in lieu thereof.
 
 
General Entertainments
 
6064   Resolved:-   That the season for general entertainments in the parks be for eight weeks, from 22nd June to 17th August, 1946; that Cannon Hill, Hnadsworth, Lightswood, Small Heath and Ward End Parks be used for the full period, and that three-weekly periods of entertainments be given at Rookery, Aston, King’s Heath, Pype Hayes and Sparkhill Parks.
 
 
4th March 1946 – BCC Parks Committee
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Refreshment Rooms in Parks – Tenancies
With reference to Minute No. 5989 of the General Committee, I beg to submit the attached list of refreshment room tenancies which expire of the 25th March 1946, showing the rents offered for the extension of the tenancies for the period of one year.  With one exception, the present tenants are desirous of continuing their tenancies, and in one or two instances offer an increased rent, the remainder agreeing to pay the same rent as at present.
...............
The instructions of the Committee are desired.
 
 
List of Refreshment Tenancies expiring on 25th March 1946
 
Park:                                                                      King’s Heath
Present Tenant:                                                     Miss Grace Summers,
                                                                              King’s Heath House,
                                                                              Vicarage Road,
                                                                              King’s Heath, 14.
Pre-War period of Tenancy:                                  3 years
Pre-War rental per annum:                                    £70
Present rental per annum:                                     £86
Rent offered for year commencing 26.3.1946:       £86
 
 
Staff Appointments
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:
 
Name:                                           Parr, G.P. (14)
Park:                                             King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:                Garden Boy
Commencing Date:                      4.2.46
Wages:                                         £1- 1- 6d.
 
 
Resignations
 
Name:                                           Walker, W.T.
Park:                                             King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:                Pk. Police    Left own accord, 12.1.46
 
 
Staff – Salaries
At this meeting of the Sub-Committee, a schedule will be laid on the table containing particulars of the Non-Manual Staff of the Department at the Head Office and certain Parks, and their present salaries, together with recommendations for increases to take effect as from 1st April next.  The schedule will contain particulars of Age, Length of Service, Present Salary, Value of Emoluments (if any), Maximum Salary under Grading Scheme, where applicable, and Date and Amount of last increase.
 
 
List of Salaries of Non-Manual Staff at the Head Office and certain Parks as at 31st March, 1946, and recommendations for increases.
 
Name:                                                                 Healey, H.V.
Designation:                                                       Park Superintendent, King’s Heath Park 
Age as at April 1946:                                          43 1/12
Length of Service as at April 1946:                    17 10/12                       
Present Salary:                                                   £275
Value of Emoluments (if any):                            £55
Total:                                                                  £330
Maximum Salary under Grading Scheme,
Excluding emoluments:             £350                
Date of last increase:                                        1.4.45
Amount of last increase:                                    £25
Increase recommended:                                    £25
 
 
Refreshment Rooms in Parks – Tenancies
 
6097   Resolved:-   That the offers received for the extension for one year of the existing tenancies of the refreshment rooms in parks expiring on the 25th March 1946, on the terms and conditions set out in the foregoing report, be accepted; ....................
 
 
Staff Appointments
 
6099   Resolved:-   That the appointments to fill vacancies on the Parks Department staff, as set out in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
 
 
Staff Salaries
 
6107   Resolved:-   That various increases in salary to non-manual staff at Head Office of the Department and in certain Parks, as set out in the schedule incorporated in the foregoing report, be approved, and put into effect from the 1st April 1946.
 
 
1st April 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Staff
(h)  Women’s Land Army
It is recommended that the wages of Miss Joan Mary Lane, employed at King’s Heath Park, who has completed twelve months’ satisfactory service, be increased from £2-13-0. to £2-18-0. per week as from the 4th instant.
 
 
Women’s Land Army – Wage Increases
 
6169   Resolved:-   That the wages of Miss Joan Mary Lane (Women’s Land Army), employed at King’s Heath Park, be increased from £2. 13. 0d to £2. 18. 0d per week, with effect from 4th March, 1946.
 
 
The following report of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee was received:-
 
King’s Heath Park – Football Pitches
With reference to my report submitted to your meeting on the 4th February last, as the area used for football is likely to be required during the summer months for Cricket and entertainments, it would seem that the proposed drainage of same will have to be deferred until the Summer season has ended.
The suggested survey will then be carried out, and an estimate submitted of the cost of the proposed drainage.
 
 
The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Victory Celebrations - 8th June, 1946
I beg to report that at the request of the Lord Mayor, your Chairman and I attended a Conference of the Chairmen and Chief Officials of the Departments concerned on the 4th instant, to consider a communication from the Home Office with regard to Victory Celebrations on the 8th June next.  Among the matters considered were the following:-
 
(a)   Victory Parades.
(b)   Children’s Entertainments in the Parks.
(c)   Fireworks and Bonfires in the Parks.
(d)   Flood Lighting.
(e)   Decorations – Public Buildings.
(f)    Concerts for Aged Persons in Institutions.
(g)   Public Holiday – Corporation Departments.
 
With regard to entertainments in the parks and in particular for children, it was thought desirable to arrange fun fairs and roundabouts in as many parks as possible, and that endeavours should be made to provide a number of Bands, Punch and Judy Shows, etc.  It was suggested that the organised games and sports should be arranged for children in the parks.  Your Chairman indicated that in his view the school teachers would be the best persons to organise any such games and sports, but the representatives of the Education Committee stated this would be impossible because the school teachers would be on holiday at the time.  It was accordingly decided that the Lord Mayor be requested to invite various Voluntary Committees in the several Wards of the City to co-operate with your Committee in organising such games and sports.
With regard to fireworks and bonfires, it was agreed that everything possible should be done to discourage promiscuous bonfires, owing to the heavy damage caused during the “V.E.” and “V.J.” days celebrations, and that with this end in view, official bonfires and fireworks displays should be provided in say six of the main parks of the City.  In this connection, I would point out that the Government has intimated that where it is possible to light bonfires, only material with no salvage value should be used, and that arrangements are to be made with the National Fire Service to guard against any possible spread of fire.  The City Engineer & Surveyor intimated that it might be possible for his Department to supply suitable material for bonfires.
In regard to flood lighting, it was agreed that this should be restricted to the main public buildings, and that flood lighting in the parks should not be undertaken.
Since the Conference, I have been in communication with various Bands, Punch and Judy Shows and other entertainers, and also with the fun fair and fireworks contractors.  So far as fun fairs are concerned, Mr. Bob Wilson has an exclusive contract for the parks for six months from 25th instant, and in view of the terms of this contract, outside contractors cannot very well be approached; in fact, it is doubtful whether in any event they would be available for the Birmingham Parks.  He has told me he will endeavour to arrange for fun fair entertainments to be available at seven or eight parks, but he cannot possibly do more.
I also wrote to 16 bands and 7 children’s entertainer immediately after the Conference.  All the Military Bands appear to be unavailable, and so far I have only been able to engage the following:-
 
Fisher & Ludlow’s Band – Afternoon and evening.
British Legion, Austin Branch – ditto.
Bournville Works Silver Band – evening only.
 
It is possible the City Transport Band may be available, if they are not required for a Victory Parade.
Children’s entertainers and Punch and Judy Shows are likewise difficult to engage, and I have so far only been able to book up two Punch and Judy shows, and a Children’s Variety Show comprising circus fun, etc.
Bonfires can be provided in six of the City Parks as desired, if the Public Works Department supply suitable material therefor, in accordance with the indication given by the City Engineer & Surveyor at the Conference.  The Parks suggested for these are:-
 
Aston                       Small Heath
Handsworth              Ward End
King’s Heath             Queen’s Park, Harborne
 
The fireworks contractors are not yet in a position to give any details as to what they can do, but they state they can provide displays in five parks, and the parks suggested for these are:-
 
Aston                       Ward End
Handsworth              Queen’s Park, Harborne
Small Heath
 
Cannon Hill and Lightswood Parks were suggested at the Conference for bonfires and fireworks, but it would be too dangerous to have bonfires or fireworks at Cannon Hill Park on the 8th June because marquees and tentage for plays and Entertainments in the Parks will be in the park on that date.  Lightwoods Park has not been utilised for either bonfires or fireworks, on the occasion of the most recent pre-war celebrations, the reason being that the park is situated within the Borough of Smethwick.
In regard to the fireworks, the contractors have promised to let me have a rough specification and estimate of cost prior to your meeting, but the fireworks will necessarily have to be on a restricted scale, and particularly so as the Ministry of Supply have refused to release any timber for the construction of set pieces.
I understand the General Purposes Committee have approved of the arrangements as set out above, so far as they have gone.
Wherever possible, it is proposed that the expenditure in connection with the Victory Day celebrations shall be passed through the accounts of the Education Committee in order to attract grant from the Ministry of Education.
 
------------------------------------
 
 
(There is a letter dated 14th March, 1946, from Messrs Hadley Sound Equipments, 587-9, Bearwood Road, Smethwick, with the Minute.  It is a quotation for the hire of sound equipment for the programme of Entertainments in the Parks and the season of Plays in the Park, and includes the following:-)
 
“To supplying complete amplifying equipment, consisting of Amplifier, Gramophone Motor and Turntable, also pick-up, with 2 Microphones, for each of the following Parks and dates:-“
 
(Then from a list of 8 parks, involving a total of 36 weeks)
 
“King’s Heath Park           July 27th to August 17th – 3 weeks
 
“An operator will be in attendance at each of the above parks for the entire period of concert, and high class equipment only will be used.
 
“The total cost of carrying out the above, including all necessary transport, wiring and fixing, on hire for the above-mentioned periods will be  .............£700. 0. 0d.
 
------------------------------------------
 
 
Victory Celebrations, 8th June, 1946
 
6186   Resolved:-   That subject to no extra duties devolving upon the staff of the Department in connection with the organisation of the children’s sports and games, and to the substitution of Calthorpe Park for Aston Park in the lists of parks suggested for the provision of firework displays and bonfires, the proposals detailed in the foregoing report for the celebration of Victory Day be approved and that the General Purpose Committee be informed accordingly.
 
 
6th May 1946 – BCC Parks Committee
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Staff Appointments
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:
 
Name:                                         Perring, R.G.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:               Pk. Police
Commencing Date:                     12.3.46
Wages:                                       £4- 10- 0d.
 
 
Staff Appointments
 
6225   Resolved:-   That the various appointments to fill vacancies on the Parks Department staff, as set out in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
 
 
3rd June 1946 – BCC Parks Committee
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Staff Appointments
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:
 
Name:                                         Holden, C.H.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Games Attendant
Commencing Date:                    17.4.46
Wages:                                       £4- 6- 0d.
 
Name:                                         Davies, F.E.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Garden Labr (a)
Commencing Date:                    29.4.46
Wages:                                       £4- 6- 0d.
 
Name:                                         Palmer, J.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Garden Labr (a)
Commencing Date:                    29.4.46
Wages:                                       £4- 6- 0d.
 
 
Resignations
 
Name:                                         Parr, G.P.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Garden Boy    Left of own accord 19.4.46.
 
 
Staff Appointments
 
6294   Resolved:-   That the various appointments to fill vacancies in the manual staff, as detailed in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
 
 
Victory Day Programme
 
The following programme of events for Victory Day was received:-
 
(From a list:-)
King’s Heath Park          3.30 and 7.0                  W.J.A.C Band.
                                    Bonfire and Fun Fair.
 
 
1st July 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Use of Parks
The use of parks has been granted as follows since your last meeting:-
 
Date        Park                 Organisation                             Purpose
23.6.46    King’s Heath     Warwickshire County Army         Parade at 9.30 a.m.
                                       Cadet Force.
 
 
Appointments
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:
 
Name:                                         Harwood, T.G
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Trained Gardener (a)
Commencing Date:                    13.5.46
Wages:                                       £4- 12- 9d.
 
 
Resignations
 
Name:                                         Perring, R.G.
Park:                                           King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:              Pk. Police     Left own accord, 4.6.46.
 
 
Use of Parks
 
6360   Resolved:-   That the allocation of the use of various parks, as detailed in the foregoing report, be approved.
 
 
Appointments
 
6362   Resolved:-   That the various appointments to fill vacancies upon the staff of the Department, as referred to in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
 
 
29th July 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Various Parks and Cemeteries – Heating Systems
The heating systems at the parks and cemeteries listed below are not giving satisfactory service, and repairs consisting of the replacement of defective boiler sections, pipes and castings, and readjusting and remodeling of pipes, etc., are required.
Messrs. W. Richardson & Co. Ltd., Heating Engineers, London, have been asked to advise on this work and to submit an estimate of cost.  They are, however, unable to state the definite cost until the apparatus is dismantled, but the approximate amounts are as follows:-
 
(From a list:-)
King’s Heath Park            Glasshouses                 £225 
 
(Compiler’s note - the highest expenditure in the list!)
 
This expenditure can be charged against the current year’s Estimates, and the Committee’s authority is desired for the work to be put in hand.
 
 
Use of Parks
The use of parks has been granted as follows since your last meeting:-
 
Date        Park                 Organisation                             Purpose
21.7.46    King’s Heath     Birmingham Open Air Workers   Religious Services
2..7.46     King’s Heath     Evangelical Free Church            Children’s Service
                                                                                       At 6.30 p.m.
 
 
Heating Apparatus at Various Parks and Cemeteries
 
6422   Resolved:-   That the General Manager be authorised to place orders upon the basis of the quotation submitted with Messrs. W. Richardson & Co. Ltd., Heating Engineers, London, for work to be carried out to the heating systems at various parks and cemeteries detailed in the foregoing report.
 
 
Use of Parks
 
6423   Resolved:-   That the allocation of the use of the various parks, as detailed in the foregoing report, be approved.
 
 
Report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee
 
6448   The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Your Sub-Committee met on Monday, the 22nd July, 1946, and considered the attached report of the General Manager upon which they have to make the recommendations set out at the foot of the report.
In addition the General Manager brought up verbally by way of supplementary report certain matters which are referred to hereunder:-
 
King’s Heath Park – Fun Fair
The General Manager has brought before your Sub-Committee a report from the Park-keeper at King’s Heath Park giving particulars of extensive damage to the grass areas of the Park as a result of the recently held fun fair.
Your Sub-Committee feels that it is now their duty to report that continued operation of fun fairs in your Committee’s Parks and Recreation Grounds can only take place at the expense of serious damage to property and they accordingly recommend, that subject to the City Council not issuing any direction to the contrary, the provision of fun fairs upon sites under the control of your Committee be discontinued upon the expiration of the present contract with Mr. Robert Wilson.
 
 
Fun Fairs
 
6452   Resolved:-   That, subject to no direction from the City Council being received to the contrary, and except in so far as the Committee reserve the right upon any special occasion when it is not contrary to the interests of the site so to do, the provision of fun fairs in Parks and Recreation Grounds generally be discontinued upon the expiration of the existing contract with Mr. Robert Wilson.

 
29th July 1946 - Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/3)
 
Kings Heath Park - Buildings
Repairs to heating system of glasshouses.  Contractor: W. Richardson & Co.  Cost £250.  Parks Committee Minute 6422 dated 29.7.46.
 
 
1st August 1946 - Parks Department (Operations Card 55 M1)
 
The site used for Home Guard shelters derequisitioned.
 
 
13th August 1946 - Parks Department (Operations Card 55 M1)
 
Claim for reimbursement - £6.
 
 
7th October 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
 
Appointments
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:
 
Name and age:                            Markham, D.J.M. (14)
Park:                                             King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:                Garden Boy
Commencing Date:                      12.8.46
Wages:                                         £1. 2. 6d.
 
Name and age:                             Raison, A.E. (14)
Park:                                             King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:                 Garden Boy
Commencing Date:                       12.8.46
Wages:                                         £1. 2. 6d.
 
Resignations
 
Name and age:                            Scudamore, K.D. (Mrs)  (29).
Park:                                            King’s Heath
Nature of Employment:                Female Worker     Left own accord, 27.7.46.
 
 
Use of Parks
The use of parks has been granted as follows since your last meeting:-
 
Date        Park                 Organisation                             Purpose
9.7.46      King’s Heath     Evangelical Free Church            Children’s Service
                                                                                                   at 6.30 p.m.
18.8.46    King’s Heath     Birmingham Open Air Workers   Religious Service
 
 
Appointments
 
6500   Resolved:-   That the various appointments to fill vacancies in staff as detailed in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
 
 
Use of Parks
 
6504   Resolved:-   That the use of various Parks as detailed in the foregoing report be approved.


29th October 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee was received:-
 
Subsistence Allowance and Other Expenses
Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
During the period of the Plays and Entertainments in the Parks this season, certain employees of your Committee and voluntary workers contributed a considerable amount of unpaid service additional to their normal duties.
No disbursement in respect of subsistence, travelling or other incidental expenses have yet been made and it is recommended that payments for this purpose should be made in accordance with the following schedule:-
 
Length of service during               Place                Name                Suggested Payment
which service was rendered
(1).   Parks Staff
3 weeks                                       King’s Heath     H.V. Healey       £5. 5s. 0d
 
(2).   Voluntary Workers
3 weeks                                       King’s Heath     F.H. Mapp        £5 5s. 0d.
 
 
 
In connection with the report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee, the General Manager submitted the following report:-
 
Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
 
(This is a very long and detailed report; only items relevant to this study have been transcribed.)
 
With regard to the plays and entertainments given in the parks this year, the Committee undertook for the first time the organisation of the Plays in the Parks which had in previous years been organised by the Lord Mayor’s War Relief Fund Committee, and decided to use Cannon Hill, Lightswood and Handsworth Parks during a period of nine weeks (17th June to 17th August) for this purpose.  The season of other entertainments was for a reduced period of eight weeks (24th June to 17th August), and ten of the principal parks were used for these entertainments (Compiler's note - King's Heath Park was one of them) .
An abnormal Summer has again been experienced and the weather conditions play a very important part in the success or otherwise of any kind or entertainment provided in the parks. 
The following is an analysis of the weather conditions experienced during the season the plays and entertainments were given, from which it will be observed that on practically half the number of days very indifferent weather conditions prevailed.
 
Weather Conditions                      Percentage
Good on         18 days                  29.51
Fair on            14 days                  22.95
Bad on            29 days                  47.54
 
General Comments
…………….
We have this year been able to obtain at some parks very valuable assistance from voluntary workers, and your Chairman has sent personal letters conveying to them the thanks of the Committee for the services rendered.   …………………………  Other helpers I would like to specially mention are:-
 
(from a list of 4)       Mr. F.H. Mapp at King’s Heath Park.
 
These and the other helpers have done excellent service throughout the season, and materially assisted in making it a greater success than 1945.  I feel that every effort should be made to enlist the services of voluntary workers, as if enthusiastic people can be enrolled, it greatly assists in making the programme a success.
…………………….
 
Catering
…………………..
At the two remaining parks, i.e. King’s Heath and Pype Hayes, the park caterers would not agree to your Department supplying refreshments in connection with the entertainments.
………………..
 
 
Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
Summary of Entertainments given during the Season and receipts therefrom
 
King’s Heath Park
 
No. of concerts               28
Total Attendance              6,427
Total Receipts                 £210. 6. 9.
 
Military Bands
No of Concerts                4
Attendance                      627
Receipts                          £16. 6. 9.
 
Local Bands
No of Concerts                1
Attendance                      138
Receipts                          £5. 16. 6.
 
Variety
No of Concerts                12
Attendance                      3,540
Receipts                          £147. 17. 6.
 
Dancing
No of Concerts                3
Attendance                      411
Receipts                          £16. 2. 6.
 
Children’s Entertainments
No of Concerts                7
Attendance                      1,258
Receipts                          £15. 14. 6.
 
Miscellaneous
No of Concerts                1
Attendance                      453
Receipts                          £8. 9. 0.
 
------------------------------------
 
 
Subsistence Allowance and Other Expenses
Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1946
 
6573   Resolved:-   That the payment of subsistence allowance and other expenses incurred in connection with plays and Entertainments in the Parks 1946, to the persons specified and in accordance with the amounts detailed in the foregoing report, be approved, and that authority be given for the payment of £45 to the General Manager in this connection.
 
 
2nd December 1946 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
 
The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee was submitted:-
 
Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1947
The following suggested programme for Plays and Entertainments for the 1947 season is submitted:-
 
King’s Heath Park – Entertainments – 28th July to 23rd August, 4 weeks.
 
In order that advertisements for tenders for the supply and maintenance of marquees may be proceeded with, it is necessary that the periods during which the marquees will be required should be approved.  It is also desirable for advertisements to be issued at an early date inviting bands, concert parties, etc., to submit their quotations and available dates for the season.
 
 
Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1947
 
6657   Resolved:-   That subject to the approval of the City Council to the provision of Plays in the Parks for the 1947 season, the proposals as now set out in the foregoing report be approved and that authority be given for the necessary preliminary advertising to be proceeded with.
 
 
Attached to this minute, there is a supplementary report from the General Manager in which he asks for a discussion by the Parks Committee of the future tenancy arrangements for the various refreshment rooms in the parks.  This was in the light of proposals for the catering provision in certain Parks to be transferred to the Restaurants Department of the Civil Defence Committee.  It transpires that the Refreshment Rooms in King's Heath Park would not be included in the transfer at this stage - they would remain under the control of the Parks Department.  However the report contains confirmation of the tenancy arrangements at all the parks, including King’s Heath Park for which the details are:-
 
Park:                                                                   King’s Heath
Present Tenant:                                                  Miss Grace Summers,
                                                                           King’s Heath House,
                                                                           Vicarage Road,
                                                                           King’s Heath, 14.
Pre-War period of Tenancy:                               3 years
Pre-War rental per annum:                                 £70
Present rental per annum: 26.3.1946:                £86
 
 
These details are repeated in a related report submitted to the Parks Committee on 6th January 1947.
 
 




 

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