The History of Kings Heath Park, 1941-1950: 1949 Clippings

On-going Research; last updated 10 April 2014

3^rd January 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Handsworth Park – Officer-in-Charge

It will be remembered I recently reported that I had regretfully formed the opinion that Mr. A. Whiteley, appointed Officer-in-Charge of Handsworth Park in December, 1946, had not generally proved himself able to compete with demands of the nature involved in the management of a park of the type of Handsworth Park, and by your Minute No. 869, the matter was left in the hands of your Chairman and the Chairman of the General Committee to make investigations and report further.

Mr. Whiteley has accordingly been interviewed, and whilst there is no doubt that he has put in much good work, particularly of a horticultural nature, at Handsworth, and that there is no question of his willingness to give of his best, he agrees that his continuous struggle against a gradually increasing defect in his eyesight owing to 1914-18 war injuries renders his task at an exacting park such as Handsworth increasingly difficult.

As you are aware, the following parks are graded as “staff” parks, and though varying somewhat in importance, come within the same grading category for purposes of remuneration of the officers-in-charge. These parks are as follows:-

Cannon Hill, Aston, Handsworth, Ward End, Small Heath, Warley and King’s Heath.

Your Chairman and the Chairman of the General Committee have given careful consideration to the question of relieving Whiteley of his duties without unduly inflicting any financial hardship upon him in his ……….. (cut page!) ………, and have considered that the interests of the Department would best be served by the following changes of responsibility:-

(a) That A. Whiteley should be given charge of King’s Heath Park, where the duties are obviously not of such an arduous nature.

(b) That T.A. Claybrooke, Officer-in-Charge of Small Heath Park since September, 1944, should be transferred to have charge of Handsworth Park, with a view at the same time to understudying the District Superintendent of that district, Mr. G. Stewart, who is due to retire in July, 1950.

(c) That V.N. Pass, Officer-in-Charge of King’s Heath Park since May, 1948, should be transferred to have charge of Small Heath Park, being the post to be vacated by Mr. Claybrooke.

In regard to the effective dates for these transfers, it is desirable that, at the same time, the question of accommodation should be taken into consideration.

As the Committee is aware, Cannon Hill House is now vacant. At the present time the District Superintendent (Mr. Davis) is occupying the lodge at Cannon Hill Park. The Officer-in-Charge (Mr. Healey) is occupying his former accommodation at King’s Heath Park, and Mr. Pass is in his own private accommodation in the King’s Heath district.

A scheme is, at the moment, being prepared for the conversion of Cannon Hill House into two flats, and this scheme should be available for the consideration of the next meeting of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee.

Mr. Davis has been consulted in regard to the conversion and selection of a particular flat, and is quite agreeable to comply with the wishes of the Committee in regard to moving into one of the flats as soon as it is available. It seems, therefore, that in order to avoid undue hardship to the officers concerned and their families, it would be desirable to leave the implementation of the transfers referred to above until such time as the flat to be occupied by Mr. Davis in Cannon Hill House is available, when the complete change-over can then be put into operation.

Your instructions are desired.

Re-arrangements – Officers in Charge – Various Parks

Kings Heath Park

8639 Resolved:- That Mr. A. Whiteley, Officer in Charge at Handsworth Park be transferred to have charge of King’s Heath Park.

Handsworth Park

8640 Resolved:- That Mr. T.A. Claybrooke, Officer in Charge at Small Heath Park be transferred to have charge of Handsworth Park with a view at the same time to his understudying Mr. G. Stewart, District Superintendent of No. 4 District who is due to retire in July, 1950.

Small Heath Park

8641 Resolved:- That Mr. V.M. Pass, Officer in Charge of King’s Heath Park be transferred to have charge of Small Heath Park.

Transfer of Officers Various Parks – Adjustments in Accommodation

8642 Resolved:- That in the circumstances set out in the foregoing report, the implementation of the transfers referred to in the three foregoing resolutions be deferred until such time as the flat at present occupied by the District Superintendent (Mr. Davis) at Cannon Hill House is available and the consequential adjustments in accommodation are possible.

Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1949

Entertainments

It will be remembered that with regard to Entertainments, it was proposed to proceed with the formulation of a programme similar to the 1948 season, and an advertisement has been inserted in the local Press and in the magazine “The Stage” and “The Performer”, inviting applications to perform during the 1949 season. Application forms have also been sent to all companies who appeared during the past season. The applications will be submitted for your Committee’s consideration at a later date. Meanwhile, it will be necessary to invite tenders for marquees, staging, amplification, etc., and in order to do so the dates of the programme should be decided on as soon as possible. The following progamme of Entertainments is suggested:-

Park Dates No. of weeks

Small Heath 6^th June – 13^th Aug. 10

King’s Heath 13^th June – 20^th Aug. 10

Rookery 20^th June – 16^th July 4

Sparkhill 27^th June – 13^th Aug. 7

Selly Oak 27^th June – 23^rd July 4

Ward End 11^th July – 20^th Aug 6

Cannon Hill 18^th July - 20^th Aug. 5

Aston 25^th July – 20^th Aug. 4

Handsworth 1^st Aug – 27^th Aug. 4

The dates of occasional performances by amateur dramatic companies for administrative purposes will, for the time being, be included in the above suggested programme.

The length of the season at each park has been determined by the support given by the public in the past and the dates are arranged to fit in with the proposed tour of the Intimate Theatre Group, so that not more than two parks commence on any one Monday. In the light of experience gained in previous seasons, this is found to be the best arrangement, and sufficient time is allowed for the preparation of the Summer Theatres.

Lightswood Park has been eliminated from the programme of entertainments because of the opposition experienced last season from the Windsor Theatre, Bearwood, and Selly Oak Park has been substituted. It is considered that this will make a more even distribution of the Entertainments around the City and it is proposed to have Sunday Band Concerts at Lightswood Park as well as the proposed visit of the Intimate Theatre Group.

Investigations with a view to improving the general standard of presentation and comfort are still proceeding. The Baths Committee have kindly offered some sections of wooden flooring which it is hoped will be adaptable. A further report upon this aspect of the arrangements will be submitted at a later date.

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Entertainments Programme 1949

8686 Resolved:- That the Entertainments Programme for the 1949 Season, as outlined in the foregoing report, be approved.

7^th February 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Annual Review of Salaries

Particulars of salaries of the Non-Manual Staff of your Department indicating appropriate increments within the Grade to take effect from the 1^st April, 1949 are set out in Appendix “L”

I have no adverse report to make upon any of the officers concerned and accordingly recommend the appropriate increments indicated where applicable.

Appendix “L”

List of Salaries of Non-Manual Staff as at the 31^st March, 1949, and recommendations for Increases.

Name: Pass, V.N.

Present designation: Park Superintendent, King’s Heath Park

Age as at 1^st Apr. 1949: 44 2/12

Length of service as at 1^st Apr. 1949: 29 11/12

Present Grade: APT. IV. (Min.)

Present salary (incl. emoluments if any): £480

Value of emoluments (if any): -

Min. & Max. Salaries within Grade: £480 - £525

Increment Appropriate to Grade: £15

Salary recommended: £495

Non-Manual Staff – Salary Increments

8762 Resolved:- That for the reasons set out in Appendix “L” to the foregoing report, authority be given for the payment of the appropriate salary scale increases to the members of the non-manual staff of the Parks Department as from the 1^st April 1949.

12^th February 1949 - Parks Department (Operations Card 55 C/H1/1)

Tenancy – The Lodge

Tenancy terminated – H.V. Healey; Rent free; Minute No. 11023 dated 8/10/1934; Emols increased to £65 p.a.

Tenancy commenced – A. Whiteley; Rent free; Minute No. 8639 dated 3/1/1949; Emols £65 p.a.

7^th March 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Manual Staff

I have to recommend the regradings as set out in Appendix “F” for the approval of the Committee, to take effect from the dates indicated. The services of all the employees recommended have been satisfactory.

Appendix “F”

Manual Staff – Regradings

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Fulford, A.L. (43)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Grading and Wages - Present: Trained Gdr. (b) £5. 13. 3. plus 5/- p.wk. Improved Services pay

Grading and Wages - Recommended: Trained Gdr. (c) £5. 19. 10. plus 5/- p.wk. Improved Services pay

Date Commenced: 20.10.21

Remarks: To date from 14.2.49.

Name & Age: Honeywill, P. (21)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Grading and Wages - Present: Garden Labr. (a) £5. 0. 0.

Grading and Wages - Recommended: Gdr. (S.s.) £5. 7. 10.

Date Commenced: 2.2.42

Remarks: To date from 14.2.49.

King’s Heath Park – A.L. Fulford

8859 Resolved:- That A.L. Fulford (43) employed as Trained Gardener (b) at King’s Heath Park, be regraded Trained Gardener (c) and his wages increased from £5. 13. 3d. plus 5/- per week Improved Services Pay to £5. 19. 10d. plus 5/- per week Improved Services Pay, with effect from the 14^th February 1949.

King’s Heath Park – P. Honeywill

8865 Resolved:- That P. Honeywill (21) employed as Garden Labourer (a) at King’s Heath Park, be regraded as Gardener (S.s.) and his wages increased from £5. 0. 0d. per week to £5. 7. 10d. per week, with effect from the 14^th February 1949.

Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Marquees – Entertainments in the Parks and Arena Theatre

An advertisement was inserted recently in the Press inviting tenders for the hire of the marquees required for the summer season of Entertainments in the Parks and Arena Theatre. Forms of tender were sent to 13 firms, but only three of these submitted tenders for the Entertainments in the Parks and two for the Arena Theatre.

(a) Entertainments in the Parks

The tenders received in respect of Entertainments in the parks are listed below:-

Name of Firm Inclusive Tender

Tentmasters (C.H. McRae)

King Alfred’s Place, Broad Street, Birmingham 1. £2,160.

John Edgington & Co. Ltd.,

Sardinia House, Sardinia Street, Kingsway, W.C. 2. £2,956.

Stringers, Chapel Street, Chichester. £2,660.

Details of the tenders are shown on the schedule attached.

None of the marquees offered by Tentmasters is of the required size, and it will be remembered that the marquees supplied by this firm last Sumer were unsatisfactory. Stringers supplied the marquees at the City of Birmingham Show last year, and these were very satisfactory. John Edgington & Co. Ltd. are fairly well known marquee contractors, and their marquees, which I have seen at shows in various parts of the Country appeared to be satisfactory

……………….

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Schedule “A”

Entertainments in the Parks, 1949

Tenders for Hire of Marquees

Park and Period: King’s Heath, 13^th June – 20^th Aug.

Total No of weeks: 10

Approx size of marquee required: 140’ x 40’ with 7 ft. walls. Higher walls if possible. To seat about 500 after allowing stage space and gangways.

Tentmasters (C.H. McRae)

Size of marquee to be supplied: 140’ x 40’

Inclusive tender: £400

John Edgington & Co. Ltd.

Size of marquee to be supplied: 140’ x 40’

Inclusive tender: £414

Stringers

Size of marquee to be supplied: 140’ x 40’

Inclusive tender: £500

Marquees – Entertainments in the Parks

8914 Resolved:- That the respective tenders of Messrs. Stringers in the sum of £2,660 for the provision of marquees for entertainments in the parks, …………….., as more particularly referred to in the foregoing report be accepted, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and seal any necessary documents.

4^th April 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Manual Staff

(a) Improved Service Pay

I beg to submit in Appendix “H” a list of the applications received and recommended for the Committee’s approval, the payments to take effect from the dates stated.

Appendix “H”

Manual Staff – Improved Service Pay

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Dafforn, S. (49)

Designation: Trained Gdr. (b)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date entered service: 22.6.31

Improved Service Grant Recommended: 1/-

Date: 14.2.49.

Prosecutions

There have been no Departmental prosecutions since the last meeting of your Committee. Details have been received of a prosecution instituted by the City Police in connection with an offence in King’s Heath Park and these are contained in Appendix “K”.

Appendix “K”

Prosecutions – City Police

Date: 1.3.49

Name: Robert Hore

Offence: (a) Indecent exposure, 17.2.49

Result: Charge dismissed – insufficient evidence

Offence: (b) Indecent exposure, 21.2.49 King’s Heath Park

Result: Fined £5. 0. 0

Improved Service Pay

8963 Resolved:- That authority be given for the payment of Improved Service Pay to the employees named in Appendix “H” to the foregoing report, at the rates and from the dates stated therein.

12^th April 1949 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 D1)

As from 12^th April 1949, Kings Heath House was included in the Valuation List, the rateable value to be £120. (See letter 12.4.49)

2^nd May 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Use of Parks

Since your last meeting, the use of Parks has been granted to various organizations, details of which are contained in Appendix “C”.

Appendix “C”

Use of Parks

Organisation: The Birmingham Open Air Preachers

Date: 22.5.49 28.8.49

Park: King’s Heath Park

Purpose: Religious Services at 7 p.m.

Staff

(d) Improved Service Pay

I beg to submit in Appendix “H” a list of the applications received and recommended for the Committee’s approval, the payments to take effect from the dates stated.

Appendix “H”

Manual Staff – Improved Service Pay

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Dafforn, S. (48)

Designation: Trained Gdr. (b)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date entered service: 22.6.31

Improved Service Grant Recommended: 1/-

Date: 21.3.49.

Cricket in Parks – Provision of First Aid by St. John’s Ambulance Brigade

Subject to your approval arrangements can be made for members of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade to be on duty in the vicinity of the cricket area of the undermentioned parks and recreation grounds whilst cricket matches are in progress on Saturday and Sunday afternoons:-

(From a list of 15:-)

King’s Heath Park

Two to four ambulance men would be on duty at each park from 2.45 p.m. to 6 p.m., and they would attend to any minor injuries which might occur in the area of their patrol. No charge is made for these services.

Your authority for this arrangement is desired.

Use of Parks

9036 Resolved:- That the granting of permission for the use of Parks by various organisations, as detailed in Appendix “C” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

Improved Service Pay

9039 Resolved:- That authority be given for the payment of Improved Service Pay to the employees named in Appendix “H” to the foregoing report, at the rates and from the dates stated therein.

Cricket in Parks – Provision of First Aid by St. John’s Ambulance Brigade

9045 Resolved:- That approval be given to the making of arrangements for members of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade to be on duty in the vicinity of the cricket area of the Parks and Recreation Grounds as set out in the foregoing report, whilst cricket matches are in progress on Saturday and Sunday afternoons: and that subject to the formulation of the necessary arrangements, it be agreed in principle that refreshments be provided or reasonable expenses in lieu thereof paid, to the Ambulance men attending; further, that the General Manager be requested to send an appropriate letter to the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade expressing appreciation of the proposed arrangements.

The following supplementary report of the General Manager was submitted:-

Plays and Entertainments – Amplifying Equipment

An advertisement was recently inserted in the Press inviting tenders for the hire of Amplifying Equipment for the Summer season of entertainments. Quotations have been received from five firms, but only three of these are in a position to quote for all the apparatus required:-

Name of Firm Inclusive Tender

F.C. Brown,

258 Baldwins Lane, Hall Green, 28. £583- 0- 0

Walker Bros. (Electrical Engineers) Ltd.

Quality Works, Temple Row, B’ham 2. £679-10- 0

Hadley Sound Equipment

587-9 Bearwood Road, Smethwick. £816- 0- 0

Mr. F.C. Brown states that he would be using apparatus of his own manufacture, and that he understands our requirements as he was associated with the Express Radio Co., who carried out the contract in the 1947 season. Apart from this, I have no knowledge of the suitability of this apparatus for Entertainments in the Parks, but further enquiries could be made should the Committee so desire.

Walker Bros. Ltd. supplied the equipment last year and carried out their contract in a highly satisfactory manner. The “Tannoy” equipment used by this firm is considered to be the best ever used for the Entertainments.

Hadley Sound Equipment, using their own make of apparatus, have carried out the work before.

J.H. Payne (Birmingham) Ltd, 9, Parade, Birmingham have quoted the sum of £98-17-6. for the ten weeks season at King’s Heath Park.

Spencers (Redditch) Ltd., 33, Alcester Street, Redditch, have quoted the sum of £670-8-0. for the apparatus required at four of the nine parks.

Exact details of the tenders are shown on the attached schedule.

The Committee’s instructions are requested, and the Town Clerk authorised to prepare any necessary Agreement.

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks, 1949

Inclusive Tenders for Hire of Amplifying Equipment

(From a list:-)

Park and Period: King’s Heath, 13^th June – 20^th Aug.

Total No of weeks: 10

Details of Equipment to be Supplied: 1 Amplifier approx. 20 watts output, 2 Loudspeakers, 1 Gramophone Unit, 1 Microphone with stand.

7 sets of Equipment required in use at any one time.

Mr. F.C. Brown

Inclusive tender: £110. 0. 0.

Hadley Sound Equipment

Inclusive tender: £160. 0. 0.

Walker Bros. (Electrical Engineers) Ltd.

Inclusive tender: £123. 10 0.

J.H. Payne (B’ham) Ltd.

Inclusive tender: £98. 17. 6.

Spencers (Redditch) Ltd.

Inclusive tender: £254. 10. 0.

Entertainments in the Parks – Amplifying Equipment

9095 Resolved:- That the tender of Walker Bros. (Electrical Engineers) Ltd. in the sum of £679.10.0d. for hire of amplifying equipment for the 1949 Summer Season of Entertainments in the Parks, as referred to in the foregoing report, be accepted and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and seal any necessary documents.

26^th May 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Use of Parks

Since your last meeting, the use of Parks has been granted to various organizations, details of which are contained in Appendix “H”.

Appendix “H”

Use of Parks

Organisation: Various Branches of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

Date: 11^th, 18^th and 25^th Sept.

Park: King’s Heath Park

Purpose: Religious Meetings, 3 p.m.

Use of Parks

9142 Resolved:- That the granting of permission for the use of Parks by various organizations, as detailed in Appendix “H” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

4^th July 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Manual Staff

(a) Appointments

Since the last meeting of your Committee the appointments as set out in Appendix “D” have been made.

Appendix “D”

Manual Staff – Appointments

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Cotterill, J.S. (16)

Designation: Garden Boy

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 30.5.49

Wages: £2. 10. 0.

Use of Parks

Since your last meeting, the use of Parks has been granted to various organizations, details of which are contained in Appendix “M”.

Appendix “M”

Use of Parks

Organisation: King’s Heath Evangelical Church

Date: 12.6.49

Park: King’s Heath Park

Purpose: Religious Service

Staff Appointments

9190 Resolved:- That the various appointments made to fill existing vacancies, as detailed in Appendix “D” to the foregoing report, be approved.

Use of Parks

9194 Resolved:- That the granting of permission for the use of Parks by various organisations, as detailed in Appendix “M” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

Councillor Gurden submitted the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Amateur Dramatic Societies – Engagements

The Birmingham and District Theatre Guild circularised all the amateur dramatic societies in the district asking companies to submit suitable productions to the Parks Department. The following societies submitted applications:-

The Highbury Players

The Grove Players

Rowe Bros. Dramatic Society

The Venture Theatre Group

King’s Heath Little Players

The Greenhill Players

The Executive Committee of the Guild considered these applications and only the Highbury Players were considered to be of sufficiently high standard. A number of societies whose work was known to be of a high standard were then approached again, and of these the New Dramatic Company and the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art expressed their willingness to stage productions.

The Highbury Players, the New Dramatic Company and the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art were then offered engagements, but the Highbury Players found that they had to withdraw their offer owing to pressure of work at the Highbury Theatre.

The New Dramatic Company have been engaged at a fee of £17. 17. 0. per show to give performances of “My Sister Eileen” by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorev, as follows:-

Selly Oak Park 9^th July

Aston Park 6^th August

Ward End Park 13^th August

King’s Heath Park 20^th August

The Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art have been engaged at a fee of £15. 0. 0. per show to give performances of “Fools Rush In” by Kenneth Horne, as follows:-

King’s Heath Park 25^th June

Sparkhill Park 9^th July

Rookery Park 11^th July

The Committee’s confirmation of the bookings made is desired.

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks

For the information of your Committee, a statement is set out below giving the attendances and receipts of the plays and entertainments at the various parks from the date of opening to Saturday 18^th June in respect of plays, and Thursday 16^th June in respect of entertainments, etc. (Thursday being the day of the week up to which the park-keepers render their weekly returns of receipts):-

Period ended 16^th June

Kings Heath Park

Date Attendance Variety

£ s d

Mon. 13^th June 284 12. 0. 6.

Tues. 14^th “ 303 13. 7. 6.

Wed. 15^th “ 204 8. 19. 6.

Thurs 16^th “ 247 11. 10. 6.

Totals 1,038 45. 18. 0.

Amateur Dramatic Societies Engagements

9242 Resolved:- That the various bookings of Amateur Dramatic Societies, as more particularly referred to in the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

25^th July 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

The Chairman submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Use of Parks

The use of parks on dates prior to your meeting has been granted to the organizations listed in Appendix “D”(I). In accordance with the instructions contained in your Minute No. 9151, I submit in Appendix “D”(II) details of various organisations requesting permission to hold meetings in the parks on the dates stated.

The Committee’s instructions in regard to these applications are desired.

Appendix “D”(I)

Use of Parks

Organisation: King’s Heath Evangelical Church

Date: 26.6.49 and 10.7.49

Park: Kings Heath Park

Purpose: Open Air Services

Manual Staff

(b) Resignations

Since the last meeting of your Committee the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.

Appendix “F”

Manual Staff – Appointments

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Cotterill, J.S. (16)

Designation: Garden Boy

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 1.7.49

Use of Park

9316 Resolved:- That the granting of permission for the use of Parks by various organizations, as detailed in Part I of Appendix “D” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed; ……………...

Councillor Gurden submitted the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks

For the information of your Committee, a statement is set out below giving the attendances and receipts of ………….. of the entertainments at the various parks for the period from the 17^th to the 30^th June.

Period ended 30^th June

Kings Heath Park

Week ended Total No. of Total Average

Attendance Entertainments Receipts Attendance

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

£ s d

23^rd June 2,529 8 104. 13. 9. 316

30^th “ 1,864 7 91. 19. 0. 266

Casual Games in Parks and Recreation Grounds

Bye-law 18(i) of the Bye-laws with regard to parks, recreation grounds, etc. reads as follows:-

“A person shall not play or take part in any game of Football, Bowls, Tennis, Hockey, Golf or Cricket, or any other game which by reason of the rules or manner of playing, or for the prevention of damage, danger or discomfort to any person in the park, may necessitate at any time during the continuance of the game the exclusive use by the player or players of any space in the park, except in such parts of the park and at such times as may from time to time be prescribed by a notice or notices affixed or set up by the Council in a conspicuous position within the park.”

At the present time there is no uniform practice in the parks and recreation grounds regarding the areas on which casual games of Cricket and Football may be played. In view of the danger to members of the public, particularly small children, and interference with general recreational facilities, I feel that certain areas should be allocated for this purpose and notices displayed indicating the areas so allocated.

I have accordingly had a survey made by the District Superintendents of the various parks and recreation grounds where this is considered to be necessary, and the following sites are suggested:-

(From a list:-)

District No. 2

Kings’ Heath Pk. - Near railway.

The above is not intended to apply to small children playing with a soft ball, which practice could be left to the discretion of the Officer-in-Charge who would have to have regard to any nuisance occasioned by such play and the risk of damage to horticultural features, property, etc.

I feel that the authorisation of the Committee contained in such a resolution would considerably strengthen the authority of the Department in regard to these matters, particularly in cases of obstruction by older players.

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Casual Games in Parks and Recreation Grounds

9336 Resolved:- That the areas more particularly referred to in the foregoing report, be allocated for the purpose of games of cricket and football and that notices be displayed at suitable points indicating the areas so allocated.

10^th October 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (Special meeting)

This was a special meeting called to consider a report from the General Manager on the 1949 Season of Plays and Entertainments in the Parks for submission to the City Council meeting scheduled for 1^st November 1949.

The following park-specific statements and facts are gleaned from this very long, but thorough, report:-

Amateur Companies

The amateur companies in the area were approached through the Birmingham and District Theatre Guild but of the productions offered, the Guild could only recommend one from the Highbury Theatre. The best amateur companies were then again approached by the Guild and the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art and the New Dramatic Company agreed to offer productions. Meanwhile the Highbury Theatre had withdrawn their offer due to pressure of work at their own theatre.

The Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art presented “Fools Rush In” by Kenneth Horne, at King’s Heath Park, Sparkhill Park and Rookery Park.

The New Dramatic Company presented “My Sister Eileen” by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorev, at Aston Park, King’s Heath Park, Selly Oak Park and Ward End Park.

These popular plays were mainly presented on Saturday evenings and both productions were of a high standard and attracted large audiences as will be seen from the attached Schedule “C”.

(From a list:-)

Play Society Park Attendance Receipts

“My Sister Eileen” New Dramatic King’s Heath 372 £22. 2. 6.

Company

ditto ditto Selly Oak 221 £10. 17. 0.

“Fools Rush In” Birmingham School King’s Heath 435 £24. 17. 0.

of Speech Training

and Dramatic Art

Averages* 303 £17. 4. 8.

(* across all in list, not just those listed here)

7^th November – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Manual Staff

(a) Appointments

Since the last meeting of your Committee the appointments as set out in Appendix “D” have been made.

Appendix “D”

Manual Staff – Appointments

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Green, J.A. (17) (Miss)

Designation: Female Worker

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 3.10.49

Wages: £3. 7. 6.

(b) Resignations

Since the last meeting of your Committee the resignations as set out in Appendix “E” have been received.

Appendix “E”

Manual Staff – Resignations

No. 2 District

Name & Age: MacGregor, E. (20) (Miss)

Designation: Female Worker

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 16.9.49.

Appendix “F”

Manual Staff – Regradings

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Matthews, J. (50)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Grading and Wages: Present Garden Labr. (a), £5. 0. 0. per week

Recommended Gdr. (S.s.), £5. 7. 10. per week

Date Commenced: 14.4.47.

Remarks: To date from 10.10.49.

Police Report – Accidents and Minor Offences

During the months of July, August and September, there were 98 serious accidents dealt with in the parks and the patients sent to hospital.

739 injuries were attended to and the patients sent home for further treatment. Details of the serious accidents are given in Appendix “H”.

Appendix “H”

Police Report – Serious Accidents

Date: 14.7.49

Park: King’s Heath Park

Name and Age: Ronald Mottram (28)

Nature of Injury: Cut over rt. eye

Cause of Injury: Playing cricket

Use of Parks

Since your last meeting, the use of parks has been granted to various organizations, details of which are contained in Appendix “L”.

Appendix “L”

Use of Parks

Organisation: King’s Heath Evangelical Free Church

Date: 24.7.49, 11.9.49., and 25.9.49.

Name of Park: King’s Heath Park

Purpose: Religious meetings

Manual Staff Appointments

9458 Resolved:- That the various appointments made to fill existing vacancies, as detailed in Appendix “D” to the foregoing report, be approved.

Staff Regradings

9459 Resolved:- That approval be given to the regarding of various employees, as detailed in APPENDIX F to the foregoing report, such regarding to take effect on the dates indicated therein.

Use of Parks

9476 Resolved:- That the granting of permission for the use of Parks by various organizations, as detailed in Appendix “L” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

The Chairman submitted the following report of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee:-

Handsworth and King’s Heath Parks – Proposed Improvements of Water Services

In view of the reported inconvenience experienced at these parks through lack of water pressure, investigations made recently on each of the above mentioned sites have proved that both the size of the meter and diameter of main supply are too small for the number of draw-off points which have been made to serve since the original services were laid many years ago.

In consultation with the Water Department, adequate sizes have been worked out to give an efficient present day supply, with allowance for future extension if necessary, and enquiries have been sent to four local firms who are prepared to provide and lay the necessary larger copper service, in substitution for the existing lead and iron pipes, in accordance with the Water Department regulations.

I submit below a summary of the tenders received:-

Firm Handsworth Park King’s Heath Park

E.J. Sands, Ltd. £270- 5- 9. £347-15- 6.

Heathfield Road,

Handsworth.

J.C. Toogood, Ltd. 290- 7- 0. 373- 2- 3.

Latimer St.,

B’ham.

A.E. Shaw, Ltd. 332-13- 3. 428-12- 2.

Station Rd.,

Stetchford, 9.

J.S. Wright, Ltd. 364-18- 9. 473- 4-10.

Dale End,

B’ham. 4.

The above quotations are based on a schedule of quantities, subject to measure and value upon completion, and the work includes for all necessary stop cocks, fittings, etc. to give a complete and satisfactory service.

Although no provision is made in your current Estimates of expenditure in respect of these works, the amounts could be charged to the “Repair, Alterations and Improvements” head of account.

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Handsworth and King’s Heath Parks – Proposed Improvements of Water Services

9481 Resolved:- That the tenders of E.J. Sands Ltd., in the sum of £270. 5. 9. and £347. 15. 6. for the provision of new water services at Handsworth and King’s Heath Parks respectively, on a basis of measure and value, as indicated in the foregoing report, be accepted, and that the Town Clerk be authorised to prepare and affix the Corporate Seal to any necessary contract.

Councillor Gurden presented the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Entertainments in the Parks 1949 – Voluntary Chief Marshals

Valuable assistance was rendered by the Voluntary Chief Marshals at certain parks where entertainments were given during the past season. The following schedule of suggested payments for subsistence and travelling expenses, etc., is submitted for the Committee’s consideration. Payments under this heading last year amounted to £80. 19. 0:-

(From a list:-)

Park: King’s Heath

Name: Mr. F.H. Mapp

Period of Service: 10 weeks

Suggested Payment: £10. 10. 0.

Payment last year: £7. 0. 0.

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Entertainments in the Parks 1949 – Voluntary Chief Marshals

9512 Resolved:- That authority be given for the payment of subsistence and travelling allowances totaling £64. 1. 0. to the persons indicated in the foregoing report.

7^th November 1949 - Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/4)

Kings Heath Park - Layout

Provision of new water supply. Contractor: E.J. Sands Ltd. Cost £347/15/6. Parks Committee Minute 9481 dated 7.11.49. Min. No. 15342 of 14/6/1954 authorised payment of £138.4.11 to the Water Dept for mains connection, etc.

5^th December 1949 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-

Manual Staff

(a) Appointments

Since the last meeting of your Committee the appointments as set out in Appendix “C” have been made.

Appendix “C”

Manual Staff – Appointments

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Davis, F.R. (36)

Designation: Garden Labr. (a)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 5.10.49

Wages: £5. 0. 0.

(b) Resignations

Since the last meeting of your Committee the resignations as set out in Appendix “D” have been received.

Appendix “E”

Manual Staff – Resignations

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Honeywill, P. (21)

Designation: Garden Labr. (a)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Date of Entering Service: 6.10.49.

Regradings

I have to recommend the regradings as set out in Appendix “G” for the approval of the Committee, to take effect from the dates indicated. The services of all the employees recommended have been satisfactory.

Appendix “G”

Manual Staff – Regradings

No. 2 District

Name & Age: Carter, G. (21)

Where employed: King’s Heath Park

Grading and Wages: Present Garden Labr. (a), £5. p. wk.

Recommended Garden Labr. (b), £5.3.11. p. wk.

Date Commenced: 10.8.42.

To date from: 14.11.49.

Manual Staff Appointments

9559 Resolved:- That the various appointments to fill existing vacancies, as detailed in Appendix “C” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.

Staff Regrading

9562 Resolved:- That approval be given to the regrading of various employees, as detailed in appendix “G” to the foregoing report, such regarding to take effect on the dates indicated therein.

Councillor Gurden presented the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks 1950 – Suggested Programme

A suggested programme of plays and entertainments for the 1950 season is set out hereunder:-

(From a list:-)

Park Entertainments No. of weeks

K. Heath 25^th Jun - 26^th Aug 9

Marquee theatres would be erected at all these parks during the periods shown, ……..

………..

In addition, it is suggested that Horse Shows, Carnivals, sporting demonstrations, etc. be organised at these and other parks in conjunction with local organizations, as in previous years. This programme has been drawn up in the light of experience gained in previous seasons with regard to attendances, deployment of equipment and available resources.

………..

The season at King’s Heath Park was increased from eight to ten weeks this year. Results were good, but this park slipped from second to fourth place in average attendances and takings, and a nine weeks’ season is suggested for 1950. This arrangement would also assist in the staggering of opening dates.

……………

The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Cricket in the Parks
The concrete wickets which were laid in certain parks and recreation grounds last year have, on the whole, proved to be satisfactory.
It has been found, however, that the constant wear and tear in front of the bowlers crease has caused pot holes which are a constant source of danger to the bowlers who run the risk of breaking or spraining a leg or ankle every time they bowl.
In order to obviate this risk, it is suggested that a run-up to the wicket be constructed, consisting of green bituminous limestone which would, so far as possible, blend with the colour of the surrounding turf.
Your Sports Officer and I are meeting Mr. W.J. Edrich, the England and Middlesex cricketer, upon the evening following your Sub-Committee, and he has promised to inspect one or two of our sites on the following day to assist in our problems.
There are 15 concrete wickets in the parks, the run-ups would be 18’ long and 6’ wide and the cost involved would be approximately £150.
The Committee’s instructions are desired.

Plays and Entertainments in the Parks 1950 – Suggested Programme

9608 Resolved:- That the tentative programme of Plays and Entertainments in the Parks for the 1950 season, as more particularly set out in the foregoing report, be approved.

Cricket in the Parks – Concrete Wickets

9614 Resolved:- That authority be given for the construction of 15 Run Ups to the concrete wickets in the parks, as referred to in the foregoing report, at a cost of approximately £150.

5^th December 1949 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/5)

Kings Heath Park - Layout
Run-ups constructed for concrete wicket: Contractor: Artisan Staff. Cost: App. £15. Parks Committee Minute 9614 dated 5.12.49. Constructed in 1950.

The History of Kings Heath Park, 1941-1950

1949 Clippings

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