Ongoing research: last updated 13 January 2012
8th January 1910 – Birmingham News
Village Gossip
A Suggestion Carried Out
I am glad to know that my suggestion, made some months ago, that an aviary should be established at Kings Heath Park, has been acted upon, and at the present time a building has been erected for the accommodation of specimens of birds which it is hoped will be presented by local fanciers and collectors.
15th January 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton & Northfield Districts
Kings Heath and Moseley
Football at Kings Heath Park - An interesting match was played at the Kings Heath Park on Friday last, the opposing teams being the Institute 1st and Fairfield Athletic. The game was very even, the result being 1-0 in favour of the Institute. Len Jones, of the Institute, was predominant. Westbury scored the winning goal from a good pass by Nicholls.
2nd February 1910 - KN&N UDC Minute
Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries committee
Your Committee beg to report:-
5. Unemployment – works to be carried out at King’s Heath and Cotteridge parks
That the sanction of the Local Government Board has been received to the borrowing by the Council of the sums of £265 and £356 for carrying out certain improvements at King’s Heath park and Cotteridge park respectively, such sums to be repaid with interest within a period of 20 and 30 years respectively from the date of the borrowing of the same. It is intended that unemployed workmen should be engaged to carry out this work.
5th February 1910 – Birmingham News
Village Gossip
Improvements at Kings Heath Park
I hear that a number of desirable alterations and additions have been made at Kings Heath Park. The aviaries, the outcome of a suggestion in this column, are now completed, and are awaiting inmates. It is hoped that fanciers in the district will be disposed to make presents of specimens of birds, and in this way fulfil the use for which the aviaries are intended. Visitors will find other improvements. A bowling green has been laid out, an enclosure has been made around the bandstand, and a large shelter in case of sudden showers has been constructed, all of which additions must go to secure the comfort and pleasure of the public. The concert season will commence in all probability at Easter, when band and other concerts will take place.
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Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
Baths Parks and Cemeteries
....................... Sanction of loans for work at Kings heath and Cotteridge Parks to the extent of £621 had been given, and unemployed workmen were to be engaged upon it. ...................
In answer to Councillor Coley, Councillor Shann stated that the cost of the work to be done at the parks was estimated on the basis of ordinary labour being employed. The committee proposed to apply to the Distress Committee for the balance if the work cost more through the employment of “unemployed” labour.
26th February 1910 - Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council
Entertainments in Parks and Recreation Grounds
The above-named Council invite OFFERS from BANDS and CONCERT PARTIES to give Voluntary Entertainments in the following Parks and Recreation Grounds:-
KINGS HEATH PARK
SELLY OAK PARK
COTTERIDGE PARK (Franklin Road)
MUNTZ PARK (Umberslade Road)
VICTORIA COMMON, NORTHFIELD
BOURNBROOK RECREATION GROUND
Bands and Concert Parties are requested to note that the Council DO NOT ENGAGE the services of any Band or Concert Party, neither do they guarantee the repayment of any loss sustained, or expenses incurred, with the entertainments given. The Council are, however, prepared to contribute towards the expenses of entertainments given by BANDS at the rate of one shilling and sixpence for each performer, and five shillings for the band master, such contribution being limited to twenty-five performers.
All Bands and Concert Parties may, however, make a charge for the hire of seats within the Bandstand Enclosure, where such are provided, and the Council will have no objection to a Collection being made.
Offers, giving full particulars of the Band or Concert Party, and of the Proposed Programme, should be sent to the undersigned as soon as possible.
By Order,
EDWIN DOCKER,
Clerk to the above-named Council
10, Newhall Street,
Birmingham,
26th February 1910.
5th March 1910 – Birmingham News
Village Gossip
Kings Heath’s Aviary
I see that the aviary which I advocated so strongly in these columns should be erected in Kings Heath Park, is now completed, and has a few tenants, chiefly foreign pigeons. The aviary is of rustic character, designed by Mr. Shuttleworth, the park superintendent, and is admirably adapted for the purpose. It occupies a sheltered position near the house. I hope that fanciers will do what they can to provide specimens, and thus ensure the aviary being a success.
19th March 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Heath Conservative Association
Complimentary Dinner to Mr. E.T. Everton
......................
Councillor Dawson, in response, assured the company that the local representatives were very mindful of the interests of the ratepayers, and all without thought of political feelings did the best they could for the community. Within the last few months the sum of £25,000 had been voted for the erection in Kings Heath of the finest schools to be found in the district. The Kings Heath Park had proved a source of delight to thousands. As an instance of economy, he remarked that the concerts at Kings Heath Park had been run at a weekly cost of only 6s. In a short time a proposal for baths for Kings Heath would be submitted. (Hear, hear.)
6th April 1910 - KN&N UDC Minute
Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries committee
Your Committee beg to report:-
5. King’s Heath park – application for permission to sell refreshments
That they have granted permission to mrs. C. Blunt, of 10, Avenue Road, King’s heath, to sell light refreshments in King’s heath park upon the same terms as Mr. J.C. Freeman in respect of Cotteridge park, as set out in paragraph 8 of your Committee’s report. – (Referred back.)
7. Enclosures round band stands in parks and provision of seats for same
That they have considered the following tenders for supplying and fixing iron fencing 4 feet 6 inches high for the purpose of making an enclosure round the band stand in each of the King’s Heath, Selly Oak and Cotteridge parks:-
In respect of each park
Mr. John Elwell, Birmingham £33 7 0
Messrs. Hill and Smith, Brierley Hill £34 2 0
Bayliss, Jones, and Bayliss, Ltd., Wolverhampton £37 16 0
Francis Morton and Co., Ltd. £49 19 0
Your Committee being of the opinion that an enclosure 3 feet 6 inches high would be more suitable obtained a further estimate from Mr. John Elwell in the sum of £26 1s in respect of each park for supplying and fixing fence 3 feet 6 inches high, and they beg to recommend that the tender of Mr. John Elwell, in the sum of £78 3s., for supplying and fixing iron fencing 3 feet 6 inches high for the purpose of forming enclosures round the band stands in King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks be accepted, subject to his entering into a contract, to be prepared by the Clerk, for the due performance of the work, and that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to such contract.
Your Committee have also considered the question of providing chairs to be placed in the above-mentioned enclosures, and they beg to recommend that they be authorised to purchase eight dozen chairs for each of the King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks, at a cost not exceeding £2 per dozen.
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It was moved by Mr. Councillor Shann, seconded by Mr. Councillor Wilson, and resolved:-
109 That the tender of Mr. John Elwell, of Phoenix Works, Birmingham, in the sum of £78 3s., for supplying and fixing iron fencing 3 feet 6 inches high for the purpose of forming enclosures round the band stands in King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks be accepted, subject to his entering into a contract, to be prepared by the Clerk, for the due performance of the work, and that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to such contract.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Shann, seconded by Mr. Councillor James, and resolved:-
110 That the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee be authorised to purchase eight dozen chairs for each of the King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks, at a cost not exceeding £2 per dozen.
9th April 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
(Abstracts from a long report)
Councillor Shann presented the report of the Baths, Parks and Cemeteries Committee which contained the following recommendations: .................. (7) That the tender of Mr. John Elwell, of Pheonix Works, Birmingham, for supplying and fixing iron fencing 3 feet 6 inches high for the purpose of forming enclosures around the band stands in the Kings Heath, Selly Oak and Cotteridge parks, be accepted. (8) That the committee be authorised to purchase eight dozen chairs for each of the Kings Heath, Selly Oak and Cotteridge parks at a cost not exceeding £2 per dozen.
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Councillor Harbun objected to a proposal that the committee stated that they intended to give effect to, for letting, the catering rights at Kings Heath and Cotteridge parks to local shopkeeper for three months at the rate of 1s. a week.
Councillor Shann said this proposal was a tentative one to gain experience, and if objected to would not be followed. In respect to the other points of criticism the chairman of the committee stood by the recommendations.
The report was adopted, the proposal as to the catering at the parks being withdrawn.
4th May 1910 - KN&N UDC Minute
Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries committee
Your Committee beg to report:-
3. Sale of refreshments in parks
That they have again had under consideration the question of the permission which they granted to Mr. J.C. Freeman and Mrs. Blunt to sell refreshment in Cotteridge and King’s Heath parks respectively, which question was referred back to your Committee for further consideration at the meeting of the Council held on the 6th April 1910. Soon after such meeting of the Council, your Committee instructed the Clerk to give notice to Mr. Freeman and Mrs. Blunt terminating the arrangements made with them. Upon receipt of the notice, however, both Mr. Freeman and Mrs. Blunt wrote to your Committee pointing out that having regard to the permission which had been given, they had incurred expense in purchasing a supply of goods and a stall, and urging your Committee to reconsider the matter. In view of that fact and pending the decision of the Council with regard to a definite policy as to the sale of refreshments in the various parkas, your Committee have given instructions for the notices which were given to Mr. Freeman and Mrs. Blunt terminating the arrangements to be withdrawn. – (Referred back.)
7th May 1910 - Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
(Part of a longer report :- )
On the motion for the adoption of the report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee, Councillor Thompson asked by whose authority demonstrations, whether political or otherwise, were allowed to be held in the parks.
Councillor Shann, in reply, said the authority was given by the committee and was afterwards sanctioned by the Council. The policy of the committee was not to allow the use of the parks for sectional demonstrations but for united gatherings or children’s festivals. Every case was brought before the Council and endorsed by them. The only political demonstrations held in the parks had been two, these having been a Conservative demonstration held at Kings Heath, and a Labour Party demonstration held last Saturday in the Cotteridge Park.
Councillor Thompson said the case of the Labour Party demonstration had not been before the Council for sanction, and he intimated that he would raise the question at the next meeting of the committee.
14th May 1910 – Birmingham news
Letters to the Editor
Kings Norton District Council and Demonstrations in Public Parks
To the Editor
Sir, - In your issue of last Saturday’s date, Mr. G. Shann (chairman of the Baths, Parks and Cemeteries Committee), is reported to have said that two political demonstrations had been held in the Parks, these being by the Conservatives at Kings Heath, and the Labour party in the Cotteridge Park, last Sunday week. This is an error. The Kings Heath Conservatives have never held a demonstration in their local park since it was purchased by the Council, nor even made application for it. It is true that the Labour party held a meeting in the Cotteridge Park on Sunday, May 1st, when Mr. G. Shann presided. The Conservatives in this division do not believe in holding political meetings in public parks on Sunday. Such demonstrations are often an annoyance to those people who have no other opportunity of enjoying a quiet rest or listening to good vocal or instrumental music.
Tom J. Matthews
Secretary East Worcestershire Conservative Association.
Kings Norton
21st May 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield District
Kings Heath and Moseley
Kings Heath Park – The glorious weather on Bank Holiday made the people flock to Kings Heath Park, where the show of spring flowers was at its best. The five beds of tulips, made of Arliss (scarlet), Chrysoloia (yellow). Thomas Moore (orange), Vander Keer (magenta) and La Reine (white), were greatly admired, as were also the beds of hyacinths and the wonderful display of wall flowers at the entrance, and the beds in front of the house. The tennis courts were fully occupied by persons of both sexes, enjoying a game in the brilliant sunshine. There was a full programme of entertainments, which were watched by crowded audiences at each performance. It opened on Saturday with Graham’s Merry Mascots. On Sunday afternoon and evening sacred music was played by the Kings Heath Band, concluding with the Dead March in “Saul”, on account of the death of the King. On Monday the Handsworth Comedy Company gave a performance; on Tuesday the entertainment was given by the Merry Mascots; on Wednesday the Black and White Entertainers appeared; on Saturday (to-day) there will be a band performance by the Friends’ Institute Brass Band. The new bowling green is not yet open to the public. The official opening will take place on Saturday, June 4th. The alterations and improvements carried out during the winter were greatly appreciated by the visitors, as also was the aviary, which is still open to receive a few more occupants.
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Letters to the Editor
Kings Norton District Council and Demonstrations in Public Parks
To the Editor
Sir, - May I just say a word in reference to the letter of Mr. T.J. Matthews appearing in your issue of last week. The statement I made in the Council respecting the use of the Parks for demonstrations was made from memory and on the spur of the moment, as I had no notice that the question would be raised. The facts to which I referred are as given in the following extract from the minutes of the Council meeting held on may 13th, 1908:-
“The Chairman presented a letter from Mr. F.J. Gibbs, stating that, before the Council had decided to purchase the King’s Heath Park, the Priory Estate Company, Limited, had consented to a fete being held there on July 3rd and 4th, 1908, and requesting the Council to grant permission for such fete to be held in the event of the purchase being completed before that date. It was moved by Councillor Brown, seconded by Mr. Councillor Mason, and resolved that the Chairman be empowered to write to Mr. Gibbs informing him that if the park is in the possession of the Council on the date named they will raise no objection to the fete being held.”
I quite accept Mr. Matthew’s disclaimer that the Conservative Association as such had nothing to do with the demonstration, but I was at that time and still am of the opinion that the demonstration was organised by the Unionists and Conservatives.
But evidently, judging by the conclusion of Mr. Matthew’s letter, it was not so much the question of fact with which he was concerned as to make an attempt to score at the expense of the Labour party, as his reference to Sunday demonstrations shows. I never stated that the demonstration at Kings Heath Park was held on a Sunday. It may be worth while also to point out that unless such meetings are held on Sundays large numbers of working men, such as railway servants, could not attend the meeting. And anyway while there are differences of opinion as to the advisability of holding such demonstrations on Sundays, my own opinion is that I prefer the Labour party’s method of Sunday meetings to the Conservative method, which has been so largely adopted in this district, of holding political meetings in public houses, even when they are called smoking concerts, etc. - Yours truly,
George Shann
Chellow dene, Linden Road, Bournville, near Birmingham.
May 19, 1910.
28th May 1910 – Birmingham News
Letters to the Editor
Kings Norton District Council and Demonstrations in Public Parks
To the Editor
Sir, - With reference to Mr. Shann’s letter in your issue of 21st inst., will you kindly permit me to say that the purpose for which I applied for the use of Kings Heath Park was for a fete held for the raising of funds for the building of new Sunday schools in connection with our Parish Church, and was in no way associated with politics. – Yours faithfully,
F.J. Gibbs
Brunswick, Kings Heath, near Birmingham
May 25th, 1910
4th June 1910 - Birmingham News
Public Announcements
Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council
To Refreshment Caterers and Others
The above-named Council are prepared to receive offers from refreshment caterers and others for the right to sell refreshments in the following parks and recreation grounds of the Council for the period ending 31st October, 1910:-
Kings Heath Park
Selly Oak Park (Gibbins Road)
Cotteridge Park (Franklin Road)
Victoria Common (Northfield)
Muntz Park (Umberslade Road)
Selly Park Recreation Ground (Selly Avenue)
Stirchley Playground and Bowling Green (Hazelwell Street)
The right to sell refreshments will be granted subject to the following conditions:-
(i) The contractor shall erect a stall for the sale of such refreshments in accordance with plans and designs and in a situation to be first approved by the Council
(ii) The charges for refreshments shall be reasonable; the Council to be the sole judges as to the reasonableness of the charges.
(iii) The contractor shall not supply intoxicating liquors.
(iv) In the event of the Council closing the parks or recreation grounds to the general public for a short period, the contractor shall not be entitled to provide refreshments during such period.
(v) No refreshments shall be sold on Sundays.
(vi) In the event of the breach on the part of the contractor of any or either of the foregoing conditions, the contractor shall immediately upon request by the Council cease to supply refreshments in the above-named parks or recreation grounds.
Offers in sealed envelopes endorsed “Sale of refreshments in Parks” must reach the undersigned not later than 12 noon on Monday, the 20th day of June, 1910.
By Order,
EDWIN DOCKER
Clerk to the above-named Council.
10, Newhall Street,
Birmingham.
4th June, 1910
11th June 1910 - Birmingham News
Village Gossip
Public Bowling Green at Kings Heath
Sometime time ago a petition, numerously signed by working men, was presented to the Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council, asking that a bowling green should be provided at Kings Heath Park. The matter was referred to the Baths and Parks Committee, who very sympathetically gave instructions for a stretch of greensward on the north side of the pool, to be laid out as a public green. The scheme came to a successful issue on Saturday, when the green was opened. There was no official opening, but in the morning Councillors G. Shann (chairman), J. Fryer and A.E Dawson, members of the committee, inspected and approved of the green. I am pleased to hear that the green has been fully occupied in the evenings by bowlers and there is every prospect of it being a great attraction. It is most pleasantly situated, amid the shade of the great trees of the pool, and there is a capital bowling surface. There is room for five sets of players. The charge is 2d. per player per hour. The committee and the Council are to be commended on their public spirit in the matter. Indeed, they have studied the people’s interests in every way in laying out Kings Heath Park to the best advantage, and for the public benefit.
25th June 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Heath Park
The programme of entertainments for next week is as follows:- Saturday, Cotteridge Brass band; Monday, Linwood Entertainers; Wednesday, Prince of Wales Pierrots, Saturday, July 2nd, Baskerville Brass Band.
6th July 1910 – KN&N UDC Minute
In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee Mr. Councillor Hayes presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee.
Your Committee beg to report:-
5. Applications for use of the parks
That they have granted the use of portions of the following parks to the Ten Acres and Stirchley Co-operative Society, Limited, for the purposes of holding children’s summer parties in connection with the society:-
2nd July, 1910, Cotteridge Park;
9th July, 1910, King’s Heath Park;
16th July, 1910, Selly Oak Park.
7. King’s Heath park – rebuilding of lodge
That they have again had under consideration the question of pulling down the old lodge in King’s Heath park, and building a new lodge in its place for the Superintendent of the park. It will be remembered that this matter was before the Council at their meeting on the 6th April 1909, when your Committee, after some discussion, withdrew their recommendation thereon.
Your Committee have very carefully reconsidered the plans of the proposed new lodge prepared by the Surveyor and an estimate, in the sum of £400, for building the same, and they beg to recommend that the work be carried out, and that application be made to the Local Government Board for their sanction to a loan in respect of the cost of carrying out the work.
It may be pointed out that at present an allowance of 9s. per week is made to the Superintendent of the park in lieu of the use of the lodge.
8. Additional seats for parks
That they have considered the following estimates for supplying the iron castings for seats for various parks:-
John Elwell, Limited, Birmingham, 11s. in respect of each seat.
Bayliss, Jones, and bayliss, Limited, Wolverhampton, 11s. 6d. or 12s. 10d. in respectof each seat, according to design.
Messrs. Hill and Smith, of Brierley Hill, quoted the sum of £2 7s. for each seat complete, including the wooden seat and back rest. The Surveyor estimates the cost of fixing a wooden seat and back rest to each iron casting departmentally to be 7s.
Your Committee beg to recommend that 20 additional seats for the King’s Heath park, 20 for the Cotteridge park, 6 for the Muntz park, and 10 for the Selly Park recreation ground, be purchased; that the estimate of John Elwell, Limited, in the sum of 11s. in respect of each seat for supplying the iron castings for such seats, be accepted, and that the wooden seats and back rests be obtained and fixed to the iron castings departmentally, at an estimated cost of 7s. in respect of each seat.
9. Chairs for band stand enclosures
Your Committee beg to recommend that a further eight dozen chairs be purchased for the band stand enclosures in each of King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks, at a cost not exceeding £2 per dozen.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Hayes, seconded by Mr. Councillor Coley, and resolved:-
239 That the lodge in King’s Heath park be demolished, and a new lodge erected for the use of the Superintendent of the park, at an estimated cost of £400.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Hayes, seconded by Mr. Councillor Fryer, and resolved:-
240 That application be made to the Local Government Board for their sanction to the borrowing of the sum of £400in respect of the cost of erecting a new lodge in King’s Heath park.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Hayes, seconded by Mr. Councillor Fryer, and resolved:-
241 That 20 additional seats for the King’s Heath park, 20 for the Cotteridge park, 6 for the Muntz park, and 10 for the Selly Park recreation ground, be purchased; that the estimate of John Elwell, Limited, of Pheonix Works, Sherbourne Street, Birmingham, in the sum of 11s. in respect of each seat for supplying the iron castings, be accepted, and that the wooden seats and back rests be obtained and fixed to the iron castings departmentally, at an estimated cost of 7s. in respect of each seat.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Hayes, seconded by Mr. Councillor Fryer, and resolved:-
242 That a further supply of eight dozen chairs be purchased for the band stand enclosures in each of King’s Heath, Selly Oak, and Cotteridge parks at an estimated cost of £2 per dozen.
9th July 1910 - Birmingham News
[The Urban District Council of Kings Norton and Northfield placed a long Public Announcement under the Advertisements Regulations Act 1907. Part II of that act regulated “the exhibition of advertisements in such places and in such manner or by such means to affect injuriously the amenities of a public park or pleasure ground.” Effectively hoarding advertisements had to be 150 yards away from a park; and then they could not exceed 20 ft in height and illuminated letters could not exceed 2 ft in height.
An associated schedule made the regulations applicable to the Council’s parks, including Kings Heath Park.]
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Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Kings Heath and Moseley
Music in Kings Heath Park - The musical programme for this park next week is as follows:- Saturday, Graham’s Merry Mascots; Monday, Elite Concert Party; Tuesday, Black and White Entertainers;, Wednesday, Handsworth Comedy Company.
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Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
Lodge for Kings Heath Park
The Council approved a proposal of the Parks Committee to spend £400 in the erection of a lodge for Kings Heath Park. It will be occupied by the superintendent, who was at present allowed 9s. a week for house rent.
16th July 1910 – Birmingham News
Letters to the Editor
The Co-op and the Parks
To the Editor
Dear Sir, - Having regard to the fact that the matter was discussed at a recent meeting of the Kings Norton Council, it is somewhat surprising to find that last Saturday a considerable portion of the Kings Heath Park was handed over to a local Co-Operative Society for four or five hours, to the inconvenience of many members of the public.
May I be permitted to use your medium to protest – and I speak for others also – against the Council allowing a trading concern to have control of even a portion of a public park for any period?
The Park Superintendent explained to objectors that he had handed over his keys of one entrance, to the Society until 8.30. It seems to me to be preposterous that any keys of a public park should be thus handed over to a trading concern. One does not, of course, blame the Council’s servants, for they were doubtless acting under orders. But the practice is not one to be commended – for many reasons. The gush about the “children’s friends” does not justify it. Many of our local institutions, Sunday Schools, etc., having the welfare of the children quite as much at heart as this Co-Operative Society, take their children further into the country and pay for a field and give the children a real outing amidst new and unfamiliar scenes.
Surely some of the easily earned “divi” could be expended in this way.
Co-Operative Societies enjoy far too much privilege at the cost of the private traders and general public already and the Council should not mete these further concessions out to them. Is it because prominent Co-Op members are on the Council, that these concessions are granted?
Let ratepayers and private traders strongly protest against this misuse of public property. The park had to be bought by the ratepayers’ money and in other directions, the private ratepayer and trader has to pay taxes which the Co-Op as an institution escapes, so let the Society show their much vaunted appreciation of “liberty” and “fraternity” etc., by being willing to “stump up” for their own outings and social gatherings and not put others to inconvenience. To rope off nearly half of this park and to close a much used entrance for the sake of a party of perhaps not more than 200 little ones – who mostly live in the district – is preposterous.
I trust others will not be slow to signify their objection. Yours Faithfully,
Fairness
To the Editor
Sir, - I have read the report of the Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council meeting reported in your issue of the 9th inst., at which a discussion took part on the above matter. I gather that on some recent occasion a small portion of a park was granted to the Co-Op for some social gathering; this portion to be “roped off whilst tea was being served”. As a regular visitor to Kings Heath Park, I was prepared consequently, on Saturday last, being forbidden, the small portion for perhaps an hour – a Co-Op festival being held on that day.
My surprise was great on arriving at the Avenue Road entrance to find the gate locked against me; this mind you, at about 3 p.m., and to be informed that the key had been handed over to the Co-Op. Society until 8.30 p.m., and that if I wished to enter the park, I must do so by another entrance. At this time the small portion – about one third of the park playing space – was already roped off, and later, three park attendants were busy seeing that the little ones – not favoured sons and daughters of the Co-operators – did not approach within about 500 yards of the Punch and Judy show. I was greatly indignant, and so were others, when I saw some ladies with children who wished to leave the park at the Avenue Road gate, being ordered to the other exit, which meant a quarter of a mile extra walk for them to their homes.
Last year, the same society had on a certain Saturday afternoon, a small portion of the park reserved for them; on Saturday last they had a larger portion and an entrance under their control. Are we to expect that the whole park will be handed over to them next year? Yours etc.,
Ratepayer
27th July 1910 – KN&N UDC Minute
Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee.
Your Committee beg to report:-
6. Sale of refreshments in parks
That they have again had under consideration the question as to the sale of refreshments in the parks, which question was referred back to your Committee by the Council at their meeting on the 4th May, 1910. Your Committee, after careful consideration, gave instructions for advertisements to be issued inviting tenders from refreshment caterers and others for the right to sell refreshments in the various parks and recreation grounds of the Council, and in response to the advertisement only one offer was received, viz., from Mrs. Blunt, of Avenue Road, King’s Heath, who offered the sum of two shillings per week for the right to sell refreshments in the King’s Heath park. Your Committee have accepted Mrs. Blunt’s offer and granted permission for her to sell refreshments in the King’s Heath park until 30th September, 1910. A letter has also been received from Mr. Sydney E. Cash, of 89, Mary Vale Road, Bournville, successor in business to Mr. J.C. Freeman, requesting permission to sell refreshments in Cotteridge park upon the same terms as were granted to Mr. Freeman, subject to his paying the sum of one shilling per week, and your Committee have given permission to Mr. Cash in accordance with his request, the arrangement to be in force until the 30th September 1910.
30th July 1910 - Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
Improvements in parks. On the recommendation of the Baths and Parks Committee it was decided to erect a new shelter in the Cotteridge Park at a cost of £275.
Councillor Shann (chairman of the committee) said the present shelter only accommodated about 12 people and was not adequate for the park which was the largest and most important in the district. The (sic) proposed to erect the shelter on the same lines as at Kings Heath park. It was also decided to erect a wind screen for the shelter in Selly Oak Park at a cost of £64; and to provide public conveniences in the Victoria Common Northfield, at a cost of £240, which would include the cost of making a sewer along the line of an intended road from the Street Farm in Banbury Road.
The Co-op and the Parks. Councillor Thompson asked the chairman of the Baths and Parks Committee why the parks were closed on the occasion of the Co-operative children’s festival. They were told at the last Council meeting that the parks would not be closed and that only a portion would be roped off for the children to have tea in.
Councillor Shann said he knew nothing about it as he was away from the last committee meeting, but if such was the case it was absolutely against the orders of the committee.
Councillor Lucas said the public was admitted to the Selly Oak Park most of the afternoon, but the gates were closed just for a few minutes after the children had entered. He thought it was just a mistake and one they should not take any notice of.
Councillor Coley said he noticed a letter in the press re the closing of Kings Heath Park and he was glad to find that it was not by the authority of the committee that the gate in Avenue Road was closed for some time.
Councillor Lloyd, who was a director of the Co-operative Society, said with regard to the fete at Selly Oak Park, that to get control of the children they had to close the gates for a few minutes, and he thought that the park-keeper in doing so had acted in the right way.
The report was adopted.
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Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Kings Heath and Moseley
Kings Heath Park – There is to be a good programme at the park for the holiday week, the public being well catered for, viz: Saturday, Harborne Excelsior Band; Sunday, Kings Heath Adult School Band; Monday, Linwood Entertainers; Tuesday, Handsworth Comedy Co.; Wednesday, Black and White. On Sunday and the following days there will be two concerts each day. The bowling green and the tennis courts are in splendid condition, and the flower beds are just at their best. Given fine weather the holidays for people visiting the park will be very enjoyable if the weather continues fine. The vinery and greenhouses will be opened to the public on Sunday and bank Holiday.
6th August 1910 – Birmingham News
In the Parks
The following concerts will be given in the various parks and recreation grounds of the city and suburbs during the week ending Friday, August 12th (weather permitting) :-
Saturday, August 6th - Kings Heath Park – Prince of Wales Entertainers
Sunday, August 7th - Kings Heath Park – Kings Heath Band (afternoon and evening)
Monday, August 8th - Kings Heath Park – Gay Cadets
Wednesday, August 10th - Kings Heath Park – Prince of Wales Entertainers
20th August 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Kings Heath and Moseley
Kings Heath Park – On Tuesday a very successful concert was given by the Bournville Comedy Concert Company, and included amongst the artistes were Miss Winnie Payton, Messrs. Bert Fields, Len Tilley, Gordon Bennett, Jack Servant, Jack Scott, etc. The profits on the proceeds have been handed over for the benefit of the Kings Heath Corps of the Birmingham St. John Ambulance Brigade. The piano was lent for this occasion by Mr. Tovey, 14, Fairfield Road.
The programme of music for the week is as follows:- Saturday, Northfield Institute Prize Band; Sunday, Harborne Excelsior Brass Band, afternoon and evening; Monday, Handsworth Comedy Company, Tuesday, Pierrot Party; Wednesday, Mac Rae Entertainers.
(The information conveyed in this last paragraph is repeated in a separate item headed, “Music in the Parks”.)
3rd September 1910 – Birmingham News
Music in the Parks
The Arrangements for the Week
The following concerts have been arranged to be given in the various parks and Recreation grounds of the city during the week ending Friday, September 9th (weather permitting) :-
Saturday, September 3rd – Kings Heath Park – Jones’s Male Voice Choir
Sunday, September 4th – Kings Heath Park – Kings Heath Band (afternoon and evening)
Monday, September 5th – Kings Heath Park - Elite Concert Party
8th October 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton & Northfield District Council
(There is a report of a proposal to extend Selly Park Recreation Ground. During the discussion the following was said :- )
Councillor Bishop said he thought that Kings Heath Park ought to be extended first, in view of the fact that it was visited by so many people. He did not see where that extension came in.
The Chairman said the park when extended would be about the same size as Kings Heath Park.
2nd November 1910 – KN&N UDC Minute
Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee.
Your Committee beg to report:-
4. Receipts for use of tennis courts and bowling greens in various parks
That the following amounts have been received for the use of the tennis courts and bowling grounds in various parks:-
Tennis courts Bowling greens Total
King’s Heath Park 17 12 10 15 6 8 32 19 6
Cotteridge Park 12 19 0 23 18 8 36 17 8
Selly Oak Park 2 15 8 - 2 15 8
Stirchley Bowling Green - 3 7 4 3 7 4
Totals 33 7 6 42 12 8 76 0 2
5. Entertainments in parks
That they have received the following statement as to the entertainments given in the various parks during the past summer:-
Park | No of band performances | No. of other entertainments | Total No. of Entertainments | Amounts Contributed to Bands |
King’s Heath Park | 18 | 44 | 62 | £ s d 12 11 0 |
Selly Oak Park | 10 | 15 | 25 | 10 14 6 |
Cotteridge Park | 10 | 26 | 36 | 9 2 6 |
Muntz Park | 10 | 8 | 18 | 10 11 6 |
Victoria Common | 5 | 3 | 8 | 5 9 6 |
Bournbrook Recreation Ground | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 5 6 |
Totals | 56 | 96 | 152 | 51 14 6 |
26th November 1910 – Birmingham News
Notes of the Week
It is of the utmost importance in the re-organisation of our educational system that the special needs of the weakly, de-vitalised children should not be overlooked, and we are glad to see that the Kings Norton Education Committee have again ranged themselves in the van of progressive educational authorities by deciding to provide an open-air school for the treatment of such cases. The proposal is one which, we feel sure, will meet with the warmest commendation of all thoughtful classes of the community. It is considered that the house in Kings Heath Park, which is now used as a temporary day school, would answer the purpose admirably, and the premises are certainly well adapted for the reception of a certain number of residential cases. True, an open-air school for Birmingham is to be established at Uffculme, near by, but as Dr. Lilley pointed out, Birmingham can quite easily fill that school with her own children, leaving no room for those of Kings Norton. In every community there are numbers of children suffering from such diseases as anaemia, enlarged glands, rickets, and bronchitis, and open-air schools provide the most practical and common sense means of restoring those children to bodily health and vigour, while at the same time ensuring adequate attention to their education. It is impossible for them to secure treatment which affords a reasonable prospect of cure in their own homes, and every case successfully treated at an open-air school represents a distinct gain in every way to the community. Simultaneously, the committee have given power to the initiation of a scheme for the provision of a school dentist to attend to the teeth of the children, a matter which in Kings Norton, as in other districts, gives cause for the utmost concern to those who are mindful of the well-being of the nation. The condition of the teeth has a vital influence upon the health of children and adults alike, and is in this fact alone ample justification is to be found for the step which the committee have taken.
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Kings Norton Education Committee
(from a long report:- )
Provision of an Open-Air School
............................
The Sub-committee are of opinion that Kings Heath House, which is now used as a temporary day school, would answer admirably the purposes of an open-air school. The premises are well adapted for the purpose mentioned, there being large and well-lighted rooms, excellent kitchen quarters, and if it were necessary to provide for some residential cases there is ample room on the upper floor for dormitories. The children now attending the day school at Kings Heath House will proceed early next year to the permanent school buildings which are now approaching completion on the Grove Road site. The Kings Heath House will therefore be available for use early in the spring, 1911, and the sub-committee accordingly recommend that steps be taken to secure the use of the premises for the purpose of an open-air school, and that they be authorised to proceed with arrangements for the staffing, equipment, and organisation of the school, ready for opening early next year.
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The motion was agreed to unanimously.
7th December 1910 – KN&N UDC Minute
In Committee, Mr. Councillor Shann presented the following Supplemental Report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee.
Kings Heath park – dismissal of Mr. H.A. Shuttleworth, Superintendent
Your Committee beg to report that they have dismissed Mr. H.A. Shuttleworth from his position of Superintendent of the King’s Heath park, on account of gross irregularity on his part in not accounting for certain moneys received by him on behalf of the Council.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Shann, seconded by Mr. Councillor Fryer, and resolved:-
403 That the supplemental report of the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee be approved and adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Councillor Shann, and seconded by Mr. Councillor Fryer
404 That the Baths, Parks, and Cemeteries Committee be authorised to engage Shuttleworth in a subordinate capacity if they consider it desirable.
Upon a vote being taken, there appeared:-
For the motion 13
Against the motion 5
The Chairman thereupon declared the motion carried, and it was resolved accordingly.
10th December 1910 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield District Council
The Open-air School
Councillor Quinney presented the report of the Education Committee and moved a resolution approving arrangements being made for the establishment of an open-air school at the Kings Heath House, Kings Heath Park, and authorising the Education Committee to provide for the staffing, equipment, and organisation of such a school in preparation for its opening in March next. On this question the Education Committee presented a report, which stated that the medical officers found in many of the schools children suffering from such diseases as anaemia, enlarged glands, rickets, bronchitis, etc. In a considerable number of these cases the home circumstances and the general surroundings were all against an improvement in the bodily condition of the child, and according to the experience of several other education authorities who had established open-air schools, the children sent to these schools rapidly improved under the treatment provided. Enquiries had been made as to the steps taken by other authorities who had provided open-air schools, and it was found in some cases the work was organised on the plan of a day school, i.e., the children proceeding to the school each morning and returning to their home each evening, being provided at the school during the day with breakfast, lunch dinner and tea. In other cases the children were resident at the school for several weeks. In the case of both day and residential schools the authorities had stipulated that the parents should contribute so far as their circumstances would permit towards the cost of the maintenance of the children whilst attending the open-air school. In some instances the education committees had co-operated with voluntary organisations, the education committee providing the teaching staff, cook, and kitchen helpers, and defraying the cost of the supply of apparatus, utensils, etc., the voluntary organisation in one or two cases providing the premises and to some extent certain equipment in the form of deck chairs, hammocks, etc. The committee were of opinion that Kings Heath House, now used as a temporary day school, would answer admirably the purposes of an open-air school.
Councillor Quinney spoke of the success which had attended open-air schools in various parts of the country, and urged the necessity of the experiment being tried in their district. - Councillor Starkie Barnes seconded. - Councillor Coley urged the Council not to act precipitately, in view of the action of the Birmingham Education Committee in starting a similar school at Kings Heath.
Dr. Lilley said it might be assumed that the committee would not rush into unnecessary expenditure, and asked for authority to be given the committee to go ahead with the scheme.
The resolution was carried.
