Ongoing research; last updated 21 November 2014
5th
January 1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Coronation Celebrations
In this connection, the Committee considered the relative
portion of the General Manager’s supplementary report:-
Coronation Celebrations –
Fireworks Displays
(a) 2nd
June, 1953 – 20 x £50 Displays
The following parks and recreation
grounds are suggested for consideration, subject to suitable firing sites being
available:-
(The list includes:-) Muntz Park, Victoria Common and Selly Oak
Park
(b) 6th
June, 1953 – 6 x £100 Displays
The following parks are suggested
......................
....................
Alderman Mrs. Hyde drew attention to the fact that in the
suggested venues for firework displays no mention was made of Kings Heath Park,
although three parks were mentioned in the Kings Norton and Selly Oak areas.
....................
....................
It was finally:-
13337
Resolved:- That the following
proposals for entertainments in Parks, etc. during Coronation week be submitted
for the Coronation Celebrations Committee for their concurrence, namely:-
(a) ................
(a) That
approval be given, in principle, to the proposals referred to in the foregoing
report for the provision of entertainments and firework displays at various
sites, on the understanding that no charge is to be made to the public for
admission thereto, and that the General Manager be instructed to submit a
further report as to the final arrangements proposed, including the possible
substitution of Kings Heath Park for one of the Parks in the Selly Oak area.
(b) ..................
2nd
February 1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the
Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Selly Oak Carnival
Permission was granted for the
Selly Oak Carnival Committee to hold a Carnival at Selly Oak Park on Saturday,
14th June, 1952. One of the
conditions imposed was that the Association should submit a copy of the
accounts in connection with the Carnival after it had been held, with a view to
sympathetic consideration being given by the Parks Committee to the making of a
grant out of any profits accruing to the Association.
The arrangements for the Carnival
were carried out and the General Secretary of the Committee has submitted a
balance sheet which it is stated has been audited, and a copy of which is
attached.
It will be seen from the accounts
that the activities at the park were only part of many events organised in
connection with the Carnival, and that the balance at the bank on 10th
December, 1952, in respect of the Carnival, 1952, was £385. 4. 4.
In past years your Committee has
allowed the Selly Oak Carnival Committee to retain the whole of the profits in
connection with the Carnival, and the charitable donations made out of the 1951
surplus are shown on the balance sheet.
The major item was a £350 donation made to your Committee for repairs
and improvements to the “Sons of Rest” building at (sic) Selly Oak Park. (Compiler’s
note – there was no “Sons of Rest” building at Selly Oak Park; this should have
read “Bournbrook Recreation Ground”.)
Details of the proposed disposal of the profits of the 1952 Carnival
have not yet been received, but it is hoped that these will be received in time
for them to be considered at your meeting.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Coronation Day Celebrations in
the Parks
In accordance with your
Committee’s instructions an advertisement was inserted in the local newspapers
asking Coronation Party organisers to submit applications for the use of parks
not later than the 31st December, 1952. Your Committee has already granted permission
for 99 organisations to hold Coronation Celebrations in the parks, and I submit
in Schedule “B” a list of 36 further applications received. In each case the use of the park as requested
is not likely seriously to interfere with the usual amenities in the parks
concerned.
.....................
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Schedule
“B”
Coronation
Activities
Park: Selly
Oak Pk.
Organisation: Falconhurst
Rd. C.C.
Organiser: Mr. A.R.
Crowe, 44, Falconhurst Rd., Selly Oak, 29.
Remarks: Children’s Party
Selly Oak Carnival
13446
Resolved:- That the Selly Oak
Carnival Committee be permitted to retain the whole of their balance in hand as
at 10th December 1952 i.e. £385. 4. 4d., but that the General
Manager be instructed to inform the Carnival Committee that the Parks Committee
require information as to how their funds in respect of the 1952 Carnival are
finally allocated in the form of charitable donations.
Coronation Day Celebrations in the Parks
13448
Resolved:- That the requests for
the use of various parks and recreation grounds in respect of the Coronation
celebrations 1953, as more particularly set out in Appendix “B” to the
foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
The following report of the General Manager was submitted:-
Estimates 1953/54
(The following items were specifically identified in the “Details of
Expenditure” in a very long and complex report:-)
Selly Oak Park –
Maintenance of Drives &
Footpaths
- New
drain from shelter to lodge (£350)
- Repairs
to playground (£25)
Fencing
- 550
yds. oak fence, canal side (£440)
Playground Equipment (New)
- Joy
Wheel (£80)
- See-saw
(£15)
Estimates 1953/54
13455
Resolved:- That the draft
estimates of the Committee for 1953/54 as submitted to the Finance Committee
and as more particularly set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
2nd March
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton presented the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Horticultural Training Scheme -
Preliminary Report
The Departmental Horticultural
Training Scheme has now been in operation since the 22nd September,
1952, and a preliminary report on its activities is set out herewith for the
Sub-Committee’s consideration.
As the Committee is aware, the
Training Scheme made provision for the following Courses of Instruction:-
(a)
An Apprenticeship Scheme for Gardeners.
(b)
An Apprenticeship Scheme for Groundsmen.
(c)
A two
year Advanced Course leading to the examination for the National Diploma in
Horticulture for adult employees who have completed four years’ practical work
and passed the General Examination of the Royal Horticultural Society.
(d)
A two year Elementary course leading to the
General Examination of the Royal Horticultural Society open to all employees
and held during the evenings at the College of Technology, Suffolk Street.
28 Apprentice Gardeners and 13
Apprentice Groundsmen were taken on to the Departmental strength on the 22nd
September, 1952. Three Apprentice
Gardeners resigned their posts before the Deeds of Apprenticeship were signed
and the remaining 25 along with the 13 Apprentice Groundsmen completed
indentures with effect from the 1st October, 1952 or their 16th
Birthday, whichever was the later date.
Eight adult employees who had been selected for the two year Advanced
Course commenced instruction on the 25th September, 1952 and signed
the training agreements with effect from the 1st October, 1952. Both groups of Apprentices and the Trainees
taking the Advanced Course attend at the School of Training at King’s Heath
Park, for one day each week, and tuition is given from 9 a.m. to 4-30 p.m. The Apprentice Groundsmen attend on Mondays,
Apprentice Gardeners on Tuesdays and the Trainees on Thursdays. Instruction is given by suitably qualified
members of the Departmental Staff recruited on a voluntary basis.
The Evening Course in Elementary
Horticulture held at the College of Technology has proved very popular, and 54
employees enrolled for instruction which began on the 23rd
September, 1952. Classes are held on
both Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6-30 – 9 p.m.
At the end of December, 1952, a
short Terminal Examination was set for the Apprentices and Trainees, in order
to determine firstly, the progress which was being made, and secondly, the
course and method of future instruction.
These examination results show that although there is a considerable
variation in academic ability in all groups, on the whole considerable progress
has been made. Enthusiasm is high
throughout, and it is felt that the continuance of the present method of
instruction is justified.
For the Sub-Committee’s
consideration, details are set out below of the various teaching timetables,
the examination questions and markings, and reports which have been obtained
from the various parks and golf courses where the Apprentices are employed:-
(There then follows 11 pages of course details and individual student reports
– of great interest, but without further reference to Selly Oak Park apart from
the following gleanings:-)
·
Mr. R.P. Williams, an Apprentice Gardener at
Selly Oak Park under the supervision of Mr. J.E. Hughes, the Park-keeper there,
is described thus – “Is an excellent time keeper. He has shown a keen interest in the subject
of horticulture. Keen to get all
knowledge he can from the school. When
asked how he thought he had done in the terminal test, he replied “I think I
shall come out alright, anyway I did my best, I could not have done better”.”.
His markings were:
Botany: 64
Soils & Manures: 45
Trees, shrubs & flowers in the
open: 58
Vegetables: 64
Glasshouse Plants: 78½
Fruit: 50
TOTAL MARKS: 359½
POSITION: 6
Staff
Rates of Pay –
Officers-in-Charge – Supervisory Grades
I set out in Appendix “O” a list
of Officers-in-Charge and Foremen, together with certain recommended wage
increases. These wage increases are all
within the existing grades.
The Committee’s approval to these
increases is desired.
Appendix
“O”
Rates
of Pay – Officers-in-Charge – Supervisory Grades
Site: Selly Oak
Name: Charlton, L.
Grade: Foreman
Rate of Pay:
Present: £7. 14. 0.
Recommended: £7. 16. 6.
Estimates, 1953/54
Proposed Reductions to effect a
Saving of £70,000 in Expenditure
(The following items were specifically identified in a very long
report:-)
Selly Oak Park –
Maintenance of Drives &
Footpaths
- New
drain from shelter to lodge (£350)
Fencing
- 550
yds. oak fence, canal side (£440)
Horticultural Training Scheme - Preliminary Report
13476
Resolved:- That the preliminary
report of the horticultural training scheme, as now submitted, be approved; and
that the General Manager be instructed to convey to the Senior Horticulturist
and to the various tutors concerned this Committee’s appreciation of the
excellent work which they have carried out in connection therewith.
(Compiler’s Note –
Much more about the Horticultural College is recorded in the History of King’s
Heath Park.)
Rates of Pay – Officers-in-Charge – Supervisory Grades
13492
Resolved:- That the increases in
the rates of pay for the officers-in-charge and foremen in the supervisory
grades, as more particularly set out in Appendix “O” to the foregoing report,
be approved, with effect from the 1st April.
Rate Estimates, 1953/54
13500
Resolved:- That the proposed
reductions to effect a saving of £70,000 in expenditure in the estimates of the
Committee for 1953/54, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved, except
that an item of £1,600 only be included for the erection of a building at
King’s Heath Park for the purpose of the horticultural training scheme; and
that a further sum of £1,000 be allocated as a contingency item for repairs to
greenhouses.
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the
Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Coronation Celebrations –
Firework Displays
The following list of suggested
sites for the twenty firework displays to be given on Coronation Day was
submitted to the last meeting of your Committee:-
Compiler’s note - The list included Muntz Park and Selly Oak Park, but did
not include King’s Heath Park.
It will be remembered that I was
instructed to report further on the possible substitution of King’s Heath Park
for one of the parks in the Selly Oak area.
The list has also been submitted to the Outdoor Entertainments
Sub-Committee of the Coronation Celebrations Committee and it was requested that
consideration be given to providing fireworks at Sparkhill Park and also in the
Shard End area.
It is difficult to visualize
higher priorities for firework sites than those in the original list given
above, but if the Committee so desire, it is suggested that an endeavour be
made to obtain three more £50 displays to be sited at King’s Heath Park,
Sparkhill Park and Glebe Farm Recreation Ground, which is in the Shard End
area.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Use of Parks for Coronation
Celebrations
................................
I have received one or two
applications from organisers of Coronation Parties in the parks chosen for
firework displays for permission for the parties to continue on Coronation
night after 10 p.m., which is the normal time for closing the parks.
As it is likely that the firework
displays will not begin before about 10.0 p.m., I think it would be desirable
for purposes of administration for your Committee to fix by resolution and
publish on the notice boards at the parks concerned, the official time for these
parks to close after the firework displays have been given. I recommend that this time be fixed at 11.0
p.m.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Coronation Celebrations – Firework Displays
13546
Resolved:- That subject to the
approval of the Coronation Celebrations Committee, arrangements be made for the
provision of three additional £50 firework displays, in connection with the
Coronation celebrations i.e. at King’s Heath Park, Sparkhill Park and Glebe
Farm Recreation Ground, and that subject to the foregoing approval, Minute No.
13337 be amended and the Town Clerk informed accordingly.
Use of Parks for Coronation Celebrations
13561
Resolved:- That arrangements be
made for the Parks and Recreation Grounds where firework displays are to be
given during Coronation week to be closed at 11 p.m. on the evening
affected.
16th March
1953 – BCC Parks Committee (Special Meeting*) Minute
(* for the purpose of
deciding upon the form of a report for submission to the City Council on 21st
April, 1953.)
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purpose and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Your Sub-Committee met on the 9th
March, 1953 and considered, inter alia, the undermentioned report of the
General Manager concerning the provision of shelters in parks, recreation
grounds and cemeteries from funds provided by the A.W. Keep Bequest, upon which
they now submit recommendations as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that
it is intended to submit an item concerning the Selly Oak “Daughters of Rest”
in the report to be submitted to the City Council on 21st April,
1953.
“A.W. Keep Bequest – Provision
of Shelters
At the last meeting of your General
Committee, a discussion took place upon the question of providing “Sons of
Rest” shelters from the amount of £3,200 available from the Keep Bequest, at
which the view was expressed that such funds should be used for the benefit of
the community, rather than to any
particular section such as the “Sons of Rest”, and by Minute No. 13268 I was
instructed to submit information as to the requirements for shelter
accommodation, both on public open space land and in the City Cemeteries.
For your information, I set out
below a comparative schedule, indicating those sites where shelters for both
public and “Sons of Rest” use have been provided since the war, and in addition
those sites where after consultation with your District and Cemetery
Superintendents, the provision of further shelters is desirable, or for which
applications have been received:-
The list then places Selly Oak Park in the list of Sites at which
“Daughters of Rest” Shelters are recommended.
(This report was also presented in the
papers for the Parks Committee meeting on 13th April, 1953.)
Your Sub-Committee point out that
on the question of “Daughters of Rest”, the only site at which it is at present
envisaged that a shelter should be provided, is at Selly Oak Park. In this case the money for the provision of
the shelter is already available out of private resources. In this case there
would, therefore, be no claim on the Keep Bequest.
This matter was referred to in a Memorial
submitted to the City Council in October, 1952, which contained a request for the
allocation of a suitable shelter for a “Daughters of Rest” shelter in Selly Oak
Park. The Memorial was referred to the
Committee and by Minute No. 13805, it was decided to inform the Council that,
as the Corporation are unable to grant exclusive use to any particular section
of the public of shelters in Parks (except when specifically authorised by
statute), the Committee could not see their way to grant facilities for
shelters in Parks to “Daughters of Rest”.
Having reviewed the matter in the
light of the general requirements for shelters on sites under the control of
the Parks Committee, as referred to in the report of the General Manager, your
Sub-Committee now recommend that the “Daughters of Rest” be granted the use of
a site in Selly Oak Park for the erection thereon of a shelter, the cost of
which will be borne from private resources; that the General Manager be
instructed to report as to the site in the park which he considers to be most
suitable, and that Minute No. 13085 be rescinded and the Council informed
accordingly.
.......................
“Daughters of Rest” – Selly Oak Park
13616
Resolved:- That having regard to
the circumstances set out in the foregoing report the “Daughters of Rest” be
granted the use of a site in Selly Oak Park for the erection of a shelter
thereon, the cost of which will be borne from private resources; that the
General Manager be instructed to report to the Sites and Buildings
Sub-Committee as to the site in the Park which he considers to be most
suitable; and that Minute No. 13085 be rescinded and the City Council informed
accordingly.
(Aldermen Alldridge,
Cooper and Simpson voted against the foregoing resolution)
Report to Council – 21st April, 1953
The following draft report for submission to the City
Council on 21st April, 1953, together with suggested additional
items based on decisions taken with regard to cremation costs and the provision
of a site for the “Daughters of Rest” shelter at Selly Oak Park at this meeting
were submitted:-
Draft
Report to Council – 21st April, 1953
MEMORIALS
(a)
SITE - SELLY OAK PARK - “DAUGHTERS OF REST”
In October 1952, a memorial was
submitted to the Council, asking for the allocation of a suitable site in Selly
Oak Park upon which the Selly Oak “Daughters of Rest” might provide a permanent
shelter for the use of their members.
Your Committee have carefully
considered this application and now inform the Council that as the Corporation
are unable to grant exclusive use to any particular section of the public, of
shelters in the parks (except when specifically authorised by statute), they
cannot see their way to grant facilities in shelters in the parks to “Daughters
of Rest”.
Site at Selly Oak Park for “Daughters of Rest
Alderman Alldridge suggested the deletion of this item but
after discussion, it was:-
13621
Resolved:- That an item under
the above heading be included in the Council report on the lines now suggested.
(The foregoing
resolution was carried by 6 votes to 5, including the casting vote of the
Chairman)
2nd April
1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 D1)
The tree stump which stands just to the left of the main
drive in Selly Oak Park originally stood of the corner of Oak Tree Lane. It is understood that Northfield Highway
Board considered felling the tree in 1894 but after strong opposition from
local inhabitants the matter was left in abeyance until 1909 when it was felled
and the butt removed to its present position in the Park. A brass plate which is affixed to the butt
bears this inscription:- “The butt of the old oak tree from which Selly Oak
derived its name. Removed from Oak tree
Lane in 1909.”
For further details refer newspaper cuttings book dated
Wednesday 22nd April, 1953, and Photograph Library No. 927.
13th April
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the Recreation
and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Coronation Celebrations
With regard to the engagements of
bands, concert parties, children’s entertainers, etc. for 2nd and 6th
June the following provisional programmes have been drawn up:-
2nd June “Masco” - Punch & Judy
4
p.m. Selly Oak Park
Coronation Celebrations –
Firework Displays Firing Sites
The following suggested Parks and
Recreation Grounds were approved by both your Committee and the Outdoor
Entertainments Sub-Committee of the Coronation Celebrations Committee for the
staging of the 20 firework displays booked for the 2nd June, 1953,
subject to suitable firing areas being available:-
The list contained Selly Oak Park, but not Kings Heath Park
Your Committee also approved the
possibility of adding three additional sites subject to the approval of the
Outdoor Entertainments Sub-Committee, and these were:-
Kings’ Heath Park
Sparkhill Park
Glebe Farm Recreation Ground
Enquiries were made of Messrs.
James Pain and Son, Ltd., with regard to three further £50 displays, but they
have now replied that they cannot undertake any further orders for
fireworks. In this respect it will be
remembered that great difficulty was experienced in obtaining the displays
already ordered.
The original twenty sites have now
been examined to see if firing sites are available which are in accordance with
the safety conditions advised by the suppliers.
Seventeen of the sites are suitable, but Highgate Park, Kingstanding
Recreation Ground and Rookery Park are not suitable.
Of the three suggested additional
sites, King’s Heath Park and Glebe Farm Recreation Ground have satisfactory
firing sites, but Sparkhill Park is considered to be unsuitable and in addition
there is the problem of noise affecting a nearby hospital.
In view of the above facts it is
suggested:-
(a)
Highgate Park and Kingstanding Recreation Ground
might be replaced by King’s Heath Park and Glebe Farm Recreation Ground.
(b)
Rookery Park might be replaced by either Pype
Hayes Park or Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.
Pype Hayes Park and Aldridge Road
Recreation Ground have not been submitted before, but both have suitable firing
sites and several children’s parties will be taking place.
By this suggested arrangement the
twenty displays already ordered would be utilised and it would not be necessary
to provide further displays.
............................
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Coronation Celebrations
13740 Resolved:- That,
subject to the approval of the Coronation Celebrations Committee, the recommendations
of the General Manager with regard to the engagement of bands, concert parties
and children’s entertainers on 2nd and 6th June, 1953, as
now submitted, be approved.
Coronation Celebrations – Firework Displays – Firing
Sites
13742 Resolved:- That, subject to the approval of the
Coronation Celebrations Committee, the report of the General Manager concerning
the suitability of sites for firework displays, be approved, and that he be
instructed to arrange for displays to be provided at King’s Heath Park, Glebe
Farm Recreation Ground and Pype Hayes Park in lieu of those originally
suggested at Highgate Park, Kingstanding Recreation Ground and Rookery Park;
further, that for the reasons set out in the foregoing report, the General
Manager be instructed to endeavour to arrange for suitable entertainments of a
different type at Highgate Park.
4th May
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the
Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Selly Oak Carnival, 1953
Your Sub-Committee have considered
an application which has been received from the Selly Oak Carnival Committee
for permission to hold their 1953 Carnival in Selly Oak Park on 4th
July. The General Manager has advised
the Carnival Committee that this date would not be suitable as it would clash
with the Boy Scouts’ Rally arranged to take place at Handsworth Park on the
same day.
In these circumstances, your
Sub-Committee recommend that the Chairman be authorised to allocate a suitable
date to the Selly Oak Carnival Committee for this year’s Carnival.
Selly Oak Carnival 1953
13859
Resolved:- That the Chairman be
authorised to allocate a suitable date to the Selly Oak Carnival Committee for
their 1953 Carnival.
The following report of the General Manager was submitted:-
“Daughters of Rest”, Selly Oak
Branch
In accordance with instructions
contained in Minute No.13,616 of your Committee, I have met on the site
officers of the above Branch, with a view to the allocation to them of a suitable
area of land for the purposes of the construction of their shelter.
The site provisionally selected,
subject to the approval of your Committee, is indicated upon the plan which
will be available at your meeting. The
site has been selected from the point of view of accessibility to the major
population centre of Selly Oak, the provision of a reasonable outlook for the
old ladies, the non-interference with exiting amenities, and the comparative
ease of service connections.
The Organising Committee are particularly
anxious that the building should now proceed with the minimum of delay during
the Coronation year, and I understand that sufficient funds are available for
the complete provision of the building as a working concern, the necessary
furnishings and residual amount for annual upkeep.
From what I gather, there would
appear to be no reason why there should be any charge whatsoever upon your
Committee’s Estimates for any purpose.
Subject to prepared plans and
elevation being acceptable to your Committee and the Chairman of your Sites and
Buildings Sub-Committee, I shall be glad to have your authority to proceed.
“Daughters of Rest” – Site in Selly Oak Park
In this connection a plan was submitted showing the proposed
site for the “Daughters of Rest” Shelter in Selly Oak Park.
13867
Resolved:- That approval be given
to the proposed site for the “Daughters of Rest” Shelter in Selly Oak Park as
shown on the plan now submitted, it being understood that there will be no
charge whatsoever upon the Committee’s Estimates for any purpose; further, that
the Chairman, and the Chairman of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee be
authorised to approve the necessary detail plans in connection with the
building and any alterations in the lay-out of paths, etc. subject to this
Committee being informed thereof in due course.
4th May
1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 D1)
Min. No. 13867 of 4th May, 1953 approved the
proposed site for the “Daughters of Rest” pavilion. Note “The Daughters of Rest” organizing
Cttee to be responsible for cost of construction and subsequent upkeep of the
pavilion.
4th May
1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 EF5)
“Daughters of Rest” pavilion. Contractor: J. Broomfield & Sons. Cost: approx £2,500. Parks Comm Min. date 4.5.53; No. 13867. Remarks:
This pavilion was provided with funds raised by public subscription –
Refer “D” card for details.
6th July
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Use of Parks
I beg to submit in Appendix “D”
particulars of applications made for the use of parks. The applications marked * being not
inconsistent with your Committee’s policy, have been granted, and it is asked
that the action taken be approved.
Appendix
“D”
Use
of Parks
Organisation: Sunday School
Date: *
1.6.53
Park: Selly Oak Park
Purpose: -
Staff
Appointments
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the appointments as set out in Appendix “E” have been made.
Appendix
“E”
Appointments
District No. 1.
Name & Age: Eagles, J. (18)
Designation: Gdn. Boy “A”
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Commenced: 27.4.53
Wages: £4. 13. 1.
Resignations
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.
Appendix
“F”
Resignations
District No. 1.
Name & Age: Eagles, J. (18)
Designation: Gdn. Boy “A”
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Ceased: 11.4.53 (sic)
Length of Service: 3 yrs.
Name & Age: Watts, A.G. (28)
Designation: Gdn. 2nd Cl.
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Ceased: 29.4.53 (sic)
Length of Service: 5 yrs.
Name & Age: Burgis, H. (51)
Designation: P. Police
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Ceased: 8.5.53
Length of Service: 9 mths.
Improved Service Pay
I beg to submit in Appendix “H” a
list of applications received and recommended for the Committee’s approval, the
payments to take effect from the date stated.
Appendix
“H”
Improved
Service Pay
District No. 1.
Name & Age: Wall, T. (49)
Designation: Gdn. 2nd Cl.
Where Employed: Selly Oak Park
Date Commenced: 26.6.50
Grant Recommended: 2/-
To date from: 26.6.53
Coronation Celebrations, 1953 –
Special remuneration – Employees engaged on extraneous Duties
At the last meeting of the General
Committee, approval was given to the payment of a special remuneration of
£1-10-0 to each of the employees of the Department, on each occasion when their
services were required in connection with operations on the actual firing sites
for firework displays in the parks on Coronation Day, and Saturday, the 6th
June.
The following are the employees who
operated, or were required to operate, in these displays, and your Committee’s
authority is required for the payment of the appropriate amount to the individuals
concerned:-
District 1.
Selly Oak Park W. Abbey Prop. Gdnr.
F.
Gibbs Gdnr. 1st Cl.
J.
Hughes O/c
Selly Oak Carnival, 1953
At the last meeting, your
Committee considered an application made by the Selly Oak Carnival Committee to
hold Selly Oak Carnival on the 4th July. As this date would clash with the Boy Scouts’
Rally arranged to take place at Handsworth Park, it was decided that it was not
a suitable one for the Selly Oak Carnival, and the Chairman of the Parks
Committee was authorised to allocate a suitable date for the 1953
Carnival. Subsequently it was decided
that the Carnival should take place on the 15th August next.
In previous
years, permission has been granted for Selly Oak Park to be used in connection
with this Carnival, subject to the following conditions:-
(a)
That
only part or parts of the park are to be used for a Carnival.
(b) That
no admission is to be charged for entrance to the park, but only to certain
specified enclosures therein.
(c) That
the Carnival events in the Park are to be under the general supervision of your
Department.
(d) That
the Association should submit a copy of the accounts in connection with the
carnival after it has been held, with a view to sympathetic consideration being
given by your Committee to the making of a grant out of any profits accruing to
the Association.
(e) That
no general fun-fair be allowed, but that side-shows be permitted upon a scale
to be approved by your Department, on the understanding that there is no
mechanical or amplified gramophone music.
(f) That
permission be granted for certain refreshment stalls to be erected subject to
the general supervision of your Department.
In connection with the provision
of side-shows, the Carnival Committee have re-applied for permission to hold a
fun fair similar to the one provided at the City of Birmingham Show at
Handsworth Park.
The Sub-Committee will recall that
when the Selly Oak Carnival Committee made application for the first carnival
at Selly Oak Park in 1950, they requested to have permission to have a fun fair
and to have the same facilities as those granted to the organisers of the King’s
Norton Carnival at Cotteridge Park. This
request was not acceded to by the Committee on the grounds that there should be
no departure from the Committee’s general policy affecting the provision of fun
fairs in the parks generally in respect of the Selly Oak Carnival, 1950.
It will be recalled that the
decision was arrived at after due regard to the Committee’s report to the City
Council dated 3rd December, 1946, where the right was reserved to authorise
the holding of a fun fair as a special case, and in view of other applications
which may be received with equal claim it was decided that the Selly Oak Carnival
could not be accepted as such a “special case”.
It was agreed that as the King’s Norton Carnival was a continuance of a
carnival organised many years ago, the Committee was prepared to allow the fun
fair to continue as a special case.
The site used for the side-shows
in Selly Oak Park is not considered suitable for a full scale fun fair, as the
excessive weight of the vehicles used would cause damage to the turf and the
land drains beneath the surface of the ground.
In addition, the tarmac paths are not constructed to deal with heavy
vehicular traffic.
The Committee’s instructions in
regard to the type of fun fair equipment and side-shows to be allowed at the
Selly Oak Carnival are required.
There was a preface to this
report, as follows:-
Your Sub-Committee are informed
that the organisers of the above Carnival have made certain approaches with a
view to their being permitted to have increased fun fair facilities, in
particular a roundabout mounted on wheels, which is said not to be likely to
cause damage to the turf. Attention is
drawn to the policy which the Committee has hitherto adopted with regard to fun
fairs and which has been forwarded to the City Council, i.e. that fun fairs
will only be allowed in parks and recreation grounds on special occasions or
where the site may permit them. In the
case of the present application your Sub-Committee have left the question of
the fun fair facilities which might be permitted at the Selly Oak Carnival in
the hands of their Chairman and the Chairman of the Committee with power to
act. A report will be submitted on this
matter in due course.
Staff Appointments
13976
Resolved:- That the various
appointments made to fill existing vacancies on the manual staff as detailed in
Appendix “E” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
Improved Service Pay
13979
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.
Use of Parks
13986
Resolved:- That the action taken
in granting permission for the use of parks, as detailed in Appendix “D” to the
foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
Special Remuneration – Employees engaged on Coronation Firework
Displays
13992
Resolved:- That the action taken
in giving authority for the payment of a special remuneration of £1.10.0d. to
each of the employees more particularly referred to in the foregoing report who
were engaged on work in connection with the firework displays in the parks on
Coronation Day and 6th June, 1953, for each day upon which they were so
engaged, be approved and confirmed; further, that the Coronation Celebrations
Committee be requested to consider reimbursing this Committee with the total
amount expended in this connection, i.e. £126.0.0d.
Selly Oak Carnival, 1953
13994
Resolved:- That the Selly Oak
Carnival Committee be permitted to hold their annual Carnival in Selly Oak Park
on the 15th August, 1953, on similar conditions to previous years,
as more particularly set out in the foregoing report, and that the action taken
in leaving the question of the fun fair facilities which might be permitted in
connection therewith in the hands of the Chairman and the Chairman of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee with power to act, be approved and
confirmed; and that the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee be requested
to report further thereon in due course.
In the absence of Alderman Mrs. Hyde the Chairman presented
the following report of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee:-
Selly Oak Park – Proposed
“Daughters of Rest” Shelter
By Minute No. 13,867 of the
General Committee, approval was given to the suggested siting of this building,
and the Chairman and the Chairman of your Sub-Committee were given authority to
approve the plans, subject to the Committee being informed thereof in due
course.
A plan of a suitable shelter which
will be available at your meeting has been prepared departmentally, providing a
hall 16ft. wide x 40ft. long, a kitchen, size 8ft. x 8ft.6in., an entrance
lobby, size 7ft. x 8ft., and a cloakroom with lavatory accommodation. The external lining of the hut will be mainly
in Elm board, with a roof covering of Mineralised Rubberoid felt, and its
siting, together with the comparatively large windows, will provide an outlook
over very pleasant existing horticultural features. The estimated cost of this work is £1,350,
including electrical and water services and drainage, but all payments to the
selected contractor will be made by the Selly Oak “Daughters of Rest” Society
direct.
Approvals under the Town and
Country Planning Act, Building Bye-laws and Defence Regulation 56A are now being
awaited, and tenders for the supply of the hut, electrical installation, floor
finish, and supply of sanitary ware have been invited from
sub-contractors. A specification for the
purpose of obtaining tenders for the entire work is in course of preparation,
and it is anticipated that competitive figures will be available upon receipt
of the necessary approvals.
The Committee’s approval to the
plans as now submitted is desired.
Selly Oak Park – Proposed “Daughters of Rest” Shelter
14021
Resolved:- That the plans for
the proposed “Daughters of Rest” shelter in Selly Oak Park, as now submitted,
be approved.
6th July
1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 D1)
Min. No. 14021 of 6th July 1953 approved the
plans of the proposed “Daughters of Rest” shelter. The Public Works Committee approved the
proposed development at their meeting on 9th July 1953 (P.C. Min.
No. 14071 of 27th July 1953 refers).
27th July
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Resolution of the Public Works Committee – Planning
Permission (a) Provision of flat, King’s Heath Park House; (b) “Daughters of
Rest” Pavilion, Selly Oak Park.
The following resolution of the Public Works Committee was
submitted:-
Application for Approval. (9.7.53)
DE. XIII-15,16
Selly Oak Park, Harborne Lane,
Gibbins Road rear of houses Corisande Road
Proposal: Erection of Daughters of Rest Pavilion
Applicant: Parks Committee.
Observations: This proposal constitutes permitted
development within clause XIII of the General Development Order 1950, but
requires the approval of your Committee in accordance with General Instructions
to Committees No. 40.
14071 Resolved:- That the foregoing resolution be received
and entered on the Minutes.
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Staff
Appointments
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the appointments as set out in Appendix “E” have been made.
Appendix
“E"
Appointments
District No. 1.
Name & Age: Hastings, E.G. (20)
Designation: Gdn. Lab.
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Commenced: 15.6.53
Wages: £6. 2. 0.
Resignations
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.
Appendix
“F”
Resignations
District No. 1.
Name & Age: Eagles, J. (18)
Designation: Gdn. Boy “A”
Where Employed: Selly Oak Pk.
Date Ceased: 16.6.53
Length of Service: 3 years
Staff Appointments
14095
Resolved:- That the various
appointments made to fill existing vacancies on the manual staff, as detailed
in Appendix “E” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
The following report of the General Manager was submitted:-
Selly Oak Park – Proposed
telephone stay post, Gibbins Road
I have received through the Town
Clerk an application from the Area Engineer, Post Office Telegraphs, for
permission to place a Stay Post and associated wire stay in the border
shrubbery on the Gibbins Road frontage to this park, where indicated in red on
the plan to be submitted at your meeting.
The stay is required in connection
with an existing telephone pole, situated at the corner of Frederick Road, and
as its erection would not interfere in any way with the park amenities, I
recommend that the application be approved.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Selly Oak Park – Proposed telephone stay post, Gibbins
Road
14174
Resolved:- That the General
Manager be instructed to inform the Town Clerk that this Committee grant
permission to the Post Office Telegraphs to place a stay post and associated
wire stay in the border shrubbery on Gibbins Road frontage to Selly (sic) Park,
as referred to in the foregoing report.
27th July
1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 D1)
Min. No. 14174 of 27th July 1953 granted
permission for the Post Office telegraphs to place a stay post and associated
wire stay in the border shrubbery on the Gibbins Road frontage.
5th October
1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
The following report of the General Manager was submitted:-
“Daughters of Rest” Shelter,
Selly Oak Park – Official Opening, 22nd October 1953
I have been informed by the
Secretary of the Selly Oak “Daughters of Rest” that arrangements have been made
for the new pavilion to be officially opened at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the 22nd
October. The Lord Mayor has intimated
that he will be present.
The “Daughters of Rest” Committee
are anxious to invite to the Opening Ceremony representatives of local
associations and others who have helped provide the cost of the new shelter,
and it is estimated that the total number of persons present will be between 50
and 60.
It is customary at the opening of
a new “Sons of Rest” Pavilion, for your Committee to provide tea for the
guests, and your Chairman has authorised similar arrangements to be made in
connection with the opening of the “Daughters of Rest” Shelter at Selly Oak.
The Committee’s confirmation is
desired.
Selly Oak Park – “Daughters of
Rest” Shelter
By Minute No. 14,021, your Committee
gave approval to the plans of the shelter which have been prepared
departmentally, and authority to proceed with the work of construction under Building
Bye-laws, the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, and the Defence Regulation
56A was sought and obtained.
The work was subsequently
commenced, and after material progress had been made it was verbally intimated
that the site of the hut was in close proximity to the line of the Elan Valley
aqueduct. The details were discussed with the Water Department, who had raised
the matter, and it was apparent that the building did, in fact, infringe the
limits within which a structure is not permitted to be erected. As the resiting of the structure would involve
the additional expenditure of approximately £200, the Water Department
expressed their willingness to allow work on the erection of the shelter to
continue, provided they were indemnified against the following risks:-
(a). Damage to the aqueduct resulting out of the
construction of the shelter.
(b). Damage to the shelter or persons as a result
of the carrying out of maintenance on the aqueduct.
(c). Any additional expense in connection with the
maintenance or renewal work on the pipe line as a result of the presence of the
shelter.
(d). That (a), (b) and (c) above shall apply to
any future lines of piping.
In view of the very remote
possibility of any of the conditions materialising and to the expense involved
in resiting and also to the necessity for having the shelter completed by early
October, its erection on the original site was proceeded with.
Your Committee’s approval to this course
of action and to the acceptance of the Water Department’s conditions are now desired.
“Daughters of Rest” Shelter, Selly Oak Park – Official
Opening, 22nd October 1953
14279
Resolved:- That the action taken
in authorising the provision of tea for guests attending the official opening
of the “Daughters of Rest” Shelter at Selly Oak Park on 22nd
October, 1953, as more particularly set out in the foregoing report, be
approved and confirmed.
Selly Oak Park – “Daughters of Rest” Shelter
14307
Resolved:- That the action taken
in accepting the Water Department’s conditions in respect of the erection of the
“Daughters of Rest” shelter at Selly Oak Park, as more particularly set out in
the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
5th
October 1953 - Parks Department (Operations Card 26 D1 & 2))
The “Daughters of Rest” pavilion was officially opened on 22nd
October 1953 when the building was formally handed over to the City (The Lord Mayor
represented the City Council) to be held in trust for the “Daughters of
Rest”. The pavilion cost approx £2,500
and was provided by public subscription (University Carnival Fund contributed
£1,750) – Minute No. 14279 of 5th October 1953 refers. Note
While the building was in course of construction it was found that it
was in close proximity to the line of the Elan Valley aqueduct, and did in fact
infringe the limits of the Water Dept’s easement within which a structure may
not be erected. However the Water
Committee expressed their willingness for the building to be completed provided
they were indemnified against the following risks:-
(a)
Damage to
the aqueduct resulting out of the construction of the shelter.
(b)
Damage to the shelter or persons as a result of
carrying out of maintenance on the aqueduct.
(c)
Any additional expense in connection with
maintenance or renewal work on the pipe line as a result of the presence of the
shelter.
(d)
That (a), (b) and (c) above shall apply to any
future lines of piping.
By Min. No. 14307 of 5th October 1953 the Parks
Committee confirmed their acceptance of the above conditions.
Selly Oak “daughters” get a place in the park
The first Daughters of Rest pavilion to be built in a
Birmingham park is to be opened in Selly Oak Park next Thursday by the Lord Mayor,
Ald. G.H.W. Griffith.
The story of the venture began in October, 1950, when Mrs.
L.D. Banner, of Heeley Road, Selly Oak, decided that the time had arrived to
organise a club for elderly women in the area.
With the help of Mr. Southam (then a councillor) a committee
was formed. Many women became members,
but meetings were not held regularly because it was hoped to conserve the funds
for the establishment of permanent rooms.
However, visits to the pantomimes and Christmas parties have been
organised for the “daughters”.
A “threepence a brick” fund, which brought in about £50, was
started, but funds came in slowly until in 1951, Birmingham University gave
£1,500 from their annual carnival towards the fund. This gesture enabled a
permanent club to be planned.
Mrs. Banner spoke warmly of the generosity of the University
and of the Parks Department, who gave them the site in Selly Oak Park upon
which a club could be built.
Membership will not be increased until the pavilion is
opened, though Mrs. Banner said she was having inquiries for admission every
day.
2nd November 1953 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Selly Oak Carnival 1953
By Minute No. 13994 the Committee
permitted the Selly Oak Carnival Committee to hold their Annual Carnival in
Selly Oak Park on the 15th August, 1953, on similar conditions to
previous years, but the question of fun fair facilities which might be
permitted at the Carnival was left in the hands of the Chairman of the
Committee and the Chairman of your Sub-Committee with power to act. Your Sub-Committee now report that the
Carnival was held on the foregoing date as arranged, and that the question of
the fun fair facilities was dealt with by the two chairmen as authorised.
Your Sub-Committee accordingly
recommend that Minute No. 13994 be discharged.
Horticultural Training Scheme –
First Annual Report
(This is a very long and detailed report – only those parts referring
to the park specifically are reproduced here.)
The Departmental Horticultural
Training Scheme has now been in operation since the 22nd September,
1952, and the first annual report on its activities is set out herewith for
your Committee’s consideration.
.................
The results of the
end of session examinations, together with reports which have been obtained
from the parks and golf courses where the apprentices are employed are set out
in the attached schedules “A”, “B” and “C” for your Committee’s consideration.
Schedule
“A”
Apprentice
Gardeners Terminal Tests
R.P
Williams
Botany: 50
Soils & Manures: 40
Trees, shrubs & flowers in the
open: 47
Vegetables: 65
Glasshouse Plants: 56
Fruit: 62
TOTAL MARKS: 320
POSITION: 7
Schedule
“C”
Report
of Practical Work from Officer-in-Charge
Williams, R.P.
He is confident that he will make
the grade. He does not talk much about
the school at the park. This makes it
difficult to assess his progress.
Selly
Oak Park, Park-keeper, Mr. J.E. Hughes
Municipal Tenants Gardens
Competition, 1953
On the 13th April last,
your Committee received a resolution of the Housing Management Committee,
stating that authority had been given for the organisation of the Municipal
Tenants’ Gardens Competition, 1953, on similar lines to previous years,
including the making of reasonable payments as hitherto to members of the Parks
Department Staff and others in connection with judging, etc.
I have to report that since the
completion of judging in the Competition, a sum of £54 has been received from
the Housing Manager in connection with honoraria for the assistance of your
Committee’s employees in judging the gardens, and this has, in accordance with
the usual practice, been dispersed in the form of £3 to each of the 18
employees concerned, who are as follows:
(From a list:-)
Mr. J. Hughes, Park-keeper, Selly
Oak Park
The Committee’s confirmation of
the action taken is desired.
Serious Accidents
During the months of July, August
and September there were 107 serious accidents dealt with in the parks and the
patients sent to hospital. There were
also 1,358 minor injuries treated and the patients sent home. Details of Serious Accidents are given in
Appendix “L”.
Appendix
“L”
Serious
Accidents
Date: 24.8.53
Park: Selly Oak Pk.
Name & Age: Arnold Brookes (15)
Nature of Injury: Suspected fracture of left leg
Cause of Injury: Fell playing leap frog
Date: 4.9.53
Park: Selly Oak Pk.
Name & Age: Anthony O’Connor (14)
Nature of Injury: Fracture of left forearm
Cause of Injury: Playing football
Date: 5.9.53
Park: Selly Oak Pk.
Name & Age: Robert Hughes (18)
Nature of Injury: Dislocated rt. shoulder
Cause of Injury: Playing football
Selly Oak Carnival 1953
14341
Resolved:- That, having regard
to the circumstances set out in the foregoing report, Minute No. 13994 be
discharged.
Horticultural Training Scheme – First Annual Report
14344
Resolved:- That the first Annual
Report of the Horticultural Training Scheme, as now submitted, be approved and
that the General Manager be instructed to convey to the Senior Horticulturist
the Committee’s sincere thanks and congratulations in connection with the
organisation and conduct of the scheme.
Municipal Tenants’ Gardens Competition, 1953
In this connection the following resolution of the
Establishment Committee was submitted:-
Housing Management Committee –
Municipal Tenants Garden Competition, 1953 – Extraneous Fees
3030 Resolved:-
That the action of the Investigation Sub-Committee be confirmed in
approving the proposal of the Housing Management Committee to make a payment on
the lines indicated in their Minute No. 1433 to the Parks Committee in respect
of judging undertaken by members of the Parks Department at the Municipal
Tenants Garden Competition for 1953, subject to the Parks Committee submitting,
for the approval of this Committee, details of the amount apportioned to each
employee concerned.
14367
Resolved:- That the action taken
in disbursing the sum of £54 received from the Housing Management Committee in
connection with the honoraria for assistance in judging gardens in connection
with the Municipal Tenants’ Gardens Competition, 1953, on the basis of £3 to
each of the 18 employees, more particularly detailed in the foregoing report,
be approved and confirmed, and that the Establishment Committee be informed
accordingly.
In the absence of Councillor Broughton, the Chairman
submitted the following report of the Recreation and Entertainments
Sub-Committee:-
Entertainments in the Parks,
1953 Season
(Relevant extracts only, from a very long report)
Carnivals, Fetes, etc.
The King’s Norton Carnival was
held at Cotteridge Park on Saturday, the 11th July, and the
attendance was approximately 4,500. The
Selly Oak Carnival was held at Selly Oak Park when 5,000 attended on a very wet
day. Both these Carnivals were under the
general supervision of your Department, and the Carnival Committees will be submitting
their audited accounts in the near future.
Tennis Courts – Future Policy
In accordance with Committee
Minute No. 14,166, I have had a survey made of the Tennis Courts and submit the
following report:-
Summary
of Reports on Grass Tennis Courts
by
District Superintendents
(From a list of 28 sites:-)
District No. 1.
Site: Selly Oak Park
No. of Courts: 5
Condition: Poor
Remarks: Excessive wear – no hard courts
There will always be a demand for
good quality grass tennis courts, as these give a combination of essential
playing characteristics which are not found in any other type of court, but the
overwhelming desire on the part of the players in the parks is for hard all-weather
courts as these can be played on without much delay after wet weather, and also
during the winter months.
The Sub-Committee may, therefore,
feel that the present policy of laying hard courts, whenever new courts are
being provided, should be continued, and that from time to time whenever
financial circumstances permit, certain grass courts should be converted to
hard courts where no hard courts are in existence and where play is extensive.
The present methods used in the
maintenance of grass courts are that baseline areas which suffer from excessive
wear and tear are returfed in the autumn of one year, but if played on to a
similar extent the following year, are in many cases not sufficiently robust to
stand up to such use, deteriorate rapidly and the worn area increases. The solution of this problem would be to rest
courts on a rota basis after returfing, and to prohibit play completely for one
season to give the turf time to settle down and become established.
It is also suggested that the
older courts, where over a number of years compaction has resulted, should be
ploughed up and reconstructed, as forking will not relieve the compaction to an
extent to allow the necessary growth of grass.
If this policy is adopted, it would mean that the courts would be out of
use for one season.
As an experiment, this method of
braking up and reseeding was undertaken on one of the courts at Handsworth Park
last year. It was ploughed up at the
close of the 1952 season, reseeded in the Spring of 1953, and providing there
are no set-backs from weather or other causes, will be in good condition for
play in the spring of 1954. This meant
that the court was out of use for the whole of the 1953 season.
If your Committee decide to adopt
this policy so far as the older courts are concerned, it is suggested that the
following courts be closed for the 1954 season and completely renovated by
ploughing up and reseeding. They would
then be ready for play at the beginning of the 1955 season:-
(There was then a list of 7 parks, but Selly Oak Park was not
included.)
It is also suggested that as and
when financial circumstances permit, the following are sites where it is
considered that demand is sufficient to recommend the replacement of grass
courts by All-Weather Courts:-
(From a list of 14 parks:-)
District 1.
Park: Selly Oak *
No. of Courts to be replaced: 2
In addition, it is recommended
that ............., priority being given
to sites marked * where tennis is extremely popular but where no hard courts exist
at the present time.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Tennis Courts – Future Policy
14421
Resolved:- That approval be
given, in principle, to the proposal that, as and when financial circumstances
permit, the grass courts at the sites as more particularly set out in the
foregoing report, with priorities as indicated be replaced by all-weather
courts, .........................
