The History of Kings Heath Park, 1921-1930: 1924 Clippings

Ongoing research; last updated 7 June 2012

7^th January 1924 – Parks Committee

The Deputy Town Clerk here attended the Meeting and submitted the following report of the Town Clerk:

I beg to inform the Committee that some few months back, it came to my knowledge that statements were made to the effect that conditions were not being observed relative to the free use by the public of certain parks owned by the Corporation, particularly in the case of Cannon Hill Park.

I deemed it advisable to investigate these complaints, and after consultation with your Chairman, I proceeded to have the original records examined in respect of every park, recreation ground, and open space under the control of the Council, and the results are set out in the accompanying Schedule.

It will be noticed that, whilst in most cases the respective conditions have been complied with, there are a few instances where this is not so, owing probably to a misapprehension of the general powers possessed by the Council relative to parks, and recreation grounds.

It would be well, therefore, for the Department to closely examine the special conditions attaching to the use of the various parks and pleasure grounds, and to alter the existing practice where necessary, so as to be in accord with such conditions.

. Signed

Town Clerk

(The Schedule[1] referred to then lists the parks, from which)

12 Kings Heath Park Special Conditions:

To be used as a Public Park or Recreation Ground and for Public Baths. Offensive trades restricted.

4^th February 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Lovsey submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:-

Unemployment Relief Works

(From a long report:)

King’s Heath Park. This site was visited on Sunday, December 23^rd and certain alterations as to line of walks were decided upon and indicated upon plan on the site. These works have been in progress about a week and are going on satisfactorily.

Councillor Longford submitted the following report of the Finance Sub-Committee:-

Proposed estimate of income and expenditure of the Parks and Recreation Grounds, etc

for the Financial Year 1924-25

Kings Heath Park: Income Expenditure

Estimate 1923-24 £325 £1,930

Actual to 31^st December £250. 5. 4. £1,421. 0. 5.

Proposed estimate 1924-25 £240 £2.060

The Chairman, in the absence of Councillor Denton, submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-

New Aviaries, Handsworth Park and King’s Heath Park
Your Sub-Committee have recently obtained quotations for the erection of new aviaries at these two parks, but the quotations exceeded the sums available in the estimates. Your Sub-Committee have therefore given instructions that the new aviaries are to be erected by the Artisan Staff of the department at the earliest opportunity, and that if necessary and with the approval of your Chairman additional temporary staff be engaged to enable the work to be completed before the end of the current financial year.

King’s Heath Park – Avenue Road – Fencing
It has been reported that the wood pale fencing to Avenue Road is in a very dilapidated condition. A sum of £75 is available under the current year’s estimates, and your Sub-Committee have requested your Chairman to inspect the fencing and give instructions for such work to be carried out as may be necessary, at a cost not exceeding the sum mentioned.

19^th February 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (Special meeting)

The Chairman having explained the object of the meeting, Mr. Councillor Longford submitted the following report of the Finance Sub-Committee:-

Tenders for Refreshment tenancies
Your Sub-Committee have dealt with the tenders received for the refreshment tenancies in the various parks as recently advertised. The tenders were opened by the Chairman at a special meeting of your Sub-Committee held on the 11^th inst. and annexed is a statement showing the tenders received, the present rental and the estimated value placed upon the various tenancies by your Sub-Committee:- It should be borne in mind that the tenancies marked * have previously been for three years. It is proposed that the new tenancies at King’s Heath Park and Queen’s Park should also be for three years. The remaining tenancies are intended to be for one year from the 25^th March or seasonal only from 25^th March to the 30^th September. Your Sub-Committee recommend as follows:-

10) King’s Heath Park That the tender made by Mrs. Stainton, the present tenant, be not accepted, and that the premises be advertised again.

(The “annexed” statement contained:)

Park: King’s Heath

Name & address of tenderer:                 Mrs. Stainton, King’s Heath Park
Amount of tender:                                 £15. 0. 0.
Present rental:                                       £15
Estimated value:                                   £40

3^rd March 1924 – BCC Parks Committ Minute

On Minute 4954, the Secretary submitted the following report of the Town Clerk:-

Extension of Latrines

I have prepared, completed and affixed the Corporate Seal to a Contract with Messrs. Maddocks & Walford for the completion of extensions to the public latrines at Kings Heath Park.

(sgd) Town Clerk

5124 Resolved:- That the Minute be discharged.

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-

External Decorations to buildings

In connection with the works of internal decorations to buildings in various parks to be carried out under the Unemployment Relief Schemes recently approved, your Sub-Committee have given authority for tenders to be obtained at the same time for the external decoration of Lightswood Hall, King’s Heath House and the Feeney Pavilion at Castle Bromwich Playing Fields, and also tenders for a sectional timber structure for a mess room and a tool shed at Cotteridge Park. The cost of these works is covered by the current year’s estimates in each case.

8^th March 1924 – Birmingham News

Former Gardener to King Edward

Mr. J. Smith’s New Birmingham Appointment

Mr. J. Smith, who for a number of years has been superintendent of Kings Heath Park, has been appointed assistant superintendent of Birmingham Parks, in the place of Mr. H. Hearn, who has retired.

Mr. Smith has been very largely responsible for many improvements effected in Kings Heath Park.

Before he entered the employ of the Birmingham Parks Department Mr. Smith was in the gardens of the Duke of Sutherland, but more notably he was afterwards on the horticultural staff at Sandringham, in the days of King Edward VII.

He received numerous handsome

GIFTS FROM HIS MAJESTY

in person, also from their present majesties, King George and Queen Mary; also their graces the late Dukes of Sutherland and Marlborough, and Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, M.P., one of the most closely attached friends of the King Edward, especially with regard to horticultural matters.

As an instance of the scale of magnificence of the gardens at Sandringham, it may be mentioned that one season’s winnings of the

FAMOUS HORSE “PERSIMMON”,

£35,000, were devoted to their reconstruction, and the brass tablet remains to record the fact in front of the stable which formed the resting place of this famous animal.

The demands made upon the Sandringham gardeners for edible produce for the establishment may be gathered from the fact that 60 sticks of celery per day are required for the servants’ hall alone, without counting the needs of the Royal family and the stewards’ room (visitors’ servants).

Mr. Smith is well known for the part he has taken in encouraging and assisting the allotment movement during the war years, and since.

He was appointed

LECTURER AND ADVISER

to the Northern district of Allotment Associations, under the Birmingham Education Committee. He was also engaged to advise in allotment matters throughout the whole of the Black Country. He has frequently given his services as a speaker at Brotherhood and Early Morning School meetings, and acted as adviser to the Horticultural section of Sparkbrook Men’s Meeting.

7^th April 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

The Chairman in the absence of Councillor Longford submitted the following report and Supplemental report of the Finance Sub-Committee:-

Wages of Manual Employees

The Superintendent submitted the following report to your Sub-Committee at their meeting of the 24^th ultimo:-

I beg to recommend the following for increases as from 1^st Apr. next:-

Kings Heath Park H. Hancock Labourer “A” from £2. 10. 10. to £2. 12. 10.

With regard to Kings Heath Park, in view of Mr. J. Smith’s appointment as Assistant Superintendent, it is recommended that Mr. H. Cooper, the foreman gardener, be appointed as Park Keeper. Mr. Cooper’s present wages are £2. 19. 10. per week plus emoluments, and it is recommended that he should receive an increase of 3/- per week on his appointment as Park keeper.

5216 Resolved:-- That the increases of wages of Park keepers and manual employees set out in the Secretary’s report now submitted, ……………. be approved ………………

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-

Refreshment Tenancies

The refreshment tenancies at Kings Heath Park, Queens Park, Harborne and Summerfield Park, are still open, and your Sub-Committee have given instructions that they are again to be advertised, it being intimated that living accommodation can be provided at Kings Heath Park and Queens Park.

With regard to Kings Heath Park, Mrs. Stainton, the late caterer on being informed that her tender of £15 for the refreshment rooms only was not accepted, made an increased offer of £5, and an alternative offer of £45 per annum, if living accommodation was provided. Your Sub-Committee think it will be better to advertise for further offers before accepting Mrs. Stainton’s offer of £45 per annum.

(N.B. The question of the living rooms to be included in this tenancy will have to be decided.)

Police Report

Kings Heath Park - 5 offences of stone throwing.

5^th May 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

On Minute 5165 the Secretary submitted the following reports of the Town Clerk:-

10^th April 1924

Decorations to Buildings in Ward End Park and King’s Heath Park

I have prepared and completed Contracts and Bonds with G.W. Stokes and Son and their Sureties for internal and external decorations to buildings at Ward End Park and King’s Heath Park.

The Corporate Seal has been affixed to the Contracts.

(Sgnd) Town Clerk

Alderman Lovsey submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:

Unemployment Relief Works

A communication was recently received from the Town Clerk enquiring whether any variations in the original estimated cost of relief works undertaken during the year 1923/4 had been brought about by increased wages consequent upon the advances in the cost of living. If so, the Town Clerk asked for details of the schemes in question and the extent of the variations from the original estimated cost in each case, so that he could forward an application to the Unemployment Grants Committee for an increased grant. The matter was gone into, and the following statements showing the estimated additional cost of the works comprised in the schemes in the various parks were forwarded to the Town Clerk:-

Unemployment Relief Works 1923-24

Scheme No. B.1037

Kings Heath Park:

Amount sanctioned for wages - £750

Estimated additional amount required to cover increases in wages - £32. 0. 0.

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:

Refreshment Tenancies:

Your Sub-Committee report that the refreshment tenancies at Kings Heath Park, Queens Park and Summerfield Park were recently re-advertised. The following offers were received for the Kings Heath tenancy:-

· Mrs. S.E. Blake, Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal - £50 per annum or alternatively £60 inclusive, except for heating and lighting.

· Mrs. Florence Martin, 120 Linwood Road, Handsworth - £50 per annum.

Mrs. Blake stated that she would prefer a three years’ tenancy. It will be remembered that Mrs. Stainton the late tenant previously made an offer of £45 per annum if living accommodation could be provided, and that living accommodation has now been included in the tenancy. Your Sub-Committee recommend that the offer of £60 per annum inclusive (except for heating and lighting charges) made by Mrs. S.E. Blake be accepted, and that the tenancy be for a period of three years from the 25^th March last.

Police Report

Serious Accidents – Leslie Lewis (17) of 12, Lambourne Rd, Erdington. Crushed finger, Kings Heath Park.

On that part of the report relating to the refreshment tenancy at Kings Heath Park, the Secretary stated that he had received information to the effect that Mrs. Stainton, the late tenant, was still using the refreshment rooms for the sale of refreshments, although her tenancy expired on the 25^th March last.

5304 Resolved:- That the Chairman be authorized to take any necessary steps to obtain vacant possession of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park forthwith.

5305 Resolved:- That Mrs. S.E. Blake of Bilberry Hill Tea Rooms, Rednal, be granted the tenancy of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park (including living accommodation) for three years from the 25^th March last at a rent after (sic) the rate of £60 per annum inclusive, except for heating and lighting charges, payable as from the date of occupation, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and authorized to affix the Corporate Seal to the necessary agreement.

2^nd June 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Lovsey submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:-

Unemployment Relief Works

The Superintendent has reported as follows:-

“I beg to report on these Relief Works for 1923-4, that the amounts sanctioned for Trittiford Mill, Cannon Hill, Kings Heath and Sparkhill Parks have been exhausted, and the works are now at a standstill.”

“With regard to Kings Heath, I suggest that the Guardians’ Relief Scheme should send the men to this park from Ward End Park, where the work on which they have been employed for a considerable time is completed.”

……………..

Your Sub-committee are requesting the Board of Guardians to transfer the men employed at Ward End Park to Kings Heath Park as suggested by the Superintendent.

Councillor Longford submitted the following report of the Finance Sub-Cmmittee:

Kings Heath Park: Income Expenditure

Estimate 1923-24 £325 £1,930

Actual for year £261. 10. 0. £2,022. 16. 2.

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:

Repair of Greenhouses

Your Sub-Committee have given authority for general repairs and painting to be carried out to greenhouses and pit lights at the following parks at the estimated cost in each case:-

Kings Heath Park - Labour £35, Materials £20.

The amount allowed in the current years’ estimates at each park will cover the cost of these works.

Centralisation of Greenhouses

The Superintendent has reported to your Sub-Committee as follows:-

“With reference to the suggestion that all of the greenhouses should be centralized instead of being distributed over the various parks as at present, I consider this idea would be good providing that a portion of land from 6 acres upwards could be obtained for the purpose, as not only must the greenhouses be considered, but also frame ground and nursery ground in conjunction therewith. At the same time, it would still, I think, be necessary to have some houses at the various parks and cemeteries so that plants and material could be moved to such parks as required, in bulk, to minimize transport.

To carry out this scheme would mean a considerable outlay, and I am afraid could not be considered at the present time, but when suitable ground can be obtained, I agree that the new greenhouses should all be built in one place.

At the present time, we have greenhouses at Cannon Hill, King’s Heath, Victoria, Ward End, Pype Hayes, Rookery, Aston, Handsworth, Summerfield, Lightswood, Warley Queen’s and Baskerville, and also at all the cemeteries excepting Quinton, and most of these are good, with a few repairs, for some years to come.”

Your Sub-Committee are proposing to give the matter further consideration.

King’s Heath Park – Shelter

Your Sub-Committee have given authority for general repairs and painting to be carried out at the estimated cost of £20 for materials and £30 for labour. This cost is covered by the current year’s estimates. They have also given authority for the general repairs and conversion of the old farm buildings into dressing rooms at an estimated cost of £30 for materials and £30 for labour. This amount is covered by the current year’s estimates.

Music in the Parks

Your Sub-Committee submit the following report received from the Music Sub-Sub-Committee:-

Local bands

Your Sub-Committee have given consideration to the engagement of local bands in view of the small number of Military Bands engaged for the coming season. They have given instructions that three week-end engagements are to be given to the bands of the 5^th, 6^th & 8^th Royal Warwickshire Regiment, the Royal Corps of Signals, and the Birmingham Corporation Tramways; two week-end engagements to the Birmingham City Prize Band, and one week-end engagement to the Legion of Frontiersmen Band, and that such bands are to be allocated as far as possible to Handsworth, Lightswood, Rookery, Summerfield, and Ward End Parks. The engagements of the Birmingham City Prize Band and the Legion of Frontiersmen Band are to be during August, while the Territorials are away at camp.

They have also arranged that one engagement of a Warwickshire Regimental Band shall be at King’s Heath Park.

7^th July 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

The Chairman in the absence of Alderman Lovsey, submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:

Unemployment Relief Works 1923-24
The Superintendent has reported to your Sub-Committee as follows:-
“Guardians relief labour is now being employed at Brookvale and King’s Heath Parks.”

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:

Staff
Your Sub-Committee recommend that the following increases in wages of manual employees be granted:-

J. Hughes employed at Kings Heath Pk. from £1.5.0 to £1.10.0. per week
A. Fulford      do.             do.                            17/6    to £1.2.6.      do.

5466   Resolved:- That the following increases in wages of manual employees be approved:-

J. Hughes employed at Kings Heath Pk. from £1.5.0 to £1.10.0. per week
A. Fulford      do.             do.                           17/6    to £1.2.6.      do.

14^th July 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (Special Meeting)

5489a   The Committee proceeded to inspect the following parks and recreation grounds:

(amongst a list of 12 sites visited:- )

Kings Heath Park
(Notes concerning 4 sites were recorded; but nothing about Kings Heath Park.)

19^th July 1924 - Birmingham News

Moseley, Kings Heath, Kings Norton and Northfield Districts

Moseley and Kings Heath

Bowlers Success – Kings Heath Park Bowling Club is enjoying a most successful season. The members are leading in Division 6 of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Bowling Association, and are in a good position in the Parks League. They have beaten among other clubs Bournville, also Brook Vale, once the champions of the Parks League. They beat Brook Vale by the large majority of 160 points. On Thursday night in last week Mr. T. Williams, a Kings Heath player, won the Individual Merit Competition of the Parks League.

Music in the Park – It cannot be denied that the authorities are now giving Kings Heath Park more attention in the matter of concerts, concerning which many complaints were made a few years ago. Several concerts have already been given by the Kings Heath Prize Band, the Band of the Royal Signal Corps, and by concert companies. On Saturday there was a much appreciated concert by the band of the 8^th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and on Wednesday evening Will Clayton’s Black and Whites presented an attractive programme.

28^th July 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Councillor Longford submitted the following report of the Finance Sub-Committee:-

Music in the Parks
The City Treasurer has submitted details of the receipts of Music in the Parks up to the 13^th July as follows:-

Military Bands

The receipts from the Concerts given by these bands up to the 13^th July are as follows:-

Date of Fee payable Weather

Concert Park Band Receipts to Band Conditions

1924 £. s. d. £. s. d

July 5 Kings Heath Corps of Signals 1. 0. 4. 20. 0. 0. Showery

12 Kings Heath 8^th Warwicks 3. 6. 5. 28. 0. 0. Fine

Your Sub-Committee are of opinion that in view of the loss which is being made on the band performances, particularly those at Rookery, Summerfield, Ward End and King’s Heath Parks, the question of engaging band will have to be seriously considered next year.

The Chairman in the temporary absence of Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-

Heating System – Greenhouses

Your Sub-Committee report that it is usual to carry out repairs to the heating system at the greenhouses at the various parks at this period of the year so that the same may be in working order for the Autumn. At Aston Park a new “Robin Hood” Boiler will be required with a capacity of 1,200 feet, at the estimated cost of £35. Other materials and labour in this connection will amount to £30 making a total of £65. At Warley, Kings Heath, Queen’s, Ward End, Summerfield, Handsworth, Rookery and Pype Hayes Parks the necessary repairs will average approximately £10 for materials and £12 for labour. These amounts are included in the current year’s estimates and your Sub-Committee have given authority for the provision of the new boiler at Aston Park and for the necessary repairs at Aston and the other parks mentioned to be carried out.

Music in the Parks

Your Sub-Committee report that they have received several communications from the Chief Constable asking for extensions to be made to bandstands in the various parks which are not large enough to accommodate the full Police band, and enclosing ther following list of stands which will hold the full Police Band and other stands which he states require extensions fitted theretro:-

(from a list:- )

Kings Heath Park – is too small but full Band could be accommodated by adding the Parks temporary bandstand to it.

Your Sub-Committee have informed the Chief Constable that they have no money available to carry additions to the bandstands suggested by him at the present time, but that future bandstands will be made to take the whole of the Police Band.

Kings Heath Park – Refreshment tenancy

Your Committee will remember that by Minute No. 5305, they accepted the offer of Mrs. Blake to pay £60 per annum for the tenancy of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park. Mrs. Blake now states that she was under the impression that she would get the rooms immediately over the ground floor refreshment rooms as living rooms, with the right of access thereto from the main staircase, and she does not agree to take the two rooms offered to her in the back portion of the first floor, as she has to pass through the premises of the park-keeper to get to and from same. The rooms Mrs. Blake asks for comprise two bedrooms with two small dressing rooms adjoining, which at present are vacant, and she has offered to increase the rent by £5 per annum, making a total of £65 per annum, if she is granted the use of these rooms. Your Sub-Committee recommend that the offer of Mrs. Blake be accepted.

5541 Resolved:- That the offer of Mrs. Blake to increase the rent of the refreshment rooms at Kings Heath Park by £5 per annum, making a rental of £65 per annum, in consideration of her being granted the use of the two bedrooms (with two small dressing rooms adjoining) immediately over the ground floor refreshment rooms, with the right of access thereto from the main staircase, in lieu of the two bedrooms at the back of the premises be accepted, and the Town Clerk instructed accordingly.

30^th August 1924 – Birmingham News

Music in the Parks

Next week’s Programmes

The list of engagements in the parks for the week commencing Saturday, August 30 is:-

Saturday – Kings Heath Park, Band of the Battn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment, at 3 and 6.30.

Sunday – Kings Heath Park, Kings Heath Adult School Prize Band, at 3 and 6.30.

27^th September 1924 - Birmingham News

Moseley, Kings Heath, Kings Norton and Northfield Districts

Moseley and Kings Heath

Parks Bowling League – A League match was played at Kings Heath Park on Saturday, between Kings Heath and Summerfield. Owing to the inclement weather, what should have been the final match away from home for Summerfield, could not be completed. Appended are the scores for the seven pairs of players; the one outstanding all the others is the fact of Mr. A. St. Ledger defeating his opponent, Mr. A. Wilkins, by the notable score of 21-12. Mr. Wilkins is recognized as par excellence on his own ground. Arrangements have been made with the Park authorities for the completion of the game on Saturday, October 4^th.

Scores:-

Kings Heath Summerfield

21 H. J. Cooper ……………………………. C. Moseley 11

21 W.H. Bennett …………………………….... F. Butler 12

21 J. Hands ………………………..……… J.H. Starling 11

15 J. Harvey …………………………..….. A. Patterson 21

12 A. Wilkins …………………………….. A. St. Ledger 21

21 C. Dyson ………………………………..….. J. Hurst 10

8 E. Sharp, Capt. …………...…. F.C. Hewings, Capt. 21

4^th October 1924 - Birmingham News

Moseley, Kings Heath, Kings Norton and Northfield Districts

Moseley and Kings Heath

Kings Heath Park Bowlers – Kings Heath Park B.C. met Digby Recreation ground on Saturday. The scores were as follows:-

Kings Heath Digby

21 E. Sharp ……………………..……….… C. Holden 3

21 A. Dyson ………………………………. S. Williams 3

21 C. Dyson ……………………………..... J. Faulkner 1

21 W. Bennett ……………………………… W. Glover 15

21 J. Hands ………………………………… W. Adams 10

21 W. York …………………………………… A. Bown 13

21 A. Wilkins …………………………… P. Smallman 8

21 T. Williams ……………………………... D. Tattam 0

21 J. Harvey ……………………….…… J. Hammond 8

21 B. Harvey ………………………………… W. Davis 15

21 E. Hounslow ……………………..……… T. Protzy 0

21 H.J. Cooper …………………………..…. E. Wright 15

252 91

The match v Summerfield will be finished to-day (Saturday) by the kind permission of the Parks Committee.

6^th October 1924 – BCC Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Lovsey submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:-

Unemployment relief Works – Winter 1924/5
The following reports of the Architectural Assistant and the Birmingham Advisory Art Committee upon the schedule of Unemployment relief Works for 1924/5 have been submitted to your Sub-Committee:-

The B’ham Advisory Art Committee,

37, Bennetts Hill, B’ham.

August 2^nd 1924

The Secretary,

Parks Department,

Dear Sir,
At a meeting of the Technical members of the above Committee held on July 24^th, the designs for parks and buildings submitted by the pParks Committee were considered, and I have to report the following:-

SITES

(from a list:- )

Kings Heath Park and Lightswood Park. Combined pavilion and shelter. Design No. 7 as approved.

Yours faithfully

(sgnd) William Haywood

Hon. Secretary

Your Sub-Committee ……………….. have instructed the Architectural Assistant to provide for thatched roofs on all the buildings proposed to be erected by the Committee in the parks. Authority has also been given by your Sub-Committee for the engagement of a Quantity Surveyor to take quantities in connection with the various buildings included in the Unemployment Relief Schemes for 1924/5 as required upon receipt of the Government sanction to the schemes.

Councillor Longford submitted the following report of the Finance Sub-Committee:

Music in the Parks

The City Treasurer has submitted details of the receipts for Music in the Parks up to the 7^th September as follows:-

Military Bands

The receipts from the Concerts given by these bands up to the 13^th July are as follows:-

Date of Fee payable Weather

Concert Park Band Receipts to Band Conditions

£. s. d. £. s. d.

Aug 16 Kings Heath City Prize 1. 3. 0. 15. 0. 0. Wet

30 Kings Heath 5^th Warwicks 1. 7. 0. 28. 0. 0. Wet

Councillor Denton submitted the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-

Police Report

Miss Oldham, 35 of 35 Poplar Road, King’s Heath, shock, King’s Heath Park, taken home.

Kings Heath Park House – Caterer’s Quarters

Your Sub-Committee have given instructions for the existing gas supply pipes running to the rooms occupied by Mrs. Blake, the refreshment caterer, to be disconnected from the Park Department’s meter and for new supplies to be connected to the secondary meter, and fittings provided at the estimated cost of £21. 16. 6. This cost is covered by the estimates.

Purchase of Coal

Tenders were recently obtained for the approximate quantity of coal required at the various parks and cemeteries for the ensuing 12 months. The following is a copy of the letter sent out to the firms named thereon inviting them to tender, and a schedule of the tenders received.

Parks & Cemeteries Department,

161 Corporation Street,

Birmingham.

ESW/HMW 26^th August, 1924

Dear Sirs,

Coal

The Parks Committee will be requiring during the twelve months commencing 1^st September next, approximately 210 tons of good household coal to be delivered at the places and in the quantities specified below, namely:-

Cannon Hill Park Warley Park 12 tons

House and Stores 12 tons Victoria Park, Small Heath 6 “

Park Keepers Lodge 6 “ Aston Park 8 “

Handsworth Park 18 “ Pype Hayes Park, Erdington 8 “

Summerfield Park 8 “ Witton Cemetery 20 “

Kings Heath Park 10 “ Handsworth Cemetery 20 “

Queen’s Park, Harborne 10 “ Lodge Hill Cemetery 15 “

Ward End Park 8 “ Brandwood End Cemetery 10 “

Lightwoods Park 7 “ Yardley Cemetery 20 “

Selly Oak Park, 7 “ Quinton Cemetery 8 “

Gibbons (sic) Rd.

Approximately one half of the quantity required at each place may be required to be delivered immediately upon acceptance of tender, and the remainder will be required to be delivered from time to time at each place during the period of the contract, which will be from 1^st September 1924 to 30^th (sic) August 1925. The Committee reserve the right to call upon the contractor whose tender may be accepted to have any delivery check-weighed by a machine to be approved by them, and also to reject any coal that may in their opinion be not of standard quality or the average moisture of which shall exceed 12%.

I shall be glad if you will tender for the supply of the coal mentioned above on the terms of this letter. Tenders should specify alternative qualities and prices and be addressed to the Chairman of the Parks Committee at these offices. They must be received not later than the first post on Tuesday, 9^th September, 1924.

The Committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. The contractor whose tender may be accepted will have to enter into a formal contract to be prepared by the Town Clerk.

Yours faithfully

(sd) E.S. White,

Secretary.

Messrs. Fox & Terry, 14, new Street.

“ T. Boston & Sons, Paradise Street.

“ T.B. Mottershead & Sons, Soho Pool Wharf, Hockley.

Spencer Abbott & Co. Ltd., 5, Lower Temple Street.

Messrs. Goodman & Co., 149, Gt. Charles Street, Birmingham.

Your Sub-Committee have accepted the tender of T.B. Mottershead & Sons, for the supply of 210 tons of large hand-picked Cannock bright coal as specified in their tender for delivery to the parks in the quantities specified in the Secretary’s letter, approximately 100 tons to be delivered immediately at the price of 35/6 per ton, and the balance to be delivered as required during the 12 months ending 31^st August 1925 at prices ruling at the time of despatch. Your Sub-Committee recommend that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and affix the Corporate Seal to such contract as may be necessary.

5608 Resolved:- That the acceptance of the tender of T.B. Mottershead & Sons of Soho Pool Wharf, Hockley, for the supply of 210 tons of large hand-picked Cannon (sic) bright coal for delivery to the parks in the quantities specified in the Secretary’s letter attached to the report be accepted, approximately 100 tons to be delivered immediately at the price of 35/6 per ton, and the balance to be delivered as required during the 12 months ending 31^st August 1925 at prices ruling at the time of despatch be confirmed, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and affix the Corporate Seal to such contract as may be necessary.

11^th October 1924 - Birmingham News

Moseley, Kings Heath, Kings Norton and Northfield Districts

Moseley and Kings Heath

Kings Heath Park Bowling Club – The results of the closing match of the season was as follows:-

Kings Heath Park Summerfield

21 H.J. Cooper …………………………… C. Moseley 11

15 J. Harvey …………………...………… A. Patterson 21

21 J. Hands ………………………………… J. Starling 11

21 W. Bennett ……………………………….. F. Butler 12

12 A. Wilkins ………..………………….. A. St. Ledger 21

8 E. Sharp ………………...………………. F. Hewing 21

21 C. Dyson …………………………..……… H. Owen 18

19 T. Williams ……………………..……….. W. Forrest 21

20 W. York ………………………………….... J. Brown 21

21 B. Harvey ………………………………. A. Jackson 20

12 G. Arnold ……………………………….. A. Johnson 21

212 208

It was a very close and exciting game.

30^th October 1924 - BCC Parks Committee Minute

On Minutes 5305/5541 a communication was submitted from the Town Clerk with a copy of a letter from Mrs. Blake, stating that the draft agreement did not provide for the joint use of the bathroom. It was pointed out that the bathroom accommodation was not provided for in the conditions upon which Mrs. Blake tendered for the tenancy.

5633 Resolved:- That the Town Clerk be informed the question of the joint use of the bathroom at King’s Heath House is a matter for Mrs. Blake to arrange direct with the park-keeper.

29^th November 1924 – Birmingham News

Park Bowlers – Mr. Hannon offers Two Trophies – The members of Kings Heath Park Bowling Club held their 10^th annual social party and distribution of prizes on Saturday night at Kings Heath Schools (Infants’ Department), where some 150 participated in a pleasant evening. (n.b. - Full report follows, without further reference to the Park.)

1^st December 1924 – Parks Committee Minute

Alderman Lovsey submitted the following report of the General Purposes Sub-Committee:

Unemployment Relief Works 1924/25
In anticipation of the sanction of the appropriate Government Departments being received at an early date, tenders have been obtained for the asphalte, tar paving and tar painting works comprised in the schedule of works approved by the Committee and the Council. A schedule of the tenders is laid upon the table. Owing to the magnitude of the works it is impossible for any one contractor to undertake the whole and your Sub-Committee has therefore divided same into three Sections, as follows:-

(from which)

Park Asphalte Tar Paving Tar Painting

yds.sup. yds.sup. yds.sup

Section 3 Kings Heath --- 500 2,000

Your Sub-Committee recommends the following tenders be accepted:-

Section Name of Firm Asphalte Tar Paving Tar Painting

per.yd.sup. per.yd.sup per.yd.sup

1 Val de Travers paving Co. 12/- 4/- 7d.

2 La Brea Asphalte Co. 10/3 4/4 10d.

3 The Asphalte & Cement Co. 12/6 3/10½ 9d

5706 Resolved:- That, subject to the necessary Government sanctions being received to the works being carried out as Unemployment Relief Works, the undermentioned tenders be accepted for asphalting, tar paving and tar painting in the parks as specified in the report of the general Purposes Sub-Committee, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and authorized to affix the Corporate Seal to the necessary contracts:

Section Name of Firm Asphalte Tar Paving Tar Painting

per.yd.sup. per.yd.sup per.yd.sup

1 Val de Travers paving Co. 12/- 4/- 7d.

2 La Brea Asphalte Co. 10/3 4/4 10d.

3 The Asphalte & Cement Co. 12/6 3/10½ 9d

[1] Attached to this Schedule are copies of i) the Recreation Grounds Act 1859; ii) Public Health Act 1875, Public Parks, Pleasure grounds, etc.; and iii) Birmingham Corporation (Consolidation) Act 1883, Part IV – Parks.