Ongoing research; last updated 15 March 2010
SELLY OAK PARK
A creative writing assignment by Jolene O’Connor,
English Student, Newman University College.
The history of Selly Oak is literally embedded in Selly Oak Park. The ‘Butt of Old Oak Tree’ was buried in the Park in 1909 and has been given a brass plaque in its memory; this is where the areas name Selly Oak originated. With its interesting history, lush green grass, countless trees of all shapes and sizes, the beautiful springtime daffodils and variety of purple, yellow and pink crocuses, Selly Oak Park is a great place to sit and relax.
The derelict Lapal Canal has had several renovation attempts and after visiting this place you will find it hard to understand why it hasn’t been achieved. A running stream is the only thing missing from this area and you will agree it would only add to the peaceful feel the park has, as well as providing a home for many more animals and fish to accompany the many grey squirrels lurking in each tree, waiting for the next dog to come along and be teased.
The park is a popular place for families, dog walkers and football games which makes it a friendly environment. However, the park is always kept clean and is big enough that you can easily find a quiet area to yourself and your thoughts.
Whether you have a dog to walk, a ball to kick, a child to entertain on the swings or you just fancy a stroll, Selly Oak Park is perfect for you. On a summer’s day with a blanket and an ice cream, this park will show you, you don’t have to leave Birmingham to get a taste of nature.
25th June 2010
Ken Pugh took delivery of copies of his book “The Heydays of Selly Oak Park” (ISBN 978-1-85858-336-5), published by History into Print, an imprint of Brewin Books, Studley, Warwickshire. The book was launched at the Selly Oak Festival held in the Park on 26th June 2010 (see following) and, within a few days, copies appeared for sale in various local outlets, and was advertised on the websites of the major booksellers, Amazon, WH Smith and Waterstones. Various articles drawing attention to the book were published in a number of places (again, see following).
26th June 2010 – The Selly Oak Festival
26th June 2010 – The Selly Oak Festival
The following report is copied from the Friends of Selly Oak website:
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| String quintet |
In addition to championing the needs of the park and its users the Friends of Selly Oak Park also organise the Selly Oak Festival. The festival in June 2010 was supported by Robert Wilkinson’s Fun Fair and Birmingham City Council. It featured stalls run by Lapal Canal Trust, Tiverton School, St Mary’s School, Ariel Scouts, Quadron Services (park maintenance company), Birmingham and District Bee Keeping Association, RSPCA Animal Rescue Centre (Barns Hill), Birse Civils, West Midlands Police, Spirit of Wood, Infinity Stage Company and the Friends of Selly Oak Park.
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| Jugglers |
Activities included mask making, face painting, bee keeping display, build and fire your own rocket, fete stalls, performances by jugglers from Purple Mermaid, a string quintet from the University of Birmingham
Park historian Ken Pugh displayed extracts from his new book about the park "The Heydays of Selly Oak Park".
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| Bee keeping |
The non-profit making organizations raised money for themselves while the commercial concerns donated their takings to charity. The Fun Fair made a substantial donation in support of the event with the surplus being allocated to new benches for the park. The event was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
We plan to hold another festival in the park in June 2011.
If you would like a stall e-mail
festival at friendsofsellyoakpark.org.uk
There is another report on the Friends website:
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| The Constituency Parks Manager enjoying the festival |
Selly Oak Festival, June 2010
This event was held during the visit of Robert Wilkinson’s Fun Fair to the park. Festival stalls and attractions were open from 10am until 3pm. The fair opened at 1pm. There were about 12 stalls representing various local groups and organisations: Birmingham Bee Keepers' Association, Ariel Scout Group, Birse Civils (Selly Oak New Road), West Midlands Police, RSPCA Barnes Hill, Tiverton School, Birmingham City Council (Selly Oak Constituency Office), St Mary’s School, Friends of Selly Oak Park, Quadron (Park Maintenance Company), Lapal Canal Trust, Infinity Stage Group, History of Selly Oak Park, Purple Mermaid, Student String Quintet. The commercial organisations listed above donated their proceeds to charity. There was also a free display of tree carving by ‘Spirit of Wood’ who earlier had carved a welcome post for the park. Insurance and other costs for the event were provided by a donation from the Fair with the excess paying for 3 new benches in the park.
Second Selly Oak Junior Football Tournament, June 2010
This 5-a-side football tournament was held alongside the Selly Oak Festival. Four teams took part: Ariel Cubs, St Mary’s Boys Brigade, St Mary’s School and St Edward's School. Teams played in a mini-league with the top two teams playing in the final. Matches were refereed by Councillor Dave Radcliffe. The tournament was won by St Mary’s Boys Brigade.
27 June 2010 – Councillor Robert Wright’s Blog
http://blog.robertwright.org.uk/2010/06/selly-oak-festival-selly-oak-park.html
The Friends of Selly Oak Park organised a successful Selly Oak Festival on Saturday, coinciding with the visit of the Fair to the park.
One of the attractions included a demonstration of woodcarving. On display was the pillar to the right, which will eventually be a permanent feature in the park. This and other carvings, many using wood from trees in the park itself, will introduced as part of a planned nature trail.
It was an opportunity for local groups to raise money (the Tiverton School PTA ran a tombola and the Ariel Scout Group ran a book stall). But there was also plenty to do, with a football tournament for 8-11 year olds and the chance to make and fire paper rockets with compressed air. Entertainment also included juggling and a String Quintet!
The football tournament (won by a team from St Mary's Boys Brigade) was refereed by my fellow Selly Oak Ward councillor Dave Radcliffe (pictured below).
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25th July 2010 - Local History Magazine
Insert
5th December 2010 – Councillor Robert Wright’s Blog (http://blog.robertwright.org.uk)
Gibbins Road.
Selly Oak Festival - Selly Oak Park
The Friends of Selly Oak Park organised a successful Selly Oak Festival on Saturday, coinciding with the visit of the Fair to the park.One of the attractions included a demonstration of woodcarving. On display was the pillar to the right, which will eventually be a permanent feature in the park. This and other carvings, many using wood from trees in the park itself, will introduced as part of a planned nature trail.
It was an opportunity for local groups to raise money (the Tiverton School PTA ran a tombola and the Ariel Scout Group ran a book stall). But there was also plenty to do, with a football tournament for 8-11 year olds and the chance to make and fire paper rockets with compressed air. Entertainment also included juggling and a String Quintet!
The football tournament (won by a team from St Mary's Boys Brigade) was refereed by my fellow Selly Oak Ward councillor Dave Radcliffe (pictured below).
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The Festival was also reported by Nicola Little of Quadron Environmental Services at:
25th July 2010 - Local History Magazine
Insert
28th July 2010 - The Birmingham Mail
29th July 2010 – Carl Chinn’s Brummagem Magazine
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26th September 2010 – Friends of Selly Oak Park Annual General Meeting
Friends of Selly Oak Park
Annual General Meeting
3pm Sun 26th September 2010
Attendance:
Andrew Schofield (chair), Dave Barker, Michael Chu, Geoff Bartlet, Ann-Marie McCarthy, Wendy Critchlow, Denise Bobb, Gill Malone, Malcolm Smith, Bob Curry, Dillon Hamilton, Bridget Ferris, Adrian Langley, John Moody, Cath Smith, Jennie Edwards, Ken Pugh, Tracey Hewitt (BCC), Nicola Little (Quadron), Derek Foley (Quadron, Park Keeper) Jan Tomlinson (BCC Ranger Service), Cllr Alasdair Dow (part of meeting) , Cllr Robert Wright. (Note no record of names was obtained).
1. Apologies
Simon Cooper
2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last AGM were agreed as a correct account of the meeting.
3. Matters Arising
None
4. Treasurer’s Report
DB presented the accounts for 2009/10. The balance was £4497.28 but much of this is accounted for by the Grassroots funding for the Nature Trail and the surplus from the Festival. As these funds are already ear marked the operating surplus is around £400.
5. Chairman’s report
AS tabled a written report and expanded on this verbally:
It has been another busy year for the park. We were pleased to welcome Derek (Foley) as our permanent park keeper. His presence in the park is a great help and I'm sure everyone would agree that the park looks generally tidier and better kept than it has done over recent years.
The council completed the promised path works in the spring with a new path linking the Corisande Road entrance to Gibbins Rd and improvements near the Scout Hut entrance. The work included grassing over part of the old path network and it is good to see that this grass is now taking.
The Friends were pleased to donate a bin, a picnic bench and a seat for the play area from the surplus from the 2009 Fun Fair visit.
We were successful in obtaining a further £3000 from the Grassroots fund towards the Nature / History Trail. Work has now started on that trail with a Story Telling seat on the Gibbins Rd side and a welcome post at the top end of Gibbins Rd. These feature some of the birds known to frequent the park. Further plans include a second welcome post near the Scout Hut, a willow tunnel, plaques to commemorate the opening of the park, the first park keeper and the site of Weoley Park Farm House (the park occupies a large section of the original farm land). We also plan new benches along the routes from Corisande Rd to Gibbins Rd and Harborne Lane and other features for children. We are especially pleased to note that children from St Mary's School helped to design the story telling seat.
In June we organised a very successful festival in conjunction with Robert Wilkinson's Fun Fair. The festival was our biggest event yet and attracted several hundred people (independently of the fair). We were joined on the day by St Mary's School, Tiverton School, Ariel Scouts, RSPCA, Quadron, Birse Civils, Infinity Theatre Group (student group), Lapal Canal Trust, Birmingham Bee Keepers Association, and park historian Ken Pugh. The tree sculptor who provided the welcome post for the nature trail was on hand with demonstrations of tree sculpting and provided additional carvings on the log in the centre of the park. Two student groups provided entertainment for a small fee. The Scouts made £122 and Tiverton School around £150. The event also featured another highly successful junior football tournament. Winners this year were St Mary's Boys Brigade.
The Friends made a healthy surplus from the Fair rental and while we have yet to decide how this should be spent we are aware that the park has become very short of benches over the last year or so.
Another high spot for the park was the publication of 'The Heydays of Selly Oak Park'. This book is a detailed history of the park from its inception to 1911.
On the whole it has been a very good year but there have been some setbacks. It is good to see the picnic bench in use but frustrating that the seat has yet to be fitted into the play area. It is also frustrating that it was not possible to reinstate the football posts for this year’s summer season and that our notice board has been repeatedly vandalised. Most disappointing of all though is the withdrawal (by central government) of the Play Builder Scheme. This was to have provided some £50,000 investment to the park and it is a pity that the funds were withdrawn after the consultation exercise had got underway, unduly raising people's hopes.
We look forward to the completion of the Nature Trail in 2011 and to further investment into the park.
AS noted that the committee had in fact already agreed to spend the Fair rental surplus on new benches.
6. Election of Committee for 2010/11
The following people were elected unopposed. Andrew Schofield, Geoff Bartlet, Ann-Marie McCarthy, Michael Chu, Dave Barker, Denise Bobb, Malcolm Smith, Bob Curry, Bridget Ferris, Ken Pugh.
AS also asked if anyone was willing to volunteer for specific tasks short of joining the committee and the following people volunteered:
Wendy Critchlow and Gill Malone, Delivering Leaflets.
Dillon Hamilton, Research for Young People.
7. Election of Officers
The following people were elected as officers unopposed. Andrew Schofield (Chair), Ann-Marie McCarthy (Vice Chair), Dave Barker (Treasurer), Ken Pugh (Secretary).
8. Questions and comments from the floor (Note: some of these were received during the earlier sections of the meeting but have been grouped here for clarity).
Benches: There was much discussion about benches and the current focus on the Children’s Play area. AS noted that the committee had decided to spend some money on economical metal benches that could be fitted by Quadron. He also noted that there were some funds in the nature trail budget for seating. At this time it is impossible to say how many benches can be provided or when but the main paths away from the play area are a priority for new seating. The committee will also petition BCC for more seating. Action: AS.
Seventh Day Adventists: Bob Curry commented on problems with the event. He felt that it was too noisy and ‘evangelical’ and that too many cars had been allowed to drive into the park. Others had similar views about the cars. Jan Tomlinson noted that everyone has a right to use the park for events provided they get proper permission and follow the instructions of the council. AS and JT agreed that the number of cars and their speed seemed excessive and agreed to take up this issue with Simon Cooper in the hope that the group will refrain from such activity if allowed future use of the park. AS also agreed to suggest that the park-use application form be altered to make the restrictions on car use more clear. Action: AS/JT.
Doctors: Cath Smith asked if fees for filming Doctors were ever received by the park. JT commented that this was the case but only indirectly via the parks budget which is divided among all the parks in the City. As the park received special attention for such filming AS agreed to ask if the money could be recovered by the Friend’s group to be spent directly on Selly Oak park. Action: AS.
Cyclists in Park: Jennie Edwards noted that there is a group of cyclists in their 20’s and 30’s who cross the park at high speed without due attention to dog walkers. This group is rude if challenged. After some discussion it was agreed that the committee should consider a polite notice asking cyclists to use the park more carefully. MC suggested “Selly Oak Park welcomes careful cyclists”. Another option would be “Polite Notice: Cyclists beware of pedestrians”. AS agreed to ask the local police to patrol the area between 8 and 9 am to ask any speeding cyclists to slow down. Action: AS, Sign referred to next committee meeting.
Youths in Park: Denise Bobb noted that youths often congregate in the children’s play area and act in a fashion that other users find intimidating. AS commented that the best way to avoid this was to provide other things for them to do. He mentioned a desire to obtain funding for a multi-use games area but that these are expensive. Dillon Hamilton suggested the Youth Bus as a possible attraction and agreed to research things that might benefit the 11-18 age group of park users. NL noted that the Friends of Cotteridge Park put a lot of effort into organising youth events and facilities and that this pays off in terms of greater respect for the park and other users. After some discussion it was generally agreed that more use could be made of the Youth Service and Ranger Service in this area. AS hoped that the expanded committee would be able to do more in this direction. Action: This item will be brought to the next committee meeting.
6th October 2010 - The Friends of Selly Oak Park
The Friends reinstated their lapsed website: http://www.friendsofsellyoakpark.org.uk/
15th November 2010 - The Friends of Selly Oak Park
Friends of Selly Oak Park
Executive Committee Meeting
6pm, Mon 15th November 2010
Attendance:
Andrew Schofield (Chair), Michael Chu , Bob Curry , Ann-Marie McCarthy, Ken Pugh (Secretary), Malcolm Smith.
Simon Cooper (BCC, Area Parks Manager), Nicola Clarke (Quadron), Cllr Robert Wright.
Adrian Langley (Chairman, Ariel Scout Group), Iggy Smith (IS) (BCC, Landscape Design), Emma Woolf (Friends of Cotteridge Park ).
Apologies: Dave Barker , Geoff Bartlet, Bridget Ferris , Tracey Hewitt, Cllr Alasdair Dow.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to this first meeting of the recently enlarged Committee, and invited attendees to briefly introduce themselves stating their connection to, and interest in, the Park. In advance he thanked Adrian, Iggy and Emma anticipating their special contributions.
1. The Minute of the committee meeting on 26th September 2010
The minute was accepted as circulated.
2. Matters Arising:
It was noted with pleasure and thanks that the football posts had now been installed.
The “Heydays” books had still to be donated to the local schools. AS appealed for help with script writing the presentation labels, but in the absence of a calligrapher volunteer it was suggested that an ornate font be chosen from a word processing package and labels be produced at a computer. Action AS
Dillon Hamilton visited the meeting to table the results of his searches regarding facilities for young people. He apologised for not being able to stay at the meeting, because of work commitments; and AS suggested that Dillon’s paper should be considered at the next meeting when hopefully Dillon could be present. (Action AS/KP – capture item for next agenda)
3. Chairman’s Items:
The damaged notice board had been repaired.
It was disappointing to note that the new Welcome Post had been vandalised (painted graffiti) so soon. It has been cleaned and waxed.
4 Youth Matters and PlayBuilder Scheme:
IS lead a wide ranging explorative discussion about the provision of facilities for 8-13 year olds.
First he presented the results of a small (17 respondents; interview and discussion individually) consultation exercise that he had conducted mainly amongst the 8-13 yr age group (the PlayBuilder focus age range) at the Festival in June 2010. In summary the consultation suggested:
· The existing play area does not cater well for children aged 8 or above,
· Spreading the PlayBuilder project around the Park is very much the preferred location option,
· The preferred play features in descending order of preference were: climbing structures, net pyramids, aerial runways, mound slides, outdoor gyms, rope swingers, play structures, tunnels.
· The following items received only a few votes: balancing discs, spinning items, hills and mounds, trim trail, scrambling ropes and nets, boulders, rock stacks, snail slides, tree planting, standing stones, fingerposts,
· The following items received no votes: bridges, entrance features, mazes and game markings, banister slides, talk tubes and megaphones, tyre/basket swing.
IS indicated that PlayBuilder funding had been reinstated and that Selly Oak was one of eleven schemes to be pursued, schemes possibly attracting £33k-£45k each, with funding guaranteed until 31st March 2011 – thus a need to make some urgent decisions so that recommendations might be put before officials / committees for approval by that spend deadline. SC informed that once installed such PlayBuilder equipment would be cared for as follows: i) regular operational inspection by Quadron, ii) periodic technical inspection by BCC Playground Fitters; and that monies were already allocated for these maintenance purposes within current and proposed budgets, and there would be no charges to FOSOP.
IS presented a menu of items from which selections were sought.
After much very constructive discussion it was decided to recommend the acquisition with PlayBuilder funds of the following:
· Metal climbing frames with lateral extensions (such can be viewed at Grove Park and Cotteridge Park
· Zip slide
There was discussion of the Park location for these items. Generally it was considered prudent to zone the Park, and keep most of the play equipment in the same general area, rather than spread it widely, but perhaps arrange for a progression / sequence of facilities for increasing age groups within that area. It was suggested that the Climbing Frame might best be placed in the “tennis court” area southwards of the existing play equipment, with the Zip Slide behind the ‘Park Keepers’ Lodge.
A number of other suggestions were made during the discussion:
· Any fallen trees, with major branches, should remain in the park to provide an adventure experience for the young.
· The Trim Trail equipment shown by IS may be more suitable for a younger age group, whereas the Exercise Trail (very popular at Shenleys Playing Fields) may suit an older group. It was thought that these items might be purchased subsequently via a different funding option (e.g. Lottery Grants).
· AS had identified a couple of sources of funding which required immediate action since applications had to be made by 7th January 2011, and he suggested bids might be placed as follows:
§ £10k-£15k to be used for a sheltered seating area, suitable for teenagers and older users of the park – to be sensitively located visibly and near the centre of the Park but not too close to the main pathways, so avoiding potential intimidation to other park users. AS to consult the Scouts and the Boys Brigade, etc. as soon as possible to ascertain what they might want and where they might like it placed. The Police may have a contribution to make to such a project (as they have elsewhere).
§ ca £50k which might be used to secure the equipment for an Exercise Trail.
(Action: AS to proceed with bids)
§ In connection with the discussion about Youth shelters, and the needs of youth, SC suggested that consideration might be given to how the Scouts and “The Park” might benefit mutually from each other’s existence. To facilitate better access, use, etc it would not be impossible to remove adjacent hedges and so make access between the Scout Hut and Park easier, so creating opportunities for both parties. AL AL
§ In connection with a possible Exercise Trail, IS suggested the desirability of creating a loop around the Park, so that various items of exercise equipment could be placed on the circuit. SC/IS noted that it would be relatively easy to install a compacted gravel pathway along the
Gibbins Roadside of the Park (this has been done in other locations at an indicated price of £50 per linear metre of 1.2m wide pathway).
Gibbins Roadside of the Park (this has been done in other locations at an indicated price of £50 per linear metre of 1.2m wide pathway).
5 Benches
AS exhibited details of steel benches which he had sourced and recommended the purchase and installation of three, using FOSOP funds (est. cost £225 ea; plus fixing £60 ea; and delivery £85 for the three).
It was suggested that there may be money available for another bench from the Nature Trail funds. (Action: AS to speak to Tracy Hewitt)
RW agreed to approach the Community Chest to see if two more benches might be funded. (Action: RW)
The location of these benches was considered, and proposals made to place one on the pathway along the west side of the Park; one between the Woolacombe Lodge entrance and the notice board; one under an old oak tree near the path between the notice board and the scout hut; and two along the pathway from the notice board to the Harborne Lane (Nursing Home) entrance.
If only three benches are ordered one will go between the Woolacombe Lodge entrance and the notice board; one under the old oak tree near the path between the notice board and the scout hut; and one along the pathway from the notice board to the
Harborne Lane(Nursing Home) entrance.
Harborne Lane(Nursing Home) entrance.
It was hoped that these benches might be ordered as a lot (thus minimising delivery charges) via Tracy Hewitt, and delivered before Christmas, with installation as soon as possible thereafter. (Action: AS / TH)
6 Nature Trail
Item deferred in the absence of Tracy Hewitt.
7 Selly Oak Festival 2011
The intention to hold another Festival in June 2011 was confirmed – precise date to be set. (Action: AS)
It was noted that 2011 is the centenary of the incorporation of Selly Oak into Birmingham
In anticipation of more stalls, it was suggested there might be a dual charging scheme – a commercial rate for those that sell goods and keep the income, and a non-commercial rate for those non-profit making stalls or those who donate the income to charity.
The question of refreshment provision has to be resolved – whilst the funfair can provide burgers, etc, it was recognised that a larger contingent of visitors to the Festival may appreciate tea, coffee, cakes and other light refreshments.
SC agreed to consult with legal colleagues concerning ice cream sales at the Festival. (Action SC)
8 Tree Planting
AS/AL reminded members of the invitation to witness the Scouts planting donated trees in the Park at 2.15 on Saturday, 4th December 2010. (Assemble at Scout Hut).
AS drew attention to a potential offer, from Birmingham Trees for Life, of up to five large trees to be planted in the Park, SC suggesting that these would best be placed along the
Gibbins Road
Gibbins Road
9 AOB
Attention was drawn to the new website – http://www.friendsofsellyoakpark.org.uk/ - and thanks expressed to AS for his work with it.
10 Date and Place of Next Meeting
6pm, Monday 17th January 2011, Ariel Scouts Hut, 5th December 2010 – Councillor Robert Wright’s Blog (http://blog.robertwright.org.uk)
Gibbins Road.
On Saturday I attended a tree planting event in Selly Oak Park organised by the Scouts (and even lent a hand - or should I say a foot! - with some of the digging). Around 30 trees have kindly been donated by the 1st Ariel Scout Group.
Representatives of the Friends of Selly Oak Park were also present and they are running a park users' survey on their website at http://www.friendsofsellyoakpark.org.uk/.
If you are a local resident or other user of the Park then the Friends would be very grateful if you could help their work to improve the Park by filling in the survey.
Users of the park may also be interested in the great collection of pictures of Selly Oak Park from all those who have joined the Friends' Flickr group.
