On-going Research; last updated 10 January 2015
3rd
January 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
B.B.C. Children’s Hour Garden
Plots
A request has been received from
the B.B.C. for the continuation of the children’s garden plots during
1955. These plots are now situated at
the following sites:-
Rookery Park Small Heath
Park
Kings Heath Park Pype Hayes Park
Ward End Park St. Pauls Gardens
The Sub-Committee will recall that
the usual practice is for each plot to be attended by children from a near-by
school. All necessary advise (sic) and
assistance is given by the Park Keepers concerned as well as the loan of
children’s size tools and the use of surplus plants, seeds, etc.
During 1954 the plots at Kings
Heath and Ward End Parks have been visited by the B.B.C. for the purpose of
recording programmes for later transmission in the Midland Regional Children’s
Hour.
On the whole the plots are successful
with the exception of the one in St Pauls Garden where little interest seems to
be displayed by the local children.
In the circumstances then it has
been suggested to the B.B.C. that this plot might be discontinued but that
approval is given to the continuation at those at the remaining sites.
Your Committee’s confirmation of
this action is desired.
Departmental School of Training
– Kings Heath Park Name Plate
The Departmental Training Scheme
has now been in operation for over two years and it is felt that the stage has
been reached when some form of nameplate should be erected at Kings Heath Park
House to indicate that the building is being used as the School of Training.
It is suggested that this might
take the form of bronze fascia letters three inches high reading “School of
Horticultural Training” with underneath, a small plate, also in bronze, reading
“City of Birmingham Parks Department”.
These would be fixed to the stonework immediately above the main
entrance to the building. A drawing showing
the type of lettering will be available at your meeting.
A quotation for carrying out this
work has been obtained from Craftmetals Ltd., 148 Conybere Street, Birmingham,
12. who have recently carried out similar work at the Museum and Art Gallery under
the direction of the City Architect.
The total cost would be £23.13.3d.
and authority to incur the expenditure is desired.
B.B.C. Children’s Hour Garden Plots
15984
Resolved:- That the action taken
in agreeing to co-operate with the Midland Region of the British Broadcasting
Corporation in providing “Children’s Hour” Garden Plots at sites in various
parks, as more particularly set out in the foregoing report (with the exception
of St. Paul’s Gardens) on the same basis as in previous years, be approved and
confirmed.
Departmental School of Training – Kings Heath Park Name
Plate
15986
Resolved:- That approval be given
to the provision of a name plate for the Departmental School of Horticultural Training
at Kings Heath Park, as referred to in the forgoing report, at a cost of £23.
13. 3d.
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the
Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee:-
Pool – Kings Heath Park
For some time it has been felt
that the pool in King’s Heath Park could be made a much more attractive
feature. It is visualised that its banks could be planted with large drifts of
colourful moisture loving Primulas and Irises, together with a number of attractive
species of Rhododendron, Camellia and Willow.
In order to carry out this scheme,
it would be necessary to reduce the amount of shade from the large number of
trees growing on the banks of the pool, and it is considered that two Oak trees
and one Chestnut tree would need to be felled and approximately six saplings
removed.
The work could be carried with
Departmental labour during the winter months and when completed would
considerably improve the appearance of the area in the vicinity of King’s Heath
Park House, in addition to providing a further facility for instruction at the
Departmental School.
The Committee’s authority to
proceed with the work is desired.
Pool – Kings Heath Park
16132
Resolved:- That the scheme for
the horticultural improvements to the banks of the pool at Kings Heath Park, as
referred to in the foregoing report, be approved.
3rd
January 1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/7)
Kings Heath Park - Buildings
Nameplate for Horticultural School (Park House): Contractor: Craftmetals Ltd. Cost: £23. 13. 3d. Parks Committee Minute 15986 dated 3/1/1955.
3rd
January 1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 D2)
Horticultural improvements to the banks of pool
Min. No. 16132 of 3/1/1955 approved a proposal to improve
the appearance of this pool by planting the banks with Primulas, Irises,
Rhododendron, Camellia and Willow. To
carry out this scheme it was necessary to reduce the amount of shade by felling
two oak trees, one chestnut tree and six saplings.
7th
February 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Various Parks – Car Parking
By your Sub-Committee’s Minute No.
2,608, I was instructed to report as to the requirements in various parks for
the reservation of areas for the parking of vehicles.
I set out below particulars of
those sites where it is considered that persons visiting the parks could be
permitted to park their vehicles during the period of their visit:-
No. 2 District
Park: K.
Heath Pk.
Area to be
used: Side of main drive
between Colmore Rd. entrance and aviary, also front of Park Hse. (entrance to
school).
................
It is emphasised that no parking
fees would be charged and that no supervision of any kind would be exercised by
the Department’s employees.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Staff
Resignations
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.
Appendix
“F”
Resignations
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Hughes, A.J.
(60)
Designation: Gdn. Lab.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Ceased: 3.12.54
Length of Service: 1 yr. 10 mths.
Various Parks – Car Parking
16249
Resolved:- That approval be
given to the designation as parking areas of the various sites, as more
particularly set out in the foregoing report; ....................
The following report of the Recreation and Entertainments
Sub-Committee was submitted:-
Children’s Service Union
An application has been received
from Mr. J. Holland, Secretary, Open Air Sub-Committee of the Children’s
Service Union, to hold one Children’s Service in each of the Sumer Theatres on
Sunday afternoons. The following
provisional dates are suggested:-
(From a list of 8:-)
King’s Heath Park - 19th
June
Similar permission has been
granted in past seasons, subject to the theatres being available when the
summer programmes were finalised. The
Children’s Service Union have always carried out their arrangements in a
satisfactory manner and they do useful work in providing services for children
who do not normally attend a Sunday School.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Children’s Service Union
16317
Resolved:- That the application
of the Open Air Sub-Committee of the Children’s Service Union for permission to
hold children’s services in the Summer Theatres in the parks specified, on
Sunday afternoons, in accordance with the proposals contained in the foregoing
report, be granted.
Included in this
Minute is a report concerning:-
Rate Estimates 1955/56
(From a very long, and detailed report:-)
The report shows that the following allocations were included for
King’s Heath Park:-
Plant, Tools and Implements
·
1 x Trailer Seat for Dennis Mower - £36 – “To
supplement existing equiopment”
·
1 x Allen Sweeper (£28) – “To conserve labour in
leaf clearing”
Maintenance of Drives and
Pathways:-
· Tarmacadam and grano surfacing to playground
extension - £300 - “To replace existing temporary ash surface”
Fencing:-
· Fencing to pool - £175 “Pool depth considered
dangerous to children”
Repairs, Alterations & Improvements
·
Water Service, Avenue Rd. for Bowling Green and
lavatories - £130 – “Iron pipe badly corroded”
New Developments:-
For Horticultural School
·
Laboratory Equipment - £200
·
Lockers - £75
·
Furniture for Common Room - £100
·
Furniture for Lecture Room - £140
·
Extension to Central Heating - £300
- “Further
educational facilities to cope with further intake of Apprentices”
Pit Lights and Cold Frames
·
9 x Pit lights and frames 6’ x 4’ - £65
New Ablution Blocks for Sports
Purposes
·
Deferred for future years – Kings Heath
Park - £2,200
This is then followed by a report:-
Deletions
to Reduce Expenditure by £90,141
(From a very long, and detailed report:-)
The report shows that the following deletions were included for King’s
Heath Park:-
Plant, Tools and Implements
·
1 x Allen Sweeper (£28)
Fencing:-
· Fencing to pool - £175
Repairs, Alterations &
Improvements
· Water Service, Avenue Rd. for Bowling Green and
lavatories - £130
Pit Lights and Cold Frames
· 9 x Pit lights and frames 6’ x 4’ - £65
New Ablution Blocks for Sports
Purposes
·
Deferred for future years – Kings Heath
Park - £2,200
7th March
1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Kings Heath Park – Extension to
Horticultural Training School Premises
By full Committee Minutes 15718-9,
authority was given for the extension of the Departmental Horticultural
Training School premises by taking over one of the ground floor rooms let for
refreshment purposes to the Civic Restaurants, and one of the rooms on the
first floor flat let to Mr. V.G. Collings, upon a service tenancy basis, as
shown hatched blue and red respectively on the plan which will be available for
inspection at your meeting.
In order to carry this extension
of the school premises into effect, I was instructed to consult with the Chief
Catering Officer and the City Estates Officer, and I now set out hereunder for
your Committee’s information a copy of a letter received from the City Estates
Officer, in which he suggests appropriate rentals for the reduced areas of the
park refreshment premises and the first floor flat:-
(COPY)
141a, Gt.
Charles Street, 3.
MGT/AT. G.1/33
KEG/HJC. 10th Jan. 1955.
Dear Sir,
King’s
Heath Park House
Extension
of Horticultural Training School Premises
Further to my letter of the 1st
ultimo, an inspection of this property has now been made and I consider that
the following rentals should be charged for the remaining portions of the
tenancies:-
(a) Refreshment Room - £30 per annum exclusive, the
tenants being responsible for interior repairs and decorations.
(b) First floor Flat – 24/-per week exclusive, the tenant being
responsible for interior decorations.
Yours
faithfully,
(sd.) R.F.H. Ross
City Estates
Officer.
G.E.E. Ross Esq.,
General Manager,
Parks Dept.
The suggested rents have been
accepted by the tenants concerned, and as possession of the rooms has now been
given, your Committee is asked to approve the undermentioned operative dates
for the rents, and also to give their authority for the Town Clerk to vary the
existing tenancy agreement with Mr. V.G. Collings.
Tenancy Rent Operative Date
(a)
Refreshment Room £30
p.a. exclusive 1st Jan.
1955
(b)
First Floor Flat 4/-
wk. exclusive 1st Feb.
1955
For your Committee’s information,
I would mention that the previous rents charged for the refreshment room and
the first floor flat were £45 per annum and 30/- per week respectively, the
conditions of letting being identical to those now suggested by the City Estates
Officer.
Your Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Staff
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 dates stated.
Appendix
“H”
Improved
Service Pay
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Harper, W.G. (51)
Designation: Parks Police
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 27.3.49
Grant recommended: 2/-
To date from: 27.3.55
Temporary Manual Employees –
Appointment to Permanent Staff
It is recommended that the
temporary manual employees given in Appendix “K” be appointed to the Permanent
Staff of the Department with effect from the 7th March 1955. The approval of the Committee for such action
is desired.
Appendix
“K”
Temporary
Manual Employees – Appointment to Permanent Staff
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Battison, D.P. (22)
Designation: Gardener 2nd
Cl.
Where employed: Kings Heath Park
Date Commenced: 4.1.54
Kings Heath Park – Extension to Horticultural Training
School Premises
16360
Resolved:- That in the
circumstances set out in the foregoing report and subject to the acceptance
thereof by the Catering Committee, a rental of £30 per annum exclusive, be
charged, in respect of the refreshment room at Kings Heath Park House with
effect from 1st January, 1955.
16361
Resolved:- That in the
circumstances set out in the foregoing report a rental of 24/- per week
exclusive be charged in respect of the first floor flat at Kings Heath Park
House, the tenant being responsible for interior decorations, with effect from
1st February, 1955, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare and seal
the necessary amendments to the service tenancy agreement with Mr. V.G.
Collings accordingly.
Staff - Improved Service Pay
16386
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 rate and from the dates stated
therein.
Temporary Manual Employees – Appointment to permanent
Staff
16388
Resolved:- That the appointment
of the temporary manual employees as more particularly set out in Appendix “K”
to the foregoing report, to the permanent staff of the Parks Department, with
effect from the 7th March, 1955, be approved.
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the
Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee:-
Special Orders
Since the last meeting of the
Sub-Committee, the following orders over £50 have been placed:-
King’s Heath Park
Timber for repairs to W.J. Vincent & Co. Ltd. £66- 1- 6.
Potting
Shed Birmingham
Order D.7365
Special Orders
16418
Resolved:- That the action taken
with regard to the Special Orders, as more particularly referred to in the
foregoing report of the General Manager, be approved and confirmed.
7th March 1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/7)
Kings Heath Park - Buildings
7th March 1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/7)
Kings Heath Park - Buildings
Timber for repairs to Potting Shed: Contractor: W.G. Vincent & Co. Ltd. Cost: £66. 1. 6. Parks Minute 16418 dated 7/3/1955.
4th April 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
4th April 1955 – 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 received for the use of parks. The applications being not inconsistent with
your Committee’s policy were granted, and it is asked that the action be
approved.
Appendix
“D”
Use
of Parks
Organisation: Wolf Cub Section of South
B’ham Boy Scouts Assocn.
Date: 30.4.55
Park: K. Heath Pk.
Purpose: Annual Sports
Use of Park
16514
Resolved:- That the action taken
in granting the use of parks, as detailed in Appendix “D” to the foregoing
report, be approved and confirmed.
2nd May 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
2nd May 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Horton submitted the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Staff
Resignations
Since the last meeting of your
Committee the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.
Of the employees leaving with more
than three year’s service ................. Mr. S.C. Freeman and ........... left on
reaching the age of 65 years but have not become entitled to superannuation
allowance. ................
Appendix
“F”
Resignations
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Freeman, S.C.
(65)
Designation: Games Att.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk
Date ceased: 23.4.55
Length of service: 4 yrs. 11 mths.
Name & Age: Green, J.A.
(23)
Designation: Gdn. 2nd
Cl.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date ceased: 18.3.55
Length of service: 2 mths.
Police Report – Serious
Accidents
Since the last meeting of your
Sub-Committee, there have been 16 serious accidents dealt with in the parks and
the patients sent to hospital. There
were also 230 minor injuries treated and the patients sent home. Details of serious accidents are given in
Appendix “L”.
Appendix
“L”
Police
Report – Serious Accidents
Date: 28.2.55
Park: Kings Heath Pk.
Name& Age: Robert Turner (81)
Nature of Injury: Excessive nose bleeding
Cause of Injury: No apparent cause
6th June
1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Kings Heath Park – Extension to Horticultural Training
School Premises
On Minute No. 16361 the following report of the Town Clerk
was submitted:-
Kings Heath Park – Extension to
Horticultural Training School Premises
In accordance with this
resolution, a memorandum has been endorsed on the Agreement of Mr. V.G.
Collings to the effect that the lounge shall be deleted from the Agreement and
the rent as from the 1st February, 1955, shall be reduced to £1. 4.
0d. a week. I therefore request that
this Minute be discharged.
16765
Resolved:- That the foregoing
report be received, and entered on the Minutes; and that Minute No 16361 be
discharged.
4th July 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Price 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 received for the use of parks. The applications being not inconsistent with
your Committee’s policy were granted, and it is asked that the action be
approved.
Appendix
“D”
Use
of Parks
Organisation: Children’s Service Union
Date: 25.6.55
Park: K. Heath Pk.
Purpose: Public Meeting
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. 2.
Name & Age: Luton, A. (19)
Designation: Gdn. Lab.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 18.4.55
Wages: £6. 11. 6.
Name & Age: Smith, A.
(Miss) (24)
Designation: Female Wkr.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 9.5.55
Wages: £7. 1. 6.
Name & Age: Carter, A.E.
(29)
Designation: Gdnr. 1st
Cl.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 6.6.55
Wages: £8. 6. 8.
Name & Age: Johnson, N.S.
(20)
Designation: Gdn. Lab.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 13.6.55
Wages: £7. 12. 0.
Resignations
Since the last meeting of your
Committee, the resignations as set out in Appendix “F” have been received.
By Minute No. 15007 I am required
to report on the reasons for leaving of the under-mentioned employees who have
more than three year’s service.
The following left to take up
better paid employment:-
(From a list of 6:-)
Harwood, T.G. (43), employed as
Propagating Gardener at Kings Heath Park, left on 21st May (9 years
service).
Appendix
“F”
Resignations
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Harwood, T.G.
(43)
Designation: Gdn. Prop.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Ceased: 21.5.55
Length of service: 9 yrs.
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 dates stated.
Appendix
“H”
Improved
Service Pay
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Gowland, F.L.
(46)
Designation: Parks Police
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 27.7.52
Grant recommended: 2/-
To date from: 27.7.55
Name & Age: Cooper, J.B.
(29)
Designation: Gdnr. R.H.S.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 27.5.52
Grant recommended: 2/-
To date from: 27.5.55
Name & Age: Field, B.D.
(34)
Designation: Gdnr. R.H.S.
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Date Commenced: 21.4.52
Grant recommended: 2/-
To date from: 21.4.55
Regradings
I have to recommend the regradings
as set out in Appendix ”J” for the approval of the Committee, to take effect
from the dates indicated. The services
of the employees recommended have been satisfactory.
Appendix
“J”
Regradings
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Prigg, B.B. (55)
Where employed: Kings Heath Park
Grading and Wages:
Present: 2nd
Boatman £7. 5. 2.
Recommended: Games
Att. £7. 1. 6. (At own request)
Date commenced: 4.10.54
To date from: 29.4.55
Use of Parks
16830
Resolved:- That the action taken
in granting the use of parks, as detailed in Appendix “D” to the foregoing
report, be approved and confirmed.
Staff – Appointments
16831
Resolved:- That the various
appointments made to fill existing vacancies, as detailed in Appendix “E” to
the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed.
Staff – Improved Service Pay
16833
Resolved:- That the applications
for improved service pay, as set out in Appendix “H” to the foregoing report,
be approved and the payments made at the rates and from the dates stated.
Staff – Regradings
16834
Resolved:- That the several
re-gradings as set out in Appendix “J” to the foregoing report be approved and
confirmed with effect from the dates stated.
Alderman Mrs. Hyde presented the following report of the Sites
and Buildings Sub-Committee:-
Various Parks – Provision of
Fencing and Gates
In connection with various items
of fencing included in the revenue Estimates for the current year, I set out
hereunder brief details in connection with the supply and erection of oak
fencing at the sites concerned, together with a summary of quotations received
from various contractors and the individual amounts allocated in Estimates:-
King’s Heath Park –
Horticultural School
70 lin. yds. 6ft.close boarded Oak
fencing to southern boundary of fruit garden.
...............
J.E. Turner, J. Wright Durafencing, Rudders Durolas Ltd. Amount in
309 Cooks La; & Son, Ltd;
Coventry & Paynes. Gas St; Estimates
B’ham. 33. Studley. Rd.
B’ham. 10. Chester St; B’ham. 1.
B’ham.
6.
K. Heath Pk.
£101- 0- 0.# 102-9-1. 120- 9- 2. 157-10-
0. - £100
..................
The lowest tenders are in each
case indicated by an asterisk, and I shall be pleased to receive your
Committee’s recommendations for acceptance in the various cases above-mentioned.
Kings Heath Park – Heating
Extension, School of Training
By Minutes Nos. 15,718-9 of 1st
November last, approval was given for the allocation of two additional rooms at
King’s Heath Park House, for the use of the School of Horticultural Training.
To implement this proposal, an
item of £300 has been included in the current year’s Estimates for the purpose
of extending the existing central heating installation, and in this respect,
the following quotation has been received from F. Evans & Sons, Ltd.,
Heating Engineers, Gas Street, Birmingham, 1. who installed the present
system:-
Lecture Room (ground floor) £73- 0-0.
Common Room (1st floor) £46- 0-0.
Lagging new pipe (basement) £24-15-0.
Extra boiler section (do.) £44- 0-0.
Circulating Pump (do.) £114- 0-0.
£301-15-0
A plan indicating the proposed new
piping and radiator positions will be available at your meeting, and the
Committee’s instructions regarding acceptance of the above-mentioned tender are
desired.
Kings Heath Park – External
Decorations and Repairs to the Park House
With reference to the proposed
external painting and repairs to the large house which incorporates the
Horticultural School, I have to report that the following quotations have been
received for carrying out the necessary work in accordance with a Departmental
specification:-
Guest Bros.,
57,
Somerset Rd;
Edgbaston £182- 8- 2.
T. Elvins & Sons, Ltd.,
Soho
Hill, B’ham. 19 £304-
0- 0.
F.S. Bendy & Sons,
128,
Brighton Rd;
Birmingham,
12 £325- 0- 0.
Enquiries were also sent to the
undermentioned firms who have, however, failed to submit a quotation in this
instance:-
J. Broomfield & Son, Ten Acres
& Stirchley
316, Belgrave Rd; 12. Co-Operative
Society,
Maryvale
Rd; 30.
W. Thornhill,
216, Albert Rd; 21. Pitts &
Phillips Ltd.,
25,
Bristol Rd; 5.
W. Street & Sons Ltd.,
184, Bristol St; 5.
The work comprised in the
above-mentioned quotations includes for thoroughly wire brushing and cleaning
down the cement rendering to the whole of the exposed surfaces, renewal of all
defective rainwater goods, repairs to woodwork of windows and preparing and
painting all wood and ironwork.
Messrs. Guest Bros. who have
submitted the lowest tender carried out the external painting to Lightswood
Park House sometime ago and their materials and workmanship were quite
satisfactory.
An amount of £200 is allowed in
your current year’s Estimates to cover the cost of this work, and your
instructions regarding acceptance of a tender are desired.
Special Orders
Since the last meeting of the
Sub-Committee, the following orders over £50 have been placed:-
King’s Heath Park
4500 Hard Red Bricks for E,H. Smith (Westhaven) Ltd., £53-14- 3.
repairs to Potting Shed. Birmingham
Order D. 7338.
................
The Committee’s authority for the
above-mentioned expenditure is desired.
Various Parks – Provision of Fencing and Gates
16849
Resolved:- That the proposals
for the provision of fencing and gates, as set out in the foregoing report, be
approved and that in this respect the under mentioned quotations be accepted:-
Kings Heath Park – J.E. Turner -
£101
Kings Heath Park – Heating Extension, School of
Training
16854
Resolved:- That the quotation of
F. Evans & Sons Ltd., Heating Engineers, amounting to £301. 15. 0d. for an
extension to the existing central heating installation at the School of
Horticultural Training, Kings Heath Park House, as more particularly explained
in the foregoing report, be accepted; and that the Town Clerk be authorised to
prepare and seal any necessary contract in this respect.
Kings Heath Park – External Decorations and Repairs to
the Park House
16855
Resolved:- That the quotation of
Guest Bros., amounting to £182. 8. 2d. for cleaning down the cement rendering
to the whole of the exposed surfaces, renewal of all rainwater goods, repairs
to windows and preparing and painting all woodwork and ironwork at Kings Heath
Park House, be accepted.
Special Orders
16864
Resolved:- That the action of
the General Manager in relation to Special Orders as set out in the foregoing
report, be approved and confirmed.
4th July
1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 EF/7)
Kings Heath Park - Layout
70 yds. of 6 ft. fencing to southern boundary of fruit
garden: Contractor: J.E. Turner. Cost: £101.
Parks Committee Minute 16849 dated 4.7.1955.
4th July
1955 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 E1)
Kings Heath Park – Repairs and Alterations to Existing
Buildings
Extension of Central Heating Installation (Hort.
School): Contractor: F. Evans &
Sons. Cost: £301. 15. 0. Parks Committee Minute 16854 dated 4.7.1955.
Kings Heath Park – Repairs and Alterations to Existing
Buildings
External Decoration & Repairs to Park House: Contractor: Guest Bros. Cost: £182. 8. 2. Parks Committee Minute 16855 dated 4.7.1955.
3rd
October 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
In the absence of Councillor Price, the Chairman presented
the following report of the General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Staff – Regradings
I have to recommend the following
regrading of employees in the Department.
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Raison, A. (23)
Where employed: Kings Heath Park
Grading and Wages:
Present: Gdn. 1st
Class £8.6.8.
Recommended: Gdn. Prop. £8.10.4.
Date commenced: 12.8.46
To date from: 6.6.55
Staff – Regradings
16973
Resolved:- That the staff
regradings, as set out in the report, be approved and confirmed, to have effect
from the dates shown in each case.
The following report of the General Manager was submitted:-
Municipal Tenants’ Gardens
Competition, 1955
As your Committee will recall by
Minute No. 16,217 of 7th February last, permission was granted to
certain members of the staff of the Department to perform extra duties in
connection with the judging of gardens in the Municipal Tenants’ Gardens
Competition for 1955, and I was instructed to report in due course concerning the
employees affected and the payments made in connection therewith.
I now have to report that the
following eighteen employees were concerned in the judging of the Competition
this year and that each has received from the Housing Management Committee an
honorarium of £3 for their assistance in the Competition:-
(From a list:-)
Mr. A.A. Whiteley Park Supt. K. Heath Pk.
Entertainments in the Parks,
1955 Season
(Relevant items from a very long report:-)
Entertainments
................
Summer Theatres were erected at
the following parks:-
(From a list of 8:-)
King’s Heath Park 13th June – 9th
July
Entertainments in the Parks –
Voluntary Helpers
(a) Chief
Marshals
Valuable service was rendered by
the Voluntary Chief Marshals who assisted at the Summer Theatres during the
past season, and the following schedule of suggested payments for subsistence,
travelling and other expenses is submitted for the Committee’s
consideration. Payment is estimated at
the rate of £1-1-0 per week for attendance at evening performances, and where
Chief Marshals were able to attend matinees, payment of £1-1-0 per week is
included:-
(From a list of 8:-)
Kings Heath Park Mr. W.T. Cutts 4 (evenings) Suggested
payment - £4- 4- 0.
(b) Voluntary
Sound and Lighting Operators
Where available, voluntary helpers
were used to operate the sound and lighting equipment in the Summer Theatres
and at other times members of the Parks Staff undertook this work.
The following schedule of
suggested payments for subsistence, travelling expenses, etc. is submitted for
consideration and is estimated, as in previous years, at the rate of £1-1-0 per
week for either evening or matinee performances:-
(From a list of 6:-)
K. Heath Park Mr. T. Day 4 (evenings) Suggested payment - £4- 4- 0.
The Committee’s instructions are
desired.
Municipal Tenants Gardens Competition, 1955
17069 Resolved:- That in accordance with the authority
contained in Minute No. 16217 in respect of members of staff of the Parks
Department performing extra duties in connection with the judging of gardens in
the Municipal Tenants Gardens Competition, 1955, the 18 employees named in this
paragraph of the foregoing report be and they are hereby authorised to retain
an honorarium of £3 to be granted by the Housing Management Committee for their
assistance in the competition.
Entertainments in the Parks – Voluntary Helpers -
Honoraria
17074 Resolved:- That authority be, and is hereby given for
the payment of amounts set out against the names reported in connection with
services rendered in the capacity of voluntary Chief Marshals at the Summer
Theatres in the 1955 season.
Voluntary Sound and Lighting Operators - Honoraria
17075
Resolved:- That authority be,
and is hereby given for the payment of the amounts set out against the names
reported in respect of services rendered in the capacity of voluntary helpers
to operate the sound and lighting equipment at the summer theatres and at other
times for the 1955 season.
7th November 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Date: 30.7.55
Date: 21.8.55
District No. 2.
(From a list of 4)
................
(Compilers Note – Handsworth Park was one of the premier parks in the City and the venue for the City of Birmingham Show, and further in the report there is the statement – “In addition, however, the post with the ever increasing importance of the City of Birmingham Show undoubtedly carries additional and special responsibilities, probably not obtaining in the case of the other senior parks, with the exception of Canon Hill Park, .......” Notwithstanding the importance of the park, the accommodation for the Officer-n-Charge was deemed less than appropriate for the perceived status of the position.)
“Sons of Rest” and “Daughters of Rest”- Grant of Exclusive Use
“16,674 Resolved:- That, having regard to the circumstances set out in the foregoing report and the letter from the Town Clerk as now submitted, pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act 1954, this Committee grant the exclusive use to the City of Birmingham “Sons of Rest” Federation of the shelters at Handsworth, Digby and Sparkhill Parks, subject in the case of Digby Park to no objection being raised thereto by the Estate of Charles Wriothesley Digby, and in the case of Sparkhill Park, to the consent of the Governors of the Yardley Educational Foundation: and that the General Manager be instructed to submit to the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee in due course a complete list of sites which will be ultimately involved."
The consents mentioned in the above Resolution have been obtained, and I now set out in Appendix “A” a complete schedule of the “Sons of Rest” and “Daughters of Rest” shelters erected on land under your Committee’s control.
(Name of the Park or Pleasure Ground)
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with the provisions of Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act, 1954, the Corporation of the City of Birmingham have set aside for the exclusive use of ..................... (here describe the section of the public concerned)
Quotations are being obtained for suitably inscribed notices, and I propose to erect one in a conspicuous position either on or in the vicinity of each shelter.
Schedule of Sons of Rest and Daughters of Rest Shelters
Parts of Parks and Pleasure Grounds to be set apart for the exclusive use of the City of Birmingham Federation of the “Sons of Rest” pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act, 1954.
Plan No.: 16
17167 Resolved:- That having regard to the circumstances set out in the foregoing report and pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act 1954 this Committee do grant the exclusive use of the following shelters to the City of Birmingham “Sons of Rest” Federation namely:-
(From a list of 33 sites:-)
subject to.................., in accordance with the details specified in the foregoing report; further, that the General Manager be authorised to arrange for the erection of suitable inscribed notices in conspicuous positions and as indicated in the report.
Entertainments in the Parks - 1955 Season
(From a list of 8:-)
General (Senior) Certificate of the Royal Horticultural Society
(From a list of 5)
(From a list of 7)
Your Committee will recall that under the existing wage agreements with the National Joint Industrial Council, employees who pass the Royal Horticultural Society’s Senior Certificate Examination are awarded an additional payment of 7/- per week.
Appendix “J”
Entertainments in the Parks – 1956 Season
Park 1954 1955 Increase or decrease
(Compiler’s note – the lowest figures in the list!)
..................
Park District
7th November 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Price presented the following report of the General Purposes
and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Police Report – Serious Accidents
Since the last meeting of your Sub-Committee,
there have been 105 serious accidents dealt with in the parks and the patients
sent to hospital. There were also 1950
minor injuries treated and the patients sent home. Details of the serious accidents are given in
Appendix “E”.
Appendix “E”
Police Report –
Serious Accidents
Date: 30.7.55
Park: Kings
Heath Pk.
Name & Age: Leonard Hopkins (72)
Nature of Injury: Collapse
Cause of Injury: Natural causes
Date: 21.8.55
Park: Kings
Heath Pk.
Name & Age: John Newman (9)
Nature of Injury: Cut to crown of head
Cause of Injury: Fell down bank
Staff
The appointments and resignations since the
last meeting of your Committee are summarised below under District Headings.
District No. 2.
................
Mr. R.D. Bagnall (30) an R.H.S. Gardener at
King’s Heath Park, has left to take a three year course for a B.Sc. in
horticulture at Wye College of the University of London. He has made application for this period to be
granted as leave without pay, in order to protect his superannuation rights.
Handsworth Park – Appointment of
Officer-in-Charge
The Sub-Committee will remember that, as a
result of the re-employment of Mr. Gradwell in another post at his own request,
the position of Officer-in-Charge at Handsworth Park has become and now remains
vacant. The following members of the
Department only applied and presented themselves for interview:-
(From a list of 4)
Name Age Present Appointment
Evason, H.W. 52 Foreman, Kings Heath Park
................
Your Interviewing Panel were disappointed and
seriously concerned with the poor response to the advertisement and with the
general experience, seniority and stature of the candidates, and they felt
unanimously that they could not make any recommendation to your Sub-Committee
as a result of the interview.
..............
(Compilers Note – Handsworth Park was one of the premier parks in the City and the venue for the City of Birmingham Show, and further in the report there is the statement – “In addition, however, the post with the ever increasing importance of the City of Birmingham Show undoubtedly carries additional and special responsibilities, probably not obtaining in the case of the other senior parks, with the exception of Canon Hill Park, .......” Notwithstanding the importance of the park, the accommodation for the Officer-n-Charge was deemed less than appropriate for the perceived status of the position.)
Alderman Mrs. Hyde submitted the following report of the Sites and
Buildings Sub-Committee:-
“Sons of Rest” and “Daughters of Rest”- Grant of Exclusive Use
At the meeting of the Parks Committee held on
the 2nd May, 1955, it was:-
“16,674 Resolved:- That, having regard to the circumstances set out in the foregoing report and the letter from the Town Clerk as now submitted, pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act 1954, this Committee grant the exclusive use to the City of Birmingham “Sons of Rest” Federation of the shelters at Handsworth, Digby and Sparkhill Parks, subject in the case of Digby Park to no objection being raised thereto by the Estate of Charles Wriothesley Digby, and in the case of Sparkhill Park, to the consent of the Governors of the Yardley Educational Foundation: and that the General Manager be instructed to submit to the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee in due course a complete list of sites which will be ultimately involved."
The consents mentioned in the above Resolution have been obtained, and I now set out in Appendix “A” a complete schedule of the “Sons of Rest” and “Daughters of Rest” shelters erected on land under your Committee’s control.
In accordance with the Town Clerk’s advice,
plans have been prepared showing the location and area of the shelters in
respect of the various parks or pleasure grounds and a complete set of these
plans will be available for inspection at your meeting.
I would add that extensions to shelters at
present in hand have been included in the area shown on the schedule and plans
now submitted. In a number of cases, it
has been necessary to seek the consent of the Trustees or personal
representatives of the donors of the land, and particulars of these consents
are given in the schedule against the appropriate sites.
.........................
The areas set apart for the exclusive use
must be described on a notice board fixed or set up in a conspicuous position
in the park or pleasure ground, and the Town Clerk recommends that the wording
of the notice should be in the following form:-
(Name of the Park or Pleasure Ground)
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with the provisions of Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act, 1954, the Corporation of the City of Birmingham have set aside for the exclusive use of ..................... (here describe the section of the public concerned)
the part of the above-mentioned park or
pleasure ground on which is erected the building known as the “Sons of Rest”
(“Daughters of Rest”) shelter.
Quotations are being obtained for suitably inscribed notices, and I propose to erect one in a conspicuous position either on or in the vicinity of each shelter.
Your Committee will, no doubt, wish to pass a
formal Resolution granting the City of Birmingham Federation of the “Sons of
Rest” and the Selly Oak “Daughters of Rest” Society (as appropriate) the
exclusive use of the shelters at the parks and pleasure grounds described in
the schedule now submitted pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of
the Birmingham Corporation Act, 1954, subject in the case of Balsall Heath,
Cannon Hill and Small Heath Parks to consent being obtained from Mr.
Smith-Ryland, life tenant of the Smith-Ryland Settled Estates.
Schedule of Sons of Rest and Daughters of Rest Shelters
Parts of Parks and Pleasure Grounds to be set apart for the exclusive use of the City of Birmingham Federation of the “Sons of Rest” pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act, 1954.
Plan No.: 16
Park or Pleasure Ground: Kings
Heath Park
Area to be set apart (floor area of
building): 796 sq. ft.
Location in Park or Pleasure Ground: Rooms in Park House
Particulars of Consent: Not
required
“Sons of Rest” and “Daughters of Rest”- Grant of Exclusive Use
17167 Resolved:- That having regard to the circumstances set out in the foregoing report and pursuant to the powers contained in Section 37 of the Birmingham Corporation Act 1954 this Committee do grant the exclusive use of the following shelters to the City of Birmingham “Sons of Rest” Federation namely:-
(From a list of 33 sites:-)
Kings Heath Park
subject to.................., in accordance with the details specified in the foregoing report; further, that the General Manager be authorised to arrange for the erection of suitable inscribed notices in conspicuous positions and as indicated in the report.
Councillor Mrs. Tomlinson submitted the following report of the
Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Entertainments in the Parks - 1955 Season
(Relevant items from a very long report:-)
Entertainments
................
Summer Theatres were erected at
the following parks:-
(From a list of 8:-)
King’s Heath Park 13th June – 9th
July
5th
December 1955 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Price presented the following report of the
General Purposes and Finance Sub-Committee:-
Departmental Training Scheme –
Examination Successes
I set out below for your
Committee’s information a list of examination successes which have been
achieved this year by Departmental employees who have attended or are in the
process of attending courses under your Committee’s Training Scheme:-
General (Senior) Certificate of the Royal Horticultural Society
(From a list of 5)
Jephcott, C.J. Apprentice Gardener K.Heath Pk.
Raison, A.E. do. K.Heath Pk.
Junior Certificate of the Royal
Horticultural Society
(From a list of 7)
Aldworth, B.A. Apprentice Gardener K.Heath Pk.
Chester, K.J. (Miss) do K.Heath Pk.
Williams, D.J. do. K.Heath Pk.
Your Committee will recall that under the existing wage agreements with the National Joint Industrial Council, employees who pass the Royal Horticultural Society’s Senior Certificate Examination are awarded an additional payment of 7/- per week.
It will also be recalled that on
the 7th March, 1953, the Establishment Committee approved a payment
of an additional 5/- per week to Garden Boys and Apprentices who obtain the
Junior R.H.S. Certificate provided that the increment is absorbed at the age of
21 years, if the employee has not then obtained the Senior Certificate.
Staff
Regradings
I have to recommend the regradings as set out
in Appendix “J" for the approval of the Committee, to take effect from the
dates indicated. The services of the
employees recommended have been satisfactory.
Appendix “J”
Regradings
District No. 2.
Name & Age: Johnson N.S. (21)
Where employed: Kings Heath Pk.
Grading & Wages
Present: Gdn. Lab. £7-12-0.
Recommended: Gdnr.
2nd Cl. £7-19-4.
Date Commenced: 13.6.55
To date from: 29.8.55
Staff Regradings
17241 Resolved:- That the staff regradings as set out in
Appendix “J” to the foregoing report, be approved and confirmed, to have effect
from the dates shown in each case.
Councillor Mrs. Tomlinson submitted the following report of the
Recreation and Entertainments Sub-Committee:-
Entertainments in the Parks – 1956 Season
Average attendances at the Summer Theatres
for 1955 as compared with 1954 were as follows:-
Park 1954 1955 Increase or decrease
(From
a list of 8)
King’s Heath 165 165 -
(Compiler’s note – the lowest figures in the list!)
..................
It will be remembered that at the last
meeting of your Committee it was decided to recommend a new form of annual
entertainment by the introduction of festival weeks or fortnights, concentrated
in sections of the city and that the General Purposes Committee be recommended
to cooperate with the Parks Committee in the provision of the festivals as an
alternative to their present practice.
As the festivals would be somewhat in the
nature of an experiment, it is suggested that for the first year four festivals
be staged for one week each located in the North, South, East and West sections
of the City.
...............
After consultation with the Parks District Superintendents,
the following parks have been suggested for staging festivals:-
Park District
Aston North
Swanshurst South
Ward End East
Summerfield West
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