The History of Selly Oak Park, 1896-1911: 1897 Clippings

Ongoing research; last updated 26 January 2014

9^th January 1897 - Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground – Parish Meeting and Printing, etc.

488 The Clerk produced and read the notice calling a Parish Meeting on the 16^th January 1987 at the Institute Bournbrook, at 7 pm., called for the purpose of dealing with a resolution giving power to the Parish Council to obtain a loan to purchase Recreation Ground, and carry out certain other works in connection therewith.

Mr. Holmes asked if tenders had been obtained for printing of the bills, and the clerk replied in the negative.

On the question of further advertising the meeting, it was moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. W. Holmes, that the Clerk be instructed to obtain 100 copies of the Bill and send same to the Councillors for distribution.

Mr. Aston moved that 100 larger posters be printed and posted.

Mr. Thompson stated that as the meeting had been properly published according to the Act, he was of opinion that any further expenditure would be surcharged, and eventually it was arranged that 2000 copies of the Bill should be procured and sent to the Councillors for distribution, for which the Councillors undertook to pay.

16^th January 1897 – Parish Meeting (Northfield)

Parish Meeting held at the Institute, Bournbrook, Selly Oak, on Saturday January 16^th 1987 at 7pm.

Present: Councillors T. Munford, Chairman, J. Cole, S. Hill, R. Roberts, W. Hall, J.C. Aston, J.R. Green, W. Holmes, Hallwood, and about 150 parishioners.

74 The Chairman read the notice convening the meeting, and on his suggestion it was moved by Mr. W. Whitlock (?), seconded by Mr. T. H. Brookes

75 That Messrs. Muckley and H.W. Stephens be requested to act as tellers. (car^d. n.c.)

76 Mr. S. Hill (Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee) was called upon by the Chairman to give particulars of the proposed outlay in connection with the purchase and laying out of a Recreation Ground (details of which he read from the Recreation Ground Committee Minute Book of the meeting of December 10^th 1896, Minute 40). A large scale plan was also exhibited in the room.

Mr Hill supplemented these details in a speech (of about 20 minutes) and finally moved,

77 That whereas the Parish Council of Northfield with a view to the provision of a Recreation Ground for the District of Selly Oak and Bournbrook in the said Parish, have provisionally agreed with James Goddington Ledsam Esq. of Weoley Park in the said Parish for the purchase of a piece of Land of 8 acres more or less, and whereas the said Parish Council propose to borrow a sufficient sum of money to purchase the said Land, and to carry out certain other works in connection therewith, now this Parish Meeting having been fully informed of the particulars of the said proposed purchase of Land and the other works proposed to be carried out in connection therewith, hereby consents to the aforesaid purchase of Land and to the proposed loan being obtained by the Parish Council of Northfield, not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of Three Thousand two hundred pounds.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. J.C. Aston, and after a discussion, it was declared carried (54 votes in favour, against 14).

78 Mr. Albert Thompson of 61 Heeley Road, Bournbrook, Selly Oak, a duly qualified elector, then demanded a poll.

79 The Chairman announced that the poll would take place on Saturday the 30^th day of January 1897

13^th February 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground Committee

570 The following report was read by Mr. S. Hill (Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee).

Gentlemen,

I have to report that the Recreation Ground Scheme for Selly Oak passed its final successful test (as far as we are concerned) on Saturday January 30^th 1897, when a Poll of the whole Parish was taken on a resolution that the Parish Council be empowered to borrow a sum not exceeding £3,200.

The Scheme was first introduced to the Council in May 1896, and after a very careful scrutiny of its provisions 13 out of 15 Councillors pronounced in its favour, while the two dissentients said they were willing to be guided by the Parish Meeting.

The Parish Meeting took place at the Institute, Bournbrook on January 16^th 1897 when a substantial majority was recorded for the Scheme. 54 for to 14 against. You will remember that after the figures had been given by the Chairman a poll was demanded by Mr. Albert Thompson, on the ground (as he alleged) of insufficient representation at the meeting. The poll took place as stated above on January 30^th 1897, when a most conclusive victory was again won for the Scheme. The figures were:

For the Scheme 238

Against 169

Majority for 69

Total number of votes given 407

Number of voters on the register 2145

The Scheme has now to be forwarded to the County Council for their approval.

S. Hill

Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee.

Moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. R. Roberts,

511 That the report be received and adopted. (Carried unan^ly.)

Moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. W. Holmes,

512 That the Clerk be instructed to make formal application to the County Council for their consent to the proposed loan being obtained by the Parish Council, viz. not exceeding £3,200. (Carried unan^ly.)

13^th March 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground Committee

The Minutes of this Committee of the 6^th March 1897 were read as a report, and Mr. Hill explained that owing to the information required by the Conty Council being, in fact, a history of the Scheme, the formal application had not yet been forwarded.

Moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. J.C. Aston,

524 That the report be adopted. (Carried unan^ly.)

26^th March 1897 – Finance Committee of Northfield Parish Council

48 The following accounts were then presented by the Clerk and examined separately, viz:

Name Particulars Amount

William Parnell (?) Preparing Plan of Recreation Ground £1. 1. 0.

17^th April 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground Committee

The Clerk produced two letters dated respectively 7^th April and 9^th April which he had received from the Clerk to the County Council respecting the formal application made for Consent to loan being obtained.

Moved by Mr. Oswald, seconded by Mr. R. Roberts,

562 That the letters be referred to the Recreation Ground Committee. (Carried unan^ly.)

8^th May 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground Committee

Mr. S. Hill read the minutes of the meeting of the 7^th May 1897 by way of report.

Moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. R. Roberts,

584 That the report be received and adopted. (Carried unan^ly.)

14^th June 1897 – Worcestershire County Council Minute[1]

From a report from the Finance Committee:

Borrowing by the Parish Council of Northfield, of the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d. for purchasing of land for the provision of a Recreation Ground

12. Your Committee recommend the Council to appoint a person to hold a Local Inquiry in regard to an application made by the Parish Council of Northfield for the consent of the Council to borrow the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d., for the purchase of certain land in that Parish for the provision of a Recreation Ground for the districts of Selly Oak and Bournbrook; and that arrangements be made for the holding of such Inquiry simultaneously with the Inquiry to be held therein by the Local Government Board.

Borrowing by the Parish Council of Northfield, of the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d. for purchasing of land for the provision of a Recreation Ground

It was moved by the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Mr. Thomas Richard Bayliss and resolved unanimously:

2160 That Mr. John William Willis Bund the Chairman of the Council, be, and he is hereby appointed to hold a Local Inquiry in regard to an application made by the Parish Council of Northfield for the consent of the Council to borrow the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d., for the purchase of certain land in that Parish for the provision of a Recreation Ground for the districts of Selly Oak and Bournbrook; and if possible arrangements be made for the holding of such Inquiry simultaneously with the Inquiry to be held therein by the Local Government Board.

[1] Records held at the Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, The Hive, Worcester. Reference BA 22, reference 200.01, then volume by year.

11^th September 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

639 The Clerk read the minutes of the meetings of August 18^th and September 2^nd 1897 of the Recreation Ground Committee and a letter dated 2^nd September 1897 from Mrs Gibbins and her Sons, wherein they offered the Gift of 11½ Acres of Land on the Weoley Park Estate, fenced in on 3 sides and with the needful paths and laid out and complete for a Recreation Ground. Mr. S. Hill gave a short account of the proceedings leading up to the gift.

It was then moved by Mr. S. Hill, seconded by Mr. R. Roberts,

That this Council accepts with greatest satisfaction the munificent gift of 11½ acres of Land on the Weoley Park Estate by Mrs. Gibbins and her Sons as a Park for Selly Oak and District, that the Council also approves of the conditions laid down in connection with the gift and promises to see that they are carried out; and further that the letter be entered on the minutes and a letter be sent to Mrs. Gibbins and her Sons by the Clerk expressing the Council’s thanks for their munificence.

Carried unanimously.

640 The following is a copy of the letter:

Selly Oak

2^nd September 1897

Mr. Jacob Whitehouse

Clerk to the Parish Council

Selly Oak

Dear Sir,

We have been much interested in the proposal of the Parish Council to open a Recreation Ground for Selly Oak, as we feel sure of the benefit of such places, both to the young and to those who are older.

We should like to be allowed to offer for the proposed Recreation Ground, fenced in on three sides, and with the needful paths laid out; and also when the boundary along the existing lane can be fixed, the front fenced and suitable gates put up complete.

We believe that we can offer a somewhat larger piece of Land than that originally proposed by the Council, extending further back, thus making a squarer, and in our opinion a better shaped plot of Land containing about 11½ acres.

In making this offer, the only conditions that we would name are:-

1. That the land shall be maintained by the Council as a Recreation Ground for the inhabitants of Selly Oak, and neighbourhood, free of charge during such hours as may be fixed by the Council (except for some few days in the year, when the Council may deem it needful for any purpose to close the Ground, or to lend it for a Flower Show, or a School Treat)

2. That it shall be open on Sundays, but not for playing games.

3. That no alcoholic liquors shall be allowed to be sold on the ground.

We should also like, if possible, that a portion of the ground should bet set apart as a play-ground for the children.

On hearing from you that the Council are willing to accept this gift, we shall be glad to communicate further with you as to carrying out the Scheme.

Yours truly

For Mrs. Gibbins and her Sons

(signed) W^m. Gibbins

641 Letters were produced from:

C. Wagnall & Co. – dated 25^th August 1897

Macann Bros. - dated 30^th August 1897

J. Venner & Co. - dated 31^st August 1897

all relating to proposed loan of £3,200 (which by the gift of Mrs. Gibbins and her Sons is not now required), and a letter from T.W. Palmer & Co. dated Augsut 28^th ulto. relating to fencing.

13^th September, 1897 – Worcestershire County Council Minute

Borrowing by the Parish Council of Northfield, of the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d. for purchasing of land for the provision of a Recreation Ground

2227 Mr. John William Willis Bund, the Chairman of the Council, submitted the following Report on the Local Inquiry held by him in accordance with Minute No. 2160, in regard to the application made by the Parish Council of Northfield for the consent of the Council to borrow the sum of £3,200 0s. 0d., for the purchase of certain land in the Parish, for the provision of a Recreation Ground for the districts of Selly Oak and Bournbrook.

1. On the 20th August 1897, in pursuance of your direction I attended at Northfield to hold an Inquiry into the proposed application by the Northfield Parish Council to the purchase of land for a Recreation Ground, and for carrying out certain other works in connection therewith, and to obtain a loan not exceeding £3,200 0s. 0d., to carry them out.

2. The Inquiry was fixed for 11 a.m. and objection was taken that a great interest was felt in the matter by the working classes who were not able then to attend if they wished to do so in order to express their views.

3. After hearing the opinion of those present at the Inquiry I adjourned the same until 7.30 on the 3^rd September 1897, for the purpose of allowing the working men to attend. On resuming the Inquiry on that day the following letter was read.

“Selly Oak

“2^nd September 1897

“Mr. Jacob Whitehouse

“Clerk to the Parish Council

“Selly Oak

“Dear Sir,

“We have been much interested in the proposal of the Parish Ciouncil to open a Recreation Ground for Selly Oak, as we feel sure of the benefit of such places, both to the young and to those who are older.

“We should like to be allowed to offer for the proposed Recreation Ground, fenced in on three sides, and with the needful paths laid out; and also when the boundary along the existing lane can be fixed, the front fenced and suitable gates put up complete.

“We believe that we can offer a somewhat larger piece of Land than that originally proposed by the Council, extending further back, thus making a squarer, and in our opinion a better shaped plot of Land containing about 11½ acres.

“In making this offer, the only conditions that we would name are:-

“1 That the land shall be maintained by the Council as a Recreation Ground for the inhabitants of Selly Oak, and neighbourhood, free of charge during such hours as may be fixed by the Council (except for some few days in the year, when the Council may deem it needful for any purpose to close the Ground, or to lend it for a Flower Show, or a School Treat).

“2 That it shall be open on Sundays, but not for playing games.

“3 That no alcoholic liquors shall be allowed to be sold on the ground.

“We should also like, if possible, that a portion of the ground should bet set apart as a play-ground for the children.

“On hearing from you that the Council are willing to accept this gift, we shall be glad to communicate further with you as to carrying out the Scheme.

“Yours truly

“For Mrs. Gibbins and her Sons

“(signed) W^m. Gibbins

4. The agreement that has been entered into by the Northfield Parish Council with the Vendor of the Land will still have to be carried out, and I suggested, and the Parish Council agreed that the Conveyance of the land to the Parish Council should be submitted to the County Council for their approval. Subject to this approval I am of the opinion that the proposal ought to be confirmed, and that the thanks of the County ought to be conveyed to Mrs. and Messrs. Gibbins for their very munificent gift to the District of Selly Oak.

(Signed) J.W. Willis Bund

County Hall, Worcester.

7^th September 1897.

It was moved by the Chairman, and resolved:

2228 That the foregoing Report be received and adopted.

It was then moved by the Chairman, and resolved:

2229 That the grateful thanks of this Council be conveyed to Mrs. and Messrs. Gibbins, of Selly Oak, for their munificent gift of land to the Northfield Parish Council for the purposes of a Recreation Ground for the Inhabitants of Selly Oak and the neighbourhood, as mentioned in the Report.

9^th October 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

Recreation Ground Weoley Park

661 A letter dated 30^th September 1897 from the Clerk to the County Council enclosing extract from minutes of the last meeting of the County Council on the 13^th instant, was read by the Clerk.

Moved by Mr. J.R. Oswald, seconded by Mr. J.R. Green,

662 That the letter and detail be referred to the Recreation Ground Committee to consider and report. Carr. Nem: Con:

11^th December 1897 – Northfield Parish Council

724 The Clerk also produced the Draft Conveyance from Mr. Ledsam to Messrs. Gibbins of the proposed land for Recreation Ground at Weoley Park.

Moved by Mr. R. Roberts, seconded by Mr. J. Smith,

725 That the Draft Conveyance be referred to the Recreation Ground Committee to deal with. Carried unan^ly.