Resources

When did you all first get together?

We originally got together in April 2007 and as a group were set up to support a bid for funding to restore the park. The group has gone on and taken on a life of its own since those early days.

For people who don't know about the group - What's your main aim or purpose?

In recent times a lot of people have had preconceptions about green spaces being dangerous places. It's our mission to get more people back into and using the park. The park had become somewhat rundown but we wanted to ensure it one again became a loved and used community resource.

How often do you meet and where?

The committee meets once a month and we have open public meetings quarterly. The venue may vary so please do contact us for details of the next meeting.

Our next annual general meeting will be in April 2011 at the Deaf Resource Centre, Dagger lane, West Bromwich – people can just come along on the day and all are welcome. There will also e a Guest Speaker on Coal Mining in Sandwell Valley - People with an interest in local history are more than welcome to come along for this.

We also hold a weekly community walk in the park every Monday afternoon rain or shine. Meet at 2.00 pm at the Reform Street entrance – again everyone is welcome and it gives people a chance to come along and find out a bit more without committing themselves to anything.

What are the things the group is most proud of?

We now have over 200 members! Since the group was started we have really seen the community using the park much more.

The group has also produced 2 books on the park both of which are currently unavailable simple because we have sold out – although we are having more printed right now!

If someone wanted to join in – how can they get involved?

This is really up to the person involved. We are happy to make good use of peoples existing skills or encourage them to maybe have a go at something new for them.

Even if people don't want to be active membership is only £3 for a full year and people get a bi-monthly newsletter (which has been praised by the Big Lottery Fund as the best they have seen from a local group).

Are you looking for people with any specific skills / knowledge to get involved at the moment?

It would be great just now to find someone good at minute taking!

People who are willing to help organise events for us would also be especially welcome.

How much time do people need to give to the group if they join?

Again, this really depends on the person themselves. Some people help out on event days whilst others are more regularly involved.

Anything new or in the pipeline coming up that you want to share with everyone?

I've already mentioned the Annual General Meeting next April so please do come along. Restoration work on the park is well in hand with work beginning on the new pavilion early in the New Year. Likewise, work is due to start soon on the avenue and boundary railings and installation of a new water feature that will replicate the original one. Lots more will be coming in 2011 including us working more closely with local schools.

We are also developing with Sandwell Visually Impaired a Sensory Garden in the park which should be ready next year.

If you had extra helpers or resources what else would the group like to be doing?

We can always make use for an extra pair of hands!

Any organisations or key individuals you feel should get a special mention or thank you?

We would really like to make a special mention to the Communities Unit at Sandwell MBC and Sandwell Visually Impaired who we have been working with.

Can you sum up in one sentence what is great about being a part of your group?

I love the fact we have bought the park back into use for so many people. It gives me personally great pleasure that a lot of older people are getting so much pleasure out of using the park again – long may it continue!