A memory from PamelaI remember years ago going to the clearings to watch a military display. Which included a large blimp flying by and people jumping down ropes from it. Also one higher up with a carrier underneath from which parachutist jumped out there were shooting ranges weightlifting an aerial rope slide between trees one large tank a few smaller ones jeeps motorbikes. And a hot air Balloon to take you a short ride if you were brave enough. To soar above the trees the military services were all there Army Navy and R A F they all did various displays marching etc. And had their own Bands supporting them. Great to see I think it was part of a recruitment drive as well in the early 1950s. There were also various stalls selling goods and a small fairground with hand driven carousels wound with a large cogwheel mounted on carts pulled by horses near to the old bandstand besides the old playground and covered seating area the Salvation Army Band played there though all that was left of the bandstand were the concrete base blocks where the wooden floor had been. The cafe owned by Mr and Mrs King did a roaring trade in afternoon teas ploughman's lunches. Ice cream from Thorntons and Colletta s. pop sweets and sundries like balloons fishing nets blow bubbles colouring books plastic
cap guns and colourful windmills all this and a roaring fire in the open range fireplace. A great afternoon out in those days what with watching the Bowlers. Tennis players and golfers too or you could for 6pence take a 15 min tour round the large lake using the paddle boats worked by hand either side of the boat. The smaller lakeside was used for paddling in at that time there were several seats in recesses following a circular paved pathway. A around the pond. Where parents could safely keep an eye on proceedings. Much nicer and tidier than today. There were also some immaculate carefully themed flower beds at various points from the roadway and incline to the playground. Changed to suit anniversaries and the seasons. In winter the best sledge runs ever went from the park gates down the road to turn left onto the grass and hare down the incline towards. The playground then walk up to the top of the grass to race your mates again no brakes in those days feet only. In summer. Roller skates were the thing going at breakneck speeds down the road to the cafe or if really daring all the way to the lodge house at the bottom of the Park to old Belle Isle. Only a few brave older lads did that falls just get up and go again. No worries. THOSE WERE THE DAYS no radios phones watches tablets or I pads you told the time by the church clock when the bells rang The park Gates were always locked by 8 0 clock and the park keeper did his rounds to remove anyone left in after that. No hassle respect was the order of the day. Be nice to recreate some of the old times. Again. Nice though it is The Park is not a patch on what it was then.
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