Have your say on Victoria Park.

Wormella

Well-Known Forumite
History Project for historic park
https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/news/history-project-historic-park

Residents are being asked to share their memories of a popular park in Stafford as part of a history project.

The project is part of the £2.5 million restoration of Victoria Park in Stafford which got underway in the summer.

The work will see the restoration of historical landmarks such as the bandstand and Mottram Shelter, as well as improved facilities including café, aviary and toilets. The park has held a green flag – the yardstick for the best open spaces in the UK – for thirteen years.

Stafford Borough Council is now asking local people for their memories, anecdotes, and other information that will help record the history of the park for the initiative. The council wants to produce an ‘Oral History Project’ that will be used to guide interpretation boards, exhibitions and a permanent art installation, in the award winning park.

The council says it can be a simple childhood memory of feeding the ducks or a description of how the park looked previously since it opened in 1908.
The National Lottery funded work is expected to be completed in the summer next year.

Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the borough council, said: “Work is progressing very well on the park – but there is also so much other work going on in the background to ensure more people will have an input into, and be able to enjoy, this attractive gateway to our town.
“The aim of our ‘Oral History Project’ is to collect and preserve people’s memories so they cannot be lost. The finished project will be used in the park as part of the improved interpretation of its history and heritage.”

She added: “We would love to hear from people who have a story to tell of Victoria Park and would be willing to record them for us so we can create a legacy through the eyes of Staffordians for future generations to enjoy.”

The council is working with the Graphics, Fashion, Media and Photography students at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. Course leader for Creative Media, James Nicholls, said: “I feel the students will benefit so much from talking to and researching the past history of Stafford. In addition the experience they gain through working on the project from start to finish will prove invaluable for their studies and equip them with skills and knowledge for their own future.”

To get involved with the Oral History Project contact Lisa Hibbert, Victoria Park Community Engagement and Events Officer on 01785 619428 or email victoriapark@staffordbc.gov.uk.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
I know someone who, to the uninitiated, does look like a serial killer from a teen horror movie. (@dirtboxin knows who I mean). He once fell asleep on a bench on a sunny afternoon and this caused such alarm that the cops were summoned. The two that arrived did not feel that they had adequate capacity to deal with what might happen when they woke him up, so they sent for back-up.

He was then woken - to find himself surrounded by four coppers, with a dog, and a small crowd observing at a 'safe' distance.

It took him a while to convince them that he was just trying to have a quiet snooze.
 

Pooryorick

Well-Known Forumite
Odd that they care so much about the Mottram shelter but demolish their family home, built about 20 years earlier.
 

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
Good to see the outdoor activity area is progressing well but I think most will struggle to navigate these obstacles.

IMG_20200209_135027092_HDR.jpg


I'm struggling to see what has changed in all the months the park has been closed. What are they actually doing?
 

Wormella

Well-Known Forumite
I'm struggling to see what has changed in all the months the park has been closed. What are they actually doing?[/QUOTE]

Seriously?
  • Metalwork up for the new cafe
  • Work progressing on the education area next to the green house
  • bandstand & shelter in the process of being restored and rebuilt
 

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
I'm struggling to see what has changed in all the months the park has been closed. What are they actually doing?

Seriously?
  • Metalwork up for the new cafe
  • Work progressing on the education area next to the green house
  • bandstand & shelter in the process of being restored and rebuilt
[/QUOTE]

Yes seriously.

I don't venture along Tenterbanks so I was referring to the park on the station side of the river.

I don't understand why it has taken so long and why they had to close the whole of the park when the work seems to be limited to the bandstand on this side.
 

bunique

Well-Known Forumite
I don't understand why it has taken so long and why they had to close the whole of the park when the work seems to be limited to the bandstand on this side.
Presumably because all the equipment is being stored in the mobiles by the war memorial and they didn’t think traipsing back and forth amongst commuters, rough sleepers and stoned college students would be conducive to delivering the project on time?
 

Gareth

Well-Known Forumite
The work is quite clearly taking place both sides of the river and has been since day one.

Of course the path by the river is accessible when not under water or downed fences.

The works seem on track which is good news as work has been halted four times due to weather. Some of the work of grade listed elements is also done with care, time and on occasions by hand which has helped restore the amazing original metal work of both band and Mottram stands

Along with the other elements of work mentioned and remember there has been some demolishing taking place:

- work access has been built and re-sited
- the rotting timber in the thatched buildings has been removed and replaced
- trenches dug and laid electric cables for new ground level lighting

This was last time I went passed in early January, so plenty has been done.

As they work their way outwards we will see it take shape with new plants, new grass, 40 new trees, new paving, aviary and stone and iron gates on station road and mill bank entrances.
 

Gareth

Well-Known Forumite
Went past yesterday and boy is work moving.

Station side they were planting a host of new trees, 22 on my count but I couldn't see around a corner where there was more on floor.

Paths have been up and new edging put in.

Band and mottram stand frames complete, the was having stone paving added.

The amphitheatre has had 2 levels of step complete.

New greenhouse and wooden education centre are up, the latter completed and looking smart.

The restaurant frame is done and now internal breeze blocks well underway.

The ugly break brick build that served drinks etc and the flower bedding area has gone. Loads going on there but couldn't see for.

Coming along very nicely indeed
 

pinky

Well-Known Forumite
I'm really looking forward to seeing how far the project has come when we are out of this. I really love Stafford park.
 

Cirrus

Well-Known Forumite
Walked past today, and it's looking close to completion. I'm sure it will be as popular as the play park side, providing somewhere pleasant to escape to....No doubt the ducks will also look forward to some company again. :)
 

gilbert grape

Well-Known Forumite
After all that's been done I still see comments from the "I preferred it the way it was" brigade!
If you don't change things, nothing changes! "That new cafe will flood" amazes me! The bottom of it is level with the top of the rails that are on top of the wall that hasn't been breeched, to my knowledge. Having seen some pics of the park with the new LEDs they might need some tweaking but the rest of it, with the new structures, usable areas and open plan to discourage any unsavoury behaviour looks pretty good and something we will be proud of.
 
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