HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Ongoing research; last updated 20 December 2014
This volume continues the historical overview of Kings Heath Park; the earlier years having been reported in the previous decade chapters. Again the clippings, listed in the column on the right, contain the more extensive detail upon which it is founded - information from Council committee minutes, newspaper reports, etc.
An early (date unknown) photograph of Kings Heath House in the Park
(Photo kindly supplied by Tom Burke)
1911
The proposals for the open air school at Kings Heath House were called in question because of the proximity of a similar school at Uffculme which the Birmingham Authority had in prospect. Enquiries concerning the intentions regarding Uffculme and the discovery of its anticipated utilisation up to capacity, persuaded the KN&N UDC Education Committee to proceed with their plans.
Early in the year the decison was taken to provide an additional bowling green and two tennis courts for the Park. Local Government Board sanction to borrowing for this purpose was sought and granted.
Again advertisements were placed in the press inviting offers from bands and concert parties to give entertainments in the Park.
Mr. James McNerlin, who had acted temporarily as superintendent of Kings Heath Park following the dismissal of Mr. Shuttleworth, was appointed and confirmed as superintendent.
Local Government Board sanction to the borrowing of £400 for the erection of a new lodge was received, such sum to be repaid within a period of 30 years. In May, tenders were invited for this work, and in July a tender from Messrs. W.T. Ingram & Sons, Bournbrook for £449 15s. was accepted.
Coronation festivities were arranged jointly by Moseley and Kings Heath, and the entertainments and sports were held in Kings Heath Park, augmented by an adjacent part of the Priory Estate, courtesy of Major Cartland. There was a street procession; tea was served to the children at High Street and Colmore Road schools, and then everyone gathered round the bandstand in the Park for "patriotic airs". The Black and White Pierrot Troupe gave a "very amusing entertainment", and the Kings Heath Band played "selections". After the sports, a huge bonfire was lit, adding to the numerous fires around the districts.
Despite last year's complaints following the Ten Acres and Strirchley Co-operative Society's use of the park, their application this year was granted on the understanding that the admission of the public to the park was not restricted in any way. The society was permitted to rope off a portion of ground only during a short period whilst the children had tea.
Adults were granted permission to play cricket and football in the park from the time of opening until 8.30 a.m.
On 9 November 1911 the Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council was subsumed within the City of Birmingham (under the terms of the Birmingham Extension Order 1911). Kings Heath Park was then administered by the Parks Committee of the much larger Birmingham City Council, and found itself amongst a much larger number of well established Parks. Under the new administration each of the parks and recreation grounds would be placed under the direct charge of a park keeper, found from amongst the newly amalgamated staff, who would be designated head keeper of that particular park or recreation ground. In the change over documentation, Kings Heath Park was recorded as being 15 acres, 2 roods, 6 perches in area; and having one foreman at 25s. per week, with 9s in lieu of house, etc., 3 men at 24s. per week, and "No Superintendent yet appointed" (despite Mr. McNerlin's appointemnt - see above). (We learn from a report in 1935 (Birmngham News, 3rd August 1935 - see clippings for that year), that when Kings Heath was incorporated into Birmingham, Mr. J. McNerlin was in charge at Kings Heath Park.)
In December the Parks Committee (now of Birmingham City Council) had before them a plan and correspondence in connection with the purchase of a further three acres of land to add to the park. They were also in receipt of a letter from the Education Committee concerning the use of some of the rooms in Kings Heath House for medical inspection; they were inclined to refuse the application "as the house will be used for the sale of refreshments".
Permission was granted to the Kings Heath Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade to use the playground at the rear of Kings Heath House, and the Park Assistants' Mess Room in inclement weather, for drill purposes.
1912
The extension of the park mooted at the end of last year was dropped on the grounds of the exorbitant price asked by the owners.
A number of trees and shrubs were purchased at the start of the year.
A part of Kings Heath House was used as a medical inspection centre.
In March another part of the House was allocated as a Refreshment Room - Mr & Mrs Blake were granted tenancy of the Refreshemnt Room for a period of 12 months starting 25th March 1912 at a rent of £45 per annum inclusive of all rates and taxes.
The following report appeared in the press in March:-
"Walking round Kings Heath Park the other day I was struck by the numerous alterations and improvements that are being made. The walks are being widened and new ones made, including a fine avenue to be known as Woodland Walk, on the Avenue Road side of the park, planted with rhododendrons. The flower beds are being carefully treated, and the lake is being planted with rare ornamental flowers and shrubs, set off with rockeries. I am sorry to hear that a number of valuable plants have been taken from the park, and I take this opportunity of asking the public to protect public property, and to see that young trees are not broken, as has been the case. Additional tennis courts and bowling greens are to be laid."
"Walking round Kings Heath Park the other day I was struck by the numerous alterations and improvements that are being made. The walks are being widened and new ones made, including a fine avenue to be known as Woodland Walk, on the Avenue Road side of the park, planted with rhododendrons. The flower beds are being carefully treated, and the lake is being planted with rare ornamental flowers and shrubs, set off with rockeries. I am sorry to hear that a number of valuable plants have been taken from the park, and I take this opportunity of asking the public to protect public property, and to see that young trees are not broken, as has been the case. Additional tennis courts and bowling greens are to be laid."
In July new policing arrangements for the Park came into force. Up to this point, policing had been provided by the Watch Committee, but with the enlargement of the City at the end of 2011, it was decided to recall all policemen under the control of the Watch Committee from the parks back to conventional patrol duties across the added areas. This would have left the parks unpoliced. The Parks Committee therefore appointed 42 policemen of their own specially for park duties, placing them under the control of a Parks Police Superintendent. One full time constable was assigned to Kings Heath Park.
During the summer programmes of music were advertised in the press and played in the park.
In September the following comment appeared in the Press:-
"It will certainly be a boon when Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, by the Park, is widened and better lighted. At present it is a very treacherous road to cycle or walk on. I suppose the matter will be held over till building operations are completed in that road. I was given to understand in the old Kings Norton days that a strip of land in the Park would be thrown into the footpath and the fence put back. It is a great wonder some serious accidents have not occurred in this neighbourhood."
"It will certainly be a boon when Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, by the Park, is widened and better lighted. At present it is a very treacherous road to cycle or walk on. I suppose the matter will be held over till building operations are completed in that road. I was given to understand in the old Kings Norton days that a strip of land in the Park would be thrown into the footpath and the fence put back. It is a great wonder some serious accidents have not occurred in this neighbourhood."
1913
Major Cartland offered to sell an area of land at the back of King's Heath Park for an extension to the Park. As the year moved on bargaining - similar to that surrounding the original purchase in 1908 - opened once again! Major Cartland's offer of 8 acres for £4,500 was countered by the Council's offer of £3,500. Anxious to see the park extended Major Cartland attached terms to the offer (incorporating previous rental arrangements), which inevitably the Council haggled over, but eventually, by the end of the year, Major Cartland conceded and a deal was struck.
The enclosure round the bandstand was removed (together with that from Cotteridge Park) and used to enlarge the enclosure at Cannon Hill Park.
The Education Committee asked for, and were granted, the use of King's Heath House on an additional day each week as a school clinic. Some refurbishment of the internal and external fabric was agreed at the end of the year.
In the Spring the Park was a riot of colour, best described by a Press report:-
"I was very much struck by a visit I aid during the holidays to Kings Heath Park, at the remarkable progress which has been made in improving the valuable public recreation space. The Parks Committee of the City Council, and their Superintendent, Mr. W.H. Morter, are to be complimented upon what they have done to bring the park up to city standards. Much improvement is noticeable since last year, and over the general floral aspect presented prior to its being taken over by the City of Birmingham. Bulbs and other spring flowering roots have been planted in abundance, and what is more, every facility has been given to encourage nature study among school children and those interested in horticulture. For this purpose great care has been taken in giving, as far as possible, the common and botanical names. At the main entrance in Vicarage Road there is a splendid array of tulips, arranged in beds of separate colours, with a groundwork of seedling polyanthus, myosotis and other flowering roots. The bright blaze of colour at once takes one’s eye. On turning to walk along the new avenue a splendid show of Keizerkroon tulips is now to be seen at its best. In this pleasant walk, shaded by beautiful trees, the rhododendrons which were planted twelve months ago are beginning to bloom. Thousands of tulips have been planted among the trees, so as to afford a continuance of bloom, and there is no doubt this woodland walk will prove a special feature in years to come. The entrance from Grange Road has also been greatly improved, and quite a wealth of spring flowers is to be seen, also naturalized in the grass. Several large and handsome chestnut trees are displaying their spring beauty, and will shortly be in full bloom. The lake, though small, is very ornamental; and much has been done to adorn its banks in a natural manner, and is so arranged as to avoid accidents by children falling into the water. The mansion formerly known as King’s Heath House, now a refreshment house, stands amid well kept lawns and flower beds, all of which are ablaze with daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. The varieties include in tulips Keizerkroon, Proserpine, lovely banks of Artus (scarlet) Thomas Moore (terra cotta), Cottage Maid (pink) and Chrysolora (yellow), La Reine (white). In daffodils, the Sir Watkin has been in bloom for over a month, planted in masses under trees and on banks. The Emperor and Empress varieties are also to be seen at their best, while Pheasant Eye Narcissi and Spanish Iris and Allium are growing well to make a further display up until the end of May. A very showy border is to be seen in the Russian wallflower, “Erysimum”, which, covered with trusses and blooms and abundance of buds, will be gay for some weeks yet. Mr. Smith, the curator of the Park, has carried out the scheme prepared in a most artistic spirit, and the local public have good reason to be well pleased in having one so expert in the art of gardening on a large scale."
Entertainments were again arranged and advertised. A request from the Birmingham Pierrot and Concert Parties Federation for the provision of a piano at various parks (including King's Heath) was declined by the Council.
There was a communication from 105 residents of King’s Heath district calling attention to the inadequate provision of tennis courts in King’s Heath Park and urging that extra courts should be provided.
In August the park-keeper was given a surprise present - a boxed set of four engraved tobacco pipes - from those who used the bowling green in recognition of his work on their behalf.
The enclosure round the bandstand was removed (together with that from Cotteridge Park) and used to enlarge the enclosure at Cannon Hill Park.
The Education Committee asked for, and were granted, the use of King's Heath House on an additional day each week as a school clinic. Some refurbishment of the internal and external fabric was agreed at the end of the year.
In the Spring the Park was a riot of colour, best described by a Press report:-
"I was very much struck by a visit I aid during the holidays to Kings Heath Park, at the remarkable progress which has been made in improving the valuable public recreation space. The Parks Committee of the City Council, and their Superintendent, Mr. W.H. Morter, are to be complimented upon what they have done to bring the park up to city standards. Much improvement is noticeable since last year, and over the general floral aspect presented prior to its being taken over by the City of Birmingham. Bulbs and other spring flowering roots have been planted in abundance, and what is more, every facility has been given to encourage nature study among school children and those interested in horticulture. For this purpose great care has been taken in giving, as far as possible, the common and botanical names. At the main entrance in Vicarage Road there is a splendid array of tulips, arranged in beds of separate colours, with a groundwork of seedling polyanthus, myosotis and other flowering roots. The bright blaze of colour at once takes one’s eye. On turning to walk along the new avenue a splendid show of Keizerkroon tulips is now to be seen at its best. In this pleasant walk, shaded by beautiful trees, the rhododendrons which were planted twelve months ago are beginning to bloom. Thousands of tulips have been planted among the trees, so as to afford a continuance of bloom, and there is no doubt this woodland walk will prove a special feature in years to come. The entrance from Grange Road has also been greatly improved, and quite a wealth of spring flowers is to be seen, also naturalized in the grass. Several large and handsome chestnut trees are displaying their spring beauty, and will shortly be in full bloom. The lake, though small, is very ornamental; and much has been done to adorn its banks in a natural manner, and is so arranged as to avoid accidents by children falling into the water. The mansion formerly known as King’s Heath House, now a refreshment house, stands amid well kept lawns and flower beds, all of which are ablaze with daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. The varieties include in tulips Keizerkroon, Proserpine, lovely banks of Artus (scarlet) Thomas Moore (terra cotta), Cottage Maid (pink) and Chrysolora (yellow), La Reine (white). In daffodils, the Sir Watkin has been in bloom for over a month, planted in masses under trees and on banks. The Emperor and Empress varieties are also to be seen at their best, while Pheasant Eye Narcissi and Spanish Iris and Allium are growing well to make a further display up until the end of May. A very showy border is to be seen in the Russian wallflower, “Erysimum”, which, covered with trusses and blooms and abundance of buds, will be gay for some weeks yet. Mr. Smith, the curator of the Park, has carried out the scheme prepared in a most artistic spirit, and the local public have good reason to be well pleased in having one so expert in the art of gardening on a large scale."
Entertainments were again arranged and advertised. A request from the Birmingham Pierrot and Concert Parties Federation for the provision of a piano at various parks (including King's Heath) was declined by the Council.
There was a communication from 105 residents of King’s Heath district calling attention to the inadequate provision of tennis courts in King’s Heath Park and urging that extra courts should be provided.
In August the park-keeper was given a surprise present - a boxed set of four engraved tobacco pipes - from those who used the bowling green in recognition of his work on their behalf.
A photograph, taken in 1913, posted on Facebook by Tom Burke in October 2014
1914
Despite the apparent closure of the deal for the extension of the Park (8 acres for £3,500)towards the end of 1913, the negotiations continued. Major Cartland now offered 15 acres of land for £5,250. The Council bartered £5,000 which Major Cartland accepted. There were minor adjustments in the area finally included in the conveyance (dated 11th July 1914) - 14 acres, 3 roods and 10 perches (14.81 acres = 5.9934 hactaers). This brought the area of the Park up to 30.35 acres (= 12.2822 hectares). An enquiry had been held by the Local Government Board in connection with the application for sanction to borrow the necessary money; during that enquiry it was declared that the new land was to be devoted largely to playing fields. The Council gave consent to the Priory Estate Co. mowing and taking away a crop of hay from the new area of land providing it was removed by 1st July.
It was reported that during the building of the lodge (which had commenced in 1911) there had been a capital overspend of £74 4s. 1d; this was charged to the 1913/14 revenue budget although it had not been included in the estimates for the year.
It was agreed that the the Room at King’s Heath House formerly used by the Education Committee for a Doctor’s Room, be used as a Reading Room. Magazines and books were presented by the Free Libraries Committee. The Parks Superintendent was authorised to provide shelves at a cost of £5. An offer from the Museum and Art Gallery Committee to loan pictures for exhibition in the Park was accepted.
Proposals were made for the provision of music in the Park; concerts each Sunday were estimated to cost £126.
By August, the first World War had begun. Discussions were held to determine what could be done to keep men employed in ordinary park work, and ease pressure on unemployemt. It was suggested that levelling work could be undertaken on the cricket grounds in the extension at the Park, as well as on the bowling greens in the original part of the Park; also repairs and painting could be undertaken at Kings Heath Park House.
The King’s Heath Prize Band was granted the use of the Park on August 29th for the purposes of a Band Contest; a fee of five guineas (in todays's money £5.25p) was levied.
In July, before a jury at the Birmingham County Court, Mr Herbert Eustace Steads, surveyor, of 45, Barnesley Road, Edgbaston was the plaintiff in an action against the Lord Mayor and Corporation of Birmingham for assault and wrongful imprisonment. The plaintiff alleged that on the evening of May 18 a park-keeper named J. Smith, of Kings Heath Park, assaulted him, imprisoned him, and forcibly dragged him through the park when he intervened with respect to the park official's handling of a young girl's alleged misbehaviour in the Park. Mr. Steads claimed that he had sustained personal injuries and shock as a result of Mr. Smith's actions, and he claimed £50 damages. The court found in favour of Mr. Steads (Compiler's note: - this seems an odd outcome in the light of all the complimentary descriptions to be found subsequently about the park keeper, Joseph Smith).
Children will be children! The Midland Railway Company drew attention to the fact that the railway ran along the land recently added to the park, and that children were breaking through some flimsy fencing to play on the track and rolling stock in the siding. The Railway company recommended that some 400 yards of unclimable iron fencing be provided. The Parks Administration Sub-Committee recommended that the Superintendent be authorised to plant a small belt of trees on the land in question, and erect an open fence in front of it. However the Parks Committee delayed action, seeking advice from the Town Clerk regarding their legal responsibility. He eventually advised that there was no legal obligation to erect the unclimbable fence, as required by the Railway Company, and the Parks Committee resolved to take no further action.
A new bowling club - the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club - was proposed to be formed for the 1915 season. A committee was formed on 12th October 1914 and they invited any willing to join the new club to meet them in the Park at 3.30pm on Saturday, 31st October.
In response to an urgent need to accommodate Belgian Refugees displaced by hostilities in Europe, Councillor William Cadbury arranged with the Parks Committee that Kings Heath Park House be made available. The first organising meeting was held on Saturday, 17th October. By the following Tuesday (20th October) the home was completetly furnished by local voluntary action, so that on Wednesday afternoon (21st October) 35 refugees were welcomed to the new home. Activities and entertainments for the Belgian Refugees were laid on by the local community. On 1st November about 30 refugees - some from Kings Heath House, with others from "Hilltop", Vicarage Road - were taken by motor-cycle sidecar to Stratford-on-Avon where they enjoyed refreshments before returning via Alcester and Studley. Concerts in aid of the Belgian Refugees cause were held regulalry. Concerts for the Refugees were arranged for every Saturday evening, no effort being spared by local artistes who gave their services willingly and freely. A Christmas party was also arranged for them.
1915
The Belgian Refugees were very appreciative of Christmas and New Year parties and treats arranged for them. The occasional Saturday evening concerts on their behalf were continued through the winter months. By the middle of the year the Belgian Refugees had to leave the Park House to make room for nurses from Colmore Road School Military Hospital. The Refugees were eventaully found alternative accommodation in Moseley. The War Office complained about the dirty and dilapidated state that the House was left in by the Refugees and requested that the City foot the bill to remedy the situation; the City insisted that having turned out the Refugees the War Office should bear the expense of any repairs. The City also charged the War Office a rental of £1 per week.
The tenancy of the Refreshment Room in the park was granted to Mr. E.W. Blake for three years from 25th March 1915; the rent was £35 per annum. His tenancy was also interrupted (cancelled) by the demands of the War Office for the nurses' accommodation, and Mr. & Mrs. Blake were required to move out by 4th August; they were paid £50 compensation by the War Office.
The Bowling Club which had been formed in the autumn of last year had its first meeting on 1st May, but didn't enjoy many victories in their first season in league competitions. However at their autumn social evening they concluded their season had been very successful - enjoyment and participation obviously rating higher than victory.
During the year 8 concerts were given by local bands - sadly at a loss - the receipts were recorded as only £12. 17s. 11d., whilst the payments to the bands had been £25. It was recommended that during the continuance of the war the number of concerts be reduced.
The income and expenditure for the Park for the year ending 31st March 1915 were recorded as £87. 10s. 5d. and £948. 18s. 1d., respectively. The impact of the war was apparent in the reduced provision for expenditure in the year 1915/16 - £750, and 1916/17 - £700.
A newspaper report at the end of May described the Park thus:
"I notice much improvement has been made in Kings Heath Park with regard to the growth of the new plantation of Rhododendrons which a season or two ago had only just been completed and which now form the principal feature of attraction in hot weather. The flower beds and borders are now gay with spring flowers and bulbs, chiefly tulips, wallflowers, myosotis and polyanths, reflecting great credit on those responsible for the colour schemes and blending of the various shades. The new extension which was added to this park during last summer of about 15 acres of meadow land makes the total area now over 30 acres and so far it has been highly appreciated by the public who obtain a splendid view of The Lickey and Clent Hills, and an extensive panorama of the West of Birmingham. By the way, one of the very best views of Highbury is to be found from this portion of the park. The large new bowling green recently completed is now ready for play, and several interesting matches have been arranged for the season. This particular item of sport calls forth very keen competition, and the patrons of the Kings Heath Park green of former years appreciate to the fullest degree all the trouble and expense involved on the Parks Committee through their chief officer in providing further scope in this direction. Four additional new tennis courts have also recently been laid down, and will shortly be ready for use. These in conjunction with the bowling greens when in thorough working order will add very materially to the appearance of that portion of the park allotted to them. The residents of Kings Heath, Moseley and district have good reason to feel proud of their park, and appreciate the efforts made on their behalf by the late Kings Norton and Northfield U.D.C. in obtaining such a lovely spot for their enjoyment. The house in the park, in addition to the portion allocated to refreshment rooms, is now in part occupation by the Belgian Refugees Committee. Our Belgian friends appear to be very happy and comfortable, and appreciate to the fullest degree their temporary home, but I hear that they will have to be found new quarters, for the House is required for the use of the nurses at the Colmore Road School Hospital. "
"I notice much improvement has been made in Kings Heath Park with regard to the growth of the new plantation of Rhododendrons which a season or two ago had only just been completed and which now form the principal feature of attraction in hot weather. The flower beds and borders are now gay with spring flowers and bulbs, chiefly tulips, wallflowers, myosotis and polyanths, reflecting great credit on those responsible for the colour schemes and blending of the various shades. The new extension which was added to this park during last summer of about 15 acres of meadow land makes the total area now over 30 acres and so far it has been highly appreciated by the public who obtain a splendid view of The Lickey and Clent Hills, and an extensive panorama of the West of Birmingham. By the way, one of the very best views of Highbury is to be found from this portion of the park. The large new bowling green recently completed is now ready for play, and several interesting matches have been arranged for the season. This particular item of sport calls forth very keen competition, and the patrons of the Kings Heath Park green of former years appreciate to the fullest degree all the trouble and expense involved on the Parks Committee through their chief officer in providing further scope in this direction. Four additional new tennis courts have also recently been laid down, and will shortly be ready for use. These in conjunction with the bowling greens when in thorough working order will add very materially to the appearance of that portion of the park allotted to them. The residents of Kings Heath, Moseley and district have good reason to feel proud of their park, and appreciate the efforts made on their behalf by the late Kings Norton and Northfield U.D.C. in obtaining such a lovely spot for their enjoyment. The house in the park, in addition to the portion allocated to refreshment rooms, is now in part occupation by the Belgian Refugees Committee. Our Belgian friends appear to be very happy and comfortable, and appreciate to the fullest degree their temporary home, but I hear that they will have to be found new quarters, for the House is required for the use of the nurses at the Colmore Road School Hospital. "
A photograph, taken in 1915, posted on Facebook by Tom Burke in December 2014
1916
The Kings Heath Park Bowling Club had another shaky start to their season with few successes - in mitigation it was observed that several good members had joined HM Forces. By the end of August they were bottom of the Birmingham Parks Bowling League. However, the Chairman of the club was successful with his request to the City's Parks Committee that teas be provided in the Park; and Mrs. Blake was again called into business.
During the year, Robert K. Dent published his book "City of Birmingham; History and Description of the Public Parks, Gardens, and Recreation Grounds"; a work which had been commissioned by the Parks Committee.
The following is his entry for Kings Heath Park:
Kings Heath Park
(30 acres, 1 rood, 16 poles)
(30 acres, 1 rood, 16 poles)
Another park which owes its existence to the King’s Norton District Council is that of King’s Heath, which consisted of 15a. 2r. 6p. of land, with a mansion, greenhouses, and outbuildings, purchased by the Council from the Priory Estate Company, Ltd., and others, for the sum of £11,000, and opened in December 1908. The park is bounded by Vicarage Road and Avenue Road, and was formerly a portion of the Priory Grounds. Here, as at Cannon Hill, Handsworth, and other parks, aviaries have been constructed, and afford an attraction highly appreciated by visitors. A considerable addition was made to this park by the City Corporation on 11th July, 1914, by the purchase of 14a. 3r. 10p. of land from the Priory Estates Company, for the sum of £5,000, thus bringing up the total area of the park to 30a. 1r. 16.
1917
There were proposals for the planting of 4 acres of potatoes in the park. It is likely that a tractor plough (a relatvely new invention) belonging to Mr Herbert Austin would have been seen in the park preparing the land for planting.
The bowling club continued to make progress in the leagues they played in.
The work of Mr. Smith, the park superintendent - who had recently been made a fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society - both in the park and in the local allotments movement was acknowledged by a present of a silver cruet and a postal order for one guinea (£1.05p in today's coinage).
The park extension was used by the Kings Heath Baptist Church for school children's sports on Saturday, 14th July. On Sunday, 19th August, the Kings Heath Park Bowling Club organised an afternoon and an evening concert in aid of the wounded soldiers - at the Kings Heath Wounded Soldiers' Rest Room and the Colmore Road Hospital - given by the newly formed band of the Austin Motor Works. The Kings Heath Early Morning School Prize Band gave two concerts for the same cause on Sunday, 2nd September. This latter band was on duty again on Sunday, 23 September in aid of the Blinded Soldiers and Sailors at St. Dunstan's Hostel.
1918
Mr. Smith continued to be active with the allotments movement. The Vicarage Road Allotments Association held their annual show in the park on Saturday, 24th August. (Amongst the judges for the vegetable show was Mr. Horton of Selly Oak - my great grandfather!)
The Park Bowling Club had another active year and made good progress in their competitions, finishing third in the league. Amongst their charitable activities, in association with the Vicarage Road and Priory Roads Allotment Association, they organised a bowling match for the wounded soldiers from Highbury and Colmore Road Hospitals.
In the interests of wartime food production pigs were kept in some of the City's parks, Kings Heath Park being one of those selected to be the home of 4 gelts, 1 hog and 1 boar (which cost £44. 3. 0.).
Experiments were carried out on behalf of the Board of Agriculture in the growing of potatoes of immune varieties, and trial plots for new varieties of vegetables run in conjuction with the trials of the Royal Horticultural Sociey at Wisley Gardens were established in five City parks for the benefit of the allotment holders and gardeners of the city; Kings Heath Park was one of the parks used.
The King’s Heath Prize band used the Park on 21st July for a concert in aid of the wounded soldiers at Colmore Road Hospital. They also played at the Allotments Association annual show on 24th August (see above).
1919
Mr Smith remained in demand as a speaker on horticultural topics in the local community.
The park was the setting for a football derby on Easter Tuesday.
The Bowling Club got their season off to a flying start with a succession of important competition wins.
On Saturday afternoon, 19th July, over 2,000 children from the Moseley and Kings Heath Schools took part in the (WWI) Peace Celebrations at Kings Heath Park.
1920
At the end of May, the Birmingham News reported -
"Kings Heath Park has never within our recollection looked more charming than it does this spring. The heavy rains of the last few months have produced a remarkable luxuriance of foliage which gives the Park a heavily wooded aspect, most restful to the eye. The rhododendrons have also done exceptionally well this season, and the rich colour of the flowers makes a bright and pleasant picture."
The Superintendent Park-keeper at Kings Heath, Mr. J. Smith, F.R.H.S., was frequently called upon to address different groups, e.g. Sparkbrook Men's meeting. He was also the training inspector at a Training Centre for disabled soldiers at the Park, though the Centre closed in October and many of the trainees were moved to the Lightswood Centre.
The Kings Heath Park Bowling Club reported that "every attention is being given to the green in the park which in appearance will be in very good condition, .........". They went on to enjoy a successful season. The green was also a venue for matches in the Individual Merit Competition in connection with the Parks Bowling League.
Ruskin Social Football Club played some of their matches in the Park in the Spring. By the Autumn it was announced that they had secured their own ground and would no longer need to play in the Park.
