Ongoing reseach; last updated 30 March 2012
6th January 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Brown presented the following report of the Administration Sub Committee:
Enclosures
Your Sub Committee recommend that the Superintendent be instructed to remove the enclosures at King’s Heath and Cotteridge Parks and to use same for enlarging the enclosure at Cannon Hill Park.
Pierrot and Concert Parties
Your Sub Committee have received the following communication from the Birmingham Pierrot and Concert Parties Federation in reference to the provision of Concerts and Pierrots in the Parks during 1913:-
In a long letter there is the following:-
…. and at the following Parks it is necessary for us to ask for the provision of a piano gratis, viz:
Sparkhill Park
Kings Heath Park
Ward End Park
Brookvale Park
Calthorpe Park
It is also essential that permission be granted to us to use collecting boxes for use outside the enclosure …..
Your Sub Committee recommend ………….
(4) That no pianos be provided by the Committee for the use of Artists.
Enclosures
501 Resolved:- That the enclosures at King’s Heath and Cotteridge Parks be removed and the Surintendent instructed to use same for enlarging the enclosure at Cannon Hill Park.
Pierrot and Concert Parties
505 Resolved:- That the offer of the Birmingham Pierrot and Concert Parties Federation for the provision of concerts in the Parks during the season 1913 as referred to in the report of the Sub Committee be accepted subject to the following conditions:-
(1) That collecting sheets be allowed but not the use of boxes.
(2) That no payment be made to the Federation for concerts.
(3) That a sum of £1 be deposited with the Committee by Concert Parties to be forfeited at the discretion of the Committee in the event of a failure on the part of such Concert Parties to satisfactorily carry out their programmes.
(4) That no pianos be provided by the Committee for the use of Artists.
The Chairman here stated that for some time past the General Purposes Sub Committee had had under consideration communications from Mr. J.H. Cartland offering to sell to the Committee an area of land at the back of Kings Heath Park containing 8 acres at the price of £4500 and also a further area adjoining the River Rea at the bottom of Cartland Road containing 15a. 2r. 20p. at the price of £200 per acre and Mr. Cartland was anxious to know what the Committee proposed to do in regard to the sites.
530 Resolved:- That the further consideration of the matter be deferred, it being the intention of the Committee to visit the sites.
20th January 1913 – BCC Parks General Purposes Sub-Committee
As to Minute No. 42 Land at the back of King’s Heath Park.
The Chairman of the General Committee here referred to the recent inspection made by the Committee of the land belonging to the Priory Estate Co. and intimated that Mr. Cartland was desirous of learning definitely from the Committee as to whether they intended to purchase or not.
It was moved and seconded – that the General Committee be recommended to offer the Priory Estate Co. Ltd the sum of £4000 for the purchase of 8 acres of land adjoining the Park belonging to the Priory Estate Co. Ltd.
The motion on being put was lost.
3rd February 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
20th January 1913 – BCC Parks General Purposes Sub-Committee
As to Minute No. 42 Land at the back of King’s Heath Park.
The Chairman of the General Committee here referred to the recent inspection made by the Committee of the land belonging to the Priory Estate Co. and intimated that Mr. Cartland was desirous of learning definitely from the Committee as to whether they intended to purchase or not.
It was moved and seconded – that the General Committee be recommended to offer the Priory Estate Co. Ltd the sum of £4000 for the purchase of 8 acres of land adjoining the Park belonging to the Priory Estate Co. Ltd.
The motion on being put was lost.
3rd February 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Johnson presented the following report of the General Purposes Sub Committee:-
Land at the back of King’s Heath Park
Your Sub-Committee have under consideration an offer made by the Priory Estate Co. Ltd. to sell to your Committee an area of 8 acres of land situate between the present back boundary of the Park and a proposed new road to be cut continuing Priory Road from Hazelwell Station through into Avenue Road. The price asked for the land is £4500. Your Sub-Committee are not prepared to recommend the purchase.
Land at the back of King’s Heath Park
564 Resolved:- That the Chairman be instructed to offer Priory Estate Co. Limited the sum of £3,500 for the purchase of 8 acres of land situated between the present back boundary of the Park and a proposed new by cutting and continuing Priory Road from Hazelwell Station through into Avenue Road subject to the consent of the Council and the Local Government Board being obtained thereto.
3rd March 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
The following communication was received from the Education Committee:-
Education Offices
7th February 1913
Dear Sir,
At a meeting of the Hygiene Sub Committee held yesterday, consideration was given to a proposal to extend the treatment of minor ailments of school children and I am directed to ask if the Parks Committee will allow the use of the rooms in King’s Heath House, at present used for this purpose, on an additional day each week. If the Parks Committee could see their way to accede to this request, the Hygiene Sub-Committee would be deeply obliged.
Yours faithfully
(signed) J. Arthur Palmer
Secretary of Education
W. Thompson Esq.
614 Resolved:- That the consent of the Parks Committee be granted to the use of the rooms in King’s Heath House at present used by the Hygiene Sub Committee on an additional day each week.
7th April 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 564 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
The Chairman reported that he had seen Mr. George Cartland and had communicated the offer of the Committee to him for the purchase of this land, that he, Mr. Cartland, was rather taken aback at the price offered and thought there was no possible chance of it being accepted but that the matter must stand over until the return of Mr. Howard Cartland from America.
631 Resolved:- That the Minute be continued.
17th May 1913 – Birmingham New
Arrangements have been made for the following concerts to be given in the parks and recreation grounds of the city:-
Saturday, May 17 – Kings Heath Park – The Royal Ensign Cadets
Wednesday 21 May – Kings Heath Park – The Gay Gordons
Improving Kings Heath Park
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.
23 June 1913 – BCC Parks General Purposes Committee
Tennis Courts, King’s Heath Park
The Chairman reported the receipt of 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.
297 Res:- That the Supt. be instructed to reply asking them to present a memorial to the Council.
7th July 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
17th May 1913 – Birmingham New
Music in the Parks
Arrangements have been made for the following concerts to be given in the parks and recreation grounds of the city:-
Saturday, May 17 – Kings Heath Park – The Royal Ensign Cadets
Wednesday 21 May – Kings Heath Park – The Gay Gordons
Village Gossip
Improving Kings Heath Park
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.
23 June 1913 – BCC Parks General Purposes Committee
Tennis Courts, King’s Heath Park
The Chairman reported the receipt of 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.
297 Res:- That the Supt. be instructed to reply asking them to present a memorial to the Council.
7th July 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 631 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
The Chairman reported that he had seen Mr. Howard Cartland who declined the offer of £3500 for this land. He understood from him that there would shortly be a meeting of the Directors and that in all probability a further proposition would be made.
28th July 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 631 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
The Chairman reported the receipt of the following communication from Mr. J. Howard Cartland :-
The Priory
Kings Heath
19th July 1913
Dear Chamberlain,
Priory Estate Co. Ltd. and Kings Heath Park
I have had a consultation with my Directors over the above matter and as I am most anxious for the Kings Heath Park Extension Scheme to go through I have had prepared a plan, which is enclosed herewith, showing a slightly altered boundary to that shown on the plan previously submitted.
This will be practically the same for the purpose for which you require the additional land.
For the area indicated on the plan now submitted I have induced my Directors to accept your offer of £3500 on condition that you pay for the greenhouses, garden, etc. which you have had the use of for the last 4 to 5 years on the agreed rental then fixed at £50 per annum.
I reckon this is equivalent to making a donation of close on £1000 towards the addition to the Kings Heath Park.
I am sorry to say I am confined to the House by Doctor’s orders for 3 weeks or so with a Dilated heart, so I have to go easy for a bit.
If you can give me a call, I shall be glad to see you almost any time.
I remain
Yours very truly
(signed) J. Howard Cartland
Norman Chamberlain Esq.
814 Resolved:- That the matter be referred to the General Purposes Sub-Committee the correspondence between Mr. Cartland and the late Kings Norton Union District Council to be submitted to the Committee.
2nd August 1913 – Birmingham News
2nd August 1913 – Birmingham News
Village Gossip
A Pleasant Surprise
King’s Heath Park was the
scene on Saturday evening of a very happy and pleasing function. About 8 o’clock Mr. J. Smith, the estimable
park curator, was requested to attend something of an urgent nature on the
bowling green, and on arriving there found a party of some 150 ladies and
gentlemen awaiting him. He then learnt
with great surprise that it was the desire of the company, who consisted of
bowlers at this park and their friends, to make him a present in recognition of
all that he had done on the green for their benefit and pleasure. Mr. Boylin, a very old player, made the
presentation, which consisted of a case of four handsome pipes, bearing the
inscription “Kings Heath Park. Presented
to Mr. J. Smith from the Bowlers, 1913”.
The recipient, who found some difficulty in replying to this unexpected
act of kindness, said he felt he had done nothing to merit such a reward in so
short a space of time, for he had only been among them for eighteen
months. Public officials are so often
harshly criticized when carrying out their duties in accordance with specified
regulations, that when a case does crop up of a spontaneous nature such as
this, it must be most gratifying to the committee and chief officer in charge
of the department connected, to find that they have men who are appreciated by
the public.
23rd August 1913 – Birmingham News
Music in the Parks
Next Week’s Programme
Arrangements have been made
for the following concerts to be given in the parks and recreation grounds of
the city. Evening concerts commence at
6.30.
Saturday, August 23 – Kings
Heath Park, The Gordon Comedy Co.
Sunday, August 24 – Kings
Heath Park, Ye Aston Olde Silver Prize Band
Monday, August 25 – Kings
Heath Park, Handsworth Comedy Co.
Friday, August 29 – Kings
Heath Park, Birmingham City Police Band.
6th October 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 631 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
A discussion here took place as to the offer made by Mr. J. Howard Cartland in his communication of 19th July 1913 to accept £3500 for the land as shown on the amended plan submitted, which showed a slight alteration in the boundary on condition that the Committee paid for the use of the Greenhouses, Gardens, etc. for the past 5 years at a rental of £50.
It was moved and seconded:-
That the Chairman be instructed to inform Mr. Cartland that the Committee are prepared to recommend the Council to purchase the land as shown on the amended plan at the price of £3500 and in addition to pay £25 per annum for the use of the greenhouses and gardens during the past five years.
It was moved and seconded as an amendment:-
That this Committee are prepared to recommend the Council to pay a sum of £3500 for the purchase the land as shown on the amended plan such sum to include the back rent asked for in respect of the use of the greenhouses and gardens during the past 5 years.
The amendment on being put was carried.
839 Resolved:- That Mr. J. Howard Cartland be informed that the Committee are prepared to recommend the Council to pay a sum of £3500 for the purchase the land as shown on the amended plan such sum to include the back rent asked for in respect of the use of the greenhouses and gardens during the past 5 years.
1st December 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 631 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
The Chairman reported that in accordance with this Minute he had addressed the following communication to Major Cartland:-
The Priory
King’s Heath
Dear Major Cartland
The above matter came up before the full Parks Committee again yesterday. After a rather lengthy discussion the Committee, almost unanimously, passed a resolution to this effect.
"That the Chairman be requested to inform the Priory Estate Limited that they are willing to recommend the Council to accept the Company’s offer of the land as shown on the plan as now submitted for £3,500, on condition that this sum shall be taken to include any liability for the use of the boilerhouse, etc., during the last four years.”
The Committee felt very strongly that a reasonable rental for the small area which they have been using would be so small that it should be included in the £3,500.
I am afraid from the tone of the discussion that there is little chance of them agreeing to move from this position.
As I think I told you some time ago, there are some members who would rather drop the whole matter of the Extension. This resolution is, I think, as far as the general body of the Committee can be brought.
and had received the following communication in reply accepting the offer:-
44 Russell Road
Moseley
Birmingham
Dear Chamberlain,
Many thanks for your letter of the 7th instant.
In the absence of any agreement in writing as to the rental to be paid for the Boiler House and portion of the Greenhouses situated on the Priory Estate Company’s land, which the King’s Heath Park have had the use of for the last 4 or 5 years, I can only leave the matter in your hands and, if it is impossible to get your Committee to pay any sum for the accommodation they have enjoyed, I will accept your offer of £3,500 to include this.
I am obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in this matter
and remain
Yours faithfully
(signed) J Howard Cartland
Chairman of Directors
Priory Estates Co. Ltd.
The Chairman added that he had replied confirming the arrangement.
910 Resolved:- That subject to the consent of the Council and the Local Government Board being obtained thereto the Town Clerk be authorised to enter into a provisional contract with the Priory Estate Co. Ltd. for the purchase of about 8 acres of land belonging to them situated between the present back boundary of the King’s Heath Park and the new road proposed to be made continuing Priory Road from Hazelwell Station through into Avenue Road (the Corporation to be under no legal liability in regard to the cost of this new road) at the price of £3,500 such sum to include all back rent asked for by the Company in respect of the use of the Greenhouses and Gardens during the past 5 years.
Mr. Councillor Brown presented the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-
King’s Heath House
Dr. Auden, the School Medical Officer, has made application to your Committee for permission to change the rooms used as a branch clinic at King’s Heath House, and your Sub-Committee have granted the application subject to the Education Committee doing what is necessary in paining and repairs to the rooms, your Committee doing what pointing is necessary to the outside of the building.
1st December 1913 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 631 Land at the back of Kings Heath Park
The Chairman reported that in accordance with this Minute he had addressed the following communication to Major Cartland:-
October 7th 1913
Major Howard CartlandThe Priory
King’s Heath
Dear Major Cartland
King’s Heath Extension
The above matter came up before the full Parks Committee again yesterday. After a rather lengthy discussion the Committee, almost unanimously, passed a resolution to this effect.
"That the Chairman be requested to inform the Priory Estate Limited that they are willing to recommend the Council to accept the Company’s offer of the land as shown on the plan as now submitted for £3,500, on condition that this sum shall be taken to include any liability for the use of the boilerhouse, etc., during the last four years.”
The Committee felt very strongly that a reasonable rental for the small area which they have been using would be so small that it should be included in the £3,500.
I am afraid from the tone of the discussion that there is little chance of them agreeing to move from this position.
As I think I told you some time ago, there are some members who would rather drop the whole matter of the Extension. This resolution is, I think, as far as the general body of the Committee can be brought.
Yours faithfully
and had received the following communication in reply accepting the offer:-
Kings Heath
13th October 1913
Norman Chamberlain, Esq.44 Russell Road
Moseley
Birmingham
Dear Chamberlain,
King’s Heath Park Extension
Many thanks for your letter of the 7th instant.
In the absence of any agreement in writing as to the rental to be paid for the Boiler House and portion of the Greenhouses situated on the Priory Estate Company’s land, which the King’s Heath Park have had the use of for the last 4 or 5 years, I can only leave the matter in your hands and, if it is impossible to get your Committee to pay any sum for the accommodation they have enjoyed, I will accept your offer of £3,500 to include this.
I am obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in this matter
and remain
Yours faithfully
(signed) J Howard Cartland
Chairman of Directors
Priory Estates Co. Ltd.
The Chairman added that he had replied confirming the arrangement.
910 Resolved:- That subject to the consent of the Council and the Local Government Board being obtained thereto the Town Clerk be authorised to enter into a provisional contract with the Priory Estate Co. Ltd. for the purchase of about 8 acres of land belonging to them situated between the present back boundary of the King’s Heath Park and the new road proposed to be made continuing Priory Road from Hazelwell Station through into Avenue Road (the Corporation to be under no legal liability in regard to the cost of this new road) at the price of £3,500 such sum to include all back rent asked for by the Company in respect of the use of the Greenhouses and Gardens during the past 5 years.
Mr. Councillor Brown presented the following report of the Administration Sub-Committee:-
King’s Heath House
Dr. Auden, the School Medical Officer, has made application to your Committee for permission to change the rooms used as a branch clinic at King’s Heath House, and your Sub-Committee have granted the application subject to the Education Committee doing what is necessary in paining and repairs to the rooms, your Committee doing what pointing is necessary to the outside of the building.
