Ongoing research: last updated 7 June 2012
5th January
1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 910 Land at the back of King’s Heath
Park
The Chairman reported he had seen Major Cartland in
reference to additional land at the back of King’s Heath Park which he was
prepared to sell to the Committee and read the following communication:-
King’s Heath
King’s Heath
15th
December 1913
Dear Chamberlain,
Kings Heath Park
Extension
I enclose you a plan showing the additional land right down
to the Midlands Railway, about which I spoke to you, when I saw you at the Club
last week.
If you can induce your Parks Committee to purchase the whole
lot, my Directors would be willing to let you have same for the sum of £5,250.
This addition, you can quite understand, will be a great
advantage to the present Park and will mean, for the increased area, a very
much reduced price per acre.
When I gave you a price for the 7 acres, we contemplated
making a road through this portion of the Estate continuing Priory Road to meet
Station Road, but on further consideration my Directors have abandoned this
idea, so that I would strongly advise a purchase of the whole lot at the price
I have now quoted you.
Believe me
Yours very
truly
(signed) J.
Howard Cartland
Chairman of
Directors
Priory Estate
Company Ltd.
Norman Chamberlain Esq.
44 Russell Road
Birmingham
959 Resolved:- That the communication be received and
entered upon the Minutes.
960 Resolved:- That the Chairman on behalf of the Committee
and subject to the approval of the Council be instructed to offer Major
Cartland a sum of £5,000 for the purchase of the 15 acres of land for the
extension of King’s Heath Park.
Mr. Councillor Wm. Brown presented the following report of
the Administration Sub-Committee:-
Refreshment Rooms in parks
The following is a list of the Refreshment Rooms in the
various parks:-
Park Tenant Annual Rental Conditions of Tenancy
King’s Heath Mrs.
Blake £45 No Lease.
Rent
quarterly commencing 25th March 1912
Music in the Parks
(In a long report the proposals for the approaching season
were laid before the committee and the following line occurred:- )
Estimated cost if recommendations of sub-committee are
approved:-
Parks &c. Number of Concerts Estimated cost
King’s Heath Concerts
each Sunday £126
Engagement of Local Bands
975 Resolved:- That the recommendation of the Sub Committee
in reference to the engagement and payment of local Bands and the appointment
of a Musical Advisor is hereby approved.
Mr. Councillor Auster presented the following report of the
Finances Sub Committee:-
Capital expenditure in excess of Loans sanctioned
The attention of your Sub-Committee has been called by the
City Treasurer to the excess of Capitqal expenditure over Loans sanctioned as
follows:-
Amount of Sanction Purpose
of Loan Amount of excess Expenditur
£400 King’s
Heath Park – Lodge £74 4. 1.
Your Sub-Committee have authorised this sum to be charged
against this year’s Revenue expenditure.
Your Sub-Committee desire however, to point out that this sum and the
cost of improvement of the entrance to Digby Park making a total of £777. 4.
3. was not included in the
estimates for the current year.
26 January 1914
- BCC Parks Committee (Special Meeting)
As to the Minute No. 910 Land at the back of King’s Heath
Park.
The Chairman reported that in accordance with the resolution
he had seen major cartland and offered him a sum of £5000 for the 15 acres of
land.
The following communication was read from Major Cartland
accepting the offer:-
Kings Heath
January 15th
1914
Dear Chamberlain
King’s Heath Park
Extension
I have discussed the contents of your letter of the 7th
instant with the Directors of the Priory Estate Company Limited, and although
they think the price of £5,250 asked for the area of land tinted pink shown on
the plan sent you with my letter of the 15th ultimo is a very fair
one, still they are willing under the circumstances to accept your offer of
£5000, as they quite realise the necessity of the Park being enlarged.
In a letter addressed to our Secretary dated the 16th
ultimo Mr. E.V. Hiley asked for a Draft provisional contract for the first
offer of about 8 acres of land which the Council decided to purchase for £3,500
to be sent to him for approval.
I presume I shall be correct in now instructing the
Solicitors of the Priory Estate Co. Ltd. to prepare a Draft Contract for the
enlarged area which the Council have now decided to purchase.
Believe me
yours very
truly
(signed) J.
Howard Cartland
Chairman of
the Directors
Priory Estate
Co. Ltd.
Norman Chamberlain Esq.
The Chairman added that to the draft contract which was sent
to the Town Clerk for his perusal a plan was attached showing 14 acres and 12
perches whereas the previous plan submitted showed two sites one being 7 acres
and the other 8 acres and 17 perches, that he had seen Major Cartland and
pointed out to him the difference in acreage and he had consented to a strip of
land being added which now made it 14 acres 3 roods and 12 perches.
994 Resolved:- That Minute No. 910 be and is hereby
cancelled and that the Town Clerk be informed accordingly.
995 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 Company
Ltd. for the purchase of 14 acres 3 roods and 10 (stet) perches of land
belonging to them as shown upon the plan now submitted for the extension of
King’s Heath Park at the price of £5,000 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 five years.
2nd
February 1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Mr. Councillor Auster presented the following report of the
Finances Sub Committee:-
King’s Heath House
Your Superintendent has appealed against this assessment and
as a result, the Assessment Committee have reduced the Rateable value from £63.
15. 0. and £27. 5. 0.
thus effecting a saving to the Department of about £10 per annum.
10th
February 1914 – Parks Department (Operations Card 55 A1)
Acquisition
On the 10th February 1914, the City Council by
Minute No. 22,643 approved the purchase of a further 14 acres 3 r. 10 p. (i.e.
14.81 acres = 5.9934 hectares) of land adjoining the Park from the Priory
Estates Co. Ltd. for £5,000. (Conveyance
No. 1361 dated the 11th July 1914).
This brought the area of the Park up to 30.35 acres (= 12.2822
hectares).
6th April
1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 995 Purchase of land from Priory Estate
Co. Ltd.
The Clerk reported that the Local Government Board had fixed
Friday, 17th April, at 10 am. For the purpose of holding an Enquiry
in reference to the application for this loan.
The following report of the Town Clerk was received:-
King’s Heath Park
Extension
Priory Estate Co.
Ltd. to the Corporation
With reference to the above minute, I have to report that
vendor’s solicitors inform me that the vendors having gone to some trouble and
expense in dressing the land agreed to be sold desire to stipulate that they
shall be entitled to the growing crop of hay in the event of completion taking
place before the hay is ripe for cutting.
I shall be glad to receive your Committee’s instructions on
the matter.
1090 Resolved:- That this Committee consent to the vendor
mowing and taking away the crop of hay from off the land subject to the
condition that such hay is removed by the 1st July next.
Councillor Wm. Brown presented the following report of the
Administration Sub Committee:-
Shelving for magazines
They recommend that the room at King’s Heath House formerly
used by the Education Committee for a Doctor’s Room be used as a Reading Room.
They recommend that the Superintendent be authorised to
provide shelves for keeping the magazines and Books presented by the Free
Libraries Committee at 5 parks at a cost of £5 for each Park.
Shelving for Magazines
1102 Resolved:- That the Room at King’s Heath House formerly
used by the Education Committee for a Doctor’s Room, be used as a Reading Room.
1103 Resolved:- That the Superintendent be authorised to
provide shelves at 5 Parks for keeping magazines and books presented by the
Free Libraries Committee at a cost of £5 per each Park.
18th April 1914 – Birmingham News
18th April 1914 – Birmingham News
Park Extension and Drainage Works
The Birmingham City Council having applied to the Local
Government Board for sanction to borrow £41,260 for works of sewerage and
surface water drainage, £7,550 for the cost of the construction of certain
parts of a new road between Salford Bridge and Bromford Lane, and £5,150 for
the purchase of land for the extension of Kings Heath Park, an enquiry was held
at the Council House yesterday, by Mr. R.H. Bicknell, one of the inspectors to
the Local Government Board.
.........................
Concerning the £5,150 required for the extension of Kings
Heath Park, it seemed that the ground, which comprised about 15 acres, was
purchased by the Kings Norton District Council for the sum of £11,000 in
1908. Owing to the greatly increased
housing accommodation in the district, it was deemed advisable to purchase an
additional 14 acres, which could be obtained for £5,150. The new portion was proposed to be largely
devoted to playing fields.
25th May
1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 995 Purchase from Priory Estate Co.
1177 The Clerk
reported that the Local Government Board had sanctioned this loan and the
purchase would be completed forthwith.
Councillor William Brown presented the following report of
the Administration Sub Committee:-
Loan of Pictures
They have received a communication from Sir Whitworth Wallis
intimating that the Museum and Art Gallery Committee had resolved that certain
pictures, not required for exhibition in the Art Gallery or Aston Hall, should
be lent for exhibition at Erdington and King’s Heath Parks etc. The Parks Committee to be held responsible
for the care and safe custody of the pictures and also of any objects which may
be sent, such as cases of birds etc.
Your Sub-Committee recommend that the offer be accepted
subject to the condition that the Art Gallery Committee bear the expense of
putting the frames etc. in order and delivering same to the respective Parks.
Loan of Pictures
1187 Resolved:- That the offer of the Museum and Art Gallery
Committee to loan certain pictures for exhibition at Erdington and King’s Heath
Parks be accepted, subject to the condition that they bear the expense of
putting the frames etc. in order.
Claim for Damages
The following communication was received from Mr. Rose
Solicitor:-
Colmore House
21 Waterloo
Street
Birmingham
23rd May 1914
Dear Sir,
I have been consulted by my client Mr. H.E. Steeds of
Barnsley Road, Edgbaston, with reference to the manner in which he was treated
by one of the Park Officials in King’s Heath Park last Monday evening. I have gone into the case very carefully from
which it appears that without any cause whatsoever my client was assaulted and
arrested in such a manner as to inflict severe damage to the person of my
client and to his nervous system and greatly humiliated him. My client immediately after the occurrence
wrote to Mr. Morter informing him of what had happened but up to the present no
reply has been received. The matter is
viewed in a very serious light by my client and he has instructed me to apply
to you for proper compensation for the damage he has sustained failing which
legal proceedings will be instituted.
I shall be glad to hear from you without delay.
Yours
faithfully,
(signed) Chas. E. Rose
Mr. W. Thompson
Council House
Birmingham
1199 Resolved:- That the correspondence be referred to the
Town Clerk with instructions to repudiate any liability in regard to the claim
for compensation by Mr. W.H. Steed for alleged assault and arrest on the 18th
May last.
11th July 1914 – Birmingham News
At the Birmingham County Court on Thursday – before his Honour Judge Amphlett, K.C. and a jury – Herbert Eustace Steeds, 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, with the result that he sustained personal injuries and shock. He claimed £50 damages. Mr. Hurst (instructed by Mr. Rose) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Cave (instructed by Mr. Kemp of the Town Clerk’s office) defended.
The plaintiff, said Mr. Hurst, was passing through the park at Kings Heath, and saw the park-keeper Smith dealing roughly and very improperly with a little girl. Smith had the girl by the neck or collar, and was pushing her towards the exit. As he was going along he “jagged” her in the back with his knee. The plaintiff did not rush to interfere at the moment, but when the girl had been ejected he said to the park-keeper, “Why have you been treating the girl in that manner? If I were her father you would get into trouble.” Thereupon, said counsel, the park-keeper declared, “Oh, you are in it are you? I will have your name and address.” Plaintiff gave him his name and address, and then he was dragged across the park by the park-keeper, who struck him severely in the chest. Plaintiff called for protection from a park-patrol man, but the park-keeper again struck him. Mr. Steeds had to be medically treated.
Replying to Mr. Cave, the plaintiff said he did not resist when the park-keeper caught hold of him.
Did you brandish your stick at the park-keeper? – I did not.
Did you say, “If that girl had been a relative of mine I would give you something to remember?” – It is an absolute fabrication.
Did you say, “Who are you that I should give my name and address to?” – It is an invention.
Dr. Ainscow said the plaintiff called upon him four days after the park incident, and on examining him witness found there was considerable bruising on the right arm, which was consistent with the story told by the plaintiff. Mr. Steeds was in a highly nervous state, and witness prescribed for him.
Evidence was also given by Hilda Freeman, who said the park-keeper ejected her from the park, and in doing so “punched” her in the back with his knee. – Replying to Mr. Cave, she denied she was jumping on the chairs.
Mr. Cave called Joseph Smith, the park-keeper, who said he saw some girls jumping on the chairs, which were folded up. He denied “jagging” the girl Freeman in the back with his knee. The plaintiff came up to him, and, flourishing a stick, said, “If that girl had been a relative of mine I would give you something to remember.” Witness merely caught hold of him by the lapel of his coat. He did not hit the plaintiff, and he denied using any violence. At first the plaintiff refused to give his name and address, but ultimately complied with the witness’s request for them.
Questioned by Mr. Hurst, Smith admitted that no damage was done to the chairs by the girls.
James Joseph Jones, a constable, having given evidence, the jury found for the plaintiff, awarding £5. 5s. damages. Judgement was entered accordingly.
13th July 1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (A meeting adjourned from 6th July 1914)
11th July 1914 – Birmingham News
Kings Heat Park Incident
County Court Action
over Alleged Assault
At the Birmingham County Court on Thursday – before his Honour Judge Amphlett, K.C. and a jury – Herbert Eustace Steeds, 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, with the result that he sustained personal injuries and shock. He claimed £50 damages. Mr. Hurst (instructed by Mr. Rose) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Cave (instructed by Mr. Kemp of the Town Clerk’s office) defended.
The plaintiff, said Mr. Hurst, was passing through the park at Kings Heath, and saw the park-keeper Smith dealing roughly and very improperly with a little girl. Smith had the girl by the neck or collar, and was pushing her towards the exit. As he was going along he “jagged” her in the back with his knee. The plaintiff did not rush to interfere at the moment, but when the girl had been ejected he said to the park-keeper, “Why have you been treating the girl in that manner? If I were her father you would get into trouble.” Thereupon, said counsel, the park-keeper declared, “Oh, you are in it are you? I will have your name and address.” Plaintiff gave him his name and address, and then he was dragged across the park by the park-keeper, who struck him severely in the chest. Plaintiff called for protection from a park-patrol man, but the park-keeper again struck him. Mr. Steeds had to be medically treated.
Replying to Mr. Cave, the plaintiff said he did not resist when the park-keeper caught hold of him.
Did you brandish your stick at the park-keeper? – I did not.
Did you say, “If that girl had been a relative of mine I would give you something to remember?” – It is an absolute fabrication.
Did you say, “Who are you that I should give my name and address to?” – It is an invention.
Dr. Ainscow said the plaintiff called upon him four days after the park incident, and on examining him witness found there was considerable bruising on the right arm, which was consistent with the story told by the plaintiff. Mr. Steeds was in a highly nervous state, and witness prescribed for him.
Evidence was also given by Hilda Freeman, who said the park-keeper ejected her from the park, and in doing so “punched” her in the back with his knee. – Replying to Mr. Cave, she denied she was jumping on the chairs.
Mr. Cave called Joseph Smith, the park-keeper, who said he saw some girls jumping on the chairs, which were folded up. He denied “jagging” the girl Freeman in the back with his knee. The plaintiff came up to him, and, flourishing a stick, said, “If that girl had been a relative of mine I would give you something to remember.” Witness merely caught hold of him by the lapel of his coat. He did not hit the plaintiff, and he denied using any violence. At first the plaintiff refused to give his name and address, but ultimately complied with the witness’s request for them.
Questioned by Mr. Hurst, Smith admitted that no damage was done to the chairs by the girls.
James Joseph Jones, a constable, having given evidence, the jury found for the plaintiff, awarding £5. 5s. damages. Judgement was entered accordingly.
13th July 1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (A meeting adjourned from 6th July 1914)
As to Minute No. 995 Purchase from Priory Estates Co.
Ltd.
The following report of the Town Clerk was received:-
King’s Heath Park
Extension
Priory Estate
Company Limited
I have to report that in accordance with the above Minutes I
have completed the purchase from the Priory Estate Co. Ltd., of 14 acres 3
roods and 10 perches of land at King’s Heath for the extension of King’s Heath
Park.
I have made the following payments in the matter:-
Purchase money 5000. 0 0.
Messrs. Foster & Co.,
Vendor’s Solicitor’s costs 30.
0. 0.
H.C. Weston Esq., Vendor’s
Surveyor’s costs 3.
0. 0.
Stamp Duty on Conveyance and
Counterpart 50.
5. 0.
With the authority of the Lord Mayor, in order to prevent
delay in completion, I affixed the Corporate Seal to the Counterpart
Conveyance. I shall be glad therefore,
if you will confirm the action of the Lord Mayor in regard to this.
1222 Resolved:- That the action of the Lord Mayor, in
authorising the Town Clerk to affix the Corporate Seal to the Counterpart
Conveyance be approved.
27th July
1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Councillor Auster presented the following report of the
Finances Sub Committee:-
Accounts
Since their last report, Interim orders duly signed by the
Chairman have been made upon the Treasurer of the City for the sum of
£18,013: 12: 5, apportioned as follows:-
(The list then includes:-)
King’s Heath Park Extension £5083: 3: 0.
29th July
1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (Special Meeting)
The Superintendent reported the receipt of a communication
from the King’s Heath Prize band, asking for the use of King’s Heath Park on
August 29th.
1275a
Resolved:- That the King’s Heath
Prize Band be granted the use of King’s Heath Park on August 29th
for the purposes of a Band Contest, subject to their paying a fee of £5. 5. 0.
for the use of the park, and complying with the regulations of the Committee.
10th
August 1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute (Special Meeting)
The Chairman stated that the meeting had been called to
consider what works could be placed in hand to keep men employed on ordinary
park works, and to ease any pressure on unemployment. In company with Mr. Steel-Maitland he had had
an interview with the representatives of the Local Government Board, who were
anxious that ordinary works should be kept going, and that these works should
not be treated so much as relief works as the putting in hand of ordinary work
of the Department. (Ed. note – by this
stage World War 1 had commenced)
The Committee proceeded to consider the matter, and a list
of possible works was submitted by the Parks Superintendent.
1279 Resolved:- That the execution of the following works be
approved:-
(Then from a list:-)
Levelling Cricket
Grounds - King’s Heath
Extension
Bowling Greens - King’s Heath
Painting and repairs - King’s Heath House
1284 Resolved:- That the Town Clerk be instructed on behalf
of the Corporation to offer to the proper authorities the use of the spare
rooms at Warley Abbey, King’s Heath Houses (sic), and Lightwoods Hall, for
military or naval hospital purposes.
5th
October 1914 – BCC Parks Committee Minute
Mr. Councillor Brown presented the following Report of the
Administration Sub-Committee:-
Kings Heath Park Extension
They have received a communication from the Midland Railway
Company, referring to the land recently added to this Park, situate between
Hazelwell and Dads Lane Bridge, and stating that the railway alongside was
fenced with a quick hedge and post and rail fence with the exception of about
90 yards near Dads lane bridge, where there was only a quick hedge, and that
the children got over this fencing on to the railway and climbed on the wagon
standing in the railway siding. The
Company suggest that the only way of abating this nuisance would be for an
unclimbable iron fencing to be erected on the land for a distance of about 400
yards. Having regard to all the
circumstances your Committee recommend that the Superintendent be authorised to
plant a small belt of trees on the land in question, and erect in front of same
an open fence.
Kings Heath Park Extension – Fencing
1310 Resolved:- That the communication from the Midland
Railway Co., in reference to the erection of an unclimable fence on land recently
added to Kings Heath, and, and situate between Hazelwell and Dads Lane Bridge, be
referred to the Town Clerk, and that he be asked to advise the Committee as to
their legal position in regard thereto.
17th October 1914 – Birmingham News
New Bowling Club for Kings Heath – A meeting was held on Monday night at the rooms of the Ruskin Social Club, for the purpose of forming a bowling club at Kings Heath Park on the proposed new green next season, with a view to promoting good fellowship and sociability amongst those who use the green provided. The proposal was unanimously adopted, and the following officers were elected: Chairman, Mr. Mantle; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. Boylin; hon. secretary, Mr. John Harvey; committee, Messrs. H.J. Cooper, Minshaw, Roberts, Kilby, Clements, J. Hardy, G. Jervis, and Ford. It was decided to hold a meeting, weather permitting, at the park, on Saturday, October 31, at 3.30 p.m., when the members will be pleased to meet any who are willing to join. It has been decided to join the Parks’ League Bowling Tournament and to hold various tournaments amongst the members.
A largely attended concert in aid of the Belgian Refugee
Fund was held on Wednesday night in the Assembly Room of the Hare and Hounds
Hotel, Kings Heath, promoted by Mr. J.C. Gaynor. ................
17th October 1914 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Moseley and Kings
Heath
New Bowling Club for Kings Heath – A meeting was held on Monday night at the rooms of the Ruskin Social Club, for the purpose of forming a bowling club at Kings Heath Park on the proposed new green next season, with a view to promoting good fellowship and sociability amongst those who use the green provided. The proposal was unanimously adopted, and the following officers were elected: Chairman, Mr. Mantle; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. Boylin; hon. secretary, Mr. John Harvey; committee, Messrs. H.J. Cooper, Minshaw, Roberts, Kilby, Clements, J. Hardy, G. Jervis, and Ford. It was decided to hold a meeting, weather permitting, at the park, on Saturday, October 31, at 3.30 p.m., when the members will be pleased to meet any who are willing to join. It has been decided to join the Parks’ League Bowling Tournament and to hold various tournaments amongst the members.
24th
October 1914 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Moseley and Kings Heath
Moseley and Kings Heath
Belgian Refuges at Kings Heath – Kings Heath has done
magnificently for the Belgian refugees.
Following the meeting of Saturday night, reported elsewhere, the workers
got to business and issued an appeal for gifts towards equipping Kings Heath
House, which had been placed at the disposal of the committee by the Parks
Committee of the City Council through the medium of Councillor William Cadbury,
and the result was wonderful. All
classes vied with one another in bringing along household goods and chattels of
all descriptions, and by Tuesday the home was completely furnished. It was found that the loan of the beds as
previously intimated, could not be negotiated, and the Kings Heath people were
therefore appealed to on this score also, but there was no difficulty in
getting the quantity needed. The house
is admirably suited to the purpose, possessing large and lofty rooms with the
wide acreage of the park around it. It
had been originally intended that the refugees should come into residence on
Tuesday, but this appears, was not practicable.
Thirty-five, however, arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and met with a
cordial welcome from the large body of ladies and gentlemen who had busied
themselves in ungrudging services for their guests. Invaluable help was given by Mr. Faggard, a
Belgian gentleman, himself a refugee, now residing in Kings Heath, and Mr. A.
Meylin, of High Street, Kings Heath, who is an excellent French linguist. A few of the ladies were also able to utilise
their knowledge of French to some advantage.
On arrival the refugees were shown into the large drawing-room which had
been comfortably furnished. Later the
bundles of baggage arrived, all that they had been able to bring with
them. The men were then shown into a
smoking-room, a commodious apartment fitted up with chairs, sofas, writing
tables, and here they were regaled with cigars and cigarettes. The bedrooms also spacious and airy rooms are
comfortably arranged, and there is a nursery for the several children who are
included in the party. There are several
pathetic cases among the refugees. One
family includes a man of good middle class with his wife and son, who was unfit
for military duty. The father was a
tailor in business in Antwerp, with two shops his own property, the result of
thirty year’ hard and persevering labour, but he and his family had to fly
during the bombardment, and all is lost.
He had eight other refugees staying at his house in Antwerp, but the
shelling of the city was too terrible, and they had to leave. Another son is fighting with the Belgian
Army. The refugees speak in terror of
the Zeppelin raids. The bomb dropping
they describe as most unnerving. The
Germans they say owe their success entirely to their big artillery. They made the startling statement that the
forts of Antwerp were sold by treachery.
There are numerous German officers serving with the Belgians, and they
invariably give them away. Another man
has lost his wife. He is endeavouring to
ascertain her whereabouts, and he believes she is still in Belgium. The full complement of 50 was made up on
Thursday by the arrival of fifteen more refugees.
A meeting of the residents of the parish of St. Agnes,
Moseley, was announced for last evening at the Church Rooms for the purpose of
establishing a supplementary home in Moseley.
7th
November 1914 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Moseley and Kings Heath
Moseley and Kings Heath
A Novel
Trip for Belgian Refugees - On Sunday last a most enjoyable and entirely
successful outing on the form of a motor-cycle sidecar trip was arranged by Mr.
Ernest Bastock, (a well-known motor cyclist) for a number of Belgian guests
staying at Kings Heath. At 2 p.m. the
motor cyclists began to arrive, machines gaily decked with English and Belgian
flags, each driver bringing warm coats, scarves, rugs, etc., for the comfort of
their passengers. The whole of the
Belgians staying at “Hilltop”, Vicarage Road, and a number from Kings Heath
House, were invited, numbering 30 in all.
A start was made at 2.30. Mr.
George Norton (Sparkhill motor depot) leading the way to
Stratford-on-Avon. Upon arrival
refreshments were in readiness and much appreciated, after which several of the
guests joined in singing “The Marseillaise” and Belgian National Anthem, and for
the moment seemed to forget their great trouble. The drivers and passengers got on splendidly
together, “mutual lessons” in English, Flemish and French languages being the
order of the day. The return journey was
made through Alcester and Studley, arriving at Kings Heath at 5.30, thus ending
a delightful afternoon, and one that will live long in the memory of all who
took part. The Belgian friends expressed
the most sincere thanks to all the motor-cyclists (who are always in the front
in any useful or charitable work) for their great kindness. The following ladies and gentlemen kindly
gave their services and defrayed the cost of refreshments:- Sidecars, many of
which carried two passengers; - Mrs M. Riley (Enfield), Messrs. E. Bastock
(Enfield), G. Reynolds (Enfield), F. Parker (Enfield), F. Page (Triumph), R.J.
Hughes (Triumph), H. Walker (Clyno), G. Gower (Bex), Telford Rozets (Campion),
J. Cuttall, jun. (Sunbeam), - Edmunds (Humber).
Cycle-cars: Mr. Frederick Lewis (Morgan), Mr. Lloyd Page (Humberette). Cars: Mr George Norton and Mr. F.
Watkins. If possible a similar trip will
be arranged for wounded soldiers.
5th
December 1914 – Birmingham News
Belgian Refugees Fund
Another Kings Heath
Concert
It is hoped to hand over a substantial sum to the Kings
Heath House Fund.
7th December 1914
- BCC Parks Committee Minute
As to Minute No. 1310, Kings Heath Park – Fencing
The following report of the Town Clerk was received:-
Kings Heath Park
Extension
Fencing
With reference to the above Minute, I have considered this
matter, and am of opinion that the Committee are under no legal obligation to
erect the unclimbable iron fence referred to in the communication of the
Midland Railway Company of the 24th September ultimo.
1348 Resolved:- That no further action be taken in the
matter, and the Minute discharged.
Mr. Councillor Brown presented the following report of the
Administration Sub Committee:-
Midland Railway Co – Kings Heath Park Extension – Fencing
Your Sub-Committee are advised by the Town Clerk that they
are under no legal obligation to erect the unclimbable fence, as required by
the Midland Railway Company. In these
circumstances, they propose to take no further action in the matter.
Refugees
At present the houses utilised by the various Committees for
the accommodation of Belgian Refugees are:-
Kings Heath House
Court Oak House
Warley Abbey
The old Council House at Erdington is also being prepared
for a home for convalescent soldiers.
19th
December 1914 – Birmingham News
Kings Norton and Northfield Districts
Moseley & Kings Heath
Belgian Refugees Entertainment The large body of ladies and gentlemen who
are interesting themselves in the Belgian Refugees’ Home at Kings Heath House,
have instituted a very happy idea of providing a concert for the inmates every
Saturday evening. To say that they are
appreciated would be but a mild and half-hearted way of expressing the
truth. As was evidenced on Saturday
evening, the Belgians were most demonstrative in showing their approval of the efforts
of the several talented artistes who had kindly given their services. On this occasion a limited number of the
public were admitted, limited because the dining-room, large as it is, will not
allow of the admission of many who would like to join in the proceedings. The items were announced in English and Belgian
by Mr. Van Visser, a Kings Heath gentleman, who is assisting the committee as
an interpreter, and is hon. sec. of the entertainment committee. He, with Mr. S. Welch, the chairman of the
entertainment committee, was responsible for the programme. Miss Bradshaw, an accomplished pianist,
opened the concert with a skilfully rendition of “Tarantella” (Dobler), and was
the accompanist for the evening. Miss Madge
White delighted the audience with her cultured soprano voice, and being encored
for her song “Spring”, responded with “Waltz Song” from the “Sunshine
Girl”. Mr. A.H. Duncuff, a local amateur
‘cellist, recently become known to concertgoers in the district, also came in
for loud plaudits in the Belgian fashion, for his solos “Oberon” and “The broken
melody” (Van Biene), for which he was encored, and gave an old Swedish
air. He also with Miss Bradshaw, gave
with equal success Rubenstein’s duet “Sonata”.
Mr. Sidney Hooper’s beautiful tenor voice was listened to with rapt
attention in the song “Angels guard thee”, with ‘cello obligato by Mr. Duncuff,
and in response to an encore, gave ”Until”, with similarly fine effect. Mr. Hooper was associated with Mr. F.W.
Mason, the bass of the Cantor Glee Singers, in the well sung duets, “The two
beggars”, and “Tenor and baritone”, and the Belgians insisted on an
encore. Mr. Wilfred Purser was also enthusiastically
received for his powerful vocalisation of the “The windmill”. Miss. L. Phillips, the violinist, was unable
to appear, and her place was taken by one of the young Belgian guests, Mr.
Albert Sas, a really clever violin player, who gave with much charm “The
Rosary”, and was deservedly encored. Mr.
W.H. Hughes also gave much pleasure with the nice song “The English Rose”. The Cantor Glee Singers, whose part singing
entitles them to rank amongst the best of glee singers, quite “brought down the
house”. They chose selections of a
humorous character which would appeal to the Belgians, who though they could
not understand the words, could appreciate the humour present to such glees as
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pepper”, “The Gypsies’ laughing trio”, and “The
Muddle”. Messrs. B. Whatmore, S. Hooper,
W. Puser, and F.W. Mason, who compose the glee party, were vociferously encored
on every appearance. During the evening
a collection was taken among the English visitors in aid of the expenses of the
entertainment committee, and £1.
1s. 6d. was raised. The thanks of the company to the artistes was
conveyed by Mr. Visser, and the proceedings closed with the national Anthem
(solo, Mr. Purser), Brabancoune and Marseillaise. We understand that to-night (Saturday) the
committee are holding a Christmas party for the Belgians. Mr. Welch would be pleased to hear from
artistes who would volunteer to assist in these Saturday musical evenings
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