Queens Park Crewe

New Swan arrives

2012-01-22T00:43:00.001Z

This week on Monday a new swan arrived at the Queens Park its unusual for a single swan to come but its turned up and stayed all week. The swans seem to get on ok we thought there may have been a fight but as you can see they swim together ok.

Its surprising how tame these swans and ducks are they come very close even when I have MAX my dog with me and dont seem to bother about dogs or people that is if the dogs are on the lead as they should be.

We have had the normal yobish behaviour again this week as they decided to throw the life belt into the lake along with tree branches. If someone get into trouble no one can help as the life belt cant be thrown.

The first wedding reception has been booked for this year in July in the Lakeside pavilion - we wish the happy couple good luck with their arrangements. Anyone wishing for function details should contact Karen on 07724 802053

Sad day this week as we pay repsects to Mrs Farmer who lived in the East Lodge for many years (married to Mr Colin Farmer who did so much for the Parks and Cemeteries),

New out door classroom

2012-01-15T23:50:00.001Z

An exciting project got underway this week with local children using the Queens Park as a classroom. With the help of the Friends of Queens Park children learnt a lot of skills in a real environment. It covered everything from measuring the clock tower, how to find north, centrifugal force and how it effects the play area, wild life and much more. Some of the activities and work sheets are here.

The children seem to like the fun element of learning outside as it was a nice sunny day and its hoped there will be a lot more use of the park.

About the only part of the park fenced off now is the boat jetty but these people didnt take the hint they broke down the barrier and took very young children right on the waters edge to get around the barrier which is there for their safety.

The Grey wagtail was spotted on the lodge roof this week

The grey wagtail is more colourful than its name suggests with slate grey upper parts and distinctive lemon yellow under-tail. Its tail is noticeably longer than those of pied and yellow wagtails. They have gradually increased their range in the past 150 years and in the UK have expanded into the English lowlands from the northern and western uplands. They are badly affected by harsh winters, and because of recent moderate declines it is an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Found over most of the UK, with the exception of the Northern and western isles of Scotland. Likes fast flowing rivers in summer their greatest densities are in the hills of England, Scotland and Wales. In winter they can be seen around farmyards and lowland streams, even in city centres. Scarce in central and eastern England in summer and from upland areas in winter.

The coot took time out to sun bath this week we dont very often see them on the paths but he seemed to like the sunny weather

Timber

2012-01-12T00:27:00.001Z

The start of another year and there isnt much happening. The gardeners are buzzy gelling trees and cut back bushes the picture above is south side but they are also working on the other side creating a new walkway in the bushes which has been there but hidden with overgrown bushs.

There is a new out door classroom project getting under way to use the park for classes for children which can include

Maths trails designed by children for children with guidance from teachers. If the students were signed up as STEM Leaders this activity would count towards the award and could be added to students portfolio. (The award is on 3 levels Primary Secondary and Advanced more details can be found at www.leadersward.com)

· Tree measuring How to find the height of trees using surveying equipment working out the width of a tree by measuring its circumference

· Estimating

· Shapes and sizes

· Use of trundle wheels to measure distance

· Measuring tree rings and then relating what this means in terms of growth and the weather.

· The physics of the Playground

· Biology field trips – Pond dipping, soil analysis, Mini beast hunts, Climate change and how it affects plant life, Micro climates and habitats.

· Leaf collecting and finding which trees they belong to and art work that could be associated with this work

· A tree recognition worksheet and then doing bark rubbings for art

· Design work looking at bridges and why they chose those designs and materials

· Bridges look at how built talking to a civil engineer building bridges in the classroom or outside

· Surfaces and friction

· Disabled access design project to improve facilities at the park

· Gardening project to produce a ‘blind’ area

· Design a nest box for bird/bats

· Den building for teamwork

· Park surveying to make a map to get an insight into surveying work

· Using fitness equipment to examine the effect on the body/muscles. Timing looking at respiration and fitness heart rates etc which gives best ‘work out’

· Engineering of building the lake and where does the river go?

It will be interesting to see how that goes and hopefully it will help children appreciate the park in stead of wrecking it

Dogs Menace

2012-01-02T00:11:00.001Z

Happy New year to all our readers and the start of a new year in the park. I am getting a lot of complaints about idiots with dogs not on the lead. Often these dogs run about terrorising other dogs or wildlife. The picture above is an idiot with the dog off the lead chasing all the ducks showing no concern for anyone else or the wildlife.If you say anything to most of these people you just get a mouthful off them. I spotted a well know councillor walking her dog off the lead the other day and then panic when I approached with my dog who was on the lead.

It very dangerous to let dogs loose in the park and people often do it on the childs play area the dogs maybe friendly but can jump up and knock a small child over. Again we need wardens there to stop this happening

Mandarin Duck returns

2011-12-26T00:17:00.001Z

Being Xmas week there is little doing in the park this week but the Mandarin duck has come back again looking as good as ever

Winter Arrives in Queens Park

2011-12-18T23:44:00.001Z

Happy Xmas to all my readers remember the park is open Xmas day.

Winter has moved in this week and above the birds are standing on a frozen lake if you view it full screen you see the strange reflections of the birds up side down.

Later in the week the council had all the paths resurfaced with a new type of tarmac which looked a lot like snow LOL. You can see how big the flakes were coming down and there was just me in the park that day.

More havoc and destruction

2011-12-12T00:38:00.001Z

On Monday I did a Radio interview with Radio Stoke in the Queens park about the vandalism that has taken place lately. After the interview a walk around the park revealed the yobs had struck again this time the Gulf War memorial had bee attacked by the mind less yobs. A memorial for people who gave their live in service of their country and yobs just show no respect for the ultimate sacrifice.

The problem continue as you walk by Broadwalk Bridge to find all the cones have been thrown down under the bridge and even as far as the rock pool by the lake

On a lighter note the Pampas grass by the Diana memorial is still in full bloom

Barriers Down

2011-12-04T01:01:00.001Z

All the barriers have now been removed from the park so you are free to walk anywhere now. They have been replaced with signs telling you to take care. The fences were doing no good as they were anyway.

The big news is the vandals have struck again with a memorial seat being smashed to fire wood and the above smashed in the Coronation walk. Its been highlighted in the local paper and Radio Stoke are doing a broadcast on it as well. This is mostly due to the lack of wardens in the park and all the money spent will be wasted if they destroy everything thats been done.

A lot of the geese seem to have gone this week and now we have mostly gulls of all shapes and sizes like the Vega Gulls

A burst of colour in the park with I think the only Gorse bush in there near the monkey hut.

Wildlife Invasion

2011-11-20T00:46:00.001Z

The Queens Park has been invaded by wildlife this week with what seems like hundreds of Canadian Geese there was so many you couldnt see the grass in places for them a rough count suggest around 300 are in the park.

What has got everyone talking is the return of two swans that came back on Tuesday. They are very tame taking bread from peoples hands. Everyone is delighted to see them back again..

A Shovel duck made an appearance this week

Shovelers are surface feeing ducks with huge spatulate bills. Males have dark green heads, with white breasts and chestnut flanks. Females are mottled brown. In flight birds show patches of light blue and green on their wings. In the UK they breed in southern and eastern England, especially around the Ouse Washes, the Humber and the North Kent Marshes, and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and western parts of England. In winter, breeding birds move south, and are replaced by an influx of continental birds from further north. The UK is home to more than 20% of the NW European population, making it an Amber List species.

The Jay was seen out in pairs also this week but they are hard to spot as they move about quickly.

Some nice Autumn colour about this week this nice tree under the broadwalk bridge.

The trees behind the clock tower have turned into a nice display also

Remember this

2011-11-13T00:30:00.001Z

Nothing happening in the park but the gardeners have done a good job of planting up the Boer War memorial lets see how long that stay nice before the kids are allowed on it by parents?

Some older pictures of the park do you remember how it used to be?

Coronation Walk

Lake with the old bridges in the distance

Main Drive with the big trees

Lake with the island full of trees

Main Entrance again

Two lake pictures with the old bridge and island all from about 2005

Autumn comes to the park

2011-11-08T00:54:00.001Z

It was Autumn in the park the gardeners have the winter beading out on the main drive

The trees are showing signs of Autumn but the colours haven't been so good this year maybe the warm spell so late has effected it

OPEN AIR QUEENS PARK 2012
Tel: 01270 537896
14™ - 17th February - 1 hr workshop time tbc Queens Park, Victoria Ave., Crewe CW2 7SE MAKE YOUR OWN BIRD BOX
Create your own bird box, take it home and watch with interest the feathered friends
who visit your garden.
With the CEC Countryside Ranger Service
£3 material supplied. Booking Line 01260 297237
January to March 2012
'Spring Watch in Queens Park' FREE Queens Park, Victoria Ave., Crewe CW2 7SE Presented by The Pickle Jar at the Lakeside
Running from January to March 2012 primary schools, in the Cheshire East area, are invited to take part in our Spring Watch' project This will provide an opportunity for children to literally track spring as it happens through observation of plants and animals and support it with photographs they take and pictures they draw Joined by the 'Friends of the Park' and Cheshire Wildlife Trust', together with other groups from across East Cheshire to provide support and information those involved.
This project is sponsored, supported and organised by The Pickle Jar at the Lakeside - the new cafe in the pavilion building in Queens Park. They will be providing an area in a corner of the cafe with display boards for each school to track what they have seen and recorded, and to display individual work from children. We also looking at a series of events to which everyone will be invited and the children will be able to take part. We look forward to seeing you! If you are interested then please contact either Tim or Rachel on: webmaster@thepickleiar.co.uk OR call them on 01606 551122
May-August
Queens Park, Crewe - Events Programme Queens Park, Victoria Ave., Crewe CW2 7SE Most Sundays 2pm - 4pm
See www.chehsireeastcouncil.gov.uk Or tel 01270 537896 for more details.
Sunday 6th May - 2pm - 4pm Bischofsheim Accordion Orchestra
Wonderful German Band visiting our own Crewe Brass Band, from Crewe's twinned town of Bischofsheim
Sun 17th 4 24th June 2pm-4pm Queens Park, Victoria Ave., Crewe CW2 7SE Clay Art Workshop
Join Sheila to create your own Queens Park keepsake with the 'Friends of Queens Park'! Creations made on the 4th Painted on the 10,h. £3 material supplied
Booking Line 01270 537896 Or, email elaine.dodd(S)cheshireeast.qov.uk
PROV..... Sun 26th August 2pm,-10pm
Folk 'n' Ale Event
Presented by Volume Pre-promotion poss Sat Set-up Sun am. Sat 4th November
Crewe & Nantwich Lions Association Queens Park, Victoria Ave., Crewe CW2 7SE
Fireworks Display 5pm Gates Open 8pm Fireworks

Lakeside Cafe

2011-10-30T01:32:00.000+01:00

The new Cafe taken over by the Pickle Jar was opened this week with the new name of the Lakeside. The name was chosen from many suggested as being the most appropriate for a cafe over looking the lake.

Pickle Jar at the Lakeside Winter Opening Times from October 30th
Monday 12 noon - 4pm
Tuesday 12 noon - 4pm
Wednesday 12 noon - 4pm
Thursday 12 noon - 4pm

The mayor and the Pickle jar team and Elaine Dodd

Derek Morgan our supportive Chairperson with Daniel - the youngest member of the Friends group- although that might change on the 1st!!!, that's what happens as you get older Dan!! He is also our Youth Representative and very interested and involved.

Councillor David Brickhill, who suggested the name, along with Cllr Jacqueline Weatherill who unfortunately couldn't come along today, so Karen the Manageress stepped in to cut the cake!

Some maintance work has been carried out as dead trees have been removed near the lake.

The new path around the keep fit equipment has now been finished so you wont get muddy anymore keeping fit

If you look back a couple of weeks I pointed out the yobs had carved names on the Monkey hut which has only just been repaired this week even more carvings have been done they cant leave anything alone and it does show we want more wardens back to protect the work that has been done

Dan The Man

2011-10-23T00:06:00.001+01:00

Dan Band one of the gardeners at the park was one of the three apprentices awarded Apprentice of the year. He has been doing stage two of the horticultural qualification and now going to move on to stage three. Well done to him and George his constant supervisor who make sure he is always working.

I noticed the Bandstand rain dripping everywhere the other day it seems the drains have fell apart.

The exercise area is getting a make over this week as it was raised at a friends meeting that it was muddy when wet. They are now putting concrete down around all the equipment so it will be ok when it rains.

Volunteers wanted. I visited the bench grave yard this week all the old benches are stacked up and un loved many only want minor repairs. We are after volunteers to fix them and get that back in the park. These are all benches that people have bought to remember their loved ones but they are not the councils responsibility a sits up to the owners but of coarse many have passed away or moved. It would be nice to get them repaired and back into the park any wood work experts ideal anyone retired that could give a few hours to fix them?

They even get wrecked by kids using them for swings under the bridge

What a week

2011-10-16T01:30:00.001+01:00

Its been a funny week with Radio Stoke doing interview about the park this week you can still catch it for a few day here I am on about 46 mins in and the Mayor is on a few mins latter. The main concern is there is no money to finish the park at the moment but a bid has gone to the lottery 3 weeks ago for a further £330,00 to finish the paths. The lottery are looking at adding it on to the present grant which would mean a quicker decision rather than applying for a new grant.

The paths were not on the original application because at the time they were ok it was only when Wrekin took heavy machines over them that they were damaged and of coarse they went bankrupt so we cant get money off them.

One of the thing missing that was cut from the interview is the increase of vandals in the park and if we dont get a grip all the hard work will be destroyed in a few months.

Not recant but the Gulf War memorial was destroyed by vandal's a new one is planned once soldiers have their say as what goes on it.

The lake as a lot of examples here near the gold coarse a lovely picture but as you can see a fence and half a gate post have been thrown into the lake.

Here we can see a 15 ft plastic pipe thrown in the lake retrieved by the gardeners this week there are plenty of other examples with dustbins and fences and other rubbish thrown in. Below the clock tower has recently been restored and there is a ball missing already.

We have this week some new old photos if that makes sense sent in by B Smith to share with the people of crewe.

The old Cafe note the two chimneys which is the current design

The clock tower of coarse

A flower bed and old seat and below the lake the golf coarse end

Back by popular demand are some more panoramic shots of the park taken this week while we had some nice weather. You need to click on them to see a full picture. Taken with a Fugi HS10

Finally a nice one of the new Lakeside Cafe which is its new name

Panoramic Queens Park Pictures

2011-10-09T00:31:00.001+01:00

The Boar War Memorial has now had the white stones remove from its base. Why because parents dont seem to understand respect for the soldiers who gave their lives fighting for their country. Parent regularly have been letting children play on the memorial and kick the stones all over the place and then they take pictures of them jumping on the Lions. Has no one got any respect for people who gave their lives some of the soldiers must be turning in their graves wondering why they gave their lives to be treated this way. Stand at the memorial and read the names of the fallen you may find one of your relations fought in that war and died. The Gulf War memorial has been destroyed by vandals bring back conscription they may then appreciate what hardship and death is all about.

In the same vain the Monkey Hut has just been rebuild only weeks ago and yes the yobs have been there carving names etc into the new wood, in the lake this week you can see dustbin, fences stones etc we are fighting a loosing battle dont parent care where their kids are anymore or what they get up to?

I just grabbed these shots as summer comes to an end and the flowers will soon have to be removed ready for winter beading plants

These panoramic shots are popular taken with a Fugi HS10 you need to double click on them to see them full screen in all their glory

Tents in the Queens Park

2011-10-02T00:44:00.001+01:00

I thought we had squatters in the park with all the tents by the main entrance but it was a scouts sleep over. Lots of scouts are sleeping in the park Saturday night and what a nice night to do it.

If they get hungry then what about this whopper in the lake this week and stranger still we say a terrapin in the lake this week as well not what you expect but I didnt catch a picture of it.

Its been a lovely week with lots of sun and people enjoying the park. A lot of complaints about the weed seen above on Tuesday. The Environment Agency have now given permission to treat it. You cant do anything to the lake without them as it could effect water down stream.

A picture taken the same place as the above on Saturday and the weed has diminished by a vast amount. I have seen the dusk eating it all week. While its not all gone it looks a lot better.

The cafe looks very nice and is reflected in the lake this week. The cafe has put out water bowls for dogs this week and if there isnt any out please ask at the cafe. They are hoping to supply meals for dogs so you can have a snack and get one for your dog as well. They are also looking into getting proper food for the ducks and wild birds.

Picture of the island near the golf coarse on a calm sunny day.

Wildlife in the Queens Park this week

2011-09-25T00:19:00.001+01:00

The blind scented garden has been landscaped this week with a new layout and path. The Gulf War memorial is still missing having been vandalised.

The south side of the park is now open from Morton Rd and the path isnt to bad there.

The Cafe is now open and servings food etc with facilities for young children.

Wildlife this week

Its been a strange week with new wildlife coming this week and some old favourites' the rare Barnacle Goose has been around all week.

The Heron has taken up residence on the Island and has been around all week again.

A new addition this week is Moor hens

Latin name

Gallinula chloropus

Family

Rails (Rallidae)

Overview

The moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird, that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. Up close it is olive-brown on the back and the head and underneath are blue-grey. It has a red bill with a yellow tip. It breeds in the UK in lowland areas, especially in central and eastern England. It is scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far.

Where to see them

There's a chance of seeing a moorhen anywhere where there is water - from a small ditch or a lake in a city centre park, to a big lake or reservoir.

There has been two the older one and the young one which doesnt have the coloured beak yet.

The bedraggled Mandarin Duck has come back he has not been around for a while(click on the image to see it better)

Stef Bennett sent this picture in of the Grebe and all so a small grebe has been seen fishing but no pictures yet.

Winter is coming and Blue Tits, Squirrels, rabbits have all been seen this week

Queens Park Restoration Review

2011-09-18T00:57:00.001+01:00

There has been a lot of comments on the state of the park with the grand opening. I thought a review of whats been done may be interesting.

Starting at the main gate the lodges have been restored at a cost of £250,000.00

In the same area the clock tower has been done with a clean repaint of the iron work and broken bits of stone work repaired cost of £24,000.00

The bowls hut and the cafe have been total rebuilt in sandstone and the paths around them re-laid. They are both state of the art and cost £1,625,800

The Boer war statue has been renovated and the old base recovered after 30 years and now stands proud cost £27,000

The bandstand was lovingly restored and and an area for Bats provided cost £160,000

All the bridges have been rebuilt and are all new and the lake has been restored with edges re done the lake clean out and desilted along with the islands. Some work remains like the bank to Morton road planting of flowers etc in the lake and Burma island. cost £1,850,354 The cleaning of the lake cost £330,00 and the massive Broadwalk bridge cost £250,000

The Monkey hut is now finished at a cost of £28,000 aprox and the children's play area shelter has also been done at the same cost aprox

The play area has been rebuilt from scratch with all sort of new activities at a cost of £210,000.

There are other things that have been done like all the fence the new gates at every entrance the man footpaths. So the building work has now been completed and what remains is really maintenance. Left o be done is Coronation Walk planting and paths along with the stream and fountain. The main work is on the paths but Morton road south east side is now open its just the west side were heavy cranes destroyed the path that most work is needed along with a Tidy up of building material. The truth is the park will never be fully finished just like your house there will all ways be maintenance to be done and there is a 10 year plan to keep the park in good condition and keep it replanted

Grand Opening Evening

2011-09-11T01:25:00.001+01:00

On the old Bandstand there were groups playing but a bit dimly lit

Starquest Winner

Another band on the old bandstand

Starquest winner being present with her prize

A spectacular show of water and lights most un usual the highlight of the day

Finally the Fireworks

Grand Opening Parade

2011-09-11T01:05:00.001+01:00

Next came the parade which started in Pyms Lane

Above the Sea Cadets

Old Fire Engine

Scots Band

Band

These were Aces

Can Can

Another Fine mess you got me into Stanley is this Blackpool?

Jovial Mayor

Grand Opening Day Morning

2011-09-11T00:49:00.001+01:00

I have had to split the day into parts. In the morning it was good to see the Burma Stone back in its rightful place on the island.

The park was not that busy early on but the fun fare was there and keeping in with the Victorian theme the pictures are old style

We had to have a car show didnt we

The RNLI put on a good show keeping with the theme

They also had the herdy gurdy man and old folks watching

It was nice to see the old steam train out even it is was a small one

There were also Birds of Prey on show

Grand Opening Event

2011-09-04T00:36:00.001+01:00

Next week on the 10th September the Grand open event is on so dress up and come and join in the fun.

There has not been a lot going on this week the main work is the Bowling hut were the path has been excavated and its hoped to be ready for the opening. The flowers are putting on a good show.

The main entrance flowers are in full bloom and lovely at this time of year.

The sting in the tale is Autumn is on its way. The first sign is this tree in the Queens Park as every year this is one of the first trees in Crewe to show its on its way as its colour starts to change.

On the wildlife front the white duck has settled into park life and taking bread from visitors.

This week we had 3 herons on site so the lake is getting popular with them.

The Barnacle Goose has been seen all week and now getting tame.

He has rings on so he must have been tagged at some point but its still a rare site

Opening Event Count Down

2011-08-28T00:48:00.001+01:00

The main talking point this week is the wardens with the Chronicle and the Guardian carrying the story. We are still down to one warden and this week even security suffered when a young 8 year old child smashed his window in his car. His father just hung up when he was approached on paying for the damage.

The events and details for the opening event have been released as follows

Queens Park Crewe, Programme in Brief-
Complementary Heritage programmes on all week also at the Lyceum Theatre Crewe.
Procession Will wind its way from the Cheshire East Council's Pyms Lane Depot, opposite Bentley Motors at
2.30pm
Procession includes 10 x local Crewe Primary Schools, who's pupils wltl be in fancy
dress, from:
Oakefield.
Pebble Brook.
Briertey Street.
Saint Thomas Moore.
Beech wood.
Vinetree.
Ruskin Road.
Hungerford,
Edteston Road
Sir Thomas Stanier Schools
- Arranged via workshops in schools with community works Maggie Boone and
Plus. Bands.
Street Theatre, Community Groups. Vehicles. Rose Queens. Cadets...
Entering into Queens Park echoing the procession of 100* years past, with the kind support of the Cheshire Fire Services..
Judges - Councillors: Roy Cartlidge - Crewe Mayor Michelle Sherratt Peter Nurse
Friends - Derek Morgan- Chair Ray Stafford (ex Clr)

Large Marquee
Reaseheath College, Nantwich
Are joining forces with the Crewe and Nantwich Allotment and Horticulture Association
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Presents...
Discover Newts and pond creatures Hunt for minibeasts and investigate moths Make a wildlife kite and fly it in the park Have your face painted with a wild animal design Make a bat hat and much more...
'Old' Bandstand
The first Band to perform on the newly refurbished beautiful Bandstand is our very own Crewe band - The Crewe Concert Band
(3.30?) 4pm - 5.00pm
The Crewe Concert Band (formerly Crewe West End Concert Band). Organised by Rev Peter Powell on 01270 560919.
5.30pm - 9.00pm
Featuring x 4 / 5 Electronic Bands
On Site...
MAIN ARENA FROM 3.3Qpm - 7.05pm with "the CAT fm"
Welcome from Leader of the Council (& Crewe Mayor?).
Programme:
Birds of Prey
Crewe Railroaders
Wingate House
Shavington Village Fest Cttee
Fire Cadets
Laurel & Hardy
Daylight Fireworks...
"Rashacklicious" -Theatre on the move!!!!
Edible flowers • demo_
Seed Sewing_
Seed identity's_
Hanging basket demo_
Paul Lewis - Symbio - James
Grundy_
Vegetable plot_
Flower identity's _
Flonstry children's activity
Haurel & Lardy
Sport Development - activities arxj "Nordic Walking"
Youth Development with Abzofbed Entertainment presentmg
Face Painters - Henna Tattoo Artist - Arts and Crafts activity table (Victorian theme)
Circus Sk*$ equipment - Space Hoppers - Chedren s entertamer
Crewe LAP (Local Area PartnersrHp)
Fire Services with a Vintage appliance and brand new tire engine Queens Park Bowling Club - Bowling competition on Crown Green R.N.L.I.
Join in the FREE (amity 1km ' WALK ' PUSH ¦ SCOOT ' from 3 30pm onwards
The Heritage Centre with a beautiful miniature STEAM engine.
Other;
Giant /or hs rides and attractions, children's activity comer, funfair, on site until Monday.
StarQuest f m.ili-7.30pm StarQuest
7 15 Gabereliie Smith
allow 10 mm spots 5 mm turnaround
7 30 Clover Irish Dancers
Pauline McMullin & Hayley
7 45 Bramall
8 00 Jack Grey
8 25 Louise Green
8 30 Sharmane Smith
845 ANNOUNCE WINNERS
Juooes - CoonaKofs
Roy Cartlidge - Crewe Mayor
Mo Grant
Michelie Sherraif
Dorothy Flude
Friends - Derek Morgan
CN Lons - President (sponsor) - EHa Gruseto
3
9om SPECTACULAR PYROTECHNIC SHOW
7 30pm Pre Event
With fire pots and a small collections of water lily lanterns floating on the lake together with two large-scale lantern swans aim to create a genee tableau to be viewed by you the audience 9pm Finale
Watch m wonder as statues become alive a programme not seen in Crewe before
St Johns first Aid on Site at the Gatehouse Lodge

Wildlife

This week saw the arrival of 2 white ducks its believed that someone came with them in a cage and released them shortly after only was was seen.

Another dragon fly sunning him self by the lake

The Barnacle Goose is back again and its still a rare site this far south at this time of the year.

The Heron has been back but this time he brought a friend so we have had two on site most days this week.

The hot weather means the weed in the lake is getting worse and the East end is green all over.

The clock tower has now been completed after they had to come back and point it. ITs looking very clean and new and the summer bedding is look very good.

In the same area the banking by the main road has been cleaned and levelled this week

New Path

2011-08-22T00:45:00.001+01:00

A quiet week at the park as its been closed from Tuesday to Friday for the new path. It should have been close don Monday but it was opened by mistake. On opening the toilets they were found to be totally destroyed by Yobs who had broke in via the window. Another reason why we need Wardens if the park isnt to be wrecked.

The new path from Tipkinder to the cafe now completed

The Heron was back again this week and unusual it was close to the ducks as they normally send it on its way

Step Back in Time

2011-08-14T00:56:00.001+01:00

The Queens Park will be closed from the 15th to the 19th approx. while resurfacing work is done on the main path.

The Park seems to be in a time warp last week the clock tower was clear of scaffolding but this week its back again just like stepping back in time. It has to be repointed.

Along with the clock Elaine was stepping back in time getting ready for the grand opening which is a step back in time with everyone dressed in Victorian costumes if you are a group and havent signed up yet be sure to get your names down.

At the band stand end the path from the bandstand to the Boer war memorial has now been laid ready for the opening.

The Monkey hut has now been restored to its former glory but there is no seats in it as there used to be.

No More Park Wardens

2011-08-07T00:47:00.001+01:00

Park Wardens are to be a thing of the past as you can read below a reply to Brian Silvester. What this means is there will be no one to stop the vandals wrecking the park, no one to pick up rubbish and if someone has an accident the ambulance cant get into the park as the gates are locked.

Let us have your comments at the bottom of this post

From: WHEELTON, Mark
Sent: 03 August 2011 17:14
To: SILVESTER, Brian (Councillor)
Cc: KILMINSTER, Guy; BROUGHTON, George
Subject: queens park

Good Afternoon Councillor Sylvester,

Apologies for the slow response. As Phil has alluded to in his e-mail, with the reduction in the Council’s overall budget, changes to operations have been required of many services and this has meant that difficult decisions have had to be made. Along with grounds maintenance the Greenspaces service has also had to achieve significant savings and unfortunately the loss of the park wardens along with a number of rangers through a staff restructure has been necessary . In normal circumstances this is clearly not something we would have done. As part of the ongoing redevelopment within Queen’s Park we had planned to review the way that the park wardens worked, we were considering making changes by converting the Wardens to Park Rangers and making their role far more positive and community focused. The objective being to help further stimulate the community activity in the park and thus displace the anti social, vandalism and misuse that are perpetrated by a minority of the local community. However as outlined above the need to make significant reductions to our expenditure prevents this at the present time.

As you know through the project work and support to the development of the Friends of Queen’s Park we are all committed to making this a success and our staff input is therefore still very significant. It is staffed at present with a Park Manager and four full time gardeners with an input from the Streetscape Area and Technical Teams to support the maintenance activities. The Park Manager has direct support from her team of 3 park management officers in the new structure and will receive support from the Council’s Countryside Ranger and Play teams to help with the delivery of activity programmes. The park buildings will be maintained by the Council’s Asset Management team. At the present time it is also our intention to retain the existing security company who I understand have been involved over a number of years in Queens Park including out of hours call outs, special events and other times as required.

The problems of misuse and abuse of the park are not new and have been continuous despite the presence of the Park Wardens. Cheshire East Council are committed to trying to resolve these issues and are, despite the challenges, looking to find different approaches to do this. The Park Manager is engaged in forming a broad based partnership of organisations and the community that will join together with this as its core objective. It may take time to resolve what has become an entrenched problem but we believe that this is the only way forward. It has worked in other parks. To date we have met with the Police and other Partnership organisations twice and will continue to focus on this issue looking to make progress. In addition, with the appointment of operators of the café and the imminent reopening of the offices in the West Lodge there will be a regular presence in the park to further deter nuisance behaviour.

I understand that clearly there continues to be concern about this issue particularly given the current investment and positive work that is being done by the Friends of the Park but hopefully the above has explained that despite the budget challenges we fully intend to ensure that the benefit of this investment is realized for the local community of Crewe.

Thanks

Mark

Fun Day at the park

Wednesday saw the Queens Park packed for a fun day. There were more people than at the carnival enjoying the sunshine and the activities laid on Including the Zorb Balls and climbing walls.

Even the Mayor turned up with his friend the Frog

The best entertainment came on Thursday as the gardeners attempted to clean the lake and were only given a boat and rake to remove the weed

It was a brave effort but it was a cross between Big Brother and Fred Carnoes Circus and kept the crowds have. They have to go away and rethink the plan.

On the restoration front the path from the bandstand to the Boer war statue is underway and also around the Bandstand

Queen Victoria's Big Nose

2011-07-31T00:56:00.001+01:00

How many of you have noticed Queen Victoria’s big nose

If you look on the clock tower you will see she now has a big nose. It should be a image as found on the penny black but they got it wrong and will now have to be corrected.

There is good news on the cafe above we can see the woodland walk next to the cafe. The new owners of the cafe the Pickle Jar hope to have it open by the 22nd August maybe with a basic menu to start with but are hoping to put on more menu soon.

The lake has turned a nasty green with weed and algae which the gardeners have been fishing out but it does look a mess.

Sadly the Grebes seem to have gone and their eggs are missing as reported last week kids were seen trying to steal the eggs. We dont know if they succeeded in stealing the eggs and the Grebes then moved on or not but its a sad reflection on society when this happens.

Some more pictures of the Royal visit with Charlie Chaplin

Nice to see the old train is alive and well just a shame it cant stay in the park but if it was there it would be on Ebay by night fall

LOCAL COUNCILLOR RECEIVES AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

2011-07-28T00:25:00.001+01:00

Councillor Brian Silvester has been presented with an Outstanding Achievement Certificate from the Prime Minister to mark his 35 years of dedicated service as a Councillor.

David Cameron wrote on the certificate that "it gave him great pleasure to mark Brian's outstanding service to the Conservative Party. They say a week is a long time in politics. So for you to have dedicated so many years of your life to serving our Party makes me incredibly proud. Thank you on behalf of every Conservative Leader, Member of Parliament and candidate who you have helped."

Brian also received a letter of congratulation from the Chairman of the Party Baroness Warsi. She wrote that she "would like to thank Brian on behalf of the Party for all he had done during an impressive 35 years of service as a Councillor. As leader of the Conservative group three times, Deputy Leader twice and the Council Leader twice you have been at the forefront of delivering excellent quality and great value for money Council services. Your recent time as Mayor of the Borough was a fitting reward and recognition for the great contribution which you have made to your community."

Brian said," I am delighted that my long service as a Councillor has been recognised in this way by the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Party. I was very surprised but extremely pleased to receive the Outstanding Achievement Certificate. Thirty five years service as a Councillor is a remarkable milestone in my life. There have been numerous highlights and successes and I will always treasure those.

I greatly enjoy serving as a Councillor. There are two main aspects of the role. Firstly I find it very satisfying to help constituents with their problems and concerns. Secondly it gives me an opportunity to improve and shape our local community.

I would like to thank all those residents who have voted for me to be their Councillor over the last 35 years. It is an honour to serve them. I would also like to thank the local Conservative Party members who have selected me to be their candidate and helped me get re-elected to the Council time after time.

I now look forward to the next 35 years !"

A GOOD TIME WILL BE HAD BY ALL AT THE WILLASTON FETE

2011-07-28T00:22:00.001+01:00

Sunday 14^th August 2011, Starting at 1.45pm

This year the Willaston Fete will be held on Sunday 14^th August 2011 on the Letty Spencer Playing Fields in Wybunbury Road. It is being run by Parish Councillor John M Flackett assisted by Ian & Stephanie Potts and Pat Hudman. Everything is in progress for a really good afternoon as it was last year when approximately 500 people attended on a lovely sunny afternoon.

John will be using the same entertainment as last year ie The Road Train Ride, Cheshire East Children's Entertainment, a Tug of War between 26^th South West Cheshire Willaston Scouts and the Wistaston Troup, Cheshire Creative Children's Entertainment will Face Paint, Funky Hair Styles, Temporary Tattoos, Balloon Modelling and Party Bags. Ray & Chris Hulme provide Music and PA, Mick the Chip will provide the food, Shelly the Ice Cream Lady, Richard (Jack Frost) with his Bouncing Castle and St John’s Methodist Chapel will be putting on Tea, Coffee and Cakes plus the use of their Toilet Facility. Chris Grimes will be playing his guitar to entertain you all, side stall will be Willaston History Group, COG and the Clean Team, also Cheshire East Recycling, British Legion, Guide Dogs, Cheshire Police, Children's Book Stall, Coconut Shy & Skittles and the 26^th SWC Scouts will be staging a Camping Exhibition.

Also, there will be a fine display of Racing and Sports Cars from Simon and Tom Chadwick (the local garage) together with Vintage and Classic Bikes and Cars. In the Arena will be kids Fancy Dress, the best wagging dogs tail and a display from Willaston’s own dance troop plus Crewe’s Matrix Troup Dancers.

The procession will start at 1.45pm from Moorfields Corner (The Village Green) with our New Rose Queen 2011, Ellie Mae Pointon travelling in a 1930’s Ford Model AA with her five attendants, Bethan Goodwin, Olivia Lord, Gladys Llewellyn, Charlotte Caldwell and Ffion Owen. Going up Wistaston Road into Wybunbury Road and finally going onto the Letty Spencer Playing Fields where she will be met by last year’s Rose Queen Emily Bennett and her attendants. Local Cheshire East Councillors Brian Silvester and Margaret Simon will open the event and Mrs Judy Heywood will crown the new Rose Queen.

Cllr Brian Silvester said, “The village fete was revived last year by Mike Heywood and it was a great success. Everyone had a lovely time soaking up the village fete atmosphere and the sunshine and a lot of money was raised for local good causes. I hope the people of the village and the wider Crewe and Nantwich area will come out in force to have a wonderful free afternoon out.

I congratulate Parish Councillor John Flackett and his organising team on their great effort to put on such a popular and worthwhile event. I would also like to thank the Willaston Parish Council, Cheshire East Council and all the local groups involved, for the support they have given to make the Fete possible."

Royal Visit Part Two

2011-07-24T00:16:00.001+01:00

Friends Meeting (23)
Tuesday 26th July, 2011 5.30pm
At Games Pavilion, Queens Park, Crewe

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of Last Meeting

3. Matters Arising

4. Consultant Presentation by Ian Bright, Architect / Director -
SBS Architects, Manchester

5. Summary of VIP visit 19th July, 2011

6. Public Celebration, Sat 10th September, 2011
“Your role”!

7. Any Other Matters

8. Date of Next Meeting

Photos of the royal visit to the new cafe. The queens Park display at Tatton can be seen here on youtube.

One of the side effects of the royal visit is the barriers were taken down for the day and people took the opportunity to get around the park like the south side were the Grebes are on the nest and this has caused problems as the mother has been disturbed and kept jumping off the nest.

What is worse that yobs were seen about to enter the lake to steal the eggs but they were shouted at by people watching and so far they have survived.

The cafe is now finished apart from odd little bits to be fixed and I managed to get a shot from the other side of the lake. As most of the effort this week has been the visit and putting fences back there isnt a lot more to report this week

Royal Visit

2011-07-19T23:42:00.001+01:00

The Queens Park had a Royal visitor this week.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester (Birgitte Eva; formerly van Deurs; born Henriksen, 20 June 1946) is a member of the British Royal Family, the wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is a grandchild of King George V.

Together with her husband, the Duchess of Gloucester undertakes royal duties on behalf of the Duke's cousin, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duchess of Gloucester is patron of a large number of organizations, many of which have medical, educational or welfare connections. She has also accompanied the Duke of Gloucester on his official visits overseas: her first such visit was in 1973, when The Duke and Duchess represented The Queen at the 70th birthday celebrations of King Olav V of Norway.

The Duchess is sponsor of two Royal Navy Ships: HMS Gloucester and HMS Sandown. The Duchess is the patron of Bliss, the special care baby charity. She is also patron of St Paul's Cathedral School, St John's School, Leatherhead and Bridewell Royal Hospital (King Edward's School, Witley) and regularly attends functions at all three schools.

After the death of Princess Diana she became the president of the Royal Academy of Music.

She visited the Queens Park at 2 o'clock we will have picture soon. She then went on to Tatton Park were I met with her and the Duke at the display of the Queens Park at the event

The display show the Queens Park as a pop up story book with the lodges and clock tower and pictures of a spider and web to represent Webb who helped to create the park. If you going to the flower show be sure to take a look and even win a hamper

Wildlife Special

2011-07-18T00:54:00.001+01:00

In the Queens Park this week we have had twtchers the cause of the excitement has been

The Barnacle Goose

A rare site at this time of year this far south

Branta leucopsis

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Overview

A medium-sized, sociable goose, with black head, neck and breast with creamy-white face, which contrasts with the white belly, blue-grey barred back and black tail. It flies in packs and long lines, with a noisy chorus of barking or yapping sounds.

Where to see them

Largest numbers on the Solway Firth (England and Scotland) and on Islay, Scotland.

When to see them

October until March.

What they eat

Leaves, stems, roots and seeds.

Estimated numbers

UK breeding 1,000 birds (feral)

UK wintering 68,000 birds

Grebes(Podicipedidae)

We have a nesting pair with a few eggs visible in the nest.

Small to medium-sized water birds, characterised by their pointed bills (long and dagger-like in larger species), round bodies, tiny tails and legs set far back on the body.

The legs are flattened and the toes have broad, leaf-like lobes, so that the forward stroke underwater has minimum drag but the backward stroke can exert maximum pressure for forward movement.

They are expert swimmers and divers but unable to walk on dry land. They build floating nests anchored to aquatic vegetation. Many other species are found almost worldwide

They have an elaborate courtship display in which they rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young grebes often ride on their parents' backs.

Where to see them

Lowland lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and rivers. Also found along coasts in winter.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Mainly fish

What they are after is our fish

We also have baby Coots nesting on the lake banks pinching all the straw from the lake. It was interesting to watch them dragging stuff from the lake to build the nest as other Coots has nested far out from the bank.

There are lots of other youngsters about and tame enough to eat out of your hand.

The only problem we have in the park is Kids kicking and chasing young wildlife. If you bring you child to the park teach them respect for wildlife and dont let them hurt young babies

Restoration Nearing Completion?

2011-07-18T00:05:00.001+01:00

A day of celebration is being held at Queens Park in Crewe to mark all the restoration work that has been carried out over recent years.

On Saturday, September 10, the park will be alive with music, song, dance and a whole host of fun activities for people of all ages.

Some of the highlights planned for the free event include:

Dance routines from local groups;
Falconry displays;
A hilarious travelling theatre show;
Play and sport development activities including Nordic walking;
Funfair;
The Heritage Centre miniature steam train;
Charity stalls; and
The Starquest 2011 talent show finale.

In addition, there will be a procession involving pupils from several Crewe schools which will travel from Pyms Lane to the park, led by the Crewe Sea Cadets Corp Band.

Reaseheath College is joining forces with Crewe and Nantwich Horticulture Society to present a fabulous local produce and activities show, including demonstrations.

The climax to the day will be a huge pyrotechnic show including fireworks, flame shapes, gas jets and special effects from 9pm. Arena activities start at 4pm.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This is set to be a great day and with so many events on offer, there is sure to be something for everyone.

“In Queens Park, the town, along with Cheshire East, has a great asset and it is only right that we celebrate the excellent restoration work that has been carried out there.”

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, ward member for Crewe St. Barnabas and Crewe Mayor, said: “Events like this really bring the community together and it is only right that we celebrate Crewe’s rich heritage and exciting future.

“I would also like to encourage people to dress in Victorian period clothing for the day. I will be easy to spot in a top hat and waistcoat and I am looking forward to seeing the other outfits on show.”

This week has been mad with everything happening all at once in a prelude to the royal visit next week. Its hard to know were to start so starting at the main gate they have been cleaned up and looking good.

The lodges are finished and the gardeners have even got the flowers in for a usual show of colour. The path between the lodges has been resurfaced.

All the rubble by the lodges leading to Coronation Walk has been levelled and there have been lots of bulldozers putting in top soil in the area.

The most work has been around the cafe and the Boar war statue you wouldn't believe the difference to the area in a few short days.

The lions have returned back to the original position from years ago as they have for many years been to high.

The side of the cafe has been landscaped over looking the woodland walk.

This is the view from the cafe veranda looking out onto the lake. The only blot on the landscape is the hot weather has turned the lake green at Tipkinder end.

Queens Parks X Factor

2011-07-11T00:26:00.001+01:00

The talent show was on In the Queens Park on Sunday. There was some good acts despite the bad weather.

Just like the X factor we had the judges But who was playing Simon Cowl

The Cafe has come on in leaps and bounds this week with it all virtually finished

The Clock Tower has also been finished. The broken stone work has been replaced and the clock face had a face lift with the weather vane and metal work repainted. The whole structure has been cleaned

The Boer War Lions have been cleaned and put back in their original position which is lower than they have been for 50 years.

The area around the statue is getting a face lift with new surfaces.

Tommy is also looking refreshed after being restored

On the wildlife front the Heron has been around most of the week

I spotted a Dragon Fly the other day taking in the Sun

Rubbish

2011-07-03T00:25:00.001+01:00

Meet the new style rubbish bins in the Queens Park s a way of encouraging children to put litter in the bin.

If you check last weeks post we asked you what was missing in a picture of the main drive did you get the answer? Well take a look again at this weeks picture something else has gone can you spot what it is? Answers please on the back of a £10 note.

The base of the Boar War memorial is getting a make over this week with Granite edges all around the statue.

This is how that area looked before the Boar War statue was put there with the bandstand in front of the cafe

The cafe still isnt finished but the glass veranda is now in just waiting for the top rail. there is still a fair bit to do at the cafe.

On the wildlife front anyone know this duck its been around the park the last week or two but I cant seem to track down what type it is?

Summer Bedding

2011-06-27T00:48:00.001+01:00

In the main drive the summer beading has now been planted out but there is something missing in the picture above can you spot it?

The Boer War base is getting a make over with a new surround going in which I would think will be done next week

The heron now seems to have taken up residence in the park as its been seen all week.

There is a few rabbits with babies been seen around the cafe this week so they seem to be doing well.

We are waiting for the lodges ,cafe,Boar war, clock tower and monkey hut to be finished all should be done in the very near future

Gone Fishing

2011-06-19T00:58:00.001+01:00

We have had a Heron in the Queens Park this week doing some fishing

Also there are a few Robins about which you dont expect to see this time of year and they are very tame I got to within 3 feet of this one.

The main drive has had the new road put in and its only taken them a week to lay the edging stones and tarmac it.

They are now clearing around the Boer War statue and the entrance to the cafe

Something Fishy at the Queens Park

2011-06-12T00:55:00.001+01:00

Some time ago we reported over a 1000 fish were put into the lake but this is the first time we have been able to see some of them they are as yet very small well the ones that have been seen anyway.

They seem to love the weeds which looks a mess in the lake but its actual aerating the water and the ducks love it.

The main drive edging one side has now been done and work on the other side is well under way. The edging is granite and will look very nice once its all done.

The Hut on the new play area is getting under way with the roof on.

and the old play area has now been levelled and seeded over and will soon be a nice grass area.

On the south side the Monkey hut is being rebuilt

The hut was dedicated to Charles Dick centre

ERECTED IN MEMORY OF

CHARLES DICK J.P. (1838-1888)

Manager of Crewe Railway Works (1882-1888)

His career shows how a man of humble background,

may, by energy, perseverance, and intelligence,

rise to a position of influence in the community.

Another duck was out and about showing off her new family this week. There has been a lot of babies this time. What was shocking that as myself and another lady stood feeding the babies a child of about 3-4 years old came up and tried to kick the babies as his mother stood there saying nothing. Its surprising how many parents let their children chase the poor baby ducks. It a sad reflection on society were people have no respect for wildlife and what will these children grow up to become if parents allow it? If you see it contact the Park staff this again highlights the need for Park Wardens

New Cafe and Bowls Pavilion inside first pictures

2011-06-05T00:49:00.001+01:00

The bowls hut building is finished and only the decorating and minor things left to do.

The first look inside shows the lockers and other minor things left to do and painting is under way so hopefully it should soon be open.

Inside the new cafe the situation is similar with the doors going on and minor work inside to finish off. The cafe is different in that once its finished it still cant open as the building will be finished but the new management will then need to install the kitchen equipment before it can open.

It does look nice an bright inside with all the windows letting the sun in.

At the main lodges there has not been much progress to see as its all sheeted off and a lot of the work is inside. This week they are starting on the new sandstone wall at the rear of the east lodge.

The main drive is all go as at last the new paths are starting to be laid with a granite edging and drains going in with great speed this week.

The old play area has been removed and top soil has arrived ready to be put down.

We have had some nice days this week and one of the most popular attractions is the train trip around the park on the mini train

The lake is picturesque but we still have the problem with the weed coming up.

The babies are out on the lake and enjoying the sun as well this week with mum on guard

Queens Park opening event

2011-06-05T00:21:00.001+01:00

You can click on the picture for a full screen view

Heron moves into the Queens Park

2011-05-29T00:43:00.001+01:00

Its good to see the heron back in the park but it may be bad news for the fish.

There is also new babies for the geese and those from a few weeks ago are getting bigger and bolder

The Coots also have some babies but they do look bedraggled and arnt coming in close like the others

Even the squirrels have been out and about again this week

The old hut from the old play area is now being rebuilt on the new play area and the Tipkinder gates are now in place last weeks deliberate mistake if you didn't spot it was they wouldn't open as the path needed to be lowered which has now been done

Monkey Hut

2011-05-23T00:58:00.001+01:00

Work has started on the Monkey hut across the lake this week and the roof is off and scaffolding around it.

The old hut that was in the childs play area is now being put back on the new play area so you can shelter when it rains.

The new gates have gone in at Tipkinder end of the park see if you can spot the fault with them?

The old play area equipment has been removed and the tarmac has been dug up and put over the other side of Coronation walk its surprising how much there was

Rare old Pictures of Queens Park

2011-05-15T00:46:00.001+01:00

We have found some rare old pictures of the Queens Park many of them old postcards. Above is the Boar War statue with the old cafe and the guns.

The old Lilly pond

The path at the end of Coronation walk note the cafe in the background

The waterfall

two old postcards showing various scenes the lake, main entrance, lodge and boar war statue

Lodges and the clock tower with bunting out

Same again but and older black and white picture

Another Boar war statue picture

The lake side by the gold coarse by the looks of it

The lake again from across the lake towards the cafe with the old bridge

The bridge with the cafe how open the cafe looks with no trees around it like today

The cafe with the monkey hut in front of it

Mani Entrance with the Boar war statue

Another postcard with the clock tower and lake

Coronation Walk

Rowing on the lake with bridge in the background and viewing area

Black and white picture of the lake

Daffs out with the works in the background

One of the old bridges leading to the cafe

Two men outside the main entrance anyone know who they were?

Clock tower once again

Midgets in the Queens Park

2011-05-07T01:09:00.001+01:00

I spotted these two midgets in the park but it turned out they were big men down a big hole. They are putting the old shelter that was removed from the childs play area back in its new location in the play area but it does seem a big hole for foundations.

At the main entrance the clock tower renovations has started as scaffolding has been put up around it for work to begin. It shouldnt take much as the clock its self is maintained. So it basically need a clean and minor repairs to stones that are missing but it is a skilled job to fix.

The park gates are all go this week as the new gates go in at the Georges end above.

The gates at Morton Road end were going in today(Friday) and Tipkinder next weeks hopefully.

A new Family has moved in to the Park

Yes there are a few new families of ducks that have moved in and its good to see wildlife doing well

Having a day out with mum

A worrying development is the lake as you can see above the warm weather has brought out the weeds which are popping up all over the lake. The problem was the lake was dredged and then when the contractors went bust it was left without water for a long time and weeds started to grow. We are now seeing the results of this in the lake. I dont know if it can be removed by weed killer now there are fish in the lake or if it can be removed without draining we will wait and see but if its not talked it may take over the lake

A very Sad Tale

We live in a sick society and this case does highlight why the park needs wardens. Some time ago we mention an old man affectionately know as squirrel man. This man could be seen everyday in the park come rain shine and even when there was snow and ice and –20 he sat by the lake feeding the wildlife who ate out of his hand. He has not been seen for a while but it came to light why this week. Apparently some very sick young individuals started demanding he give them money and as a result he is to afraid to come to the park any more.

It goes without saying if you see anything like this or know these yobs call the Police and lets get them locked up

Queens Park Wardens Update

2011-05-01T00:14:00.001+01:00

This week shows why we need the park Wardens. Above the fence has been wrecked as people force their way into the park. we have had kids swimming in the lake while other stood on Burma Island throwing rock into the lake. We have had motor bikes chasing around the park so its essential we have wardens.

We have had a reply about the wardens from Cllr Andrew.Knowles

There has been gross misleading information being circulated about re Rangers/Wardens in relation to Queens Park I want to emphasise and I quote “In terms of the future operation of Queens Park once the restoration is complete the Council will have staff in place as part of the Management Plan which has been agreed with the HLF,this also includes a Queens Park Manager. There will be both rangers and a parks officer who will have a permanent base and presence in Queens Park

I hope this clears up any rumours

We have asked him to clarify some points as the wardens have received redundancy notices yet he says there will be rangers. As soon as we get more info we will let you know whats happening.

The Cafe scaffolding is slowly coming down and its looks better This picture take with a Finepix HS10 with 30* optical zoom from the main road.

The lake has looked good this week in the nice sun we have had.

Whats on this summer in the park click on the poster for a full view

Save the Queens Park Wardens

2011-04-26T23:27:00.001+01:00

I wonder if anyone knows that from June there are no Park Rangers. One sadly passed away a few months ago and there are no plans to replace him, another has already been made redundant and the third retires in June and again there are no plans for a replacement. I also believe that the external security company brought in by the Council to add additional security when the ranger's are off duty has also had the contract cancelled. An open invitation for all the undesirables to wreck all the good work in a very short space of time. I wonder if the Heritage Lottery hierarchy are aware of this. I would have thought that there were conditions attached to the bid that required the Council to commit staff to protect the park!

The wardens carry out many task open and shutting the park, controlling yobs and security, provide first aid, ensure any events have all they need to be able to carry out the event. They keep the park clean report faults and many other functions.

If they go the 6.5million spent will rapidly go down the pan as yobs start wrecking the park. What if you are taken ill or have an accident who will be there to save your life?

Its hard to see how they can be made redundant as someone must perform these task and if anyone does then the Wardens haven’t been made redundant but have suffered wrongful dismissal. To make someone redundant the job most have gone. Its not clear what the intentions are for the Queens Park but there was talk about leaving it open 24/7 while this may work in other posh areas in Crewe it will be wrecked within a week. Why spend 6.5 million to get the park right and then leave it to yobs to wreck.

The cost of the wardens is a drop in the ocean and not great saving are to be achieved by this move. Everyone is up in arms that knows about this and I visit the Queens Park daily and everyone is against loosing the wardens this could be the election big issue.

Support our campaign to save them by email your support to the link

click here to email

Easter in the Queens Park

2011-04-23T00:57:00.001+01:00

Easter and there has been plenty of Spring colour in the park both from the tress by the lake above and the spring bedding on the main entrance

Moving on the Bowls pavilion is now close to completion with the roof and the main structure now done. Even the windows are now in place

The cafe roof is now all but finished and the scaffolding is slowly coming down and the fence is going up for the veranda on the lake side both these projects are due to finish in May

The sun and holidays has brought people out to the park with train rides and bouncy castles being on site for the kids. We have had a good week weather wise and more sun is forecast for the Easter weekend

Gone in 60 Seconds

2011-04-10T01:06:00.001+01:00

All I have heard this week is complaints from people about the cutting down of trees by the new cafe. The above picture was taken last week.

This is what it looks like this week with the trees gone. They have removed a lot of trees so the view from the cafe is better and you will be able to see some of the lake. From the cafe side you will see the picture below but from the cafe you will be slightly higher.

Above is the area next to the cafe were a lot of trees have been removed. What do you think should the trees have been removed just so you can get a better view?

In the main drive way the sprig bedding its looking good in the sunshine.

I was surprised to catch two Jays in the park while they are not a rare bird they are hard to take pictures of as they dont often break cover and are wary of people but with the Fugi HS10 with 30* optical zoom I managed to catch this one

Finally the next Friends meeting has been cancelled we will let you know when its due

Tree Felling at the Queens Park

2011-04-03T00:46:00.001+01:00

There has been a few complaints this week about what's happening at the park. Firstly a lot of trees are being removed by the new cafe and by the lake so you can get a betters view of the lake etc from the new cafe. About 6 have already been felled and there are more to come. Many people don't agree that trees that have been around for year should be felled in this way what do you think?

The second problem is that one of the park keepers is finishing in June and wont be replaced and there has been discussions going on if the other park keeper will have to go. How the park will be protected and who will be there to help people is still open to debate. Having spent 6.5 million on the park don't we need someone to look after it and be there to help?

Thirdly its believed that firm who have done the cycle track to Nantwich have agreed to do the main paths in the park on condition bikes can go in the park. Again many fear the BMX will then come in and put people in danger. While sensible bikers maybe fine what about idiots?

The bowls hut is getting close to being finished as a new Zinc roof goes on and the main veranda is now in place. Lets hope its open for the new season.

The lodges are having a roof maker over as you can see. As a lot of the work is behind covered safety sheets there is not a lot to see.

The cafe roof is now not far off being done its seems to have taken forever to do the roof but its now looking good with all the daffs out(wonder how many will be left after mothering Sunday). Once the roof is done there isn't a lot of work to do inside as its a big open space.

The Boar war work has ground to a halt at the moment.

Boer War Memorial uncovered

2011-03-26T01:08:00.001Z

The Boer War Memorial has had the base uncovered as part of the restoration. It has been covered for at least 35 years as we have photos showing it covered at that time how long before that it was covered we are not sure. What was amazing was that someone had covered the old bolts in grease and cloth all those years ago and now they are as new.

Below the statue as it used to be

Spring has come to the park in the shape of the daffs display which is always a good show but its been the first time in a few years that they haven't been behind the barriers so this time we can see them in all their glory

By the lake the trees and bushes are also bursting into life for spring with a wonderful show

Work is still going ahead with the cafe and bowls hut mostly on the installation of the roof. The old hut in the play area has now been totally removed and will be put back soon in the new play area.

Friends of Queens Park Meeting No 23

2011-03-20T23:44:00.001Z

Wednesday 9th March 2011
Queen’s Park

Attendances
Derek Morgan    Sheila Blackburn    Elaine Dodd Allan Leah    Mervyn Goodwin    Roy Cartlidge Pam Minshall    Graeme Fletcher    Roy Prince
Lisa Prime    Daniel Prime    Linda Cooke Ray Stafford    Dave Lumley    K Morrell Nigel Irlam    Carl Clarke    Jan Wright
Maureen Grant    Bronwyn Dean    Roy Sparkes Janet Sparkes    Keith Harding

1.0 Apologies
Councillor Dorothy Flude Tim Crewe - Ghost Tours Hazel Evans
George Broughton Mark Wheelton

No    Item
2.0    Previous Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct
3.0    Matters Arising from the Minutes
None
4.0

Friends Chairperson’s Update and works in progress
Derek Morgan presented his report.
( Comments and questions arising are itemised below )

i. Pavilions – Contractor ‘Tolent’
Completion expected early May. Weather much better and some construction time has been caught up, but some time has been lost due to recent theft of recently installed electricity cables (copper value). The roof structure and walls are approaching completion and the internal works are in progress.

ii. Lodges- Contractor ‘ISG’
A 16 week programme commencing 31st January and completion date is 20th May. A good start has been made with the site compound fenced off, cabins installed, scaffolding erected, demolition of non-original extensions completed and some stone cleaning underway. A temporary access has been created 50 yds from the Lodge to assist users of the Park - it has been signed accordingly at both entrances.

iii. Structures – Contractor ‘Maysand’

The scope of works, for this contractor, includes the restoration of the Clock Tower, Boer War memorial, the monkey shelter (Southern Timber Shelter) and Play Area Shelter. Works commence on the 14th March; completion date and programme are not known yet but probably about 12 weeks.

iv. Play Area- Contractor: County Landscapes
There are some defects still to be made good and a new path linking gym equipment is proposed, plus removal of old play area agreed. Timescale is likely to be approximately four to six weeks and should commence on 14th March.

v. Footpaths
Costs for footpath works are due within the next two weeks, following which we will be able to agree the scope of works, programme, finalise costs and decide which contractors will be involved.

vi. Connect 2 Works

The traffic calming works and Tipkinder crossing is underway this week with a new cycleway across Tipkinder. Access for disabled drivers is possible but a bit restricted until the new access road through the depot is formed as part of the footpath works later in the summer.

LAKE

The Weeping Willow just coming into leaf looking good

Fish are to be returned this month. Following checks it appears that there has been a lot of poaching of the large carp. When the holding pool is partially drained it will be possible to determine how many large carp are left. A health check requires ten fish, so assuming there are only fifteen it would be better to give them away to our partner angling clubs and purchase a new healthy stock. This will be investigated.

CAFETERIA PROCUREMENT

The Queens Park Cafeteria Services was recently advertised via the Councils procurement process, however, the contact was linked to three park sites of which CEC has received an objection. We await legal advice on how this will be resolved and will let the group know in due course.
The Parks Manager has applied for a Cafeteria Licence for the sale of alcohol and to utilise the venue for entertainment to increase opportunities to maximise footfall through events, functions and refreshment sales. Maximum opening hours the cafeteria could potentially operate is between 8am – 2am with alcohol and hot food sales up to 1am -- again to facilitate the venue fully for functions and events. We will invite the successful contractor to introduce themselves to a future Friends meeting once the contract details are confirmed.

POTENTIAL RE-OPENING EVENT
No Palace confirmation has been received. Therefore, it is proposed to plan for the
re-opening possibly on the second Saturday of September. This will allow sufficient time to make the event arrangements and engage with the community. Also, the Park will be much closer to completion. Should the Palace confirm, separate arrangements for an appropriate event/display will need to be arranged.

The heritage lottery visited the site to discuss the Managers initial pre grant application. Whilst that went well, they require longevity of activities to be confirmed. Given the restricted resources available in terms of administration we are not sure how practical this is. The grant application was £15k; however, some limited monies have been identified within the project which would ease the event arrangements considerably.
Key events would include a re-creation of the original procession which entered the Park. Already discussions are underway with local art workers to produce costumes with school children to recreate this, a marching band and fireman’s arch echoing the event of some 120+ years ago. The later date makes school involvement possible. Plus, Victorian themed side shows.... budget permitting. And, concluding with a pyro-show, the like of which most local residents would not have seen. This would be an interpretation of Crewe evolving from an industrial engineering town into today’s more modern economy. We await to confirm availability of this performance.

5.0    HLF Agreed Project Extension
HLF has agreed to extend the expiry date until the end of September.
6.0    Lake Fishing
Refer to Chair’s report above.
7.0    Cafeteria Procurement
Refer to Chair’s report above.
8..0    Re-opening Event
Refer to Chair’s report above.

9.0 AOB
Q: Is the Tipkinder Car park to be resurfaced?
A: (A. Leah) no money is available for resurfacing or bay marking etc – to undertake this project would take monies from the paths in the park. The problems with the TipKinder car park are problems with holes, rather than a need to resurface – finding filler for these can probably be arranged.
Park access for events and disabled drivers will change as the paths are completed – there will be no vehicle access via the east gate when the project is finished.
To the west, the new Cycleway needs soil and reseeding from the Golf Club area.

Opening of south and west gates: The gates are being fabricated. The final costing for refurbishment of paths is greater than foreseen. This is partly because some of the paths were not originally well-constructed. It is envisaged that the paths project will enable a link norh –south and east –west through the park and across the bridges. Other paths might have to be given a temporary surface until further funding is available.

Q: When will the Games Pavilion be completed? The season begins on April 1st.
A: It is scheduled for completion by 1st May and won’t be far off completion when the season starts. Temporary facilities will be confirmed in the interim – Elaine to arrange.

Q: When will there be access to Burma Star Island and use of that bridge? Could the barriers be removed so that the bridge can be used as a viewing platform?
A: It will be linked to the forthcoming footpath project and take into account changing levels and gradients, plus some changes to footpath layout. The viewing platform suggestion will be considered.

Q: Will the large roof space area of the new pavilion be utilised?
A: No. As in the original plans, the beams will remain exposed and the open-plan design will allow a clear vista.

Q: Is the double swing in the new playground dangerous?
A: It is in accordance with required health and safety standards – some signs about suitable age group of users and usage will be considered.

Q: The gym equipment area gets very muddy – what can be done about this?
A: A path link is to be added and drainage improved.

Q: What are the two Lodge houses to be used for?
A: They will be used for offices, staff facilities and as a community facility with approved and signed disabled access and toilets.

Q: What sort of re-opening event will there be? Will it be in place of the Carnival?
A: The event is no longer contingent on a royal visit (see Chair’s notes above) but requires an amount of funding that is not currently available. Nigel Irlam suggested approaching the townspeople for support by staging publicity events in the town centres.
It was pointed out that the Friends Group, as organisers, is not a registered Charity.

It was also suggested that a plan of action for the publicity be put to the Town Centre Manager by Nigel.
There was a further suggestion that the opening event should involve local community groups and reflect the multi-cultural society we live in.
With regards to Carnival, CEC has not approved any event budget. The re-opening event is a separate issue and has only £10k allocated at this time with a further £5k contributed form Crewe Trustees.

Q: How will children and young people be involved?
A: Elaine referred to the success of the Christmas Lantern Procession. If the opening goes ahead in September (?) there will be a Victorian Parade with multi-generational involvement. School-based workshops could begin in June. If there is to be a parade, a route will have to be agreed – all ideas are welcome!
AOB    Derek Morgan : presented the Friends Group with a cheque for £85, this being half the proceeds of Santa’s Grotto in the Park, as agreed. He was thanked for all his work on this project.
He also advised the group of a September event for Scouts: The Monopoly Live Run with groups camping overnight in the Park, entertainment, a Jamboree and sponsored prizes.
Donations will be made to the Friends Group.
AOB    Elaine informed the group that there is to be a competition to name the new Pavilion and details will be in the Chronicle.
A time capsule will also be buried this year and suggestions for its contents are invited.
DONM:
    Wednesday 20th April at 5.30pm
Venue to be confirmed

Name the new Cafe

2011-03-13T00:12:00.001Z

With work well underway on the new cafeteria pavilion in Queens Park, the Chronicle would like to offer readers a chance to name the building, which is to replace the 34-year-old Jubilee Cafeteria.

The impressive timber structure is now in place and the design will enable users to view the internal timbers when using the new facility.

The wall materials, on both the cafe and games pavilion, have been carefully chosen to match the sandstone on the two lodges located at the park’s main entrance, where possible.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Queens Park, as the name implies, has many royal connections with a history to suit. Readers may wish to name it after a royal event, maybe one that is taking place this year or even a past occasion.

“The details of the winners will be engraved on a plaque within the building and they will also be invited to be the first people to enjoy a meal in the new facility, together with up to five of their friends and family.”

Readers are also invited to suggest ideas for what items they consider should go into a time capsule, which will be buried in the park grounds. Those with the winning suggestions will receive a voucher for coffee or tea and cake for two at the cafe.

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, ward member for Crewe West, said: “This is a quality facility which will be the hub of activities within Queens Park and a focal meeting point for many years to come.

“We obviously can’t keep referring to it as the new pavilion and so would welcome readers’ ideas. The idea for the time capsules is a fun one which will provide much enjoyment when it is unveiled in years to come.”

Queens Park, once renowned as one of the finest parks in the North West, is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

Within the park’s 45 acres are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake (currently drained for construction works), grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project, visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.queensparkcrewe.com or www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click on ‘leisure, culture and tourism’, then follow links to the park pages.

Those without online access can request a paper copy from Queens Park manager Elaine Dodd, on 01270 537896.

SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO:

Suggested capsule items can be sent on a postcard to:

Elaine Dodd, Pym’s Lane Depot, Pym’s Lane, Crewe, CW1 3PJ.

Entries to be received no later than Friday, March 18.

Don’t forget to include your name, address, daytime telephone number and email address if you have one.

This week has seen the new steps go in and part of the roof going on

The lodges are progressing with the West lodge having the rear which wasnt original knocked down

The scaffolding is also up around the lodge for external work to be done.

The bowls hut is coming on with most of the wood now in place and its hoped it will be open for the new season, the grass has been cut ready to go.

Some news from the Friends meeting that the work on the Boar War, the clock tower and the Monkey hut will start next week. fish have been put back into the lake this week but there is still more to come so hopefully people will be able to fish soon. Outside the park by Tipkinder new drains have been going in this week as the area is always flooded.

Spotted on the lake on Saturday this Coot. I am not sure exactly what type it is but its new to the park and if you look closely you can see its ringed on its leg. It doesn't appear to be a common bird in this area.

Latin name

Fulica atra

Family

Rails (Rallidae)

Overview

All-black and larger than its cousin, the moorhen, it has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes, which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.

Where to see them

Mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes when deep enough. Sometimes seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen.

Friends agenda

2011-03-06T01:01:00.001Z

QUEENS PARK
RESTORATION PROJECT

Friends Meeting (22)
Wednesday 9th March, 2010 5.30pm
At Marshfield Community Centre, off West Street, Crewe

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of Last meeting

3. Matters Arising

4. Friends Chairpersons Update and Works in Progress

5. HLF Agreed Project Extension

6. Lake Fishing

7. Cafeteria Procurement

8. Grant Applications - Potential Re-Opening Event 2011

9. Any Other Matters

10. Date of Next Meeting

On Thursday there was a taster session for Fitness Walking and Nordic Walking Poles in the queens park. Its hoped that further sessions will take place later in the year.

The work on the lodges continues as the rear of the east lodge is being removed as part of the restoration.

The bowls hut veranda is coming on and the second chimney is now visible its hoped the slates can go on the roof in the near future.

The cafe they are just starting to put the roof tiles on and the ends are now completed so you can see the sandstone effect coming alive now. If the weather hold I would imagine the roof will be near completion next week

Lodges

2011-02-27T00:34:00.001Z

There is work going on at the park but its hard to show much change from last week that can be seen in a picture. The lodge has now got scaffolding around it ready for the work to begin. As you can see we are starting to see the first flush of spring as the pansies come into flower.

The cafe you can just see the bricks on the front triangles but there is still so much scaffolding that its hard to see but once again the flowers brighten the place up

Gatehouse lodges update

2011-02-19T00:41:00.001Z

The work on the lodges is well under way and the rear of the lodge above has been knocked down all ready. Scaffolding is going up around the lodges so the roof etc can be done.

The second chimney on the bowls club is now visible and the roof is under way. The work done over a week doesn't show up well in a photo unless you look close at the weekly pictures to see the changes.

Our friend the Mandarin Duck has stayed with us over the winter and is looking very colourful at this time of year.

I caught site of this cheeky chappy having his dinner on one of the bird box's

At Morton road end the clean up continues and the Monkey hut is now free from rubbish and the area is clean. Hopefully it wont be long before we can get the paths done and get round that side.

By the lake at the golf coarse end a tree has suffered from the high winds and come down with a bump

House proud at Queens Park

2011-02-12T00:13:00.001Z

Work has begun to restore the gatehouse lodges at Queens Park to their former glory.

While the work is under way, the adjoining main gates on Victoria Avenue will be closed. However, a temporary entrance has been created 50 yards along the road, for pedestrian access.

A total of £300,000 has been allocated for the refurbishment, which includes new roof cladding, replacement windows, porch repairs, demolition of extensions and structures that are not original, reinstatement of drainpipes and gutters to match originals and restoration of the garden and boundary walls to their original condition and location.

Both lodges will have new gas central heating boilers, new floor coverings and be completely redecorated.

The West Lodge will also get a disabled toilet, new kitchen, offices, new memorabilia room and a meeting room for school groups and other users.

The East Lodge will be completely rewired and have new toilets, showers and mess facilities for the gardening team, offices, a training/meeting room for horticultural students, storage for hand tools and an external cleaning area for equipment within the walled garden. The work is due to be completed by the end of May.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic that these premises will be brought into park use and will benefit from the significant investment in the Queens Park restoration project.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund is extremely supportive to help bring the exteriors of the lodges back largely to their original condition – which is great news, as we think this particular view is probably one of the most photographed in Crewe.

“This is another example of our determination to be an excellent council and work with others to deliver for Cheshire East and enhance the environment.”

Crewe South Ward member Councillor Dorothy Flude said: “I am very pleased to see that the two lodges are being brought back to their former Victorian glory.

“The space within the West Lodge for use by school children is an excellent idea. It’s good that schools will be encouraged to use this facility so youngsters can enjoy learning about the history of the park and the wider Crewe area as well as taking part in environmental and conservation activities in their community.”

If you want to learn more about the project, come to the next meting with project officers and consultants at Marshfield Bank Community Centre, off West Street, Crewe, on Wednesday, March 9, at 5.30pm. Or, you can become a paper or email member by ringing Queen’s Park manager Elaine Dodd on 07825351808.

Queens Park was renowned as one of the finest parks in the North West. It is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

Within the park’s 45 acres are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click ‘Leisure, Culture and Tourism’ and follow the links to the relevant pages.

The Bowling green now has a chimney sticking up clad in sandstone

The cafe mean while is going more and more pink as more roofing goes on in a nice pink colour

Life in the Queens Park 1900’s

2011-02-05T00:46:00.001Z

We have some new old pictures of the Queens Park park if that makes sense. It shows life in the park in the 1900 and the photos are courtesy of Rona MacKay. They are in very good condition considering they are over 100 years old

See the ducks were still there in those days

I am guessing this would be Burma Island in 1911

See we had snow in 1908

Another bridge not sure were this would be

Work on the two lodges is now getting under way as lots of workmen's cabins arrive ready to start work and the main gate is closed(it was open today Friday) Work is due to go on until June.

The cafe has pink lattes going on the roof this week and the weather has helped but there is not a lot to see.

The gardeners have been buzzy cleaning all the rubbish etc from the bushes along the railings and felling several trees over the other side of the lake. The area looks a lot better for a tidy up.

Using the new Finepix hs10 with 30* optical zoom I was able to get pictures of the band stand taken from the golf coarse. You have to admit its a good picture form that range and 30* comes into its own at times like this.

Climbing Frame open

2011-01-29T00:50:00.001Z

On Radio Stoke on Monday they started a rumour that the park wasn't going to be finished you can here the rumours here

I spoke to the horse mouth so to speak the manager of the Queens Park and there is no problem what has happened that the paths were all to be one contract but as there are different requirements for the paths ie the path by the lodges will all be on new soil and will settle in time so will need to be temporary paths. So what they have picked up on is that the contract has been stopped and changed to the new one were several tenders for different parts of the park. But she assured me the money was there and everything was going ahead as normal.

You can see on the www.crewetown.co.uk the main website for the park that everything is progressing with work on the lodges starting next week.

The Bowling Green roof is way underway with scaffolding up and lots of work on the roof and the veranda can now be seen.

The cafe has had lots of glass put into the roof and really taking shape at last once the roof is on the weather wont effect the work so bad. With all that glass its will be nice and bright inside.

Outside the cafe I caught a robin taking in the sun and its interesting that despite the cold weather you can see if you enlarge the picture by double clicking that the plants are slowly budding meaning that hopefully spring is to far away.

The climbing frame for older children is now up and running and there were children out enjoying it today

Rumours

2011-01-23T00:38:00.001Z

Radio Stoke caused a panic in the park last week as they interviewed everyone about rumours that the council had run out of money and had nothing left to finish the park and as such the paths planting etc would never be finished. I contacted the park manager and she assured me that everything was going ahead as planned. If any more info comes to light we will be on the case.

The work is still going ahead and the bowling hut is now getting the roof put on slowly

The cafe is also getting its roof put on and the glass windows at the top can be seen going in.

As you come in from Tipkinder the path down to the lake had fencing all the way down this has now been removed and the area cleaned up so there is a little extra space.

The new climbing frame has now got its play surface put down and should be open very soon. As with all things at this time of year the weather is a major problem which can soon put things back if we get more snow or frost

A new year begins

2011-01-15T00:21:00.001Z

After the snow and ice and the break for new year work is slowly getting started again with the cafe roof boards starting to go on.

From across the lake you can now see the cafe emerging from the trees. Picture taken with a Finepix HS10 with a 30x optical zoom from the golf coarse.

Over at the play area the new climbing frame has now got all the guy ropes in and the lads were working in the snow to get the job done. The safety matting was just going down today so it should be open in the very near future. It has been a struggle with the weather to get it done.

At Tipkinder entrance the trees have been removed to make way for the new wider gates coming soon

Idiots

2010-12-25T00:39:00.001Z

This will be the last update for this year and we will start a new news page for what we hope is the last year of the restoration. It interesting to look back at the whole year and we have the 2009 photos and news on line as well at the main Queens Park website

The Queens Park lake is frozen over once again and the idiots are out. The above shot of the lads running across the lake and jumping about on it. There is also bike tracks across the lake. What they dont realize is if it breaks and they fall in they could be in serious trouble as the temperature is so low. The problem is if they do fall in someone from emergency services may have to risk their lives to rescue them. So be smart and safe and stay off the lake.

The ducks are out enjoying a game of football on the lake and seem fascinated by the football. There has been some feathers near the golf coarse end of the lake which suggest something or someone is killing them.

At Tipkinder even the Valley Brook has frozen over which is unusual for a flowing stream.

While people are out feeding the Ducks dont forget the other wildlife as they need food this Robin came down and sat inches from us for ages desperate for food, So bring some food for the birds as well

Queens Park Play area update

2010-12-17T00:53:00.002Z

The bowing green now has the metal structure in place but due to the weather and the time of year progress is slow

The grass is in tip top conditions and very green considering the bad weather.

The same is true of the cafe all that can be done is the woodwork due to the weather.

The lake hasnt thawed out full yet and its evident how much rubbish has been throw into the lake by people while its frozen all which will sink once it thaws.

The play area’s new climbing frame and swings have made progress despite the bad weather with the new frame on site ready to be fitted. As you can see its like doing some Xmas puzzle trying to sort out all the bits for it.

By the play area were bird food has been put out there are lots of birds coming down to feed and this has created lots of interest with bird watchers.

The final thing is the new improved sluice gate wheels which will make things a lot simpler to operate when the lake needs to be filled

Winter Wonder Land

2010-12-11T00:00:00.001Z

With the bad weather the Queens Park has become a winter wonder land for those brave enough to brave the sub zero weather. early in the week it was cold and foggy giving a mystical feel.

The sun broke through later in the week but it was still very cold. What is shocking as you can see above people have been breaking into the park behind the barriers and throwing all sorts of things onto the lake. You can see metal fence,plastic fence and big rubber feet off the fences on the lake. The problem is as the lake melts all this is going into the lake which we have spent a fortune having it cleaned. It represents a danger to wildlife.

Getting any work done this week has been touch and go due to the freezing weather but the Bowls hut has had a crane there putting the steal work in and its starting to take shape slowly

The geese and ducks have been wondering about down the main drive due to the bad weather. You can see how frosty it has been with the trees pure white.

Despite the bad weather the play area is getting the new set of swings put in. The weather is against it as they cant cement them in while its so cold.

As well as the new swings the ground is being prepared for the new climbing frame for older youths. It was hoped to get it in before Xmas but its all down to the weather as they can cement or put the rubber down in the bad weather

Snow Work in the Queens Park

2010-12-05T00:01:00.001Z

Work has been hampered all week with snow and ice but they have managed to do some more woodwork on the cafe with the centre roof going into place slowly.

Its even been to cold for the squirrel man who sits by the lake daily and feeds them this one was sitting on the bench waiting for his dinner.

The lake has been frozen and as you can see the vandals have been at it again throwing logs fences and anything else they can find onto the lake. Of coarse when it melts all this rubbish will be in the lake which has just been cleaned out they have been wrecking fences to get to the lake and the Police have had to be called on more than one occasion.

The gardeners have been busy cutting back the bushes and trees in and around Coronation Walk ready for planting next year

Cafe contracts up for grabs at parks

2010-12-01T00:22:00.001Z

Firms are being invited to tender to run the new cafeteria in Crewe’s Queens Park.

Building work is under way and the facility is due to open next year.

The offer to prospective contractors has been placed on Cheshire East Councils website and is an electronic application known as ‘the chest’.

Contracts are also up for grabs at the cafeterias within Congleton Park and West Park, Macclesfield. Prospective contractors can submit interest for any of the cafeteria operations. The closing date for tender submissions is December 13.

The website – www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk – also has a suppliers’ guide, which has useful tips and advice for first-time users.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a wonderful local opportunity to work within Queens Park on the first year following refurbishment. There are lots of ideas to work hand in glove with Cheshire East Council to provide a creative and enjoyable facility within the new cafeteria pavilion.”

Work on the cafeteria began in July. It is hoped the construction will be completed by February.

Queens Park is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click on ‘leisure, culture and tourism’ and follow links to the park pages.

Great Tits in the park

2010-11-27T00:37:00.001Z

Wild Life Special

No not those sort I Know what you thought smutty lot. With the bad weather the wildlife in the park has been in abundance as they fight to get berries etc ready for winter. There are birds of all sort to be seen.

By Tipkinder entrance bird feeders have been placed and the birds are flocking to get their food. I spent 20 mins catching these picture and if you stand still just a few feet away they still come down to feed. These I believe are great Tits

The squirrels are as cheekey as ever and again if you stay still they will come and even feed out of your hand

The above was the funniest shot of the week as I stud with MAX my German Sheppard and took these pictures of the cat with birds all around it with out him even looking and he didn't move with the dog either

There are a few Robins popping down to get the crumbs at the base of the feeders

The lake its self is frozen over and the wack wacks are skating on the ice

Christmas at Queen’s Park

2010-11-26T23:59:00.001Z

Father Christmas is taking time off from his busy schedule to join in with the children’s lantern procession and other fun activities, at Queen’s Park in Crewe, on December 5.

The procession starts at 4.30pm at the main entrance to the park. Staff from Cheshire East Council have been visiting schools around Crewe making decorations for the children to carry during the event.

A festive sing song is planned around the park’s Christmas tree. It will be led by Reverend Steven Clapham from All Saints Church. He will also be giving an interactive presentation reminding people of what Advent is all about.

The evening is being organised by the Friends Group, in partnership with Crewe and Nantwich Lions, and it is the second year the lantern procession has been held at Queen’s Park.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This is sure to be a special occasion and events like this improve community life.

“The event is free of charge as well, which is good news for families at an expensive time of year.”

Councillor Dorothy Flude, ward member for Crewe South, said: “I hope the people of Crewe will come out and support this event.

“Christmas is a special time for children and I am sure that the lantern procession will be a big success.”

The bowls pavilion is progressing slowly with the Sandstone being fitted. Most of the work is at the rear so far so you cant really see very much.

While in the same area with my new super Finepix HS10 camera with 30X optical zoom I took a snap of the bell on top of the West Lodge I wonder how many walk past the lodge and never look and see the bell?

The Cafe work has mostly been on the west side roof getting the beams in place.

You can now start to see the view the cafe will present on the horizon taken from the lake

Park development rises to the occasion

2010-11-20T00:59:00.001Z

The new cafeteria at Queens Park has reached a milestone – with the impressive timber structure soaring into place.

A specialist company has been involved in installing the timbers due to their size, weight and complex fixing arrangement. The design will enable users to view the internal timbers when inside the new building.

The wall materials, on both the café and games pavilion, have been carefully chosen to match, where possible, the sandstone on the two lodges located at the Crewe park’s main entrance. The dark-red St Bees sandstone is the same as that which forms the sea cliffs of St Bees Head, near Whitehaven, in Cumbria.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “The pace this building is going up is satisfying to see. But the really great thing is that you can now visualise what it will finally look like once completed and see the scale of the new facility.”

Work on the project began in July. It is hoped the construction will be completed by February.

Crewe West ward member Councillor Robert Parker said: “I am delighted with the building work on the new cafeteria. The attention to detail is particularly inspiring and I feel, once the whole restoration project is finally complete, Queens Park will be a major tourist attraction in the North West and a magnet for visitors to Crewe.”

If you don’t have online access, you can request a paper copy from Queens Park manager Elaine Dodd, on 01270 537896.

The Bowls pavilion is also making progress with wooden beam going in just like the cafe so they are getting on with it well.

One of the few trees left showing its Autumn colour is near the main entrance and work on the lodges should be starting soon.

One thing happening this week that people wont notice is the amount of wildlife in the park with lots of squirrels about and lots of birds over by the main entrance in the bushes after the berries etc all getting ready for winter.

The lake still has some nice colours left to show you with a nice dreamy scene its so much better now you can get to the lake its self

November update

2010-11-13T01:09:00.002Z

The bowls pavilion has now got some of the sandstone brick work in place and starting to look something like at last.

The cafe wood work is progressing but its a big job like a giant jigsaw but a lot of the beams are in and you can see the structure taking place

The top grass area near the band stand has started to green over very well now its been levelled after being covered in mud for years

Out side the park by the golf coarse the new footpath is now in place with bollards to protect you from the cars and the playing fields path has also been done

Our favourite rare duck has been out and about all this week and I got a couple of shots of him

November in the Queens Park

2010-11-05T00:46:00.001Z

The bowls pavilion is now progressing well and you can now see the basic structure in place

Most of the work on the cafe has been around getting the wooden beams in place. Its a complicated structure and the crane has been here all week off and on lifting the beams into place each beam cost about £1,00.

The big thing is the bonfire which is on Friday the 5th and they were building it today

I noticed our regular visitor to the park nick named Squirrel man who come most days rain or sun to feed the squirrels and its interesting to see how they come and sit with him with him and eat from his hand.

There is still lots of colour in the park and it changes everyday it seems this one from Morton Road of the lake

October in the Park

2010-10-30T00:58:00.001+01:00

The main work you can see has been the cafe getting the wooden post put in place with a crane being on site most of the week. You can now begin to see the structure of the wood at last

Most of the other action is really about the changing colours of the park trees at this time of year

You can just see in the picture below the grass is growing on the area by the bandstand

Queens Park refurbishment has Crewe buzzing

2010-10-22T00:41:00.001+01:00

New buildings at Queens Park are taking shape – and causing a buzz of interest in Crewe.

Work on the frames and striking sandstone walls of the new cafeteria and games pavilion has got under way – putting a modern twist on the park’s Victorian heritage.

Formed more than 250 million years ago, in the permo-triassic age, the stone is called ‘St Bees’. It is a dark-red sandstone which forms the sea cliffs of St Bees Head, near Whitehaven in Cumbria.

The materials for the two buildings have been carefully chosen to match, where possible, the two sandstone lodges at the park’s main entrance.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The new build has created a lot of interest in Queens Park which is satisfying to see, particularly given the attention to detail and the modern twist on the Victorian theme of the park.

“The new pavilion and café are wonderful facilities and the improvements will encourage more people into the park.

“The building work is drawing on the latest engineering skills in the same manner as our Victorian predecessors, when they first constructed the park for the people of the area.”

Work on the project began in July. It is hoped the construction will be completed by February.

The St Bees sandstone been sourced from Birkhams Quarry, in Whitehaven.

St Bees sandstone was originally used as ballast on ships to the US and then as a brownstone substitute for building in the US and Canada.

Its physical performance results in a sandstone which is extremely durable and versatile. It has been used on restoration projects such as Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Chester Song School, part of Chester Cathedral.

The stone has been used widely in Britain and especially in Cheshire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Manchester, the Wirral and Wales.

Queens Park was renowned as one of the finest parks in the North West. It is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to is former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click ‘Leisure, Culture and Tourism’, then follow links to park the pages.

If you don’t have online access, you can request a paper copy from Queens Park manager Elaine Dodd, on 01270 537896.

The other change people can see is the fence by the lake has been removed so now you can walk right down to the lake.

The Autumn colours are changing daily with some wonderful sites to be seen

Like this tree by the path

The squirrels are cheeky as ever collecting their nuts for winter

Autumn

2010-10-03T00:22:00.001+01:00

The mud mountain by the main rd is all but finished and has been levelled off. This was needed to stop the wall collapsing and to make it safe for disabled people. There is now a slight bank so it should now be ok for everyone.

This week the cafe had the concrete arrive for the floor so now all that is done

The outside they have started to put the sandstone brick in place so you begin to see what its going to look like

Autumn colour is slowly coming in with the tree by the lodge starting to change

The trees near the War memorial are also starting to change and these are the most spectacular at this time of year.

Up near the bandstand the area has now been landscaped and is back to a flat surface after a long time being a mud hill

In the same are people have asked if the floor in the Bandstand is finished the answer is as you can see is yes and it looks like new

Sluice gate repair

2010-09-20T00:32:00.001+01:00

The Sluice Gates at Tipkinder which are used to fill the Lake were getting a overhaul this week. Originally made in Crewe works they are generally working well but a few improvements are needed.

The Cafe is progressing with walls going up at a good rate of knots

The mud mountain near the main road has had bull dozers on it all week levelling it off and creating a slope into coronation walk thankfully the 3 million year old stone has now been removed from the walk into the office before someone through it away thinking it was rubbish

Its been a strange week with on one hand the Butterflies still out enjoying the flowers and what we think of as a winter visitor the Robin seen down by the lake

What is clear is that winter is on its way as Autumn comes to the park with the first trees starting to change colour the trees on the far side of the lake are the first to go. There will be some good pictures in the near future as Autumn colour takes over

Park Meeting

2010-09-10T00:23:00.001+01:00

This week we had the Friends meeting which was postponed from July and details can be found on the Friends of Queens park page

A lot of work has happened around the Cafe this week. The new steel work arrived and was put in place with a crane

As you can see the cafe is now taking shape with the basic walls and steel work in place you can appreciate the size of it now

The fence around the lake has been replaced between the two bridges and the gardeners have been seeding the slope so it can be fully opened once the grass has grown. But it does mean you can now take some pictures of the lake

Outside the park by the Golf Coarse the path has now been laid which will be part of the cycle track to Nantwich

Finally the bowls hut walls are starting to grow and this was one of the hot topics at the meeting as to prevent the project going over budget the hut will not now have any shutters on the windows

Lots of Work at the Park

2010-09-04T01:10:00.001+01:00

The main drive is at its best with all the hard work the gardeners have done and everything is now in full bloom

The bowling hut is now getting underway again with the base concreted in

The cafe is beginning to take shape as the wall near the lake is being built up

The metal fence near the lake has been removed between the bridges and you can now see the lake at its best. The duck were struggling after being used to going under it the plastic fence was keeping them guessing how to get under

Finally on the top near the bandstand were all the excess mud had built up they have bulldozers levelling it off so hopefully we will soon be able to use the new bandstand

Fencing Removed

2010-09-01T00:15:00.001+01:00

The metal fencing around the lake was being removed to day and replaced with a nylon barrier which means you can see the lake better and take pictures of it now. The bank has to be grassed over to make it safe and they should start that this week. Up near the band stand the bull dozers were hard at work getting the top areas straight again

Big Balls in the park

2010-08-30T23:54:00.001+01:00

A strange site for anyone entering the park today as giant balls were seen floating about. It turned out the local firm Zorb it events

had brought the Zorb over for a fun day out so people could give them a try and there was lots of interest as the kids all wanted ago. The new play area was heavily used as well and the official open is tommorow

More on the Play Area

2010-08-28T01:02:00.001+01:00

Just to remind everyone there is no Procession this year for the Carnival

More pictures of the new children's play area they were just finishing painting the railings as I was there today. Its open but there will be an official opening on Tuesday

The Bowls hut is now back on track with the footings back in

Over near the main entrance the mud mountain by Coronation Walk had bulldozers levelling it out. It will give us a flat road so its safe for disabled and all so help to support the outside wall which was in danger of collapsing. It will be levelled off and a smooth path down to the walk

The Cafe now has the floor in and a few bricks

Queens Park Crewe

New Swan arrives

Sad day this week as we pay repsects to Mrs Farmer who lived in the East Lodge for many years (married to Mr Colin Farmer who did so much for the Parks and Cemeteries),

New out door classroom

Where to see them

Timber

Dogs Menace

Mandarin Duck returns

Winter Arrives in Queens Park

More havoc and destruction

Barriers Down

Wildlife Invasion

Remember this

Autumn comes to the park

Lakeside Cafe

Pickle Jar at the Lakeside Winter Opening Times from October 30thMonday 12 noon - 4pm Tuesday 12 noon - 4pm Wednesday 12 noon - 4pm Thursday 12 noon - 4pm

Dan The Man

What a week

Panoramic Queens Park Pictures

Tents in the Queens Park

Wildlife in the Queens Park this week

Wildlife this week

Latin name

Family

Overview

Where to see them

Queens Park Restoration Review

Grand Opening Evening

Grand Opening Parade

Grand Opening Day Morning

Grand Opening Event

Opening Event Count Down

New Path

Step Back in Time

No More Park Wardens

Queen Victoria's Big Nose

LOCAL COUNCILLOR RECEIVES AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

A GOOD TIME WILL BE HAD BY ALL AT THE WILLASTON FETE

Royal Visit Part Two

Photos of the royal visit to the new cafe. The queens Park display at Tatton can be seen here on youtube.

Royal Visit

Wildlife Special

Family

Overview

Where to see them

When to see them

What they eat

Estimated numbers

Grebes(Podicipedidae)

Where to see them

When to see them

What they eat

Restoration Nearing Completion?

Queens Parks X Factor

Rubbish

Summer Bedding

Gone Fishing

Something Fishy at the Queens Park

New Cafe and Bowls Pavilion inside first pictures

Queens Park opening event

Heron moves into the Queens Park

Monkey Hut

Rare old Pictures of Queens Park

Midgets in the Queens Park

Queens Park Wardens Update

Save the Queens Park Wardens

Easter in the Queens Park

Gone in 60 Seconds

Tree Felling at the Queens Park

Boer War Memorial uncovered

Friends of Queens Park Meeting No 23

Name the new Cafe

Latin name

Family

Overview

Where to see them

Friends agenda

Lodges

Gatehouse lodges update

House proud at Queens Park

Pickle Jar at the Lakeside Winter Opening Times from October 30th
Monday 12 noon - 4pm
Tuesday 12 noon - 4pm
Wednesday 12 noon - 4pm
Thursday 12 noon - 4pm