Dawstone Park History
A sandstone plaque in Heswall Park on the boundary wall with Dawstone Road commemorates its opening on 1st July 1931, the realisation of a special project by the Heswall cum Oldfield Parish Council .
The park today, situated centrally between the Lower and Top villages, is a major asset to Heswall much enjoyed by children; their parents appreciate its compact size and its sloping terrain which allows easy views over the whole area, and the secure boundaries separating it from surrounding roads. Dog walkers appreciate it for the same reasons, and older teenagers use it as a place to meet and let off steam. Residents and visitors alike never tire of the panoramic view over the Dee to the Welsh mountains, which makes it a popular picnic site. Ever since it opened it has been famous for its flower beds with their colourful displays of bedding plants. The commemorative plaque is inscribed with the phrase “ Floreat Sanctis Sactorum” which could be translated as “A very special place blossoms” , the religious allegory of the phrase may have been inspired by the view of St Peter’s Church visible from the park. When the snow comes the park becomes a toboggan run and enjoyed by young and old alike, with the added excitement of avoiding a holly bush at the bottom of the park for those who misjudge their speed or direction! The childrens’ play ground is being renovated to a very high standard thanks to the efforts of our local councillors who have helped obtained grants from the South Wirral Constituency Committee to supplement the funding available from the Parks Department. The Cammell Laird apprentices have helped with this work. The railings along School Hill have been replaced and look very smart.
However in spite of this really welcome investment in the park, its unique character became under threat, a problem shared with all parks and open spaces on Wirral, as Wirral Council struggles to maintain all its recreational spaces whilst facing huge reductions in available resources due to cuts in government funding. Future maintenance would be restricted to mowing the grass and emergency tree work, but would not extend to the planting and maintenance of the glorious flower beds. Ivy and bindweed began to take over, even to the extent of obscuring the commemorative plaque. The Heswall Society stepped in and supported the formation of a Friends’ Group by whose efforts, and with the help of volunteers, Dawstone Park has been restored and continues to me maintained to a very high standard for the enjoyment of all, rewarded in 2016 and again in 2017 by being awarded Green Flag status, a benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the United Kingdom. A Friends’ Group is essential to achieve a Green Flag award, and attaining this status provides a great advantage when applying for grants.
Barry Adams describes in his fascinating article in this magazine dated June 2012, how the Edge family settled on the then common land which covers both the existing area of the park, and also the land to the north east where the first houses in Dawstone Road are now built. The Tithe map of 1851 shows Samuel Edge occupying the Dawstone Park area and William Edge the north easterly land. The map shows a number of buildings on the site of Dawstone Park, consistent with its use as a small holding. The tithe map was produced as part of the Enclosures Acts which consolidated the ownership of common and waste land, and caused new roads to be built. One of these roads was Dawstone Road, which took its name from a hamlet called Dawstone, part of the Parish of Heswall cum Oldfield. The house called Dawstone at the top of Brow Lane was believed to be originally a small farm. Brow Lane was a route from the Lower Village across Heswall Heath to reach Pensby and Liverpool. The name Dawstone could derive from the Old English words dal ( a division) and stan (stone), possibly representing a boundary stone to mark the division of land.
In 1924 the War Memorial was opened at the junction of Dawstone Road and the Mount. This gave a panoramic view across the small holding occupying the area which is now the park. At this time the land was occupied by Thomas Swift, the son of Joseph Swift who had married Alice Edge. The buildings on the site were becoming derelict, and the Parish Council decided to convert the land, which was now in their ownership into a park. In November 1930 they issued Joseph Swift an eviction order to for him and his son to vacate the land within 3 months. There was correspondence between the Swift’s and solicitors representing the Council, and Barry Adams states that ultimately the Swift’s did not have the financial assets to contest ownership. It is a poignant reminder of events still to come that the Chairman of the Parish Council, Major H Kerr Wilson must have surveyed the land from the War memorial, not knowing that his son would be added to the Second World War list of names on the memorial, after he was killed in his Spitfire in France in 1940.
Work on the park commenced on 23rd February 1931. The old buildings were demolished and the good stone used to build the walls adjoining School Hill and Dawstone Road and the rockeries constructed where the land sloped the most steeply must have consumed the rest. A well was filled in, and the whole site landscaped.12 seats were provided, and paths laid. A small strip of land along Dawstone road was given to Cheshire County Council so they could construct the footpath which gives such magnificent views today, causing many passersby to pause and contemplate the scenery. Seven labourers, 2 masons, and a joiner were employed over a period of 13 weeks, at a total cost of approximated £380 pounds including materials. G Chamberlain was appointed full time caretaker and keeper of the park (plus handyman for the Parish) on a wage of £2.50 per week. How things have changed!
In the a report of the subcommittee dated 23rd May 1931, just before the park opened, the following comments were made “The subcommittee have spent considerable time in the course of the development of this land, and no effort has been spared to retain the truly rural aspect of the situation, and have worked consistently with the attainment of this object in view, mainly to provide a rural sanctuary of seclusion for the elder people, in the midst of bricks and mortar, and also the provision of a small open space, free from danger, for the younger children to enjoy their pastimes.”
Their achievement still speaks for itself today, even though over 80 years have passed since the above was written. A few changes have happened since then-the rockeries have disappeared and there are a fewer flower beds. However since 2013 the remaining flower beds in the grassed area are bare and those along the edges are becoming strangled with ivy. Community support is needed to restore them to their former glory. Other tasks will involve repairing fences and benches, painting rails and edging paths,
The park today, situated centrally between the Lower and Top villages, is a major asset to Heswall much enjoyed by children; their parents appreciate its compact size and its sloping terrain which allows easy views over the whole area, and the secure boundaries separating it from surrounding roads. Dog walkers appreciate it for the same reasons, and older teenagers use it as a place to meet and let off steam. Residents and visitors alike never tire of the panoramic view over the Dee to the Welsh mountains, which makes it a popular picnic site. Ever since it opened it has been famous for its flower beds with their colourful displays of bedding plants. The commemorative plaque is inscribed with the phrase “ Floreat Sanctis Sactorum” which could be translated as “A very special place blossoms” , the religious allegory of the phrase may have been inspired by the view of St Peter’s Church visible from the park. When the snow comes the park becomes a toboggan run and enjoyed by young and old alike, with the added excitement of avoiding a holly bush at the bottom of the park for those who misjudge their speed or direction! The childrens’ play ground is being renovated to a very high standard thanks to the efforts of our local councillors who have helped obtained grants from the South Wirral Constituency Committee to supplement the funding available from the Parks Department. The Cammell Laird apprentices have helped with this work. The railings along School Hill have been replaced and look very smart.
However in spite of this really welcome investment in the park, its unique character became under threat, a problem shared with all parks and open spaces on Wirral, as Wirral Council struggles to maintain all its recreational spaces whilst facing huge reductions in available resources due to cuts in government funding. Future maintenance would be restricted to mowing the grass and emergency tree work, but would not extend to the planting and maintenance of the glorious flower beds. Ivy and bindweed began to take over, even to the extent of obscuring the commemorative plaque. The Heswall Society stepped in and supported the formation of a Friends’ Group by whose efforts, and with the help of volunteers, Dawstone Park has been restored and continues to me maintained to a very high standard for the enjoyment of all, rewarded in 2016 and again in 2017 by being awarded Green Flag status, a benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the United Kingdom. A Friends’ Group is essential to achieve a Green Flag award, and attaining this status provides a great advantage when applying for grants.
Barry Adams describes in his fascinating article in this magazine dated June 2012, how the Edge family settled on the then common land which covers both the existing area of the park, and also the land to the north east where the first houses in Dawstone Road are now built. The Tithe map of 1851 shows Samuel Edge occupying the Dawstone Park area and William Edge the north easterly land. The map shows a number of buildings on the site of Dawstone Park, consistent with its use as a small holding. The tithe map was produced as part of the Enclosures Acts which consolidated the ownership of common and waste land, and caused new roads to be built. One of these roads was Dawstone Road, which took its name from a hamlet called Dawstone, part of the Parish of Heswall cum Oldfield. The house called Dawstone at the top of Brow Lane was believed to be originally a small farm. Brow Lane was a route from the Lower Village across Heswall Heath to reach Pensby and Liverpool. The name Dawstone could derive from the Old English words dal ( a division) and stan (stone), possibly representing a boundary stone to mark the division of land.
In 1924 the War Memorial was opened at the junction of Dawstone Road and the Mount. This gave a panoramic view across the small holding occupying the area which is now the park. At this time the land was occupied by Thomas Swift, the son of Joseph Swift who had married Alice Edge. The buildings on the site were becoming derelict, and the Parish Council decided to convert the land, which was now in their ownership into a park. In November 1930 they issued Joseph Swift an eviction order to for him and his son to vacate the land within 3 months. There was correspondence between the Swift’s and solicitors representing the Council, and Barry Adams states that ultimately the Swift’s did not have the financial assets to contest ownership. It is a poignant reminder of events still to come that the Chairman of the Parish Council, Major H Kerr Wilson must have surveyed the land from the War memorial, not knowing that his son would be added to the Second World War list of names on the memorial, after he was killed in his Spitfire in France in 1940.
Work on the park commenced on 23rd February 1931. The old buildings were demolished and the good stone used to build the walls adjoining School Hill and Dawstone Road and the rockeries constructed where the land sloped the most steeply must have consumed the rest. A well was filled in, and the whole site landscaped.12 seats were provided, and paths laid. A small strip of land along Dawstone road was given to Cheshire County Council so they could construct the footpath which gives such magnificent views today, causing many passersby to pause and contemplate the scenery. Seven labourers, 2 masons, and a joiner were employed over a period of 13 weeks, at a total cost of approximated £380 pounds including materials. G Chamberlain was appointed full time caretaker and keeper of the park (plus handyman for the Parish) on a wage of £2.50 per week. How things have changed!
In the a report of the subcommittee dated 23rd May 1931, just before the park opened, the following comments were made “The subcommittee have spent considerable time in the course of the development of this land, and no effort has been spared to retain the truly rural aspect of the situation, and have worked consistently with the attainment of this object in view, mainly to provide a rural sanctuary of seclusion for the elder people, in the midst of bricks and mortar, and also the provision of a small open space, free from danger, for the younger children to enjoy their pastimes.”
Their achievement still speaks for itself today, even though over 80 years have passed since the above was written. A few changes have happened since then-the rockeries have disappeared and there are a fewer flower beds. However since 2013 the remaining flower beds in the grassed area are bare and those along the edges are becoming strangled with ivy. Community support is needed to restore them to their former glory. Other tasks will involve repairing fences and benches, painting rails and edging paths,
Meeting To Form A Friends Of Dawstone Park Group
A meeting was held on the 4th of February 2015 at which about 50 people braved the cold night to attend. Below is a summary by Angela Mounsey.
Summary of meeting that took place at St Peter’s School on Wednesday, 4th February 2015 Friends of Dawstone Park. The meeting was opened by Dennis Clegg, Chairman of the Heswall Society. Mr Clegg welcomed everyone and explained that the Heswall Society would be involved in setting up the Friends of Dawstone Park (FDP) but would not be running the group. Mr Clegg then introduced Mr. Fergus Adams, Wirral B.C.’s Constituency Manager. Mr. Adams welcomed everyone, including Cllr Rowlands who was actively involved in this project. Mr.Adams felt that Parks were the lifeblood of a community and were for all to be able to enjoy and relax in. The Wirral South Constituency committee was developed to give a devolved approach to a local footprint and was keen to set priorities for 3 – 5 years. The intention was to improve the open spaces and to be able to achieve Green Flag Status for the park. Two weeks ago, it was agreed that DP would be their focus for the years 2015/2016 and it awarded DP £15,000 to spend. This runs from 1st April for twelve months. The Council want to work with FDP to see how the money can be spent to make an initial improvement. This year, Mayer Park, was their focus and they immediately received help with new litter bins, new benches, gates were taken away, mended, painted and returned and the park was given a new lease of life. At this point there was a question from the floor. Would the £15,000 include hiring a gardener? Mr Adams said, no, as they still had gardeners etc, so would want to work with the committee on this aspect. Green Flag status was explained. It is a national recognition of a Park. An application goes in and it is judged on certain criteria by an independent body. For Green Flag explanation see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Flag_Award Another question asked whether the Council still looked after the trees. Mr Adams said safety aspects and maintenance, would still be their domain, but Friends would organise through the Council. Mr. Martyn Harrison of Ashton Park, West Kirby gave a detailed talk with slides, about Ashton Park, how they set up their Friends group and the benefits for their park. Obviously, different from DP, much bigger with a wider ability to attract different users, but it has improved their Park considerably. When Mr. Harrison saw DP, he felt it looked neglected but had great potential. Why should there be a Friends group? They renew pride in the area They address concerns in falling standards Can apply pressure with a failing facility and also to create a new facility. What can Friends do? Protect Park facilities, flora and fauna Seek to halt decline and raise maintenance standards Improve park and facilities Promote use and activities – brass band, open day?
At the end of the meeting 10 people volunteered to be on the steering committee to set up a Friends Group
On 1st April 2015 Friends of Dawstone Park elected a New Committee and a Constitution was adopted.
A meeting was held on the 4th of February 2015 at which about 50 people braved the cold night to attend. Below is a summary by Angela Mounsey.
Summary of meeting that took place at St Peter’s School on Wednesday, 4th February 2015 Friends of Dawstone Park. The meeting was opened by Dennis Clegg, Chairman of the Heswall Society. Mr Clegg welcomed everyone and explained that the Heswall Society would be involved in setting up the Friends of Dawstone Park (FDP) but would not be running the group. Mr Clegg then introduced Mr. Fergus Adams, Wirral B.C.’s Constituency Manager. Mr. Adams welcomed everyone, including Cllr Rowlands who was actively involved in this project. Mr.Adams felt that Parks were the lifeblood of a community and were for all to be able to enjoy and relax in. The Wirral South Constituency committee was developed to give a devolved approach to a local footprint and was keen to set priorities for 3 – 5 years. The intention was to improve the open spaces and to be able to achieve Green Flag Status for the park. Two weeks ago, it was agreed that DP would be their focus for the years 2015/2016 and it awarded DP £15,000 to spend. This runs from 1st April for twelve months. The Council want to work with FDP to see how the money can be spent to make an initial improvement. This year, Mayer Park, was their focus and they immediately received help with new litter bins, new benches, gates were taken away, mended, painted and returned and the park was given a new lease of life. At this point there was a question from the floor. Would the £15,000 include hiring a gardener? Mr Adams said, no, as they still had gardeners etc, so would want to work with the committee on this aspect. Green Flag status was explained. It is a national recognition of a Park. An application goes in and it is judged on certain criteria by an independent body. For Green Flag explanation see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Flag_Award Another question asked whether the Council still looked after the trees. Mr Adams said safety aspects and maintenance, would still be their domain, but Friends would organise through the Council. Mr. Martyn Harrison of Ashton Park, West Kirby gave a detailed talk with slides, about Ashton Park, how they set up their Friends group and the benefits for their park. Obviously, different from DP, much bigger with a wider ability to attract different users, but it has improved their Park considerably. When Mr. Harrison saw DP, he felt it looked neglected but had great potential. Why should there be a Friends group? They renew pride in the area They address concerns in falling standards Can apply pressure with a failing facility and also to create a new facility. What can Friends do? Protect Park facilities, flora and fauna Seek to halt decline and raise maintenance standards Improve park and facilities Promote use and activities – brass band, open day?
At the end of the meeting 10 people volunteered to be on the steering committee to set up a Friends Group
On 1st April 2015 Friends of Dawstone Park elected a New Committee and a Constitution was adopted.
