Here we go with an insight from the 1935 Derby Directory into what T.S. Wells (Parks Superintendent) called "The Lungs of Derby, " namely the parks within the Borough.

The first part of his report is quite revealing, it reads...

"Whilst the various industries in Derby are expanding and the borough boundary being extended, the need for open spaces in the town never been more pronounced. However, the Parks Committee of the Derby Corporation keeps well ahead of the times in this respect, having by deed of gift or purchase, acquired 530 acres of park land, causing Derby to be well above the Ministry of Health standard of percentage ratio of open space to population."

How times have changed in the ensuing 72 years, one of the jewels in the Parks' Committee's crown was the Arboretum which in 1935 was described as follows...

"The Arboretum, which covers an area of approximately 26 acres, is situated in the centre of the town, and was given to the town in the year of 1840 by Joseph Strutt. It was laid out in its present form by the famous landscape architect, J.C. Loudon, and was planted with a collection of trees and shrubs which was considered at that time to be the finest collection in the country.

Sisters Trix Smith ( 3 Wheeldon Avenue) and Evelyn Aspdin ( 3 Belper Road) (both nee Slater, Vernon Street) skate on the Mundy Paddling pool in the 1930s

During the summer months, the Parks Committee run a series of first-class band concerts and the public of Derby have the opportunity of hearing the very best military and brass band combinations in the country at the modest charge of 6d per concert. Among the recent improvements is a fine modern band-stand to replace the temporary structure which has hitherto been used. During past years an added attraction has been the special illuminations. The flower beds have been floodlit and with strip-lighting among the trees, the whole scheme makes a brilliant display and is a great attraction to thousands of visitors. There is a well-stocked aviary with some fine-plumed birds and a bowling green is a source of pleasure to many interested in this ancient yet ever-popular game."

I have fond memories of my father taking me to see the 'exotic birds' in the aviary when I was very young, exotic indeed for I had never seen a parrot or macaw and I seem to remember there was even a bird of paradise, well it had a long colourful tail and I think that's what it was.

Other parks in the Borough of Derby in 1935 were DARLEY ABBEY PARK which covered 60 acres and was described as 'a beautiful stretch of park land with natural slopes to the banks of the River Derwent, with banks of rhodondendrons providing a fine spectacle of horticultural beauty during the summer months. The park was home to The Mansion Cafe which was housed in a Georgian mansion built in 1772 by William Wesley, who was Mayor of Derby in 1722. Situated on the opposite bank of the river was DARLEY PLAYING FIELDS, which in 1935 comprised of 48 acres of level ground and it was noted that there were excellent facilities there for cricket, tennis (hard and grass courts), and miniature golf in the summer, with football, hockey and lacrosse in the winter months. It also make mention that 'the River Derwent at this point is very attractive to anglers as the river has been well stocked with fish'.

I wonder what happened to the miniature golf and lacrosse as I cannot remember seeing them in my visits to the playing fields.

The RIVERSIDE GARDENS merit a mention under the 'parks banner' in the review. It states that 'they form a portion of the recent Central Improvements Scheme, they are a small area of 2 acres of gardens and river walks bordering the river. Although only a small area it proves very popular, being situated in the centre of the shopping area. A fine lily pond in the centre with lawns and tasteful flower beds proves a restful haven in the centre of the busy town'.

Hmmm!! 'Central Improvements Scheme', that sounds vaguely familiar!!

Also mentioned are Markeaton Park, 'which is an area of approximately 200 acres of fine rolling grass land. The Georgian mansion which is used as a modern cafe and 20 acres of pleasure grounds, was given to the town by the Rev. Clark-Maxwell whilst the additional 180 acres was purchased by the Corporation in 1930.' The 7 acre boating lake was opened in 1934 and it was stated that it was 'very popular for boating enthusiasts and two motor-boats provide both young and old with considerable enjoyment'. Of course there was also the MUNDY PADDLING POOL, 'which is an area of 6 acres situated between Markeaton Brook and Kedleston Road, this ground was presented to the town in 1928 by Mrs. Mundy.

Other parks mentioned in the review are ALVASTON LAKE and LONDON ROAD RECREATION GROUND which covered 25 acres. The lake was constructed in 1923 and covered 5 acres. The MUNICIPAL SPORTS GROUND which covered an area of 25 acres and in the review is listed as providing facilities for cricket, bowls, cycle meetings, boxing tournaments, lacrosse, football and rugby. There was a gymnasium and a grandstand with dressing room facilities, showers and every modern convenience.

OSMASTON PARK was described as a beautifully wooded park serving a densely populated area, whilst NORMANTON RECREATION GROUND was noted as being one of the most popular in the town. SHERWOOD RECREATION GROUND gets a mention as a small park near the Osmaston Park Road. It was given to the town in 1930 by Messrs. Smart & Elsom, and is mainly used as a playground for children.

ROWDITCH RECREATION GROUND is another to be recorded in the article as having four hard tennis courts which were considered to be the finest in the district as well as a crown bowling green and a children's playground.

The last three in the review to be mentioned are BASS RECREATION GROUND, which was noted as being an area of some 9 acres given to the town by the late Sir William Bass, and LITTLE CHESTER RECREATION GROUND which is situated off Mansfield Road and in 1935 was listed as having a children's playground and being 'patronised at all times of the year for both cricket and football'.

The final one is BODEN'S PLEASANCE. ‘This small ground, which is apt to be overlooked by many, is a children's playground in the centre of town near St. Mary's Gate, and provides excellent facilities for amusement of the children of the district. There are all kinds of equipment, such as parallel bars, see-saws, giant slides, swings etc., and many other kinds of youthful diversions'.

Well there we are, just a little insight into our local parks. How things have changed in my lifetime. I can vaguely recollect visits with my parents to the Arboretum, Darley Park (and Playing Fields) and I fondly recall many happy moments spent in the Riverside Gardens watching the goldfish in the lily pond and feeding the swans from the steps on the banks of the river. Most of the areas mentioned have changed considerably over the 72 years since Mr. Twells' review and I am sorry to say that in some cases the changes have not been for the better. I suppose we have to put that down to progress.

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