Bringing a local park into the 21st Century and ensuring the
continued wellbeing of its native wildlife is not as simple as
you may think.
Take Queen’s Park in Crewe as an example; Cheshire East Council
(CEC) is currently investing £6.5m into restoring the park to
its former glory but have also been tasked with meeting the
demands of certain feathered visitors and the park’s more
permanent resident: bats.
The bats, four different protected species, have made the
existing bandstand area their home over the past few years and
seemed contented to stay put. However, for human visitors, the
old, leaky roof had become somewhat of an eyesore. A series of
surveys identified when the bats would leave the site to roost
elsewhere. At this point the roof was refurbished and pieces of
plywood suspended from the ceiling to provide more suitable
accommodation for these flying mammals.
Cheshire East Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet Member with
Responsibility for Parks, said;
“This is proof that the numerous surveys which have been carried
out to protect wildlife in the park are paying off. Improving
life for birds and bats as well as ourselves is the main aim of
this project. The work which has been completed has already
revitalised the area. This can only continue as the project
nears completion.”
Case Study, Mark Stubbs – A member of the South East Cheshire
Ornithological Society, said:
“I recently decided to pay a visit to the Queen's Park in Crewe
to see what birds were present. Having spent the last few years
conducting bird surveys in the urban Crewe area, surprisingly I
hadn't visited the park, so it was something I had to do for
curiosity's sake.
“I arrived at the entrance opposite Tipkinder Park and
immediately saw a Coal Tit. Next I saw a Jay, in my opinion, one
of our most beautiful resident
birds. Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove (picture left), Mistle Thrush,
Great Tit and Blue Tit soon followed. A Tree Creeper climbing up
a tree by the play area continued a good start to the walk and
as I proceeded, resident songbirds were in evidence, such as
Robin, Wren and Dunnock.
“All of a sudden, the unmistakable undulating flight of a
Greater Spotted Woodpecker overhead was noted before it landed
in a treetop. Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, which were worming
on the grassed areas, were joined by several Redwings. There
have been large numbers of this Scandinavian thrush in the UK
this winter, and birds are not only turning up in parks, but in
gardens as well.
“At the Victoria Avenue entrance, House Sparrows were chirping
on the Gatehouse buildings and in the adjacent area, Magpie,
Crow, Jackdaw, feral Pigeon and Pied Wagtail were noted.
Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch were soon added to the list
and then I heard a Goldcrest. After a minute or so it gave
itself up, flicking away in the foliage, looking for insects.
It's amazing how this, our smallest British bird, survives
considering we've just experienced our harshest winter in over
thirty years.
“In the lake area I saw approximately 70 Mallard along with a
single male
Mandarin Duck. Originally one of a breeding pair present since
2000, the male has been on his own since 2003, and resident ever
since. Fifteen Canada Geese, a single feral Greylag Goose, with
the farmyard type white geese, four Moorhen and a grey Heron
were also seen, along with 15 Black-headed and two Common Gulls,
hanging around, hoping for an easy meal when people come to feed
the ducks bread.
“So, it just goes to show that you don't have to visit the
countryside to experience bird life when it's on your own
doorstep!”
There have been more additions to the park to ensure Queen’s
Park remains a ‘des-res’ for all manner of local wildlife. These
include a number of nest boxes:
There are plans to erect more boxes in the future, including 2
owl chimneys.
Another habitat booster that has been introduced over the last
two years is the creation of small discreet log piles.
Sometimes, this may just be one large log or bough, placed
within a shrubbery. The decaying wood attracts fungi and
insects, the latter providing a good food source for many other
animals.
Plus, the more unusual....
The Mandarin Duck, referred to by Mark Stubbs is an uncommon
feature around Britain’s parks, but one permanently resides in
Queen’s Park and his late family members before him since 1980.
Plus, a more recent welcome visitor is the Cope Shields Duck,
seen numerous times over the last two weeks; it is thought to
have either escaped or been set free as it is not a native of
these shores.
Information concerning Queens Park can be obtained by
telephoning Elaine Dodd, Queens Park Manager on 01270 537559.
The best Mobile Mechanic in our area my
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A large crowd turned out at the Queens Park for the Star Quest Talent show put on by the Friends of Queens Park. The show ran from 12-2 o'clock with talent of all ages taking part. It included singer and dance troupes with members as young as five.
Some of the act that appeared at the show who were introduced by Cat radio and could win money and a session in a recording studio
An amusing picture below which has been happening over the last few days. Gangs of Gulls have decided the new Burma Island bridge make a great meeting point for Gulls. I have seen them congregating on there for several days I dont know what the attraction.
It looked as if a UFO had landed at the park this week (picture above) but its part of the new play area which despite the rain is going ahead with great speed
New climbing equipment going in between showers of rain. Its been another week were the cafe and bowling green there has been work done but not a lot to see. The cafe looked like a new lake today as it was flooded with the rain. The footings are now in and its hoped the brick layers will be on site next week to start building so there will be something to see.
There has been a lot of work this week but not a lot to show for it as a lot has be prep work. Both the Bowls and the cafe foundations have been worked on but there isnt much to see just a bit of concrete
The play area is going in leaps and bounds and as it was only a 10 week contract there is lots to see. Many of the footings for the equipment are in and they have tried the swings and things in the week to ensure they fit
After some problems with the lake leaking it is now being filled slowly again but as they can only do it for 4 hours a day progress is slow. The gardeners had fun this week as they had to row out in a boat to weed the islands but it did get done and is now weed free.
Some fun in the week when the armed response unit was called to Tipkinder after some lads were discharging weapons in the woods. After a lot of people rand 999 a unit was dispatched its lucky no one was hurt shooting so close to the road even a air weapon can be deadly if it shoots a driver
The cafe is now all gone and the foundation are underway for the new building with the concrete already in. There is not really very much to see at the moment.
The Play area is coming on in leaps and bounds with new section appearing almost daily they even have talking flowers in one area. At this rate it will soon be open and ready for the kids on holiday. The big equipment will be delayed as its that big it need planning permission.
As normal the gardeners have a great flora display in the main entrance and its all ready full of summer colour
Well not exactly cleaning Windows 7 or even windows 7 but a George Formby appreciation Society after noon of fun and songs by the great old singer
With singers from Dab Town and over the Border in Wales the concert went on for over 2 hours. The band tried to play quicker to finish faster but it didnt work.
A lot of people sat around on the lovely sunny day to listen the the great music its such a crying shame it could have been in the new bandstand after all thats what its there for but next perhaps. I am sure the band will be back to give us a tune another day
Everything is going on this week above the new play area is getting under way by Tipkinder with paths and foundations going in
.
The big mystery this week is what are the green bales in the lake as seen above? The answer is to help stop the algae its basically straw bales which should hold and collect the algae.
Over near the main lodge the mountain is growing this is in fact the old mountain from by the bandstand being moved along with other rubbish to the old path. Once finished it will cut out the old very steep path down to Coronation Walk which was unsuitable for wheel chair users. Once completed it will be a slight incline that everyone can use
The Cafe saw its last this week The roof tiles were removed in the week and by Thursday (above) they were removing the roof
Today all that is left is a pile of bricks but the dozer made a perfect frame for the war memorial. Its hoped work can start next week building the new one but it may take some time to clear the rubbish
The work on the Bowling Green has started and its soon been knocked down all that is left is a pile of rubbish . The Bowling green is till open so people can still play
The cafe should have been knocked down this week but has been delayed as they had to check the roof for Bats before they could knock it down. Its hopped the work will start next week
A reminder to everyone the Friends meeting is not on next week as it clashes with the football
The bowling Green above and the cafe are the next things to be renovated. The Cafe has been fenced off ready and demolition will start Wednesday/Thursday this week. They will have to start work early and work late as they cant bring any lorries into the park during the day so they have to fetch everything in before 9 o'clock
The Lake is half full or is it half empty but its looking good after all this time
As you can see the lake is still being filled at the rate of 4 hours a day. They cant fill it any more due to restriction of the Environment Agency as it would effect wildlife etc down stream. Its beginning to look good and the duck are still having a great time
The sluice gates were closed today and the lake started to fill after years of being empty. The duck thought it was their birthday as they all dived into the water as it flooded in. It will take some time to fill the lake up to two weeks as they can only fill it for 4 hours at a time as any longer than that and the stream across the golf coarse would dry up and could effect wildlife. Still it was a magnificent site to see the water final flowing into the lake. It will look so different with water in.
Did you know the lake holds 32,397 tons of water about 6,672,928 imperial gallons give or take a pint or two, its hard to get an exact figure as its not a flat surface but it does give a rough idea of the amount of water. More pictures as the lake fills soon
A few pictures of the Bandstand now its all done. It is looking very good and its the first part of the park to be finished
The landing stage is all but finished and by next week the final touches should be done and that will be another job done. This is one of the things holding up filling of the lake.
I grabbed these final shots of cafe before work starts next week to demolish it
The viewing area by the lake is now finished as you can see in the above photo, and the landing stage is nearly complete and should be finished next week.
Queens Park Refurbishment is motoring ahead with Playground works commencing as from the middle of next week with initial site preliminary works. Contractors are Country Landscapes, who are installing equipment from the Wickstead range. The range of equipment has been selected given aspirations from Sir William Stanier School at Coppenhall, students have been working closely with Cheshire East Council to ensure younger visitors get a playground which will provide much play satisfaction. They were also keen to ensure the range was inclusive for those with mobility difficulties and also sensory equipment, plus their 'wish list' included equipment to appeal to all ages. Their consultation included liaison with their Feeder Schools so it our represented youth talking to other young people, ultimately driving the final design and selection. The inclusive element has also received a financial 'boost' from fundraising done by ex The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor S Roberts. It is envisaged the playground will be completed by the end of August although an earlier date is hoped to be achieved.
Progress regarding the filling of Queens Park Lake. Some birds can be seen to be nesting on the bed of the lake at this time, these will need to hatch whilst final preparation works continue to enable this to happen. There is also some debris causing a blockage from the Valley Brook following dumping into the Brook waters which are being cleared. It is likely water filling will commence towards the middle/end of this month. The initial filling of waters will need to be gradual and monitored to ensure there is no leakage or other problems.
Finally, the Building Contractor - Tolent who did the park bridges - take possession of the buildings this week. Works to the Cafeteria will commence the second week of June, with temporary catering facilities provided at weekends and school holidays. Works to the Games Pavilion commence the week following, again temporary facilities will be provided for Bowlers and other users.
All of these imminent elements will be vast move forward in her refurbishment programme.
There is still only minor work going on this week. The wood for the landing stage is now on site and being put into place. This is holding up the filling of the lake as the lake cant be filled until the work is done or the men will be working underwater.
Over the other side the wall by the viewing area has now been removed as it was in a state and the work is progressing there. The Cafe and the play area will hopefully be starting soon.
The PDSA were at the park today offering a free pet check. You could take your dog along and have a full check which included weight, eyes, coat and teeth check. The nurse was there to offer advice to those who needed it.
The park is at a standstill at the moment with only minor work in progress like the lake landing stage which is being rebuilt and the new wood should be here in a week or so. Soon to start are the Cafe and children's play area
The next meeting of the Queens Parks Friends is on Wednesday 5th May at 5:30 at the cafe everyone is welcome.
Some landscaping of the banks near Morton Rd have been going on this week
Its been a buzzy week at the Queens Park the island
by the golf coarse has now been planted out ready
for summer
The Broadwalk Bridge is all but finished above
early in the week they were lowering the last parts
into place and then came the job of putting down the
actual rails.
A view of the bridge behind the daffs and spring
color
By the end of the week the path to the bridge was
well underway as you can see it was just a big hole
on Monday. By Friday the bridge was but finished
just minor things to be done to finish it off
A massive crane was on site today to finish lifting
the final part of the bridge into place
There had been problems last week when the crane
refused to lift as the wind was to high but with
today being a nice day all went well
The final piece goes in and the rails and cross
member have now to be installed
The second island is being planted and the gardeners
are working hard to finish it. That is two island
now planted with only Burma Island left to plant
The main entrance is a spectacle of Spring colour
and well worth a visit
Unfortunately, there has been some delays through
the weather causing concerns with this installation
which remains underway.As you now it was hoped to
complete the installation around Easter so we are
about 1 week behind.
Health and
safety considerations means the large crane cannot
operate with winds 25+mph. Last week these averaged
23mph and so was too close to the tolerance for
installation.
The good
news is the first section is in. It is anticipated
the second section will be Thursday of this week,
weather permitting – winds forecasted at 12mph at
this time. Unfortunately, there was no crane
availability to rearrange for today.It will take
probably a week to install and complete, with the
decking the week following.
Contractors
remain on site and are top soiling the lake edges at
this time. Also, they are finishing the installation
of the handrails on the Burma Star Bridges;
additionally they are working with our gardeners to
enable the West Island to be planted up this week.
But as you
can see there are some good floral displays at the
park with spring bedding now in full bloom
The wall on the lake is nearly finished and the
island near the golf coarse is ready for planting
any time now
The Island planting near Tipkinder is now complete and the
gardeners will be moving onto the other Islands to prepare them
for planting
The second section of the bridge is in and they are putting the
decking on. The rest of the section are being put on hold until
Tuesday as the strong winds are giving problems with the crane
The bridge over Broad walk was being put into place today but
due to the size and complexity they were having trouble getting
it to fit. They had to take it out and put it back a few times
and by 3 o'clock they only had the first section in and it looks
as if it will continue tomorrow.
The Daffs our now coming out along the main walk at a rapid pace
Lots of gardeners were out planting the island today as it needs
to be done before any water is in the lake.
As reported the other day they had trouble
getting the giant steel support into and in the
end it had to be done the next day. It was just
down to a safety computer on the crane which
wouldn't let it lift the steel as it was to
windy.
However on Thursday the wind had dropped and the
support was in place.
There is now some work to do on site welding the
top supports onto the steel and as you can see
in the above picture that is now going ahead the
bridge its self which you can see in the
background will be lifted into place on Monday
as the men are working over the weekend to get
everything ready
The metal supports for the end of the bridge
were lifted into place. The work will then be
completed by Thursday night when all the bridges
will be fully installed. One of the Burma
Bridges has yet to be lowered a few feet after
the initial settling period. The contractor
Tolent will then be leaving the site after
Easter but its hoped they will get the Cafe
contract so they can start work straight away
Work Started today trying to get the giant steel
work in for the Broadwalk bridge which will be
lifted into place on Thursday. They managed to
get the base fixed with little problems. But
then the giant crane hit a snag it has a
computer control which measures the wind speed
and it would not let them lift as the wind speed
was to high. They needed to lift the massive
steel supports very high over the trees in order
to lower it into place but by 3 o'clock they
still couldn't do it due to high wind speed. I
have know doubt they lifted it in the end but we
watch for several ours as they kept trying only
to be defeated by the computer and weather. More
reports tomorrow
Picture the new massive steel structure on site on Friday ready
for installation on Monday
Another milestone in the multi-million pound restoration of
Crewe’s Queens Park takes place next week with the installation
of its grandest bridge.
Following this week’s positioning of the Burma Star Bridge,
Thursday (March 25) will see the 40-metre Broadwalk bridge
hoisted into place over the Coronation Walk dip.
The structure, which is six metres wide, will span the steep
incline to improve access between the two halves of the park.
A giant crane will lift the arches in four separate pieces and
install them on a huge steel central support.
The bridge beams are constructed of sustainable
ekki hardwood, a
longer-lasting timber which reduces the pressures of logging on
the forests of the world.
Self-preserving and with self-repairing properties, its timbers
can only be machined as the wood is too tough to work with hand
tools.
The new structure is the latest development in the Heritage
Lottery-funded £6.5m restoration of the 45-acre park, which will
eventually house five impressive bridges.
Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility
for health and wellbeing, said: “The lifting into place of the
Burma Star Bridge was a sight to behold and I am sure the
Broadwalk installation will be just as spectacular.
“The new bridge will be a very impressive structure and will be
particularly welcomed by people with pushchairs and wheelchair
users, who will no longer be forced to negotiate the steep
incline.
Below the last bridge on Burma island now fully installed
“The park restoration is really gathering pace now thanks to the
hard work of the design team whose members are seeking to
complete works ahead of schedule wherever possible.
“Over the coming months, park users will notice more big changes
as more areas re-open to the public.”
The next stage in the restoration will be the completion of the
lake edges and bed, with the filling of the lake scheduled for
summer.
The design and selection of the new playground equipment - in
conjunction with Sir William Stanier School - is currently being
finalised and will be installed in time for the school summer
holidays.
Anyone who would like to find out more about the restoration is
welcome to attend the next meeting of the Friends of Queens Park
this Wednesday (March 24) at 6pm in the park cafeteria.
Regular updates are available by mail. Please contact Queens
Park Manager Elaine Dodd on 01270 537896 to register your
details.
The second Burma Bridge arrived to day just one week after the
last one This time a heavier crane was need to get the bridge
into place
View of the new bridge from the far side of the lake (Morton
rd end) so you can see what the two bridges now look like.
Notice the wall around the lake which has been completed
The crane lifting the bridge into place. next week is the big
week when the long awaited Broadwalk bridge comes. As its so big
this will take 3 days starting Monday when the steel support
will arrive and this will have to be welded on site. Its hoped
to have the bridge in by Wednesday ready for the Friends meeting
which is on Wednesday at 6 o'clock at the cafe everyone is
invited to attend.
There is now like 2 weeks for the contractor on site and the job
will be finished its hoped the same firm will get the contract
for the new cafe as they are already on site and can start
straight away.
More pictures of yesterdays bridge which is now full installed.
Above the bridge from the lake Tipkinder end
The new bridge from across the lake Morton road end taken
with a Fugi S1500 12X Zoom
The bridge taken from the Gold Coarse with the island in the
foreground which is being renovated you can see that its being
heightened a lot to match other Islands
The Island near Tipkinder now renovated and dug over ready
for the new planting any day now
Another visitor to the park the South African Shelduck seen
walking about the park
The Burma Star Bridge – the second largest landmark
bridge in Crewe’s Queens Park – was hoisted into
place on Wednesday (March 17)
From 11am onwards, A 300 tonne crane lifted the 22.5
tonne bridge into place.
The Burma Star Bridge – named so after the Second
World War Campaign in the Burma jungles – will arch
over the Burma Star Island and Memorial, which is
also undergoing renovation.
It’s all part of a £6.5m restoration of the park,
thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Eventually, the
45-acre park will house five impressive bridges.
Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with
responsibility for parks, said the special occasion
was close to his heart.
His uncle, James Knowles, who served as a Chindit
during the Burma campaign, died in 1944 aged just 20
years-old. To this day, Andrew has kept a medal he
won as a keepsake.
He added: “This will be an important part of Crewe’s
history when this bridge finally settles into place.
“This incredible Victorian park is slowly being
brought back to its former glory thanks to Cheshire
East Council and its funding partners, as well as
all the help and support from members of the public
who have been extremely patient during renovations.”
The Burma Star Bridge is a tribute to the Burma Star
Association who refer to themselves as the
“Forgotten Regiment”.
The Burma Star Association was officially founded on
the 26 February 1951, with 2000 founder members who
exist to promote the comradeship experienced during
the bitter fighting in the jungles of Burma, as well
as help members and their families in times of
ill-health and poverty.
The Association has representatives from the Royal
Navy, Army Royal Air Force and Royal British Legion
on the National Council.
The bridge being lifted with the steel work. Most of
the work was done by 3pm but the second part of the
bridge hadn't arrived at that time
What the bridge will look like when the lake is
filled
Besides the bridge the new wall near Burma Island
was going in around the lake
Further down the new wall by the golf coarse was
cracking on as well.
More pictures soon as there is a lot happening at
the moment
A progress report on the state of play at the park. Details have
been announced of when work will be done and finished.
Work done so far is Dredging, Tree removal, Railings, Bandstand
and Drain repair.
Work to be competed by June 2010 Bridges and Lake, New Play
Area. Planting on the Islands
Work to be done by June 2011 Footpaths, New Depot Main Pavilion,
Bowls pavilion, Lodges and Clock, Boer War Memorial, Gates and
Coronation Walk
The last of the footing for the Broad walk has now been done
ready for the new bridge
A lot of work has been done this week on walls around the lake
above is Burma Island wall almost completed and the bank wall
leading to it from Tipkinder
Work on a new section of wall near the new bridge was well
underway today and the top stones on the islands were going on.
Planting of the islands is expect in the next couple of weeks
subject to weather
Progress has been slow at the park this week due to snow,
frost and rain. The stones for the top of the wall were due
to be done but couldn't be done with it freezing. There has
work been done on the Broadwalk as the template for the
bridge is being framed ready for concrete.
A lot of the hardcore 800 tons that was used to get the
bridge in last week is being removed to be used in other
parts of the park.
Burma Island has been cleaned up ready for the bridges and
planting and work on the other islands has gone ahead ready
for being planted.
Our friendly rare Mandarin duck is still strutting about the
park and looks a bit like Roadrunner keep your eyes open for
him.
The second bridge arrived at the park today. It taken all
week to lay over 800 tons of hardcore in order to get the
crane and bridge on site with over 300 tons just for the
crane. Its not the biggest bridge but as it has steep paths
to it there was difficulty getting a massive lorry and crane
down to the site.
It started at about 11 o'clock when the steel work came
first and was lifted into place as we all held our breath.
As it was built off site and the tolerance was in
millimeters would it fit? Well it was perfect right down to
the bolt holes. The steel had struts on it so two parts
could be lifted at once. It took to about 1:30 to bolt the
steel in place.
The bridge then came on site being reversed down a steep
hill on a big lorry this was a good bit of driving on the
drivers part with only inches to spare. The bridge was split
into two parts and lifted into place with no problems. It
gives a good idea of what the new bridges will look like
when its all finished. The next bridges for Burma Island are
expected about 17th March
The steel structure in place waiting fro the bridge
The bridge arrives on the lorry ready to be lifted
The first section being lifted into place
The second section is lowered spot on
The bridge complete with just some boards to go on it.
While we were watching the bridge we caught site of the
rare mandarin Duck swimming in the lake I had not seen it
for a couple of weeks since I last took its picture but its
still here
Work was also going on around Burma Island to build up
the base to the new wall the new coping stones for the lake
walls are expected next week when there will be lots of
bricklayers on site to get them laid
The wall around Burma island has been built for most of this
week
The second landmark bridge is to be installed at the
historic Victorian, Queens Park, in Crewe next week.
The bridge is 14.5 metres long and is supported by tubular
steel with timber beams, decking walkway and handrails.
Last month the very first bridge, Tipkinder, was installed
to a fanfare of media and public attention and Coronation
Bridge is promised to be even more impressive.
The media are invited to witness this historic installation
on Wednesday, February 17 from 12 noon. The installation is
expected to last throughout the afternoon. Please come to
the Tipkinder entrance off Queens Park Drive.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to come
along and witness history before their eyes. For those who
want to get a close-up view please call the park manager,
Elaine Dodd, on 01270 537896 so she can arrange a public
viewing area.
Works:
To allow these extensive works to be carried out, around two
thirds of the park have been closed off to the public, but
it’s hoped that three quarters of the park will have been
re-opened by the end of the year.
Other works in the pipeline include a planning application
for replacement buildings, the largest of which is the new
pavilion to replace the Jubilee Cafeteria built in the
1970s.
Modern in design, it will be made out of sandstone and glass
to give customers impressive views over the park’s grand
grounds.
Planning permission for a new bowling pavilion is currently
under-way and designers are in talks with the Queens Park
Bowling Club to get the best facility possible. Both
buildings will have newly refurbished public toilets.
Derek Morgan, Chairman of the Friends of Queens Park Group,
said, “Things will start to move very quickly during the
Spring and Summer months. People will start to see a real
difference as the Park is brought back to its former glory”.
The East and West lodges will also be improved and up-dated
and there are plans for a “Memorabilia Lounge” at the West
lodge.
Councillor Roy Cartlidge, of the Crewe West Ward, who has
supported the project throughout, added, “The installation
of the main bridges will be a significant part of the Park’s
history and are intended to last the next hundred years and
beyond. “
A nice little item for the past turned up at
Queens Park thanks to Mrs Marjorie Taylor from Bedford Street.
Marjorie obtained this little treasure
from Sam and Francis Buckingham’s clearance shop, once situated
on Nantwich Road, some 35 years ago.
It’s a small handbag mirror depicting a
picture of Queens Park Lodges and the Clock Tower. We don’t know
what is was produced for or when and wonder if anyone else out
there may have any information or anything similar? It’s likely
there will be a memorabilia room in the Lodge once the
refurbishment is completed; so dig out those small items of
treasure for anything you may wish to donate.
Its believed that there were also medal
given out at the park
The lake wall section by Burma island has now been built in
a very short time and more wall building is going ahead this
week
This week we have seen the tree fellers working in the
park removing dead trees like the one on the island above
which will be replanted in the near future. other trees in
the park have been felled and pruned as needed.
Date of next meeting for Friends of Queens park is on
Tuesday 9th February 2010- 6pm Jubilee Cafeteria
Everyone is welcome so come along and get a free brew and
get the latest news on the park. We hope to see you there
but failing that we will report after the meeting what
happens
The workmen at the park have been working like mad men this
week. In fact they seem to keep popping up from everywhere.
Yesterday the bridge arrived and 24 hours latter its i and
the path has been made up to it already. It had been
reinforced to take the weight of the crane but by today the
path has been remade
Burma Island in last weeks pictures there was no rocks at
the cafe side but this week both layers have been put in
place and the wall is close to being finished
The wall around the lake was started this week and you
can see how much has been done already this week. The wall
doesn't go all the way around as some of the lake has a soft
edge. So all in all its a mad house with work going great
guns and people can see the difference every day. As you can
see the conditions are not ideal as there is a lot of water
around from the snow which is hampering the work
At 10 o'clock today the new sluice bridge was on the back of
a lorry from Huddersfield waiting to be list into position
at the Tipkinder end of the lake. It took some time to get
the crane right but at 1 o'clock the list began
The crane lifted the bridge over our heads and swung it
around into position.
We were all surprised at the size of the bridge as it
seemed a lot bigger than we had thought
By 1:30 it was in place and the finally fixing was being
done
This was the first of the bridges which should have come
in December but due to the snow and ice had to be put back.
As a result of that they now intend to get the next 3
bridges in in the next few weeks and they will be trying to
do the three at once. Today's bridge is the small one so
getting the other on site and in place should be a
spectacular show.
It was noticeable today that work was progressing at an
alarming rate with work men everywhere, Burma island stone
work had none at the front last week but yesterday they had
the bottom layer in and today the next layer was going on.
Watch this page as we will be reporting weekly as things
happen
Arrival of First Bridge into Queens Park
Media Invite - Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10am
The first in a series of landmark bridges will be installed
at Crewe’s Queens Park next week, when the region’s press is
invited to record this historic moment.
Queens Park, the only formal park in Crewe, is more than 130
years old and is currently undergoing a £6.5 million pound
restoration, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Altogether the 45-acre park will eventually house five
bridges, the first of which is Tipkinder Bridge over the
inlet at the entrance to the park.
It’s the smallest of the five bridges at 7.3 metres in
length and is made from timber and steel.
The most impressive structure will be Broadwalk Bridge,
which will be 40 metres in length and will be unveiled later
on this year.
Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet Member with
Responsibility for Parks, said: “The installation of
Tipkinder Bridge marks the beginnings of a new chapter in
the history of Queens Park.
“Since the 1870s, this wonderful public amenity – handed to
the people of Crewe by the London and North Western Railway
Company - has brought enjoyment to generations of Crewe
families, and will continue to do so with a modern twist on
the traditional Victorian park.”
Works:
To allow these extensive works to be carried out, around two
thirds of the park have been closed off to the public, but
it’s hoped that three quarters of the park will have been
re-opened by the end of the year.
Other works in the pipeline include a planning application
for replacement buildings, the largest of which is the new
pavilion to replace the Jubilee Cafeteria built in the
1970s.
Modern in design, it will be made out of sandstone and glass
to give customers impressive views over the park’s grand
grounds.
Planning permission for a new bowling pavilion is currently
under-way and designers are in talks with the Queens Park
Bowling Club to get the best facility possible. Both
buildings will have newly refurbished public toilets.
Derek Morgan, Chairman of the Friends of Queens Park Group,
said, “Things will start to move very quickly during the
Spring and Summer months. People will start to see a real
difference as the Park is brought back to its former glory”.
The East and West lodges will also be improved and up-dated
and there are plans for a “Memorabilia Lounge” at the West
lodge.
Councillor Roy Cartlidge, of the Crewe West Ward, who has
supported the project throughout, added: “The installation
of the main bridges will be a significant part of the Park’s
history and are intended to last the next hundred years and
beyond. “
Filming, radio, photographic and interview opportunities
available by contacting:
Beverley Walkden
Media Relations
Cheshire East Council
01270 686 585 / 07533 873 778
Beverley.walkden@cheshireeast.gov.uk
The new pavilion design is finalized and presented here.
Work will start around Easter time on the new pavilion which
is highly energy efficient and can be divided into areas so
it can be used for small groups
It is designed to mimic the main entrance which has a
lodge each side and the tower in the middle. The pavilion
has the same two structures and the war memorial in the
middle. Being mostly glass it will give a great view through
it onto the lake
The Boer war statue will be restored and the base will be
dug out as the original footing are still there. This will
mean people can then read the names of the fallen.
What is interesting is there will be guns brought back
like the original inn the picture above. But it will be
interesting to see what we get the was a lot of
controversial talk about the guns as at the time the guns
used were not the type used in the Boer war and a lot of
complaints were voiced at the time. So will we get Boer war
guns or just old ones we will ask at the next meeting
I spotted the ducks in the snow and this one caught my eye its
not our normal duck we get in the park. It looks like some sort
of wood duck can anyone tell us what it is and is it rare in the
Park?
We have found out
The Duck is a Male
Mandarin. Not all that rare but very nice to have in an
urban park and not very often in this part of the world
The bandstand looking good in the snow
The first new bridge should have arrived today but it had to
be called off due to the weather. The park like the rest of
Crewe is covered in snow and very slippery in places so it
wasnt safe to work on the bridge. Its hopped it will be
installed next week if the weather improves
The lake is frozen over but the ducks have found there own
little pond and being fed by visitor
