Cannon Hill Park

[mikejee]

A free Zoom talk that will probably be of interest to a number of those on the forum. book place at

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-the-centre-for-midlands-history-and-cultures/louisa-ryland-and-cannon-hill-park-birmingham/e-vlokjq

Louisa Ryland and Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham​

Online
Thu 16th May 2024

Louisa Ryland (1814-1889) was one of Birmingham's major 19th century benefactors. During her lifetime she donated millions to the city; she paid for hospitals, churches & schools and provided half of the funds to build the magnificent Birmingham School of Art. She also donated the land for Birmingham's premier park, Cannon Hill, and Small Heath Park. She paid for the laying out, digging of the lakes, refreshment rooms and planting in both parks. Considering her many long-lasting public gifts to the city, Louisa Ryland is not very well known. Irene de Boo's talk will look at the life and wealth of this remarkable female Victorian philanthropist.


Irene de Boo has worked in the Birmingham Museums and Heritage sector since moving to Birmingham from the Netherlands. She joined the museum service in 1997 as Birmingham History Curator and a few years later took on the role of Curator/Manager for Blakesley Hall, Sarehole Mill and Weoley Castle where she delivered several capital projects and was responsible for the day-to-day management of the properties. In 2014 Irene moved to the Black Country Living Museum where she was Head of Collections. Since 2019 she has been working on a freelance basis on various heritage projects in the Birmingham area.

This seminar will be delivered by Zoom with the meeting link delivered with confirmation email after registration.

Image: The Birmingham Civic Society Blue Plaque dedicated to Louisa Ryland at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham.

Louisa Ryland and Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Online
Online
Thu 16 May 2024, 7:00PM

 

[BrianE]

Tulip festival 1962 plus some pics from 1964 I cycled through the park on my way to work in Selley Park

 

[BrianE]

Model of Elan Valley in Cannon Hill Park 1964 Edgbaston Road in background. I now live in Australia so have no idea if this is still there or whether it has long since gone.

 

[Vivienne14]

Great set of photos Brian !

 

[pjmburns]

There is a thread about the model.

Cannon Hill Park model of Elan Valley Dams

Hello, I am trying to find out about the model of the Elan Valley dams which is situated in Canon Hill Park and wondered if anyone remembers it being installed or has any pictures of it when it went in in the 1960s or any other relevant information. We are hoping to do something to celebrate...

birminghamhistory.co.uk

 

[BrianE]

Cannon Hill Park about 1955. I love those traditional timber rowing boats of my youth.

 

[BrianE]

My Grandfather Alban Timms was a member from about 1945 to December 1953. He walked there and back from his home in Trafalgar Road Moseley

 

[Vivienne14]

The Tulip Festival, never went but it must have been a lovely sight. This looks c1960s. The Golden Lion looked in better condition back then.

 

[paul stacey]

I do so remember, the "Tulip Festival", I also remember that the flower gardens , at Cannon Hill, were the most beautiful ever seen. Back when!!

 

[Donbogen]

Are the Dams still there
i wanted to blow them up as a kid after watching the Dambusters

 

[Morturn]

Are the Dams still there
i wanted to blow them up as a kid after watching the Dambusters

They are indeed however they do need a bit of TLC

 

[Donbogen]

They are indeed however they do need a bit of TLC

What type of TLC
Benching or us a Upkeep

 

[Vivienne14]

A very precise approach to municipal planting schemes.


Source: British Newspaper Archive

 

[boilerman]

A very precise approach to municipal planting schemes.

View attachment 197870
Source: British Newspaper Archive

Proper planting, except they're standing on the soil. Titmarsh would not allow that

 

[paul stacey]

It was my second home as a kid!!

 

[Stokkie]

Proper planting, except they're standing on the soil. Titmarsh would not allow that

Quite right Boilerman. Mom, the daughter of a trained gardener always made me stand on a sheet of three ply so as not to damage the structure of the soil. Derek

 

[pjmburns]

Just been sent a link to this:

Fears as Cannon Hill Park considered for high-ropes course

A 'major' Birmingham attraction in Kings Heath Park also faces closure

www.birminghammail.co.uk

 

[paul stacey]

Thanks Janice, really sad, but not unforeseen, in today's world, we older people, want things to remain, its part of our history and heritage, but of course it wont, it is recorded here, what my association to the great Cannon Hill Park is, and I will always hopefully, have those memories!!!

 

[mikejee]

It is very unfortunate and undesirable. But were not some parks , Calthorpe for example, given to the city for the benefit of their citizens. If commercial,m organizations take them over, does not this invalidate the gift?.

 

[pjmburns]

I'm not sure Mike but I am fairly sure Izzy Knowles will be on the ball in checking things out.

 

[Frank M]

A very precise approach to municipal planting schemes.

View attachment 197870
Source: British Newspaper Archive

Hello Viv, Thank you for this newspaper cutting of the Cannon Hill gardeners at work.
The big man in the dark clothing is my great uncle Henry Frankcom. Henry (Uncle Harry) was born in 1887. He lived in Tyseley most of his early life and began work at Canon Hill after leaving school . He had a break from gardening when the second world war came along. He returned to Cannon Hill after the war and spent the rest of his working life there. one of his tasks was to make sure that the being plants used in the annual floral display came into bloom at the right time. A lovely man, he passed away in 1974.
Again, many thanks.
Frank

 

[mikejee]

Post 57 on this thread shows a modern view of the "old boulder" in the park. Here is a much earlier photo, where the boulder is protected by a metal fence

 

[BrummieGeoff]

A hot air balloon preparing to ascend from Cannon Hill Park .... from the side near Russell Road.
Credit: Birmingham Library

 

[Lloyd]

A hot air balloon preparing to ascend from Cannon Hill Park .... from the side near Russell Road.
Credit: Birmingham Library

View attachment 209251

Probably the only way to fly in those days.

 

[BrianE]

Probably the only way to fly in those days.

Awesome photo thanks for putting it up

 

[Ladywood 2]

I saw a Red Squirrel in the park in 1952, now they are only in Scotland and I think in the Isle of Wight

 

[A Sparks]

I saw a Red Squirrel in the park in 1952, now they are only in Scotland and I think in the Isle of Wight

We used to see them in the Bournemouth area too, back in the 60s. Not now I think.

 

[Radiorails]

Tree rats. Grey coloured and damaging to trees. That's what is left, as far as I know, in England.

 

[mikejee]

Alan
I think they are referring to red squirrels. I believe they are still on an island near Poole, and a few places in the north











i

 

[Lloyd]

Used to see red squirrells in Warley Woods in the late 1950s.