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Sons Of Rest

barrie

barrie

master brummie
Hi all.

Why don't we have them any more? When I started work back in the mists of time, I used to envy those old codgers, sat there in their wooden hut, drinking tea and chatting, I quite looked forward to the day when it would be my turn.

I suppose the "Sons of Rest" went the way of a lot of things that couldn't be afforded any more. Sad though.

Barrie.
 
I think there was one in Aston Park Barrie at the top. They used to play bowls there too. Next to the tennis courts. I bet there is one somewhere or maybe it's the local pub these days?. Jean.
 
Not sure if it was anything to do with cost Barry I think that in many areas they had simply had their day. The numbers using the one in the park near me just dropped off. I have a photo somewhere of My first Wife's Grandfather with a group of fellow 'Son's of Rest' must try to find it.
 
Love to see that Bernie. I thought I had some of Aston Park but I think my brother has them?.
 
I had forgot that one Jennyann. I was more interested in catching stickleback in the brook as I was very young when I went there. Thanks for the link. Jean.
 
Not Brum I know, but the Sons of Rest still meet in Tamworth for th bowling, a chap that drinks in our local goes there.
Sue
 
There was a Sons of Rest meeting room on Oaklands Recreation Park near the Coventry Rd entrance Yardley/Hay Mills. Len.
 
Looks like there were lots of "Sons of Rest" halls in the Brum Parks over the years. It's interesting to know that there is still one in Tamworth. I expect a lot of the older gents take part in activities at Community Centres these days.
 
Sons of Rest started in Birmingham in 1927, to promote leisure and social activities for men over 60. Len.
 
Never heard the term or knew that such a club existed, but should think they have gone the way of "Darby & Joan".
paul
 
there used be one in summer field park as well in fact they was in most parks a i seem to remember in days gone bye
and mrs tustin of aberdeen stret winson green was her request that when she died she wanted her ashes to be scattered there
and the family did go and scatter her ashes over thee lawn of bowling green at summer fielf park johnny and ronnie told me a couple of years back when i met them after twenty years or more back at a car boot in studley and he as sibbling whom lived in studley now astonian
 
M y friends dad used to go to a Sons of Rest somewhere in Great Barr, he really enjoyed it and went for years, he only died 2 years ago aged 99. The club suffered its share of vandalism and numbers dwindled as the next generation of pensioners had broader interests and had cars to get further afield. Jean, I seem to remember the one in Aston Park was situated in the coach houses - the new tea rooms since the revamp of the Hall & Gardens.
 
I remember they had a shed in Small Heath Park. Thought they were still there in Brookvale park. Seems a shame if they have died out.
 
I think sylviasayers hit the nail on the head. More than dwindling numbers was the growth of vandalism to the extent that members no longer felt safe in some parks. No doubt the cost of repairs following vandalism made it more economical to close down the meeting places. I seem to recall some were even burnt down.
 
Thanks again for another memory. I recall The Sons Of Rest in Balsall Heath Park, an octagonal wooden building. Maybe this inspired the gazebo I built in our garden a couple of years ago, on a much smaller scale, or maybe not.
We called it The Little Park and we hoped that at the end of the war they would turn the big water tank installed for the firebrigade into a swimming pool. There was also a barrage balloon at some stage, our Big park must have been Sparkhill Park.
 
The one in Oaklands was just inside the Holder Rd gate, just behind it was the putting green. The park keeper wouldn't let you play near the building.
My grandfather was I believe the secretary of one somehwhere in Birmingham, as times where hard they had to enforce a one cake only rule with a cup of tea.
 
I know that this thread is a little old, but I am posting a reply because a great great uncle of mine - Thomas Field who was born in 1837 and lived in Birmingham all his life - was reputedly a founder of the society. I am just wandering if anyone has any more information about the society? I believe he died around 1910 but the only information I can find about when the society suggests it started in Birmingham in 1927 and this of course is contra to my information. A long shot I know!! (His elder brother was William Field who had a business that has also been talked about on the group known as "Field Rifle Co" .)
 
There was a Sons of Rest above the Boat House in Ward End Park. I looked forward to go there 30 - 40 years ago but "progress" has overtaken me. TV and PC now. Some progress?
 
I noticed that no one has mentioned the Sons of Rest building situated in Handsworth Park. After determination from the residents of Handsworth the building was saved and restored to a modern design. I have seen the building open on occasions but usually the shutters are down. Attached see how the building looked before and present day.
 

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I'd completely forgotten about Sons of Rest. I'm reminded that there was a wooden building that they occupied in Daisy Farm park when I was young.
 
I had never heard of The Sons of Rest, but then I was only 16 - not over 60 - when I moved south. There are similar places in many towns these days, but are not restricted to men of course, but they are usually associated with churches or social services.
 
I remember the Sons of Rest pavillion in Small Heath Park. It was opposite the bowling greens. In the late 60's myself and a couple of mates became interested in playing bowls after the green keeper showed us how to play the game. We often went there on summer evenings for a game or two and got to know a few of the old boys who were members of the Sons of Rest club. We would often play them at bowls and got on quite well despite the huge difference in ages. We were 14/15 at the time and they were all 65 plus. I remember that some of them were veterans of WW1,although they were reluctant to go into details of their experiences. I took my grandson to Small Heath Park in 2010 on a nostalgia trip. The place had deteriorated hugely from its condition in my time and the bowling greens and Sons of Rest building were both no longer there
 
I too had forgotten about the Sons of Rest. My grandfather was a member and wore the little enamel badge. I suspect that at that time, l probably found the idea of such an organisation slightly ridiculous as you do when you’re young. Gramps was a regular attender at the Small Heath park branch back in the early sixties.
 
Not sure I’m too clear either about the Sons of Rest but there was a Birmingham Federation of Sons of Rest as per this newspaper photo. Viv.

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I did a bit re search, the "Sons of Rest", were devised and formed in 1927, by one Lister Muff, as a social organisation for the benefit of the aged, and infirm as place to relax,(It was a west midlands and Black Country based), and meet , mainly old soldiers, WW1. Paul
 
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