War Memorial Park

http://www.facebook.com/WarMemorialPark For anyone wishing to see the photographs linked to the very first post, they are now hosted on the War Memorial Park facebook page. Should be able to access without signing up to facebook if it isn't your cup of tea.

The present government has apparently scrapped the Agricultural Wages Boards, so that'll affect the average.

Thanks for updating us

Hi Moonstone Have been in the new Visitors Centre in the Memorial Park,for the first time today. They have the 'Missing Faces' exhibition, which is dedicated to those lost during the First World War. There are photographs of the men who have their names on the tree plaques,along with their age,rank and date of their passing. I asked if they did a poster of the photographs and the lady told me they are looking into getting one printed to sell in the centre.

As I now live not too far from the Park spent a lovely afternoon there today playing 'footie' with my youngest. Maybe it was the weather but I cannot remember the park being so nice since my days as a kid going there with Aunts/Cousins as they lived in Green Lane when the Japanese ornamental rock garden was still there. The Blossom trees around the main South car park are terrific at the moment...

The War Memorial looks particular impressive following its refurbishment

I was taken to visit the birds in the aviary quite often. Quite frequently, there was an Irish woman who used to talk to the Mynah Bird and attract a crowd of passers-by. I don't suppose anyone else remembers this?

Just reviving this. I now have, on occasions, reason to walk past the park along the Kenilworth Road towards town. I've driven down that road thousands of times but only when you are walking do you notice things you've never seen before when you are in your car. Going past the Earlsdon Avenue turning just before you get to what was Coventry Prep School - hidden in the trees on your left hand side is what appears to be a hidden entrance - two stone columns with black railings on either side. They are all overgrown but are similar in appearence but a lot smaller than the main entrance gate by the Leamington Road junction. I don't recall Kenilworth Road ever having deviated from its current layout - anyone know what this was? As it's on the opposite side to the park I can only presume an old entrance to a now non-existent property? I'll try to get a photo tomorrow to post here.

I believe you're looking at the entrance to the former mansion known as 'Broadwater' The land is now occupied by an estate of the same name accessed from 'The Firs' We played in the derelict house in the late 50's/early 60's. It may have had forces occupation during WW2 - there were aeroplane recognition stencils on one of the ceilings.

Hi, yes I can remember the aviary which had lots of birds there. So different from today. Also the railway which was open in summer. The miniature railway ran alongside the childrens play area as did occasional pony rides. The summer carnival used to start and end there too with the fair after it had finished. I also remember seeing red squirrels running freely in the trees. Now I feel old!??

Hello Pat and welcome to the forum

Can SKS provide details of the origins of these, please Apologies if they have been discussed previously Also, any info on this item

Red - re: the Poppy Carved Tree: "The stump of an Atlantic cedar, felled due to damage in the 1990's, was later (1997) decorated with carved and painted poppies by artist John Wakefield to a design by Katie-Jane Wakefield as a memorial to two Coventry soldiers killed in the Gulf War. It has recently been repainted."

For Dutchman 1970s Rock Garden War Memorial

Thanks Morgana