Tuesday 22 February 2011

Its happened again!

What's going on in Selly Oak Park? Every time you blink another sculpture appears. This log settee is the latest arrival. I wonder what's next?

Saturday 19 February 2011

Nature Trail Launch - 11th March

Over the past few weeks and months you may have noticed different features appearing in the Park - the Cyril Squirrel willow sculpture, wood carvings, seats, finger posts, plaques, interpretation boards. These are all part of a Nature / Art / History Trail which has been co-ordinated by Tracey Hewitt our Neighbourhood Manager, with much support from the Friends of Selly Oak Park. The nature Trail is now nearly complete and will be offically launched on 11th March 2011.

P.S. A date for your diary - the Selly Oak Festival, in the Park, is being planned for 18th June 2011. We already have attractions booked. Please contact us (details on the right) if you wish to participate with a stall or similar.

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Willow sculpture installed



Park historian (Ken Pugh, Right) works with
designer Bob Green (left) while Tracey Hewitt (centre)
 takes a short break.
 
Wednesday 9th February was a great day for the park and for the Friends as this was the day when we installed our willow sculpture. The sculpture, which depicts a squirrel, was designed by Bob Green and installed by Bob with the help of two groups of children from St Mary's School and members of the Friends of the park. We were also greatly assisted by the Park Keeper, Derick, and by the Neighbourhood manager for Selly Oak St Mary's, Tracey Hewitt.

 

A pupil from St Mary's School
helps weave willow.

The willow squirrel is part of the nature trail that Tracey has been championing in the park and represents an excellent natural play feature with its tunnels and hide aways. In time the willow rods will take root to provide a green canopy in the summer. New shoots will be worked back into the structure.

New benches

We are very pleased that five new benches have been installed in the park. Three of these were paid for by the Friends (using money given in sponsorship by Robert Wilkinson's Fun Fair) and two by a grant from the City's Community Chest scheme.