Ongoing research; last updated 22 June 2011
5th January 1942 – Parks Committee
The Treasurer submitted a report in which it was recorded that in the period 1st April to 20th December 1941 the amount received from the sale of Potatoes grown at Selly Oak Park was £167. 7s. 0d.
The General Manager submitted the following report:
Cultivation of Lands – Food Production
Referring to your Minute No. 4628 instructing me to prepare and submit quarterly a comprehensive report on the progress made in the cultivation of lands under the control of the Committee, I submit herewith (annexed) Schedules of the sites under cultivation, and particulars of the crops grown during the 1941 season. The particulars of the agricultural sites (Schedule No. 1) also shows the proposed crops for the 1942 season.
Schedule No. 2 includes particulars of the produce grown in the greenhouses and ground previously used as flower beds in various parks, recreation grounds and cemeteries.
With regard to Onion plants, approximately 50,000 were grown at Warley Park, and 10,000 at King’s Heath Park, but these were distributed among various other parks and cemeteries to meet the demand for same in the different locations.
As the Committee is already aware, a grant of £2 per acre has been obtained from the Government in respect of newly ploughed up grassland sites. This grant is based upon the area actually ploughed, i.e. it does not include headings and ditches. The Government, through the Ministry of Food, have, in addition, made a grant of £10 per acre in respect of acreage set apart for the growing of Potatoes during the 1941 season. The acreage in this case is the total acreage, i.e. including headings and ditches. A claim for this grant was made on behalf of the Committee, and a cheque for £1,221-9.-6. has been received from the Ministry of Food in settlement of the claim.
As the Committee is also aware, a licence was obtained from the Ministry of Food early last year for the sale of Tomatoes by retail. As the British Restaurants have not been taking all the fresh vegetables now being grown in the parks, an application was recently made on behalf of the Committee for the licence to be extended, so as to include the sale by retail of Potatoes and other fresh vegetables. The Food Control Committee have approved the application, and the amended licence has been issued.
With regard to the 1942 season, it is suggested that Lettuces, Leeks, and a restricted number of Cabbage, Cucumber and Marrow plants, as well as Tomato plants, should be grown for sale for transplanting, in addition to the growing for sale of Onion plants and Tomatoes. A number of Lettuces are already being grown in some of the greenhouses, and will shortly be ready for sale.
Park Total Nature of Crop Approx Proposed Crop
Area Potatoes Yield for 1942
Acres Acres Tons
Selly Oak Park 6.5 6.5 42 Potatoes
Cultivation of Lands – Food Production
4654 Resolved:- That the arrangements made for the disposal of the 1941 food crops and the proposals for sowing during the 1942 season, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
Annexed is a report from the City Engineer & Surveyor on the question of removal of railings from properties under the control of this Committee, a list of which is attached to the report.
Parks & Cemeteries Committee.
Gentlemen,
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
I beg to report that the survey of railings undertaken by the Wardens Service is nearing completion. This survey is being scrutinized by my staff before being forwarded to the Panel Architect, Mr. P.B. Chatwin, for his observation in respect of railings of special Artistic or Historical interest, which might be included in the survey.
I attach hereto a list of properties under your control included in the survey to date, and should be pleased to have your observations therein with regard to removal or retention of railings in order that I may submit the final survey to the Assistant Director of Emergency Works (Salvage), Ministry of Works and Buildings, whose duty it is to remove them.
I would point out that the Representative of the Ministry of Works and Buildings has particularly stressed that no other grounds for retention should be considered than Artistic merit or prevention of danger and this principle is undoubtedly being followed throughout the country where in London, for example, the whole of the railings are being removed from Hyde Park and St. James’s Park.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd) City Engineer & Surveyor
P.S. Further lists will be sent to you as the survey is analysed.
(The list referred to in the above letter contains Selly Oak Park.)
I beg to submit the following observations thereon, so far as this Committee is concerned:-
Name of Park Remarks
Selly Oak Park Iron fencing and gates exist along the Gibbins Rd. boundary. An area of 6.5 acres is under direct cultivation for the production of food.
I have written to the City Surveyor pointing out that at several of the places specified in his list, there are no iron railings or fencing of any kind, and that this Committee has, in accordance with the Government’s requirements, put under cultivation in various parks and recreation grounds considerable areas for the production of food, and some of these places are included in his list, and you may consider it would be extremely undesirable to remove the external boundary fencing in such cases.
I have also pointed out that further areas in many of the parks and recreation grounds have been let to the Allotments Committee for the provision of Wartime allotments.
I have also communicated with the Allotments Superintendent with the object of ascertaining his Committee’s views on the question of removing the external boundary fencing from parks and recreation grounds in which Wartime and other allotments are provided.
The Committee will note from the report of the City Engineer & Surveyor that the survey of railings is being undertaken by the Wardens Service, and that the survey is being scrutinized by his staff before being forwarded to the Panel Architect, Mr. P.B. Chatwin. I have informed the City Engineer & Surveyor that the strictest security would appear to be necessary if the Wardens are likely to include in their surveys further places where iron railings do not exist.
With regard to Lodge Hill Cemetery, it has been assumed hitherto that the Ministry of Health require all Cemeteries established under the Public Health Acts or the Burial Acts to be enclosed with substantial and unclimbable iron fencing. I suggest that the Town Clerk’s ruling should be obtained on the question of the removal of iron boundary fencing from the City cemeteries.
On the general question of the removal of iron railings in the parks, I would remind the Committee that early in 1940 an estimated total of 504.44 tons of internal fencing from the parks and recreation grounds was sold to John Cashmore Ltd., of Great Bridge, Staffs., but up to the 27th November last, only 294.05 tons had actually been removed by them. The first lot was not removed until May last, and then only after repeated enquiries as to when the removal would be carried out. It was understood from the Contractors at the time that they had no available use or storage accommodation for the iron fencing in question.
It will be noted from the report of the City Engineer & Surveyor that further lists will be sent as the survey is analysed, and I will report upon such lists as and when they are received.
With regard to the reference in the report to the removal of the railings from Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, London, I would venture to suggest that the conditions at those two parks are not fairly comparable with the conditions which exist in regard to the parks in Birmingham. At Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, the Metropolitan Police, in addition to the ordinary Park Patrols, are on duty in the parks day and night, and there are public thoroughfares through both parks. The large number of people using these thoroughfares is, in itself, some measure of protection to the amenities of the parks.
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
The General Manager reported the receipt of a letter from the Superintendent of the Allotments Department to the effect that the Chairman of the Allotments Committee (Councillor Cooper) had already interviewed the Town Clerk on this matter and that it was the intention of the Allotments Committee to pass a resolution vigorously protesting against the removal of railings surrounding allotments. The General Manager further stated that, so far as land under cultivation was concerned, the City Surveyor had received instructions from the Ministry of Works and Buildings that railings were not to be removed.
4655 Resolved:- That the question of the removal of iron railings in and around the Parks and Recreation Grounds be left in the hands of the Chairman and the General Manager.
9th January 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
Batteries of 45th (R. War) S.L. Regt. RA to perform rifle & marching exercises.
10th January 1942 - Birmingham News
Stonehouse Gang F.C. – Arthur (“Nickum”) Gossage, who throughout the season has been regularly mentioned in referee’s reports for his outstanding performances in J.O.C. Football League matches, was, on Sunday, elected captain of the Stonehouse Gang F.C. Bill Frost was elected vice-captain.
Playing without Jones, the Gang lost heavily on Saturday, Bournville Youths “B” winning 14-1 at Selly Oak Park, despite a good performance by Nichols in goal.
24th January 1942 - Birmingham News
Gang F.C. – Stonehouse Gang[1] F.C. were this week drawn against Summerfields in the second round of the Aston Villa Cup. They will be at home – Selly Oak Park.
The Gang lost in a “friendly” fixture on Saturday against “A” Battalion, Boys’ Brigade, losing 6-1, after Gossage, the Gang captain, had netted the first goal of the match. The Stonehouse team, owing to illness, played with only eight men.
31st January 1942 - Birmingham News
Football – Local boys’ club rivals, Oakbrook Youth Club and the Stonehouse Gang, met at football at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, and in table tennis at Selly Oak Institute on Tuesday.
Oakbrook, after an easy win on the football field in a J.O.C. intermediate division match, despite good work by Bayliss in the Gang goal, also won easily at table tennis.
Scores: …………………
The Gang, who beat Oakbrook in the first round of the Aston Villa Cup, play Summerfield in the second round at Selly Oak Park today. Their team will be: -
D. Jones, W.H. Flint, G. Hickling; H. Nicholls, C. Norton, D.J. Taylor or E. Ponton; J. Thatcher, F. Bayliss, A. Gossage, L. Cattier, D. Walker
2nd February 1942 – Parks Committee
10th January 1942 - Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Stonehouse Gang F.C. – Arthur (“Nickum”) Gossage, who throughout the season has been regularly mentioned in referee’s reports for his outstanding performances in J.O.C. Football League matches, was, on Sunday, elected captain of the Stonehouse Gang F.C. Bill Frost was elected vice-captain.
Playing without Jones, the Gang lost heavily on Saturday, Bournville Youths “B” winning 14-1 at Selly Oak Park, despite a good performance by Nichols in goal.
24th January 1942 - Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Gang F.C. – Stonehouse Gang[1] F.C. were this week drawn against Summerfields in the second round of the Aston Villa Cup. They will be at home – Selly Oak Park.
The Gang lost in a “friendly” fixture on Saturday against “A” Battalion, Boys’ Brigade, losing 6-1, after Gossage, the Gang captain, had netted the first goal of the match. The Stonehouse team, owing to illness, played with only eight men.
31st January 1942 - Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Football – Local boys’ club rivals, Oakbrook Youth Club and the Stonehouse Gang, met at football at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, and in table tennis at Selly Oak Institute on Tuesday.
Oakbrook, after an easy win on the football field in a J.O.C. intermediate division match, despite good work by Bayliss in the Gang goal, also won easily at table tennis.
Scores: …………………
The Gang, who beat Oakbrook in the first round of the Aston Villa Cup, play Summerfield in the second round at Selly Oak Park today. Their team will be: -
D. Jones, W.H. Flint, G. Hickling; H. Nicholls, C. Norton, D.J. Taylor or E. Ponton; J. Thatcher, F. Bayliss, A. Gossage, L. Cattier, D. Walker
2nd February 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
Training Areas in various Parks
Permission has been granted to Lieut. Col. C.D. Oliver, Commanding 45th (R. War.) S.L. Regiment, R.A., for the Batteries of his Regiment to carry out rifle and marching exercises in the following Parks and Recreation Grounds:-
Calthorpe Park
Cannon Hill Park
Highbury Park
Selly Park Recreation Ground
Pebble Mill Playing Fields
Selly Oak Park
Bournbrook Recreation ground
Summerfield Park
The exercises will be carried out by small parties commensurate with the sizes of the areas affected in the hours of daylight, only during the next two months, and on the areas agreed upon.
The Committee’s confirmation is desired.
Training Areas in various Parks
4684 Resolved:- That the permission granted to Lt. Col. C.D. Oliver, Commanding 45th (Royal Warwickshire) S.L. Regiment, R.A., for the Batteries of his Regiment to carry out rifle and marching exercises in various Parks and Recreation Grounds, as set out in the foregoing report, be confirmed.
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
The following is a copy of correspondence I have had with the City Engineer & Surveyor since the date of your last meeting:-
Parks & Cemeteries Dept;
161, Corporation St. ESW/MEL 7th January, 1942.
Yr. Ref: B.S.
Dear Sir,
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings, etc.
Parks, Recreation Grounds and Cemeteries.
Referring to your letter of the 3rd instant, I now enclose schedules of the various parks, recreation grounds and cemeteries in which land is under cultivation for allotment purposes and under direct cultivation by this Department.
I shall be communicating further with you on the matter shortly, as a result of my Committee’s consideration thereof at their meeting on the 5th instant.
Yours faithfully,
(sd,). E.S. White,
General Manager.
The City Engineer & Surveyor.
Parks & Cemeteries Dept;
161, Corporation St; 4.
ESW/MEL 13th January, 1942.
Dear Sir,
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings.
Parks and Recreation Grounds.
As you are aware, the Parks Committee have had under consideration your report regarding the proposed removal of iron fencing and gates around properties under their control, and I have to inform you that the Committee cannot accept without protest the dictum that such fencing and gates should be removed without special consideration being given to the merits of each case.
The Committee have noted that, in the first instance, the Ministry of Works and Buildings particularly stressed that no other ground for retention should be considered than artistic merit or prevention of danger, and that subsequently, instructions were received by you that railings around areas under cultivation for food production are not to be scheduled for removal.
I have already supplied you with lists of the various parks, recreation grounds and cemeteries in which areas are being cultivated for food production, and there are, of course, others where the fencing and gates should not be removed because of consequential danger, and there may be some cases perhaps, where the fencing or gates might be considered to be of artistic merit. Lists of such cases will be supplied, if you so desire.
The Committee have noted also the statement that in London, the whole of the railings are being removed from Hyde Park and St. James’s Park. They are of the opinion however, that Hyde Park and St. James’s Park and other parks in London and the conditions attaching to the same, are not in any way comparable with the public parks and recreation grounds in this City. In Hyde Park and St. James’s Park and other London parks for instance, there are public thoroughfares for vehicular traffic and pedestrians through the parks, and large numbers of people use these thoroughfares at night as well as by day, and this in itself provides some measure of protection of the amenities of such parks. In addition, in the London parks, the Metropolitan Police, as well as the Park Patrols, are on duty day and night. In Birmingham public thoroughfares do not exist in any of the parks; the City Police do not exercise jurisdiction therein, and Park Patrols are not on duty at night-times. There is, consequently, much justification for the view that, if left unprotected, the public parks and open spaces of this City would be improperly used and the amenities thereof likely to be subject to abuse and damage.
There may be a number of the smaller recreation grounds and open spaces from which the fencing and gates might be removed without serious detriment to the amenities thereof, and the Parks Committee are fully prepared to give further consideration to the question of the removal of fencing and gates in such cases.
With regard to your letter of 3rd instant, I have to state as follows:-
1). Daffodil Park.
As a result of further investigation, I find that a quantity of iron hurdles are placed in gaps in the hedge between No, 41 Tessall Lane and the railway. These hurdles were placed there at the request of Messrs. Morland & Impey, (who were the donors of the site to the Corporation) who complained that the hedgerow had been completely broken away. There is only a small quantity of these hurdles, and it is doubtful whether the value would warrant the cost of removal and transport.
2). Queen’s Park, Harborne.
See my letter of the 7th instant. The gates are essential for the protection of cultivated areas.
3). Harborne Golf Course.
As previously intimated, my Committee propose to let the area for grazing, and it is essential therefore, that the fencing should be retained.
4). Quinton Recreation Ground.
I note that the iron gates have been included in the survey. If these are removed other gates will have to be provided.
With regard to the City Cemeteries, some of these are included in the schedules sent to you with my letter of the 7th instant. It has been assumed hitherto that the Ministry of Health require all Cemeteries to be enclosed with substantial unclimbable iron fencing. I am, therefore, communicating with the Town Clerk in regard thereto.
You are, of course, already aware of the position in regard to 500 tons of internal iron fencing and gates which were sold to John Casmore Ltd., in 1940 by my Committee.
Yours faithfully,
(sd.) E.S. White,
General Manager.
The City Engineer & Surveyor.
Public Works Department
Council House, Birmingham, 1.
21st January 1942
Our Ref: BS.
Yr. Ref: ESW/MEL
E.S. White, Esq.,
General Manager,
Parks & Cemeteries Dept;
161, Corporation St; B’ham. 4.
Dear Sir,
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
Parks and Recreation Grounds
I thank you for your letters of January 7th and 13th and it is evident that your Committee view the requisition of Park Railings with disfavour.
Since my last letter to you I have received a further Circular from the Ministry of Works and Buildings, a copy of which I enclose. Paragraph (ix) and (x) will be of particular interest to you. In view of these latter instructions, upon which I am bound to act, I do not find that the arguments put forward by your Committee for the retention of Park and Cemetery Railings generally can be sustained.
I shall be pleased if you will let me have a list of particular sites where your Committee wish to appeal for the retention of the railings and I will place the whole matter before the Emergency Committee for determination.
With regard to the internal iron fencing and gates which have already been sold, the Ministry of Works and Buildings may exercise their power to break the contract and remove the railings still left standing at the time of requisition.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
(s,d) Herbert J. Manzoni,
City Engineer & Surveyor.
HP.
The following is a copy of a letter also written by me to the Town Clerk on the 12th ultimo, and his reply thereto dated the 14th idem:-
Parks & Cemeteries Dept;
161, Corporation St; B’ham. 4.
12th January, 1942.
ESW/MEL
Dear Sir,
Removal of Unnecessary Railings, etc.
City Cemeteries.
The Parks Committee have recently had under consideration, a report by the City Engineer & Surveyor regarding the proposed removal of iron fencing and gates around properties under their control, including one of the City cemeteries. It is understood however, that further lists will be submitted by the City Surveyor which may include the other cemeteries.
In some of the cemeteries, land is under cultivation for the production of food, and I understand from the City Engineer & Surveyor that the Ministry of Works and Buildings have now given him instructions that such fencing is not to be scheduled for removal where it surrounds areas under cultivation for food production.
It has, however, been hitherto assumed in this Department that the Ministry of Health require all cemeteries established under the Public Health Acts or the Burial Acts to be enclosed with substantial unclimbable iron fencing. For the further information of my Committee, I should be obliged if you would be good enough to inform me of the legal position in regard to the removal of such fencing from City Cemeteries.
Yours faithfully,
(sd.) E.S. White
General Manager.
The Town Clerk.
The Council House,
Birmingham.
14th January, 1942
D.T.C.
Dear Sir,
Removal of Railings.
City Cemeteries.
With reference to the subject of your letter of the 12th January, I enclose herewith a copy of a Circular dated the 9th January which I have received from the Ministry of Works and Buildings upon the above subject.
Confirming Mr. Minshull’s conversation with you over the telephone, you will see that items 9 and 10 of that Circular deal with the subject matter of your letter.
Yours faithfully,
(sd.) F.H.C. Wiltshire, FCM.
Town Clerk.
E.S. White, Esq.,
General Manager,
Parks Department.
Paragraphs (ix) and (x) of the Circular issued by the Ministry of Works & Buildings referred to in the letters from the Town Clerk and the City Engineer & Surveyor read as follows:-
“(ix) Railings round burial grounds and cemeteries in rural areas that are not set on an external wall of a minimum height of 3 feet from the ground.
(x) Railings and gates necessary to protect growing crops actually bordering on a highway in Urban Areas.”
I gathered from a recent Press article that iron fencing and railings are not to be removed where it would be necessary to replace the same with some other kind of fencing for the protection of grazing lands, and to keep cattle from straying.
A copy of the Schedule of the various Parks, Recreation Grounds and Cemeteries in which land is under cultivation for allotment purposes and under direct cultivation by your Department and which is referred to in my letter to the City Engineer & Surveyor of the 7th ultimo is annexed (- Compiler’s note - Selly Oak Park was included in the list of direct cultivation), and the following is a list of the places where it is considered departmentally that it would be dangerous to the public to remove the iron fencing, etc. –
Name of Park Cause or Danger
Selly Oak Park Canal.
It will be noted that in his letter to me of the 21st ultimo, the City Engineer & Surveyor asks for a list of the particular sites where your Committee wish to appeal for retention of the railings, and he will then place the whole matter before the Emergency Committee for determination.
I suggest that the City Engineer should be reminded of the list that has already been sent to him of sites under cultivation, that the list of places where it is considered it would be dangerous to the public to remove the fencing should also be sent to him, and that these, together with all iron fencing and gates surrounding the City Cemeteries, should form the subject matter of an appeal for their retention.
I would point out to this Committee the trespass and losses which would undoubtedly occur if cultivated areas were left unprotected by fencing. This applies also to vegetable crops grown in the flower beds and in the various glasshouses. The question of trespass and damage to buildings, including pavilions, “Sons of Rest” and other shelters, boats and boathouses, lavatories and playground apparatus, etc., also requires serious consideration.
The Committee’s further instructions on the matter are desired.
Requisition of Unnecessary Railings
On Item No. 12 of his report, the General Manager submitted a letter dated 27th January, 1942, from the City Surveyor to the Superintendent of the Allotments Department, to the effect that he had received a further circular from the Ministry of Works and Buildings which stated that only “Railings and gates necessary to protect growing crops actually bordering on a highway in Urban areas” can be retained. Although this latest direction would exempt the majority of allotment sites, there would be certain cases where he was bound to schedule the railings, e.g., railings around parks and recreation grounds which contain allotment sites not actually bordering on the highway. These latter railings were under the control of the Parks and Cemeteries Committee and would be reported to them in due course.
4689 Resolved:- That the General Manager be authorized to continue his negotiations with the City Surveyor with reference to the requisitioning of unnecessary railings on the lines mentioned in the foregoing report.
7th February 1942 – Birmingham News
Stonehouse Gang F.C. – Both Selly Oak teams are now out of the Aston Villa Cup competition.
After disposing of Oakbrook in the first round at Muntz Park, the Stonehouse Gang, playing at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, lost heavily in the second round to Summerfields, who were, after they had settled down, always the superior team.
Although the Gang took the lead at 2-1, the visitors afterwards had things much their own way and won 16-3. “Spud” Taylor (2) and Dennis Walker scored for Stonehouse.
The Gang team to play Old Deykinians today will be D. Jones; W.H Flint, G. Hickling; H. Nicholls, C. Norton, D.J. Taylor; J. Thatcher or S.Hill, E. Poston, A. Gossage, B. Hadden, D. Walker.
21st February 1942 – Birmingham News
“Gang” Football – At Selly Oak Park on Saturday, the Stonehouse Gang, playing the leaders of the J.O.C. Football League (Intermediate division) again, as was expected, lost heavily. The score was 16-0 in Sparkhill’s favour, but despite the heavy defeat, the Stonehouse goalkeeper, Jones, was commended by the referee for his plucky performance.
The Gang team to play today will be Bayliss; Flint, Hickling; Norton, Nicholls, Taylor (or Jones); Thatcher, Fitzer, Gossage, Poston, Walker.
25th February 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
Application received from Lt.Col. G.H. Lewis for a Mortar Site.
28th February 1942 – Birmingham News
“Gang” Football – Dennis Fitzer, playing his first game for the Stonehouse Gang F.C., scored one of the team’s two goals on Saturday when, at Selly Oak Park, they were defeated in a keen game with Victoria Rangers by 4-2. The home team’s other goal was scored by Arthur Gossage, the captain.
The Gang eleven to meet Summerfields today will be:
F. Bayliss; W.H. Flint, D. Walker; C. Norton, H. Nicholls, G. Hickling; J. Thatcher, D. Fitzer, A. Gossage, E. Poston, L. Cattier.
9th March 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
Permission granted to Mr. H.W. Coultas, Department of Civil Engineering, the University, Edgbaston, to construct a mortar gun emplacement on a site approximately 7 square feet near concrete dressing rooms. (Minute 4808, 1st June 1948 (sic – should read 1942)
21st March 1942 – Birmingham News
“Gang” Football – The Stonehouse Gang senior football eleven played two matches during last week-end, losing one and winning the other.
On Saturday, in the Intermediate section of the J.O.C. league, they met the league leaders, Valley Park Rovers, at Selly Oak Park and lost 11-3.
The match against Harborne A.T.C. at Richmond Hill Road was won, the score being 2-1.
30th March 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
7th February 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Stonehouse Gang F.C. – Both Selly Oak teams are now out of the Aston Villa Cup competition.
After disposing of Oakbrook in the first round at Muntz Park, the Stonehouse Gang, playing at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, lost heavily in the second round to Summerfields, who were, after they had settled down, always the superior team.
Although the Gang took the lead at 2-1, the visitors afterwards had things much their own way and won 16-3. “Spud” Taylor (2) and Dennis Walker scored for Stonehouse.
The Gang team to play Old Deykinians today will be D. Jones; W.H Flint, G. Hickling; H. Nicholls, C. Norton, D.J. Taylor; J. Thatcher or S.Hill, E. Poston, A. Gossage, B. Hadden, D. Walker.
21st February 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
“Gang” Football – At Selly Oak Park on Saturday, the Stonehouse Gang, playing the leaders of the J.O.C. Football League (Intermediate division) again, as was expected, lost heavily. The score was 16-0 in Sparkhill’s favour, but despite the heavy defeat, the Stonehouse goalkeeper, Jones, was commended by the referee for his plucky performance.
The Gang team to play today will be Bayliss; Flint, Hickling; Norton, Nicholls, Taylor (or Jones); Thatcher, Fitzer, Gossage, Poston, Walker.
25th February 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
Application received from Lt.Col. G.H. Lewis for a Mortar Site.
28th February 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
“Gang” Football – Dennis Fitzer, playing his first game for the Stonehouse Gang F.C., scored one of the team’s two goals on Saturday when, at Selly Oak Park, they were defeated in a keen game with Victoria Rangers by 4-2. The home team’s other goal was scored by Arthur Gossage, the captain.
The Gang eleven to meet Summerfields today will be:
F. Bayliss; W.H. Flint, D. Walker; C. Norton, H. Nicholls, G. Hickling; J. Thatcher, D. Fitzer, A. Gossage, E. Poston, L. Cattier.
9th March 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
Permission granted to Mr. H.W. Coultas, Department of Civil Engineering, the University, Edgbaston, to construct a mortar gun emplacement on a site approximately 7 square feet near concrete dressing rooms. (Minute 4808, 1st June 1948 (sic – should read 1942)
21st March 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
“Gang” Football – The Stonehouse Gang senior football eleven played two matches during last week-end, losing one and winning the other.
On Saturday, in the Intermediate section of the J.O.C. league, they met the league leaders, Valley Park Rovers, at Selly Oak Park and lost 11-3.
The match against Harborne A.T.C. at Richmond Hill Road was won, the score being 2-1.
30th March 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
Home Guard
Since your last meeting, further facilities have been granted to various units of the Home Guard as follows:-
Selly Oak Park Civil Engineer Officer, No. 1 Sector Home Guard, the University, Edgbaston. Permission to construct a mortar gun emplacement approximately 7 feet square on the high ground near the concrete dressing rooms, the structure being 4 feet below the ground and 6 inches above the ground.
Home Guard
4742 Resolved:- That the granting of further facilities to units of the Home Guard, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
Compiler’s note - There is a comment in the General Manager’s report to the Parks & Cemeteries Committee, concerning potato crops:-
“Unfortunately, the season has not been a good one for keeping potatoes, and a considerable quantity of the Potatoes grown by the Department has gone bad and had to be disposed of as Pig Potatoes. The disease from which they suffered appears to have been very general throughout the Country. The severe weather also resulted in approximately 5 tons of Ware Potatoes having to be scrapped because of their having been frosted in the clamps."
2nd May 1942 – Birmingham News
“Gang” News – At Selly Oak Park on Saturday the Stonehouse Gang’s senior football team, playing in the J.O.C. League defeated Bournville “C” by four clear goals.
Stan Bishop, Louis Cattier, Dennis Fitzer and Bill Flint scored. Fitzer has scored in every match since he entered the team half-way through the season.
4th May 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
2nd May 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
“Gang” News – At Selly Oak Park on Saturday the Stonehouse Gang’s senior football team, playing in the J.O.C. League defeated Bournville “C” by four clear goals.
Stan Bishop, Louis Cattier, Dennis Fitzer and Bill Flint scored. Fitzer has scored in every match since he entered the team half-way through the season.
4th May 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
Removal of Iron Railings
I beg to report for the Committee’s information that after various interviews with the City Engineer & Surveyor, the Town Clerk and a representative of the Ministry of Works and Buildings, it has been agreed that the iron boundary railings and gates shall be removed from the following parks and recreation grounds, which are not included among the places where objections were raised to the removal on account of cultivated land or danger to the public, viz:-
(a list follows)
It has also been agreed that the railing surrounding the enclosure around the public convenience in Icknield Street, at the corner of Warstone Lane, which enclosure is under the control of this Committee shall be removed.
With regard to the sites where objection was made to the removal of the railings and gates, arrangements have been made as follows, viz:-
(from a list)
Selly Oak Park Railings and gates on Gibbins Road frontage to be removed.
The above-mentioned arrangements apply to the parks and recreation grounds situated within the City boundaries.
With regard to Warley and Lightwoods Parks and the part of Black Patch Recreation Ground which is situated within the Borough of Smethwick, I have had interviews with the Borough Engineer & Surveyor of Smethwick and the representative of the Ministry of Works and Buildings, and as a result, the Ministry insist on the removal of most of the iron railings at these three places, with the exception of those on the Hagley Road frontage of Lightwoods Park, where it is considered their removal might constitute a danger to the public.
The removal of the railings and gates at certain of the parks and recreation grounds mentioned above has already been commenced.
In view of this removal and of the possibility of trespass and damage, I recently communicated with the Chief Constable, enquiring whether he could arrange for some special supervision to be given by the City Police to the places which will be left open, and he replied that so far as possible, the City Police will give such supervision. In some places, it is considered to be essential that some form of protective fencing should be substituted for the iron railings removed. I have investigated the possibilities in this connection, and have obtained quotations for certain types of Cleft Chestnut fencing from the Stanford (Chestnut Fencing) Manufacturing Co. Ltd., of Station Works, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. They have quoted as follows:-
5,000 yds. Chestnut Fencing Style “A” Pales
3” apart 4’6” high @ 1/11¼d. per yard. £484- 7- 6.
1,700 Pointed Posts 6ft. long @ 102/- per 100. 86-14- 0.
1,000 yds. Chestnut Fencing Style “D” 5ft.
High Pales 2” apart @ 3/½d. per yard. 152- 1- 8.
350 Pointed Posts 6’6” long @ 120/6d. per 100 21-11- 9.
Less 2½% cash 7 days. £744-14-11.
Carr. Paid to Birmingham.
Dispatch – 14 days – 5,600 yds. Weekly, per rail.
It will be noted that the total cost of such fencing will be £744-14-11. This expenditure will be covered by the current year’s estimates, and the Committee’s authority for the purchase thereof is desired.
A communication (see following) from the Town Clerk will be submitted at your meeting on the question of compensation claims which will arise in respect of the removal of railings, etc.
Council House
Birmingham 1.
21st April 1942
Dear Sir,
Requisition of Railings
You will be aware that the Schedules have now been prepared and sent to the Ministry of Works and Buildings and the work of removal by the Ministry has now commenced. The weight of the railings etc. is being ascertained as they are collected. The question of compensation claims in respect of removed railings will now arise and will require consideration by the Sub-Committee concerned. Compensation is payable by the Government under section 3 of the Compensation (Defence) Act 1939 in respect of any diminution in the annual value of the land. The usual claim, however, is expected to be under section 6 of that Act which deals with the requisition of goods.
The following paragraph appears in the instructions originally issued by the Minister of Supply:-
“It is hoped that the majority of owners will surrender their railings freely and that claims for compensation will be reduced to a minimum. Claims under section 3 should not generally arise in view of the exclusion from the schedule of railings serving a real purpose or having special artistic or historical value. As regards claims under section 6, efforts should be made to settle all such claims by payment at a standard rate of 25s. per ton. It is estimated that the Ministry will receive from iron and steel makers an average of the current controlled prices of scrap, and the cost of collecting, sorting, preparation and delivery will be considerably in excess of the difference. The owner is, however, not bound to accept this offer.”
The Emergency Committee have placed the matter of the issue of claim forms and the agreement of claims in the hands of the Air Raid Precautions Officer who will deal with the matter in conjunction with the City Treasurer. If, therefore, it is the desire of any Committee to make a claim in respect of railings, etc., which have been removed application should be made to the Air Raid Precautions Officer for the appropriate form at his Head office, 19, Broad Street, Birmingham, 2.
Yours faithfully,
(sd.) Town Clerk
To Heads of Departments and
Committee Clerks.
Removal of Iron Railings
4769 Resolved:- That the arrangements for the removal of iron railings from various Parks, Recreation Grounds and Cemeteries as set out in the foregoing report be approved, and the General Manager instructed to put forward claims for compensation through the Air Raid Precautions Officer.
4770 Resolved:- That the quotation of Stanford (Chestnut Fencing) Manufacturing Co. Ltd., for the supply and delivery of chestnut fencing to replace iron railings for the sum of £744. 14. 11., less 2½% for cash be accepted, and the matter reported to the City Council as an exception to Standing Orders.
9th May 1942 – Birmingham News
Season’s Finale – The Stonehouse Gang football club entertained Summerfields in the last home match of the season at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, the result being a 6-1 win for the visitors. Stan Bishop scored for Stonehouse.
1st June 1942 – Parks Committee
9th May 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Season’s Finale – The Stonehouse Gang football club entertained Summerfields in the last home match of the season at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, the result being a 6-1 win for the visitors. Stan Bishop scored for Stonehouse.
1st June 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
National Defence Operations
Since my report to your meeting on the 1st December, 1941, sites and buildings in various parks, etc. have been taken over for defence purposes as follows:-
(from a long list)
Park Service Particulars
Selly Oak Park Home Guard On the 19th September 1941, one set of dressing rooms was
(No. 10. Sub. requisitioned, and it is proposed at a later date to enclose
Section). approximately 400 square yards of land.
Selly Oak Park Home Guard On the 9th March, 1942, Mr. H.W. Coultas, Department of
Civil Engineering, the University, Edgbaston, was granted permission to construct a mortar gun emplacement on a site approximately 7 square feet on the high ground near the concrete dressing rooms and overlooking the canal, the structure being partly 4 ft. below ground and partly 6 in. above ground. It was pointed out to Mr. Coultas that his unit must undertake responsibility for any damage caused to this Committee’s property and for any accidents that may occur to the general public.
In accordance with the arrangements made by the General Purposes Committee, details of the sites and buildings taken over for Defence Purposes have been forwarded to the City Treasurer for inclusion in a comprehensive claim for compensation to be made by the Corporation in due course.
National Defence Operations
4808 Resolved:- That the arrangements for the settlement of rents and compensation in respect of sites and buildings in Parks and Recreation Grounds taken over by the Government for defence purposes, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
27th June 1942 – Birmingham News
Gang Cricket – This week has been something of a cricket festival for the Stonehouse Gang members, matches being played on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Saturday the Gang Juniors met Shenley Homes boys at Shenley. Batting first, the Stonehouse side were out very cheaply, and Shenley obtained a lead of 54 on the first innings. The Gang, however, largely due to an excellent knock by Fred Collins, totalled 61 in the second innings and seemed possible winners when the first four of the Shenley batsmen were dismissed with only a few runs on the board. Eventually, however, thanks to their captain, Bill Paterson, the home team won by 26 runs.
The Gang’s “A” team visited Kings Heath Park on Monday, when they lost by 28 runs to the Grove Scouts.
Tuesday’s game at Selly Oak Park resulted in another Gang defeat, Northfield Institute beating the senior Stonehouse team by 28 runs, despite a plucky batting effort by John Pettitt, who carried his bat after going in at the fall of the first wicket, and effective bowling by Bayliss (four for 14) and Norton (four for 13).
The defeats, however, were overwhelmingly revenged on Wednesday, when the Gang Juniors beat Harborne Methodist Boys’ Club – playing their first inter-club match – by 89 runs to nine at Selly Oak Park.
For Stonehouse, Billy Harding had the amazing bowling figures of five wickets for no runs in two overs – including the “hat” trick.
Alan Williams, Billy Harding, Ken Bryant and Ray (“Pongo”) Waring were mainly responsible for the Gang’s excellent batting total.
4th July 1942 – Birmingham News
Stonehouse won by 12 runs, the scores being:- (details are then given)
6th July 1942 – Parks Committee
27th June 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Gang Cricket – This week has been something of a cricket festival for the Stonehouse Gang members, matches being played on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Saturday the Gang Juniors met Shenley Homes boys at Shenley. Batting first, the Stonehouse side were out very cheaply, and Shenley obtained a lead of 54 on the first innings. The Gang, however, largely due to an excellent knock by Fred Collins, totalled 61 in the second innings and seemed possible winners when the first four of the Shenley batsmen were dismissed with only a few runs on the board. Eventually, however, thanks to their captain, Bill Paterson, the home team won by 26 runs.
The Gang’s “A” team visited Kings Heath Park on Monday, when they lost by 28 runs to the Grove Scouts.
Tuesday’s game at Selly Oak Park resulted in another Gang defeat, Northfield Institute beating the senior Stonehouse team by 28 runs, despite a plucky batting effort by John Pettitt, who carried his bat after going in at the fall of the first wicket, and effective bowling by Bayliss (four for 14) and Norton (four for 13).
The defeats, however, were overwhelmingly revenged on Wednesday, when the Gang Juniors beat Harborne Methodist Boys’ Club – playing their first inter-club match – by 89 runs to nine at Selly Oak Park.
For Stonehouse, Billy Harding had the amazing bowling figures of five wickets for no runs in two overs – including the “hat” trick.
Alan Williams, Billy Harding, Ken Bryant and Ray (“Pongo”) Waring were mainly responsible for the Gang’s excellent batting total.
4th July 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
“Gang” Cricket – Stonehouse Gang bowlers set up a notable record last week when, playing at Selly Oak Park on Saturday, Bill Flint became the second Gang player of the week to take four wickets in an over – including the hat trick.
His victims were the four opening batsmen of Bournville Youths “B” team.Stonehouse won by 12 runs, the scores being:- (details are then given)
6th July 1942 – Parks Committee
There is a note in the General Manager’s report to the Committee concerning the proposed Crop Production Scheme for 1943. It indicated that the 6.5 acres cultivated in Selly Oak Park would again be used to grow potatoes.
26th August 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
C.T. (i.e. City Treasurer) states offer received from WD Land Agent for Hutting for H.G. (i.e. Home Guard) £18. p.a.
19th September 1942 – Birmingham News
Stonehouse F.C. – Stonehouse Gang Football Club commenced its training on Saturday with a friendly game against League rivals Victoria Rangers, at Selly Oak Park.
26th September 1942 – Birmingham News
Football – There was an unexpected result in the football match at Selly Oak Park on Saturday between two Stonehouse Gang teams. The “Colours” consisting of the senior team forward line and the intermediate defence, were well beaten by the “Whites”, the senior defence behind the intermediate forward line.
The score was 6-2 in the “Whites” favour, scorers being Edwin Poston (2), Horace Nicholls (2), Reg James and Bill Flint for the winners, and Dennis Fitzer (2) for the “Colours”.
Today the Gang Intermediates entertain Summer Fields at Selly Oak Park, the home team being: D.V. Jones; F. Milward, A. Lowe; C. Norton, R.H. Wigg, H. Nicholls; R. Wells, J. Pettitt (or T. Wassell), E. Poston, B. Hadden, D.J. Taylor.
3rd October 1942 – Birmingham News
Gang Football – Stonehouse Gang football teams showed up to good advantage last week-end.
The Intermediate league team entertained Summer Fields at Selly Oak Park on Saturday and fully deserved their 6-3 win. Home team goals were scored by Louis Cattier, Bob Wells, Spud Taylor (2), and Bunny Haden (2).
The Stonehouse Gang seniors were set a big task in their match with an Army eleven.
The Army eventually won 6-4 after a very keenly contested game. They declared the Gang lads provided them with the keenest opposition they had yet met.
Johnny Thatcher, Dennis Fitzer and Nobby Clarke (2) scored for Stonehouse.
Both Gang teams open their league fixtures at Selly Oak Park today, when the seniors entertain Northfield Y.M.C.A. and the intermediates Summer Fields again.
5th October 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
26th August 1942 – Parks Department (Operations Card 26 M1)
C.T. (i.e. City Treasurer) states offer received from WD Land Agent for Hutting for H.G. (i.e. Home Guard) £18. p.a.
19th September 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Stonehouse F.C. – Stonehouse Gang Football Club commenced its training on Saturday with a friendly game against League rivals Victoria Rangers, at Selly Oak Park.
26th September 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Football – There was an unexpected result in the football match at Selly Oak Park on Saturday between two Stonehouse Gang teams. The “Colours” consisting of the senior team forward line and the intermediate defence, were well beaten by the “Whites”, the senior defence behind the intermediate forward line.
The score was 6-2 in the “Whites” favour, scorers being Edwin Poston (2), Horace Nicholls (2), Reg James and Bill Flint for the winners, and Dennis Fitzer (2) for the “Colours”.
Today the Gang Intermediates entertain Summer Fields at Selly Oak Park, the home team being: D.V. Jones; F. Milward, A. Lowe; C. Norton, R.H. Wigg, H. Nicholls; R. Wells, J. Pettitt (or T. Wassell), E. Poston, B. Hadden, D.J. Taylor.
3rd October 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Gang Football – Stonehouse Gang football teams showed up to good advantage last week-end.
The Intermediate league team entertained Summer Fields at Selly Oak Park on Saturday and fully deserved their 6-3 win. Home team goals were scored by Louis Cattier, Bob Wells, Spud Taylor (2), and Bunny Haden (2).
The Stonehouse Gang seniors were set a big task in their match with an Army eleven.
The Army eventually won 6-4 after a very keenly contested game. They declared the Gang lads provided them with the keenest opposition they had yet met.
Johnny Thatcher, Dennis Fitzer and Nobby Clarke (2) scored for Stonehouse.
Both Gang teams open their league fixtures at Selly Oak Park today, when the seniors entertain Northfield Y.M.C.A. and the intermediates Summer Fields again.
5th October 1942 – Parks Committee
The General Manager submitted the following report:-
Staff – Wages
The following appointments have been made in order to fill vacancies:-
Name Park Nature of Commencing
Employment Date Wages
Myatt, G. Selly Oak Pk. Police 5.10.42 £3-14- 0.
Staff - Wages
4909 Resolved:- That the various appointments to fill vacancies on the staff, as set out in the foregoing report, be approved.
10th October 1942 – Birmingham News
Gang Football – The Stonehouse Gang senior football team, at home at Selly Oak Park on Saturday to Northfield Y.M.C.A., opened their J.O.C. league games in fine style, winning by 14 clear goals.
Arthur (“Nick”) Gossage, Dennis Fitzer and Reg Jones (three each), Johnny Thatcher (2), Lou Cattier, Stan Egginton and Dennis Walker (one each) were the Stonehouse scorers.
The intermediate team, up against a stronger Summer Fields team than they beat the previous Saturday, lost 6-0.
10th October 1942 – Birmingham News
The Week’s News from the Districts
Selly Oak
Gang Football – The Stonehouse Gang senior football team, at home at Selly Oak Park on Saturday to Northfield Y.M.C.A., opened their J.O.C. league games in fine style, winning by 14 clear goals.
Arthur (“Nick”) Gossage, Dennis Fitzer and Reg Jones (three each), Johnny Thatcher (2), Lou Cattier, Stan Egginton and Dennis Walker (one each) were the Stonehouse scorers.
The intermediate team, up against a stronger Summer Fields team than they beat the previous Saturday, lost 6-0.
[1] There is a valuable article giving the background to the Stonehouse Gang in the Birmingham News dated 31 January 1942.
