Chairmans letter Praise for our departed Treasurer, Harry Hurst, has poured in from all quarters and, on behalf of our members, I expressed condolences to Jacqui and the rest of the family. The hoardings around the front of the Mansion are still present but Andrew Carter, the Leader of Leeds City Council, has assured FoRP that a timetable has been set in place for resolving all outstanding issues. His personal promise to keep us informed of developments is most welcome. Reconstruction work is progressing apace on the Lakeside Caf and the Visitor/Education Centres are open. The Park looks resplendent on sunny days, the emergence of bulbs adding to its glory. Just remember the wellington boots for a stroll around the lake. Well all be that much happier when the path is put right. John Richards Information The next General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th April at 7.30 pm. Venue will be the Education Centre. Working Parties The working parties take place on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the Mansion Car Park, or as advised, at 10.00am. Saturday 15th March 2008 Saturday 19th April 2008 Saturday 17th May 2008 Saturday 21st June 2008 Events List weve included confirmed and a few of the provisional items as at the date of publication. Please watch notice boards, the local press etc for more events and details. Chairmans letter Praise for our departed Treasurer, Harry Hurst, has poured in from all quarters and, on behalf of our members, I expressed condolences to Jacqui and the rest of the family. The hoardings around the front of the Mansion are still present but Andrew Carter, the Leader of Leeds City Council, has assured FoRP that a timetable has been set in place for resolving all outstanding issues. His personal promise to keep us informed of developments is most welcome. Reconstruction work is progressing apace on the Lakeside Caf and the Visitor/Education Centres are open. The Park looks resplendent on sunny days, the emergence of bulbs adding to its glory. Just remember the wellington boots for a stroll around the lake. Well all be that much happier when the path is put right. John Richards Information The next General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th April at 7.30 pm. Venue will be the Education Centre. Working Parties The working parties take place on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the Mansion Car Park, or as advised, at 10.00am. Saturday 15th March 2008 Saturday 19th April 2008 Saturday 17th May 2008 Saturday 21st June 2008 Events List weve included confirmed and a few of the provisional items as at the date of publication. Please watch notice boards, the local press etc for more events and details. Friends of Roundhay Park Newsletter February 2008 Friends of Roundhay Park, PO Box 129, Leeds LS8 1WY email: news@forp.co.uk website: www.forp.co.uk Editorial Apologies for keeping you waiting for this edition but we hope it proves worthwhile. We thought it timely to begin with the original aims of FoRP as expressed at the first public meeting held at St John's School, North Lane on 12 April 1994. Thanks go to Tony Kessler for supplying copies from his computer. We also include in these pages a remembrance of Harry and have held over our formerly intended Profile to the next edition. Mrs Sternes letter, A Dream Come True, aptly reflects the views of most people we speak to about the new Visitor Centre. Additional thanks to Jonathan Barran and John Hodgson (Hectors owner) for their items. We encourage you to email news@forp.co.uk with submission of items/comments for inclusion in subsequent newsletters. Please note that some of the views expressed by ourselves and contributors in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of FoRP itself. Alan & Michle Jackson The Birth of FoRP -1994 Text from the Notice calling the First Public Meeting : Our aim will be to restore Roundhay Park to its former glory as the Jewel in the Crown of Leeds by co-operating with those departments of the local authorities such as Parks Department (Leisure Services), Promotions and Tourism, Licensing and West Yorkshire Police, all of which have already been contacted by the organisers of the meeting. We have the support of local councillors. Opening address given by Tony Kessler : Over the last twelve months or so, a few concerned residents, including myself, have made representations to departments of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police on matters connected with Roundhay Park. I have been absolutely amazed at the response we have had. It was absolutely marvellous. Where I was expecting obstruction, with one department pushing us on to another, we have been greeted with genuine concern and a wonderful willingness to listen and help. Therefore, I should like to stress right from the very start, that this is neither intended to be a council bashing meeting nor is it an attempt to form a council bashing machine. To me, this meeting is taking place to see if we can form an association which will, through consultation and co-operation, lead to a better Roundhay Park for us all. I now intend to hand the meeting over to my very good friend Mr Harry Hurst, with a proposal that we form FRIENDS OF ROUNDHAY PARK. Items from Notes of the first meeting : HH said that he and TK had called the meeting because of the difficulty they had encountered trying to do things themselves in attempting to restore the Park to the way it used to be. They want to see it and its facilities being more widely used by the people of Leeds, involving as many of them as possible and keeping contact with many of the Council departments, all of which had been co-operative and helpful, and it was felt that further co-operation with bodies such as the Civic Trust and Roundhay Conservation Society should take place. He thought that it would be necessary for there to be some subscription, and also regretted that money was immediately wanted -to pay for the hire of the hall. A collection took place which yielded 60.90. He then asked for suggestions from those present as to points to be discussed, the purpose of the meeting being to talk about what is wrong with the Park and how to look after it. In addition to the above, (Eds: items omitted but eerily familiar and most still relevant today) Richard Brown (Parks Coordinator for Leeds Leisure Services) said that he was very enthusiastic about the formation of this group, as the Park was of immense importance. He stressed the difficulties faced by Keith Roberts (Roundhay Park manager) having only four gardeners to look after an area of over 600 acres. These were responsible for repairing damage and clearance of rubbish after special events, in addition to their usual duties. He felt that the sponsors and organisers should be responsible for cleaning and tidying after events. His attention had been drawn to the inadequacy of provision of litterbins in the Park and its environs. He also stated that he hoped that a proposed by-law regarding dog-fouling in this and other parks would be adopted in the near future. Councillor Gruen said that a survey had shown that people wanted to see changes in the Park, and felt that when big events are held, the money raised should be re-invested there, but others felt that any profits made should be available to Leeds as a whole, and not merely to Roundhay. There was some doubt, however, if after taking into account the additional costs of policing, clearing, etc., the Corporation actually made any profits on these events. He agreed that the Council should make public the accounts regarding them. He said that the Parks department was powerless without resources and staff and that this group needs to lobby for further investment and have contact with other voluntary organisations. It was also suggested that, although working parties had been mentioned, it would be preferable for the Council to be encouraged to engage a number of the unemployed in Leeds to undertake work not being done at the moment, and to assist in beautifying the Park. This suggestion met with widespread applause. The Birth of FoRP -1994 Text from the Notice calling the First Public Meeting : Our aim will be to restore Roundhay Park to its former glory as the Jewel in the Crown of Leeds by co-operating with those departments of the local authorities such as Parks Department (Leisure Services), Promotions and Tourism, Licensing and West Yorkshire Police, all of which have already been contacted by the organisers of the meeting. We have the support of local councillors. Opening address given by Tony Kessler : Over the last twelve months or so, a few concerned residents, including myself, have made representations to departments of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police on matters connected with Roundhay Park. I have been absolutely amazed at the response we have had. It was absolutely marvellous. Where I was expecting obstruction, with one department pushing us on to another, we have been greeted with genuine concern and a wonderful willingness to listen and help. Therefore, I should like to stress right from the very start, that this is neither intended to be a council bashing meeting nor is it an attempt to form a council bashing machine. To me, this meeting is taking place to see if we can form an association which will, through consultation and co-operation, lead to a better Roundhay Park for us all. I now intend to hand the meeting over to my very good friend Mr Harry Hurst, with a proposal that we form FRIENDS OF ROUNDHAY PARK. Items from Notes of the first meeting : HH said that he and TK had called the meeting because of the difficulty they had encountered trying to do things themselves in attempting to restore the Park to the way it used to be. They want to see it and its facilities being more widely used by the people of Leeds, involving as many of them as possible and keeping contact with many of the Council departments, all of which had been co-operative and helpful, and it was felt that further co-operation with bodies such as the Civic Trust and Roundhay Conservation Society should take place. He thought that it would be necessary for there to be some subscription, and also regretted that money was immediately wanted -to pay for the hire of the hall. A collection took place which yielded 60.90. He then asked for suggestions from those present as to points to be discussed, the purpose of the meeting being to talk about what is wrong with the Park and how to look after it. In addition to the above, (Eds: items omitted but eerily familiar and most still relevant today) Richard Brown (Parks Coordinator for Leeds Leisure Services) said that he was very enthusiastic about the formation of this group, as the Park was of immense importance. He stressed the difficulties faced by Keith Roberts (Roundhay Park manager) having only four gardeners to look after an area of over 600 acres. These were responsible for repairing damage and clearance of rubbish after special events, in addition to their usual duties. He felt that the sponsors and organisers should be responsible for cleaning and tidying after events. His attention had been drawn to the inadequacy of provision of litterbins in the Park and its environs. He also stated that he hoped that a proposed by-law regarding dog-fouling in this and other parks would be adopted in the near future. Councillor Gruen said that a survey had shown that people wanted to see changes in the Park, and felt that when big events are held, the money raised should be re-invested there, but others felt that any profits made should be available to Leeds as a whole, and not merely to Roundhay. There was some doubt, however, if after taking into account the additional costs of policing, clearing, etc., the Corporation actually made any profits on these events. He agreed that the Council should make public the accounts regarding them. He said that the Parks department was powerless without resources and staff and that this group needs to lobby for further investment and have contact with other voluntary organisations. It was also suggested that, although working parties had been mentioned, it would be preferable for the Council to be encouraged to engage a number of the unemployed in Leeds to undertake work not being done at the moment, and to assist in beautifying the Park. This suggestion met with widespread applause. A Dream Come True by Ruth Sterne On Sunday November 25th, a sunny day, I decided to go for a short bird-watching walk in Roundhay Park after a break of more than a week. Having parked near the Mansion, I looked at the small lake, found some unusual birds, chatted about them with other visitors and made my way across the grassy area around the back of the Mansion. On reaching the top of the hill I noticed an open door in the re-instated conservatory and the notice board advertising the Visitor Centre. That reminded me of the fact that the centre had been officially opened that week. Although I felt rather tired I had to go and have a look what was on offer. I was impressed by the shop and its interesting items for sale and proceeded to inspect the exhibition/information centre. There was such a range of information about the Roundhay Area, the Park itself and its history and geology and other aspects that I could not take it all in on this first visit. But I was most impressed by the modern presentation and gadgets including the underfloor aquarium*. I was thrilled by this most welcome addition to the amenities of Roundhay Park, which had been among my suggestions for the use of the Mansion during the consultation period. Let us hope that the catering facilities of the Mansion will in due course be of the same high quality as the Visitor Centre has proved to be. * Mrs Sterne may have been rewarded on subsequent visits by the alternative projected images of flowers, leaves and snow falling on grass. She also doubtless enjoyed the RSPB Arent Birds Brilliant event, a report of which appears in this Newsletter. Summary of Minutes from the General Meeting held on 12th February THE MANSION AND OTHER MATTERS Councillor Andrew Carter (Leader of Leeds City Council) attended for this item: The chronic state of the building fabric after years of neglect and a certain amount of naivety had hindered progress but specialist property agents (Christie and Co.) were appointed in December 2007 to re-market the Mansion to new tenants. There had now been some very serious interest from suitable operators and the Councils Executive Board is applying pressure to all Departments, from John Procter downwards, to move the scheme along. A short-list of operators who have expressed an interest will be ready for the end of February 2008 and, following this, it should be possible to produce a programme for re-opening. From now on our Ward Councillors (all three were present) would be able to brief us on exactly what is happening as soon as information is released. After a Q&A session, the following are recorded: Additional car parking required to gain the right operator; anything reasonable will be considered. Some agreed work by the Council might be commenced prior to an operator starting. The future of the existing Stable Block and Park Cottages is being considered by Martin Farringdon (currently in charge following Denise Prestons retirement) pending the appointment of a new Director. The Chairman thanked Andrew for his openness and frankness in the comments he made and hoped that this approach would continue over the very crucial coming months. PARK MANAGEMENT REPORT Carol Fenner (Visitor Services Manager) dealt with this item: Path and road repairs are being carried out on Mansion Lane. Although this is a temporary repair, as more damage will probably be caused when works re-commence on the Mansion, FoRP welcomed the action. In conjunction with the Mansion works, there will be other re-surfacing works (not tarmac) around the building. Tropical World Caf is undergoing an eight-week refurbishment (including new toilets) and, in the meantime, a temporary catering facility has opened in the Education Centre. The Lido Car Park has at last been properly surfaced and marked out (Photo depicts work in progress). Work started on the Lakeside Caf at the beginning of January and good progress is being made. It is hoped that the Council repair works to the fabric of the building can overlap with the tenants fitting-out, in order to achieve a quicker completion (scheduled for early Summer). The Visitor Centre is proving popular and the Education Rooms are booking up well, not only with schools but also with community groups. Links have been formed with a Group based in Lincoln, who are planning to restore The Mary Gordon, the steamer which was launched on Waterloo Lake in 1899. Hopefully, it could come back for a summer season. Comments were made about the lack of advertising for the recent National Cross-Country Trials, but Carol pointed out that (as with all other such events), Roundhay Park is simply the host and all other matters are generally dealt with by the Event Organizers. Additional signage for Tropical World, the Visitor Centre and the Education Centre would be beneficial. Wind blown trees in dangerous positions needed attention. The new toilets to Tropical World Caf will be available to all Park users and needed to be so signed. Park Management were to be congratulated on the appearance of the Park, a credit to our City. WORKING PARTIES Work is continuing around the Upper Lake waterfall and The Ravine on clearance and planting. There is still plenty to do and, as all can see, the results of this work are excellent! For further information, please contact Jon Vogler (jon.vogler@demon.co.uk) THE GEOLOGY TRAIL The physical works are complete, other than for minor gardening works and stone-cleaning. The Guide is now to be printed by FoRP and money earmarked for it. The Guide will be available in the Park Retail Outlets and in local businesses and income from its sale will go back into re-printing further supplies and trail maintenance. THE LESTER DONATION A book wholesaler has been identified and it is expected that the first purchases will be made in February/March. The Library itself will be located in the Entrance Hall of The Education Centre, where it will be accessible but secure. ANY OTHER BUSINESS The matter of rubbish on Park Avenue was raised again, as it is a serious problem which will become more so, as summer approaches. The wooded area between Woodbourne Lodge and the Lakeside is heavily littered and Matthew Lobley said that he would liaise with Dave Morgan to try and get a proper clear-up done. FoRP will write to the Ward Councillors with the intention of finding a means of placing litter bins along Park Avenue and other areas such as Old Park Road, near to the football pitches. Michael Freedman hoped that something could be done to establish a cycle route through the Park, something that he has tried to do before, via FoRP. This could tie up with the proposal that Jon Vogler is promoting, to establish a crossing of the Ring Road and create a safe foot and cycle route from the Park to Shadwell. Jon is hoping to involve Sustrans in this, who are dedicated to forming safe routes. The condition of the coping stones on the edge of Waterloo Lake and the lamentable condition of the foot-paths around Waterloo Lake during wet weather was raised again. We were advised by Councillor Procter on the 19th September 2007 that works had commenced to rectify the areas with drainage problems and all such areas would be addressed. IN REMEMBRANCE: Harry HURST Harry Hurst packed more into his lifetime than most and notably left a legacy that enriches the lives of others. Born 79 years ago in Harehills Avenue, Leeds, his childhood included visits to Roundhay Park with the family enjoying its many features including the bandstand, donkey rides and events such as Children's Day. His grandfather adored the park and instilled that love into Harry who in later years found a way of putting something of himself back into the park. Inspired by improvements to New Yorks Central Park and utilising the circulation of the free Leeds Weekly News, he and Tony Kessler launched FoRP. Harry became its Chairman and subsequently long-standing Treasurer. During the war, he worked in the mines of South Yorkshire and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He left the family business of Hurst & Sandler where he held the post of Company Secretary (the firm was to become Clover) and combined his numerical skill with a great interest in computing of that renowned Leeds based company. when he joined Systime, becoming Chairman Harry and Jacqui enjoyed 55 years of marriage in the Roundhay area. One son now lives in Sheffield the other in New York. On visits, grandchildren were introduced to the delights of Canal Gardens and Tropical World. As an accomplished pianist and accordion player, he played popular songs at the Jewish Old Age Pensioners home. His passionate interest in music led him generously to donate the third prize in the very first Leeds Piano Competition. As Vice Chairman of the inaugural Committee, he was also involved at its inception with the West Yorkshire Playhouse and acted as stage manager to the Proscenium Players with whom Jacqui acted. Another joint activity involved his dedication of the Equipment Room for the deaf at Centenary House and he would take the minutes at meetings of the Hard of Hearing Forum chaired by Jacqui acting as her secretary in the campaigns she ran. He was to all intents and purposes her ears in many situations. A patron of the visual as well as the performing arts, Harry had a liking for the works of living artists. He devoured newspapers dwelling upon the arts sections and had a thirst for knowledge of current affairs. Friends included Sir Jimmy Savile who visited Harry in hospital in the days before his death from lymphoma. Harry was also the FoRP link with the Bernard Lesters family who broached the idea of the Lester Fund with him. Peter Dyson, who acted as Honorary Auditor, tells us that when he took up that role his job was a mere formality as the books were in tip-top order. Harry always encouraged FoRP to spend its money wisely rather than build up reserves for the sake of it. A treasure of a Treasurer, all will miss him greatly. Can you (or someone you can recommend) step into the breach and take on Harrys role as Treasurer and Trustee? Help is at hand for anyone who hasnt got an accountancy qualification you just need a good head for figures and a tidy mind. Please contact David Binns, email news@forp.co.uk Arent Birds Brilliant! This joint venture by the RSPB and Leeds City Council got off to a flying start despite a few weather hiccups! The main objectives of the project are to highlight the birds and wildlife of Roundhay Park to the public, raise awareness of the work of the RSPB and the conservation work carried out at Roundhay by the Council. The first day of the project on 19th January brought many people into the bandstand eager to look closely at the wildlife through the telescopes and binoculars. Staff and volunteers encourage visitors to look at the wildlife through the optics and sign the visitor book while informing them of the work of the RSPB and the conservation work carried out on the upper lake. The response from the public was very positive, as captured in the visitor book, expressing their delight having the RSPB at Roundhay which was very encouraging! There was also a lot of interest in the white-clawed crayfish project which sparked many enthusiastic comments from intrigued visitors! The following weekends continued to be both enjoyable and productive with lots of families enjoying seeing the birds close-up, children entering the bird I.D. competition and new members being recruited to the RSPB. Sir Jimmy Savile paid us a visit on Saturday February 9th, signing our visitor book and making a generous donation to our society. And so to the birds. on the upper lake, many black headed gulls, common gulls (not common despite the name), Canada geese, mallards, tufted ducks, coots, moorhens (both enjoying showers under the fountain) and mute swans. Tufted duck (adult male) Black headed gull (adult) Early special appearances were made by the beautiful goosanders. A Grey heron has been spotted perched in a tree overlooking the lake, while cormorant and two greylag geese have also made an appearance this last weekend. A pair of great crested grebe were seen displaying on February 10th along with two little grebe on Waterloo Lake. Around the park there have been flocks of redwings and fieldfares, which are thrushes from Scandinavia that winter in the UK. Mistle thrush and song thrush have also been seen feeding on the ground. Blue tit, great tit, chaffinch, blackbird, magpie, carrion crow, pied wagtail, starlings and goldcrest (the smallest British bird) have all frequented the park grounds along with the fabulous nuthatch which has been showing well on the oak trees in front of the bandstand. Siskin were also a delight to see feeding off the cone seeds of alders along the edge of the Waterloo Lake. A red kite cruised over the upper lake on Saturday 16th February, giving a real wow factor to the visitors present at the time followed by a brief visit by a peregrine falcon on Sunday 17th! During guided walks, great spotted woodpecker and tree creepers were observed in the woodland, along with the ever-present grey squirrel! A big thank you to Steve, a countryside ranger for LCC who helped on my guided walk, giving a very comprehensive talk on fungi and the trees within the woodland area! It must be said that this project has been both enjoyable and a great success with a continued positive response from the public who have no doubt come away enthused and enlightened by the wildlife of Roundhay Park, the work of the RSPB and conservation work carried out at Roundhay. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped out at the project, volunteers and staff alike, and to all those who have given their support! It was lovely to meet members of FoRP and to hear about the work you all do around the park! I hope all the bulbs you planted are successful! As I write, we are coming up to our last weekend at Roundhay Park but we are hoping to arrange similar events later in the season. Lisa Davies RSPB (At the February General Meeting of FoRP, special thanks were given to Carol Fenner for arranging this event.) Parks Watch Did you know that Leeds has a rapid response Parks Patrol service to support staff working in parks? If you see anything untoward taking place in a park or open space, you can ring 2329973 and a motorbike ranger can be despatched within minutes. (Doubtless they wont welcome a call relating to the next item.) From Hunting Lodge to Haunting Place? The Yorkshire Post of 18th February contains a review of a new book by Stephen Wade, Hauntings in Yorkshire. It mentions the guytrash in Roundhay Park, a black, dull-coated ghostly creature as big as a donkey. (Not Hector then but might explain the litter problem.) Kiwi family in the Park (From a requested article by Jonathan Barran of Rotorua, New Zealand) I was educated in England but have spent most of my life in New Zealand. My family have strong ties to Leeds and over the years have made many trips to the UK but I had never visited Roundhay Park. Last October my wife and I and our daughter Rachel came to the UK on a three week visit and determined to go there. We always seemed to get lost as soon as we came near a city. True to form we had to ask for directions from a very helpful couple on how to get to Barrans fountain in Roundhay Park. It was remarkable that we should pick two people in the whole of Leeds who obviously knew where it was, Hilary and Peter Dyson. (Eds -no less!) It was a beautiful late autumn afternoon when we entered the Park and proceeded to walk around part of Waterloo Lake. We then set a course to the fountain. This was a fountain erected by my great great grandfather Sir John Barran to provide water to the visitors of the Park (1882). This came after he had purchased and gifted the Park to the citizens of Leeds (1871). After admiring the fountain and reading the inscription we made our way to the impressive Mansion which might forever have remained a private house but for the generosity of Sir John. Eventually we made our way back to the car and as we drove out of the Park I thought how appropriate it was that Sir John Barran had gifted a park to the people of Leeds. As well as a great entrepreneur (clothing magnate) Sir John Barran was also a practical man with vision. He could see that the Park would be a source of enjoyment not only for his generation but also for many generations to come. (How right he was and many thanks to Jonathan. We have forwarded his full letter to Hilary Dyson who may be able to include more in a new Part of Oak Leaves, the journal of The Oakwood and District Historical Society.) Bottomless Pits! Are the temporary toilets near the Lakeside Caf safe? Photo submitted by Peter Dyson Did anyone find Alfie? David Roberts offered a 1000 reward to anyone who could help find his missing border terrier Alfie, who was last seen in Roundhay Park near the Pavilion Cafe on November 11. A witness reported seeing the seven-month old dog, which has a distinctive white chest, being put on a lead by a couple in their mid-30s, who were out walking a cross Jack Russell and a terrier. Dogs Mouth Spring article by Geoff Hall entitled Getting to the Park containing valuable information about transport to Thanks to the website Secret Leeds the Park. Can readers suggest any new attractions for the Park? Heres an idea for the rowing fraternity: www.secretleeds.com/ heres an original photo of the spring mentioned in our last edition. The Caf at the Crossroads In tram terminology, this proposal featured in the last Newsletter has come off the rails, for the time being at least. Bogged down by reason only of a failure to settle a rent review clause. A 25-year lease on the old toilet block is now being offered at Reproduced with the kind permission of local artist JackBarstow from his painting of Oakwood Clock Photo showing the exact location of the Lodge below. Theclock is also visible if you look carefully. Photo taken alongside The Lagoon at Rio de Janeiro (The Statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain appear in the background) The Lodge This arched attraction was demolished in 1937. Formerly an entrance to the Park, it housed toilets and at one time a Police Station. The tramway used to end there but was extended in 1897 along the route of Princes Avenue constructed in 1878 named after Prince Arthur who opened the Park in 1872. Join the forum, A Strange Roundhay Structure, at Secret Leeds if you can add to the discussion there. Wed also refer you to the reprinted Part One of Oak Leaves which has an auction by the Council who (for our sakes?) want to make the most of its assets. Meanwhile, the building stands vacant, as it has been for years. Loris arrive Roundhay Today www.roundhaytoday.co.uk/ report that a pair of pygmy slow loris have moved into the steamy surroundings of Tropical World. For Tropical World details visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/tropicalworld or ring (0113) 2145715 The Park at Wikipedia Visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundhay_Park Walking the Dog (If you dont know how to do it, well show you how to walk the dog ) With Hector One of the many pleasures of walking the dog every day is the variety of people you meet on your walk. Soldiers Field attracts many locals and their pets, generally at a fixed time of the day. Familiar faces come and go, doubtless as people move into or out of the area or on account of the death of a faithful friend. Hector relishes the moment when he is let off his lead and can gallivant around to his hearts content. Fortunately, he instinctively knows that he must keep away from the roads adjoining Soldiers Field. When younger, the seagulls were prime targets but nowadays he just lets them know he is there and is content to see them fly off. As an owner, one is always on the lookout, armed with a plastic bag, for the moment when a call of nature arrives. Apparently, there was an amazing response to a request for people to empty the dog litter bins now provided; volunteers were specifically told to always remember where they had put their sandwiches! It is regrettable, however, that not every owner cleans up their own dogs mess. Sometimes Hector will be invited to walk in other areas of the Park. In addition to the regular dog walkers, there are the joggers, the serious runners and of course people just taking a daily stroll. But of course one of the greatest pleasures of all is the fact that being a resident of Roundhay we are within walking distance of this wonderful Park. Every week the scene changes as the seasons pass. The great number of trees is a pleasure to observe. The planting of beautiful beds in and around the Park is a delight, contrasting with the wilder areas where dogs love to roam. Waterloo Lake is also a delight to stroll around on a summers evening. One can often see a number of canoeists practising on the lake as well as teaching youngsters. There are families of birds to observe, particularly the swans who have brought up a young family of cygnets this year. Poor weather is not acceptable as an excuse to stay in. This is good, because we can all think of an excuse to non-walk. Returning home with a soggy doggy does give you a little feeling of achievement, and sets you up for the day. I commend the idea to the house! John Hodgson Dog-fouling It is against the law for dog owners not to clean up after their dogs. Dog wardens, enforcement officers, Police community support officers and street wardens enforce this law by encouraging people to clean up after their dog when it fouls in a public place. Copied from http://www.leeds.gov.uk/ Fixed penalty notices (fines of 75) are issued to people who fail to clean up after a dog in their charge. Persistent offenders are prosecuted through the courts. If they are found guilty, they can be fined up to 1,000. To help dog owners be responsible about cleaning up after their dogs the Leeds Parks and Countryside Service provide special dog litter bins in the major city and community parks. (See the elephant jump the fence, He jumped so high he touched the sky, Just walking the dog. Lyrics by Rufus Thomas -as sung by The Rolling Stones in the arena, July 1982? Were you there?) Well thats all for now, except to plug Alans camera obscura project. It was a minuted suggestion a while ago for installation in the Mansion but has seemingly fallen by the wayside. In consequence, he is attempting to make a prototype model to demonstrate to the powers that be how intriguing such an instrument would be if located in the commanding position occupied by the Mansion perhaps within the Education Centre? Any advice/help greatly received. Not a fully paid up member? The Form overleaf can be detached or photocopied. Letters/items for next Newsletter please contact us direct or email news@forp.co.uk Alan & Michle Jackson Feb 2008 Roundhay Park Up and Coming Event List 1 st March Adventure Walk (Provisional) 16 th /17 th March Sport Relief 21 st March Churches Together -Silent Walk of Witness 23 rd March Churches Together -Dawn Hymn Service 19/20 th April Cactus Club in Tropical World 1 st June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 14 th June Boat Race (Provisional) 15 th June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 29 th June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 12 th /13 th July World Corporate Games (Provisional) 20 th July Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 27 th July Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens Roundhay Park Past Event List 14 th -23 rd Dec Totally Tropical Christmas proved to be a fun-filled festive venue 26 th January Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships a great success Jan thru Feb Arent Birds Brilliant? Yes, as were these RSPB events Well thats all for now, except to plug Alans camera obscura project. It was a minuted suggestion a while ago for installation in the Mansion but has seemingly fallen by the wayside. In consequence, he is attempting to make a prototype model to demonstrate to the powers that be how intriguing such an instrument would be if located in the commanding position occupied by the Mansion perhaps within the Education Centre? Any advice/help greatly received. Not a fully paid up member? The Form overleaf can be detached or photocopied. Letters/items for next Newsletter please contact us direct or email news@forp.co.uk Alan & Michle Jackson Feb 2008 Roundhay Park Up and Coming Event List 1 st March Adventure Walk (Provisional) 16 th /17 th March Sport Relief 21 st March Churches Together -Silent Walk of Witness 23 rd March Churches Together -Dawn Hymn Service 19/20 th April Cactus Club in Tropical World 1 st June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 14 th June Boat Race (Provisional) 15 th June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 29 th June Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 12 th /13 th July World Corporate Games (Provisional) 20 th July Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens 27 th July Bands in the Park at Canal Gardens Roundhay Park Past Event List 14 th -23 rd Dec Totally Tropical Christmas proved to be a fun-filled festive venue 26 th January Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships a great success Jan thru Feb Arent Birds Brilliant? Yes, as were these RSPB events Friends of Roundhay Park is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registration Number 4476202 in England. Registered Office: 34 Park Cross Street LEEDS LS1 2QH Registered Charity number 1097692