Not quite in Parkinson’s Park, but it plays a role in the setting.  So we are pleased that repairs and improvements have been done over the last few weeks along Kelcliffe Lane,  from the top of Oxford Avenue to Nursery Road.

In times gone by this used to be a cobbled lane – originally made into a cart track around 1708.  There are people who remember that you could drive a car along it all the way from Kelcliffe Avenue to Nursery Road in the 1950’s.   However, in recent years it has fallen increasingly into disrepair, with parts of it becoming so muddy and slippery it was hard to walk, and in other areas large puddles appearing in ruts.

The lane was repaired in part by the Council a couple of years ago, but a large section near the Park’s Farm Gate soon became rutted again due to poor drainage.   The recent repairs have been organized and paid for by some of the local residents along the track with a contribution also made by the ward Councillors.   Leeds City Council supplied some of the materials, but the contractor this time was a private company who have paid some attention to the drainage conditions.   So, we need to keep fingers crossed that this will work.

Many of the residents on the Hillside end of the lane are very pleased that they can now take children to school, and walk to Guiseley along the lane in winter.

The task next year will be to see if we can get the Council to clear up the lower part of Kelcliffe Lane, where the nettles are almost completely over growing the area in parts.  There were promises for something to be done this year, but this has not materialised.

With the repairs done we will be able to use Kelcliffe Lane for the start of our Lantern Parade on 17th December.  That should solve the issue of the ‘bottleneck’ through the Oxford Road gate, and save any possible damage to cars parked along the small track.

A thank you to everyone who has contributed to this improvement.

In the top corner of the Park is a bench which was put there to replace one that was there for decades.  It was called ‘Old Man’s Seat’ as it was a favourite with local older residents, who used to wander along the land on  a summer’s evening and watch the sun set in the West as they discussed the ‘goings on’ of the day.

Unfortunately,  this secluded bench has also attracted other undesirable activity recently; people wanting to make their own ‘fire’ in the dark,  using the Park’s fittings. So,  we have opened out the area for security,  as it is now more visible from surrounding houses. Continue reading →

Time Was – Caroline Herries

We’ve just started a Facebook page for members to post their own photos, memories, experiences, ideas and information on and relating to the Park and Crompton Parkinsons.   If you are a Facebook user just search on Parkinson’s Park – and start posting.

Parkinson Park – Guiseley from Robyn Penketh on Vimeo.

We have been given an interesting short film by photographer Robyn Penketh who lives on Hillside Avenue.  Robyn has used a quadcopter with a GoPro camera attached.

Open Country Members Repairing the Vandalised Wall

Last week, 17th February 2014,  Friends of Parkinson’s Park were delighted to welcome a group called “Open Country” to the Park,  to help with several outstanding conservation and repair jobs.  Open Country is a  Yorkshire based charity that seeks to enable anyone with a disability to access the countryside.  It undertakes valuable conservation and footpath repair work each week of the year.  It has a variety of countryside activities including providing work parties to help community projects.

The group worked in the Parkinson’s Park on Tuesday and Friday, repairing the dry stone wall overlooking Jubilee Walk that has been continuously and purposefully vandalised for a whole year by a group of local people – who appear to think their time is productively spent kicking down the wall for others to rebuild!!   Open Country also cleaned and restored the vandalised bench in the butterfly area of the park; repaired the wind damaged compost area,  filled in the gaps on Jubilee Walk by planting trees,  and even did a bit of remedial mud removal on the bridlepath near the sheepfold entrance. Chris was on hand to give some support,  and materials were provided by FOPP.

The group did a fantastic job, although didn’t quite get enough time to finish the wall and will be returning to do that in the near future. They may also be willing to help us on more projects over the coming months.

Thank you to the members of Open Country from all the residents in Guiseley and elsewhere who use and enjoy the Park.