Friends of Priory Park & The Green

Half Term Holiday and Halloween 2011

2011-10-21T10:35:00.000+01:00

There are a number of events taking place in the park over the holiday period to keep people amused. There are two events for ealier in the week, namely Pumpkin Carving with FoPP on Tuesday 25 October, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in the Pavilion, and Willow Wand Making with the Wildlife Trust on Thursday 27 October, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in the Pavilion.

These provide a lead up to the big event on the evening of Friday 28 October, when there will be a Witches and Wizards parade, organised by FoPP. Register from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Pavilion, and wear your best Halloween fancy dress costumes to parade around the park. There will be prizes for the best Wizard and for the best Witch costumes, in two age categories. The event is for children under the age of 12, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a carved pumpkin, bring it along to help decorate the priory ruins, and bring a torch if you have one, it will be dark. There will also be an opportunity to have your photograph taken before the parade starts and made into a Halloween card - there will be a small charge for the optional photograph and card, but otherwise the event is free. For more information on the Friday event, please contact Chris on 01384 237959.

October events in Priory Park

2011-10-09T11:29:00.000+01:00

There are a number of events taking place in the park during October, November and December, and these are listed on the events page. On Saturday 15th October at 1:30pm there will be a Treasure Hunt and Park Quiz, with the Park rangers, and on Thursday 27th October at 1:30pm there will be Willow Wand making with the Wildlife Trust.
FoPP itself will be organising 2 events over the holiday and Halloween period - Pumpkin Carving on Tuesday 25th October and a Witches and Wizards parade in the evening of Friday 28th October. There will be more details of these FoPP events a little nearer the time, both here and on our events page.
All these events are based in, or start from, the Pavilion.
For more information on any of these activities plese call Lydia - Senior Park Ranger 01384 812474.

Renovation of the wooden sculpture

2011-08-22T20:39:00.001+01:00

As mentioned last week, the wooden sculpture by the lily pond has been renovated by the original creator, Jonathan Mulvaney. You can see some more pictures of it in pristine condition HERE.

Lottery update

2011-08-18T21:07:00.008+01:00

The first tangible evidence of restoration work in the Park as part of our successful Lottery bid can now be seen at the wooden sculpture adjacent to the lily pond.
Originally commissioned in 1991,"The Family" representing all races,creeds, sexes and ages has stood the test of time fairly well but over the last few days the original sculptor Jonathan Mulvaney has reworked some of the worn features.
Johnathan,originally from Dudley and now living in Bath, is also a prolific artist and numerous examples of his work can be seen here

Dudley Archives

2011-06-09T21:49:00.002+01:00

This sounds interesting.

May Day event videos

2011-05-03T11:39:00.004+01:00

There is now an UPDATED (9 May 2011) 'time lapse' video of the event available HERE - it covers most of the day, but only runs for just over 2 minutes! A more conventional short video can be seen HERE.

NB: You may find that clicking normally on these two links results in a huge delay - if so, right click the link instead and then specify that you want it to open in a new window - strange!

Green May Day

2011-05-02T07:29:00.000+01:00

The May Day event in the park was a great success - great weather (if a bit windy at times), lots going on, and plenty of people there enjoying the various activities. Many thanks to all who made the event successful, and especially organiser Chris Rich.

Event on 1st May

2011-03-04T14:47:00.000Z

There will be an event on 1st May on the Park - all are invited. Watch this space for more details soon ...

Comittee Meeting

2011-01-20T21:35:00.004Z

At our meeting held this evening the position of Chairman was finally filled when Councillor Alan Finch was proposed and accepted the position.
Alan has long been a "Friend" of FoPP and the knowledge and expertise he will bring to our organisation is most welcome.

Preliminary details were also announced of Green May Day, our next event in the Park. More to follow.

Lottery Update

2011-01-20T21:22:00.003Z

A further meeting of the Project implementation Group comprising of representatives of The Friends Group, DMBC and CFP Associates was held on the 19 January.
Several groups bidding for the post of the Design Team were interviewed and a decision will be announced in the next two weeks.

Yet another picture of the Priory in the snow

2010-12-22T15:27:00.005Z

It has been a few years since the Park looked so magical in the snow as in the last couple of weeks. Photographers have been out in force including me (see above) but I realize how difficult it is to come up with a new angle on the Priory.
So all of you digital wizards out there send us in your efforts
( info@fopp.org.uk) and we will publish a selection with a small prize for the most unusual.

Santa's Grotto

2010-12-19T13:15:00.001Z

Heavy snow falls on 18th December made the event in the park ... interesting ... Despite the weather conditions the event proved popular with local children, although those who had planned to travel from further afield were of course unable to do so due to the conditions.
You can see some more photos from the event HERE.

Christmas in the Park

2010-12-03T11:48:00.001Z

HLF Restoration Project Update

2010-11-15T20:48:00.001Z

A further meeting of the Project implementation Group comprising of representatives of The Friends Group and DMBC was held on the 4 November.
The meeting was pleased to introduce Ian Baggott of CFP Associates who have been chosen to act as Project Managers for the work to be carried out.
The first stage includes the appointments of a Senior Park Ranger and Design Team, both to be in place by the end of January 2011.
The Future Skills team which formed a major part of the structure of the original Bid, unfortunately has funding for only a few more months, however it is understood that DMBC is looking into an alternative scheme which will continue the aspects of the FS work.
Temporary signage will also be erected as soon as possible.
FoPP would express their pleasure with the progress of the Bid to-date and look forward to its continuation.

Further updates to follow.

Autumn Colour

2010-11-03T15:42:00.008Z

In common with most trees in the UK, those at Priory Park have shown a remarkable variety and depth of colour this autumn.
Whilst the leaves are falling fast it is still worth a visit, especially when the weather is as good as it was this morning during our weekly lap walking exercise.
More photos HERE, and also please see the 'Seasons' secion of the web site.

Flying the flag

2010-10-06T21:15:00.004+01:00

Our new Funding Manager Veronica had a success with her first attempt and secured funding for us from Grassroot Grants- Birmingham.
This has enabled us to run our summer activities for the local schoolchildren during the holidays and also purchase 2 flags.
Over a period of several weeks classes were run for a variety of events for all ages ending in a "Food from around the World" tasting which went down (sic) particularly well.
More pictures to follow.

LOTTERY FUND SUCCESS

2010-07-05T06:38:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to be able to report that the bid for funding of many improvements in Priory Park has been approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). We would like to thank HLF for this, and we must also thank everyone involved in the bid, including of course Chris, Janet and Phil of FoPP, who have worked tirelessly for over a year on the project.

The project will produce real benefits for the whole community. The plans have been displayed publicly on a number of occasions, and a summary can be found HERE.

The press release announcing the funding can be found HERE.

We will provide more news on how the project will progress in due course.

Green Spaces Volunteer Awards 2010

2010-06-29T22:42:00.004+01:00

The 2010 Awards were made this evening, Tuesday 29th June. Representatives of many of the friends of parks groups were present (including FoPP), plus many of those involved in the walks. The event was part of the Volunteers' Month, a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, which takes place in June each year. This year's event in Dudley was held at the Queen Mary Ballroom, and our photograph above shows all those present.

Amongst the 13 awards, our own Janet Alderman-Rowe won the award of Events Organiser Extraordinaire - a well-deserved achievement. Below you can see Janet, Phil Griffiths and Veronica Martin of FoPP with the Mayor and Councillor Stanley, and a picture of Janet on her own with her award.

AGM

2010-05-31T20:36:00.003+01:00

The FoPP AGM was held on the evening of 25th May. You can read or download the minutes of the meeting (in PDF format) HERE.

Cluniac anniversary event, 15 May

2010-05-16T17:43:00.003+01:00

The event in Priory Park on 15th May celebrating the 1100th anniversary of the Cluniac order was very successful, and was blessed with excellent weather.

You can see more pictures of the event HERE.

Evening Event 14th May

2010-05-14T21:18:00.005+01:00

This evening there was a special opening of Dudley Museum & Art Gallery to view the exhibition marking the 1100th anniversary of the Cluniac Order.
Adrian Durkin gave a most entertaining talk about the Cluniacs, services and vestments.

We then walked down to the Priory, where John Hemingway gave a very informative and enjoyable guided tour of the Priory.

The event was enjoyed by all, and we must thank Adrian and John for their efforts.

Cluniac celebrations 14-15th May

2010-05-11T19:47:00.003+01:00

The exhibition at Dudley Museum & Art Gallery will have an evening opening at 6pm on Friday 14th May, followed (weather permitting) by a visit to the Priory.

On Saturday 15th there will be re-enactments and other events at the Priory, including a service at 3pm.

We hope to see you there.

Action Heart Amble 2 May 2010

2010-05-02T13:23:00.008+01:00

Today's Action Heart Amble was very successful, and the weather was kind, though the turnout (15) was rather disappointing. Two of the walkers managed 6 laps of the Park in the time allowed (1.5 hours) - more importantly, everyone seemed to enjoy the event.

Lottery Funding bid

2010-04-30T19:48:00.002+01:00

Our picture shows representatives of the Heritage Lottery Fund together with your Committee and DMBC Leisure Dept. during their FINAL visit today before the bid is presented to the Trustees for their approval.
Notification of the decision should be with us in the next three to four months. We hope that all the hard work over the last eight years will give a positive result..Everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Dorothy Round

2010-04-30T18:18:00.004+01:00

Some of you may have seen images similar to the above in the local press.
This model is the winner of a public competition for a statue of our local Wimbeldon champion which will form part of the art to be placed in the Park should our bid for Lottery monies be successful.
Many thanks to Steve Field and his team in the Borough Artist department.

Action Heart Amble Sunday 2nd May

2010-04-29T15:57:00.002+01:00

The annual Action Heart Amble takes part in Priory Park on Sunday 2nd May from 10:30 until 12:00. Walkers can complete as many, or as few, laps as they want around the marked course. Please check in at the Pavilion - there is a small entry fee.

Exhibition at Dudley Museum & Art Gallery

2010-04-29T07:17:00.004+01:00

There is currently an exhibition at Dudley Museum & Art Gallery relating to Dudley Priory and the Cluniac monks. It is a fairly small exhibition, in a room on the ground floor, but well worth a visit. The exhibition will be on until 3rd July.
There will be a special event on Friday 14th May, in the form of a special evening opening of the museum at 6.00 with a guided tour of the Priory Exhibition at about 6.30. At just after 7.00 there will be a departure from the museum for the Priory for a guided tour of the ruins. There may also be some sort of event, including a re-enactment, on 15th as well - more information will follow.
Apologies for the quality of the photos below - taken with a mobile phone!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-08T20:59:00.004+01:00

Once again FoPP's magic was worked on the weather and our Egg hunt was blessed with one of the best days of the year so far.
Thanks to a partnership between our Chris Rich and the local community police about 20 local children, mostly under the age of 10 years were able to have a good search around the park for the hidden bird pictures and be rewarded with quite a large Easter egg.

Easter Event

2010-03-25T21:20:00.004Z

Our tireless Chris Rich is preparing another Easter activity for the community.
The poster above which will be displayed locally is self explanatory. Chris can be contacted at
christinefopp@hotmail.com

Stump Grinding

2010-03-22T15:14:00.003Z

Some time ago several large trees were removed from the Park as they were diseased but unfortunately left behind some rather unsightly stumps.
However today this rather fearsome looking machine appeared and proceeded to reduce these to large piles of sawdust. This will help greatly (assuming our Lottery bid is successful) when the proposed large scale replanting takes place.
Incidentally several members of the public have recently made unsolicited comments on the neat and tidy appearance of the Park despite the hard winter, many thanks to Stuart, Lee and the teams from Greencare and Future Skills.

HLF Stage 2 Submission

2010-03-22T13:27:00.004Z

The submission has now been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund. You can read the summary version (in pdf format, which can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader) HERE.

Crocus time 2010

2010-03-19T16:55:00.001Z

Despite the hard winter, there is a good display of crocus near the Priory ruins as usual.

Park Visitors

2010-01-06T14:01:00.007Z

A couple of cold looking visitors enjoying some wintery sunshine at the Ruins. More photos available HERE now.

2010 Calendar

2009-12-26T11:45:00.002Z

Season's Greetings to all our members - we hope you all have a very happy new year.

Our 2010 calendar is now available in pdf format for download - you can view it and/or print it for your own use, but copyright is retained by The Friends of Priory Park & The Green and the photographer. To view the calendar (assuming you have a pdf file reader such as Adobe Reader installed), please CLICK HERE. You can probably save or print from the reader, or right clicking on the link will probably give you the option of saving the file for viewing or printing later.

Schools visit the Priory

2009-11-12T12:07:00.004Z

While the excavations around the ruins have been in progress a number of school vists have been made, and Borough Archaeolgical Officer John Hemingway has been giving conducted tours of the site.

LOTTERY BID UPDATE

2009-11-11T19:56:00.004Z

Much work continues to be done by the team led by C.F.P. consultants for the revised submission date of the end of the year. Many extensive surveys have taken place including those for a structural report on the ruins, tree appraisals, bat habitats etc. Local community groups have played a great part in these exercises including local schools and colleges.
Part of our bid for lottery monies to improve the park include for permanent lighting of the ruins of the Priory. Obviously in such a sensitive area great care has to be taken to avoid disturbing possible further artifacts which remain buried.
Our picture shows members of Birmingham Archaeological Society digging trial pits in order to determine the best position for cables and uplighters.

Hallowe'en

2009-10-31T20:06:00.003Z

Dear FoPP,
May I congratulate you on your Hallowe'en night.
The effects were excellent and you must have been encouraged by the turnout.
The pumpkins around the pool were an inspiration.
Yours sincerely,
Clayton Thomas

Halloween Event

2009-10-29T19:21:00.006Z

The Halloween event was held yesterday evening (28th October), and was a huge success - almost too successful, as the numbers attending placed a considerable strain on our planned walks round the park.

Apologies for the delay in posting the images on the web site, due to a misunderstanding this link is posted nearly 12 hours after the images were available, if you knew where to go to find them!

You can see some images of the event HERE.

We owe a lot to Chris and Fred Rich and Janet Alderman-Rowe for the HUGE amount of work they put in to preparing the event, and of course all the others, actors, organisers etc who made the event a great success. We should also thank Adrian Durkin for his conducted tours, struggling with MUCH bigger groups than intended, and the Community Support Officers, who thought up the event and contributed so much to the organisation of the event. Thanks of course also to anyone else involved in the planning and execution of the event who has not been named already, and to those who came to the event and made it such a success.

SPOOKY

2009-10-07T20:29:00.007+01:00

There will be lots of DARK DEEDS and GHOSTLY GOINGS ON in Priory Park at Halloween on the 28th of October.

Come and be very very frightened by ghost stories as we walk around the Park.Be careful of creepie crawlies and coffins.
Prizes for best pumpkin, apple dipping, refreshments and stories for the younger set.
Dont be late.

Priory Park Improvement Plan

2009-08-30T06:27:00.002+01:00

More information about the prospective plans for the improvements to Priory Park & The Green is now available on the Dudley MBC website at http://www.dudley.gov.uk/priorypark.

Community Day 29 August 2009

2009-08-29T20:32:00.003+01:00

It was a case of second time lucky as the day dawned bright and sunny for the rescheduled Summer Community event in the Park.
It was also a first time outing for our new self erecting tents and they did just that, well with a little help. Certainly it was an improvement on our previous structure which required a degree in Structural Engineering to set up.
Anyway once up we divided the space between Chris's tombola, Mike's book sales with Paul and Alister's exhibition of the Lottery bid proposals.Business was soon brisk in all areas and once more FoPP's ambitions were on public view. Great interest was shown in our proposals and many constructive comments made and we even enrolled more members.
It was a long day and thanks are extended to all who helped to make the occasion a success.

Community Day in the Park, 29 August 2009

2009-08-07T15:49:00.004+01:00

Due to the heavy rain and the waterlogged ground, the event originally scheduled for 1 August had to be postponed. We are all hoping now that the weather will be better for the new date, Saturday 29th August.
Update: We expect the plans for improvements to the park which are being submitted to seek funding will be on display in the Pavilion at the event, and the consultants and others should be available if you wish to discuss these plans with them.

Local History Day

2009-06-07T09:01:00.002+01:00

FoPP had a stand at the Local History Day on 6th June at Dudley Archives and Local History Services in Coseley. This was part of the Discover Dudley Weekend.

GREEN SPACES VOLUNTEER AWARDS

2009-06-04T21:56:00.008+01:00

On Tuesday 2nd June 2009 FoPP were represented at the annual Dudley Volunteer awards ceremony held in Dudley Council house.
Almost all of the 33 Friends Groups were present and our display board and leaflets (thanks Mike) shown prior to the formal proceedings raised much interest. However the climax of the meeting was the presentations of the awards which were anticipated with as much suspense as the final of Britains got Talent.
Imagine our surprise and delight when not only did our Thelma win “The Womble Award (Litter Picker Extraordinaire )” but Mike Hessey made it a double by winning “The Best Friends Website (Use of IT to promote a group)".
Congratulations to both for continuing to promote the name of FoPP to a much wider audience.
Our picture shows The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Pat Martin, visiting our display.

More photographs of the event can be see HERE.

WALK FIT

2009-04-23T21:44:00.002+01:00

Julie, Thelma and Pepper are the first of our regulars to to reach the target of 10 attendances at our regular Wednesday morning sessions. Here they show us their certificates while taking a well earned rest.

FoPP hope that they also enjoy their vouchers to be spent at local stores.

2009-04-12T18:42:00.001+01:00

Weekly Lap Walking

A slight variation of our normal walk, but non the less worthy.

Do join us.

WALK FIT

2009-02-18T17:21:00.006Z

After a couple of false starts we at last got the Lap Walking under way today. The picture shows our first group ready to go not forgetting Pepper. Free refreshments were provided in the Pavilion. Please come and join us every Wednesday from 9.45 am and dont forget there is a voucher for 12 attendances.

WALK FIT

2009-02-03T17:49:00.007Z

Regretably due to inclement weather conditions we are advised that the commencement of the Lap Walking sessions in the Park sheduled for tomorrow is delayed for another week.
This did not however stop our intrepid FoPP litter picker from doing her usual stint. Many thanks to Thelma and Pepper (not Patch -sorry Thelma).

WALK FIT

2008-12-04T19:39:00.012Z

DMBC have produced an excellent booklet detailing guided winter to Spring walks around Dudley Borough - you can access it HERE.
This booklet will take you through a series of guided walks, which take in some of Dudley borough’s most spectacular beauty spots, from the council’s qualified walk leaders.
The programme includes weekly short walks, one-off longer walks, tours that take in local history and visitor attractions, rambles and ambles for parents and children as well routes that are accessible for wheelchair users, pushchairs and buggies.
You can take walks at your own pace without worrying about being left behind because everyone sticks together. They are open to everyone and are free of charge so it’s a great way to be active, socialise and have fun.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and arrive at the meeting point ten minutes before the walk starts. Feel free to bring someone with you. Dogs are welcome on most walks.
To find out more call Kim Braznell, parks physical activity co-ordinator, on 01384 816992 or 07799 070089 or visit:
http://www.dudley.gov.uk/

Lap walking at Priory Park in conjunction with FoPP
Our weekly lap walking sessions start on Wednesday 6 January. You can walk at your own pace and by walking a circular route you can decide how many laps you want to do – making it suitable for all levels of fitness, ages and abilities.
As you get fitter you can build up your distance and monitor your fitness. We are also offering an incentive scheme of free Merry Hill Vouchers for all lap walkers.
Day: Wednesdays from 6 January
Time: Registration from 9.45am, lap walking from 10am to 11am
Meeting point: Priory Pavilion, Priory Park, Priory Road, Dudley
Refreshments from 11am to 11.45am

Musical Evening

2008-12-04T19:26:00.002Z

FoPP together with the Registration & Celebratory Services of DMBC are having another of the popular Musical Evenings in Priory Hall.
Limited tickets and details are available from your local Committee member.

2008-10-15T11:49:00.002+01:00

We are sure you will all be pleased to know of the following Press announcement which was released today.

Priory Park to receive HLF boost

Multi-million pound plans to transform a key Dudley park have moved a step closer to reality after the award of £110,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

This money will help develop an application of £1.8million for this ambitious project.

The funding will see exciting plans for Priory Park, which went out for consultation at the start of the year, come to fruition. Dudley Council and the Friends of Priory Park are celebrating the news which could see flood lighting installed at the old Priory and the establishment of an arboretum.

Other works could include the planting of tree avenues, the introduction of a teen shelter, repairs to path surfaces to allow better access, resurfacing of the five-a-side football pitch and bowling green and the demolition of the old toilet block and installation of new facilities.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment and culture, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding promise which will see Priory Park improved and transformed for the benefit of the local community. It is great news, following on the back of the HLF and BIG funding for the Wren’s Nest caverns project, and proves these are very exciting times for Dudley.”

Following the successful first stage bid, the council will initially receive around £100,000 to help produce detailed plans of the scheme. The detailed plans will then be submitted to complete the bidding process before physical work can begin on the park.

The works carried out through the HLF/BIG bid will follow on from a range of improvements at the park that were carried out with the recent Liveability funding which enabled the tennis courts to be refurbished. It also follows the Transforming Your Space programme which funded the multi-use games area and play area extension.

Janet Alderman-Rowe, committee member of the Friends of Priory Park, said:
“This is fabulous news as the funding will enable us to continue the improvements that have been made to the park over the last few years. There has been considerable effort from the friends group working with the council and we are very excited about the proposals and look forward to seeing them become a reality in the near future.”

Anne Jenkins, head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said:

“We’re delighted that Dudley Council has been given the green light to develop its exciting plans. Heritage lottery money has already played a vital role in the renaissance of the UK’s parks for more than a decade but there is much more to be done. This scheme is designed to get the local community really involved and to ensure a much-improved environment and standard of living for all those who use the park.”

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund head of the West Midlands region, added:
“This investment comes at a time when healthy living is on the top of the agenda and our parks play a vital role in improving well-being, the environment and community life. This funding is a tremendous starting point for plans to transform Priory Park into a community space that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”

REVISED DATE

2008-09-23T20:04:00.004+01:00

Now the 4th October at 2.00pm. Other details as previous

FUN DAY

2008-08-13T10:19:00.004+01:00

Treasure Hunt

2008-08-13T10:19:00.002+01:00

The Treasure Hunt unfortunately had to be postponed due to inclement weather (fairly typical at the moment). Apologies to the few hardy souls who turned up. A new date will be announced soon.

Treasure Hunt

2008-07-10T21:04:00.005+01:00

The poster alongside has been received from Age Concern.
For those of you whose eyesight is in the same state as mine the text at the bottom reads:-

How well do you know Dudley?
How much do you know of its history, buildings and odd nooks and crannies?
Come and bring your family and friends to form teams of 4 people to pitch your knowledge, expertise and walking legs on this 2.75 mile TREASURE HUNT.
Saturday 9 August 2008 from 2.oopm
Start & Finish- outside Priory Hall Priory Park
Entry fee £2.50 per person- proceeds to Age Concern Dudley
For more information contact:
Maggie Thompson
Leap over 60 project Coordinator,
Age Concern Dudley, 1 Cradley Road, Netherton Dudley DY2 9RA Tel: 01384 343535;
email : acdleap@btconnect.com

What a great idea. If you want to become part of a dedicated F.o.P.P. team ring Phil. Griffiths on 01384 252832.

Big Lottery Fund

2008-05-19T15:36:00.003+01:00

Further to the joint bid for funding from BLF by FoPP and Dudley Council a follow-up meeting was held today on the Park.
Representatives from all parties including T. Bashir and L. McRobie from BLF had a tour of the Park and a meeting within Priory Hall at which various aspects of the bid were discussed in detail. This will enable DMBC to fine tune the appropriate elements in question and resubmit our application by August.
We will keep you advised of further developments in due course.

ONGOING REPAIRS

2008-03-26T11:43:00.003Z

Much needed work has been carried out to the night stair element of the Priory ruins and the walls within the rose garden. Many thanks to DMBC and particularly their contractors Messsrs. Russcott – Stone masons for the excellent attention to detail.

Heritage Lottery Fund Application

2008-02-14T20:07:00.004Z

At a Cabinet meeting of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council on the evening of 13 February 2008 the next milestone on our long running efforts to obtain funding for regeneration of our Park was reached.
Approval was given by DMBC to provide monies to enable Stage 1 bid to proceed.
DMBC will now submit the bid ( with a project cost estimated at around £3.5 million) to meet the HLF deadline of the 31st March 2008.
Congratulations to all involved over the last 4 years in reaching this important landmark.

Duncan Edwards

2008-02-14T19:44:00.013Z

Wednesday 6th February 2008 saw the 50th anniversary of the horrific Munich Air Disaster which resulted in 23 people losing their lives, one of those being a local Priory lad, the great and legendary Duncan Edwards.The Friends did not want the day to pass unmarked and decided to hold a simple tribute to all those who lost their lives in the crash or in the days to follow as a result of injuries sustained. The tribute was held at the Duncan Edwards statue in Dudley town centre and included a public address, a roll call of the victims of the disaster, a minute's silence and a final poem "We will Remember" by Alan Laine. FoPP were proud to have members of Duncan Edwards' family attending the tribute and they along with the Friends, representatives from the three Duncan Edwards' football teams and local ward councillors laid wreaths as the music "The Flowers of Manchester" was played. FoPP committee wish to take this opportunity to thank the many hundreds of people who attended the tribute, laying many of their own floral tributes and paying their respects.
Rest In Peace Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam "Billy" Whelan, Walter Crickmer, Bert Whalley, Tom Curry, Alf Clarke, Frank Swift, Don Davies, George Follows, Tom Jackson, Archie Ledbrooke, Henry Rose, Eric Thompson, Capt Kenneth Rayment, Bela Miklos, Willie Satinoff, Tom Cable.

J Alderman-Rowe

Duncan Edwards

2008-02-03T11:57:00.000Z

On February 6^th , the anniversary of the Munich air disaster some 50 years ago, the Friends will be having a short wreath-laying ceremony at the statue in Dudley Town Centre at 12.30 pm.

Representatives from FoPP together with the Duncan Edwards Junior football teams and close family will be in attendance. All are welcome.
For more information about Duncan Edwards, please see the web site http://www.duncan-edwards.co.uk, and for more about the Munich air disaster see http://www.munich58.co.uk

Park Plan on Display

2008-01-11T20:23:00.000Z

The plans for upgrades to Priory Park will be on display at Dudley Council Plus, Castle Street, until 18th January 2008. The exhibition will be manned on Saturday 12th January 2008 from 9:00am until noon, and on Wednesday January 16th from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. Please visit the exhibition if you can, and provide comments by 18th January. You can also find out more at THIS WEB SITE.

Walk of Life 2007

2007-06-25T06:18:00.000+01:00

Sunday 24th June saw a bedraggled collection of walkers in the Park for the annual Action Heart “Walk For Life”. Well over 100 brave souls ignored the early rain in order to do as many one kilometre laps between 10 and 12 o’clock as possible. Fortunately it eased off for the last hour and all participants lined up at the end to present their score cards and received their T- Shirt and Certificate.

Congratulations to all that took part and the organisers for such a well controlled event. At least two people completed 10 kilometres but as usual it was the taking part that counted.

Mrs. Margaret Allen

2007-05-30T15:08:00.000+01:00

Margaret Allen, a member of FoPP from its inception unfortunately died in a road accident a short while ago.
The Friends of the Black Country Museum of whom Margaret was a Vice President are holding a memorial service in her honour on Sunday 17th of June in the Providence Chapel at the Black Country Living Museum beginning at 2.30 pm.
There are a limited number of tickets available and FoPP have been invited to send along representatives.Tickets are available from ALAN HALLMAN Senior Chapel Steward on 01384 279900 and these will also give free admission to the Museum after 1.30p.m.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

2007-04-25T21:39:00.001+01:00

Well how early can you get.
A chance discussion with one of our founder members Clayton Thomas led to an introduction to another longstanding local group - Dudley Society of Artists. Having seen some of their excellent work, one thing led to another and FoPP have invited them to submit suitable designs for a new card. As an incentive (if necessary) FoPP have offered a small prize for the one which we consider most suitable.
We will check with our webmaster and perhaps a small selection can be displayed here for your delectation.

Daffodils

2007-04-25T21:39:00.000+01:00

A little bit late I know, but some of you may have noticed in the last few weeks the additional displays of daffodils throughout the Park. These were kindly provided by Innovative Marketing, a market research company on behalf of The Marie Curie Cancer Trust and planted by Future Skills. Many thanks to all concerned.

Snow!

2007-02-08T19:13:00.000Z

Today saw the heaviest snow of the century so far. It provided an opportunity for many to enjoy the conditions in the park. Click here for more pictures.
Photo below by Phil Griffiths

An email - Out of the blue

2007-02-04T13:02:00.000Z

It's Sunday February 4th 2007. Cold as the Devil's heart outside, yet a great deal warmer inside, after the spectacle I was privileged to watch this early morning.
I return, like a compass to north, to Priory Park at every possible opportunity.
I played there as a boy. I courted there as a besotted teenager. I discovered contemplation there in manhood.
Now, closing rapidly on my sixtieth birthday, not so good on the legs as I was, I return weekly to my roots - if only to look out of the car window.
Back to this morning.
A man. Booted, hatted, wrapped against the frost, scoured the verges, hedgerows, pathways, and gutters armed with a stick. He was collecting litter in a plastic bag. A sort of Womble.
This was not the cursory glance of a council worker. This was an avid eradication of detritus that comes from a deep love of his environment.
To my shame I did not get out of the car, ask his name, shake his hand, or thank him.
I'd never heard of FoPP
To the unknown 'warrior' may I say: "Thank you, Sir. More strength to your elbow".

Friends of Priory Park & The Green

2007-02-01T14:15:00.000Z

Park on TV
I have just caught the tail end of Midday "Midlands Today" on BBC1 showing people walking in Priory Park.
I believe it was to do with breast cancer.
It is almost certainly to be repeated at 6.30 p.m.
A recording would be a good idea.

HERITAGE LOTTERY BID - Good News

2007-01-26T16:27:00.000Z

At a meeting today with John Millar - Director of Urban Environment DMBC, we were advised that Dudley Council had agreed to provide monies for the first stage of Phase 2 for Lottery Funding to proceed.

This will enable a consultant to be employed to formulate and present the bid by the next deadline of September 2007.
Congratulations to all those involved in moving us another step along this long road especially Ian Austin M.P. for Dudley North and local Councillors Margaret Aston and Alan Finch.

Web site updates - more DVD's

2007-01-16T11:38:00.000Z

The Sales section of the web site has been updated to include the DVDs of the Medieval Festical and of the Musical Evening. The Links page has also had a minor update.

Friends of Priory Park & The Green

2007-01-09T11:59:00.000Z

Friends of Priory Park & The Green

A Happy New Year to all FoPPs from a virgin blogger!!
Not much to report on the Park at the moment but further happenings on our Lottery bid later this month and I will give you a full report as soon as possible.

A new look for the FoPP web site

2007-01-07T12:07:00.000Z

A rather late 'Happy New Year' to all our members!

As you may have noticed, 2007 brings a chan ge to the web site. The objective of the change is to make it easier for members of the committee to post news on the web site without having to depend on the webmaster. This should result in more news, less delays, more variety in the material in the news section, and better quality too.

We hope you find the new site useful. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the web site design and operation, please email us.