NEXT week marks a milestone for Denholme – the 100th anniversary of the opening of Foster Park.

Local historian Terry Hanson grew-up in the village and has a considerable archive of photos featuring the park, some of which are reproduced here.

Crowds turned out in force for the opening ceremony by Mr William Garnet Foster on May 27, 1922.

It was largely thanks to the generosity of W&H Foster Ltd, which he owned, that the old Urban District Council had been able to secure Doe Park Farm and its 38 acres of land – 26 acres being leased for the provision of allotments to ex-servicemen, whilst the remainder was given for a public park and recreation ground.

A landmark feature of the new park was the war memorial, but many additions were made over the years – including a bandstand, pavilions, a greenhouse, children’s playground, tennis courts and a bowling green.

Mr Hanson recalls spending "many happy hours" in the park as a child during the 1950s.

He said: "Living in a back-to-back street, the park was a five-minute trip to paradise!

"At that time the Denholme Lodge Gate School was only a stone’s throw from the park and each day a good number of children, myself included, walked back and forth to school alongside it. Sometimes we were taken out of school and into the park for nature lessons and occasionally sports.

"From the 1960s, Denholme Royal British Legion switched to holding its galas in Foster Park. And present-day organisers have continued the trend with what’s now Denholme Children’s Gala."

Mr Hanson says the park has changed considerably over the last half century, but still has much to offer.

"The former tennis courts are long gone – as are the public toilets that were alongside – and now half that area is home to a youth cafe and skate park," he said.

"Meanwhile at the other end of the park a multi-activity games centre occupies a site close to where the gardener’s greenhouse used to be. And of the three park pavilions that existed, only one endures.

"Nevertheless, Messrs Fosters' fine legacy to the village remains and continues to offer a breath of fresh air, some colour in all seasons, much fun for the youths and children – and for those getting on in years, a place to share a bit of warmth and friendship and to reminisce about the old times."