7 Severn

West Smethwick Park West Park Road Smethwick B67 7JJ 

Note:
Just a quick update on the lack of posts. I had some technical issues my end and was busy with other commitments, which took longer than anticipated.
Initially thinking I’d be playing catch up to make up for lost weeks of posting. That has now changed since visiting West Smethwick Park and spotting something that would have been missed entirely, if I would have kept on track. I will reveal what I spotted in Part Two.

Now, onto this week’s post:

This park was given to the town in 1895 by James Timmins Chance, a Partner of the local and world famous glass manufacturers, Chance Brothers and Co.

There are a few features to note about the park and we begin with the Entrance on West Park Road. Notably, the four “Rook-like” columns, standing prominent here. For those of you who are familiar with the game of Chess.

Stepping into the park and walking anticlockwise. There stands the James Chance Memorial on the right hand side. It is a Grade 2 listed structure and quite a grand staged seated area (now enclosed). It’s centre piece, is a bust of James Chance.

Further along this path. There is a games/training area, also on the right hand side. Once solely used for Tennis- now multi-use: Blue fenced area.

Moving along and onto the path on the left. Another feature, this time – a Remembrance Stone.

As with other parks, there is a dedicated children’s play area within the park. This was occupied at the time of my walk, as such – no close proximity photos of the area appear here, or in the attachment.

On the pathway alongside West Park Road. There is a drinking Fountain. The name around the top is John Homer Chance, who was a Chairman of Chance Brothers and Co.

The picture below was taken in the early 1990’s and features Ben – Someone who would be very supportive of our walks in nature.

Beyond the fountain as it appears In the above picture, is the last of the features I will mention in this post. The Pavilion.

Thank you for reading.
Our next post, will be: West Smethwick Park – Part Two.