GROUP NEWS : In other news, we have been cordially invited back to do a reinvestigation at Lightwoods Manor House sometime later this year. This once stately Manor House in the center of Sandwell fell into disrepair many years ago and is about to be restored with the help of a Lottery Grant, we were fortunate enough to be asked to conduct a private investigation there earlier this year and we had a few interesting things happen so it will be nice to go back once construction work starts to see if the `energy` has been stirred up. This may be a Public Investigation so some of you may be asked to join us on the night, more details to follow soon. Here`s a little info for you all. Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project Following the transfer of Lightwoods Park from Birmingham City Council to Sandwell Council in November 2010 the park has breathed a new lease of life. Sandwell Council and the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House are playing an extremely important role in marking another event in the park and houses varied history as they prepare to deliver a full restoration of the house, park and all of the heritage features. The house and park are undergoing a transformation as we have secured £3.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) to deliver a £5.2 million Lightwoods Park and House Restoration project. It is proposed that the physical works will commence on site in October 2014 and be completed in March 2016, with Lightwoods House opening in the summer of 2016. The project aims to transform this important and much loved historic park so that it can provide an attractive, welcoming and well used green space that can be enjoyed by current and future generations. This exciting project will include the restoration of the historical elements of Lightwoods Park such as the drinking fountains, the 19th Century Bandstand, Shakespeare Garden, walls and railings and a pond and refurbish the Grade II Lightwoods House so more people can enjoy, learn about and become involved in the park and house. The project will also incorporate footpath improvements and a new play area. The project aims to bring the Grade II listed house, which was built in 1791, back into public use for community meetings, training and functions, a Childrens Centre and on site offices for the park/house management and police. The ground floor will provide public toilets, a tea room and exhibition space. The upper floors of the House will provide rooms for the community, conferencing, weddings and commercial activities. The plant nursery will become a horticultural training centre. Educational and events programmes are also planned for the park and house which will include discovering and learning about the parks heritage and wildlife, developing an educational pack for school groups and providing opportunities for volunteering and training to enable volunteers to help care for the park and house and organise and manage events. We will also be working to improve the parks management and maintenance and secure a Green Flag and a Green Heritage Award to ensure that Lightwoods Park and House are cherished now and in the long term future.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 22:38:51 +0000
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