Fly Tipping in Hale Park

Recently a rowing boat was dumped in the park on the estate land of Hale Park Estates, by the black iron gate leading to the old cricket pitch, , only a matter of days later the rowing boat was set on fire. On closer inspection of the rowing boat suggests it may have been constructed out of asbestos/fiber-glass?

Click on images to enlarge

It is understood Halton Council have now removed the burnt remains of the boat.

The fly tipping has been going on for several months in and around the parkland, including in the area of the changing rooms and the wood behind them..

Hale Park Estates who are now operated/run by Smiths And Gore, from their Preston Office, were alerted a while ago about various acts of rubbish tipping. It is not known if Hale Park Estates have any plans to help with the fly tipping problems around the park or to have any input with the Friends of Hale Park and Halton Borough Council to maintain the parkland for public use .

With the dumping of the asbestos rowing boat in the park and recent fly tipping, would it not now be the time to introduce numerous measures, such as they have at Pickerings Pasture,, were the main gates are shut of an evening and re-opened of a morning, as this was the case before Hale Park was opened up for public use in the late 1960’s- early 1970’s?

Recent Vandalism

Over the last several weeks various acts of vandalism have been happening around the village. From the Parish Council Notice Board being totally ripped apart, to graffiti on fences and bus stop signs being recked.

Below we have several pictures of the Bus Stop outside the Village Halll and graffiti on a local residents fence along Howells Way.

If you witness any acts of vandalism around Hale, do not hesitate to call the police.

Friends Of Hale Park News.

The Friends Of Hale Park recently had their AGM, this took place on Tuesday 11th September in the upstairs meetings/function room of the Childe Of Hale Public House.

The then Chairman Mike Wharton, read out the achievements of the group in his Chairman’s report, followed by a Treasurer’s report from the then treasure Michelle Coffey.

Following the reports the election of new officers took place.

The following Election of Officers into their positions was carried out.

Chair Person – Mr Mike Wharton

Vice Chair Person – Mr Don Alerston

Secretary – Mrs Karen Wharton

Treasurer – Mrs Michelle Coffey

Volunteer Coordinator – Mrs Sandra Hobson

Following the election of new officers was the “Any Other Business” part of the meeting, this was very lively, humorous and productive. At the end of the meeting Mike Wharton thanked the group for their continued support, effort and hard work over the last 12 months and ever since the Friends group was formed several years ago.

The next-and last item was the date for the next FOHP-AGM. This was set for Tuesday the 9th of September 2008.

The following week on Wednesday 19th September,, a “Hale Park-Restoration-Partnership Consultation Meeting” took place at the same location as above. This Friends Of Hale Park meeting was attended by a Graham Barrow of Graham Barrow Research & Consulting LTD. Also attending the meeting were the owners of the Park Lodge, a Hale School Governor and Hale Parish Council Vice Chair-Mrs Patricia Price.

The following Agenda took place:

1. Introduction.

2. Explanation of the HLF bid.

3. Stage 2 Project Timetable.

4. The Broader Hale Visitor Context.

• Linking the Childe Of Hale Pub with the park
• Linking the park with the estuary/access to the shore
• The potential for a Hale Heritage Information Point and where it may be located

5. Management And Maintenance Issues.

6. What Role For The Friends Of Hale Park In The Future.

7. Any Other Business.
The next FOHP meeting is scheduled for early October 2007.

For further information about the Friends Of Hale Park, please visit Hale Village Online and navigate to their webpages. www.halevillageonline.co.uk

Papal Bull Fund Raising Tea

Sunday 23rd of September saw a fundraising event take place in the village hall,, organised by the Guildswomen of Hale.  This was to raise funds towards the cost of the recent auction of a Papal Bull that once hung in Hale Hall.  At a recent auction, Chairman of Hale Parish Council Ron Crawford successfully bid on behalf of the village for the document.

Upon entrence to the afternoon tea visitors where able to purchase raffle tickets-to raise further funds along with the entrance fee of £1.50.  Once in the main Hall people were treated to rare unseen photographs of Hale Village, local people and Hale Hall, these  were dated around 50 and 100 years of age.  Also on display were various maps, auction listings and estate land sections belonging to the Ireland Blackburns for the estate of Hale Hall around the turn of the 1900′ and earlier.

During the afternoon tea,  Chairman of Hale Parish Council Ron Crawford thanked everyone for attending and then introduced local village historian Peter Hatton, who then gave a remarkable lecture/talk about the history of the Papal Bull and various time zones relating to it’s whereabouts upontil it being displayed by the Blackburnes in Hale Hall and onto it’s auction at Sotherbys .  At the end of Peters talk,, those gathered in the main hall, applauded him in appreciation.
The afternoon was brought to a successful conclusion by the drawing of the raffle conducted by Hale Parish Councilor Eve Hudson, who at the end of the raffle, thanked everyone for attending.
For further photographs please visit the 2007 Public Events Photo Gallery section over on the main website of Hale Village Online..