A GROUP whose tireless efforts have helped maintain one of the jewels in Middlesbrough’s crown celebrated its tenth birthday this week.
The Friends of Stewart Park marked a decade of support for the historic landmark on Monday (January 30).
The group was formed in 2007 to support the Park’s successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid which helped restore it to past glories, and cement its place as one of the region’s top leisure destinations.
The rich history, heritage and memories of the people of Middlesbrough of their Park were captured for posterity in the Friends’ production and publication of the ‘Memories of Stewart Park’ book which continues to sell and raise funds.
The Park is particularly popular with families who enjoy its resident animals, so the first purchase made possible by the Memories book were two llamas to provide company for the Park’s only llama Winston.
The Park’s rolling landscape and woodlands have inspired countless photographers down the years, and two recent photographic competitions have produced striking images which the Friends have had made into greetings cards sold in its visitor centre, along with other promotional items also funded by the group, such as postcards and bookmarks.
Monies received from these and other activities go towards supporting the life of the Park through the purchasing of specimen trees, additional seating and specialist fencing as well as funding and helping with projects identified by Park management.
Not satisfied with mere terrestrial activities, the Friends even registered with the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘space seeds’ project, obtaining a supply of seeds taken into space by Tim Peake and then given to pupils of Macmillan college who participated in the growing trials to see if the seeds time in space affected their growth.
The Park officially re-opened in 2012 following its £6 million make-over, and the new Bolckow Visitor Centre is now the focal point for a range of community activities including monthly Farmers’ Markets.
A new partnership with leading land-based college Askham Bryan has opened yet another new chapter for the park, paving the way for a further mutli-million pound HLF investment in the restoration of the historic Central Lodge.
Friends of Stewart Park Chairman Councillor Tom Mawston said: “Stewart Park holds a special place in hearts of people of all ages from across Middlesbrough, and further afield too.
“The last ten years have been a momentous period in the life of this great open space in our town, and have seen it transformed as an asset that will stand Middlesbrough in good stead for many generations to come.
“It has been a privilege to be involved with the Friends of Stewart Park, and I look forward to the next ten years with both pride and anticipation.”