The event, organised by Ashfield District Council and a range of local groups and organisations, included a fascinating guided walk of the park by local historian Maureen Newton and the opportunity to share old photographs, with scanners provided by the This Is Hucknall project.

Welcome refreshments were provided by Hucknall Christian Centre, a taster of things to come when their regular pavilion café commences this summer. Stalls were also held by the Friends of Titchfield Park, Hucknall Heritage Society, Hucknall Library Local History Group, Ashfield U3A Family & History Group and Hucknall Tourism and Regeneration Group.

The event is part of a wider heritage project on Titchfield Park, funded by a £23,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project includes the restoration of a shelter dating from the mid 1920s, known as ‘the boathouse’, which commenced this week. A leaflet-based history walk is also planned, using information gathered during Sunday’s event. The project is still on the hunt for photographs of the park from 1960-1990, including the many marching band events which took place there. If you have any information which may help, contact Andrew Hinchley on 01623 450000 or e-mail a.hinchley@ashfield-dc.gov.uk.

A range of further improvement works are also currently underway on the park including the resurfacing of paths and the refurbishment of the children’s play area. The finished play area will offer a fenced toddlers area, exciting new equipment and natural features such as grassy mounds and planting. During this work, alternative play areas available at Albert Street Recreation Ground (next to the Leisure Centre), Butlers Hill Recreation Ground and Nabbs Lane Recreation Ground.

For more information on any of these projects contact the Planning Policy & Projects section at Ashfield District Council on 01623 450000.

Photo of Maureen Newton talking in front of Hucknall War Memorial